Sustainability Commons^™

Economic Viability And Environmental Sustainability: A Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Green Technologies In Mineral Extraction, Tshinkobo Bukasa Orphea, Agyingi Babaca Agyingib, Xiangrui Meng

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This research offers a novel approach to comparing green technologies’ economic profitability and environmental sustainability of their mineral extraction based upon econometric and life cycle assessment methodologies. Quantitative results show attractive results with an NPV of $2,014,001 and an IRR of 17%. In the third year, the project nets at $300,000, or 63%, at a 7% discount rate. However, soil protection remains challenging, but pollution coefficients are improved, as evidenced by environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The findings in the study further underscore how regulatory frameworks and market drivers dictate the use of green technology. The economic, environmental and regulatory costs …

A Case Study Comparing The Results Of A Copper Open-Pit Mine Scheduling Considering Two Different Approaches For Spatial Interpolation Of Comminution Geometallurgical Variables, Sílvia Martins, Pedro Campos, Douglas Mazzinghy

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The use of geometallurgical variables to improve the accuracy obtained in mine planning is an increasingly present reality in mining. However, the way these variables are interpolated to construct the block model is still a major challenge since they are non-additive variables. In this case study, a database from a copper mine located in Brazil was used to compare mining planning by Direct Block Scheduling using two spatial interpolation approaches. In the first approach, the geometallurgy block model was produced interpolating the comminution indexes Axb and BWI from the drill holes, and the specific energy was calculated at each block. …

Impact Of Multiple Mining Subsidence On Large Diameter Steel Pipelines: The Upper Silesian Coal Basin Case Study, Piotr Kalisz, Magdalena Zięba, Marcin Grygierek

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The article concerns the impact of multiple mining subsidence on pipeline expansion capacity based on the analysis of the field research results. The article presents a case study related to a water mains system that supplies drinking water to approximately 3.5 million consumers. These pipelines are made of steel with diameters of 1600 mm and 1400 mm. The water mains partly run through mining and post-mining areas in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland. These pipelines are equipped with expansion joints to protect them against the impact of ground deformations. The field research concerned the assessment of the position …

Recovery Of Magnesium Sulfate And Calcium Sulfate From Zinc Flotation Tailing, Raquel Húngaro Costa, Jonathan Tenório Vinhal, Tatiana Scarazzato, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Resource recovery is a process that has been used to obtain products from industrial waste. Mining tailings can be used as an alternative through ore beneficiation to create by-products for this type of waste. The work herein investigated the recovery of two products from a real tailing generated in the Zn beneficiation route in the flotation step. A non-magnetic fraction was submitted to a hydrometallurgical route to produce MgSO₄ and CaSO_4. Thermodynamic simulations using FactSage software were performed to evaluate the optimal leaching conditions varying the S:L ratio, the sulfuric acid concentration, and temperature. The best modeled conditions …

Cwu's Electronic Waste Management: A Success Story In Sustainable Practice, Srijita Gurung

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Susan Rivera, PhD; Kevin Lomax

Purpose: This research examines how Central Washington University (CWU) manages electronic waste (e-waste) to promote economic, environmental, and equitable sustainability practices. In February 2024, Computer Support Services (CSS) started a computer reconciliation project, which is vital due to the Windows 10 operating system going end of life after October 14, 2025, and no longer receiving software support. This project tracks and documents the life of electronic assets, with a focus on the role of Surplus and IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) companies. Method: The primary research methods involve interviews, and online research of active …

Innovation Within Sustainable Technologies: The Future Of Energy Conserving Hardware In Data Centers, Brooke Cruz

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Susan Rivera, PhD

The US is confronting a growing energy demand crisis, with analysts projecting a 2.4% rise in data center energy consumption by 2030. Data centers are major energy consumers, with primary usage concentrated in IT equipment and extensive cooling systems. While Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) remains the leading metric for assessing energy efficiency, it is limited to assessing total facility energy and IT energy use without accounting for environmental and social impacts. Supplementary metrics of data center energy consumption include Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) and Carbon Usage Effectiveness (CUE), which measure water use and carbon emissions, …

The Saltpond Oilfield’S Second Life: Ghana’S Bioenergy With Carbon Capture And Storage (Beccs) Opportunity, Justice Appiah Nuamah

COP30

As the achievement of net-zero emissions requires the unavoidable deployment of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, this paper presents a technical and policy case for Ghana to implement Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) through the repurposing of the decommissioned Saltpond offshore oilfield for permanent CO2 sequestration. The proposal addresses two of Ghana’s developmental challenges in a single intervention: the conversion of millions of tonnes of agricultural and forestry residues into a sustainable feedstock solves a national waste management issue, while the resultant bioenergy generation supports rural electrification. This approach offers a more cost-effective CDR pathway than direct air …

