Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons^™

Explaining Safety Challenges And Their Relationships Using A Qualitative-Fuzzy Dematel Approach: A Surface Mine Case Study, Neda Molamehdizadeh, Gholam Hossein Halvani, Hossein Ebrahimi, Ali Asghar Farshad, Seyedeh Melika Kharghani Moghadam, Saber Moradi Hanifi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Safety in surface mining operations is a major organizational management challenge due to the inherently hazardous nature of mining activities. This study aimed to explain safety challenges and identify their interrelationships through a combined qualitative-fuzzy DEMATEL approach in a surface mine in Yazd Province, Iran. The research was carried out in two sequential phases: first, key safety challenges were identified through qualitative interviews with employees, supervisors, and safety experts; then, the relationships among these challenges were analyzed and prioritized using the fuzzy DEMATEL technique. The main challenges identified included insufficient specialized training, inadequate safety equipment, weak organizational safety culture, and …

The Carbon Footprint Of The Hard Coal Sector In Poland In The Context Of The Evolution Of The European Union’S Climate Neutrality Policy, Katarzyna Widera

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The topic of the article is the carbon footprint of coal as a primary source of energy. In light of climate change and the energy transition in the European Union, it is increasingly important to analyse the carbon footprint of individual economic sectors. The aim of this review article is to present an analysis of the carbon footprint of the hard coal sector in Poland against the background of the EU’s climate neutrality policy. The paper reviews EU strategic documents, such as the European Green Deal, the ”Fit for 55” package, and the REPowerEU and Clean Industrial Deal initiatives, in …

Secondary Water Saturation Of The Rock Mass And Quality Of Rocks In Active Mine Areas Bordering The Flooded Workings Of Closed Mines, Mirosława Bukowska

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The goal of this paper was to inspect the influence of capillary water saturation on the specific strain energy of sedimentary rocks. The relationships between the determined specific strain energies in an air-dried state and in a state of capillary water saturation for detrital rock were exponential, with a strong correlation among the variables. For silt, the relationships were described by a second-degree polynomial function, and the correlation was medium or weak. The relationships for kinetic and dissipated energy were described with a linear function. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated a strong correlation among the variables for detrital rock and a …

Critical Assessment On Challenges And Advances In Coal Pillar Strength Estimation Techniques: A Focus On Geological Discontinuities, Abhishek Kumar Singh, Sahendra Ram

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Accurate estimation of coal pillar strength is essential for ensuring safety and operational efficiency in underground mining. Current assessment methods often face limitations in addressing time-dependent failure mechanisms, geological discontinuities, and dynamic loading conditions. This paper identifies future research directions aimed at enhancing the reliability of pillar strength evaluations. One important focus is the development of advanced numerical models that account for time-dependent behaviours such as creep and fatigue. Incorporating multi-scale modelling techniques, which connect micro-scale material responses to macro-scale structural performance, may lead to more precise predictions. The integration of real-time monitoring systems measuring stress, deformation, and environmental factors …

Discrete Fracture Network Application To Rock Slope Stability In An Open Pit Mine, Elvis Karikari Mensah, Erzah Ackah, Reginald Hammah, Hani Mitri

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The stability of rock slopes in open pit mines is crucial for the safety and efficiency of the mining operation. Conventional stability analysis methods, such as kinematic and limit equilibrium analyses, primarily focus on identifying structural failure mechanisms and evaluating their factors of safety. Although insightful, these approaches do not accurately estimate failure volumes and block locations due to their limited consideration of joint frequency and persistence, which are key parameters in understanding block geometries. Discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling addresses these limitations by explicitly simulating rock mass discontinuities in 3D, which automatically incorporates joint spacing and persistence.

This paper …

Optimization Of Cyanide Leaching Process Based On Grain Size And Slurry Density In Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining In Tatelu Area, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Dadan Mohamad Nurjaman, Harmin Sulistiyaning Titah, Adji Kawigraha, Ipung Fitri Purwanti, Wahyu Hidayat

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Tatelu Village, North Sulawesi, has shifted from mercury amalgamation to cyanide leaching. However, gold recovery remains inefficient, requiring process optimization. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the influence of grain size and slurry density on gold dissolution. The results indicate that grain size plays a dominant role in leaching efficiency, while slurry density, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and cyanide concentration have statistically insignificant effects (p > 0.05). Laboratory tests show that finer grain sizes enhance dissolution, with the highest recovery rate of 89.08% achieved at 75% passing through 44 …

