Numerical and theoretical study of large-scale failure of strata overlying sublevel caving mines with steeply dipping discontinuities

The deformation and fracture evolution mechanisms of the strata overlying mines mined using sublevel caving were studied via numerical simulations.Moreover,an expression for the normal force acting on the side face of a steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beam in the surrounding rock was deduced based on limit equilibrium theory.The results show the following:(1)surface displacement above metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities shows significant step characteristics,and(2)the behavior of the strata as they fail exhibits superimposition characteristics.Generally,failure first occurs in certain superimposed strata slightly far from the goaf.Subsequently,with the constant downward excavation of the orebody,the superimposed strata become damaged both upwards away from and downwards toward the goaf.This process continues until the deep part of the steeply dipping superimposed strata forms a large-scale deep fracture plane that connects with the goaf.The deep fracture plane generally makes an angle of 12°-20°with the normal to the steeply dipping discontinuities.The effect of the constant outward transfer of strata movement due to the constant outward failure of the superimposed strata in the metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities causes the scope of the strata movement in these mines to be larger than expected.The strata in the metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities mainly show flexural toppling failure.However,the steeply dipping structural strata near the goaf mainly exhibit shear slipping failure,in which case the mechanical model used to describe them can be simplified by treating them as steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beams.By taking the steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beam that first experiences failure as the key stratum,the failure scope of the strata(and criteria for the stability of metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities mined using sublevel caving)can be obtained via iterative computations from the key stratum,moving downward toward and upwards away from the goaf.

Solution to the Horizontal Crossing Problem of Transportation System at Key Points in Open-Pit Mines

In order to reduce the horizontal crossing transportation problems between coal trucks and stripping trucks,large and small vehicles,and transport trucks and belt conveyors at key points of open pit mine in production,the separate transportation mode of underpass bridge and overpass steel trestle is proposed to optimize the open pit development transportation system,so as to solve the practical problems that the horizontal cross of transport vehicles causes vehicle blockage,affects production schedule and production safety.The results show that the horizontal crossing road can be changed into a separate type of overpass steel trestle,which can realize the classified transportation of large and small vehicles,reduce the traffic density,make vehicles with different functions go their own way,eliminate the hidden danger of traffic accidents,and improve the production efficiency.

Feasibility of Synchronously Straightening Working Line of Adjacent Open-cast Mines

Taking Heidaigou Open-cast Mine and Haerwusu Open-cast Mine in Zhungeer mining area as the research objects,this paper deeply analyzes the current mining status of the two mines.Based on the existing working line length,mining technology,transportation system,equipment configuration,transportation access and many other factors,it systematically discusses the feasibility of straightening the working line of adjacent open-cast mines.Through in-depth theoretical analysis,it establishes the mathematical model of impact indicators and cost calculation,and it is concluded that the work line straightening can be technically achieved.However,from the perspective of economic benefits,straightening the working line does not show obvious advantages.

Artificial ground freezing of underground mines in cold regions using thermosyphons with air insulation

Current practice of underground artificial ground freezing(AGF)typically involves huge refrigeration systems of large economic and environmental costs.In this study,a novel AGF technique is proposed deploying available cold wind in cold regions.This is achieved by a static heat transfer device called thermosyphon equipped with an air insulation layer.A refrigeration unit can be optionally integrated to meet additional cooling requirements.The introduction of air insulation isolates the thermosyphon from ground zones where freezing is not needed,resulting in:(1)steering the cooling resources(cold wind or refrigeration)towards zones of interest;and(2)minimizing refrigeration load.This design is demonstrated using well-validated mathematical models from our previous work based on two-phase enthalpy method of the ground coupled with a thermal resistance network for the thermosyphon.Two Canadian mines are considered:the Cigar Lake Mine and the Giant Mine.The results show that our proposed design can speed the freezing time by 30%at the Giant Mine and by two months at the Cigar Lake Mine.Further,a cooling load of 2.4 GWh can be saved at the Cigar Lake Mine.Overall,this study provides mining practitioners with sustainable solutions of underground AGF.

