Mining Revue Feed

Probabilistic Assessment of Time to Reach the Lower Explosive Limit Following Accidental Methane Leaks

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Accidental methane leaks in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces may generate hazardous atmospheres within short time intervals, particularly when ventilation is weak or uncertain. Deterministic calculations are commonly used to estimate the time required to reach the lower explosive limit (LEL), but such approaches do not account for uncertainty in rupture geometry, discharge characteristics, gas pressure, or ventilation conditions. This paper develops a probabilistic framework for assessing methane accumulation based on a deterministic zero-dimensional mass-balance model extended through Monte Carlo uncertainty propagation using Latin Hypercube Sampling. Uncertainty is introduced in the effective area factor, discharge coefficient, pipe pressure, wind speed, and pressure coefficient difference, and the resulting distributions of time to reach the LEL, steady-state concentration, and critical ventilation thresholds are evaluated. Two representative residential scenarios are analysed: a kitchen of 18 m3 with a 3/4” hose and a kitchen of 18 m3 with a 1/2” hose, both at 25 mbar. For the 3/4” scenario, the predicted 90% interval for the time to reach the LEL is 50.3–102.3 s, compared with a deterministic estimate of 60.4 s. For the 1/2” scenario, the corresponding interval is 71.9–146.0 s, compared with a deterministic estimate of 86.4 s. Sensitivity analysis shows that the effective area factor dominates the airtight case, whereas wind speed and pressure coefficient difference dominate the ventilated case. The concept of a deterministic critical ventilation threshold is further generalized into probabilistic ventilation thresholds linked to specified confidence levels. For Scenario S1, achieving 95% confidence that the steady-state concentration remains below the LEL requires ACH=71.6 h−1, compared with a deterministic threshold of 59.6 h−1. The proposed framework provides a more realistic basis for forensic interpretation, detector placement, ventilation design, and risk-informed gas safety assessment than deterministic methods alone.

Influence of Ambient Temperature Variation on the Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance of Cooling Systems in Critical Environments: A Thermodynamic Analysis of Mining Facilities and Data Centers

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Cooling systems are essential elements of energy intensive constructs like underground mines and data centres where the ambient temperature change has a direct impact on refrigeration performance, compressor work load and energy efficiency. The paper examined the impact of ambient temperature on the cooling system performance in mining plants and data centres using a sample size of 60 observations (30 observations each in both settings) and ambient temperature ranged between 18.3 C and 42.8 C. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, which involved descriptive statistics, testing of normality, Pearson correlation, simple linear regression, one way ANOVA with post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD, and independent samples t tests. Coefficient of performance (r = −.987, p <.001) and cooling capacity (r = −.972, p <.001) exhibited strong negative correlation with ambient temperature, and compressor electrical power (r =.993, p <.001). It was demonstrated that ambient temperature explained 97.3, 98.6 and 94.4 percent of the variation in COP, compressor power, and cooling capacity, respectively. There was a significant difference between low, moderate and high temperature groups on all four performance indicators (p < .001) and no difference between environment type on any of the performance indicators (p > .05). Compressor energy demand increases with ambient temperature and cooling capacity and efficiency in both environments decrease to support its application as a key variable in energy optimization and cooling system design of critical infrastructure.

Regression-Based Prediction of Soil Plasticity and Consistency Indices in the Geological Context of the Sibiu Area, Romania

