H. Haeri; A. R Khaloo; K. Shahriar; M. Fatehi Marji; P. Moaref vand
Abstract
In this work, the mechanism for fracture of brittle substances such as rocks under a uniform normal tension is considered. The oriented straight micro-cracks are mostly created in all the polycrystalline materials resulting from the stress concentrations. The present work focuses on the interactions ...
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In this work, the mechanism for fracture of brittle substances such as rocks under a uniform normal tension is considered. The oriented straight micro-cracks are mostly created in all the polycrystalline materials resulting from the stress concentrations. The present work focuses on the interactions of the pre-existing micro-cracks, which can grow and propagate within a rock-like specimen. The micro-crack initiation and propagation in rock-like specimens is investigated using the Fortran Code TDDCRACK2D, which is a 2D displacement discontinuity method (DDM) for crack analysis, a boundary element computer code based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) theory. In the present work, a higher order DDM is used to implement special crack tip elements for estimation of the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and crack initiation angles for the wing-crack problems initiated at different angles from the original micro-crack tips in an infinite specimen under a uniform tension.
C. Bempah; H-J. Voigt; A. Ewusi
Abstract
The focus of this research work is on the determination of the impact of mining on the groundwater quality in the historical mining region of SW Ashanti region in Ghana. This work describes the characteristics of the groundwater chemistry and pollution of the aquifer in the gold-ore bearing formation, ...
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The focus of this research work is on the determination of the impact of mining on the groundwater quality in the historical mining region of SW Ashanti region in Ghana. This work describes the characteristics of the groundwater chemistry and pollution of the aquifer in the gold-ore bearing formation, which is highly weathered and fractured. The fractures control the permeability and depth of the groundwater within the studied area. The concentrations of the major ions and trace elements (As, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) present are determined in 63 groundwater wells at dry and wet seasons. The results obtained showed that the concentrations of these ions and elements were below the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values for drinking water. However, concentrations of the As and Fe ions were very high above the guideline values. The wells with high As and Fe concentration levels might be located at an apparent rock fractured zone that extends to a nearby mine. Such fractured zones allow groundwater to move more rapidly away from a mine, creating more severe mine-drainage pollution in their paths. The results obtained from this study suggested a possible risk to the population of the studied area, given the toxicities of the As and Fe ions, and the fact that for many people living in the studied area, groundwater is a main source of their water supply.
A. Khojamli; F. Doulati Ardejani; A. Moradzadeh; A. Nejati Kalateh; A. Roshandel Kahoo; S. Porkhial
Abstract
The Ardabil geothermal area is located in the northwest of Iran, which hosts several hot springs. It is situated mostly around the Sabalan Mountain. The Sabalan geothermal area is now under investigation for the geothermal electric power generation. It is characterized by its high thermal gradient and ...
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The Ardabil geothermal area is located in the northwest of Iran, which hosts several hot springs. It is situated mostly around the Sabalan Mountain. The Sabalan geothermal area is now under investigation for the geothermal electric power generation. It is characterized by its high thermal gradient and high heat flow. In this study, our aim is to determine the fractal parameter and top and bottom depths of the magnetic sources. A modified spectral analysis technique named “de-fractal spectral depth method” is developed and used to estimate the top and bottom depths of the magnetized layer. A mathematical relationship is used between the observed power spectrum (due to fractal magnetization) and an equivalent random magnetization power spectrum. The de-fractal approach removes the effect of fractal magnetization from the observed power spectrum, and estimates the parameters of the depth to top and depth to bottom of the magnetized layer using the iterative forward modelling of the power spectrum. This approach is applied to the aeromagnetic data of the Ardebil province. The results obtained indicated variable magnetic bottom depths ranging from 10.4 km in the northwest of Sabalan to about 21.1 km in the north of the studied area. In addition, the fractal parameter was found to vary from 3.7 to 4.5 within the studied area.
Mineral Processing
A. Eskanlou; M. R. Khalesi; M. Abdollahy; M. Hemmati Chegeni
Abstract
The success of flotation operation depends upon the thriving interactions of chemical and physical variables. In this work, the effects of particle size, bubble size, and collector dosage on the bubble loading in a continuous flotation column were investigated. In other words, this work was mainly concerned ...
