Mining Engineering Commons^™

Dig Limits Optimization Using Binary Integer Linear Programming Method In Open Pit Mines, Hussam Naif Altalhi

Masters Theses

"Dig limits optimization is the process for classifying different materials (e.g., ore, stockpile material, and waste) into appropriately sized contiguous zones for open pit mining. The efficient determination of dig-limits is crucial for profitable and sustainable resource extraction in mining. Previous research has focused on defining dig-limits manually or using optimization approaches, but these methods are limited to only handling two material destinations (ore and waste). Thus, there is a need for operations research methods that consider the selectivity of mining equipment and can optimize dig-limits for metal mining operations with more than two material destinations. Consequently, the objective of …

A Binary Integer Linear Programming Model For Optimizing Underground Stope Layout, Theophilus Mensah

Masters Theses

"Underground mine planning engineers face significant challenges when determining what geometry provides the most profitable and safe stope for extraction. Several techniques and optimization algorithms have been developed in recent years, but most fail to find optimal solutions because they are heuristic or LP-based without efficient geometric constraints. This thesis work proposes a two-dimensional binary linear programming (BILP) model for determining the optimal combination of blocks in a stope that maximizes the economic value of the layout of stopes for a sublevel deposit. The work draws from Queyranne and Wolsey’s (2017 & 2018) formulations of tight constraints for bounded up/down …

Laboratory Scale Experimental Analysis Of The Effect Of Surfactants On Acid Mist Suppression During Copper Electrowinning, Thurman Kollie Elgin

Masters Theses

"The reduction in acid mist generation is an industrial occupational objective in the electrowinning industry of base metals. The technology of electrowinning as an extractive metallurgical technique of metals proficiently contributed to the recovery of pure base metals. During the process of electrowinning, oxygen bubbles are generated on the anode of the electrowinning cell because of the over potential in the cell due to high voltage. The bubbles formed tend to contain sulfuric acid of the electrolyte in the form of liquid-gas ascending particles of the solution. As these bubbles ascend to the surface of the solution, they burst at …

Discrete Event Simulation (Des) In Swapping/Charging Of Battery Electric Vehicles In Underground Mining, Albert Einstein Amponsem

Masters Theses

"With climate change concerns escalating, international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol, the US Presidential Policy, and the Paris Agreement aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, targeting significant reductions by 2050. The mining sector, a notable contributor to GHG emissions primarily through diesel-powered material haulage, emits approximately 68 million tons of CO₂ annually. Transitioning to Battery Electric Trucks (BETs) presents a viable mitigation strategy by replacing diesel trucks with electric alternatives, thus eliminating CO₂ emissions.

However, the effectiveness of BETs hinges on optimized battery swapping and charging procedures. This study employs Discrete Event Simulation (DES), a computational …

Investigating Detonation Parameters Through The Plate Dent Test: A Novel Approach For Characterizing Detonation Curvature And Thickness, Emily Michelle Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations

Detonation is the driving factor behind how an explosive, used in an array of applications, performs. Understanding and measuring detonation parameters of an explosive is key in explosive charge design and application. Currently, determining parameters is costly as the instrumentation needed is expensive in terms of price, maintenance, and personnel. This research examines two methods of determining detonation parameters through measurement of secondary material response to the detonation wave in an effort to provide an alternate, simple, and inexpensive method of measurement. The first of these studies focuses on the Gurney Model and demonstrates that the model's accuracy was diminished …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Critical Links And Development Trends Of Research On Active Tectonics, Yuan Daoyang, Wang Youlin, Li Shuwu, Wang Wanhe, Li Linyuan, Zou Xiaobo, Wen Yameng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Following a brief introduction of the general characteristics of active tectonics in China, this study analyzed two new features of large earthquakes with M_s ≥ 7 that have struck continental China since the beginning of the 21st century: (1) Large earthquakes occur primarily in clusters along the boundary fault zone of the Bayanhar active tectonic block—part of the Qinghai-Tibet ateau active tectonic block. (2) Reverse fault-fold earthquakes have occurred multiple times within active basins or at basin-mountain boundaries. In response to the new seismic activity features and the new demand for disaster prevention and mitigation of engineering construction and …

Activity Variations Of The Shanzuokou-Sihong Fault Within The Jiangsu Segment Of The Tancheng-Lujiang Fault Zone And Their Origins, Zhang Hao, Li Wei, Li Limei, Yan Yunxiang, Jiang Xin, Wang Jinyan, Zhao Qiguang, Gu Qinping, Xu Hangang

Coal Geology & Exploration

The Shanzuokou-Sihong fault, having undergone the entire evolutionary process of the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone, exhibits segmentation during the latest activity epoch. Determining the location and origin of its activity segmentation will provide a significant reference for exploring the activity variations of its branch faults and their origins. This study investigated the activity of the Shanzuokou-Sihong fault using a three-dimensional approach combining field geological surveys, shallow seismic exploration, and cross-well stratigraphic correlation. The results show that the Shanzuokou-Sihong fault is a Late Pleistocene active fault on the east side of the North Maling Mountain and a Middle Pleistocene fault in Xinyi …