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Atterberg-limit testing is fundamental to geotechnical characterization, although the number of determinations may be limited in routine infrastructure investigations by the available testing programme. This study applies and validates previously established regional regression relationships for predicting the plasticity index (Ip) and consistency index (Ic) of fine-grained soils from the Sibiu area, Romania. A database of 83 samples with complete grain-size fractions, natural water content (w), liquid and plastic limits (wL, wP), depth (z), and Atterberg indices was analysed. The plasticity index was predicted from the liquid limit through the linear model Ip = 1.06627 wL − 17.4372, according to [1], whereas the consistency index was predicted using a logarithmically transformed multivariable regression incorporating depth, clay fraction, and natural water content. The Ip model achieved R² = 0.912 and RMSE = 3.64%. The transformed Ic regression achieved R² = 0.942. Lower and upper characteristic values for Ip and Ic were derived from the regression predictions using the statistical procedure described in the manuscript. The proposed relationships support preliminary site characterization, interpolation between tested horizons, and quality control of laboratory determinations; they complement rather than replace laboratory testing. Their applicability is limited to geological conditions comparable with the investigated fine-grained Neogene deposits of the Sibiu area.

Multi-Criteria Tool for Assessing the Social Acceptance of RM-GES Gravity Energy Storage Projects in Post-Mining Sites

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The deployment of Rail-based Mine Gravity Energy Storage (RM-GES) technology in post-mining regions requires a systematic assessment of social acceptance conditions as a prerequisite for investment and regulatory approval. This paper presents the development, internal validation, and pilot empirical application of a standardised Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) framework for assessing the social acceptance of RM-GES, developed within the GrEnMine project (Research Fund for Coal and Steel, RFCS-2023-01-RPJ). The framework examines social acceptance across six dimensions-socio-political acceptance, community acceptance, market acceptance, risk perception, institutional trust, and perceived equity-aligned with Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 establishing the Just Transition Fund (JTF). Six standardised instruments were developed and validated for multilingual administration across the four GrEnMine pilot regions; the present pilot applied the Romanian-language versions only. Pilot data from the Petrila Living Lab (Jiu Valley, Romania), comprising 112 questionnaire responses, four interviews with public authority representatives, two focus groups (n = 23 participants), and 98 equity questionnaires, yielded a preliminary composite MCA score of 66/100, classified as „recommended with conditions”. A sensitivity analysis conducted across six weighting scenarios demonstrated score stability (±4 points). The main finding is that 68% of focus-group participants expressed conditional rather than unconditional acceptance, with the coexistence of RM-GES infrastructure and industrial heritage emerging as the primary condition for acceptance. This finding is directly relevant to RM-GES project design in the context of the Jiu Valley.

Multitemporal Analysis of Land Surface Dynamics in Petroșani Municipality Using NDVI, NDWI, NBR and SAVI Spectral Indices During the 2020–2025 Period

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monitoring changes in the land surface is an essential element for assessing the transformation processes of the urban and peri-urban environment, especially in regions with a long history of mining activities. The development of Earth observation programs and the availability of freely accessible satellite images allow for detailed multi-temporal analyses of the evolution of vegetation, humidity and the general condition of the land. In this context, spectral indices calculated from satellite images provide objective information on spatial and temporal changes of the analyzed surface. The paper presents a multitemporal analysis of the Petroșani municipality using four of the most widely used spectral indices in remote sensing: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). The analysis was carried out for the period 2020–2025 based on a set of 20,000 points uniformly distributed in the study area, for each year analyzed. The working methodology included processing the time series of spectral indices, calculating descriptive statistical parameters, comparing annual distributions, analyzing correlations between indicators and interpreting the spatio-temporal trends highlighted during the analyzed period. The integrated approach allows for the simultaneous assessment of vegetation changes, moisture conditions and land surface transformations. The results obtained highlight the existence of interannual variations in all analyzed indices, reflecting both the influence of climatic conditions and the effects of anthropogenic transformations specific to a city in a continuous process of economic restructuring and urban regeneration. The comparative analysis demonstrates the complementarity of the four indices and the usefulness of their integrated use in assessing the evolution of the urban environment. The study confirms that multitemporal analysis based on satellite images is an effective method for environmental monitoring in mining regions and can provide useful information for territorial planning, green space management and the substantiation of sustainable development strategies.