Using deep neural networks coupled with principal component analysis for ore production forecasting at open-pit mines

Ore production is usually affected by multiple influencing inputs at open-pit mines.Nevertheless,the complex nonlinear relationships between these inputs and ore production remain unclear.This becomes even more challenging when training data(e.g.truck haulage information and weather conditions)are massive.In machine learning(ML)algorithms,deep neural network(DNN)is a superior method for processing nonlinear and massive data by adjusting the amount of neurons and hidden layers.This study adopted DNN to forecast ore production using truck haulage information and weather conditions at open-pit mines as training data.Before the prediction models were built,principal component analysis(PCA)was employed to reduce the data dimensionality and eliminate the multicollinearity among highly correlated input variables.To verify the superiority of DNN,three ANNs containing only one hidden layer and six traditional ML models were established as benchmark models.The DNN model with multiple hidden layers performed better than the ANN models with a single hidden layer.The DNN model outperformed the extensively applied benchmark models in predicting ore production.This can provide engineers and researchers with an accurate method to forecast ore production,which helps make sound budgetary decisions and mine planning at open-pit mines.

Coordinated Mining Procedures of Open Pit Mines Based on River Management

This paper primarily concerns the effective coordination of the procedures and methods employed in open pit mining operations under the background of river management.The central objective of this study is to identify a viable approach for ensuring rational and efficient development of open pit mineral resources while simultaneously protecting and restoring the ecological environment of the river.This approach should facilitate the realization of a harmonious symbiosis between mining and river management.The intricate mutual influence relationship between river management and open pit mining is first analyzed in depth,which provides a solid foundation for the subsequent coordination strategy development.In light of the aforementioned considerations,a set of coordination procedures for open pit mining based on river management conditions is proposed.These procedures emphasize the integration of river protection into the overall layout of mining at the planning stage.The implementation of scientific mining schemes,accompanied by rigorous control of the scope and depth of mining operations,has proven to be an effective means of reducing the impact of mining activities on river environments.This approach has also facilitated the achievement of a balance and coordination between mining and river management.

Prospects for the transformation and development of carbon storage in abandoned mines of coal enterprises from the perspective ofcarbon neutrality

Under the carbon neutrality goal,coal enterprises must seek breakthroughs from abandoned mines,develop new resources in the new era,turn problems into countermeasures,and participate in the carbon emissions market,for contributing to the accomplishment of the national strategic goal of carbon neutrality.To this end,we investigated the relevant national policies and regulations to clarify the boundaries disclosed by the carbon information of enterprises,understood the development direction of carbon storage in abandoned mines,and clarified the transformation and development of carbon storage in aban-doned mines.We made a few suggestions:(1)China should learn from its past experience and other countries to develop the energy industry with Chinese characteristics and reform the economic system.(2)Coal enterprises must actively respond to the national carbon information disclosure policy,clarify their own responsibilities and carbon emission boundaries.(3)It is necessary to proactively obtain advanced knowledge and plan carbon storage pathways for abandoned mines.(4)Devel-opment problems of coal enterprises should be deduced using cases.The'dual carbon'goals should be achieved steadily step-by-step.(5)Three measures,i.e.improving the existing resource structure,coordinating the information of abandoned mines,and promoting the cultivation of scientific and technological talents.

Progress and prospects of mining with backfill in metal mines in China

Mining is the foundation of modern industrial development.In the context of the“carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”era,countries have put forward the development strategy of“adhering to the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.”The ongoing progress and improvement of filling mining technology have provided significant advantages,such as“green mining,safe,efficient,and low-carbon emission,”which is crucial to the comprehensive utilization of mining solid waste,environmental protection,and safety of re-mining.This review paper describes the development history of metal mine filling mining in China and the characteristics of each stage.The excitation mechanism and current research status of producing cementitious materials from blast furnace slag and other industrial wastes are then presented,and the concept of developing cementitious materials for backfill based on the whole solid waste is proposed.The advances in the mechanical characteristics of cemented backfill are elaborated on four typical levels:static mechanics,dynamic mechanics,mechanical influencing factors,and multi-scale mechanics.The working/rheological characteristics of the filling slurry are presented,given the importance of the filling materials conveying process.Finally,the future perspectives of mining with backfill are discussed based on the features of modern filling concepts to provide the necessary theoretical research value for filling mining.

