Mining Innovation

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The contemporary exploitation of natural raw materials requires the execution of many interrelated exploration, access, preparatory and exploitation excavations. Presently at each stage of mining, modern computer-aided design programs are used to quickly estimate the deposit exploitation factor as well as the safety of the performed excavations. Mining is closely related to natural hazards, therefore new solutions aimed at more effective mining methods and intelligent construction materials for excavation supports and their monitoring are being sought. Managing the project along with the execution of the work schedule is necessary to complete the excavations on time. Both mechanical driving and the use of explosives require the determination of the strength, deformation and structural parameters of the rock mass in order to effectively and quickly ensure excavation. In order to best reflect the mining conditions, model tests are often performed to understand the processes occurring in industrial conditions. Laboratory and numerical tests, case studies of mining methods, cooperation of the support with the rock mass and the method of liquidation of the post-mining space are the basis for the current and future state of mining areas. In this Topic, we intend to focus on the state-of-the-art mining technology that has a particular impact in the field of mining. We hope that you will consider submitting your original manuscript for peer review to this Topic.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Skrzypkowski
Dr. René Gómez
Dr. Fhatuwani Sengani
Prof. Dr. Derek B. Apel
Dr. Faham Tahmasebinia
Dr. Jianhang Chen
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.7	4.5	2011	16.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	5.5	2008	16.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Minerals minerals	2.5	3.9	2011	18.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Mining mining	-	-	2021	15 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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All Applied Sciences Energies Minerals Mining Sustainability

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14 pages, 1558 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Development of a New Smart Evacuation Modeling Technique for Underground Mines Using Mathematical Programming

by Richard Meij, Masoud Soleymani Shishvan and Javad Sattarvand

Mining 2024, 4(1), 106-119; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4010008 - 23 Feb 2024

Viewed by 604

Abstract

Navigating miners during an evacuation using smart evacuation technology can significantly decrease the evacuation time of an underground mine in case of emergency hazards. This paper presents a mathematical programming model to calculate the most efficient escape path for miners as a critical [...] Read more.

Navigating miners during an evacuation using smart evacuation technology can significantly decrease the evacuation time of an underground mine in case of emergency hazards. This paper presents a mathematical programming model to calculate the most efficient escape path for miners as a critical component of smart evacuation technology. In this model, the total evacuation distance of the crew is minimized and scenarios with blocked pathways and stamina categories for the miners are simulated. The findings revealed that all the tested scenarios were technically feasible. Using the feature that filters out blocked pathways has no downsides as safer routes are calculated and there is no penalty in the computation time. This paper also discusses the social and technical issues that must be resolved before the algorithm can be implemented as an actual escape solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Mining Innovation)

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19 pages, 6927 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Microstructural Response of Iron Ore Tailings under Low and High Pressures Considering a Wide Range of Molding Characteristics

by Giovani Jordi Bruschi, Carolina Pereira Dos Santos, Hugo Carlos Scheuermann Filho, Camila da Silva Martinatto, Luana Rutz Schulz, João Paulo de Sousa Silva and Nilo Cesar Consoli

Mining 2023, 3(4), 712-730; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining3040039 - 18 Nov 2023

Viewed by 740

Abstract

The dry stacking of filtered tailings is an option to deal with safety-related issues involving traditional slurry disposition in impoundments. Filtered tailings can be compacted to pre-define design specifications, which minimizes structural instability problems, such as those related to liquefaction. Yet, comprehending the [...] Read more.

The dry stacking of filtered tailings is an option to deal with safety-related issues involving traditional slurry disposition in impoundments. Filtered tailings can be compacted to pre-define design specifications, which minimizes structural instability problems, such as those related to liquefaction. Yet, comprehending the tailing’s response under various stress states is essential to designing any dry stacking facility properly. Thus, the present research evaluated the mechanical response of cemented and uncemented compacted filtered iron ore tailings, considering different molding characteristics related to compaction degree and molding moisture content. Therefore, a series of one-dimensional compression tests and consolidated isotropically drained triaxial tests (CID), using 300 kPa and 3000 kPa effective confining pressures, were carried out for different specimens compacted at various molding characteristics. In addition, changes in gradation owing to both compression and shearing were evaluated using sedimentation with scanning electron microscope tests. The overall results have indicated that the 3% Portland cement addition enhanced the strength and stiffness of the compacted iron ore tailings, considering the lower confining pressure. Nevertheless, the same was not evidenced for the higher confining stress. Moreover, the dry-side molded specimens were initially stiffer, and significant particle breakage did not occur owing to one-dimensional compression but only due to shearing (triaxial condition). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Mining Innovation)

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20 pages, 5382 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Solid Backfilling Efficiency Optimization in Coal Mining: Spatiotemporal Linkage Analysis and Case Study

by Tingcheng Zong, Gaolei Zhu, Qiang Zhang, Kang Yang, Yunbo Wang, Yu Han, Haonan Lv and Jinming Cao

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12298; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212298 - 14 Nov 2023

Viewed by 664

Abstract

In coal mining, solid backfilling technology is widely used. However, its efficiency is seriously hindered by the following two factors. Firstly, the process flow of the solid backfilling operation is more complicated in the back, and the spatiotemporal linkage (SPL) between actions of [...] Read more.

