{"title":"Underground Spot Cooling Installations—Context and Case Study","authors":"Melissa Brown, Chris McGuire, Darryl Witow","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01054-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01054-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This paper presents engineering design and equipment selection for a successful temporary spot cooling installation used to support underground shaft sinking. The cooling system operated over a 22-month period from August 2021 to June 2023. The need for cooling was driven by the depth of shaft sink, which started from greater than 1900 m below surface. The system was subject to many of the common challenges preventing the widespread use of underground spot cooling, including limited process water and dewatering capability, heat rejection equipment placement in the path of blasting fumes, limited airflow quantity for heat rejection, and layout constraints due to the existing and upcoming mine services installations and construction. Use of hybrid cooling towers allowed for increased heat rejection capacity from evaporative cooling while maintaining a fully closed-loop condenser water circuit. Skid-mounting of all components allowed for easy placement and relocation. Use of HDPE piping lashed to existing ground support allowed for maximum layout flexibility and minimized installation time. Performance, operational features, and additional lessons learned, including feedback from operations personnel, are shared.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142183140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Madalitso Mame, Yingui Qiu, Shuai Huang, Kun Du, Jian Zhou
{"title":"Mean Block Size Prediction in Rock Blast Fragmentation Using TPE-Tree-Based Model Approach with SHapley Additive exPlanations","authors":"Madalitso Mame, Yingui Qiu, Shuai Huang, Kun Du, Jian Zhou","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01057-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01057-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The optimum fragmentation size measures the quality of a blasting operation. Boulders or large fragments can result in more costs because they need secondary blasting, while small fragments can result in ore loss and dilution. Therefore, it is very significant to accurately predict the mean block size to reduce production costs and enhance efficiency. Due to the shortfalls of the empirical models, scholars have been inclined toward artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for fragmentation size prediction over the decades. Firstly, in this study, three tree-based models, i.e., the random forest (RF), extra-trees (ET), and CatBoost (CB), are employed for basic prediction. The model uses eight parameters, seven input parameters, and mean block size (MBS) as the output parameter. Secondly, their performance and hyper-parameters were fine-tuned using Bayesian optimization: tree-structured Parzen estimators (TPE) algorithm using Optuna. Among the three models, the TPE-ET model showed superior performance with the following metric scores on the training dataset: 0.9896, 0.0184, and 0.0003, and on the test dataset with the following metric scores: 0.9463, 0.0415, and 0.0017, i.e., <i>R</i><sup>2</sup>, RMSE, and MSE, respectively. In conclusion, analysis by the SHapley Additive ExPlanations approach shows that elastic modulus significantly impacts the model’s prediction of rock fragmentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141946428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"“From Intuition to Optimization: A Hybrid FAHP-MAUT Model for Informed R&D Investment Decision in Mining”","authors":"Haton E. Alhamad, Saud M. Al-Mandil","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01053-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01053-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The mining industry has traditionally relied on personal experience and intuition for decision-making since industry managers and leaders are faced with uncertainty, diverse options, and limited resources to make a more objective and rational decision. Multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques have been introduced to address this challenge, yet the existing methods often focus on simplicity rather than optimality. Therefore, this research aims to develop a hybrid model that combines fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) with multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) to help decision-makers achieve optimal results when faced with diverse investment opportunities and criteria. The study uses data from a private consulting firm. The report consists of 225 projects and 16 attributes. The statistical analysis was performed through SPSS, involving a <i>t</i>-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. FAHP and MAUT were performed via python programming and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to verify the validity of the data. The results demonstrate that the developed model can be utilized as a tool to mitigate subjectivity and provide a more objective and reliable ranking even in the long term. It also highlights the correlation between selected attributes and the context of investment opportunities. Attributes alone are necessary but not sufficient to influence rankings holistically. Ultimately, the study’s findings shed light on the interplay between attributes and investment contexts, emphasizing their interdependence. By adopting this uncommon model as a tool, decision-makers can make more informed choices and enhance their decision-making processes in the mining industry and other sectors.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141946429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Height Development Characteristics of Water-Conducting Fracture Zone in a Fully Mechanized Longwall Face with a Large Panel Width","authors":"Han Fang, Shuyun Zhu, Shengjun Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01049-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01049-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>To explore the height development characteristics of a water-conducting fracture zone (WCFZ) in a working face with a large panel width, a typical working face with a panel width of 330 m was used as the research background for this study. The lower limit of the height of the WCFZ was preliminarily determined via borehole televiewer observation, and the maximum height of the WCFZ in the working face was further determined via numerical simulation and empirical analysis. The prediction results obtained via the traditional empirical formulas are unsuitable for working faces with large panel widths. For the