A Comprehensive Survey Of Artificial Intelligence Applications In Predicting Mining-Induced Subsidence, Deformation, And Landslides: Strengths, Limitations, And Future Trends, Long Quoc Nguyen, Dung Ba Nguyen, Minh Tuyet Dang

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mining activities often cause mining-induced ground deformation, including subsidence and landslides, and related geo-environmental impacts, posing significant risks to infrastructure and safety. This study conducts a systematic assessment to identify, categorize, and evaluate AI-based methods (machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid models) for predicting and monitoring mining-induced ground deformation. The literature search was performed across major scientific databases, using predefined keywords and selection criteria, resulting in a final dataset of relevant peer-reviewed studies. The reviewed works were classified into three methodological groups: traditional machine learning, deep learning-based approaches, and hybrid methods. The results show that ML still dominates in terms …

Mining And Sustainable Development In Sierra Leone: The Role Of Institutional Quality, Ibrahim Massaquoi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

While mining can drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote infrastructural development, it also poses risks to the environment, human health, and social well-being. Therefore, to achieve sustainable development, responsible mining is crucial. This study empirically examines the role of institutional quality in the mining-sustainable development nexus in Sierra Leone. With the use of the planetary pressures-adjusted human development index (PHDI) as a comprehensive measure of sustainable development, the study is able to integrate economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model confirms the existence of both short-run and long-run dynamics. The results of the study show …

Stoker-Fired Laboratory Boiler As A Tool For Optimising The Solid Fuel Combustion Process, Przemysław Rompalski, Justyna Guzy-Proc, Mariusz Kieczek

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This paper presents the results of quality testing performed on a stoker-fired laboratory boiler to present the technical potential of the boiler as a tool for optimising the combustion process of prepared solid fuels (granulate, energy blend) in the context of current demands related to the decarbonisation policy. The comprehensive testing of such fuels at a laboratory scale makes it possible to gain deep insights into the quality parameters of the fuel, flue gas and combustion waste, as well as to determine the combustion process parameters before the fuel is introduced for combustion in broader power engineering and household boilers. …

Karstic Cavities Underground Investigation: Gpr And Geotechnical Data Correlation, Mehrez Jamei, Mabrouk Abdelkader, Anwar Ahmed, Yahya Alassaf

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This paper focuses on the methodology involving ground penetration radar (GPR) for detecting and localizing random cavities in underground limestone soil, in conjunction with geotechnical data. A GPR survey was conducted alongside field and laboratory geotechnical tests at a field where mining activities are now promoted (Saudi Arabia Northern Borders Province). The paper presents correlations between the instantaneous amplitude of the reflected electromagnetic (EM) waves and rock quantification distributed (RQD), recovery rock parameter (REC), and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). The GPR investigation proved to be an efficient nondestructive geophysical method for determining: 1) the …

Image Processing Technique To Find The Burden Rock Velocity And Its Interdependency On Bench Blasting Parameters – A Case Study, Channabassamma N, Akhil Avchar, Sahas V Swamy, Vedala Rama Sastry, Hemant Agrawale

Journal of Sustainable Mining

In any rock engineering or excavation project, optimizing blast design is essential for controlling post-blast phenomena such as flyrock, burden throw, and burden rock velocity (BRV). This study investigates the dynamic response of BRV in bench blasting operations by employing a high-speed camera and ProAnalyst software to quantify rock displacement. The relationships between BRV and key blast parameters, number of holes (NH), explosive charge per hole (EPH), total explosive charge (TEC), stiffness ratio (K), and stemming ratio (STR), were analyzed to identify linear or non-linear trends. Non-linear trends, …

A Method To Accelerate Rock Breakage With Soundless Chemical Demolition Agents, Patrick A. Darko, Hani S. Mitri

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Soundless chemical demolition agents (SCDA) are recognized as a safe and sustainable alternative for rock breakage, with the potential to reduce reliance on explosives in mining. However, their mechanical performance is considerably hampered in the extreme cold climate, with slow or no rock fracturing observed. To overcome this deficiency, two methods were developed in recent studies by 1) electric heating the SCDA borehole with high-temperature wire, and 2) increasing the SCDA mixing water temperature. Good results were obtained with both methods. This paper explores the merits of a hybrid approach combining the two methods to further enhance the SCDA efficiency …

