Numerical simulation of oil shale in-situ mining using fluid-thermo-solid coupling

For the in-situ gas-injection mining technology of oil shale by process,a numerical simulation method with flow-thermo-solid coupling is proposed in this paper.This method adopts separate simulations and step-by-step coupling simulation ideas combined with the advantages of the finite element method and the finite volume method.The numerical simulation of flow-thermo-solid coupling is decomposed into two parts:flow-solid coupling and thermo-solid coupling.Considering the Fuyu oil shale in-situ production test area in Songliao Basin as an example,it is concluded that the oil shale has undergone four heating stages:a rapid temperature rise,a steady temperature rise,a slow temperature rise,and heat preservation.It takes about 10 years for the stress-strain state of the oil shale layer to reach a steady-state through the thermo-solid coupling.The main strain zones of the oil shale layer are distributed near the fracturing fractures connected to the gas injection well and at the edge of the fracturing fractures.The areas with the plastic deformation in the oil shale layer predominantly appear near the gas injection wells,production wells,and fracturing channels.The areas with the largest fracture strength are mostly distributed near the edge of the fracturing fractures with low flow velocity and low temperature.

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.

Study on the Safety and Prevention Technology of Coal Mining under the River in Xingyuan Coal Mine

Coal mining-induced surface subsidence poses significant ecological and infrastructural challenges, necessitating a comprehensive study to ensure safe mining practices, particularly in underwater conditions. This project aims to address the extensive impact of coal mining on the environment, infrastructure, and overall safety, focusing on the Shigong River area above the working face. The study employs qualitative and quantitative analyses, along with on-site engineering measurements, to gather data on crucial parameters such as coal seam characteristics, roof rock lithology, thickness, water resistance, and structural damage degree. The research encompasses a multidisciplinary approach, involving mining, geology, hydrogeology, geophysical exploration, rock mechanics, mine surveying, and computational mathematics. The importance of effective safety measures and prevention techniques is emphasized, laying the foundation for research focused on the Xingyun coal mine. The brief concludes by highlighting the potential economic and social benefits of this project and its contribution to valuable experience for future subsea coal mining.

Instability mechanism of mining roadway passing through fault at different angles in kilometre-deep mine and control measures of roof cutting and NPR cables

The angle α between the fault strike and the axial direction of the roadway produces different damage characteristics. In this paper, the research methodology includes theoretical analyses, numerical simulations and field experiments in the context of the Daqiang coal mine located in Shenyang, China. The stability control countermeasure of "pre-splitting cutting roof + NPR anchor cable"(PSCR-NPR) is simultaneously proposed. According to the different deformation characteristics of the roadway, the faults are innovatively classified into three types, with α of type I being 0°-30°, α of type II being 30°-60°, and α of type III being 60°-90°. The full-cycle stress evolution paths during mining roadway traverses across different types of faults are investigated by numerical simulation. Different pinch angles α lead to high stress concentration areas at different locations in the surrounding rock. The non-uniform stress field formed in the shallow surrounding rock is an important reason for the instability of the roadway. The pre-cracked cut top shifted the high stress region to the deep rock mass and formed a low stress region in the shallow rock mass. The high prestressing NPR anchor cable transforms the non-uniform stress field of the shallow surrounding rock into a uniform stress field. PSCR-NPR is applied in the fault-through roadway of Daqiang mine. The low stress area of the surrounding rock was enlarged by 3-7 times, and the cumulative convergence was reduced by 45%-50%. It provides a reference for the stability control of the deep fault-through mining roadway.

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.

Stability control measures for roof cutting and NPR supporting of mining roadways in fault areas of kilometre-deep coal mine

