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By Chris Dougherty

"This presentation will provide a demonstration of the methodology used in designing a modern shaft and hoisting plant utilizing a review of the challenges faced and solutions delivered for the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project (Niobium/Scandium). The development of the design required the review of complex hydrogeological conditions, mine production requirements, demanding capital expenditure (CAPEX) limitations and tight schedules. Through an extensive review of various alternatives to satisfy these constraints, the Nordmin Group (including Nordmin Engineering Ltd.) (Nordmin) was able to define a concept and design that addressed risks to the project, met production requirements, cost and schedule constraints and improved constructability. INTRODUCTION The Elk Creek Project, owned by NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NioCorp) presently, will become Nebraska’s first underground metals mine, built to access the Elk Creek Niobium/Scandium deposit. The development of the design for this facility required the review of challenging hydrogeological conditions, mine production requirements, demanding CAPEX limitations and tight schedules. Through an extensive review of various alternatives to satisfy these constraints, the Nordmin Group was able to define a concept and design that addressed risks to the project, met production requirements, cost and schedule constraints and improved constructability. This paper will review the challenges faced, and solutions arrived at in a demonstration of a methodology used in designing a modern shaft and hoisting plant. THE CHALLENGES Nordmin became involved in the project in 2015, invited by the Feasibility Study Consultant to provide input on estimating and layouts for the new operation. Many of the fundamental decisions regarding mining methodology, water handling and production strategy had been made, and the scope of Nordmin’s involvement was very limited in this first engagement. Following submission of that study in late 2017/early 2018, Nordmin had opportunity to discuss the overall effort, and its many assumptions and challenges, with NioCorp’s project team. The dialogue quickly identified several significant opportunities to improve the project construction schedule and costs along with the mine production profile and operational approach while reducing project risk."

Jan 1, 2019

By HOWARD I. OSHRY, James W. Ballard, H. H. Schrenk

Photometric instruments were designed and built for use with X- ray and spectrographic apparatus for the investigation and analysis of a variety of materials of hygienic interest . The instruments are simple in design , may be constructed economically , and have a number of features that make them stable and easy to operate . They are readily adaptable for measurement of either X - ray diffraction patterns or spectrographic films or plates . Because of these features and the interest shown in the instruments , they are described in detail , and reference is made to their application in the laboratory .

Apr 1, 1942

By Kari Niiranen, Andreas Fredriksson

LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB) is operating iron ore mines, concentration plants and pelletizing plants in Northern Sweden. Geometallurgy, which combines geological and metallurgical information is not a new way of thinking at LKAB, but rather a revised and updated version of an old working process. A project called "Silica in the Mine" which started in 2007, was an important reason to set a new focus at the geometallurgy. The target of the project was to develop a simplified method in laboratory scale to predict SiO2 grade in the magnetite concentrate in Kiruna and further predict the physical properties of the crude ore with respect to processing characteristics. The connection between mineralogy and products properties have started to be even more vital and necessary to examine due to the future exploiting new iron ore deposits. Geometallurgy at LKAB can be described as a mental and strategic framework where the Research and Development department (R&D), and others within the organization of LKAB, aims towards the connection of the minerals-production-products. It could in its basics be called "research & development", but it must be clarified that changes have been made, mainly due to the development on the instrumental analysis side. LKAB’s idea is to work quite broad, with internal educations, an active working process in ongoing projects, together with external parties (such as universities), with several PhD-projects and an upgrading on the instrumental side at the LKAB Research & Development department. This paper is a summary about the concept Geometallurgy at LKAB and some of the actions within its framework.

Jan 1, 2014

By C N. Hatton, K Ward

Tailings operations are inherently reactive as operations personnel continuously contend with a concentrator reject feed (tailings) transient in physical and engineering properties, which places a constant constraint on capital and operational spending. It requires a unique skill set to manage the prescribed distribution of tailings under unenviable conditions. Enter the tailings operator, an oftenundervalued commodity and untapped resource that can provide benefits beyond the rigors of dayto- day operational support. Experience consistently demonstrates that skilled and committed operators can serve a vital function in the safe construction of a tailings storage facility. It takes a village to raise a tailings dam. An important part of this process is establishing a culture of operational accountability and ownership. Operator development training is nothing new. However, we find that many of the intrinsic operator skills are left unexploited, and an operator's experiential knowledge base and creativity are commonly overlooked and underutilized. With proper training and guidance, these skills can be harnessed, contributing to safe dam operations. Operator engagement, when properly facilitated, provides tangible benefits ranging from improved tailings engineering properties to reduced closure costs. One important benefit is helping transitioning tailings management from reactive to proactive. There are many processes involved in the reactive to proactive transition process. One element of that process includes engaging operators in the tailings management process and facilitating legacy ownership. The core of operational legacy ownership is measured and described using five-stage operator engagement rubrics. Levels of operator engagement are presented with a description of the incremental benefits of each stage. An important part of legacy engagement is providing the tools to operators necessary for managing the tailings. Therefore, the approach identifies specific methods used by operations personnel to control tailings distribution and in-place properties. The end goal of leveraging operator engagement is to facilitate committed ownership and transition tailings management from an inefficient, reactive process to an improved, cost-effective, proactive practice.

