Exploitation
E. Bakhtavar; A. Jafarpour; S. Yousefi
Abstract
In order to catch up with reality, all the macro-decisions related to long-term mining production planning must be made simultaneously and under uncertain conditions of determinant parameters. By taking advantage of the chance-constrained programming, this paper presents a stochastic model to create ...
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In order to catch up with reality, all the macro-decisions related to long-term mining production planning must be made simultaneously and under uncertain conditions of determinant parameters. By taking advantage of the chance-constrained programming, this paper presents a stochastic model to create an optimal strategy for producing bimetallic deposit open-pit mines under certain and uncertain conditions. The uncertainties of grade, price per product, and capacities of the various stages in the process of production of the final product were considered. The results of solving the deterministic and stochastic models showed that the stochastic model had a greater compatibility and performance than the other ones.
Sh. Rahimi; M. Ataee-pour; H. Madani
Abstract
Methane has been known as a safety risk for the coal mining activities. Accordingly, one can mitigate this risk, and hence, the level of hazard to which the mining workers are exposed, by predicting the possible exceedance of allowable methane dosage should be provided with a reliable information on ...
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Methane has been known as a safety risk for the coal mining activities. Accordingly, one can mitigate this risk, and hence, the level of hazard to which the mining workers are exposed, by predicting the possible exceedance of allowable methane dosage should be provided with a reliable information on the distribution of methane across the working face considering the uncertainties associated with the gas content of such deposits. In this work, the gas content uncertainty in a coal seam is first investigated using the geo-statistical simulation. Then a method is proposed in order to predict methane gas emission based on the Monte Carlo random simulation method. Next, the results obtained are introduced into a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to estimate the methane distribution considering the uncertainty associated with the gas content. Defined as zones where the methane concentration is so high that an explosion is much likely to occur, the elevated methane zones (EMZs) are delineated across the working faces. The results obtained show that UGC has an impact on the ventilation parameters and EMZs. The proposed method could be carried out in order to guide the ventilation design in improving safety.
Hadi Fattahi
Abstract
The uniaxial compressive strength of weak rocks (UCSWR) is among the essential parameters involved for the design of underground excavations, surface and underground mines, foundations in/on rock masses, and oil wells as an input factor of some analytical and empirical methods such as RMR and RMI. The ...
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The uniaxial compressive strength of weak rocks (UCSWR) is among the essential parameters involved for the design of underground excavations, surface and underground mines, foundations in/on rock masses, and oil wells as an input factor of some analytical and empirical methods such as RMR and RMI. The direct standard approaches are difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, especially with highly fractured, highly porous, weak, and homogeneous rocks. Numerous endeavors have been made to develop indirect approaches of predicting UCSWR. In this research work, a new intelligence method, namely relevance vector regression (RVR), improved by the cuckoo search (CS) and harmony search (HS) algorithms is introduced to forecast UCSWR. The HS and CS algorithms are combined with RVR to determine the optimal values for the RVR controlling factors. The optimized models (RVR-HS and RVR-CS) are employed to the available data given in the open-source literature. In these models, the bulk density, Brazilian tensile strength test, point load index test, and ultrasonic test are used as the inputs, while UCSWR is the output parameter. The performances of the suggested predictive models are tested according to two performance indices, i.e. mean square error and determination coefficient. The results obtained show that RVR optimized by the HS model can be successfully utilized for estimation of UCSWR with R2 = 0.9903 and MSE = 0.0031203.
Hasan Alizadeh; Mahnaz Nedaei; Negar Tirandaz
Abstract
One of the significant negative factors involved in exploiting granite stones as ornamental stones is the presence of heterogeneous fractures within the rock mass. Joints can either be destructive or beneficial in the production granite piles and building stone mines depending on their characteristics. ...
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One of the significant negative factors involved in exploiting granite stones as ornamental stones is the presence of heterogeneous fractures within the rock mass. Joints can either be destructive or beneficial in the production granite piles and building stone mines depending on their characteristics. This work focuses on evaluating the joints in the Divchal mine area of Kelardasht, north Iran. To get to that point, the main faults are surveyed from the aerial photograph, geological and tectonic maps, and field observations. According to this implementation, a density map of faults is provided for the entire studied area. The characteristics of the main joints including the length, slope, number, and orientation are collected in the mine area. The volumetric percentage of joints ( ) and joint set spacing ( ) parameters are computed at specific stations to identify suitable locations for granite extraction. The findings of this work suggest that the lower the value of ( < 10), the larger the blocks can be extracted. On the other hand, at the high values, the width of the extraction block increases. These conditions are typically found in locations far from the main faults where the density of joints is low, and as a result, the distance between joints is higher. The values > 60 indicate a crushed rock mass, and are typically observed in clay-free shear zones. It is recommended that the opening of the working face be avoided in situations near the main faults due to the fragmentation of rocks and denser joint spacing.
