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Rock and gas outbursts occur most frequently in coal mining. Gas-induced geodynamic events in dolomite are a new and unexplored phenomenon. In the last time, two outbursts of gas and dolomite have occurred in the Legnica-Głogów Copper Region in southwestern Poland, which is one of the world's largest copper ore mining regions. Gas-induced geodynamic events are dependent on the co-occurrence of two factors: rock porosity, and the presence of gas under significant pressure in the pores and crevices of the rock. This paper presents a condensed energy balance for the phenomenon of outbursts of dolomites and gases. The quantity of energy depends on the type of transformation taking place during decompression. The work produced enables first the disintegration of the rock, and then its transportation along the mine working space. This paper has focused on the estimation of the energy required to disintegrate the rock. It has been estimated that 0.38 MJ is needed for the size reduction of 1 m3 of ejected mass. Highlights: In the case of a dolomite outburst, the energy is accumulated primarily in the form of compressed gas present in the porous structure of the rock and causes the rock to disintegrate and its transport along the mine working space. Gas decompression during a gas-induced geodynamic phenomena can be between isothermal and adiabatic. Existing disintegration theories: Rittinger's, Kick's and Bond's are based consists chiefly of crushing, compression or abrasion, caused by the action of external factors. Author's theory of disintegration of research on tensile stress and is based on Brazilian tests. The disintegration of 1 m3 of rock requires the production of energy of approximately 0.38 MJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of hazardous heavy metals that have been released into the environment due to industrial activities has become an important issue in recent years. The presented study concerned the removal of copper(II) ions from aqueous solutions using dolomites. Dolomite is a very attractive adsorbent due to its wide availability, low cost, good adsorption, and environmental compatibility. The paper describes the properties of D-I and D-II dolomites from two different open-cast mines in Poland. The properties of natural adsorbents were determined based on point of zero charges (PZC), elemental analysis of the adsorbent composition, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM spectra analysis. Depending on the initial concentration of the solution used, the adsorption efficiency of copper(II) ions was 58–80% for D-I and 80–97% for D-II. The adsorption mechanism in the case of D-II dolomite was mainly based on ion exchange, while chemisorption dominated the D-I dolomite surface. Considering the possibility of the regeneration and reuse of the adsorbent, dolomite D-II is a better material (the desorption efficiency of copper(II) ions was 58–80%). The adsorption behavior of dolomites has been described using six adsorption isotherms. The best fit was obtained for the Redlich–Peterson, Jovanović, and Langmuir isotherms, indicating that monolayer adsorption occurred. The maximum adsorption capacity for copper(II) was 378 mg/g of D-I and 308 mg/g of D-II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and properties of the glass can be modified by introducing appropriate additives. Dolomite is one of the primary raw materials modifying the properties of glass, in which the essential component is calcium-magnesium double carbonate CaCO3∙MgCO3. The paper presents the research results on glasses obtained by smelting pure amphibolite and amphibolite modified with 10 and 20% dolomite additives. The raw material used was mined in the Poland region of Lower Silesia. The glass melting process was carried out in an electric furnace at 1450 °C for 2 h. The structure and properties of the glasses and crystallization products were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy—Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Viscosity and Vickers microhardness were also measured. It was found that the modification of amphibolite glass by adding dolomite affects the glasses' properties and structure. The research results determined the effect of dolomite addition on the properties of alumino-silicate glasses in terms of the mineral fibre products used in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional mechanism for dolomitization in evaporitic basins is by drawdown‐related reflux of brines, but it seems that ascending brines were responsible in the case of basal Zechstein (Wuchiapingian) strata. Dolomite of basinal sections of the Zechstein Limestone in SW Poland show mostly fabric‐destructive dolomitization and wide δ18OVPDB and δ13CVPDB ranges (−3.78 to 6.47‰ and −1.64 to +5.3‰ respectively). The maximum δ18O value reflects the temperature of dolomitizing fluid equal to approximately 38°C, if the δ18O of water = +4‰ is assumed. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the dolomite samples vary from 0.707924 to 0.711164 and are clearly enriched with respect to the contemporaneous seawater values. The basinal dolomites have originated owing to interaction of low‐temperature brines from the underlying red beds and hypersaline brines originated during the Zechstein evaporite deposition. The conventional concept connecting the highly radiogenic strontium values recorded in dolomites with the overlying formations, and thus implying the reflux mechanism of dolomitization, should be re‐evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the latest state of knowledge on clastic sedimentary rocks from the Carboniferous complex in the SW part of the Polish Lowlands, studied to help determine their potential prospectivity for the occurrence of oil and/or gas deposits. Rocks were analyzed with respect to the petrographic-mineralogical characteristics of the Carboniferous deposits, their diagenesis, determinations of pressure-temperature conditions of mineral formation and the hydrocarbon occurrence. Analyses were carried out on samples from four selected boreholes in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline. After microscopic analysis of rocks and minerals in thin sections, the following techniques were used: luminescence analysis (UV, blue light), microthermometric analysis of fluid inclusions in double-sided polished wafers, cathodoluminescence analysis, electron scanning microscope studies, XRD analyses, stable isotopic analyses (carbon, oxygen) on calcite and dolomite-ankerite and Raman spectra of fluid inclusions. Orthochemical components, such as carbonates and authigenic quartz, that form cements or fill the veins cutting the sample material have been studied. Fluid inclusion data in quartz and carbonates result in homogenization temperatures of 74–233 °C. The Raman analysis gives temperature estimations for the organic matter of about 164 °C and 197 °C, depending on the borehole, which points to a low coalification degree. The post-sedimentary processes of compaction, cementation and diagenetic dissolution under eo- and meso-diagenetic conditions to temperatures of over 160 °C influenced the present character of the deposits. P-T conditions of brines and methane trapping have been estimated to be ~850–920 bars and 185–210 °C (vein calcite) and ~1140 bars and 220 °C (Fe-dolomite/ankerite). Therefore, locally, temperatures might have been higher (>200 °C), which may be a symptom of local regional metamorphism of a very low degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes and analyzes the Upper Jurassic (Lower Kimmeridgian) succession exposed in the Zakrzówek Horst, located in the Kraków area. Three distinguished facies types FT 1-FT 3 comprise several limestone varieties: sponge-microbial, pelitic-bioclastic, and partly dolomitized detrital-bioclastic. Their sedimentary environments varied from relatively deeper, attaining storm-wave base, to more shallower, probably close to normal-wave base. Characteristic features of limestones are changes in contents of CaCO3 and insoluble residuum as well as porosity values in vertical transitional zones between facies types. The investigated facies types differ in sediment porosity dependent on development of limestones and its susceptibility to mechanical compaction during the early diagenesis. The studied limestones show high CaCO3 contents and minor insoluble residuum contents comprising quartz, chalcedony and clay minerals. No distinct variability occurs in contents of magnesium, silica, alumina and iron accumulated in clay minerals, iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, as well as in the amounts of amorphous silica. Early diagenetic dolomites, which occur locally within the limestones, were unrelated to fracture systems as possible pathways responsible for transfer of solutions rich in Mg2+ ions. The possible source of Mg2+ ions might have been the pore solutions, which migrated from compacted basinal bedded facies towards reef facies or the grain-supported bedded facies developed in the adjacent areas. Microscopic studies revealed dedolomitization at the surfaces and in the inner parts of dolomite crystals. In many cases, dolomite crystals were replaced by calcite forming pseudomorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the basic problem related with practical application of carbonate rocks in construction: are carbonate aggregates produced from such rocks favorable for building engineering, particularly for road design and construction? To resolve this problem, (1) the geological-engineering properties of aggregates are presented, (2) the correlation between petrographic