The study focuses on the stability control measures for mining roadways in fault zones of deep mines,using Daqiang Coal Mine as a case study.The control system under consideration,referred to as"pre-splitting cutting roof+NPR anchor cable"(PSCR-NPR),is subjected to scrutiny through theoretical analysis,numerical modelling,and field trials.Furthermore,a comprehensive analysis is undertaken to evaluate the stability control mechanism of this particular technology.The study provides evidence that the utilization of deep-hole directional energy-concentrated blasting facilitates the attainment of directional roof cutting in roadways.The aforementioned procedure leads to the formation of a uniform structural surface on the roof of the roadway and causes modifications in the surrounding geological formation.The examination of the lateral abutment pressure and shear stress distribution,both prior to and subsequent to roof cutting,indicates that the implementation of pre-splitting techniques leads to a noteworthy reduction in pressure.The proposition of incorporating the safety factor Q for roof cutting height is suggested as a method to augment comprehension of the pressure relief phenomenon in the field of engineering.The analysis of numerical simulation has indicated that the optimal pressure relief effect of a mining roadway in a fault area is attained when the value of Q is 1.8.The NPR anchor cable exhibits noteworthy characteristics,including a high level of prestress,continuous resistance,and substantial deformation.After the excavation of the roadway,a notable reduction in radial stress occurs,leading to the reinstatement of the three-phase stress state in the surrounding rock.This restoration is attributed to the substantial prestress exerted on the radial stress.The termination point of the NPR anchor cable is strategically positioned within a stable rock formation,allowing for the utilization of the mechanical characteristics of the deep stable rock mass.This positioning serves to improve the load-bearing capacity of the surrounding rock.The mining roadway within the fault region of Daqiang Coal Mine is outfitted with the PSCR-NPR technology.The drop in shear stress experienced by the rock surrounding the roadway is estimated to be around 30%,whilst the low-stress region of the mining roadway extends by a factor of approximately 5.5.The magnitude of surface displacement convergence experiences a decrease of approximately 45%-50%.The study’s findings provide useful insights regarding the stable of mining roadway in characterized by fault zones.

Ground fissure development regularity and formation mechanism of shallow buried coal seam mining with Karst landform in Jiaozi coal mine: a case study

A comprehensive study was undertaken at Jiaozi coal mine to investigate the development regularity of ground fissures in shallow buried coal seam mining with Karst landform,shedding light on the development type,geographical distribution,dynamic development process,and failure mechanism of these ground fissures by employing field monitoring,numerical simulation,and theoretical analysis.The findings demonstrate that ground fissure development has an obvious feature of subregion,and its geographical distribution is significantly affected by topography.Tensile type,open type,and stepped type are three different categories of ground fissure.Ground fissures emerge dynamically as the panel advances,and they typically develop with a distance of less than periodic weighting step distance in advance of panel advancing position.Ground fissures present the dynamic development feature,temporary fissure has the ability of self-healing.The dynamic development process of ground fissure with closed-distance coal seam repeated mining is expounded,and the development scale is a dynamic development stage of“closure→expansion→stabilized”on the basis of the original development scale.From the perspective of topsoil deformation,the computation model considering two points movement vectors towards two directions of the gob and the ground surface is established,the development criterion considering the critical deformation value of topsoil is obtained.The mechanical model of hinged structure of inclined body is proposed to clarify the ground fissure development,and the interaction between slope activity and ground fissure development is expounded.These research results fulfill the gap of ground fissures about development regularity and formation mechanism,and can contribute to ground fissure prevention and treatment with Karst landform.

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.

Preface:Heavy metal(loid)s at mining&metallurgical sites:Fate,risk and remediation

The contamination of heavy metal(loid)s at mining&metallurgical sites has been a major environmental challenge worldwide[1].Typically,large amounts of metal(loid)s-bearing wastes are generated at these sites,such as smelting slag,combustion residues,mine tailings,wastewater,and exhaust gas[2].Due to their high mobility in the environment,the released heavy metal(loid)s can easily enter the soil and water environment,posing long-term and widespread threats to ecological and human health[3].

Assessing the conservation impact of Chinese indigenous chicken populations between ex-situ and in-situ using genome-wide SNPs

Conservation programs require rigorous evaluation to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity and viability of conservation populations. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of two indigenous Chinese chicken breeds, Gushi and Xichuan black-bone, using whole-genome SNPs to understand their genetic diversity, track changes over time and population structure. The breeds were divided into five conservation populations(GS1, 2010, ex-situ;GS2, 2019, ex-situ;GS3, 2019, in-situ;XB1, 2010, in-situ;and XB2, 2019, in-situ) based on conservation methods and generations. The genetic diversity indices of three conservation populations of Gushi chicken showed consistent trends, with the GS3 population under in-situ strategy having the highest diversity and GS2 under ex-situ strategy having the lowest. The degree of inbreeding of GS2 was higher than that of GS1 and GS3. Conserved populations of Xichuan black-bone chicken showed no obvious changes in genetic diversity between XB1 and XB2. In terms of population structure, the GS3 population were stratified relative to GS1 and GS2. According to the conservation priority, GS3 had the highest contribution to the total gene and allelic diversity in GS breed, whereas the contribution of XB1 and XB2 were similar. We also observed that the genetic diversity of GS2 was lower than GS3, which were from the same generation but under different conservation programs(in-situ and ex-situ). While XB1 and XB2 had similar levels of genetic diversity. Overall, our findings suggested that the conservation programs performed in ex-situ could slow down the occurrence of inbreeding events, but could not entirely prevent the loss of genetic diversity when the conserved population size was small, while in-situ conservation populations with large population size could maintain a relative high level of genetic diversity.