Research Status And Development Trend Of Acidification And Permeability Improvement Technology For Low-Permeability Coal Seam, Shaochuan Chen, Yun Lei, Fuchao Tian, Jie Kang

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Low-permeability coal seams in China are often characterized by mineral-clogged pore-fracture systems, severely limiting coalbed methane (CBM) extraction efficiency. Acidification technology, which involves injecting acidic solutions into coal seams to dissolve minerals and enhance permeability, has emerged as a promising approach. This paper systematically reviews the mechanisms, laboratory findings, and field applications of acidification technology for permeability enhancement in low-permeability coal seams. Key findings include significant improvements in pore connectivity, reductions in gas adsorption capacity, and enhanced gas extraction rates post-acidification. Field tests demonstrate that acid fracturing can increase gas extraction volume by 4-7 times. The study also identifies current …

Improving Energy Reliability In Mining Areas Through Modelling And Control Of Resonance Phenomena In Solar-Integrated Power Systems, Yurii Papaika, Gennadiy Pivnyak, Maksim Malyshko, Yuliya Pazynich, Natalia Howaniec, Adam Smolinski

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This study addresses the emergency and operational transient processes that arise when integrating large-scale solar power plants (SPPs) into electrical load nodes, particularly under conditions of limited power system capacity. With the increasing penetration of distributed generation in Ukraine's energy landscape, challenges related to electromagnetic compatibility and harmonic resonance are becoming more prominent. The research builds upon the foundational work of leading Ukrainian scientific schools and focuses on the specific resonance phenomena observed during the operation of solar inverters in medium-voltage networks, especially in regions with high industrial and mining Energy demand. A novel algorithm is proposed for determining the …

Feasibility Study Of Barite Sourcing From Sediments Emerging Due To Treatment Of Waste Water From Coal Mining, Hubert Makuła, Zbigniew Bzowski, Bogusław Michalik

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The accumulation of mine water in settling ponds, which is discharged due to coal mining, allows them to be cleaned out of suspension, and it is the reason for the accumulation of hundreds of thousands of tons of sediments. One interesting mineral enclosed in these sediments is barite, which is considered in the EU as a critical raw material, but it also contains radium originating from formation water.

The effective barite separation and its beneficiation could constitute a win-win solution because then it would be possible to obtain the valuable radium concentrate for further processing, e.g., in nuclear medicine, and …

Wettability Evaluation Via Contact Angle And Data Mining For Enhanced Oil Recovery, Syasya Wadihah Md. Ja’Afar, Bashir Busahmin

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The oil industry has used many enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategies to increase crude oil production from reservoirs, particularly as production begins to fall. With a significant quantity of hydrocarbon reserves still existing in the reservoirs, improved oil recovery techniques have the potential to increase oil production, with wettability alteration playing a significant role. To date, there has been no comprehensive investigation of wettability in Brunei's sandstone reservoir. The goal of this research is to determine wettability by contact angle measurement and data mining approaches based on the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) algorithm. …

Note: Greenvent – Revolutionizing Methane Management With Hybrid Energy Processing In Mine Ventilation, Roman J. Jędrzejczyk, Damian K. Chlebda, Jacek Dańczak, Piotr Rosikowski, Monika A. Koperska, Robert E. Hayes, Joseph P. Mmbaga, Robert Hildebrandt, Joanna Profic-Paczkowska

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Methane plays a significant role in intensifying the greenhouse effect, possessing a global warming potential more than twenty times greater than that of CO₂ when measured on a carbon-dioxide-equivalent basis. Hence, identifying efficient methods to mitigate methane emissions is crucial for safeguarding the environment, ensuring economic viability, and maintaining practicality. Globally, research initiatives are dedicated to crafting an effective catalyst system for methane oxidation, which involves developing catalysts, comprehending their characteristics, and determining the best way of bonding them to structural supports to enhance functionality. Notably, systems that incorporate metals from the non-noble d-block of the periodic table as …

Leveraging Blockchain Technology In Mining Supply Chain Management: Vietnam Coal Mining Case Study, Thu Hang Nguyen, Nguyen Trung Tuan, Hong Anh Le

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The global economy heavily relies on the mining industry for essential resources such as coal, oil, gas, and metal ores. However, the intricate nature of mining operations poses significant challenges in supply chain management (SCM). This research investigates how blockchain technology can address these challenges within mining supply chain management (MSCM). Through a systematic review of existing research and projects, a conceptual blockchain model is proposed to improve mining supply chains’ transparency, traceability, efficiency, and sustainability, specifically focusing on coal supply chain management in Vietnam. The model integrates distributed ledgers, smart contracts, IoT devices, identity management, and consensus mechanisms to …

Acknowledgement Of Reviewers

Journal of Sustainable Mining

No abstract provided.