Protection, Safety and Security Requirements for Uranium Mining Deposits in Romania

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In the national nuclear chain / cycle, it is not appropriate for protection, safety and security to be separated into complex energy-mining objectives or sub-objectives. Any operational delimitation of them can produce gaps, incompatibilities, even antagonistic situations that do not serve to guarantee the existence and feasible, reliable operation of complex uranium mining systems. The central objective of this article is related to the reporting of the actual protection, safety and security requirements formalized for the underground mining of uranium ores. Derived from this approach, secondary objectives were established such as: the specification of the uranium mining areas on the territory of Romania (the Crucea, Tulgheș and Grințieș mines/ the Bicazul Ardelean area), the “R” Plant and the INCD-CAN Pitesti - Mioveni, in order to jussify geographically and geologically, the existence of the completely autochthonous nuclear chain/cycle; links between the nuclear operational space and that of decisions in the protection, safety and security of complex uranium mining objectives. The article presents the requirements in the field of ore extraction from underground uranium mines, the location scenario of the “TG” preparation plant, the uranium-type fuel in the cost of nuclear energy, respectively the articulation, combination and composition of the effective measures in the field.

Influence of Airflow Rate and Relative Humidity on the Thermal Efficiency and Energy Consumption of Underground Mine Ventilation Systems

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Underground mine ventilation is simultaneously a safety-critical service and a major electrical load. This study evaluates the influence of airflow rate and relative humidity on the thermal and energetic performance of an underground ventilation system using a transparent simulation-based dataset of 90 operating scenarios. Airflow rate varied from 8 to 26 m³/s, relative humidity from 45% to 90%, inlet air temperature from 24°C to 34°C, and pressure drop from 650 to 1550 Pa. Fan electrical power was calculated from airflow, pressure drop and fan efficiency, while thermal effectiveness and a non-regulatory heat-stress proxy were represented through physically motivated response functions. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression and one-way ANOVA were applied. The analysis illustrates the central energy–thermal trade-off: increasing airflow improves the simulated thermal response but increases fan power, while higher humidity degrades thermal conditions. The framework is intended for methodological screening and subsequent validation with measured mine data.

Occupational Risk Analysis and Development of the Specific Health and Safety Plan for the Construction of a Double-Track Tunnel Using a Tunnel Boring Machine

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The research summarized in this article highlights that tunnelling operations represent some of the most complex activities in the construction sector, regarding both technology and occupational health and safety. The underground environment, confined working space, use of high-power equipment, mechanized transport, hyperbaric conditions, and the need for interventions within the excavation chamber give rise to specific occupational risks. The study analysed the responsibilities of the parties involved in the project, site organization, and the key technological processes that can impact worker safety. Furthermore, risks associated with each execution phase were identified and evaluated, and technical, organizational, and procedural measures were established to reduce risk levels and protect personnel. The results demonstrate that the use of TBM technology significantly contributes to mitigating risks specific to conventional excavation methods by limiting workers’ direct exposure to the excavation face, reducing ground instability, and increasing process automation. However, this technology introduces new challenges regarding risk management related to working in confined spaces, ventilation, atmospheric monitoring, hyperbaric operations, and emergency management.

Considerations Regarding the Energy Unit Type Small Modular Reactors Smr at Doicești, Romania

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Nowadays, the complex energy-mining objectives do not disappear, but it is possible to enter into crisis, since the protection, safety and security along with the environmental issues must evolve on an uncertain curve of knowledge without borders with the help of Artificial Intelligence. That is why it is suggested, it is recommended to reconceptualize objectives of this type, identify new utilities, new forms of investment and operation to support sustainable development. The central objective of the article is to present through the case study the opportunities and advantages of the Modular Nuclear Power Plants (CNM)/SMR, the favorable location of the world premiere SMR in Romania, at Doicești-Dâmbovița, the meanings of risk reduction operations through protection, safety and appropriate security. Also, the understanding and methodological establishment of the transition, for the first time on a global level, to the construction and operation of nuclear power plants with Small Modular Reactors type SMR in Romania, in the EU and worldwide is also considered. The way to establish the guarantee model of the favorable functioning of the SMR is reported as well as the identification of solutions for the problem of radioactive waste management.