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The success of flotation operation depends upon the thriving interactions of chemical and physical variables. In this work, the effects of particle size, bubble size, and collector dosage on the bubble loading in a continuous flotation column were investigated. In other words, this work was mainly concerned with the evaluation of the true flotation response to the changes in the operating variables in column flotation. Two bubble sizes of 0.8 and 1.8 mm, three size fractions of 63-106, 106-150, and 150-300 μm, and three different dosages of dodecylamine, as the collector, were tested. According to the results obtained, the particle size fraction of 106-150 μm had the maximum bubble loading for bubble diameter of 1.8 mm, while the particle size of 63-106 μm had the maximum bubble loading for bubble diameter of 0.8 mm. It was also shown that increasing the bubble diameter from 0.8 to 1.8 mm increased the bubble loading in all the particle size fractions and collector dosages. However, the mass loading of air bubbles was strongly related to the collector dosage (contact angle), especially for coarse particles. The amount of collector dosage had an upper limit due to the clustering event, which significantly affected the bubble loading. The clustering was found to be more important in the presence of small particles due to a higher number of particles attached to the bubble surface. It was shown that such interactions of variables of true flotation could reasonably be monitored by the bubble loading measurement.
Seyedeh M. Ehsani; M. Unesi; R. Tamartash
Abstract
Changes in the tailing properties (increasing clay mineral content and fine particles) and poor operation of the dewatering systems have negative impacts on the Tailing Storage Facilities (TSF) of the Shahrbabak copper complex. The design solid concentration of the thickened tailings is 63 wt.% in the ...
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Changes in the tailing properties (increasing clay mineral content and fine particles) and poor operation of the dewatering systems have negative impacts on the Tailing Storage Facilities (TSF) of the Shahrbabak copper complex. The design solid concentration of the thickened tailings is 63 wt.% in the Shahrbabak paste plant but it is well below the design value right now (approx. 55 wt.%). The aim of this work is to find the effects of the clay mineral and dewatering operations on the water recovery and tailing dam capacity. The understudied samples were taken from the thickener underflow and prepared at the required solid concentrations (55, 60, 65, and 70 wt.%). The results obtained showed that the initial settled density varied from 1.044 to 1.146 t/m3 by increasing the solid concentrations from 55 to 63 wt.%. Furthermore, the shrinkage limit density of the two solid concentrations was recorded at 1.52 and 1.62 t/m3, and the crack volume was estimated at 6.3% and 7.2% of the final sample volume. Also the sub-aerial tailing beach slope in the upper quarter and the remainder of TSF was too low and exhibited 2.0% and 1.0%, respectively. However, it is far from the design values (3.5%, 2.5%, and 1.7% from head of the beach to the end). Thus it is clear that the clay minerals and fine particles hold more water in their inner network and occupy a more TSF volume. Nevertheless, the beach slope can be increased by improving the thickener performance and removing the leakage and other periodic water, although it seems impractical to achieve the design value due to the changes in the tailing properties.
S. Aghababaei; H. Jalalifar; A. Hosseini
Abstract
Providing an approach to calculate a suitable panel width for the longwall mining method is considered considering both the technical and economic factors. Based on the investigations carried out, a technical-economic model is proposed to calculate a suitable panel width. The proposed model is a combination ...
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Providing an approach to calculate a suitable panel width for the longwall mining method is considered considering both the technical and economic factors. Based on the investigations carried out, a technical-economic model is proposed to calculate a suitable panel width. The proposed model is a combination of the rock engineering system-based model and the technical relationships to estimate the expected actual face advance rate of the longwall panel and also the economic relationships to determine the operational costs. Applying the technical conditions to the presented model is conducted by the vulnerability index of the advancing operation, which considers the face advance rate as the main important factor that controls the operational costs of the longwall face. The performance evaluation of the presented model is possible by the recordable field data, which is one of its advantages. This process is carried out by a case study, and the results obtained indicate that the developed approach can provide an applicable tool to calculate a suitable panel width.
Rahul Shakya; Manendra Singh; Narendra Kumar Samadhiya
Abstract
An earthquake is a random occurrence that can happen anytime in highly seismic active areas. Therefore, it might happen even when the metro-train is moving. In such a scenario, the vibrations produced by the dynamic loading of a moving metro-train and the dynamic loading due to an earthquake will impact ...