Revealing Fine-Scale Crustal Structure And Tectonic Features In The Xiong’An New Area And Its Periphery Using Deep Seismic Reflection Profiling, Yue Hangyu, Wang Kai, Wang Xiaojiang, Zhang Baowei, Zhang Kai

Coal Geology & Exploration

As an effective method to accurately reveal the deep geological structures and tectonic features of the Earth, deep seismic reflection profiling has been increasingly applied to the exploration of the continental and oceanic crusts, as well as the upper mantle of the lithosphere, making it internationally recognized pioneer technique for deep Earth exploration. This study examined the deep seismic reflection profile spanning across the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei Province, aiming to reveal the crustal structure and tectonic features of the study area. Key findings are as follows: (1) The crust in the study area can be divided into the …

Application Of Integrated Geophysical Surveys In The Identification Of Hidden Fire Sources In Spontaneous Combustion Zones In Coal Seams, Ma Zijun, Yang Haiyan, Li Wenyu, Xu Yunlei, He Yunlan, Liu Zhuoming, Li Peng, Huang Jiu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Spontaneous combustion in coal seams, a factor influencing the development of many mining areas in China, can cause severe coal resource loss and environmental pollution. The positioning and distribution identification of hidden fire sources can provide an important basis for coal mine enterprises to prepare prevention and control measures. They are also a hot research topic and challenge in the field of coal fire disasters. Suitable channels for ventilation and oxygen supply are necessary for spontaneous combustion in coal seams. When the oxidative heat release rate of coals exceeds the heat dissipation rate, coal temperature will rise until the occurrence …

Chromium-Contaminated Sites: Migration Characteristics And Monitoring Using Dual-Frequency Ip Method, Wei Kaiyao, Liu Zhimin, Liang Chen, Zhang Jie, Ma Qiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Given that the migration process of chromium-contaminated sites is subjected to various uncertainties, it is difficult to investigate the migration characteristics and explore the monitoring process using experiments. Based on the basic law of groundwater flow and the migration mechanisms of pollutants, this study conducted a simulation analysis of the migration characteristics of static chromium contamination sources and the law of changes in the migration characteristics using the COMSOL software. Then, this study verified the reliability and accuracy of numerical forward simulations through physical simulation experiments on a static soil bin. Specifically, using the model of chromium contamination source migration …

Dual-Frequency Transmission Radio Wave-Based Exploration Method And Its Application, Fu Xianjie, Hu Ze'an, Wu Rongxin, Li Peng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Coal seams can act as the guided wave layers of high-frequency electromagnetic waves, and radio wave perspective technology can be used to detect geological structures within coal seams of a working face. Presently, radio wave perspective methods usually use a single frequency, leading to some problems such as improper frequency selection and limited detection accuracy in the exploration of mining faces. In response, this study developed a dual-frequency transmission radio wave-based exploration method. Based on theoretical analysis, as well as the field strength of dual-frequency perspective and attenuation coefficient, this study derived the calculation formula for the absorption factor γ …

The Application Of The Opposing Coils Transient Electromagnetic Method And Microtremor Survey Method In Shallow Karst Detection, Zhang Xueliang, Xie Tao, Zhou Wei, Gao Hui, Deng Dong, Qu Jingyi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Concealed karsts frequently lead to disasters such as ground collapse, water reservoir seepage, and tunnel water inrush. Identifying the distribution and development of karsts in advance holds great significance for guiding engineering design and construction in karst areas. Geophysical methods rank among the most effective methods for karst detection. Given the problems of karst development, limited space, and serious electromagnetic interference in the tank farms of the Longkou Port, Shandong Province, this study explored shallow karsts in these farms through the joint application of the opposing coils transient electromagnetic (OCTEM) method and the microtremor survey method. Firstly, surface scanning was …

Advances In Research On Active Faults And Exploration Of Relevant Frontier Scientific Problems, Xu Xiwei, Li Feng, Cheng Jia, Liu Baojin, Chen Guihua, Li Kang, Ren Junjie, Jia Qichao

Coal Geology & Exploration

This study reviewed the approval and initiation processes and major research contents of China's active fault-related projects, such as the urban active fault survey projects, large-scale mapping programs of active faults, and the earthquake hazard assessment of active faults in key earthquake monitoring and prevention areas. By combining the scientific investigation results of the surface rupture zones induced by strong earthquakes over the past 20 years, this study elaborated on significant advances achieved in the following aspects: the survey and positioning techniques for concealed active faults under strong-noise and weak-signal conditions, the quantitative identification techniques for fault activity, theories and …