Technical problems and non destructive testing of rock bolt support systems in mines

The problem of proper assessment of the technical functionality of rock bolt support systems is still valid.Many research centers have undertaken eforts to diagnose and monitor the technical state of such a support system used in mines and tunneling.With that aim the method of quality assessment of grouted rock bolts was invented and a relevant apparatus was constructed.The method concerns non-destructive identifcation of discontinuity of a resin layer(grout)surrounding rock bolts.The method is based on an impact excitation of a rock bolt and uses modal analysis procedures.Assuming that the installed rock bolt acts as an oscillator,diferent lengths and positions of grouting discontinuity alter its modal parameters.The extraction of these modal parameters,of which a resonant frequency is seen as the most valued,enable the relevant identifcation of grout discontinuity.After constructing a prototype version and validating the results for known cases of resin discontinuity in an experimental coal mine,the apparatus fulflling ATEX requirements was developed.Subsequently that version was also verifed both in laboratory conditions and in an experimental coal mine.As necessary for proper identifcation of discontinuity length,the reference data base was developed and elaborated consisting of a very large number of fnite element models(FE models),namely discontinuity cases.The models encountered diferent rock bolt lengths and diameters,diferent rock strata parameters and diferent positions and lengths of resin layers.Then the method was used in a working coal mine to monitor a technical state of rock bolt support system mounted to reinforce long underground openings.The data base was utilized as reference for investigated rock bolts.

Ecological Restoration Technology and Carbon Reduction Paths of Abandoned Mines in Zoige Alpine Grassland Area

At first,the ecological restoration technology of abandoned mines is summarized,and the paths and models of mine ecological restoration in Zoige grassland area under the background of carbon neutrality are analyzed.Moreover,the problems and deficiencies in the current research on mine ecological restoration in Zoige grassland area are initially identified,and the future research trend is prospected to provide a reference for the path of carbon reduction by mine ecological restoration in Zoige grassland area and other alpine grassland areas in the future.

Management of Spinal Injuries Secondary to Rockfall in Traditional Mines

Introduction: Spinal injuries represent the whole of the mechanisms responsible for vertebral, disco-ligamentary and spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injury is life-threatening and is responsible for functional consequences that make the subsequent socio-economic integration of victims difficult. In developing countries, spinal injuries in traditional gold mining are becoming more and more frequent. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomopathological aspects and the results of surgical treatment of spinal injuries secondary to traditional mine collapses at the University Hospital of Kati. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive study over 18 months, from November 2017 to May 2019. Included in this study were patients operated on for spinal trauma secondary to rockfall in traditional mines. The neurological status was assessed in each patient since admission to the department using the Fr&#228nkel score. Decompression by laminectomy combined with titanium device placement was preferred in lumbar, thoracic and thoraco-lumbar surgery. We performed an anterior cervical spine approach with SENEGAS plate placement in cervical injuries. Motor physiotherapy was associated whenever recovery was not complete. At a minimum follow-up of 6 months, all our patients were re-evaluated by the Fr&#228nkel score. Results: The mean age was 31 years with extremes of 10 and 49 years. The majority of patients were men, 95%. Twenty patients underwent surgery. According to the spinal segments, the cervical spine was affected in 05 cases, the thoracic spine in 08 cases and the lumbar spine in 17 cases. The neurological examination revealed tetraplegia (n = 5), paraplegia (n = 12) and paraparesis (n = 3). According to the types of lesions, we collected 12 cases of fractures, 4 cases of fracture-luxations and 04 cases of pure luxations. According to the site, the fracture was uni-articular (n = 3), corporal (n = 15) and transverse apophyseal (n = 1). According to the type of line, the fracture was simple (n = 6), with compression (n = 11) and comminuted (n = 2). The dislocation was anterior in all 08 cases. The spinal cord injuries were concussion (n = 3), contusion (n = 6) and transection (n = 11). Sphincter disorders such as leakage or retention of urine were present in all our patients. At a minimum follow-up of 6 months, all our patients classified as Fr&#228nkel D and C had a complete motor recovery. Of the 5 patients classified as Fr&#228nkel B, 2 had complete motor recovery and one had partial recovery. Of 12 patients classified as Fr&#228nkel A, one patient had partial recovery. Conclusion: The severity of the neurological lesions in spinal injuries due to rockfalls in traditional gold mining is certain. These traumas are of high velocity and provide extensive spinal cord injuries. The dorsolumbar hinge is the most affected segment. Fractures of the first lumbar vertebra and the twelfth thoracic vertebra are the most frequent. Settling fractures are by far the most frequent fracture types. T12-L1 dislocation is the most frequent. Early osteosynthesis by spinal stabilization after reduction improves the Fr&#228nkel score. This study shows the need for public awareness of the dangers of traditional gold panning.

