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The sustainable development of mining processes requires a deep knowledge of the effectiveness of mining equipment and is quite complex to analyze due to the intrinsic characteristics of the mining industry. In this regard, its measurement and control can lead to appropriate management, improving the mining processes’ efficiency, increasing safety levels, and reducing environmental impacts. This paper developed a new methodology to study the effectiveness of equipment in mining processes, researching the impacts of process management, process control, operating conditions, operational mining schedule, and maintenance programs on the effectiveness of drilling rig fleets using two actual coal mines located in the northwest of Spain and data collected over 10 years. Thus, a new method, called Overall Mining Equipment Effectiveness (OMEE), was developed, verifying its appropriateness and flexibility to analyze the effectiveness of mining equipment by examining the availability rate, utilization rate, and productivity index., Peer Reviewed, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura, Postprint (published version)

Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012–2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012–2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012–2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012–2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Mine planning and mine design are crucial stages of a project in the mining industry. This study aimed to determine the impact of different constraints on the design and planning of a mine. Some of the deposit characteristics and parameters that influence the economic feasibility of a project were studied. Using economic criteria such as NPV, scenarios were established based on the best conditions to obtain higher profitability. Production was identified as the most relevant variable. Subsequently, the mining design was evaluated through technical parameters such as slope gradients and ramp widths, and it was identified that they have lower sensitivity in the final design and higher sensitivity in terms of economic feasibility, performance, and environmental implications. Using operational production, the performance of the loading and haulage equipment fleets was evaluated for each of the techno-economic scenarios. Additionally, the environmental cost was compared using equipment fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This study presents a practical methodology for analyzing relevant variables in mining projects, their interactions, and identifying potential scenarios., Peer Reviewed, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::12 - Producció i Consum Responsables, Postprint (published version)

Purpose: Gold mining has historically and significantly contributed to the Colombian economy. Gold extraction in Colombia is mainly done through two techniques: open-pit and alluvial mining. In this study, the environmental impacts of both these mining systems were analyzed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework, including identification of the system components that contribute most to impacts. Methods: Inventory data were obtained for two medium-scale mines in Colombia, one representing the open-pit method and the other the alluvial method. Environmental impacts were classified and characterized by mid-point impact categories and further aggregated into end-point indicators through the ReCiPe (v. 1.11) methodology, which uses a hierarchist perspective. Results: Results for end-point indicators show that the open-pit mining presents higher values in the human health damage category, influenced primarily by tailings and by the excavation process. For the alluvial mining, the overall impacts were an order of magnitude lower, with ecosystem quality as the most significant contributor due to the stripping of soil and vegetation. In the case of mid-point indicators, freshwater and marine ecotoxicity contribute the most to open-pit mining, while for alluvial mining, metal depletion and natural land transformation contribute the most. Climate change is also a significant impact category for alluvial and open-pit mining. Conclusions: The is a substantial difference in environmental impacts between the two mining systems: the quantified total environmental impact was 1.0 × 1004 points for the open-pit mine and 2.4 × 1003 points for the alluvial mine. Since these mines represent specific Colombian operational conditions, this conclusion cannot be confidently extended to other operational contexts. For example, results in other cases may depend on the local geological features and natural environment conditions. Knowing the critical mining sup, Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository ‘You share, we take care!’ – Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., BT/Biotechnology and Society

Nowadays, approximately 90% of the minerals are extracted using surface mining methods. Surface mining is the process of extracting minerals located at the surface or near the surface. Although at least nine different surface mining methods have been introduced thus far, open pit and strip mining have the highest contribution in raw material extraction from Earth. Deposits that are being mined using these two methods are substantially expensive, both in the capital and operational costs requiring several managerial decisions to be made for the sake of lowering proportions of the total costs. Analytics has had an inevitable role in this matter. It has been involved in the decision-making procedures from method selection to finding the best location for in-pit crushers in surface mines. This chapter elaborates on how analytics contribute to different steps of extracting material using surface mining methods.

Nowadays, approximately 90% of the minerals are extracted using surface mining methods. Surface mining is the process of extracting minerals located at the surface or near the surface. Although at least nine different surface mining methods have been introduced thus far, open pit and strip mining have the highest contribution in raw material extraction from Earth. Deposits that are being mined using these two methods are substantially expensive, both in the capital and operational costs requiring several managerial decisions to be made for the sake of lowering proportions of the total costs. Analytics has had an inevitable role in this matter. It has been involved in the decision-making procedures from method selection to finding the best location for in-pit crushers in surface mines. This chapter elaborates on how analytics contribute to different steps of extracting material using surface mining methods.

Fleet management system (FMS) plays a vital role in truck and shovel open-pit mining operations. The list of expectations from fleet management systems in open-pit mines range from second-by-second data recording to making dynamic operational decisions. In this paper, we propose a nested fleet management system (N-FMS) for open-pit mining operations. The primary contribution of the proposed system is that in contrast to currently available systems, it connects strategic plans to equipment and removes human intervention by incorporating shovel allocation and plant feed optimization in its decision-making models. Another contribution of the proposed N-FMS is that it simultaneously optimizes the utilization of shovel fleet and truck fleet. The proposed system makes decisions using two nested multiple objective mixed-integer linear goal programming models. Results of implementation of the developed N-FMS in a metal mining case study show that compared to locked-in operation, the mine experienced a 14.6% improvement in its required truck fleet capacity to meet the production target.

The results of dig limit delineation in open pit mining are never truly optimized due to gaps in the underlying data, such as insufficient sampling. Aside from the data uncertainty, there is also an influence on the final dig limit by either humans or by the heuristic character of an optimization method like simulated annealing. Several dig limit optimizers have been published, which can replace the manual dig-limits designing process. However, these dig limit designs are generally not adapted to account for this heuristic character. In this paper we present a stochastic analysis tool that can be used with the results of heuristic dig-limit optimization to increase confidence in the obtained results. First, an enhanced simulated annealing algorithm for dig limit optimization is presented. Then, this algorithm is tested on ten different blasts at the Marigold mine, Nevada, USA, as a case study. Finally, the results are analysed with a destination-based ensemble probability map and an analysis conducted of the final solution data distribution. The generated dig-limit designs of the algorithm include high revenue areas that are excluded in comparable manual designs and show improved objective and revenue values. The analysis tool provides block destination probabilities and box plots with the distribution of opportunity value for the dig limit. Furthermore, with the analysis tool, it is possible to make well-informed design decisions in areas of uncertainty., Resource Engineering

In this article, in the basis of the analysis of sources, the technological features of openunderground mining of upland deposits are revealed. The main factors influencing the effectiveness of open-underground mining have been determined, which will need to be taken into account when making design decisions to determine the boundaries of open-underground works.

In this article, in the basis of the analysis of sources, the technological features of openunderground mining of upland deposits are revealed. The main factors influencing the effectiveness of open-underground mining have been determined, which will need to be taken into account when making design decisions to determine the boundaries of open-underground works.

In this article, in the basis of the analysis of sources, the technological features of openunderground mining of upland deposits are revealed. The main factors influencing the effectiveness of open-underground mining have been determined, which will need to be taken into account when making design decisions to determine the boundaries of open-underground works.