Optimization Of Data Acquisition Parameters For Deep Seismic Reflection Surveys In Complex Terrain, Yan Yunxiang, Li Pei, Zhi Min, Liu Jianda, Wang Zichen, Zhang Ying, Pei Gendi, Li Linyuan, Mou Qi, Jia Jin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Fujian, located in the orogen region of the coastal areas of southeast China, exhibits well-developed structures and complex surface conditions, which make deep seismic reflection surveys challenging. In response to the diversity and complexity of seismogeological conditions in Fujian, this study optimized the seismic excitation means based on previous deep seismic surveys. Specifically, the combination of large, medium, and small guns was transitioned into the layout of normal guns (spacing of shot points: 600 m) and large shots (spacing of shot points: 15 km), leading to enhanced folds of large shots. Through simulation analysis, this study calculated the spacing of …

Mechanical Behavior And Failure Response Characteristics Of Hard Sandstones Considering Bedding Dip Angles, Song Zhanping, Liu Hongke, Zheng Fang, Cheng Yun, Sun Yinhao, Song Wanxue

Coal Geology & Exploration

This study focuses on the mechanical behavior and failure responses of hard sandstones considering bedding dip angles. Through uniaxial compression tests of hard sandstones with different bedding dip angles, this study delved into the influence of bedding dip angles on the mechanical behavior of hard sandstones and the relationship between the bedding dip angles and fractal characteristics of hard sandstone fragments. The test results show that bedding dip angles produced negligible effects on the type of the stress-strain curves of hard sandstones. However, low dip angles (0°, 22.5°, and 45°) corresponded to unimodal curves, while high dip angles (67.5° and …

Critical Links And Development Trends Of Research On Active Tectonics, Yuan Daoyang, Wang Youlin, Li Shuwu, Wang Wanhe, Li Linyuan, Zou Xiaobo, Wen Yameng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Following a brief introduction of the general characteristics of active tectonics in China, this study analyzed two new features of large earthquakes with M_s ≥ 7 that have struck continental China since the beginning of the 21st century: (1) Large earthquakes occur primarily in clusters along the boundary fault zone of the Bayanhar active tectonic block—part of the Qinghai-Tibet ateau active tectonic block. (2) Reverse fault-fold earthquakes have occurred multiple times within active basins or at basin-mountain boundaries. In response to the new seismic activity features and the new demand for disaster prevention and mitigation of engineering construction and …

New Evidence For Holocene Activity Of The Northern Segment Of The Puqian-Qinglan Fault In Northern Hainan Province, Liu Huaguo, Li Feng, Jia Qichao, Wang Zhicheng, Zhang Pan, Lin Zhen, Zhang Jiehan, Shi Chunhua, Zhang Yanbo, Jia Wei, Li Changlong

Coal Geology & Exploration

The Puqian-Qinglan fault, located in northern Hainan Province, is closely related to the judgment of the seismogenic structure of the Qiongshan M7½ earthquake in 1605. To accurately determine the latest activity characteristics of this fault, this study, adopting artificial shallow seismic exploration with large-tonnage seismic sources combined with small-spacing cross-well stratigraphic correlation, investigated the sedimentary geological conditions of the Quaternary basalt cover and significantly thick marine sand layers in northern Hainan Province through exploration at Qishantou and Dongzhai villages in the Sanjiang Town, Jiangdong New Area, Haikou. Key results are as follows: (1) the Puqian-Qinglan fault dislocates multiple marker …

Activity Of The Liyang-Nandu Fault In Southern Jiangsu, Zhang Shuo, Zhang Ping, Chen Huogen, Xu Shugang, Gong Xulong, Xu Hangang, Li Limei, Feng Wenli, He Zongnan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Located in the central part of the Sunan Modernization Construction Demonstration Area—one of the areas with the densest population and urban areas and the most developed economy in China, the Liyang-Nandu fault is an important concealed fault with a nearly E-W strike in the Yangtze River Delta in eastern China. This fault serves as an important regional geomorphic and neotectonic boundary. However, there is a lack of systematic research on this fault, and its latest activity era is yet to be ascertained. Using seismic exploration P-waves and S-waves and cross-well stratigraphic correlation, this study investigated the spatial distribution and Quaternary …

Application Of High-Precision Lidar Technology In Research On Active Fault-Induced Offset Geomorphic Features - A Case Study Of The Juxian-Tancheng Segment Of The Yishu Fault Zone, Yang Bin, Wang Hualin, Wu Hongbin, Ge Fugang, Zou Hao, Su Sili

Coal Geology & Exploration

The Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone (also referred to as the TanLu fault zone), one of the most significant large-scale active faults in eastern China, has great seismogenic potential while passing through several cities with the activities and accumulation of human beings. To investigate the geometric distribution and activity characteristics of the TanLu fault zone, this study focused on the Juxian-Tancheng segment of the Yishu fault zone—a part of the TanLu fault zone. Given the vegetation coverage in eastern China, airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and terrestrial laser scanning were employed to collect high-precision topographic data of the Zuoshan (Yibujian), Zhonghuashan, …