A Unified 4D UAV Photogrammetry Methodology for Mine Dump Slope Monitoring, Displacement Analysis and Time Dependent Factor of Safety Evaluation

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Landslides of mine dump slopes are recognized as high-consequence hazards in surface mining. They occur due to the rapid construction from heterogeneous waste materials, the continuous evolution of their geometry during dumping, and the strong influence of foundation conditions and hydromechanical triggers on stability. Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) photogrammetry has increasingly been adopted for the frequent acquisition of high-resolution 3D representations of dump morphology, enabling safer and more efficient monitoring and engineering assessment. Nevertheless, deformation mapping derived from multitemporal point cloud differencing is commonly treated independently from mechanistic stability analysis, thereby limiting its value for predictive hazard interpretation. In this study, a unified 4D (x,y,z,t) framework is proposed in which multitemporal UAV point cloud comparison is integrated with displacement estimation procedures, together with 3D limit equilibrium and strength reduction numerical modeling for time-dependent factor of safety (FoS), evaluation, and operational warning tier definition. The framework is conceived in a form suitable for software-based implementation and is intended for the direct use of site point clouds and geotechnical parameters. Through further research and targeted programming development, it could be translated into an executable workflow capable of generating outputs such as spatial displacement fields, volumetric change distributions, FoS surfaces, and risk classifications to support proactive dump slope management and hazard mitigation.

Simulation of Categorical and Continuous Variables of a South-American Copper Deposit

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Planning a mining operation requires modeling the metal grades contained in the ore of the deposit based on sampling data, which are inevitably limited relative to the volume of the deposit. Unlike estimation, geostatistical simulation allows not only for the construction of a discrete three- dimensional model of the target grades, but also for the quantification of uncertainty through the generation of multiple equiprobable realizations.This paper presents the construction of a three-dimensional block model of a porphyry copper deposit in South America. The study area covers approximately 1.4 km² to a depth of about 600 m, and the available data consist of approximately 40000 samples containing copper grade values and interpretive geological models provided by the data-owning company to define rock and mineral types. Since rock type is the primary control on the spatial distribution of metal grades, the work follows a hierarchical approach: simulating the geological domains first and then the grades within each of them allows this dependency to be accounted for and reduces the range of variability to be modeled within each domain. The geological domains are simulated using Truncated Plurigaussian Simulation, a method that allows for the reproduction of complex contacts between lithotypes; the total copper grade is then simulated within each domain separately using Turning Bands Simulation.This paper has presented the methodology of how to obtain different block models of a South American copper deposit through the combined application of Truncated Plurigaussian Simulations for categorical variables and Turning Bands Simulations for continuous variables.The geostatistical simulation approach offers clear advantages over traditional kriging: it reproduces the full variability of the deposit, avoids the smoothing effect, and provides multiple realizations that quantify uncertainty for mine planning purposes.

Integrated Strategies for Mining Waste Valorization to Improve Resource Efficiency

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Mining regions undergoing economic transition face significant challenges related to the management of waste generated by extractive activities. In the Jiu Valley, waste rock dumps associated with coal mining represent substantial accumulations of residual materials that may cause environmental impacts but can also be considered valuable secondary resources. The Vulcan area represents a relevant case study for assessing the potential reuse of mining waste within the context of resource efficiency improvement. This paper proposes an integrated strategy for the valorization of mining waste from the existing dumps in the Vulcan area, aiming to transform these materials from waste into useful resources. Mining waste, predominantly composed of sedimentary rocks associated with coal seams, can be processed through sorting, crushing, and granulometric classification in order to be used in infrastructure works, embankments, or for stabilizing land affected by mining activities. The implementation of this strategy contributes to reducing the volume of deposited materials and decreasing the demand for natural aggregates extracted from other sources. At the same time, the valorization of mining waste can support the economic regeneration of mining regions in the Jiu Valley by promoting efficient resource use and the application of circular economy principles within the extractive sector.