A Critical Appraisal On The Injury Susceptibility Of Underground Metalliferous Mine Workers: Application Of Logistic Regression Model, Sudip Das, Falguni Sarkar, P.S. Paul, B.K. Pal

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The aim of this study is to analyze the occupational injury data of Indian underground metalliferous mines for scrutinizing the injury proneness of different groups of mine workers. In this context, injury records from 2011 to 2022 were obtained from underground metalliferous mines situated at Eastern part of India. The data were characterized and segregated based on different individual and workplace level variables. The workplace injury is categorized as ‘no injury’ and ‘all injury’. Subsequently, Frequency and Classification Based analysis (FCBA), Standardized Injury Rate (SIR) analysis and Logistic Regression Model (LRM) analysis were performed sequentially (FCBA-SIR-LRM) to predict the susceptibility …

The Impact Of Natural Cavities On Mining Feasibility In Brazil: Dilemma Between The Sustainability Of Mining Operations And The Environment, Tiago Leite, Felipe Souza, Mariana Silva, Iuri Brandi, Hernani De Lima

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Due to the legislation on natural underground cavities in Brazil, mineral reserves have been blocked, causing a great dilemma between the sustainability of the mineral activity and the preservation of cavities. This study presented an analysis of the evolution of the federal cave legislation, pointing out the main gains and contribution to the theme, in which the importance in the Brazilian scenario of the publication in 2017 of Normative Instruction N° 01, which updated the procedures for the definition of these “other forms of compensation” to the irreversible negative impact on cavities with a high degree of relevance. In this …

Multivariate Stochastic Mine Scheduling Targeting Stationary Grades Considering Risk Uncertainty And Hierarchical Variables, Augusto A. T. Toledo, Joao F. C. L. Costa, Diego M. Marques, Luciano N. Capponi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

In short-term mine planning for deposits characterized by multiple variables, sequential diglines are generated with an emphasis on maintaining consistent grade distributions across mining periods. This research integrates an array of mineral variables, including deleterious elements, to facilitate the establishment of excavation geometries that enable precise grade and volume control within operational production zones. Through the systematic application of geostatistical analysis coupled with process optimization, geological risks associated with grade uncertainties are minimized, and an optimized operational sequence for the extraction of mineral blocks is pursued. The main point of this approach is maintaining grade distributions aligned with the historical …

An Innovative Implicit Modeling Technique To 3d Deposit Modeling: A Case Study Of The Chromite Mine, Ali Can Ozdemir Ozdemir, Yavuz Tore

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The location of an orebody known to show regional variability in space is determined only through 3D geological modeling. A reliable 3D orebody model must be obtained to ensure resource efficiency and sustainability in the mining industry. In addition, 3D geological modeling has become indispensable in intelligent mining, smart mining, and mining 4.0. In previous years, explicit methods were widely used for 3D geological modeling. However, the validity of geological models produced with these methods has been debated. It has been understood that they are inadequate in modeling vein-type mineralizations with complex geometry in particular. For this reason, implicit modeling …

A Review Study Of The Relationship Between Coal Fly Ash Characteristics And The Presence Of Rare Earth Metals From Steam Power Plants In Indonesia, Muhammad F. Shafiyurrahman, Shofa Rijalul Haq, Nurkhamim Nurkhamim, Ade Kurniawan, Rofa D Bulopa, Rizki Khoiriah Nasution

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The establishment of a coal mining downstream ecosystem focused on a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy is an important goal for many countries. One strategic step in achieving this goal is the utilization of coal fly ash (CFA) waste as a secondary source of rare earth elements (REE). The use of CFA provides a solution to the environmental and health challenges resulting from mining primary sources. Prior to developing REE extraction technology, CFA characterization must be conducted. Therefore, this study addresses the relationship between CFA characteristics and the presence of REE. Based on the ASTM C618-12 standard, CFA in Indonesia …