Near Real-Time Monitoring Reveals Extensive Recent Forest Disturbance In Ghana’S Protected Areas, Luofan Dong, Xiaojing Tang, Foster Mensah, Bashara Ahmed Abubakari, Kelsee H. Bratley, Pontus Olofsson, Curtis E. Woodcock

Faculty Scholarship

The Protected Areas (PAs) in Ghana play a critical role in preserving the abundant biodiversity of the West Africa Green Belt. But recent changes in policies and regulations have facilitated logging and mining activities, which have accelerated forest disturbances. While there is a consensus that PAs are undergoing destructive change, the extent, rate, and locations of forest disturbances are undocumented. In this study, we applied the fusion near real-time (FNRT) algorithm that utilizes Landsat, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2 data and sampling to monitor forests in the PAs of Ghana. The results reveal that 704.74 (±177.24) km2 of forest in the PAs …

Unraveling Crop Nitrogen-Water Dynamics With Hyperspectral-Thermal Sensing In Northern Central Valley, California, Shahryar Fazli, Surendra Maharjan, Wenzhao Li, Joshua B. Fisher, Rejoice Thomas, Fernando Romero Galvan, Gabriela Shirkey, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Ensuring global food security in the face of climate change requires optimizing crop water use and nutrient management. This study investigates the relationship between canopy nitrogen (N) and evapotranspiration (ET) across sunflower, rice, walnut, alfalfa, and plum crops using advanced remote sensing technologies. High-resolution hyperspectral data from NASAs Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) and thermal multispectral data from the Landsat-based OpenET system were analyzed over 1,135 km² in California. Regression analysis revealed strong spatial association between canopy N and ET for sunflower (R² = 0.82), rice (R² = 0.71), and walnut (R² = 0.68), …

Enrichment Factors And Play Fairway Mapping Of Helium In Typical Zones Of The Ordos Basin, Gao Jianrong, Tao Shizhen, Liu Xiangbai, Yang Wei, Zhao Zhenyu, Chen Xiuyan, Xu Wanglin, Zhang Chunlin, Song Wei, Chen Yue, Huang Junping, Ma Zhanrong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The Ordos Basin enjoys abundant natural gas resources, which generally bear helium, making this basin hold great helium resource potential. In this case, detailed exploration is essential for the future transition from natural gas-helium joint exploration to special helium exploration in the basin.Objective and Method To systematically investigate the distribution and potential of helium resources in the Ordos Basin, natural gas samples were taken from different areas of the basin for analysis and tests. To examine the primary factors controlling helium accumulation and enrichment, this study conducted a systematic analysis of the basement, sedimentary rock layers, fault systems, …

High-Precision Reconstruction Of Seismic Data Based On Improved U-Net++, Wang Minling, Zhou Fei, Wang Honghua, He Xiang, Hou Zhiyang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Conventional reconstruction methods are insufficient for the reconstruction of seismic data with missing consecutive traces, producing a negative impact on subsequent processing accuracy. Hence, this study proposed CU-Net++, a deep learning network based on the U-Net++ architecture combined with the convolutional block attention module (CBAM). Methods During the reconstruction of missing data, the independent decoder for each sub-U-Net in the nested U-Net++ architecture enables the utilization of information from different depths. The long and short skip connections can effectively enhance the network's capability to extract multi-scale features from data. The core innovation of CU-Net++ is the introduction of CBAM, …

Application Of Geophysical Logging To Selection Of Optimum Target Horizons For Salt Cavern Storage: A Case Study Of Borehole Zk01 In Qingjiang Salt Mine, Jiangxi Province, China, Liu Dongming, Lin Zhenzhou, Liu Dongyan, Qiu Changyi, Liang Mingxing, Zhai Jinghong, Zhang Jie, Jiang Zhengzhong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Under the guidance of the strategies to achieve the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, salt cavern storage facilities, serving as key infrastructure for clean energy strategic reserves, have emerged as a core approach to promoting the transformation and upgrade of the salt industry and to building a low-carbon energy system in China. Jiangxi Province, located in the middle part of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, is endowed with abundant salt rock resources, making it a national priority zone for developing resources for salt cavern storage. However, traditional methods for the siting of the facilities rely …

Process And Mechanism Of Defluorination Using Magnesium Chloride-Modified Coal Gangue, Zhao Li, Zhou Wangxu, Zhang Qing, Xing Mingfei, Xu Feng, Kong Weifang, Liu Yifei, Qin Guangyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The rapid development of industry has resulted in a yearly increase in wastewater discharge, which induces a gradually rising fluorine concentration in water. In this context, removing fluoride using natural materials and industrial waste has emerged as a popular research topic. Coal gangue, one of the largest contributors to industrial waste in China, contains substantial clay minerals, and its pore structure can be effectively improved through modification. This helps significantly enhance its adsorption performance and thus achieve efficient fluoride removal from water. Methods This study investigated coal gangue from a typical mining area of the Henan Energy and Chemical …