MINES fOr Libraries^(TM)的功能分析

网络环境下,电子资源服务在图书馆占有举足轻重的地位,哪些用户在利用这些资源,他们是如何利用的以及利用这些资源的目的是什么,这些都是值得关注的重要问题。MINES for Li- braries^(TM)是电子资源用户使用情况的在线调查工具,通过它对用户数据进行搜集能很好地帮助图书馆解决这些问题。这方面,国外图书馆的一些应用实践值得我们学习。表3。参考文献9。

MINES for Libraries^(TM)基于网络环境的电子资源在线使用调查实践

文章在介绍了MINES for LibrariesTM产生的背景、目的、方法与功能,MINES for Li-brariesTM与LibQUAL+TM、DigiQUALTM比较以及MINES在加拿大图书馆的调查实践的基础上,指出MINES是网络环境下电子资源使用评价的有效调查方法,并就MINES在图书馆的发展前景展开了探讨。

Support technologies for deep and complex roadways in underground coal mines:a review

Based on geological and mining characteristics,coal mine roadways under complex conditions were divided into five types,for each type the deformation and damage characteristics of rocks surrounding roadways were analyzed.The recent developments of roadway support technologies were introduced abroad,based on the experiences of supports for deep and complex roadways from Germany,the United States and Australia.The history and achievements of roadway support technologies in China were detailed,including rock bolting,steel supports,grouting reinforcement and combined supports.Four typical support and reinforcement case studies were analyzed,including a high stressed roadway 1,000 m below the surface,a roadway surrounded by severely weak and broken rocks,a chamber surrounded by weak and broken rocks,and a roadway with very soft and swelling rocks.Based on studies and practices in many years,rock bolting has become the mainstream roadway support form in China coal mines,and steel supports,grouting reinforcement and combined supports have also been applied at proper occasions,which have provided reliable technical measures for the safe and high effective construction and mining of underground coal mines.

Prediction and prevention of rockburst in metal mines--A case study of Sanshandao gold mine

Rockburst is a kind of artificial earthquake induced by human activities,such as mining excavations.The mechanism of rockburst induced by mining disturbance is revealed in terms of energy in this context.For understanding the rockburst mechanism,two necessary conditions for the occurrence of rockburst are presented:(1)the rock mass has the capability to store huge amount of energy and possesses a strong bumping-prone characteristic when damaged;and(2)the geological conditions in the mining area have favorable geo-stress environments that can form high-stress concentration area and accumulate huge energy.These two conditions are also the basic criteria for prediction of rockburst.In view of energy analysis,it is observed that artificial and natural earthquakes have similar regularities in many aspects,such as the relationship between the energy value and burst magnitude.By using the relationship between energy and magnitude of natural earthquake,rockburst is predicted by disturbance energy analysis.A practical example is illustrated using the above-mentioned theorem and technique to predict rockburst in a gold mine in China.Finally,the prevention and control techniques of rockburst are also provided based on the knowledge of the rockburst mechanism.

Technology strategies to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality for China's metal mines

Greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions related to human activities have significantly caused climate change since the Industrial Revolution.China aims to achieve its carbon emission peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.Accordingly,this paper reviews and discusses technical strategies to achieve the“dual carbon”targets in China’s metal mines.First,global carbon emissions and emission intensities from metal mining industries are analyzed.The metal mining status and carbon emissions in China are then examined.Furthermore,advanced technologies for carbon mitigation and carbon sequestration in metal mines are reviewed.Finally,a technical roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality in China’s metal mines is proposed.Findings show that some international mining giants have already achieved their carbon reduction targets and planned to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.Moreover,improving mining efficiency by developing advanced technologies and replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy are two key approaches in reducing GHG emissions.Green mines can significantly benefit from the carbon neutrality process for metal mines through the carbon absorption of reclamation vegetations.Geothermal energy extraction from operating and abandoned metal mines is a promising technology for providing clean energy and contributing to the carbon neutrality target of China’s metal mines.Carbon sequestration in mine backfills and tailings through mineral carbonation has the potential to permanently and safely store carbon dioxide,which can eventually make the metal mining industry carbon neutral or even carbon negative.

A review of the health effects and exposure-responsible relationship of diesel particulate matter for underground mines

The increasing use of diesel-powered equipment in confined spaces(underground mines) has the potential to over expose underground miners under the threat of diesel particulate matter(DPM). Miners in underground mines can be exposed to DPM concentrations far more than works in other industries. A great number of animal and epidemiological studies have shown that both short-term and long-term DPM exposure have adverse health effect. Based on reviews of related studies, especially some recent evidence, this paper investigated the long and short-term health effects based on animal studies and epidemiological studies. The exposure-response relationship studies were also explored and compared to the current DPM regulation or standards in some countries. This paper found that the DPM health effect studies specifically for miners are not sufficient to draw solid conclusions, and a recommendation limit of DPM concentration can be put in place for better protection of miners from DPM health risk. Current animal studies lack the use of species that have similar lung functions as human for understanding the cancer mode of action in human. And finally, the DPM health hazard will continue to be a challenging topic before the mode of action and reliable exposure-response relationship are established.