Exploration
Kamran Mostafaei; Mohammad Nabi Kianpour; Mahyar Yousefi
Abstract
Mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) is a multi-staged process aiming at delimiting exploration targets. Experts’ knowledge is an indispensable component of MPM, and might be required (i) while translating signature features of ore-forming processes into a suite of maps, namely evidence layers, ...
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Mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) is a multi-staged process aiming at delimiting exploration targets. Experts’ knowledge is an indispensable component of MPM, and might be required (i) while translating signature features of ore-forming processes into a suite of maps, namely evidence layers, (ii) while assigning weights to evidence layers, and (iii) while interpreting maps of mineral prospectivity. The latter is important as MPM integrates weighted evidence layers into a continuous map of mineral prospectivity. Although high values in prospectivity maps pertain to prospective zones, maps of mineral prospectivity are devoid of interpretation. One, therefore, should adopt a classification scheme to categorize or prioritize exploration targets from a map of mineral prospectivity. In addition to previous frameworks applied for interpreting maps of mineral prospectivity, this paper introduces an optimization-based framework, the Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithm, for addressing this problem. In addition to GWO, we also used percentile maps of 85, 90, and 95% for interpreting the results of our prospectivity model. These methods were applied to a fuzzy-based map of mineral prospectivity derived for the Alut area, NW Iran. Overall, the map derived by the GWO has involved more Au occurrences, 66% of explored Au occurrences by GWO versus 33% by percentile maps; also introduces more targets as high-potential zones of Au mineralization that may be neglected by traditional methods like percentile maps.
Exploitation
E. Ghasemi
Abstract
In underground excavation, where the road-headers are employed, a precise prediction of the road-header performance has a vital role in the economy of the project. In this paper, a new model is developed for prediction of the road-header performance using the non-linear multivariate regression analysis. ...
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In underground excavation, where the road-headers are employed, a precise prediction of the road-header performance has a vital role in the economy of the project. In this paper, a new model is developed for prediction of the road-header performance using the non-linear multivariate regression analysis. This model is able to estimate the instantaneous cutting rate (ICR) of roadheader based on rock properties such as Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), rock mass cuttability index (RMCI), and alpha angle (α: is the angle between the tunnel axis and the planes of weakness). In order to construct and test the proposed model, a database including 62 cutting cases is used in the Tabas coal mine No. 1 in Iran. Various statistical performance indices were employed to evaluate the model efficiency. The results obtained indicate that the proposed non-linear regression model can be efficiently used to predict the road-header cutting performance. Furthermore, the prediction capacity of this model is better than the empirical models developed previously. Finally, it should be noted that the developed model is site-specific, and it can be used for preliminary estimation of ICR in future phases of Tabas coal mine No. 1. The outcome of this model can be helpful in adjustment of time-scheduling of the project.
Rock Mechanics
R. Rafiee; A. Azarfar
Abstract
One of the main concerns of an underground coal mining engineer is the safety and stability of the mine. One way that the safety and stability can be ensured is to know and understand the coal mine geology and how it reacts to the mining process. One technique that has shown a lot of success in the coal ...
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One of the main concerns of an underground coal mining engineer is the safety and stability of the mine. One way that the safety and stability can be ensured is to know and understand the coal mine geology and how it reacts to the mining process. One technique that has shown a lot of success in the coal mining industry for geologic technical evaluation purposes is the coal mine roof rating (CMRR). The CMRR classification is based on geotechnical data taken from the immediate roof layers within the mine. Since the uncertainty exists in geotechnical data, and CMRR process depends on the expert’s idea implicitly, the final value may be inaccurate. In this paper, the fuzzy type 2 is used to overcome this uncertainty. To design the fuzzy system for calculating the CMRR, only quantitative variables (UCS, spacing, and persistence) are considered as fuzzy inputs. Finally, the scores of CMRR and FCMRR for four units of Riccall mine are compared.