Open-pit mining is one of the economic activities that most affects ecosystems and human settlements near them. The purpose of this research was to expose the socio-environmental impact of the Canadian company Goldcorp, In the town of Mezcala, Guerrero. This research work was divided into two phases; First, a review of the main cognitive contributions related to MCA was carried out; In this part of the cabinet work, timely information was selected in order to emphasize the socio-environmental scenarios that characterize this economic activity and, consequently, the substantial factors that have led to the socio-environmental reconfiguration of Mezcala. In a second stage, a non-probabilistic sampling was performed; a key informant was contacted to establish communication with other fundamental social actors whose daily activity is associated with the mining exploitation carried out in this Guerrero town. Based on the foregoing, it was identified that, in Mezcala, mining activity has caused over-exploitation of various natural resources essential for the extraction of gold. This project is not sustainable, but on the contrary an activity that negatively affects the physical environment, at an accelerated rate. The exploitation of natural resources has allowed Goldcorp to be obtained important economic benefits; without redeeming the local population, nor compensating the damages caused by the implementation of the extractive-export model., A mineração a céu aberto (MCA) é uma das atividades econômicas que mais afeta os ecossistemas e assentamentos humanos próximos. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi expor o impacto socioambiental da MCA relacionado ao projeto Los Filos, localizado em Mezcala, Guerrero. O trabalho de pesquisa foi dividido em duas fases: primeiro, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura especializada em torno do MCA; Nesta parte do trabalho do gabinete, foram selecionadas informações oportunas para enfatizar os cenários socioambientais que caracterizam essa atividade econômica e, consequentemente, identificar os fatores substanciais que levaram à reconfiguração socioambiental de Mezcala. Em um segundo estágio, foi realizada uma amostragem não probabilística; Um informante chave foi contatado para estabelecer comunicação com outros atores sociais fundamentais cuja atividade diária está associada à exploração de mineração realizada nesta cidade de Guerrero. Com base no exposto, identificou-se que, em Mezcala, a atividade de mineração causou superexploração de vários recursos naturais essenciais para a extração de ouro. De fato, pode-se dizer que o projeto Los Filos não é sustentável, mas uma atividade que afeta negativamente o ambiente físico em ritmo acelerado. A exploração de recursos naturais permitiu obter importantes lucros de mineradoras estrangeiras, sem reduzir os benefícios econômicos para a população local ou compensar os danos causados pela implementação do modelo de exportação extrativa., La minería a cielo abierto (MCA) es una de las actividades económicas que más afecta a los ecosistemas y a los asentamientos humanos cercanos. Por eso, el propósito de la presente investigación fue exponer el impacto socioambiental de la MCA relacionada con el proyecto Los Filos, localizado en Mezcala, Guerrero. Este trabajo de investigación se dividió en dos fases: primero se realizó una revisión de la literatura especializada en torno a la MCA; en esta parte del trabajo de gabinete se seleccionó información puntual con la finalidad de enfatizar los escenarios socioambientales que caracterizan a esta actividad económica y, consecuentemente, identificar los factores substanciales que han dado lugar a la reconfiguración socioambiental de Mezcala. En una segunda etapa, se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico; se contactó a un informante clave para establecer comunicación con otros actores sociales fundamentales cuya actividad cotidiana está asociada a la explotación minera que se realiza en esta localidad guerrerense. Con base en lo anterior, se identificó que, en Mezcala, la actividad minera ha ocasionado sobreexplotación de diversos recursos naturales indispensables para la extracción de oro. De hecho, se puede afirmar que el proyecto Los Filos no es sustentable, sino una actividad que afecta negativamente y a un ritmo acelerado al entorno físico. La explotación de los recursos naturales ha permitido obtener a las mineras extranjeras utilidades importantes, sin redituar beneficios económicos a la población local ni resarcir los daños ocasionados por la puesta en práctica del modelo extractivo-exportador.

Open-pit mining is one of the economic activities that most affects ecosystems and human settlements near them. The purpose of this research was to expose the socio-environmental impact of the Canadian company Goldcorp, In the town of Mezcala, Guerrero. This research work was divided into two phases; First, a review of the main cognitive contributions related to MCA was carried out; In this part of the cabinet work, timely information was selected in order to emphasize the socio-environmental scenarios that characterize this economic activity and, consequently, the substantial factors that have led to the socio-environmental reconfiguration of Mezcala. In a second stage, a non-probabilistic sampling was performed; a key informant was contacted to establish communication with other fundamental social actors whose daily activity is associated with the mining exploitation carried out in this Guerrero town. Based on the foregoing, it was identified that, in Mezcala, mining activity has caused over-exploitation of various natural resources essential for the extraction of gold. This project is not sustainable, but on the contrary an activity that negatively affects the physical environment, at an accelerated rate. The exploitation of natural resources has allowed Goldcorp to be obtained important economic benefits; without redeeming the local population, nor compensating the damages caused by the implementation of the extractive-export model., A mineração a céu aberto (MCA) é uma das atividades econômicas que mais afeta os ecossistemas e assentamentos humanos próximos. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi expor o impacto socioambiental da MCA relacionado ao projeto Los Filos, localizado em Mezcala, Guerrero. O trabalho de pesquisa foi dividido em duas fases: primeiro, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura especializada em torno do MCA; Nesta parte do trabalho do gabinete, foram selecionadas informações oportunas para enfatizar os cenários socioambientais que caracterizam essa atividade econômica e, consequentemente, identificar os fatores substanciais que levaram à reconfiguração socioambiental de Mezcala. Em um segundo estágio, foi realizada uma amostragem não probabilística; Um informante chave foi contatado para estabelecer comunicação com outros atores sociais fundamentais cuja atividade diária está associada à exploração de mineração realizada nesta cidade de Guerrero. Com base no exposto, identificou-se que, em Mezcala, a atividade de mineração causou superexploração de vários recursos naturais essenciais para a extração de ouro. De fato, pode-se dizer que o projeto Los Filos não é sustentável, mas uma atividade que afeta negativamente o ambiente físico em ritmo acelerado. A exploração de recursos naturais permitiu obter importantes lucros de mineradoras estrangeiras, sem reduzir os benefícios econômicos para a população local ou compensar os danos causados pela implementação do modelo de exportação extrativa., La minería a cielo abierto (MCA) es una de las actividades económicas que más afecta a los ecosistemas y a los asentamientos humanos cercanos. Por eso, el propósito de la presente investigación fue exponer el impacto socioambiental de la MCA relacionada con el proyecto Los Filos, localizado en Mezcala, Guerrero. Este trabajo de investigación se dividió en dos fases: primero se realizó una revisión de la literatura especializada en torno a la MCA; en esta parte del trabajo de gabinete se seleccionó información puntual con la finalidad de enfatizar los escenarios socioambientales que caracterizan a esta actividad económica y, consecuentemente, identificar los factores substanciales que han dado lugar a la reconfiguración socioambiental de Mezcala. En una segunda etapa, se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico; se contactó a un informante clave para establecer comunicación con otros actores sociales fundamentales cuya actividad cotidiana está asociada a la explotación minera que se realiza en esta localidad guerrerense. Con base en lo anterior, se identificó que, en Mezcala, la actividad minera ha ocasionado sobreexplotación de diversos recursos naturales indispensables para la extracción de oro. De hecho, se puede afirmar que el proyecto Los Filos no es sustentable, sino una actividad que afecta negativamente y a un ritmo acelerado al entorno físico. La explotación de los recursos naturales ha permitido obtener a las mineras extranjeras utilidades importantes, sin redituar beneficios económicos a la población local ni resarcir los daños ocasionados por la puesta en práctica del modelo extractivo-exportador.