A Modular Casing While Drilling Rig For Large-Diameter Horizontal Boreholes For Underground Rescue, Fan Dong, Ni Xiaoyang, Mu Shuyuan, Zou Zujie, Wen Guojun, Li Yingping, Lu Feifei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Operations in a narrow space pose a challenge to rescue in the case of the collapse of mine roadways or tunnels. To address this challenge, this study developed a modular rescue casing while drilling (CwD) rig system for horizontal boreholes. With the capacity for quick responses, this CwD rig was designed to enhance the rescue efficiency and safety under complex geological conditions. Methods Following the modular design concept and compact layout principle, this study optimized core components such as the power heads, feed devices, and power system. The auxiliary operation vehicle was checked against overturning through multibody dynamics (MBD) …

Structural Optimization For Transfer Chutes Based On Energy Dissipation Mechanisms Of Coal Particles, Shi Yaocheng, Zou Zujie, Wen Guojun, Cheng Siyi, Wu Laijie, Wang Yudan, Liu Pu, Chen Mengxi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Bulk material transport in emergency rescue scenarios and coal transportation poses stringent demands for the structural performance of transfer chutes. Given this, from the perspective of the energy dissipation mechanisms of particles, this study proposed structural optimization methods for transfer chutes based on the regulation of particle energy dissipation. Methods An experiment–simulation integrated analysis framework was established. Using this framework, this study systematically simulated the impact process of particles between two-stage walls I and Ⅱ using the discrete element method (DEM), highlighting the coupling mechanisms among velocity fluctuations, stress distribution, and energy transformation pathways. Based on the results, this …

A Simulation And Experimental Study Of Bottomhole Flow Field In A Large-Diameter Rescue Borehole, Zhao Yan, Liu Songhe, Hao Shijun, Zhao Jiangpeng, Li Peishu, Wang Xuebo, Yu Yongping, Gao Ke, Dong Bo, Zhang Bo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In mine rescue, reaming using a large-diameter down-the-hole (DTH) hammer faces is challenged by complex bottomhole flow fields and difficult slag discharge. This study aims to address these challenges. Methods To reveal the influence patterns of drilling parameters on the bottomhole flow field and slag discharge efficiency, this study determined the optimal drilling parameter combination. Then, using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-discrete phase model (DPM) method, this study established a numerical model for the slag discharge and bottomhole flow field during the reverse circulation drilling using a DTH hammer. Relying on this model, this study analyzed the variation patterns …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Injection-Production Process Parameters Of Well Group Configurations For Autothermic Pyrolysis In Situ Conversion Of Oil Shale, Zeng Yijian, Zhu Chaofan, Li Yanwei, Shui Haoche, Guo Wei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background A well group acts as a multi-well synergistic unit, and its configuration directly determines both the selection of optimal injection–production process and the utilization efficiency of stratigraphic conditions, ultimately affecting the overall performance of resource recovery. Methods Using numerical simulations, this study assessed the performance of autothermic pyrolysis in situ conversion (ATS) under three vertical well group configurations: one injection well and one production well (1I1P), one injection well surrounded by four production wells (1I4P), and one injection well surrounded by six production wells (1I6P). Furthermore, it revealed the synergistic mechanisms between well group configuration and energy efficiency. Results …

Attenuation Characteristics And Wave Impedance Inversion Of Depth-Domain Nonstationary Seismic Data, Ma Ming, Ma Feng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The efficient application of depth migration methods has enabled the extensive implementation of depth-domain seismic data interpretation. Previous studies on the impacts of time-to-depth conversion and velocity models merely determine that an increase in depth corresponds to reduced dominant wavenumber of seismic waves and waveform stretching, without considering the changes in amplitude and phase. Objective This study aims to accurately characterize the waveforms of nonstationary seismic signals in the depth domain and enhance the impedance inversion accuracy. Methods First, based on energy dissipation and frequency dispersion effects during the propagation of seismic waves, this study investigated the complex mapping …

Analysis Of The Connotation Of Hidden Disaster-Causing Factors In Coal Mines And The Key Points Of Their Reconnaissance, Lian Huiqing, Wang Xu, Yin Shangxian, Xia Xiangxue, Cao Min, Li Qixing, Wu Xiaoming, Zhang Bin, Wang Yangyu, Zhang Qing, Wang Guo’An

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background To systematically normalize the reconnaissance of hidden disaster-causing factors in coal mines, the National Mine Safety Administration issued the Specification for General Survey of Hidden Disaster-causing Factors in Mine in 2024. Nevertheless, coal mining enterprises still face a range of notable issues in reconnaissance of hidden disaster-causing factors, including ambiguous connotations of the factors, broad scopes of reconnaissance, unclear implementation stages, a disjunction between explorations and reconnaissance, and improper conclusion descriptions. These problems severely restrict scientific and operational reconnaissance.Methods This study reviews the history of research on the reconnaissance of hidden disaster-causing factors, presents a summary of significant …