Exploitation
P. Afzal; M. Yusefi; M. Mirzaie; E. Ghadiri-Sufi; S. Ghasemzadeh; L. Daneshvar Saein
Abstract
The aim of this work was to delineate the prospects of podiform-type chromite by staged factor analysis and geochemical mineralization prospectivity index in Balvard area, SE Iran. The stream sediment data and fault density were used as the exploration features for prospectivity modeling in the studied ...
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The aim of this work was to delineate the prospects of podiform-type chromite by staged factor analysis and geochemical mineralization prospectivity index in Balvard area, SE Iran. The stream sediment data and fault density were used as the exploration features for prospectivity modeling in the studied area. In this regard, two continuous fuzzified evidence layers were generated and integrated using fuzzy operator. Then fractal modeling was used for defuzzification of the prospectivity model obtained. Furthermore, the prediction-area plot was used for evaluation of the predictive ability of the generated target areas. The results obtained showed that using the prospectivity model, 82% of mineral occurrences was predicted in 18% of the studied area. In addition, the target areas were correlated with the geological particulars including ultrabasic and serpentinization rocks, the host rocks of the podiform-type chromite deposit type.
M. Davood Yavari; H. Haeri; V. Sarfarazi; M. Fatehi Marji; H. A. Lazemi
Abstract
Investigating the crack propagation mechanism is of paramount importance in analyzing the failure process of most materials. This process may be exposed during each kind of loading on the materials. In this work, the cracking mechanism in rock-like materials is studied using the numerical methods and ...
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Investigating the crack propagation mechanism is of paramount importance in analyzing the failure process of most materials. This process may be exposed during each kind of loading on the materials. In this work, the cracking mechanism in rock-like materials is studied using the numerical methods and compared with the experimental test results. However, the mechanism of crack growth in brittle materials such as rocks is influenced by different parameters. This research work focuses on the effect of the initial crack angles on the crack growth paths of these materials. Some cubic samples containing pre-existing cracks are tested in compression by considering different flaw orientations. The specimens are made of cement, water, and sand. Moreover, the mentioned process is numerically simulated using three different methods: the finite difference method for discontinuous bodies or discrete element method, the displacement discontinuity method, and the versatile finite element method. The micro-parameters for simulation are gained by the trial-and-error procedure for the discrete element method. Eventually, the crack growth paths observed in the experiments are compared with the numerically simulated models. The results obtained show that these central cracks propagate in two ways, which are dependent on their initial angle. By increasing the initial crack angle to greater than 30° (α > 30°), the wing crack path moves further away from the initial crack, and by decreasing α to smaller than 30° (α < 30°), only the shear cracks are initiated. Therefore, the validity and accuracy of the results are manifested by comparing all the corresponding results obtained by different methods. Based on these results, it can generally be concluded that the strength of the cubic (rock material) specimens increases with increase in the crack angles with respect to the applied loading direction.
S. Akbari; Sh. Zare; H. Chakeri; H. Mirzaei Nasir Abad
Abstract
Evaluation of the interaction between a new and the existing underground structures is one of the important problems in urban tunneling. In this work, using FLAC3D, four numerical models of single- and twin-tube tunnels in urban areas are developed, where the horizontal distance between the single- and ...
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Evaluation of the interaction between a new and the existing underground structures is one of the important problems in urban tunneling. In this work, using FLAC3D, four numerical models of single- and twin-tube tunnels in urban areas are developed, where the horizontal distance between the single- and twin-tube tunnels are varied. The aim is to analyze the effects of the horizontal distances, considering various criteria such as the deformation of linings, the forces and moments exerted on the twin-tube tunnels and their safety factors, the subsidence that occur on the surface and the nearby buildings, the stability of the single-tube tunnel, and the stability of the pillar lying between the single- and twin-tube tunnels. Considering the above-mentioned criteria, the results obtained indicate that the interaction between the single- and twin-tube tunnels is virtually negligible in the distance more than three times the single-tube tunnel diameter. Also the stability of the pillar lying between the tunnels makes the distance to be chosen at least 1.5 times the single-tube tunnel diameter.
Azadeh Agah; Faramarz Doulati Ardejani; Mohamad Javad Azinfar
Abstract
This work investigates the reactive transport of volatile hydrocarbons in the unconfined aquifer system of Tehran oil refinery and the industrial area of Ray, Tehran. A 2D finite volume model is presented to predict the soil gas contamination caused by LNAPL traveling on the phreatic surface through ...