studied working face, considering its actual geological background, the deformation and failure characteristics of the overlying rock under six different panel width conditions were simulated via numerical simulation, and it was found that the height of the WCFZ exhibits a good natural logarithmic relationship with the panel width. On the basis of the statistics of data collected from 58 cases of fully mechanized coal faces with normal panel widths in the North China-type coal field, the applicability of the logarithmic variation in the in situ data was analysed and compared. The accuracy of the logarithmic variation was verified by theoretical analysis, revealing that the internal factor controlling this variation is the decrease in the burial depth of the unfractured rock stratum. The case study with the panel width of the working face of 330 m extends the applicability of the abovementioned variation to panel widths greater than 300 m in North China-type coalfields, and 300 m was proposed as the threshold panel width at which the development of the WCFZ slows. This variation can provide a reference for safe mining and optimum panel width determination under high-intensity mining conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"52 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141946430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juan David Valencia Quiceno, Vladislav Kecojevic, Amy McBrayer, Dragan Bogunovic
{"title":"Augmented Reality System for Training of Heavy Equipment Operators in Surface Mining","authors":"Juan David Valencia Quiceno, Vladislav Kecojevic, Amy McBrayer, Dragan Bogunovic","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01047-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01047-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p>United States federal laws mandate that mining companies ensure a safe workplace, implement approved training programs, and promptly report work-related injuries. The mining industry’s commitment to innovation reflects a history of adopting technological advancements to enhance environmental sustainability, workplace safety, and vocational training. The objective of this research was to develop an augmented reality (AR) system for heavy equipment operators (HEOs) in surface mining. The developed system has the potential to enhance mine safety, training, and data-driven decision-making, which presents a significant step toward a more sustainable, effective, and technologically driven mining training, contributing to the industry’s evolution and growth. The AR Training System leverages Microsoft’s Power Platform and HoloLens 2 capacities to provide operators with detailed, immersive training guides for three mining equipment including bulldozers, motor graders, and end dump trucks. These AR guides combine 3D objects, informative images, and videos to enhance learning and safety. The system also provides an efficient approach to data collection during HEO training, having the potential to modify the training guides based on user performance. The system was developed and applied via a case study in a surface mine in the southern United States.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141946431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Erdogan Timurkaynak, Hasan Kolayli, Kadir Karaman, Yasar Cakir
{"title":"The Relationship Between Thermal Conductivity and Engineering Properties of Basalts with Increasing Serpentinization Degree","authors":"Erdogan Timurkaynak, Hasan Kolayli, Kadir Karaman, Yasar Cakir","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01038-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01038-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The thermal conductivity (TC) of rocks is an essential parameter for geothermal investigations and heat transport modeling under the ground. Although Turkey has a remarkable geothermal potential, investigation of rocks’ thermal conductivity has been very limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between TC and significant engineering parameters (uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load index (PLI), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), indirect tensile strength (BTS), Schmidt hammer rebound number (<i>R</i>), Leeb hardness (<i>H</i><sub><i>L</i></sub>), density, and apparent porosity) of basalt samples. In addition to the engineering properties, TC correlated with the serpentinization of olivine and some chemical elements (O and Si). The study area was divided into three categories (A1, M2, and M3) according to the alteration zones with stratigraphically different levels. Petrographic thin section studies, SEM (scanning electron microscopy), and EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy) analyses were also carried out to recognize the particles. This study demonstrated that the thermal conductivity values depend on the engineering properties of basalts due to the progressive serpentinization of olivine minerals. Serpentinization of olivine was found approximately 10% for A1 basalts, while this value was around 80% for M3. A strong relation was found between TC and serpentinization of olivine minerals for all samples and average A1, M2, and M3. The most significant factors affecting the serpentinization are proximity to the volcano cone and fault contact.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141870735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohd Ahtesham Hussain Siddiqui, Somnath Chattopadhyaya, Shubham Sharma, Changhe Li, Yanbin Zhang, Anita Gehlot, Abhinav Kumar, Fuad A. Awwad, M. Ijaz Khan, Emad A. A. Ismail
{"title":"Underground Coal Mines Unexplored Strata Structure Identification with Subsurface Profiling: A Case Study of Inherent Fault-Detection Method","authors":"Mohd Ahtesham Hussain Siddiqui, Somnath Chattopadhyaya, Shubham Sharma, Changhe Li, Yanbin Zhang, Anita Gehlot, Abhinav Kumar, Fuad A. Awwad, M. Ijaz Khan, Emad A. A. Ismail","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-00992-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-00992-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Safety in conjunction with production is a reality achieved in underground mining, where roof or side falls can have devastating effects on operations. A precise understanding of the roof structure is crucial for designing effective support systems that mitigate ground-fall risks. A key finding underscores the significance of this understanding. Sub Surface Profiler Ground-Penetrating Radar (SSPGPR) technology, utilizing real-time data and wirelessly transmitted signals, plays a pivotal role in achieving accurate knowledge of the roof structure. Geotechnical approaches, incorporating SSPGPR algorithms, facilitate continuous recording of sub-horizontal reflections through the lithology, optimizing roof support with accurate images of unexplored rock structures. The technology’s practical application in the Saoner group of underground mines highlights its effectiveness in mapping various zones within the roof rock strata, aiding excavation and support methods. SSPGPR is instrumental in detecting unmined strata profiles not evident in borehole data during exploration, emphasizing its transformative impact on efficiency and safety in underground mining. The correlation between fault zones mapped by SSP and ground faults further validates its effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141774388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Sri Chandrahas, Bhanwar Singh Choudhary, M. S. Venkataramayya, Fissha Yewuhalashet