Discrete fracture networks (DFN) were used to model the structural regime around mining drifts at the Éléonore underground mine in Canada. The generated DFN models were subsequently used to investigate the creation of rock wedges along the drifts that may impact the stability of the excavations. Photogrammetry tools were used to characterise the rock mass structural regime and provide the input data for the generated DFN models. The impact of the choice of employed DFN model on the analysis was investigated with reference to the stability of excavations. A series of parametric analyses demonstrated the sensitivity of the model to variations in the properties of the structural regime. The benefits of using stochastic modelling to capture the inherent variability are reviewed. The paper concludes with a discussion on the requirements for the appropriate implementation of the DFN methodology as part of a probabilistic design approach for mining drifts.

Comparing stope performance relative to the engineering design is of paramount importance for any mining operation. A database was created of 105 stopes mined between 170 m and 800 m below surface from July 2014 to November 2016 at the Goldcorp Eleonore mine. The database consists of more than 20 parameters defining spatial, mining, geometrical, geological, drill-and-blast, and temporal stope properties. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted using the database to better understand the root causes of stope performance. The study has allowed parameters controlling stope performance to be identified. These are the spatial localization of the stope (mining horizon, mining lenses, and central location within the orebody), the mining method, and the orientation of the major structures relative to stope orientation, the global stope drilling pattern and the stand-up time.

En Juillet 2012, une large rupture de pente s’est produite sur le mur Est de la mine LAB Chrysotile de Thetford Mines Québec, Canada. Cette rupture de pente a eu un impact irrémédiable sur la route régionale située au sommet de la pente, affectant l'économie des communes environnantes. L’objet de cet article est de comprendre ce glissement de terrain en utilisant à la fois le LiDAR à balayage laser terrestre (TLS) et aérien (ALS) . Depuis 2010, trois ALS et douze TLS ont été réalisés pour caractériser et surveiller le glissement. Le balayage laser a d'abord été utilisé pour étudier la géométrie du glissement : son volume, la topographie, la taille et l'orientation de l'escarpement, etc. Il a ensuite été utilisé pour étudier les déplacements 3D pour avoir une meilleure compréhension de la cinématique du glissement. Cet article montre clairement la capacité du balayage LiDAR à fournir des informations quantitatives pertinentes sur la masse rocheuse en mouvement., In July 2012, a large slope failure was initiated on the east wall of LAB Chrysotile Mine in Thetford Mines Québec, Canada. This slope failure had an irremediable impact on the regional highway located at the crest of the slope thus affecting the economy of the local communities. The paper main focus is the investigation of that rock slide using both terrestrial (TLS) and airborne (ALS) laser scanning. Since 2010, three ALS and twelve TLS were performed to characterize and monitor the slide. Laser scanning was first used to investigate the geometry of the slide, its volume, topography, size and orientation of the scarp, etc. It was then used to investigate the rock slide 3D displacement thus enabling a better understanding of the sliding kinematics. This paper is clearly showing the ability of LiDAR scanning in providing insightful quantitative information on large rock mass sliding.

The blasting of mining stopes is an important driver for mine seismicity. The factors controlling seismic response are not well understood. Mines mostly rely on the number of events and associated moment magnitudes. Geological and operational parameters are often neglected although known to be potential seismic drivers. A database was created for more than 83 production blasts between 230 m and 800 m below the surface from March 2016 to June 2017 at the Goldcorp Eleonore mine. The database consists of 78 parameters defining spatial, temporal, mining, geometrical, geological, drill-and-blast, and temporal blast properties and their associated seismic response. A multivariate statistical analysis was conducted using the created database to better understand the key factors controlling the seismic response of the rock mass to production blasting. The geological structures’ orientation and location relative to the stope, the stope geometry and the drilling pattern were identified as major factors contributing to induced seismicity at the Eleonore mine.

The design of excavation in underground mines relies on rock mass characterization. Intact rock properties are assessed according to the guidelines suggested by the International Society for Rock Mechanics. For laboratory testing, a minimum number of specimens must be analysed. This number is specific for a given test type. Nonetheless, rock variability, heterogeneity and anisotropy may suggest that a larger number of specimens could be necessary to fully assess rock mass properties. Furthermore, a characterization campaign must also respect certain practical and financial limitations. Using a case study from a Quebec mine site, this paper presents a methodology that allows directly linking the results of statistical analysis on campaign results to target levels of confidence for geotechnical data at all stages of a mining project.

This paper presents a case study in which photogrammetry was used to characterize the structural regime of a fractured rock mass at a hard-rock underground mine in development in northern Canada. The effectiveness of the photogrammetry tools used in an underground environment is discussed. The operational benefits from using such an approach at this site are also presented. The ability of photogrammetry to provide all the necessary inputs for DFN modelling is then addressed. Based on the photogrammetry results, DFN models are created and calibrated for several drifts at the mine site. For standard drift dimensions used at the mining site, possible wedge formation is evaluated. The geometrical characteristics of fracture networks intersecting the drift are also discussed. This integrated approach provides a robust and very effective means to assess structural conditions at this underground mine.

Since 2010, multiple landslides happened in the vicinity of LAB D’Amiante du Canada (LAC) mine (Thetford Mines, Québec, Canada). In 2010, a landslide affected the west wall of the main pit. In July 2012, another landslide affected the South-Eastern portion of the main pit. The 2012 landslide is still active, and a total volume of 50 million m3 may be mobilised. Furthermore, the mine is not anymore in operation, and the water level in the open pit is rising. In the case of a brutal acceleration of the landslide, a wave may be produced. In order to analyse this wave and its potential effects, acceleration and speed scenarios need to be elaborated. A description of the landslide will first be made, followed by the elaboration of speed and acceleration scenarios, based on documented cases and numerical simulations.