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This work investigates the reactive transport of volatile hydrocarbons in the unconfined aquifer system of Tehran oil refinery and the industrial area of Ray, Tehran. A 2D finite volume model is presented to predict the soil gas contamination caused by LNAPL traveling on the phreatic surface through the vadose zone of the aquifer incorporating physical, chemical, and biological processes. A multi-purpose commercial software called PHOENICS is modified by incorporating extra codes to solve the model equations numerically. The model predictions closely agree with the field measurements, showing that the LNAPL migration is typically affected by the volatilization process. LNAPLs represent a potential long-term source of soil and groundwater contamination in the studied site. A comparison of the simulation results in a time step of 36 years with the results of field studies shows that the presented numerical model can simulate the reaction transfer of evaporated hydrocarbons in the unsaturated region. The concentrations have decreased in the time step of 36 years compared to the values shown in the time step of 50 years. This decrease in the hydrocarbon gas-phase concentrations in the unsaturated zone is due to excavations at the site for field studies. Through these excavations, a significant volume of the gaseous phase trapped below the earth's surface is released into the atmosphere, which reduces the accumulation of volatile gases beneath the earth's surface.
Vaibhav Sharma; Andy Kwame Yeboah; Joshua Asare; Natillio Pillay; Jaspreet Singh
Abstract
The presence of any underground cavity in the soil stratum can seriously harm the structural performance of the overlying facility. These may develop because of mining, tunneling, water, and gas networks or outdated channels. In the present investigation, a circular void is considered, and its effect ...
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The presence of any underground cavity in the soil stratum can seriously harm the structural performance of the overlying facility. These may develop because of mining, tunneling, water, and gas networks or outdated channels. In the present investigation, a circular void is considered, and its effect on the surface strip footing (in the form of ultimate load (UL), ultimate settlement (US), footing tilting, and footing horizontal displacement (HD)) is studied using numerical simulation. The variable parameters are load eccentricity (e), load inclination (α), and geogrid reinforcement location (u). It is observed that as the load inclination and eccentricity increases, the UL decreases. For instance, in the unreinforced soil, u/B = 0, at load inclination of α = 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30°, the UL is 249, 200, 142, and 97 kN/m, respectively. Moreover, as the geo-grid location is changed, the UL first increases when placed near the footing (u/B = 0.10), and thereafter, starts to decrease as the distance between footing and geo-grid increases. For instance, the UL is 249, 278, 267, 260, 259, and 256 kN/m when e/B = 0.0, α = 0°, and u/B varies from 0 to 0.5 with an increment of 0.1. The tilting increases as the eccentricity is increased; for example, u/B = 0.0 for α = 0°; the tilting values are 0°, 0.12°, 0.31°, and 0.61°. Moreover, as the load eccentricity increases, the HD decreases (for u/B = 0.1 and α = 10°, the HD is 4.20, 3.5, 3.00, and 2.60 mm, respectively.
Rock Mechanics
H. Zebarjadi Dana; R. Khaloo Kakaie; R. Rafiee; A.R. Yarahmadi Bafghi
Abstract
Slope stability analysis is one of the most important problems in mining and geotechnical engineering. Ignoring the importance of these problems can lead to significant losses. Selecting an appropriate method to analyze the slope stability requires a proper understanding of how different factors influence ...
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Slope stability analysis is one of the most important problems in mining and geotechnical engineering. Ignoring the importance of these problems can lead to significant losses. Selecting an appropriate method to analyze the slope stability requires a proper understanding of how different factors influence the outputs of the analyses. This paper evaluates the effects of considering the real geometry, changes in the mesh size, and steepness of the slope, as the dimensional effects, and changes in the geomechanical parameters, as the media effects on the global slope stability of an open-pit mine using finite difference methods with a strength reduction technique. The case study is the Tectonic Block I in the old pit (steep slope) and the redesigned new pit (gentle slope) of the Choghart iron mine. In the first step, a series of 2D and 3D slope stability analyses are performed and compared in terms of safety and potential failure surface. The results obtained show that by considering the real geometry of the slope, the FOS3D/FOS2D ratio (3D-effect) is more than 1 in the all cases. The 3D-effect in the new pit is smaller than that in the old one. In the next step, sensitivity analysis of the cohesion and the friction angle is performed for the 2D and 3D analyses. The results obtained show that the sensitivity of the analyses in terms of the 3D-effect to the change in the friction angle, especially in a low-friction angle, is more significant than that to the change in the cohesion.