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An earthquake is a random occurrence that can happen anytime in highly seismic active areas. Therefore, it might happen even when the metro-train is moving. In such a scenario, the vibrations produced by the dynamic loading of a moving metro-train and the dynamic loading due to an earthquake will impact the dynamic response of underground metro-tunnels. In this work, an effort is made to comprehend how the Delhi Metro's underground tunnels will respond to the combined dynamic loading from the earthquake and the running train. Therefore, the dynamic response of underground metro-tunnels is primarily influenced by the vibrations generated due to the dynamic loading of a running metro-train and the dynamic loading due to an earthquake. Both these loadings cause vibrations at the ground surface and the tunnel utilities. In this paper, an attempt is made to understand the response of Delhi metro-underground tunnels to the combined dynamic loading due to the earthquake and the train's motion. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element analyses are carried out using the Plaxis software. The research work finds that the overall response at the ground surface increases due to the combined dynamic loading of the train and earthquake compared to the train's or the earthquake's sole dynamic loading. Maximum displacements in the soil-the tunnel system and forces in RC liners are found to be more significant for the combined loading of the earthquake and the train motion than those due to individual loadings.
V. Sarfarazi; K. Asgari
Abstract
Particle Flow Code in Two Dimensions (PFC2D) was used in order to examine the influence of single tunnel and twin tunnel on the collapse pattern and maximum ground movement. Since first PFC was calibrated by the experiments, the results obtained were rendered by a uniaxial test. Further, a rectangular ...
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Particle Flow Code in Two Dimensions (PFC2D) was used in order to examine the influence of single tunnel and twin tunnel on the collapse pattern and maximum ground movement. Since first PFC was calibrated by the experiments, the results obtained were rendered by a uniaxial test. Further, a rectangular model with dimensions of 100 m ˟ 100 m containing both the central tunnel and twin tunnel was built. The center of the single tunnel was placed 25 m under the ground surface, and its diameter changed from 10 m to 35 m with an increment of 5 m. The center of the twin tunnel was situated 25 m under the ground surface, and its diameter was changed from 10 m to 30 m with an increment of 5 m. For measurement of the vertical displacement, one measuring circle with a 2 m diameter was opted on the ground surface above the tunnel roof. The average of the vertical movement of discs covered in these circles was determined as a ground settlement. A confining pressure of 0.01 MPa was applied on the model. The uniaxial compression strength was 0/09 MPa; the results obtained depicted that the tunnel diameter controlled the extension of the collapse zone. Also the vertical displacement at the roof of the tunnel declined by decreasing the tunnel diameter. The ground settlement increased by increasing the tunnel diameter.
Mineral Processing
A.H. Rezaei; H. Abdollahi; M. Gharabaghi; A. A. Mohammadzadeh
Abstract
In the recent decades, water scarcity has become a major challenge for many reasons, especially the inadequate use of water resources. The mineral processing plant is among the most important water-consuming industries. Filtration, as one of the important processes in water recovery, is a process in ...
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In the recent decades, water scarcity has become a major challenge for many reasons, especially the inadequate use of water resources. The mineral processing plant is among the most important water-consuming industries. Filtration, as one of the important processes in water recovery, is a process in which the solid-suspended particles are removed from the liquid. In the present work, the effect of the additives affecting the filtration process upon the responses including the resistance to filter cloth (R), specific cake resistance (α), moisture content, water recovery rate, and cake formation rate by the vacuum top-feed method is investigated. The experiments are performed by two methodologies: one-factor-at-a-time and statistical analysis. The additives are the flocculant, coagulant, surfactant, and filter aid. According to the one-factor-at-a-time methodology, the optimal type and dosage of the variables are as follow: flocculant A25 with a concentration of 15 g/L, perlite as the filter aid with an amount of 2.5%, surfactant cop 20-101 with a concentration of 3 cc/L, and the coagulant CaCl2.2H2O with a concentration of 2.5 g/L. The usage of the flocculant, surfactant, and filter aid at the same time is also statistically analyzed with the aim of maximizing the cake formation rate and minimizing the moisture content of the filter cake. Under the optimal conditions and taking into account 11.68 g/t of the flocculant A25, 3.8% of perlite as the filter aid, and2.92 cc/L of the surfactant cop 20-101, the cake formation rate and the moisture content were obtained to be 0.297 mm/s and 12.7 %, respectively.
Exploration
Eman M. Kamel; Mohamed S.H. Hammed; Osama E.A. Attia
Abstract
In the recent years, the use of ASTER and Landsat data have become prevalent for mapping different types of rock formations. Specifically, this study utilizes ASTER (L1B) and Landsat 8 (AOL) images to map outcrops of various gypsum facies in Ras Malaab area of west-central Sinai. These gypsum facies ...
