Mining Engineering Commons^™

Dynamic Impact Of Ageing Dump Truck Suspension Systems On Whole-Body Vibrations In High-Impact Shovel Loading Operations, Saeid R. Dindarloo

Doctoral Dissertations

"Surface mining operations typically deploy large shovels, with 100+ tons per pass capacity, to load dump trucks in a phenomenon described as high-impact shovel loading operations (HISLO). The HISLO phenomenon causes excessive shock and vibrations in the dump truck assembly resulting in whole body vibration (WBV) exposures to operators. The truck suspension system performance deteriorates with time; therefore their effectiveness in attenuating vibrations reduces. No research has been conducted to study the impact of ageing suspension mechanisms on the magnitudes of WBV in HISLO operations.

This study is a pioneering effort to provide fundamental and applied knowledge for understanding the …

Investing In Least Developed Countries: The Aynak Copper Mine Project, Roosevelt Barfield

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rise of market globalization creates challenges for business executives seeking to pursue foreign direct investment (FDI) in least developed countries (LDC), such as Afghanistan. Multinational corporate (MNC) executives need strategies that will improve the timely delivery of minerals for mining projects in LDCs. Guided by the force field analysis theory, the purpose of this holistic, single-case study was to explore the strategy that 5 MNC executives in Beijing, China, used to improve the timely delivery of minerals associated with the Aynak copper mine project in Afghanistan. Semistructured interviews were used to elicit detailed narratives from MNC executives about their …

Studies On Flocculation Of Fine Mineral Tailings Using Novel Polyacrylamide Based Polymer, Simin Khatibi

Masters Theses

"One of the important features in managing or treating sulfide fine tailings is separating solids from liquid by settling test. This thesis presents results of studied conducted on flocculation of Kaolin suspensions (a model tailings) and sulfide mineral tailings. Two polymers (PAM and Al-PAM) were tested as flocculants. The zeta potential value of slurries was measured by Nano Zetasizer device.

Al-PAM was found to be more effective for flocculation of kaolinite samples and also sulfide samples while PAM with used concentration was not. This study represents the power of flocculation as a possible solution to deal with industrial tailings"--Abstract, page …

Bio-Physical Closure Criteria Without Reference Sites: Realistic Targets In Modified Rivers, Melanie L. Blanchette, Mark Lund, Robyn Stoney, Digby Short, Colm Harkin

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The use of reference sites for establishing closure criteria in areas disturbed by mining activities is common practice. ‘Reference’ sites are those considered to be largely unimpacted by anthropogenic activity (retaining desirable natural characteristics), and occurring near disturbed sites. Sites are considered rehabilitated when their biophysical condition approximates that of the reference site. However, this approach often creates impossible or unrealistic targets for miners seeking to close rehabilitated lands. For example, reference sites are often limited in availability (or non-existent) due to impacts by other land uses. Further, any available reference sites might not be realistic matches for the rehabilitated …

Degradation Of Organic Pollutants And Microorganisms From Wastewater Using Different Dielectric Barrier Discharge Configurations—A Critical Review, Emile S.Massima Mouele, Jimoh O. Tijani, Ojo O. Fatoba, Leslie F. Petrik

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The growing global drinking water crisis requires the development of novel advanced, sustainable, and cost-effective water treatment technologies to supplement the existing conventional methods. One such technology is advanced oxidation based on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). DBD such as single and double planar and single and double cylindrical dielectric barrier configurations have been utilized for efficient degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants. The overall performance of the different DBD system varies and depends on several factors. Therefore, this review was compiled to give an overview of different DBD configurations vis-a-viz their applications and the in-situ mechanism of generation of free reactive …

Information Seeking Behaviour Of Petroleum Engineers In Niger Delta Region Of Nigeria: A Survey, Edonkumoh Victor Ebiye (Mlis), Ngwuchukwu M. N (Phd), Emmanuel Agyo (Mlis)

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The success of the petroleum industry at all levels depend largely on petroleum engineers’ awareness and access to relevant information for making sound Exploration and Production decisions. This study investigated the information seeking behaviour of Petroleum Engineers in selected companies in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. A survey design was adopted using questionnaire as the instrument for collecting primary data from 250 petroleum engineers randomly selected from four oil companies. Data gathered were analysed using frequencies, simple percentages and mean score count. Results showed that petroleum engineers spent time seeking health and safety information, oil and gas E&P information, …

Karst Paleo-Collapses And Their Impacts On Mining And The Environment In Northern China, Gongyu Li, Wanfang Zhou

Sinkhole Conference 2015

Karst paleo-collapses are unique collapse structures widely found in the coal measures of northern China. Their geometric dimensions and internal properties indicate that a compound dissolution of carbonate and gypsum rocks may contribute to their formation. When these collapses are permeable to groundwater flow, they hydraulically connect the coal seams and the karst aquifers, which is a pre-requisite for water inrushes during coal mining. Over the last 40 years, water inrushes through these collapses have caused fatalities, economic losses, and degradation in the environment in northern China. Determination of locations and hydrogeological characteristics of the karst paleo-collapses are essential in …