Rock Mechanics
H. Sarfaraz; M. H. Khosravi; M. Amini
Abstract
In layered and blocky rock slopes, toppling failure is a common mode of instability that may occur in mining engineering. If this type of slope failure occurs as a consequence of another type of failure, it is referred to as the secondary toppling failure. “Slide-head-toppling” is a type ...
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In layered and blocky rock slopes, toppling failure is a common mode of instability that may occur in mining engineering. If this type of slope failure occurs as a consequence of another type of failure, it is referred to as the secondary toppling failure. “Slide-head-toppling” is a type of secondary toppling failures, where the upper part of the slope is toppled as a consequence of a semi-circular sliding failure at the toe of the slope. In this research work, the slide-head-toppling failure is examined through a series of numerical modeling. Phase 2, as a software written based on the finite element method, is used in this work. Different types of slide-head-toppling failures including blocky, block-flexural, and flexural are simulated. A good agreement can be observed when the results of the numerical modeling are compared with those for the pre-existing physical modeling and analytical method.
Exploration
Jairo Jhonatan Marquina Araujo; Marco Antonio Cotrina Teatino; José Nestor Mamani Quispe; Eduardo Manuel Noriega Vidal; Juan Antonio Vega Gonzalez; Juan Vega-Gonzalez; Juan Cruz-Galvez
Abstract
The objective of this research work to employ machine learning techniques including Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Networks (ANN-MLP), Random Forests (RFs), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) to predict copper ore grades in a copper deposit located in Peru. ...
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The objective of this research work to employ machine learning techniques including Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Networks (ANN-MLP), Random Forests (RFs), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) to predict copper ore grades in a copper deposit located in Peru. The models were developed using 5654 composites containing available geological information (rock type), as well as the locations of the samples (east, north, and altitude) and secondary ore grade (Mo) obtained from drilling wells. The data was divided into 10% (565 composites) for testing, 10% (565 composites) for validation, and 80% (4523 composites) for training. The evaluation metrics included SSE (Sum of Squared Errors), RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error), NMSE (Normalized Mean Squared Error), and R² (Coefficient of Determination). The XGBoost model could predict the ore grade with an SSE of 15.67, RMSE = 0.17, NMSE = 0.34, and R² = 0.66, the RFs model with an SSE of 16.40, RMSE = 0.17, NMSE = 0.36, and R² = 0.65, the SVR model with an SSE of 19.94, RMSE = 0.19, NMSE = 0.43, and R² = 0.57, and the ANN-MLP model with an SSE = 21.00, RMSE = 0.19, NMSE = 0.46, and R² = 0.55. In conclusion, the XGBoost model was the most effective in predicting copper ore grades.
S. Zare; M. Maleki Moghaddam; J. Pourshaabadi
Abstract
The energy consumed by the comminution equipment accounts for the main part of the operating cost of the mineral processing plants. In order to conserve energy, attempts were made to increase the efficiency of the conventional comminution equipment. As a case study, in this research work, a process audit ...
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The energy consumed by the comminution equipment accounts for the main part of the operating cost of the mineral processing plants. In order to conserve energy, attempts were made to increase the efficiency of the conventional comminution equipment. As a case study, in this research work, a process audit was carried out in the comminution plant of the Steel-Sirjan Iron Ore Complex in order to find the low-cost solutions to improve the product quality and decrease the maintenance and operating costs. Three main steps of the audit were (1) studying the operating manuals and checking the standard process procedures, (2) process data analyzing, and (3) proposing and implementing the proper solutions. Plant audit revealed a low equipment efficiency. The main defects were the crusher operation in the half-full condition, high pressure grinding roll (HPGR) operation in a non-standard condition, high amounts of rejected materials in the HPGR circuit, and low efficiency of the screen. Following this, a series of modifications were made in the crushing and grinding circuit. This consequently caused an increase of 9.3% in the crushing plant throughput in the choked condition of the crushers as opposed to the half-full condition. By increasing the HPGR operational pressure and the hopper level, BBWI of the HPGR product in the super-choked condition was decreased from 16± 0.20 kWh/t to 14.9± 0.25 kWh/t. By modifying the screen process, the circulating load decreased from 79% to 59%, and the screen efficiency increased from 63.5% to 89.5%.The energy consumed by the comminution equipment accounts for the main part of the operating cost of the mineral processing plants. In order to conserve energy, attempts were made to increase the efficiency of the conventional comminution equipment. As a case study, in this research work, a process audit was carried out in the comminution plant of the Steel-Sirjan Iron Ore Complex in order to find the low-cost solutions to improve the product quality and decrease the maintenance and operating costs. Three main steps of the audit were (1) studying the operating manuals and checking the standard process procedures, (2) process data analyzing, and (3) proposing and implementing the proper solutions. Plant audit revealed a low equipment efficiency. The main defects were the crusher operation in the half-full condition, high pressure grinding roll (HPGR) operation in a non-standard condition, high amounts of rejected materials in the HPGR circuit, and low efficiency of the screen. Following this, a series of modifications were made in the crushing and grinding circuit. This consequently caused an increase of 9.3% in the crushing plant throughput in the choked condition of the crushers as opposed to the half-full condition. By increasing the HPGR operational pressure and the hopper level, BBWI of the HPGR product in the super-choked condition was decreased from 16± 0.20 kWh/t to 14.9± 0.25 kWh/t. By modifying the screen process, the circulating load decreased from 79% to 59%, and the screen efficiency increased from 63.5% to 89.5%.