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In the recent years, the use of ASTER and Landsat data have become prevalent for mapping different types of rock formations. Specifically, this study utilizes ASTER (L1B) and Landsat 8 (AOL) images to map outcrops of various gypsum facies in Ras Malaab area of west-central Sinai. These gypsum facies are part of a lithostratigraphic group called Ras Malaab, estimated to have been formed during the Miocene period. A range of image processing techniques was employed to create the final facies map including quartz and sulphate indices, composite image band combinations, band ratios, principal component analyses, decorrelation stretching, and SAM mapping followed by supervised classification. By using band combinations, mineral indices, and principal component analyses, sulphate minerals were distinguished from their surroundings. Additionally, decorrelation stretches and band ratios were used to differentiate between primary, secondary, faulted gypsum, anhydrite, and carbonates. The SAM rapid mapping algorithm was also an effective tool to distinguish between the main facies in the studied area and to differentiate between primary massive and bedded gypsum. The results of this study were summarized by creating a facies map of the area using supervised classification, which, in addition to petrographic studies, greatly aided in understanding the distribution of the different gypsum facies.
M. Nikkhah
Abstract
Nowadays acoustic emission (AE) testing based on the Kaiser Effect (KE) is increasingly used to estimate the in-situ stress in laboratories. In this work, this effect is assessed on cylindrical specimens in numerical simulations of the cyclic loadings including loading, unloading, and re-loading cycles ...
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Nowadays acoustic emission (AE) testing based on the Kaiser Effect (KE) is increasingly used to estimate the in-situ stress in laboratories. In this work, this effect is assessed on cylindrical specimens in numerical simulations of the cyclic loadings including loading, unloading, and re-loading cycles using a 3D code called the particle flow code (PFC) based upon the distinct element method. To achieve this objective, at first, the numerical model is calibrated using a laboratory test performed on the selected sandstone specimens. The results obtained show that PFC and the distinct element code are useful tools used to investigate the damage and KE of a brittle rock. Also the results obtained by the triaxial modeling show that a combination of triaxial loading stresses change the results of uniaxial loading. Further, KE is influenced under confining stresses so that larger confining stresses lead to greater differences between the KE stress during the uniaxial and pre-stress loadings.
Exploitation
H. Khalili; P. Afzal
Abstract
The main goal of this research work was to detect the different Cu mineralized zones in the Sungun porphyry deposit in NW Iran using the Spectrum-Volume (S-V) fractal modeling based on the sub-surface data for this deposit. This operation was carried out on an estimated Cu block model based on a Fast ...
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The main goal of this research work was to detect the different Cu mineralized zones in the Sungun porphyry deposit in NW Iran using the Spectrum-Volume (S-V) fractal modeling based on the sub-surface data for this deposit. This operation was carried out on an estimated Cu block model based on a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) using the C++ and MATLAB programing. The S-V log-log plot was generated and six Cu populations were distinguished. Based on the S-V log-log plot obtained, different mineralized zones were detected in the Sungun deposit. Copper mineralized zones in the porphyry and skarn types commenced from 0.12% and 1.3%, respectively. A supergene enrichment zone began form 0.82%; it was located in the eastern part of this deposit. The enriched skarn zones were situated in the eastern and SE parts of the Sungun deposit that overlapped the intersection of cretaceous limestones and porphyry stock. Overlapping between the resulting zones derived via the S-V fractal model and geological zones and evidences were calculated using the logratio matrix, which indicated that the S-V fractal model had proper results for detection of the mineralized zones.
Rock Mechanics
M. H. Askarbioki; F. Kargaran Bafghi; M. Mokhtari; M. Khaleghi
Abstract
Oil leakage causes soil contamination and induces changes in the physical and mechanical properties of soils. In areas contaminated with oil products such as gasoline, the implementation of civilian operations requires determination and prediction of soil behavior in the existing conditions. In this ...
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Oil leakage causes soil contamination and induces changes in the physical and mechanical properties of soils. In areas contaminated with oil products such as gasoline, the implementation of civilian operations requires determination and prediction of soil behavior in the existing conditions. In this research work, the effect of oil contamination by gasoline obtained from the National Oil Company in the Yazd Province is considered to investigate the effect of contaminants on the geotechnical properties of fine-grained sand. In order to examine the geotechnical characteristics of contaminated soil, compaction, undrained triaxial (CU), and consolidation tests are conducted. The tests are carried out on the samples of clean soil and contaminated soil with 1, 3, and 5% gasoline. The results obtained show that added gasoline reduces the optimum moisture content and increases the maximum dry density. In addition, based on the results of the triaxial test, the amount of friction angle and the cohesion of clay sand decrease by 21% and 14% with increasing contamination up to 5%, respectively, compared to the clean soil sample. Furthermore, adding gasoline significantly increases the compressibility and compression index.