Double-directional control bolt support technology and engineering application at large span Y-type intersections in deep coal mines

Under deep and complex geological conditions,severe deformation occurs at intersection points of Y-type roadways with large cross sections during engineering projects in coal mines,especially at junction arches.Based on in-situ investigations and theoretical studies,we have summarized typical forms of destruction and identified high stress and unrestricted support at both sides of junction arch as its main causes.In this study,we also presented double-directional control bolt support technology for a large Y-type span intersection,applied to deep intersection engineering in the Jiahe Coal Mine,which has proved effective.

Ground behaviour analysis,support system design and construction strategies in deep hard rock mining-Justified in Western Australian’s mines

Development of deep underground mining projects is crucial for optimum extraction of mineral deposits.The main challenges at great depth are high rock stress levels,seismic events,large-scale deformation,sudden failures and high temperatures that may cause abrupt and unpredictable instability and collapse over a large scale.In this paper,a ground control and management strategy was presented corresponding to the three stages of projects:strategic design,tactical design and operational design.Strategic design is results in preparing a broad plan and primary design for mining excavations.The tactical design is to provide detail design such as stabilisation methods.Operational design stage is related to monitoring and updating design parameters.The most effective ground control strategies in this stage are maintenance,rehabilitation,monitoring and contingency plan.Additionally,a new procedure for design of ground support systems for deep and hard rock was proposed.The main principles are:static and/or dynamic loading types,determination of loading sources,characterisation of geological conditions and the effects of orientation of major structures with openings,estimation of ground loading factor,identification of potential primary and secondary failures,utilisation of appropriate design analysis methods,estimation of depth failure,calculation of the static and/or dynamic demand ground support capacity,and selection of surface and reinforcement elements.Gravitational force is the dominant loading force in low-level stresses.In high stress level failure mechanism becomes more complex in rock mass structures.In this condition,a variety of factors such as release of stored energy due to seismic events,stress concentration,and major structures influence on ground behaviour and judgement are very complicated.The key rock engineering schemes to minimise the risk of failures in high-stress levels at great depth involve depressurisation and quality control of materials.Microseismic and blast monitoring throughout the mining operations are required to control sudden failures.Proper excavation sequences in underground stopes based on top-down,bottom-up,centre-out and abutment-centre were discussed.Also,the performance of a ground support system was examined by field observation monitoring systems for controlling and modifying ground support elements.The important outcome of the research is that the proposed procedure of selecting ground support systems for static and dynamic situations was applied in several deep underground mines in Western Australia.Ground behaviour modes and failure mechanism were identified and assessed.Ground demand for static and dynamic conditions was estimated and an appropriate ground support system was selected and evaluated in site-specific conditions according to proposed method for ground support design at great depth.The stability of rock masses was confirmed,and the reliability of the design methodology for great depth and hard rock conditions was also justified.

Numerical investigation of the effectiveness of radon control measures in cave mines

Ventilation is one of the radon control measures in an underground working environment.However,the dynamics related to the cave mining methods particularly in block/panel cave mines,complicate the design of effective ventilation system,and implementation.Events such as hang ups(in the drawbells),leakage from old workings,and changes in cave porosity lead to differing response of an existing ventilation designs.However,it is difficult to investigate these conditions at the mine or with a laboratory scale study.Therefore,this study develops a discrete model to investigate the impact of different radon control measures in cave mines using computational fluid dynamics techniques.We considered two ventilation conditions for a fully developed cave:with and without the undercut ventilation.For each of the two conditions,we studied four parameters:airflow distribution through the production drifts,radon distribution through the production drifts,the effect of increasing airflow on radon concentration,and the effect of a cave top negative pressure on radon distribution.The results show that:the undercut ventilation significantly increases the radon concentration in the production drift;the growth of radon concentration through the production drift is nonlinear(oscillating pattern);maintaining a negative pressure on top of the cave is more effective at mitigating radon exposure,when the undercut ventilation is active;and increase in air volume flow rate decreases radon concentration in most regions,however,there might be regions with significant radon accumulation due to pressure variation across the drifts.These findings provide vital information for designing an effective ventilation system and for proactive implementation of radon control measures in cave mines.