Phytostabilisation in Mine Waste Dumps: The Role of Selected Tree Species in the Lignite Mines of Western Macedonia, Greece

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigates the potential of selected plant species for environmental restoration and phytostabilisation in lignite mine waste dumps in Western Macedonia, Greece. Field sampling was conducted in three representative sites, where both soil and plant tissues were collected and analysed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). A total of six species (Pinus spp., Acacia spp., Populus spp., Cupressus spp., Cuprocyparis leylandii, and Tamarix spp.) were evaluated for their ability to grow in low-fertility substrates and their capacity to accumulate potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The findings indicate that soil chemistry is primarily influenced by geogenic factors, with elevated concentrations of Ca, Si, Mg, and K, consistent with the carbonate-rich geology of the Ptolemaida basin. Concentrations of PTE (Ni, Cr, Zn, Pb) remain below established toxicity thresholds, and Hg levels are negligible (<0.03 mg/kg). Plant tissue analysis revealed selective nutrient uptake and limited translocation of PTEs to aerial parts. Although the studied species do not exhibit hyperaccumulator characteristics necessary for phytomining, they exhibit strong phytostabilisation capacity, supporting erosion control and ecological restoration without increasing environmental risk.

A GIS-Based Assessment of Land Use Dynamics and Climate Variability in Constantine Province, Algeria

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Understanding the interaction between land use dynamics and climate variability is essential for effective environmental monitoring and sustainable land management. This study presents a spatio-temporal geospatial assessment of land use dynamics in Constantine Province, Algeria, and examines their relationship with key climatic variables, namely annual precipitation and maximum temperature. Land use data for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2022 were analysed using Geographic Information Systems to identify spatial patterns and temporal changes among the main land use classes. The analysis focused on detecting changes in land cover distribution, evaluating land transformation trends, and comparing these changes with climatic variations across the study area.The results showed that cropland remained the dominant land use class throughout the study period, although it decreased slightly from 191,887.00 ha in 1990 to 188,248.00 ha in 2022. In contrast, impervious surfaces increased strongly from 3,098.10 ha to 11,095.70 ha, reflecting clear urban expansion and infrastructure development. Forest areas decreased from 19,994.30 ha to 12,978.60 ha, while shrubland, grassland, sparse vegetation, and bare areas increased, indicating a progressive transformation of the landscape toward more open land cover types and a possible reduction of dense vegetation cover. The climatic analysis revealed a general increase in maximum temperature intensity, whereas precipitation showed irregular variability, with drier conditions particularly observed in 2000 and 2022.These findings highlight the combined influence of human activities and climatic variability on land use dynamics in Constantine Province. The study confirms the usefulness of geospatial approaches for monitoring environmental change and provides relevant information to support sustainable land management, environmental monitoring, and regional planning.

Optimization of Flyrock and Ground Vibrations in Blast Design: A Case Study from the Balangero Mine in Italy

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigates the optimization of flyrock and blast-induced ground vibrations in open-pit blasting operations through numerical simulation using O-Pitblast software. The reference site is the Balangero mine, located in the Lanzo Valleys (Piedmont, Italy), historically one of the most significant European deposits of serpentinite and asbestiform fibers. The explosive configuration consists of CHE-ANFO EXTRA cartridges (90x500 mm) as column charge, APB 1350 pentolite boosters, and Rock Star 25/50 delay detonators in compliance with Italian regulations prohibiting the use of bulk explosives. Three rectangular blast patterns were evaluated by varying hole spacing and number of holes per row, keeping constant the number of rows, the burden, and inter-hole (75 ms) and inter-row (1 s) delays, while varying spacing and the number of holes per row. Ground vibrations were assessed through an attenuation law with the following parameters: k = 1500, α = 0.6, β = −1.2, (90% confidence level), without exceeding the Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) threshold of 15 mm/s at any surrounding structures. Flyrock clearance zones remained within 24 m for personnel and 16 m for equipment, well below regulatory limits. The result of this study highlights that detonation timing, particularly inter-row delay, is the critical variable in simultaneously controlling flyrock projection and seismic wave propagation.