M. Fathi; A. Alimoradi; H.R. Hemati Ahooi
Abstract
Scientific uncertainties make the grade estimation very complicated and important in the metallic ore deposits. This paper introduces a new hybrid method for estimating the iron ore grade using a combination of two artificial intelligence methods; it is based on the single layer-extreme learning machine ...
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Scientific uncertainties make the grade estimation very complicated and important in the metallic ore deposits. This paper introduces a new hybrid method for estimating the iron ore grade using a combination of two artificial intelligence methods; it is based on the single layer-extreme learning machine and the particle swarm optimization approaches, and is designed based on the location of the boreholes, depth of the boreholes, and drill hole information from an orebody, and applied for the ore grade estimation on the basis of a block model. In this work, the two algorithms of optimization clustering and neural networks are used for the iron grade estimation in the Choghart iron ore north anomaly in the central Iran. The results of the training and testing the algorithms indicate a significant ability of the optimized neural network system in the ore grade estimation.
Sh. Maleki; H. R. Ramazi; M. J. Ameri Shahrabi
Abstract
Shear wave velocity (Vs) is considered as a key parameter in determination of the subsurface geomechanical properties in any hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir. During a well logging operation, the magnitude of Vs can be directly measured through the dipole shear sonic imager (DSI) logs. On a negative note, ...
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Shear wave velocity (Vs) is considered as a key parameter in determination of the subsurface geomechanical properties in any hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir. During a well logging operation, the magnitude of Vs can be directly measured through the dipole shear sonic imager (DSI) logs. On a negative note, this method not only is limited to one dimensional (1D) interpretation, it also appears to be relatively costly. In this research work, the magnitude of Vs is calculated using one set of controversial petrophysical logs (compressional wave velocity) for an oil reservoir situated in the south part of Iran. To do this, initially, the pertinent empirical correlations between the compressional (Vp) and shear wave velocities are extracted for DSI logs. Then those empirical correlations are deployed in order to calculate the values of Vs within a series of thirty wells, in which their Vp values are already recorded. Afterwards, the Kriging estimator along with the Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) technique are utilized to calculate the values of Vs throughout the whole reservoir. Eventually, the results obtained from the two aforementioned techniques are compared with each other. Comparing those results, it turns out that the Kriging estimation technique presents more accurate values of Vs than the BPNN technique. Hence, the supremacy of the Kriging estimation technique over the BPNN technique must be regarded to achieve a further reliable magnitude of Vs in the subjected oil field. This application can also be considered in any other oil field with similar geomechanical and geological circumstances.
Exploitation
H. Shahi
Abstract
Discrimination of the blind and dispersed mineralization deposits is a challenging problem in geochemical exploration. The frequency domain (FD) of the surface geochemical data can solve this important issue. This new exploratory information can be achieved using the interpretation of FD of geochemical ...
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Discrimination of the blind and dispersed mineralization deposits is a challenging problem in geochemical exploration. The frequency domain (FD) of the surface geochemical data can solve this important issue. This new exploratory information can be achieved using the interpretation of FD of geochemical data, which is impossible in spatial domain. In this research work, FD of the surface geochemical data is analyzed to decompose the complex geochemical patterns related to the mineral deposits. In order to identify the dispersed mineralization zone in the Chichakloo Pb–Zn deposit, a newly developed approach is proposed based on the coupling of two-dimensional Fourier transform (2DFT) and principal component analysis (PCA). The surface geochemical data is transferred to FD using 2DFT, and two low-pass filters are designed and performed on FD. Then the PCA method is employed on these frequency bands (FBs) separately. This proposed scenario desirably illustrates the relationship between the low frequencies in the surface geochemical distribution map (GDM) and the deep deposits. The informations obtained from the detailed exploration and the exploration drillings such as boreholes confirm the results obtained from this method. This new combined approach is a valuable data-processing tool and pattern-recognition technique in geochemical explorations. This approach is quite inexpensive compared to the traditional exploration methods.
Rock Mechanics
A. Dadi-givshad; M. Ahmadi; H. R. Nejati
Abstract
One of the methods used to investigate the damaged zone in rock structure is the acoustic emission method. This method is based on receiving the elastic waves that are produced by deformation and cracking of the rock mass around the underground excavation. In this research, a study is conducted on the ...