In-situ AFM and quasi-in-situ studies for localized corrosion in Mg-9Al-1Fe-(Gd) alloys under 3.5 wt.% NaCl environment

Revealing the localized corrosion process of Mg alloy is considered as one of the most significant ways for improving its corrosion resistance.The reliable monitor should be high distinguishability and real-time in liquid environment.Herein,Mg-9Al-1Fe and Mg-9Al-1Fe-1Gd alloys were designed to highlight the impact of intermetallic on the corrosion behaviour.In-situ AFM with a special electrolyte circulation system and quasi-in-situ SEM observation were used to monitor the corrosion process of the designed alloys.SEM-EDS and TEM-SAED were applied to identify the intermetallic in the designed alloys,and their volta potentials were measured by SKPFM.According to the real-time and real-space in-situ AFM monitor,the corrosion process consisted of dissolution of anodicα-Mg phase,accumulation of corrosion products around cathodic phase and shedding of some fine cathodic phase.Then,the localized corrosion process of Mg alloy was revealed combined with the results of the monitor of corrosion process and Volta potential difference.

Sustainable Mining in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

The mining sector historically drove the global economy but at the expense of severe environmental and health repercussions,posing sustainability challenges[1]-[3].Recent advancements on artificial intelligence(AI)are revolutionizing mining through robotic and data-driven innovations[4]-[7].While AI offers mining industry advantages,it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with its widespread use.Over-reliance on AI may lead to a loss of human control over mining operations in the future,resulting in unpredictable consequences.

An in-situ study of static recrystallization in Mg using high temperature EBSD

It has been a common method to improve the mechanical properties of metals by manipulating their microstructures via static recrystallization,i.e.,through heat treatment.Therefore,the knowledge of recrystallization and grain growth is critical to the success of the technique.In the present work,by using in-situ high temperature EBSD,the mechanisms that control recrystallization and grain growth of an extruded pure Mg were studied.The experimental results revealed that the grains of priority for dynamic recrystallization exhibit fading competitiveness under static recrystallization.It is also found that grain boundary movement or grain growth is likely to show an inverse energy gradient effect,i.e.,low energy grains tend to swallow or grow into high energy grains,and grain boundaries of close to 30°exhibit superior growth advantage to others.Another finding is that{10-12}tensile twin boundaries are sites of hardly observed for recrystallization,and are finally swallowed by adjacent recrystallized grains.The above findings may give comprehensive insights of static recrystallization and grain growth of Mg,and may guide the design of advanced materials processing in microstructural engineering.

Using X Social Networks (formerly Twitter) and web news mining to predict the measles outbreak

Measles,an infectious disease caused by the measles virus,remains a significant public health concern worldwide due to its highly contagious nature and potential for severe complications[1].In addition to symptoms such as high fever,cough,Koplik spots,and rash,measles can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and myocarditis,particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children[1,2].

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.

A continuous and long-term in-situ stress measuring method based on fiber optic. Part I: Theory of inverse differential strain analysis

A method for in-situ stress measurement via fiber optics was proposed. The method utilizes the relationship between rock mass elastic parameters and in-situ stress. The approach offers the advantage of long-term stress measurements with high spatial resolution and frequency, significantly enhancing the ability to measure in-situ stress. The sensing casing, spirally wrapped with fiber optic, is cemented into the formation to establish a formation sensing nerve. Injecting fluid into the casing generates strain disturbance, establishing the relationship between rock mass properties and treatment pressure.Moreover, an optimization algorithm is established to invert the elastic parameters of formation via fiber optic strains. In the first part of this paper series, we established the theoretical basis for the inverse differential strain analysis method for in-situ stress measurement, which was subsequently verified using an analytical model. This paper is the fundamental basis for the inverse differential strain analysis method.

Integrated biomarker response to assess toxic impacts of iron and manganese on deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons under a deep-sea mining activity scenario