The Effect of Mining on the Pampana River Basin, Sierra Leone

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Mining activities within the Pampana River Basin in Sierra Leone have intensified over recent decades, raising concerns regarding the degradation of surface and groundwater quality and the sustainability of water resources for domestic and agricultural use. This study evaluates the impact of artisanal and small-scale mining on the physicochemical, microbiological, and hydrochemical characteristics of the Pampana River and adjacent groundwater sources. Water samples were collected from upstream, midstream, downstream, and borehole locations within the basin and analyzed using field measurements, laboratory investigations, hydrochemical assessment techniques, and spatial analysis tools. Physicochemical parameters, microbial indicators, Water Quality Index (WQI), irrigation suitability indices, and hydrochemical facies were evaluated to determine the extent of mining-related contamination and water usability. The results indicate significant spatial variations in water quality across the river basin. Elevated turbidity, total dissolved solids, color, and microbial contamination were observed, particularly in the midstream and downstream sections where mining activities are concentrated. Upstream and borehole samples generally exhibited better water quality conditions and lower contaminant levels. Hydrochemical analysis revealed bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) as the dominant anion, while sodium (Na⁺) was identified as the dominant cation within the basin. Piper and Schoeller diagrams classified the river water predominantly within sodium-bicarbonate hydrochemical facies. Water Quality Index analysis classified upstream water as excellent for drinking purposes. In contrast, midstream and downstream waters were categorized as unsuitable for potable use due to microbial contamination and elevated pollution levels. Irrigation suitability assessment showed that most samples remained within acceptable irrigation classes despite varying salinity and sodicity conditions. The study demonstrates that uncontrolled mining activities are contributing to the deterioration of water quality within the Pampana River Basin and pose increasing environmental and public health risks to surrounding communities. The findings provide important baseline information for sustainable water resource management, environmental monitoring, and policy formulation in mining-affected river basins in Sierra Leone.

Structural Characterisation of Fracture Systems in Romanian Dimesnsion Stone Deposits: Insights from Scanline Analysis

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This paper presents a field-calibrated synthetic scanline analysis of the Ruschița white-marble quarry (Caraș-Severin County, Romania), exploited at the white-marble level of the Poiana Rusca massif. Three horizontal scanlines (SL1 trend 87°, SL2 167°, SL3 267°) were positioned on the East, North and West facing Main Wall, and 58 discontinuities were sampled and assigned to two joint sets identified by DIPS 8.022: Set 1 - sub-horizontal foliation/bedding (mean plane 351°/8°, pole 171°/82°, n = 29) and Set 2 - steep SW-dipping conjugate (203°/57°, pole 23°/33°, n = 29). For each (set, scanline) pair, we compute the angular-correction matrix cos δ, total spacing Xs, normal spacing Xn = Xs · cos δ and linear discontinuity intensity P10. Mean trace length is estimated by four standard estimators (Priest-Hudson 1981, weighted, curtailed with c = 3 m, Laslett). Termination indices are reported above, below and combined. The results yield an engineering-reference mean trace length of ≈4.4 m for Set 1 and ≈4.6 m for Set 2 (curtailed estimator), normal spacing of 0.18 m (Set 1, SL2) and 0.56–1.12 m (Set 2), and 24 - 33 % termination in intact rock, together indicating a moderately persistent, well-connected joint network controlling in-situ block size. A reproducible Python port of the Octave workflow is provided. The output is conditioned for direct use as input to a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) generator within the AI-COSTSQO platform, enabling a priori block-size prediction and environmental-impact reduction at marble quarries.