Open-pit mining is one of the economic activities that most affects ecosystems and human settlements near them. The purpose of this research was to expose the socio-environmental impact of the Canadian company Goldcorp, In the town of Mezcala, Guerrero. This research work was divided into two phases; First, a review of the main cognitive contributions related to MCA was carried out; In this part of the cabinet work, timely information was selected in order to emphasize the socio-environmental scenarios that characterize this economic activity and, consequently, the substantial factors that have led to the socio-environmental reconfiguration of Mezcala. In a second stage, a non-probabilistic sampling was performed; a key informant was contacted to establish communication with other fundamental social actors whose daily activity is associated with the mining exploitation carried out in this Guerrero town. Based on the foregoing, it was identified that, in Mezcala, mining activity has caused over-exploitation of various natural resources essential for the extraction of gold. This project is not sustainable, but on the contrary an activity that negatively affects the physical environment, at an accelerated rate. The exploitation of natural resources has allowed Goldcorp to be obtained important economic benefits; without redeeming the local population, nor compensating the damages caused by the implementation of the extractive-export model., A mineração a céu aberto (MCA) é uma das atividades econômicas que mais afeta os ecossistemas e assentamentos humanos próximos. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi expor o impacto socioambiental da MCA relacionado ao projeto Los Filos, localizado em Mezcala, Guerrero. O trabalho de pesquisa foi dividido em duas fases: primeiro, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura especializada em torno do MCA; Nesta parte do trabalho do gabinete, foram selecionadas informações oportunas para enfatizar os cenários socioambientais que caracterizam essa atividade econômica e, consequentemente, identificar os fatores substanciais que levaram à reconfiguração socioambiental de Mezcala. Em um segundo estágio, foi realizada uma amostragem não probabilística; Um informante chave foi contatado para estabelecer comunicação com outros atores sociais fundamentais cuja atividade diária está associada à exploração de mineração realizada nesta cidade de Guerrero. Com base no exposto, identificou-se que, em Mezcala, a atividade de mineração causou superexploração de vários recursos naturais essenciais para a extração de ouro. De fato, pode-se dizer que o projeto Los Filos não é sustentável, mas uma atividade que afeta negativamente o ambiente físico em ritmo acelerado. A exploração de recursos naturais permitiu obter importantes lucros de mineradoras estrangeiras, sem reduzir os benefícios econômicos para a população local ou compensar os danos causados pela implementação do modelo de exportação extrativa., La minería a cielo abierto (MCA) es una de las actividades económicas que más afecta a los ecosistemas y a los asentamientos humanos cercanos. Por eso, el propósito de la presente investigación fue exponer el impacto socioambiental de la MCA relacionada con el proyecto Los Filos, localizado en Mezcala, Guerrero. Este trabajo de investigación se dividió en dos fases: primero se realizó una revisión de la literatura especializada en torno a la MCA; en esta parte del trabajo de gabinete se seleccionó información puntual con la finalidad de enfatizar los escenarios socioambientales que caracterizan a esta actividad económica y, consecuentemente, identificar los factores substanciales que han dado lugar a la reconfiguración socioambiental de Mezcala. En una segunda etapa, se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico; se contactó a un informante clave para establecer comunicación con otros actores sociales fundamentales cuya actividad cotidiana está asociada a la explotación minera que se realiza en esta localidad guerrerense. Con base en lo anterior, se identificó que, en Mezcala, la actividad minera ha ocasionado sobreexplotación de diversos recursos naturales indispensables para la extracción de oro. De hecho, se puede afirmar que el proyecto Los Filos no es sustentable, sino una actividad que afecta negativamente y a un ritmo acelerado al entorno físico. La explotación de los recursos naturales ha permitido obtener a las mineras extranjeras utilidades importantes, sin redituar beneficios económicos a la población local ni resarcir los daños ocasionados por la puesta en práctica del modelo extractivo-exportador.

Open-pit mining is one of the economic activities that most affects ecosystems and human settlements near them. The purpose of this research was to expose the socio-environmental impact of the Canadian company Goldcorp, In the town of Mezcala, Guerrero. This research work was divided into two phases; First, a review of the main cognitive contributions related to MCA was carried out; In this part of the cabinet work, timely information was selected in order to emphasize the socio-environmental scenarios that characterize this economic activity and, consequently, the substantial factors that have led to the socio-environmental reconfiguration of Mezcala. In a second stage, a non-probabilistic sampling was performed; a key informant was contacted to establish communication with other fundamental social actors whose daily activity is associated with the mining exploitation carried out in this Guerrero town. Based on the foregoing, it was identified that, in Mezcala, mining activity has caused over-exploitation of various natural resources essential for the extraction of gold. This project is not sustainable, but on the contrary an activity that negatively affects the physical environment, at an accelerated rate. The exploitation of natural resources has allowed Goldcorp to be obtained important economic benefits; without redeeming the local population, nor compensating the damages caused by the implementation of the extractive-export model., A mineração a céu aberto (MCA) é uma das atividades econômicas que mais afeta os ecossistemas e assentamentos humanos próximos. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi expor o impacto socioambiental da MCA relacionado ao projeto Los Filos, localizado em Mezcala, Guerrero. O trabalho de pesquisa foi dividido em duas fases: primeiro, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura especializada em torno do MCA; Nesta parte do trabalho do gabinete, foram selecionadas informações oportunas para enfatizar os cenários socioambientais que caracterizam essa atividade econômica e, consequentemente, identificar os fatores substanciais que levaram à reconfiguração socioambiental de Mezcala. Em um segundo estágio, foi realizada uma amostragem não probabilística; Um informante chave foi contatado para estabelecer comunicação com outros atores sociais fundamentais cuja atividade diária está associada à exploração de mineração realizada nesta cidade de Guerrero. Com base no exposto, identificou-se que, em Mezcala, a atividade de mineração causou superexploração de vários recursos naturais essenciais para a extração de ouro. De fato, pode-se dizer que o projeto Los Filos não é sustentável, mas uma atividade que afeta negativamente o ambiente físico em ritmo acelerado. A exploração de recursos naturais permitiu obter importantes lucros de mineradoras estrangeiras, sem reduzir os benefícios econômicos para a população local ou compensar os danos causados pela implementação do modelo de exportação extrativa., La minería a cielo abierto (MCA) es una de las actividades económicas que más afecta a los ecosistemas y a los asentamientos humanos cercanos. Por eso, el propósito de la presente investigación fue exponer el impacto socioambiental de la MCA relacionada con el proyecto Los Filos, localizado en Mezcala, Guerrero. Este trabajo de investigación se dividió en dos fases: primero se realizó una revisión de la literatura especializada en torno a la MCA; en esta parte del trabajo de gabinete se seleccionó información puntual con la finalidad de enfatizar los escenarios socioambientales que caracterizan a esta actividad económica y, consecuentemente, identificar los factores substanciales que han dado lugar a la reconfiguración socioambiental de Mezcala. En una segunda etapa, se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico; se contactó a un informante clave para establecer comunicación con otros actores sociales fundamentales cuya actividad cotidiana está asociada a la explotación minera que se realiza en esta localidad guerrerense. Con base en lo anterior, se identificó que, en Mezcala, la actividad minera ha ocasionado sobreexplotación de diversos recursos naturales indispensables para la extracción de oro. De hecho, se puede afirmar que el proyecto Los Filos no es sustentable, sino una actividad que afecta negativamente y a un ritmo acelerado al entorno físico. La explotación de los recursos naturales ha permitido obtener a las mineras extranjeras utilidades importantes, sin redituar beneficios económicos a la población local ni resarcir los daños ocasionados por la puesta en práctica del modelo extractivo-exportador.

This paper presents the geotechnical results of a comprehensive feasibility case study for the Tiriganiaq pit of the Meliadine project in the Canadian arctic. A geomechanical model was constructed based on the ore reserve block model, and field and laboratory data collection campaigns. The results of oriented core logging were used to identify and zone the mine. Working in parallel with the pit optimization process a series of comprehensive slope stability analyses were undertaken on a block by block basis on selected optimised pits. The innovation of the undertaken approach resides in the smooth integration of the geological and geotechnical models with the optimised ultimate pit geometry to provide input for the slope stability analysis. Rather than working with “representative” slope geometries the actual planned slope geometries were used to compute the slope orientation at bench and inter-ramps levels using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) algorithms. This has allowed the stability analysis of the complete 3D numerical mine model and facilitates the identification of potentially unstable zones. The stability analyses were based on deterministic and probabilistic limit equilibrium techniques. It was possible to investigate the stability of all benches and inter-ramps for the ultimate pit defined by the block model. The factor of safety (FS) and probability of failure (PF) were assessed for every block of the optimised pit. In order to quantify the impact of the prevailing geotechnical conditions on the proposed pit shells a series of multi-criteria stability analyses were employed to assess the potential for localised instability.