and engineering parameters is shown, and (3) a strict correlation between the geological-engineering properties and the freezing-thawing and crushing resistance is recognized. This knowledge has allowed to assess the usefulness of asphalt concrete (AC) made from dolomite and limestone aggregates in the design and construction of road surface structures. The petrography was characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS). Engineering properties were determined in accordance with European and Polish norms and guidelines. Statistical and design calculations were performed using dedicated software. The petrographic properties, and selected physical and mechanical parameters of the aggregates, were tested to show their influence on the freezing–thawing and crushing resistance. Strong functional relationships between the water adsorption, and the freezing–thawing and crushing resistance have been observed. Aggregate strength decreased after saturation with increasing concentrations of salt solutions. Calculations of AC fatigue durability and deformation allow for reducing the thickness of the road surface structure by about 20% in comparison to normative solutions. This conclusion has impact on the economy of road design and construction, and allows for a rational utilization of rock resources, which contributes to sustainable development of the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic knowledge of the characteristics of copper-bearing rock such as dolomite is essential to locate those areas of the deposit which have different structural and textural properties. Those regions can be important in terms of the assessment of the possibilities of gas accumulating in them as well as in terms of gasogeodynamic hazard. To better understand those threats, it is necessary to locate, monitor and analyse those areas in detail. This article characterises the structural and textural parameters of dolomite from the Polkowice-Sieroszowice copper mine in Poland. The study involved five samples from various areas of the mine. A number of research methods were selected. Reflected and transmitted light microscopy (MS), computer microtomography (Micro-CT), gas adsorption porosimetry (LPNA), mercury porosimetry (MIP), helium and quasi-fluid pycnometry (Pycno. He, DryFlo). Each of the methods examined a different scope of the pore size, which enabled to achieve a full view of the porous nature of those rocks. We determined their porosity (open, closed, total), surface area as well as mean size and volume of the pores. Also, we studied the character and the pore size distribution from a few nm to a few mm. Comprehensive dolomite properties analyses showed that these rocks are characterised by high structural variability. They have mesopores and macropores but few micropores. The analyses presented in this paper are determined by a large petrographic diversity of the deposits containing dolomite. This article is an example of a comprehensive approach to the rock analysis in copper ore mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some dolomite aggregates exposed to a wet environment may decompose. The presence of sodium, magnesium, calcium and sulfate ions in the corrosive medium and the higher temperature can increase the rate of aggregate decomposition. The results of a study on the impact of defined environmental exposition to a H2O, Mg(OH)2, MgSO4, Na2SO4 solutions in various temperature conditions on the susceptibility to dedolomitisation processes of cement concrete made with selected dolomite aggregate are presented in the paper. The observation of linear extension as well as changes in compressive strength and surface alteration due to corrosive exposition conditions were the key diagnostic features adopted for this examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reefs may be formed in the middle parts of sedimentary basins and grow on tectonically uplifted substrate blocks. In this paper, the strata of the Central European reef system of the Upper Permian Zechstein Limestone (Ca1) formation located in West Poland are evaluated. The formation has produced natural gas since the early nineties of the past century. The reefs grew on an uplifted horst built of Carboniferous rocks, known as the Wolsztyn Ridge. As individual sub-blocks originally showed diversified altitudes, four zones suspected to represent initial sedimentation conditions are distinguished: (1) basin zone , located close to the margins of the WR; (2) lower reef zone; (3) transitional zone and (4) the upper reef zone. Clear diagenetic differences between particular zones are observed. The basin zone strata are characterized by a strongly recrystallized mosaic of dolomite but show a limited extent of anhydrite cementation. The lower reef zone rocks, covered by thick Zechstein evaporites have been dolomitized