M. Zahiri; K. Goshtasbi; J. Khademi Hamidi; K. Ahangari
Abstract
There is a direct relationship between the efficiency of mechanized excavation in hard rocks and that of disc cutters. Disc cutter wear is an important effective factor involved in the functionality of tunnel boring machines. Replacement of disc cutters is a time-consuming and costly activity that can ...
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There is a direct relationship between the efficiency of mechanized excavation in hard rocks and that of disc cutters. Disc cutter wear is an important effective factor involved in the functionality of tunnel boring machines. Replacement of disc cutters is a time-consuming and costly activity that can significantly reduce the TBM utilization and advance rate, and has a major effect on the total time and cost of the tunneling projects. When these machines bore through hard rocks, the cutter wear considerably affects the excavation process. To evaluate the performance of the cutters, first, it is essential to figure out how they operate the rock cutting mechanism; secondly, it is important to identify the key factors that cause the wear. In this work, we attempt to introduce a comprehensive numerical method for estimation of disc cutter wear. The field data including the actual cutter wear more than 1000 pieces and the geological parameters along the Kani-Sib transmission tunnel in the northwest of Iran are compiled in a special database that is subjected to a statistical analysis in order to reveal the genuine wear rule. The results obtained from the numerical method indicate that with an increase in the wear of disk cutter up to 25 mm, the applied normal and rolling forces can be multiplied by 2.9 and 2.7, respectively, and by passing the critical wear, the disk cutters lose their optimal performance. This method also shows that confining pressure will increase the wear of the disc cutter. By the proposed formulation, the cutter consumption rate can be predicted with a high accuracy.
Ali Dadkhah Tehrani; Reza Shirinabadi
Abstract
The soil's physical and mechanical properties are obtained through laboratory or in-situ tests. The dilatometer is an in-situ tool in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering, and is widely used in developed countries. In the advanced version of this device, a geophone receives ground vibration. Thus ...
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The soil's physical and mechanical properties are obtained through laboratory or in-situ tests. The dilatometer is an in-situ tool in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering, and is widely used in developed countries. In the advanced version of this device, a geophone receives ground vibration. Thus Vs [1] could be obtained at the depth of the blade. This research work investigates the feasibility and performance of the first electronic seismic sensor due to its lower cost, more life span, more sensitivity instead of the geophone, and the ability to transfer signal. These changes make it an online tool connected to Arduino[2], a platform so the digital or analog result could be transferred automatically. The test is carried out under construction of Bahar Shiraz station of Tehran Metro Line 6 at the depth of 30 m. The hammer generates a shear wave, and after amplification, the received signals are measured with the software. The shear wave velocity at the test site is obtained at 504 m/s. The result compared to Vs reported geotechnical investigation done by “Darya-Khak-Pey consulting engineers” for Metro line 6 shows a 10% deviation. It is suggested to conduct more comparative tests to check the results and calibrate. Using an 801-S sensor with more life span (of more than 60 million times) and the ability to connect to the internet with an Arduino board is the innovation applied to introduce a new generation of this tool in the engineering world.
Exploration
Abdallah Atef; Ahmed A. Madani; Adel A. Surour; Mokhles K. Azer
Abstract
This study reports the application of remote sensing data and knowledge-driven GIS modeling to provide favorability maps for gold and copper mineralized areas. The South Gabal Um Monqul (SGUM) and the Gabal Al Kharaza (GKZ) prospects located in the northern Eastern Desert of Egypt are the targets for ...