This paper presents the geotechnical results of a comprehensive feasibility case study for the Tiriganiaq pit of the Meliadine project in the Canadian arctic. A geomechanical model was constructed based on the ore reserve block model, and field and laboratory data collection campaigns. The results of oriented core logging were used to identify and zone the mine. Working in parallel with the pit optimization process a series of comprehensive slope stability analyses were undertaken on a block by block basis on selected optimised pits. The innovation of the undertaken approach resides in the smooth integration of the geological and geotechnical models with the optimised ultimate pit geometry to provide input for the slope stability analysis. Rather than working with “representative” slope geometries the actual planned slope geometries were used to compute the slope orientation at bench and inter-ramps levels using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) algorithms. This has allowed the stability analysis of the complete 3D numerical mine model and facilitates the identification of potentially unstable zones. The stability analyses were based on deterministic and probabilistic limit equilibrium techniques. It was possible to investigate the stability of all benches and inter-ramps for the ultimate pit defined by the block model. The factor of safety (FS) and probability of failure (PF) were assessed for every block of the optimised pit. In order to quantify the impact of the prevailing geotechnical conditions on the proposed pit shells a series of multi-criteria stability analyses were employed to assess the potential for localised instability.

Digital photogrammetry was used to quantify the structural regime at Kikialik underground mine – Xstrata Nickel. This operation is located in the arctic region of Canada – where permafrost reaches 500 meters. The objective of this paper was to demonstrate that photogrammetry can be used routinely at this mining site to conduct structural mapping under difficult operational and climatic conditions. Photogrammetry can be well integrated to the geomechanical design workflow used at the mine. Simple practical field considerations are also provided

Standard stability analysis in geomechanical rock slope engineering for open-pit mines relies on a simplified representation of slope geometry, which does not take full advantage of available topographical data in the early design stages of a mining project; consequently, this may lead to nonoptimal slope design. The primary objective of this paper is to present a methodology that allows for the rigorous determination of interramp and bench face slope orientations on a digital elevation model (DEM) of a designed open pit. Common GIS slope algorithms were tested to assess slope orientations on the DEM of the Meadowbank mining project's Portage pit. Planar regression algorithms based on principal component analysis provided the best results at both the interramp and the bench face levels. The optimal sampling window for interramp was 21×21 cells, while a 9×9-cell window was best at the bench level. Subsequent slope stability analysis relying on those assessed slope orientations would provide a more realistic geometry for potential slope instabilities in the design pit. The presented methodology is flexible, and can be adapted depending on a given mine's block sizes and pit geometry.

In recent years, several large open-pit mines have started operating in the province of Quebec in Canada, and some of the largest planned pits are located close to public infrastructure. Historically, large open-pit mining has seldom been done in many mining regions, such as the Abitibi region, where underground mines are the norm. As an integral part of achieving social acceptability of open-pit mining, the stability of mining slopes must be carefully analyzed during the design process and the presence of public infrastructure near the slopes must be adequately considered. The province of Quebec does not have specific guidelines regarding such design considerations. This paper provides a short overview of the literature on some current practices regarding mining slope design close to public infrastructure. To demonstrate its applicability in the Quebec provincial context, the paper then investigates the stability of the west wall of the LAB Chrysotile open-pit mine in Thetford Mines (Quebec) near the new Road 112. Deterministic and probabilistic analyses were conducted using finite element shear strength reduction and limit equilibrium methods to investigate slope stability. The impact of pit infilling and rapid dewatering as well as long-term stability of the slope were investigated. The results of all analyses reveal that the current mining slopes at LAB Chrysotile are within acceptable design criteria limits., Au cours des dernières années, plusieurs grandes mines à ciel ouvert ont débuté à être exploitées dans la province de Québec au Canada, et certains des plus grands puits prévus sont situés à proximité d’infrastructures publiques. Historiquement, les grandes mines à ciel ouvert étaient peu nombreuses dans plusieurs régions minières, notamment l’Abitibi, où les mines souterraines sont la norme. En tant que partie intégrante de l’acceptation sociale d’une exploitation minière à ciel ouvert, la stabilité des pentes doit être soigneusement analysée au cours du processus de conception, et la présence d’infrastructures publiques près des pentes doit être dûment examinée. La province de Québec n’a pas de lignes directrices précises au sujet de ces considérations de conception. Cet article fournit un aperçu de la littérature sur certaines pratiques actuelles concernant la conception des pentes de l’exploitation minière près d’une infrastructure publique. Afin de démontrer son applicabilité dans le contexte de la province de Québec, l’article présente une analyse de la stabilité du mur ouest de la mine à ciel ouvert LAB Chrysotile, à Thetford Mines (Québec), près de la nouvelle route 112. Des analyses déterministes et probabilistes ont été menées à l’aide des méthodes de la réduction de la résistance au cisaillement par éléments finis et de l’équilibre limite pour évaluer la stabilité des pentes. L’impact de l’assèchement rapide et de remplissage de la fosse, ainsi qu’une stabilité à long terme de la pente ont également été étudiés. Les résultats de toutes les analyses révèlent que les pentes de l’exploitation minière actuelle de LAB Chrysotile sont acceptables dans les limites des critères de conception.

The geoheritage of the Central Spanish Volcanic Region (Ciudad Real) has been severely affected by open pit mining since the beginning of the twentieth century until 2017. Field work, photointerpretation of aerial images, and consultation of the Mining Cadaster of the Spanish Geological Survey (IGME) have been used to characterize the impact that open-pit mining has on the geomorphology of this volcanic area. As a result of this intense mining activity, uninterrupted over the course of a century, 18.76 million tons of basalt and more than 16.11 million tons of scoriaceous deposits (considered as industrial minerals) have been extracted, which has caused irreversible damage to the region’s geoheritage. Some thirty volcanoes have been destroyed, with cinder cones and exogenous domes being particularly affected. Currently, the validity of this mining exploitation system represents a serious threat to the conservation of the rich volcanic heritage of the area. Therefore, urgent measures are needed to rationalize the management of natural resources, namely, to make their use and preservation compatible for the future generations.

In recent years, several large open-pit mines have started operating in the province of Quebec in Canada, and some of the largest planned pits are located close to public infrastructure. Historically, large open-pit mining has seldom been done in many mining regions, such as the Abitibi region, where underground mines are the norm. As an integral part of achieving social acceptability of open-pit mining, the stability of mining slopes must be carefully analyzed during the design process and the presence of public infrastructure near the slopes must be adequately considered. The province of Quebec does not have specific guidelines regarding such design considerations. This paper provides a short overview of the literature on some current practices regarding mining slope design close to public infrastructure. To demonstrate its applicability in the Quebec provincial context, the paper then investigates the stability of the west wall of the LAB Chrysotile open-pit mine in Thetford Mines (Quebec) near the new Road 112. Deterministic and probabilistic analyses were conducted using finite element shear strength reduction and limit equilibrium methods to investigate slope stability. The impact of pit infilling and rapid dewatering as well as long-term stability of the slope were investigated. The results of all analyses reveal that the current mining slopes at LAB Chrysotile are within acceptable design criteria limits., Au cours des dernières années, plusieurs grandes mines à ciel ouvert ont débuté à être exploitées dans la province de Québec au Canada, et certains des plus grands puits prévus sont situés à proximité d’infrastructures publiques. Historiquement, les grandes mines à ciel ouvert étaient peu nombreuses dans plusieurs régions minières, notamment l’Abitibi, où les mines souterraines sont la norme. En tant que partie intégrante de l’acceptation sociale d’une exploitation minière à ciel ouvert, la stabilité des pentes doit être soigneusement analysée au cours du processus de conception, et la présence d’infrastructures publiques près des pentes doit être dûment examinée. La province de Québec n’a pas de lignes directrices précises au sujet de ces considérations de conception. Cet article fournit un aperçu de la littérature sur certaines pratiques actuelles concernant la conception des pentes de l’exploitation minière près d’une infrastructure publique. Afin de démontrer son applicabilité dans le contexte de la province de Québec, l’article présente une analyse de la stabilité du mur ouest de la mine à ciel ouvert LAB Chrysotile, à Thetford Mines (Québec), près de la nouvelle route 112. Des analyses déterministes et probabilistes ont été menées à l’aide des méthodes de la réduction de la résistance au cisaillement par éléments finis et de l’équilibre limite pour évaluer la stabilité des pentes. L’impact de l’assèchement rapide et de remplissage de la fosse, ainsi qu’une stabilité à long terme de la pente ont également été étudiés. Les résultats de toutes les analyses révèlent que les pentes de l’exploitation minière actuelle de LAB Chrysotile sont acceptables dans les limites des critères de conception.