The Impact Of Mpowir A Decade Of Investing In Mentoring Women In Physical Oceanography, Sarah Clem, Sonya Legg, Susan Lozier, Colleen B. Mouw

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

MPOWIR (Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention) is a US communityinitiated and community-led mentoring program aimed at improving the retention of women physical oceanographers in academic and/or research positions. This article describes the MPOWIR program elements designed by the US physical oceanography community, quantifies the participation in these programs, describes MPOWIR’s impact to date, and outlines future directions. An examination of surveys to date indicates that MPOWIR, several years after its implementation, is having a positive impact on the retention of junior women in physical oceanography, primarily by giving them a broad professional network and focused mentoring.

Characterising Volcanic Cycles At Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat: Time Series Analysis Of Multi-Parameter Satellite Data, Verity Flower, Simon Carn

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

The identification of cyclic volcanic activity can elucidate underlying eruption dynamics and aid volcanic hazard mitigation. Whilst satellite datasets are often analysed individually, here we exploit the multi-platform NASA A-Train satellite constellation to cross-correlate cyclical signals identified using complementary measurement techniques at Soufriere Hills Volcano (SHV), Montserrat. In this paper we present a Multi-taper (MTM) Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of coincident SO2 and thermal infrared (TIR) satellite measurements at SHV facilitating the identification of cyclical volcanic behaviour. These measurements were collected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) (respectively) in the A-Train. We identify …

All-In Sustaining Cost Analysis, Asseu Gilbert Yapo

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Cost reporting has focused on the direct cost of mining and processing ore which was summarized in the non-GAAP cash cost developed by the Gold Institute in 1996. In 2013, a group of mining companies, working with the World Gold Council, developed a more inclusive approach to reporting costs designed to solve the dilemma of showing a more comprehensive reflection of recurring costs involved in producing gold, without discouraging investors.

Review Of Sampling And Evaluation Techniques For Diesel Exhaust Particulate Matter In The Mining Industry And The Application Of A Vapor Phase Organic Carbon Correction Factor, Ryley Bosch

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The health effects associated with diesel exhaust exposure have been documented for decades. However, methods used to assess diesel exhaust have experienced considerable revision over the past twenty years. The latest sampling methodology considers particulate matter elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) analysis along with the vapor phase OC analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of vapor phase OC on the current National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 5040 sampling and evaluation techniques for diesel exhaust particulate matter.

A pilot study was conducted as part of a larger study evaluation biodiesel …

Design Of Push–Pull System To Control Diesel Particular Matter Inside A Dead-End Entry, Yi Zheng, Magesh Thiruvengadam, Hai Lan, Jerry C. Tien

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is considered to be carcinogenic after prolonged exposure. With more diesel-powered equipment used in underground mines, miners' exposure to DPM has become an increasing concern. This paper used computational fluid dynamics method to study the DPM dispersion in a dead-end entry with loading operation. The effects of different push–pull ventilation systems on DPM distribution were evaluated to improve the working conditions for underground miners. The four push–pull systems considered include: long push and short pull tubing; short push and long pull tubing, long push and curved pull tubing, and short push and curved pull tubing. A …

Capturing Optically Important Constituents And Properties In A Marine Biogeochemical And Ecosystem Model, S. Dutkiewicz, A. E. Hickman, O. Jahn, W. W. Gregg, C. B. Mouw, M. J. Follows, C. Mouw

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

We present a numerical model of the ocean that couples a three-stream radiative transfer component with a marine biogeochemical-ecosystem component in a dynamic three-dimensional physical framework. The radiative transfer component resolves the penetration of spectral irradiance as it is absorbed and scattered within the water column. We explicitly include the effect of several optically important water constituents (different phytoplankton functional types; detrital particles; and coloured dissolved organic matter, CDOM). The model is evaluated against in situ-observed and satellite-derived products. In particular we compare to concurrently measured biogeochemical, ecosystem, and optical data along a meridional transect of the Atlantic Ocean. The …

A Geologic Play Book For Utica Shale Appalachian Basin Exploration, John Hickman, Cortland Eble, Ronald A. Riley, Matthew Erenpreiss, Kristin M. Carter, John A. Harper, Brian Dunst, Langhorne “Taury” Smith, Michele L. Cooney, Daniel Soeder, Garrecht Metzger, Jessica Moore, Michael E. Hohn, Susan Pool, John Saucer, Douglas G. Patchen

Appalachian Oil and Natural Gas Research Consortium

This “Geologic Play Book for Utica Shale Appalachian Basin Exploration” (hereafter referred to as the “Utica Shale Play Book Study” or simply “Study”) represents the results of a two-year research effort by workers in five different states with the financial support of fifteen oil and gas industry partners. The Study was made possible through a coordinated effort between the Appalachian Basin Oil & Natural Gas Research Consortium (AONGRC) and the West Virginia University Shale Research, Education, Policy and Economic Development Center.