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One of the methods used to investigate the damaged zone in rock structure is the acoustic emission method. This method is based on receiving the elastic waves that are produced by deformation and cracking of the rock mass around the underground excavation. In this research, a study is conducted on the rock samples by a numerical method to investigate the damaged zone caused by the excavation of circular space on it. For this purpose, 33 cube samples of three different material types including sandstone, concrete, and cement-plaster mortar are prepared. A circular hole is drilled in the center of each sample. The hole diameter is 20 or 25 mm. The samples are loaded uniaxially or biaxially with different stress rates. It is tried to study the acoustic events occurring in the samples during the test, and their locations are investigated. Then the experiments are evaluated by a numerical method using the FLAC3D software and some developed codes. The relation between the sample damaged zone where the acoustic events have occurred during the loading period and the numerical elements that reach a degree of tensile and shear yield is studied. The results obtained show that the amount of cumulative acoustic parameters in cement-plaster mortar specimens is more than the others. In fact, the finer grains, the more amounts of energy and counts will be produced. Also, the results show that with increase in the lateral pressure and loading rate, the amount of cumulative energy and counts decreases.
kausar Sultan shah; Naeem Abbas; Li Kegang; Mohd Hazizan bin Mohd Hashim; Hafeez Ur Rehman; Khan Gul Jadoon
Abstract
The rocks in the studied area are prone to deterioration and failure due to frequent exposure to extreme temperature variations and loading conditions. In the context of rock engineering reliability assessment, understanding the energy conversion process in rocks is critical. Therefore, this research ...
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The rocks in the studied area are prone to deterioration and failure due to frequent exposure to extreme temperature variations and loading conditions. In the context of rock engineering reliability assessment, understanding the energy conversion process in rocks is critical. Therefore, this research work aims to assess the energy characteristics and failure modes of pink and white-black granite subjected to uniaxial compression loading at various temperatures. Samples of pink and white-black granite are heated to a range of temperatures (0 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, 900 °C, and 1100 °C), and their failure modes and energy characteristics including total energy, elastic energy, and dissipated energy are studied by testing preheated samples under uniaxial compression. The results show that the dissipation energy coefficient initially rises rapidly, and then falls back to its minimum value at the failure stage. The micro-structures of granite rock directly affect its elastic and dissipation energy. Axial splitting failure mode is observed in most of the damaged granite specimens. After heating granite to 600 °C, the effect of temperature on the failure mode becomes apparent.
Environment
Gregory Udie Sikakwe; Samuel Adebayo Ojo; Andrew Aondover Tyopine
Abstract
Potentially harmful elements enter into the environment through mining and agricultural activities, causing water and stream sediment pollution. Ecological risk analysis helps to determine sediment pollution, to recommend remediation measures for human health safety and the survival of aquatic ...
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Potentially harmful elements enter into the environment through mining and agricultural activities, causing water and stream sediment pollution. Ecological risk analysis helps to determine sediment pollution, to recommend remediation measures for human health safety and the survival of aquatic species. The sediments were analysed for acidity and redox potential using a pH-meter and spectrophotometer, respectively. Nickel, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, lead, zinc, and iron were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean value of Cd exceeded the threshold effect limit guideline indicating its adverse effect to water dwelling organisms. Anthropogenic metal input identified cadmium, lead, arsenic, zinc and chromium contamination in locations 3, 6, and 7. Modified risk assessment code, toxic response index and comprehensive ecological risk values exhibited considerable to high ecological risks in locations 3, 6, and 7. The highest comprehensive ecological risk value recorded 653.2 in location 3, showing high ecological risk to water dwelling organisms. Durbin Watson ecological risk value (2.34) is between a critical value of 1.5 < d < 2.5 showing auto correlation of the data. Potentially harmful elements obtained Durbin Watson value of 2.77, which exceeded the range showing lack of auto correlation. Strong correlation of arsenic, lead and zinc showed their affinity and common source of enrichment. Principal component analysis indicated that the sources of the elements were mostly geological weathering, sewage disposal, industrial wastes and agricultural fertilizers. The study integrated recent ecological risk indices with multivariate and regression statistics. This is helpful in interpreting related environmental problems by scientists in other parts of the world.
Exploitation
F. Aliyari; P. Afzal; J. Abdollahi Sharif
Abstract
The Zarshuran Carlin-like gold deposit is located at the Takab Metallogenic belt in the northern part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, NW Iran. The high-grade ore bodies are mainly hosted by black shale and cream to gray massive limestone along the NNE-trending extensional fault/fracture zones. The aim of ...