The blasting of mining stopes is an important driver for mine seismicity. The factors controlling seismic response are not well understood. Mines mostly rely on the number of events and associated moment magnitudes. Geological and operational parameters are often neglected although known to be potential seismic drivers. A database was created for more than 83 production blasts between 230 m and 800 m below the surface from March 2016 to June 2017 at the Goldcorp Eleonore mine. The database consists of 78 parameters defining spatial, temporal, mining, geometrical, geological, drill-and-blast, and temporal blast properties and their associated seismic response. A multivariate statistical analysis was conducted using the created database to better understand the key factors controlling the seismic response of the rock mass to production blasting. The geological structures’ orientation and location relative to the stope, the stope geometry and the drilling pattern were identified as major factors contributing to induced seismicity at the Eleonore mine.

Today’s quarries face a change in the operational processes, where the development of automated transport systems and machines have intensified the necessity for reliable and stable data transfer. Within the dynamic environment, with piles building up suddenly, frequently changing mining faces due to blasting, as well as a frequently changing general environment that affect the network coverage negatively, there is a need for a solution that can adapt to the changing environment. The aim of this research has been to investigate the requirements for a dynamic infrastructure, and develop a platform based on today’s available technical solution components that can act as a dynamic platform for the evolving autonomous quarry. This by also reducing the time the worker is exposed to the harsh environment that the quarry presents. The research was conducted through a combination of a product development strategy and Design Research Methodology to develop a concept that fulfills the customer needs that are identified. An iterative process, where the needs were translated in to prototypes, has created learnings through every step of the development process. The result is a relocatable platform for communications relay, which is mounted on a trailer with a fixed mast to distribute short-wave communications in the area where the mobile unit is needed. The trailer is equipped with a four-point leveling system that also act as a stabilization system for the unit and ensures that the platform maintains a horizontal plane at all times. This platform is a first step towards a fully autonomous management of the communication infrastructure which in the future will be needed when a stable process and connection is necessary in the frequently changing environment. The relocatable platform is a necessity for adaption of the short-wave communication in the constantly changing environment. Since this is a first iteration and concept in the development of a dynamic platform, extensive fie

In open-pit mining on a bench level, the dig-limit optimization problem is deciding whether to classify a Selective Mining Unit(SMU) as waste or whether to classify it as ore. SMU’s with high ore grades are profitable for the mining operation, but due to equipment size a whole frame of SMU’s has to be classified as either ore or waste. In this thesis the dig-limit optimization problem will be solved using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The model proposed in this thesis takes the frame constraint and the average grade constraint into account. The main results of the MILP model are in table 1. The results show that MILP can successfully be used to determine the optimal value of a mining operation, however the determination of the dig-limit for larger grids leads to exponential computation time.

Today’s quarries face a change in the operational processes, where the development of automated transport systems and machines have intensified the necessity for reliable and stable data transfer. Within the dynamic environment, with piles building up suddenly, frequently changing mining faces due to blasting, as well as a frequently changing general environment that affect the network coverage negatively, there is a need for a solution that can adapt to the changing environment. The aim of this research has been to investigate the requirements for a dynamic infrastructure, and develop a platform based on today’s available technical solution components that can act as a dynamic platform for the evolving autonomous quarry. This by also reducing the time the worker is exposed to the harsh environment that the quarry presents. The research was conducted through a combination of a product development strategy and Design Research Methodology to develop a concept that fulfills the customer needs that are identified. An iterative process, where the needs were translated in to prototypes, has created learnings through every step of the development process. The result is a relocatable platform for communications relay, which is mounted on a trailer with a fixed mast to distribute short-wave communications in the area where the mobile unit is needed. The trailer is equipped with a four-point leveling system that also act as a stabilization system for the unit and ensures that the platform maintains a horizontal plane at all times. This platform is a first step towards a fully autonomous management of the communication infrastructure which in the future will be needed when a stable process and connection is necessary in the frequently changing environment. The relocatable platform is a necessity for adaption of the short-wave communication in the constantly changing environment. Since this is a first iteration and concept in the development of a dynamic platform, extensive fie

In open-pit mining on a bench level, the dig-limit optimization problem is deciding whether to classify a Selective Mining Unit(SMU) as waste or whether to classify it as ore. SMU’s with high ore grades are profitable for the mining operation, but due to equipment size a whole frame of SMU’s has to be classified as either ore or waste. In this thesis the dig-limit optimization problem will be solved using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The model proposed in this thesis takes the frame constraint and the average grade constraint into account. The main results of the MILP model are in table 1. The results show that MILP can successfully be used to determine the optimal value of a mining operation, however the determination of the dig-limit for larger grids leads to exponential computation time.

Today’s quarries face a change in the operational processes, where the development of automated transport systems and machines have intensified the necessity for reliable and stable data transfer. Within the dynamic environment, with piles building up suddenly, frequently changing mining faces due to blasting, as well as a frequently changing general environment that affect the network coverage negatively, there is a need for a solution that can adapt to the changing environment. The aim of this research has been to investigate the requirements for a dynamic infrastructure, and develop a platform based on today’s available technical solution components that can act as a dynamic platform for the evolving autonomous quarry. This by also reducing the time the worker is exposed to the harsh environment that the quarry presents. The research was conducted through a combination of a product development strategy and Design Research Methodology to develop a concept that fulfills the customer needs that are identified. An iterative process, where the needs were translated in to prototypes, has created learnings through every step of the development process. The result is a relocatable platform for communications relay, which is mounted on a trailer with a fixed mast to distribute short-wave communications in the area where the mobile unit is needed. The trailer is equipped with a four-point leveling system that also act as a stabilization system for the unit and ensures that the platform maintains a horizontal plane at all times. This platform is a first step towards a fully autonomous management of the communication infrastructure which in the future will be needed when a stable process and connection is necessary in the frequently changing environment. The relocatable platform is a necessity for adaption of the short-wave communication in the constantly changing environment. Since this is a first iteration and concept in the development of a dynamic platform, extensive fie