and anhydritized most intensively, probably by means of the downward seepage of heavy brines, as suggested by the stable isotope data. It is assumed that the process was focused on the calm-water facies due to their low primary porosity and permeability. This mechanism was also probably responsible for the dolomitization of Ca1 strata in the remaining zones, where lower δ18O values in dolomite reflect some temperature increase on the final isotopic signature of rocks. Transitional zone carbonates appear to be almost purely calcitic with only a minor dolomite admixture. They contain various types of calcite cement, including marine and meteoric-phreatic phases, reflecting an intermediate position of the substrate and optimal reef growth conditions. Marine phases are also commonly recognized in the upper reef zone. Owing to a significant elevation of the substrate in this zone, the corresponding strata might have experienced some impact of karstification, presumably taking place well before the deposition of the Zechstein evaporites. It is concluded that the morphology of the substrate in tectonically-influenced areas strongly controls the reef diagenesis, and thus can affect the distribution of hydrocarbon accumulations. • The morphology of the substrate influences reef diagenesis and should be considered in hydrocarbon exploration. • The downward seepage of brines can cause dolomitization and anhydritization of reef rocks developed on uneven substrates. • Brine seepage-related dolomitization may be intensified in mud-supported facies of small thickness, overlain by evaporites. • The carbonate build-ups of the highest topographic position may become karstified and penecontemporaneously dolomitized. • Porous reefs formed at intermediate altitudes are areas of intensive calcite cementation in marine and meteoric conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new exposure of the Upper Muschelkalk clays and dolomites located south of Kalety (Tarnogórski District, Silesia, Poland) provided numerous remains of vertebrates represented by teeth, scales, long bones, and coprolites. Despite the influence of hydrothermal processes leading to dolomitization and Zn-Pb deposit formation, the preservation of fossil remains is good. The taxonomic diversity and accumulation of vertebrate debris in the dolomite are similar to other "bone beds" from the Muschelkalk and the Lower Keuper units. The SEM-EDS, EMP-WDS, and XRD analyses confirm that the examined remains consist of hydroxylapatite containing carbonate ions. Most vertebrate teeth as well as some bone fragments show zoning in the BSE imaging. In tooth cross-sections, three or two zones are preserved: (I) the outermost zone, associated with diagenetic mineralization of enameloid apatite, (II) a intermediate zone (orthodentine), and (III) the most porous internal zone (osteodentine). Decreasing P, Ca, Sr in the composition of the apatite which forms successive zones, is visible from the most external to the central part. Selective diagenetic substitution and adsorption of some elements by apatite crystals can allow recognition of the genetic origin of highly damaged or transported fragments scattered in the sedimentary layers. The chemical behavior of bioapatite, from deposition to digenesis, shows its useful role for identification of the formation process and potential, younger changes (e.g., hydrothermal overprint). The X-ray diffraction data, particularly cell parameters "a" and "c", can determine the degree of crystallinity and/or diagenesis. Moreover, correlation between some elements/ions (e.g., Sr, Ba, Ca, Mg, F, OH) can be helpful for the identification of the fossil type, especially if the bones are small and incomplete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gas and crashed rock burst in 2009 in the Rudna Copper Mine was the motivation to re-investigate the dolomite succession of the first Permian cyclothem (Werra), which covers the ceiling section of the excavations. Gas traps were recognized by previous research; however, the stability of gas traps during mining operations has not been studied yet. Mitigation of future gas bursts requires a complex analysis of these gas traps, involving petrological, petrophysical and mechanical analysis of the reservoir dolomite facies. The results indicate the significant influence of dolomite texture, porosity and extent of late diagenetic dolomite cement on the reservoir and geomechanical properties, and the induced failure pattern of the dolomite facies. The mechanism of dolomite failure allowed for interpreting the degree of dolomite degassing during and after mining operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of investigations on three lithological types of Polish copper ore: sandstone ore, carbonate ore, and shale ore. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, sandstone samples can be classified as sandstone with dolomite binder and partly clay binder; shale--as dolomitic slate with a high proportion of clay with elevated organic matter content; while dolomite has a high organic content. Five particle-sized fractions (16-18 mm, 18-20 mm, 20-25 mm, 25-31.5 mm, and 31.5-45 mm) of each lithological type were prepared. A single-axis slow-compression test was performed on single particles to determine the value of the crushing force. TheWeibull distribution was used to approximate the strength distribution models and cumulative strength distribution functions for each of the materials. The residual deviation and non-linear correlation coefficient were calculated in order to assess the fitting of the model function to empirical data. In addition, the impact of particle size on the strength of the raw material was separately investigated for the hard (dolomite and shale) and soft brittle material (sandstone). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zechstein (Upper Permian) dolomitic grainstones saturated with high pressure natural gas (including N2, CH4 and CO2) are present in the roof of workings in the Rudna copper mine in SW Poland. Natural gas commonly occurs in Zechstein reefal carbonates but this is the first occurrence of gas in basinal facies of the Zechstein Limestone in Poland. The reservoir dolomites are thin (ca. 1m), with porosity of 2-15% and permeability of less than a few mD. Pore size and pore distribution was analysed using microscope observations, X-ray computed microtomography, mercury porosimetry and argon adsorption to investigate the dolomitic reservoir interval. The dolomites have variable reservoir properties, and stratigraphic traps with dimensions of several metres are present where high poro-perm dolo-grainstones are sealed by tighter dolomites. Geochemical data indicate that the methane and carbon dioxide present are derived from source rock intervals in the Kupferschiefer (Late Permian) and the Zechstein Limestone. The high content of nitrogen in the gas may be related to the thermal decomposition of Carboniferous organic matter. However, a biogenic origin for the nitrogen is also possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid inclusions were studied in rocks from different wells from the Barnówko–Mostno–Buszewo (BMB), the largest oil field in Poland and from the Lubiatów field. Sampling was performed at depths between about 3120–3220 m and 3221–3256 m, respectively. Different minerals (dolomite, calcite, anhydrite, quartz) reveal the presence of aqueous (AQFI) and hydrocarbon (HCFI) inclusions, the differentiation of which was checked by UV fluorescence and microthermometry. Inclusions occur in different abundances and are of variable character. The microthermometric studies of fluid inclusions resulted in the determination of temperatures of eutectic melting, ice melting, and homogenization. Based on the results obtained, three types of inclusions have been found. Two-phase non-fluorescent inclusions (AQFI) contain brines of differentiated salinity (from about 6 to 10 and from about 17 to 22 wt% NaCl equivalent). Two-phase fluorescent inclusions (HCFI 1) contain light mature oil of paraffin character. The oil is characterized by API gravity of about 41–42 degrees. Small one-phase non-fluorescent inclusions (HCFI 2) that homogenize in deep freezing contain methane with admixtures. The abundance of inclusions varies, depending on the mineral or well. They have been discussed in the context of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permeability characterizes the ability of rocks to store and transport natural gas, crude oil and reservoir fluids. Permeability heterogeneity of reservoir rocks, including dolomites, results from overlapping geological and physicochemical processes. The permeability study of gas-bearing dolomites was carried out on the Lubiatów hydrocarbon deposit (Poland), located at the Ca2 carbonate platform toe-of-slope, which is a prospective area for hydrocarbon exploration in Europe. Due to the complicated rock textures and overlapping alteration processes, including secondary crystallization or dissolution of minerals, the permeability of the deposit is variable. Studies of dolomites from a depth of 3242–3380 m show high mineralogical diversity; the percentage of dolomite ranges from 79% to 95% with a variable content of other minerals: anhydrite, gypsum, quartz, fluorite, plagioclase and clay minerals. The porosity variability ranges from 4.69% to 31.21%, depending on the measurement method used. The mean permeability value is 35.27 mD, with a variation range of 0.9 to 135.6 mD. There is neither change in permeability with depth and mineral composition, nor a direct relationship between porosity and permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]