Integrated Optimization Of Underground Mine Ventilation Using Hardy Cross, Monte Carlo Simulations, And Machine Learning Techniques: A Step Toward Sustainable Mining, Hussein A. Saleem

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Underground mine ventilation is crucial for ensuring worker safety, air quality, and operational efficiency. Effective optimization of ventilation systems reduces energy consumption, enhances airflow distribution, and minimizes risks associated with harmful gases and fire hazards. This study proposed an integrated framework combining the Hardy Cross (HC) method, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, and machine learning (ML) techniques to optimize the ventilation system at the Jabal Sayid mine in Saudi Arabia. The HC method was employed to provide deterministic baseline airflow calculations, while the MC simulations accounted for uncertainties in resistance values and environmental conditions, generating probabilistic distributions of key parameters. Among …

Study On Visualization Simulation And System Dynamic Optimization Of The Ore Drawing Process In Mine Chutes, Liang Juan, Zhu Quanjie, Hao Yingnan, Quan Zhongxue, Zhang Zhiwu, Liu Xiaohuic, Ouyang Zhihua

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The ore release process in metal mine chutes is a critical part of the mining operation. Based on the urgent demand for intelligent mining construction, this paper proposes a visualization simulation and dynamic optimization method for the mine chute ore release process using the open-source programs Python and Blender. The main research content includes: designing the simulation method and model for the ore release process, including the main control program, process subprograms, etc.; proposing a visualization simulation method for the mine chute ore release process based on Blender, studying the impact of ore shape and size on ore release efficiency, …

Assessment Of Heavy Metal Contamination In Surface Water Near Tailings Dam, Gera Techane Mengistu, Tesema Kebede, Enatfenta Melaku, Engdasew Temere

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Elevated levels of heavy metals in surface water can lead to the degradation of water quality, especially in mining areas where tailing dams are sources of heavy metal pollution. This study focuses on evaluating the concentrations of heavy metals in surface water near the Legadembi tailings dams. The mean concentrations (in µg/L) of various heavy metals including: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), vanadium (V), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and zirconium (Zr) were determined: 79.7, 0.15, 162.3, 0.66, 18.1, 0.01, …

Intrinsically Safe Pneumatic Seismic Source For Controlled Rock Mass ,Monitoring And Imaging In Underground Mining, Przemysław Sierodzki, Leszek Remiorz, Mateusz Ćwiękała, Krzysztof Krawiec

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This article explores the technical principles of pneumatic seismic sources, focusing on their application in underground mining operations, including environments prone to fire hazards. It introduces an intrinsically safe pneumatic seismic source as a cost-effective solution for quasi-continuous seismic excitation, useful for detecting stress concentrations in mining settings. These stress concentrations are identified through anomalies in seismic wave velocity, which may indicate potentially hazardous deformations in the rock mass. The developed system enables fully remote operation from the surface and integrates with a seismic monitoring system to capture high-resolution waveforms. The study provides an overview of the pneumatic system’s technical …

Investigating Frozen Paste Surface Disposal As A Climate Change Adaptation Strategy: Case Study Of Mont-Wright Mine, Khalil Hashem, Agus P. Sasmito, Laxmi Sushama, Ferri Hassani, Mehrdad Kermani

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The mining industry faces evolving challenges in adapting to the impacts of climate change. Among these challenges is the management of tailings. This study focuses on investigating surface disposal of non-cemented paste tailings, particularly the effect of water content, freeze-thaw cycles (FTC, defined as freezing the sample to –20°C and thawing it to +20°C), and ambient temperature on the mechanical characteristics and thermophysical properties of paste tailings. The potential for maintaining non-cemented tailings in a frozen state year-round is also investigated through field-scale numerical simulations. Experiment results of thermophysical properties of tailings with water content, freeze-thaw cycles and ambient temperatures …

Coal Phase-Out In The Silesian Coal Regions – Building Sustainable Scenario On Past Experiences, Adam Drobniak, Jan Bondaruk, Mirosław Skibski

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The dynamics of phasing out of hard coal mining are currently the subject of many debates and policies programming the energy transition. Diversity of opinions on the speed of the hard coal mining transition is evident. This discourse uses a number of technical, environmental, economic and social arguments that are not always supported by evidence-based analyses. As assumed in the European Green Deal, a responsible approach to decarbonisation requires just transition values. Thus, the negative effects of mining phasing out should be well recognized to enable their mitigation. This applies especially to the Silesian Voivodeship, where the concentration of so-called …