Today’s quarries face a change in the operational processes, where the development of automated transport systems and machines have intensified the necessity for reliable and stable data transfer. Within the dynamic environment, with piles building up suddenly, frequently changing mining faces due to blasting, as well as a frequently changing general environment that affect the network coverage negatively, there is a need for a solution that can adapt to the changing environment. The aim of this research has been to investigate the requirements for a dynamic infrastructure, and develop a platform based on today’s available technical solution components that can act as a dynamic platform for the evolving autonomous quarry. This by also reducing the time the worker is exposed to the harsh environment that the quarry presents. The research was conducted through a combination of a product development strategy and Design Research Methodology to develop a concept that fulfills the customer needs that are identified. An iterative process, where the needs were translated in to prototypes, has created learnings through every step of the development process. The result is a relocatable platform for communications relay, which is mounted on a trailer with a fixed mast to distribute short-wave communications in the area where the mobile unit is needed. The trailer is equipped with a four-point leveling system that also act as a stabilization system for the unit and ensures that the platform maintains a horizontal plane at all times. This platform is a first step towards a fully autonomous management of the communication infrastructure which in the future will be needed when a stable process and connection is necessary in the frequently changing environment. The relocatable platform is a necessity for adaption of the short-wave communication in the constantly changing environment. Since this is a first iteration and concept in the development of a dynamic platform, extensive fie

Today’s quarries face a change in the operational processes, where the development of automated transport systems and machines have intensified the necessity for reliable and stable data transfer. Within the dynamic environment, with piles building up suddenly, frequently changing mining faces due to blasting, as well as a frequently changing general environment that affect the network coverage negatively, there is a need for a solution that can adapt to the changing environment. The aim of this research has been to investigate the requirements for a dynamic infrastructure, and develop a platform based on today’s available technical solution components that can act as a dynamic platform for the evolving autonomous quarry. This by also reducing the time the worker is exposed to the harsh environment that the quarry presents. The research was conducted through a combination of a product development strategy and Design Research Methodology to develop a concept that fulfills the customer needs that are identified. An iterative process, where the needs were translated in to prototypes, has created learnings through every step of the development process. The result is a relocatable platform for communications relay, which is mounted on a trailer with a fixed mast to distribute short-wave communications in the area where the mobile unit is needed. The trailer is equipped with a four-point leveling system that also act as a stabilization system for the unit and ensures that the platform maintains a horizontal plane at all times. This platform is a first step towards a fully autonomous management of the communication infrastructure which in the future will be needed when a stable process and connection is necessary in the frequently changing environment. The relocatable platform is a necessity for adaption of the short-wave communication in the constantly changing environment. Since this is a first iteration and concept in the development of a dynamic platform, extensive fie

Today’s quarries face a change in the operational processes, where the development of automated transport systems and machines have intensified the necessity for reliable and stable data transfer. Within the dynamic environment, with piles building up suddenly, frequently changing mining faces due to blasting, as well as a frequently changing general environment that affect the network coverage negatively, there is a need for a solution that can adapt to the changing environment. The aim of this research has been to investigate the requirements for a dynamic infrastructure, and develop a platform based on today’s available technical solution components that can act as a dynamic platform for the evolving autonomous quarry. This by also reducing the time the worker is exposed to the harsh environment that the quarry presents. The research was conducted through a combination of a product development strategy and Design Research Methodology to develop a concept that fulfills the customer needs that are identified. An iterative process, where the needs were translated in to prototypes, has created learnings through every step of the development process. The result is a relocatable platform for communications relay, which is mounted on a trailer with a fixed mast to distribute short-wave communications in the area where the mobile unit is needed. The trailer is equipped with a four-point leveling system that also act as a stabilization system for the unit and ensures that the platform maintains a horizontal plane at all times. This platform is a first step towards a fully autonomous management of the communication infrastructure which in the future will be needed when a stable process and connection is necessary in the frequently changing environment. The relocatable platform is a necessity for adaption of the short-wave communication in the constantly changing environment. Since this is a first iteration and concept in the development of a dynamic platform, extensive fie

The lumpy soil is a by product of the open-pit mining. A composite-lumpy material (in which, the lumps are randomly distributed in the reconstituted soil) is being created due to the degradation of the initial granular structure. In the present study, the compression and failure behaviour of an artificial lumpy material with randomly distributed inclusions are investigated using the finite element method. The computation results show that the stress ratio, defined as the ratio of the volume average stress between the lumps and the reconstituted soil within the inter-lump voids, is significantly affected by both the volume fraction and the preconsolidation pressure of the lumps under an isotropic compression path, while the volume fraction of the lumps plays a minor role under a triaxial compression path. Based on the simulation results, a homogenization law was proposed utilizing the secant stiffnesses.

This study proposes a simple model for predicting the undrained shear strength and water content distribution of remoulded clay mixtures with non-swelling clay minerals. The model is based on simplifying the structure of a clay mixture in which the elements of the constituents are randomly distributed in a representative elementary volume. By defining a water content ratio (the ratio of water contents between constituents), the undrained shear strength of each constituent is estimated separately and then combined with corresponding volume fractions. Comparisons between the experimental data and predictions indicate that the proposed model can represent well the undrained shear strength of the clay mixtures. Copyright © 2017 Ernst & Sohn Verlag für Architektur und technische Wissenschaften GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin

Comparing stope performance relative to the engineering design is of paramount importance for any mining operation. A database was created of 105 stopes mined between 170 m and 800 m below surface from July 2014 to November 2016 at the Goldcorp Eleonore mine. The database consists of more than 20 parameters defining spatial, mining, geometrical, geological, drill-and-blast, and temporal stope properties. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted using the database to better understand the root causes of stope performance. The study has allowed parameters controlling stope performance to be identified. These are the spatial localization of the stope (mining horizon, mining lenses, and central location within the orebody), the mining method, and the orientation of the major structures relative to stope orientation, the global stope drilling pattern and the stand-up time.

The open pit mine production scheduling problem (OPMPSP) is a well-known combinatorial optimization problem that plays a vital role in surface mining, as the economic viability of a mining project is highly dependent on careful long-term planning. This problem consists of scheduling the extraction of a mineral deposit that is broken into a number of smaller segments, or blocks, such that the profit of the operation is maximized. The basic variant of this problem belongs to a class of the precedence constrained knapsack problem, in which a decision maker faces a horizon of several periods. In each period, the capacity limit imposes a hard constraint. The main difficulty in such problems is the size of the problem and constraints due to operational complexities. The size of the problem is linked to the number of blocks in the mineral deposit, as well as the number of years included in the planning horizon of the project. Mineral deposits can involve thousands of blocks, implying that the problem is significantly larger than most other scheduling problems. Despite a wide literature on the basic variant of this problem, the development of more powerful algorithms that can lead to smaller gaps from optimality is an ongoing area of research.A more practical problem includes minimum mining limits and ore processing requirements. Those are important operational considerations that are principally associated with consistent and acceptable equipment utilisation between scheduling periods. This variant of the problem has got a very little attention in the literature.The basic OPMPSP defined in the 1960s was based on a traditional extraction system known as truck-and-shovel (T&S). Since then, however, some equipment and facilities have been updated in open pit mining. The In-pit Crusher Conveyor (IPCC) systems offer an alternative to traditional T&S systems by replacing trucks with conveyors. This replacement in an open pit operation introduces a number of additional constraint