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This study reports the application of remote sensing data and knowledge-driven GIS modeling to provide favorability maps for gold and copper mineralized areas. The South Gabal Um Monqul (SGUM) and the Gabal Al Kharaza (GKZ) prospects located in the northern Eastern Desert of Egypt are the targets for the present study. Four thematic layers (lithology maps, old trenches buffer analysis, lineament density maps, and alteration zone maps) were prepared and used as inputs for a weighted overlay GIS model. Combined results from false color composite images, particularly the RGB parameters (PC2, PC1, and PC3) and the RGB parameters (MNF1, MNF2, and MNF3) classified the host rocks in both prospects. PCA-based extraction of lineaments was considered using line algorithm of PCI Geomatica. QuickBird band math (G+B), (R+G), and (G-B) for RGB was successful in delineating ancient workings within the mineralized zones. Old trenches layers were buffered to 20 m wide bands extending in all directions. Landsat-8 band ratios imagery (6/5 * 4/5, 6/7, and 6/2) in red, green, and blue (RGB) is potent in defining alteration zones that host gold and copper mineralizations. Acceptable scores of 30%, 30%, 20%, and 20% were assigned for the alteration zone maps, ancient workings buffer analysis, lithology maps and lineament density maps, respectively. Two favorability maps for mineralizations were generated for the SGUM and GKZ prospects. Validation of these maps and their potential application to detect new mineralization sites in the northern Eastern Desert were discussed.
Exploitation
Meisam Saleki; Reza Khaloo Kakaie; Mohammad Ataei; Ali Nouri Qarahasanlou
Abstract
One of the most critical designs in open-pit mining is the ultimate pit limit (UPL). The UPL is frequently computed initially through profit-maximizing algorithms like the Lerchs-Grossman (LG). Then, in order to optimize net present value (NPV), production planning is executed for the blocks that ...
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One of the most critical designs in open-pit mining is the ultimate pit limit (UPL). The UPL is frequently computed initially through profit-maximizing algorithms like the Lerchs-Grossman (LG). Then, in order to optimize net present value (NPV), production planning is executed for the blocks that fall within the designated pit limit. This paper presents a mathematical model of the UPL with NPV maximization, enabling simultaneous determination of the UPL and long-term production planning. Model behavior is nonlinear. Thus, in order to achieve model linearization, the model has been partitioned into two linear sub-problems. The procedure facilitates the model solution and the strategy by decreasing the number of decision variables. Naturally, the model is NP-Hard. As a result, in order to address the issue, the Dynamic Pit Tracker (DPT) heuristic algorithm was devised, accepting economic block models as input. A comparison is made between the economic values and positional weights of blocks throughout the steps in order to identify the most appropriate block. The outcomes of the mathematical model, LG, and Latorre-Golosinski (LAGO) algorithms were assessed in relation to the DPT on a two-dimensional block model. Comparative analysis revealed that the UPLs generated by these algorithms are consistent in this instance. Utilizing the new algorithm to determine UPL for a 3D block model revealed that the final pit profit matched LG UPL by 97.95%.
Ali Entezari; Mohammad Karamoozian; M Eskandari Nasab
Abstract
The possibility of selective leaching process was investigated during molybdenite flue dust leaching to recover its rhenium content. The results show that addition of alcohols to water makes the medium less favorable for molybdenum transfer into aqueous phase. On the other hand, addition of small amounts ...
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The possibility of selective leaching process was investigated during molybdenite flue dust leaching to recover its rhenium content. The results show that addition of alcohols to water makes the medium less favorable for molybdenum transfer into aqueous phase. On the other hand, addition of small amounts of alcohols (5-15%) makes a noticeable separation of rhenium over molybdenum, but by increasing the alcohol content recovery of both metals decreases. More than 90% of Re transferred into leach solution but the corresponding amount for Mo was only about 0.5%.
K. Barani; H. Esmaili
Abstract
In this work, the waste stone sludge obtained from the granite and marble stone processing factories was used for the manufacture of artificial stones using vibratory compaction in a vacuum environment. The results obtained showed that water absorption and density increased, and the flexure, ...
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In this work, the waste stone sludge obtained from the granite and marble stone processing factories was used for the manufacture of artificial stones using vibratory compaction in a vacuum environment. The results obtained showed that water absorption and density increased, and the flexure, compressive, and tensile strengths decreased with increase in the content of the waste stone sludge. These results also demonstrated that by combining 50% of stone sludge, 12% of ground quartz, 25% of waste glass, and 13% of resin at a compaction pressure of 12 MPa, a vibration frequency of 30 Hz, and vacuum conditions at 50 mm Hg, artificial stone slabs with a water absorption less than 0.64, a density less than 2.68, a flexure strength more than 45 MPa, a compressive strength more than 90 MPa, and a tensile strength more than 35 MPa can be obtained. The artificial stone slabs obtained in this research work had good density and water absorption, and flexure, compressive, and tensile strengths compared to the natural stones, and thus they can be regarded as the ideal construction materials for covering walls or paving floors.