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The Zarshuran Carlin-like gold deposit is located at the Takab Metallogenic belt in the northern part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, NW Iran. The high-grade ore bodies are mainly hosted by black shale and cream to gray massive limestone along the NNE-trending extensional fault/fracture zones. The aim of this investigation was to determine and separate the gold mineralized stages based on the surface litho-geochemical Au, Hg, and As data using the Concentration-Area (C-A) fractal model and stepwise factor analysis in the Zarshuran gold deposit. Three mineralized stages were determined by the C-A fractal modeling and factor analysis, which were correlated with the mineralized stages from geological studies. The main stage of Au mineralization was higher than 1.995 ppm, which was correlated with the main sulfidation stage, whereas the As and Hg highly intense anomalies (higher than 6409 and 19 ppm, respectively) were associated with the quartz-sulfide veins and veinlets. The results obtained by the C-A fractal model and stepwise factor analysis showed that the main gold mineralized stage occurred in the southern part of the Zarshuran deposit, which was correlated with the geological particulars.
Mineral Processing
I. Kursun Unver; M. Terzi
Abstract
Today coal is among the most important energy sources. In order to meet the world's energy demands, low-calorie lignite with a high ash content is generally used in the large capacity coal-fired thermal power plants. As a result of coal firing, wastes such as fly ash, slag, and flue gas are also produced. ...
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Today coal is among the most important energy sources. In order to meet the world's energy demands, low-calorie lignite with a high ash content is generally used in the large capacity coal-fired thermal power plants. As a result of coal firing, wastes such as fly ash, slag, and flue gas are also produced. Subsequently, toxic trace elements within coal are transferred to wastes such as slag, fly ash, and flue gases. Large amounts of these, which are usually stored in collection ponds or stockpiles, are problematic in terms of environment. Although coal fly ash (CFA) has been utilized in construction and several other industries for decades, its current ratio of utilization is still quite limited. As an important fact, CFA also contains many valuable metals including germanium (Ge), gallium (Ga), vanadium (V), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al). In addtion, coal and CFA can be regarded as alternative sources of radioactive elements. Therefore, they also have a great potential in terms of the precious metals and trace elements they contain. In this study, the present literature on the distribution of trace elements in coal and coal ash during firing and ore preparation processes and their recovery possibilities with mineral processing practices are reviewed. While many research works on the subject clearly indicate that the large amounts of the ashes produced from firing of coal could be problematic in terms of environment, many studies and practices also show that coal combustion products also have a great potential in terms of the precious metals and trace elements.
Exploitation
S. Soltani-Mohammadi; A. Soltani; B. Sohrabian
Abstract
Due to the nature of the geological and mining activities, different input parameters in the grade estimation and mineral resource evaluation are always tainted with uncertainties. It is possible to investigate the uncertainties related to the measurements and parameters of the variogram model using ...
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Due to the nature of the geological and mining activities, different input parameters in the grade estimation and mineral resource evaluation are always tainted with uncertainties. It is possible to investigate the uncertainties related to the measurements and parameters of the variogram model using the fuzzy kriging method instead of the kriging method. The fuzzy kriging theory has already been the subject of relatively various research studies but the main weak point in such studies is that the results of the fuzzy estimations are not used in decision-making and planning. A very common, but key, tool of decision-making for mining engineers is the tonnage-average grade models. Under conditions where measurements or/and variogram model parameters are tainted with uncertainties, the tonnage-average grade model will be uncertain as well. Therefore, it is necessary to use the fuzzy tonnage-grade model instead of the crisp ones, and the next analysis steps and decision-makings are done accordingly. In this paper, the computational principles of the fuzzy tonnage-average grade curve and a case study regarding its usage are presented.
F. Abbasi; M.H. Khosravi; A. Jafari; Ali Bashari; B. Alipenhani
Abstract
The instability of the roof and walls of the tunnels excavated in coal mines has always attracted the attention of the miners and experts in this field. In this work, the instability of the main tunnels of the mechanized Parvadeh coal mine in Tabas, Iran, at the intersection with coal seam is studied. ...