Fresh lumpy soils from open-pit mining have a relatively open structure, which transforms gradually into a lumpy composite structure due to weathering factors. The resulting lumpy composite soils consist of natural stiff lumps and a reconstituted soil within the inter-lumps space. The stress and strain distributions are not uniform, since there is a significant difference of the stiffnesses for these two constitutes. The lumpy soils with a composite structure are investigated in this paper, both experimentally and theoretically. First, the volume of the lumpy composite soil is divided into separate parts and the evolution of the volume fraction of the lumps is considered. A nonlinear Hvorslev surface considering soil structure is proposed for the lumps on the dry side of the critical state and evaluated based on laboratory data. Finally, a simple model for the lumpy soils is proposed within a homogenization framework. Comparisons between the experimental data and simulations reveal that the proposed model can well represent the stress–strain and volume deformation behavior observed in the laboratory. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

The lumpy soil is a by product of the open-pit mining. A composite-lumpy material (in which, the lumps are randomly distributed in the reconstituted soil) is being created due to the degradation of the initial granular structure. In the present study, the compression and failure behaviour of an artificial lumpy material with randomly distributed inclusions are investigated using the finite element method. The computation results show that the stress ratio, defined as the ratio of the volume average stress between the lumps and the reconstituted soil within the inter-lump voids, is significantly affected by both the volume fraction and the preconsolidation pressure of the lumps under an isotropic compression path, while the volume fraction of the lumps plays a minor role under a triaxial compression path. Based on the simulation results, a homogenization law was proposed utilizing the secant stiffnesses.

The hydrographic zone of the Nechí river is an environmentally fragile region whose landscape configuration has a mosaic of land cover that has historically been influenced by anthropic activities, which include alluvial mining, with a recent peak, which affects the structure of the land, leaving a large footprint at the landscape level. This paper describes and quantifies the land cover change in this area and the dynamics of mining expansion during the period 2009-2014. The spatial patterns of these changes were analyzed through the interpretation of satellite images, Landsat, and the use of class level metrics. By 2014, the forest cover area was reduced by 7%, mainly replaced by agriculture and livestock and areas of open-pit mining exploitation, which increased by six fold the area it occupied in 2009, around 35,070 ha. This dynamic prescribes an active process of deforestation and consolidation of the studied land cover. The results provided information that can be used for the construction and implementation of policies that evaluate and mitigate the impacts of the mining activities on the territory, taking into account the vulnerability and importance of the water resource and the surrounding ecosystems., La zona hidrográfica del río Nechí es una región frágil en términos ambientales cuya configuración paisajística manifiesta un mosaico de coberturas que históricamente han estado influenciadas por actividades antrópicas. Una de ellas, con reciente auge, es la minería aluvial, la cual afecta la estructura del terreno dejando una larga huella a nivel de paisaje. En este trabajo se describe y cuantifica los cambios de cobertura y la dinámica de la expansión minera, durante el periodo 2009-2014. Se analiza los patrones espaciales de estos cambios mediante la interpretación de imágenes de satélite Landsat y el uso de métricas a nivel de clase. Para 2014, la cobertura boscosa redujo su área en un 7%, siendo reemplazada principalmente por zonas de uso agropecuario y de explotación minera a cielo abierto, la cual aumentó seis veces el área que ocupaba en el 2009, alrededor de 35.070 ha. Esta dinámica indica un proceso activo de deforestación y consolidación de las coberturas estudiadas. Los resultados obtenidos proveen información que puede ser utilizada para la construcción e implementación de políticas que evalúen y mitiguen los impactos de la actividad minera sobre el territorio, teniendo en cuenta la vulnerabilidad e importancia del recurso hídrico y los ecosistemas circundantes.

The hydrographic zone of the Nechí river is an environmentally fragile region whose landscape configuration has a mosaic of land cover that has historically been influenced by anthropic activities, which include alluvial mining, with a recent peak, which affects the structure of the land, leaving a large footprint at the landscape level. This paper describes and quantifies the land cover change in this area and the dynamics of mining expansion during the period 2009-2014. The spatial patterns of these changes were analyzed through the interpretation of satellite images, Landsat, and the use of class level metrics. By 2014, the forest cover area was reduced by 7%, mainly replaced by agriculture and livestock and areas of open-pit mining exploitation, which increased by six fold the area it occupied in 2009, around 35,070 ha. This dynamic prescribes an active process of deforestation and consolidation of the studied land cover. The results provided information that can be used for the construction and implementation of policies that evaluate and mitigate the impacts of the mining activities on the territory, taking into account the vulnerability and importance of the water resource and the surrounding ecosystems., La zona hidrográfica del río Nechí es una región frágil en términos ambientales cuya configuración paisajística manifiesta un mosaico de coberturas que históricamente han estado influenciadas por actividades antrópicas. Una de ellas, con reciente auge, es la minería aluvial, la cual afecta la estructura del terreno dejando una larga huella a nivel de paisaje. En este trabajo se describe y cuantifica los cambios de cobertura y la dinámica de la expansión minera, durante el periodo 2009-2014. Se analiza los patrones espaciales de estos cambios mediante la interpretación de imágenes de satélite Landsat y el uso de métricas a nivel de clase. Para 2014, la cobertura boscosa redujo su área en un 7%, siendo reemplazada principalmente por zonas de uso agropecuario y de explotación minera a cielo abierto, la cual aumentó seis veces el área que ocupaba en el 2009, alrededor de 35.070 ha. Esta dinámica indica un proceso activo de deforestación y consolidación de las coberturas estudiadas. Los resultados obtenidos proveen información que puede ser utilizada para la construcción e implementación de políticas que evalúen y mitiguen los impactos de la actividad minera sobre el territorio, teniendo en cuenta la vulnerabilidad e importancia del recurso hídrico y los ecosistemas circundantes.

This article aims to present the results of the application of different proposed spectral indices and image fusion techniques for the detection of open-pit mining zones, located to the north-east of Antioquia, Colombia; having as reference mining and no mining zones samples obtained from visual characterization of pictorial-morphological properties of the open-pit mining zones in the study area. This research used high resolution (UltraCam-D y RapidEye) and medium resolution (Landsat 8 LDCM) imagery, where the latter was defined as the main input for the application of the spectral indices and image fusion techniques. The development of the proposed methodological design and the statistical analysis of the images, presented the Brovey transformed image fusion technique -on its band 2-as the one with the highest discriminant potential for open-pit mining zone; the classification of the results were determined between the thresholds of pixel values from 0.3225 -defined as the discriminant breakpoint-to the maximum value of the mining group samples, corresponding to 0.5237., Se presentan los resultados de la aplicación de diferentes índices espectrales y técnicas de fusión de imágenes de sensores remotos propuestos para la detección de zonas mineras a cielo abierto, localizadas en el sector nor-oriental del departamento de Antioquia, Colombia, tomando como referencia muestras de minería y no minería, identificadas a partir de la caracterización visual de propiedades pictoricomorfológicas de zonas mineras a cielo abierto en el área de estudio, utilizando imágenes de alta resolución (UltraCam-D y Rapid Eye) y mediana resolución (Landsat 8 LDCM), estas últimas fueron definidas como el insumo principal para la aplicación de los índices espectrales y técnicas de fusión de imágenes. El desarrollo del diseño metodológico propuesto y el análisis estadístico de las imágenes, evidenciaron que la técnica de fusión de imágenes, transformada de Brovey -en su banda 2- presenta mayor potencial discriminante para la identificación de zonas mineras a cielo abierto; la clasificación de los resultados se determinó entre el rango de valores de pixel de 0.3225 -constituido como el punto de corte discriminante- hasta el valor máximo de las muestras del grupo de minería, correspondiente a 0.5237.