Discrete Fracture Networks and Environmental Performance in Ornamental Rock Quarries

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This contribution investigates the role of fracture networks in controlling both operational efficiency and environmental performance in ornamental rock quarries. The study integrates structural geology, rock mechanics, and environmental assessment within a digital workflow based on high-resolution terrain models derived from aerial and terrestrial point cloud surveys. Multisource 3D datasets are processed to generate detailed Digital Elevation Models that capture the real geometry of quarry benches, highwalls, and extraction platforms. On this geometric framework, an automated procedure is applied to detect and characterise rock mass discontinuities directly on quarry surfaces. The resulting structural information allows the identification of dominant fracture sets, their orientations, spacings, and persistence, and their influence on block-size distribution and rock fabric. The derived fracture parameters are further used to support the construction of discrete fracture network models and to evaluate their implications for extraction strategies, quarry layout optimisation and slope stability. Beyond purely mechanical considerations, the study explores how rock mass structure influences key environmental indicators throughout the quarry life cycle. These include the generation of mining waste, recovery rates of marketable stone, industrial water consumption, energy demand, dust production and the associated carbon footprint per unit of product. Case studies from ornamental stone operations illustrate how integrating structural analysis with digital terrain modelling and environmental monitoring enables the definition of quarry-specific performance metrics. The results demonstrate that fracture-controlled quarry planning can significantly improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and support more sustainable closure and rehabilitation strategies [1], [2], [3].

Business Plan Development for the Implementation of the Best Available Technique (BAT) to Raise Energy Efficiency in the Gold Mining Processing Industries. Case Study in Sudan

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Improving energy efficiency in gold mining is both an economic and environmental essential, especially as energy costs rise and sustainability standards tighten. This study includes a complete business plan for developing and implementing Best Available Techniques (BAT) to improve energy efficiency in gold mining production. The suggested approach includes technological, financial, and operational strategies to maximize energy usage in crushing processes. The study identifies high-impact BAT solutions, including enhanced grinding technology, energy-efficient crushing systems, and renewable energy integration. A cost-benefit analysis shows that, despite initial capital investment, these solutions provide significant long-term benefits through reduced energy usage, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and greater operational performance. The business plan details the implementation phases, risk assessment, and finance. It also handles regulatory compliance and conformance with international sustainability standards (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14011:2015, and ISO45001:2018), which have already been adopted by the Sudanese firm enterprise. In this study, the solar trailers are presented as an energy source covering consumption in crushing processes in gold mining processes by an enterprise in Sudan. This project gives positive economic results in reducing gas emissions, environmental savings around 145,000 EUR per year, and a payback period for the project of only one year.

Feasibility of GFRP Bolts for Stope Roadway Support in Cemented Backfill Drift Mining: A Case Study of Jinchuan No. 2 Mine

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Conventional rebar bolts used for stope roadway support during cemented backfill drift mining often suffer from high installation demand, high cost, and corrosion damage. Based on Jinchuan No. 2 Mine, this study combined field anchorage force tests, numerical analysis, and field trials to evaluate the feasibility of Glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) bolts for stope roadway support. Under full length anchorage, the average anchorage force of GFRP bolts reached 103.53 kN. This was 74.65% of the value for rebar bolts and was sufficient to meet the support requirement of the mining area. The anchorage forces of both GFRP bolts and rebar bolts decreased as anchorage length decreased, but GFRP bolts were more sensitive to anchorage length. Under the same support parameters, GFRP bolt support reduced the stress concentration range, deformation, and plastic zone volume of the surrounding rock. Its overall control effect was close to that of rebar bolt support. During the field trial, the test roadway remained stable. These results indicate that GFRP bolts can serve as a feasible support option for stope roadways in cemented backfill drift mining.