{"title":"An Inventive Approach for Simultaneous Prediction of Mean Fragmentation Size and Peak Particle Velocity Using Futuristic Datasets Through Improved Techniques of Genetic XG Boost Algorithm","authors":"N. Sri Chandrahas, Bhanwar Singh Choudhary, M. S. Venkataramayya, Fissha Yewuhalashet","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01045-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01045-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In the current study, two algorithms, custom XG Boost (CXGBA) and improved genetic XG Boost algorithm (IGXGBA), have been chosen to create an empirical formula for the simultaneous prediction of the mean fragmentation size (MFS) and the peak particle velocity (PPV) with sourced datasets of geo-blast parameters such as spacing burden ratio (S/B), stemming length (T), decking length (DL), firing pattern (FP), total quantity of explosive (TE), maximum charge per delay (MCD), measuring distance (MD), joint angle (JA), joint spanning height (JSP), joint set number (Jn), and rock compressive strength. Advanced technical combinations like K-10 cross-validation, and grid search executed along genetic algorithm processes with a high mutation rate to XGBoost algorithm. All algorithms were executed using Python programming in the Google Colab platform. The results unveiled that IGXGBA is superior and effective in-terms of metric <i>R</i><sup>2</sup>, RMSE, and MAPE in predicting MFS and PPV. A WEB APP called Bhanwar Blasting Formula (BBF) was created utilizing Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and FLASK APP to benefit practicing mining engineers to predict blasting results easily from the site itself and identify optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"67 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141774387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
María A. Bracamontes-Landavazo, Jesús Leobardo Valenzuela-García, José Refugio Parga-Torres, Patricia Guerrero-German
{"title":"Kinetic Study for the Extraction of Gold and Silver from an Ore Comparing Lixiviants Sodium Cyanide and DEZO using Moderate Pressures","authors":"María A. Bracamontes-Landavazo, Jesús Leobardo Valenzuela-García, José Refugio Parga-Torres, Patricia Guerrero-German","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01036-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01036-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In recent decades cyanide is the most widely used for the extraction of gold and silver, for being economical and efficient, however, other alternatives have been considered because of its toxicity to the environment, for this reason in this work we study a new leaching agent that seeks to be a viable alternative to cyanide, which is commercially called DEZO and is considered ecological due to the low quantity of the main complexing agent which is cyanate, and other components such as sodium oxide, nitrogen, ammonium, calcium, iron, which is used for gold and silver extractions. For the development of the study a gold and silver ore provided by the mining company \"Las Chispas\", located in Arizpe, Sonora, Mexico, was used. The ore contains 15.50 g/T of Au and 1550 g/T of Ag. Leaching was carried out at moderate pressures using sodium cyanide and DEZO as lixiviants for Au and Ag extraction. XRD and SEM–EDS analyses confirm the presence of quartz, fluorite and argentite species. Pressure leaching was performed using NaCN, with conditions of T = 70 °C and <i>P</i> = 0.62 MPa, NaCN [300 mg/L], -270 mesh, 20% solids, time 1 h and 600 rpm, obtaining 98.3% extraction of Au and only 8.8% of Ag. Next, pressure leaching was performed using the DEZO eco-friendly lixiviant, with conditions of T = 70 °C and <i>P</i> = 0.62 MPa, NaCNO [300 mg/L], -270 mesh, 20% solids, time 1 h and 600 rpm, obtaining 93.9% Au extraction and only 7.7% Ag. Subsequently, the adjustment of the shrinking core model was performed by varying the temperature in the pressure leaching, the activation energy (Ea) using both leaching reagents (NaCN and DEZO) was less than 20 kJ/mol, which defines that the gold and silver leaching are controlled by diffusion through the product layer.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"41 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141774389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Donghui Liu, Fei Niu, Xiaolin Zhang, Leiting Shen, Youming Yang
{"title":"Calciothermic Reduction Reaction Behavior and Samarium Ion Valence Evolution of SmF3","authors":"Donghui Liu, Fei Niu, Xiaolin Zhang, Leiting Shen, Youming Yang","doi":"10.1007/s42461-024-01044-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01044-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Samarium is a rare earth element that exhibits variable valence states of + 2 and + 3. In this work, we present the reduction products obtained through calciothermic reduction of SmF<sub>3</sub> at various molar ratios of Ca to SmF<sub>3</sub>. The crystal structure, morphology, elemental distribution, and chemical valence of the reduction products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that SmF<sub>2.028</sub> and CaF<sub>2</sub> are the sole reduction products obtained under molar ratios of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 for Ca to SmF<sub>3</sub>, whereas some unreacted metallic Ca is detected in the products at a molar ratio of Ca to SmF<sub>3</sub> of 2. The samarium ions in the reduction products exhibit mixed valence states with a relative content of approximately 9:1 for Sm<sup>3+</sup> and Sm<sup>2+</sup>. Notably, the large amount of adsorbed oxygen present in the products oxidizes Sm<sup>2+</sup> to Sm<sup>3+</sup>.</p>","PeriodicalId":18588,"journal":{"name":"Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration","volume":"51 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141774390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}