Optimization Of The Quantity Of Heated/Refrigerated Air Required For Ventilating Underground Mines With Ventilation-On-Request Systems, Samuel C. Wiley

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Development of deeper and more complex orebodies has increased the demand for efficient use of the air ventilating underground mining operations. Deeper and heavily mechanized operations present increasing difficulty for maintaining the air temperatures encountered by personnel, which must be removed to ensure their safety and health. The efficient use of air is made possible by the implementation of Ventilation-on-Request (VOR) systems. However, reductions in the quantity of air supplied by VOR may reduce the quantity below that which is necessary for effective heat exchange.

The objective of this thesis is to develop a heat simulation program that will determine …

Seasonal Variability Of Atmospheric Nitrogen Oxides And Non-Methane Hydrocarbons At The Geosummit Station, Greenland, L. J. Kramer, D. Helmig, J. F. Burkhart, A. Stohl, S. Oltmans, R. E. Honrath

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Measurements of atmospheric nitrogen oxides NOx (NOx = NO + NO2), peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), NOy, and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) were taken at the Greenland Environmental Observatory at Summit (GEOSummit) station, Greenland (72.34° N, 38.29° W; 3212 m a.s.l.), from July 2008 to July 2010. The data set represents the first year-round concurrent record of these compounds sampled at a high latitude Arctic site. Here, the study focused on the seasonal variability of these important ozone (O3) precursors in the Arctic troposphere and the impact from transported anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions. Our analysis shows that PAN is the dominant NOy …

Quantitative Correlation Of Rainfall And Earth Surface Displacements For Slope Stability Studies, Chrysanthos Steiakakis, Evangelia Apostolou, Georgia Papavgeri, Zacharias Agioutantis, Achilleas Tripolitsiotis

Mining Engineering Faculty Publications

It is common sense that the possibility of a rockfall increases after an intense rainfall and it is well documented that rainfalls accelerate earth surface displacements such as landslides and rockfalls. This qualitative correlation is highly affected by the geology and climate condition of the area under consideration. The research project entitled "Development of an integrated system for rockfall identification in highways", funded by the Operational Program Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship (co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)) aims to develop an operational system for early warning of rockfalls that occur along transportation corridors. To accomplish this goal the influence …

Detection Of Small-Scale Rockfall Incidents Using Their Seismic Signature, Achilleas Tripolitsiotis, Antonis Daskalakis, Stelios Mertikas, Dionysios Hristopulos, Zacharias Agioutantis, Panagiotis Partsinevelos

Mining Engineering Faculty Publications

Several algorithms have been effectively used to identify the seismic signature of rockfall incidents, which constitute a significant threat for human lives and infrastructure especially when occurring along transportation networks. These algorithms have been mostly evaluated using data from large scale rockfall events that release a large amount of energy. However, low-energy rockfall events (< 100 Joules) triggered by small-sized individual rocks falling from small heights can be severely destructive. In this study, a three-parameter algorithm has been developed to identify low-energy rockfall events. An experimental setup was implemented to 1) validate the results obtained by this algorithm against visual inspection of seismic signals records, 2) define the optimal algorithm parameterization to minimize false alarms, and 3) investigate whether tri-axial vibration monitoring can be replaced by a uniaxial device in order to reduce the installation cost of a real-time rockfall monitoring system. It was found that the success rate of the proposed algorithm exceeds 80% independently of the parameters used, while event identification at a maximum distance with minimal false alarms was achieved when using mean ± 3σ as the threshold criterion and 6 ms and 4 ms as the trigger and event window parameters respectively. Finally, it was found that for the specific experimental setup, a uniaxial device could be used for rockfall event identification.

Spatial Analysis Of Mount St. Helens Tephra Leachate Compositions: Implications For Future Sampling Strategies, P. M. Ayris, P. Delmelle, B. Pereira, E. C. Maters, D. E. Damby, A. J. Durant, D. B. Dingwell

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Tephra particles in physically and chemically evolving volcanic plumes and clouds carry soluble sulphate and halide salts to the Earth’s surface, ultimately depositing volcanogenic compounds into terrestrial or aquatic environments. Upon leaching of tephra in water, these salts dissolve rapidly. Previous studies have investigated the spatial and temporal variability of tephra leachate compositions during an eruption in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of gas-tephra interaction which emplace those salts. However, the leachate datasets analysed are typically small and may poorly represent the natural variability and complexity of tephra deposits. Here, we have conducted a retrospective analysis of published …

An Evaluation Of Carbon Concentrations Associated With Biodiesel Particulate Matter In An Underground Metal Mine, David Evans

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Exposure to diesel particulate matter from diesel exhaust has been shown to have adverse health effects in humans. In 2012 The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified diesel exhaust as a group 1 know human carcinogen. Because of the associated health effects, there has been a strong push to reduce the amount of diesel exhaust present in the mining industry. Biodiesel is one to the more common and promising control options used to reduce the amount of diesel particulate matter that is generated during fuel combustion. The use of biodiesel over petroleum diesel has been shown to reduce not …