In coal mining, solid backfilling technology is widely used. However, its efficiency is seriously hindered by the following two factors. Firstly, the process flow of the solid backfilling operation is more complicated in the back, and the spatiotemporal linkage (SPL) between actions of the cylinders powering each support and between hydraulic supports in the whole face lacks continuity. Secondly, the coal mining process in the front has a higher level of intelligence and technical maturity than the backfilling operation in the back, the latter permanently staying behind the former. To this end, the present study investigates the SPL of the mining and backfilling operations for single supports in the working and whole faces. The SPL of cylinder actions is analyzed for intelligent backfilling using hydraulic supports. We also investigate the SPL of the positions of each piece of key equipment involved in different steps of intelligent backfilling in the whole face. Formulas are derived for calculating the time required to complete the cyclic hydraulic support movement–discharge–filling operation for single supports and the whole face. The key factors influencing the time required to complete a hydraulic support movement–discharge–filling cycle are analyzed. On this basis, a backfilling efficiency optimization scheme is proposed. It envisages reducing the number of tampings and time gaps in actions of single supports and cylinders, increasing the number of hydraulic supports in parallel operation, and intelligent upgrading of the backfilling operation. These findings help synchronize coal mining and backfilling operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Mining Innovation)

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18 pages, 7848 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Autonomous Process Execution Control Algorithms of Solid Intelligent Backfilling Technology: Development and Numerical Testing

by Tingcheng Zong, Fengming Li, Qiang Zhang, Zhongliang Sun and Haonan Lv

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11704; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111704 - 26 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 603

Abstract

This paper analyzes the typical technical problems arising from dumping and tamping collision interferences in the working faces of conventional mechanized solid backfilling mining (SBM). Additionally, the technical and consecutive characteristics of the solid intelligent backfilling (SIB) method, the execution device, and the [...] Read more.

This paper analyzes the typical technical problems arising from dumping and tamping collision interferences in the working faces of conventional mechanized solid backfilling mining (SBM). Additionally, the technical and consecutive characteristics of the solid intelligent backfilling (SIB) method, the execution device, and the corresponding process categories of the SIB process are analyzed. A design for an SIB process flow is presented. Critical algorithms, including automatic recognition and optimization planning based on the cost function and laying the algorithm foundation, are proposed to develop a backfilling process control system. A joint simulation test system is built on a MATLAB/Simulink simulation toolkit (MSST) to simulate and test the optimized algorithms. The results show that the optimized algorithm can realize the automatic optimization planning and automatic interference-recognition adjustment of the backfilling process under actual engineering conditions. In conclusion, this paper analyzes typical technical problems in the conventional backfilling process, designs the SIB process flow, and develops key algorithms to achieve the automatic control of the backfilling process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Mining Innovation)

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19 pages, 2267 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Emission Prediction Model for the Underground Mining Stage of Metal Mines

by Gaofeng Ren, Wei Wang, Wenbo Wu, Yong Hu and Yang Liu

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12738; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712738 - 23 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1313

Abstract

At present, the carbon emissions in China’s metal mining industry can be calculated based on the amount of energy consumed in the mining process. However, it is still difficult to predict the carbon emissions before implementation of mining engineering. There are no effective [...] Read more.

At present, the carbon emissions in China’s metal mining industry can be calculated based on the amount of energy consumed in the mining process. However, it is still difficult to predict the carbon emissions before implementation of mining engineering. There are no effective approaches that could reasonably estimate the amount of carbon emissions before mining. To this end, based on the ‘Top–down’ carbon emission accounting method recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this study proposes a model to predict the greenhouse gases emitted in seven carbon-intensive mining stages, namely, drilling, blasting, ventilation, drainage, air compression, transportation, and backfilling. The contribution of this model is to enable a prediction of the accumulation of greenhouse gases based on the mining preliminary design of mine, rather than on the consumption of energy and materials commonly used in recent research. It also establishes the amount of carbon emissions generated by mining per unit cubic meter of ore rock as the minimum calculation unit for carbon emissions, which allows for the cost and footprint of carbon emissions in the mining process to become clearer. Then, a gold–copper mine is involved as a case study, and the greenhouse gas emissions were predicted employing its preliminary design. Among all the predicted results, the carbon emissions from air compression and ventilation are larger than others, reaching 22.00 kg CO₂/m³ and 10.10 kg CO₂/m³, respectively. By contrast, the carbon emissions of rock drilling, drainage, and backfilling material pumping are 5.87 kg CO₂/m³, 6.80 kg CO₂/m³, and 7.79 kg CO₂/m³, respectively. To validate the proposed model, the calculation results are compared with the actual energy consumption data of the mine. The estimated overall relative error is only 5.08%. The preliminary predictions of carbon emissions and carbon emission costs in mining before mineral investment were realized, thus helping mining companies to reduce their investment risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Mining Innovation)

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