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The instability of the roof and walls of the tunnels excavated in coal mines has always attracted the attention of the miners and experts in this field. In this work, the instability of the main tunnels of the mechanized Parvadeh coal mine in Tabas, Iran, at the intersection with coal seam is studied. The main tunnels of this mine show significant horizontal displacements due to the complex ground conditions and great depth. The behavior of the rock mass surrounding the tunnel is investigated using various experimental methods, and according to the results obtained, the surrounding rock mass has squeezing conditions. In order to analyze the stability of the main tunnels, a series of 2D and 3D numerical modelings are performed using the FLAC2&3D finite difference software, and the results obtained are compared with the actual displacement values recorded in the walls of the main tunnels of the mine. The analysis results show that the tunnels under study are unstable with a steel frame support, and therefore, the use of different support systems for the stabilization is investigated. The results of modeling different types of support systems show that the use of shotcrete instead of galvanized sheet (as strut) does not have a significant effect on the reduced displacements. Also although the installation of steel sets is very effective in preventing the displacement of the walls, due to the swelling problems in the tunnel bottom and the placement of the conveyor and haulage rail, it cannot be used in practice. Finally, the use of truss bolt has yielded good results, and it can be proposed as a new support system in these tunnels. In addition, the modeling results show that in case the coal seam is higher than the tunnel foot, less displacement will occur in the tunnel walls compared to the other cases. In other words, changing the tunnel level in the future excavations can help reduce the displacements.
Serhii Hryhorovych Nehrii; Tetiana Oleksandrivna Nehrii; Oksana Viktorivna Zolotarova; Valentyn Anatolyovich Glyva; Andrii Mykolaiovych Surzhenko; Oksana Mykolaivna Tykhenko; Nataliia Burdeina
Abstract
The studies of risk factors on which the safety of miners depends are relevant. These factors include temperature and air velocity within roadways, relative air humidity, dust, noise and vibration, lighting, clutter, limited working space, the difficulty of work, and the collapse of roof rocks. Their ...
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The studies of risk factors on which the safety of miners depends are relevant. These factors include temperature and air velocity within roadways, relative air humidity, dust, noise and vibration, lighting, clutter, limited working space, the difficulty of work, and the collapse of roof rocks. Their greatest concentration is in the technological zones of longwalls, so it is important to determine the priority of taking into account the risk factors in certain zones for planning measures for labor protection in underground coal mining. Therefore, a matrix of priority of risk factors for technological zone longwalls is proposed. The matrix is based on a survey of experienced and well-informed scientists and engineers of coal mines (experts). Fifty experts are involved in the survey.The matrix assesses the priority of risk factors, and considers the technological zones of the longwalls for the planning labor protection measures. The zones of operation of the excavation machines and the end-sections of longwalls are defined as the most safety-critical. Less safety-critical, but also dangerous, are the zones of protection means and the zones of connection of the longwalls with the roadways. The level of a certain risk factor is determined for each zone. The highest priority should be given to the collapse of roofs, dust, clutter of the working space, and the severity of the miners' work. For each risk factor included in the matrix, the technical and organizational measures for labor protection are proposed to reduce the level of injuries for miners.
M. R. Samadzadeh Yazdi; M. Abdollahi; S. M. Mousavi; A. Khodadadi Darban
Abstract
Although bioleaching of chalcopyrite by thermophilic microorganisms enhances the rate of copper recovery, a high temperature accelerates iron precipitation as jarosite, which can bring many operational problems in the industrial processes. In this research work, the bioleaching of chalcopyrite concentrate ...
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Although bioleaching of chalcopyrite by thermophilic microorganisms enhances the rate of copper recovery, a high temperature accelerates iron precipitation as jarosite, which can bring many operational problems in the industrial processes. In this research work, the bioleaching of chalcopyrite concentrate by the thermophilic Acidianus brierleyi was studied, and the microbial growth, copper dissolution, iron oxidation, and jarosite precipitation were monitored in different initial pH (pHi) values. Bacterial growth was greatly affected by pHi. While the bacterial growth was delayed for 11 days with a pHi value of 0.8, this delay was reduced to nearly one day for a pHi value of 1.2. Two stages of copper recovery were observed during all the tests. A high pHi value caused a fast bacterial growth in the first stage and severe jarosite precipitation in the later days causing a sharp decline in the bacterial population and copper leaching rate. The copper recoveries after 11 days were 25%, 78%, 84%, 70%, 56%, and 39% for the pHi values of 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7, respectively. Sulfur and jarosite were the main residues of the bioleaching tests. It was revealed that the drastic effect of jarosite precipitation on the microbial growth and copper recovery was mainly caused by the ferric iron depletion from solution rather than passivation of the chalcopyrite surface. A slow precipitation of crystalline jarosite did not cause a passive chalcopyrite surface. The mechanisms of chalcopyrite bioleaching were discussed.