Deep-sea mining activities can potentially release metals,which pose a toxicological threat to deep-sea ecosystems.Nevertheless,due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the deep-sea biosphere,there is insufficient knowledge about the impact of metal exposure on its inhabitants.In this study,deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons,a commonly used deep-sea toxicology model organism,was exposed to manganese(100,1000μg/L)or iron(500,5000μg/L)for 7 d,respectively.Manganese and iron were chosen for their high levels of occurrence within deep-sea deposits.Metal accumulation and a battery of biochemical biomarkers related to antioxidative stress in superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),malondialdehyde(MDA);immune function in alkaline phosphatase(AKP),acid phosphatase(ACP);and energy metabolism in pyruvate kinase(PK)and hexokinase(HK)were assessed in mussel gills.Results showed that deep-sea mussel G.platifrons exhibited a high capacity to accumulate Mn/Fe.In addition,most tested biochemical parameters were altered by metal exposure,demonstrating that metals could induce oxidative stress,suppress the immune system,and affect energy metabolism of deep-sea mussels.The integrated biomarker response(IBR)approach indicated that the exposure to Mn/Fe had a negative impact on deep-sea mussels,and Mn demonstrated a more harmful impact on deep-sea mussels than Fe.Additionally,SOD and CAT biomarkers had the greatest impact on IBR values in Mn treatments,while ACP and HK were most influential for the low-and high-dose Fe groups,respectively.This study represents the first application of the IBR approach to evaluate the toxicity of metals on deep-sea fauna and serves as a crucial framework for risk assessment of deep-sea mining-associated metal exposure.

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of(TiC+TiB)/TA15 composites prepared by an in-situ synthesis method

Titanium matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles are considered a promising engineering material due to their combination of high specific strength,low density,and high modulus.In this study,the TA15-based composites reinforced with a volume fraction of 10% to 25%(TiB+TiC)were prepared using powder metallurgy and casting technique.Microstructural characterization and phase constitution were examined using optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and X-ray diffraction(XRD).In addition,the microhardness,room temperature(RT)and high temperature(HT)tensile properties of the composites were evaluated.Results revealed that the reinforcements are distributed uniformly even in the composites with a high volume of TiB and TiC.However,as the volume fraction exceeds 15%,TiB and TiC particles become coarsening and exhibit rod-like and dendritic-like morphology.Microhardness increases gradually from 321.2 HV for the base alloy to a maximum of 473.3 HV as the reinforcement increases to 25vol.%.Tensile test results indicate that a reinforcement volume fraction above 20% is beneficial for enhancing tensile strength and yield strength at high temperatures,but it has an adverse effect on room temperature elongation.Conversely,if the reinforcement volume fraction is below 20%,it can improve high-temperature elongation when the temperature exceeds 600℃.

An in-situ self-etching enabled high-power electrode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Sluggish storage kinetics is considered as the main bottleneck of cathode materials for fast-charging aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs).In this report,we propose a novel in-situ self-etching strategy to unlock the Palm tree-like vanadium oxide/carbon nanofiber membrane(P-VO/C)as a robust freestanding electrode.Comprehensive investigations including the finite element simulation,in-situ X-ray diffraction,and in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy disclosed it an electrochemically induced phase transformation mechanism from VO to layered Zn_(x)V_(2)O_5·nH_(2)O,as well as superior storage kinetics with ultrahigh pseudocapacitive contribution.As demonstrated,such electrode can remain a specific capacity of 285 mA h g^(-1)after 100 cycles at 1 A g^(-1),144.4 mA h g^(-1)after 1500 cycles at 30 A g^(-1),and even 97 mA h g^(-1)after 3000 cycles at 60 A g^(-1),respectively.Unexpectedly,an impressive power density of 78.9 kW kg^(-1)at the super-high current density of 100 A g^(-1)also can be achieved.Such design concept of in-situ self-etching free-standing electrode can provide a brand-new insight into extending the pseudocapacitive storage limit,so as to promote the development of high-power energy storage devices including but not limited to AZIBs.

Plant growth and metabolism of exotic and native Crotalaria species for mine land rehabilitation in the Amazon

Despite its enormous benefits,mining is respon-sible for intense changes to vegetation and soil properties.Thus,after extraction,it is necessary to rehabilitate the mined areas,creating better conditions for the establishment of plant species which is challenging.This study evaluated mineral and organic fertilization on the growth,and carbon and nitrogen(N)metabolism of two Crotalaria species[Cro-talaria spectabilis(exotic species)and Crotalaria maypu-rensis(native species from Carajás Mineral Province(CMP)]established on a waste pile from an iron mine in CMP.A control(without fertilizer application)and six fertilization mixtures were tested(i=NPK;ii=NPK+micronutrients;iii=NPK+micronutrients+organic compost;iv=PK;v=PK+micronutrients;vi=PK+micronutrients+organic compost).Fertilization contributed to increased growth of both species,and treatments with NPK and micronutrients had the best results(up to 257%cf.controls),while organic fertilization did not show differences.Exotic Crotalaria had a greater number of nodules,higher nodule dry mass,chlorophyll a and b contents and showed free ammonium as the predominant N form,reflecting greater increments in biomass compared to native species.Although having lower growth,the use of this native species in the rehabilitation of mining areas should be considered,mainly because it has good development and meets current government legislation as an opportunity to restore local biodiversity.