Rock Mechanics
M. Rezaei
Abstract
Estimation of the height of caved and fractured zones above a longwall panel along with the stability conditions of the goaf area are very crucial to determine the abutment stresses, ground subsidence, and face support as well as designing the surrounding gates and intervening pillars. In this work, ...
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Estimation of the height of caved and fractured zones above a longwall panel along with the stability conditions of the goaf area are very crucial to determine the abutment stresses, ground subsidence, and face support as well as designing the surrounding gates and intervening pillars. In this work, the height of caving-fracturing zone above the mined panel is considered as the height of destressed zone (HDZ). The long-term estimation of this height plays a key role in the accurate determination of maximum ground surface subsidence and the amount of transferred loads towards the neighbouring solid sections. This paper presents a new stability analysis model of caved material system in the goaf area. For this aim, a theoretical energy-based model of HDZ determination in long-term condition is developed. Then the stability condition of the caved material system is investigated using the principle of minimum potential energy. On the basis of the actual data gathered from the literature, the unstable time period of the caved material system is also calculated. Moreover, the effects of time- and temperature-related parameters and constant coefficients as well as their inherent relations with HDZ are evaluated. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis shows that the two temperature-related constants material constant and time are the most effective variables in HDZ, and the slope of material hardening is the least effective one. The estimated HDZ and the stability time of the caved materials can be successfully applied to determine the induced stress and the maximum surface subsidence, respectively, due to longwall mining.
A. Rezaei; H. Hassani; P. Moarefvand; A. Golmohammadi
Abstract
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an effective and practical geophysical imaging tool, with a wide set of applications in geological mapping of subsurface information. This research study aims at determination of the geophysical parameter differences in the subsurface geological structures and construction ...
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Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an effective and practical geophysical imaging tool, with a wide set of applications in geological mapping of subsurface information. This research study aims at determination of the geophysical parameter differences in the subsurface geological structures and construction of a 3D fracture model. GPR and resistivity methods were applied to detect the unstable tectonic zones in the C-North deposit. Structural geology investigations were, first, surveyed to detect the faults and fractures in the study area. Based on the structural features, the survey was conducted over an area of 1 km2 with a total of 30 profiles and low-resistivity zones in the C-North deposit which is a great help in reducing their impacts in slope stability studies. GPR sections were, then, obtained from low and high frequency antennas (10 and 50 MHz) to detect fractures and water content zones. The obtained data results demonstrated that the major structural trends in the study area were W–E, NE–SW, and NW–SE while fault zones that can create pathways for groundwater inflow into the deposit in the future. Information obtained from geological and GPR studies were also integrated with drill hole data. The geological information from structures are in good agreement with the actual geological situation. Method and results of this study could be useful in solving problems related to subsurface structures in mining engineering.
N. R. Ahmadi; P. Afzal; A. B. Yasrebi
Abstract
This work aims to classify the gas content zones for coking coal deposits using a Number-Size (N-S) fractal modeling considering the explosive and free gas data. The case study is the C1 coking coal seam in the Parvadeh-4 coal deposit in the central Iran. Following this, the N-S log-log plots are created, ...
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This work aims to classify the gas content zones for coking coal deposits using a Number-Size (N-S) fractal modeling considering the explosive and free gas data. The case study is the C1 coking coal seam in the Parvadeh-4 coal deposit in the central Iran. Following this, the N-S log-log plots are created, which indicate three populations regarding both the explosive and gas data exist. Proper zones for both data in the C1 coking coal seam have explosive and free gas contents lower than 9.5 m3/ton and 1.3 m3/ton, respectively. The low-value gas content zone is located in the western part of the studied area, which is in the lowest depth of this coal seam. In addition, a high-value content zone exists in the E, NE, and SW parts of this area with explosive and free gas contents higher than 13.8 m3/ton and 2.2 m3/ton, respectively. These parts of the C1 seam are dangerous due to a high volume of gas content. Moreover, the explosive and free gas contents have a positive correlation with high risk gas volume based on the famous standards.