Jul 1, 2021

By Rick Coleman, Chelvan (Chevy) Veloo

"P.T. Freeport Indonesia's lrian Jaya Operation has been producing copper concentrate continuously since 1972. Numerous ore discoveries and five mill expansion programs have seen the initial milling rate of 7,200 MTPD escalate to the present rate of 125,000 MTPD, producing 2.5 million pounds of copper and 3,500 troy ounces of gold per day. The latest expansion, commissioned in February 1995, incorporates a 34 foot Semi- Autogenous Grinding (SAG) Mill, two 20'x30' Ball Mills, conventional roughing, cleaner column flotation, and attendant upgrades to the existing concentrate pumping and dewatering facilities. This paper will describe the SAG Plant flowsheet, and focus on the key training issues which contributed to a successful plant start-up.IntroductionP.T. Freeport Indonesia's operations in the Ertsberg mining district are located in the Jayawijaya Mountains of Irian Jaya, the easternmost province of the Republic of Indonesia. P.T. Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), the operator, is owned by Freeport MacMoRan Copper and Gold (81.3%), the Government of Indonesia (9.4%), and private Indonesian investors (9.4%). Geographical location, and sailing distances are provided on the attached location map.The operation stretches over 7 4 miles ( 114 km) from the dewatering and concentrate shipping facility at the Port of Amamapare on the Arafura Sea to the Grasberg open pit located at 3400m. The regional geology is covered in detail by Van Nort et al (1991 ), with current proven and probable reserves estimated at 1.13 billion metric tonnes grading 1.30% Copper, 1.42 ppm Gold, and 4.06 ppm Silver. The Grasberg open pit mining operation provides 92% of the mill feed, and is described in detail by Hickson (1991). The remainder of the mill feed is derived from several underground block caving operations. Current production rates provide a mine life in excess of 25 years. However, very favorable geology in the area leads to expectations that additional reserves will extend the life of the operation considerably."

Jan 1, 1996

By M Andrew, D McTiffen, M Adams

A major Ventilation Upgrade Project commenced at the Fosterville Gold Mine (FGM) in 2017 to service the ongoing ventilation requirements of the underground mining operation. The project consists of three large diameter ventilation raises totalling 1100 metres, and new axial primary ventilation fans to upgrade the mine ventilation system. With a mining depth of 1200 metres and a thermal gradient of approximately 2.7 °C per 100 metres of depth, the completion of the Ventilation Upgrade Project is key to the ongoing success at FGM. The Ventilation Upgrade Project will allow continued mining, including high-grade gold deposits, lower in the mine where heat is increasing. Figure 1 below illustrates the underground workings at FGM, and provides a general view of the ventilation upgrade works to establish the new exhaust system from the lower workings to surface. Whilst raisebore pilot drilling the H4760 Return Air Rise (RAR) from surface to 395 metres, the raisebore drill string became stuck in the raisebore pilot hole at approximately 300 metres down hole, presenting a significant technical problem and delays to the project. This Case Study provides an overview of the recovery process undertaken at FGM including the recovery of the stuck drill string. The value of the stuck in-hole equipment, the investment in the shaft site preparation, the collar stabilisation, the underground development to the base of the ventilation raise, the surface footprint prepared for the Primary Fans construction and the limited available space on the site were all motivations to recover the raisebore drill sting and ultimately recover the ventilation raise location. More importantly, the long lead-time required should a new shaft location be the final solution, and the delay this would incur to the ventilation upgrade was unacceptable. Recovery of the drill string was not possible using the capability of the Contractor’s Raise Drill. An alternative method for freeing the drill string was required. A significant amount of engagement with industry was undertaken to seek out potential solutions and draw from the experience of others. All methodologies available were considered and assessed. Ultimately, after several attempts at freeing the raisebore drill string using various methodologies, Adams Drillers and Clear Cut Interventions were engaged to provide a turnkey recovery solution.

Mar 15, 2021

A viable mineral economy requires availability of economic deposits, the ability to exploit then, and protection of the public interests. The natural tendency for each party to consider only its legitimate self interests can lead to delays or deadlocks. The paper presents several viewpoints aimed at opening each party's mind to the ideas of others in the hope that negotiations might be more reasonable and rapid for the benefit of all concerned.

Jan 1, 1979

By Jr. Wallace

This paper describes an analysis performed to determine the cool-down time of drifts in the prospective commercial nuclear waste repository in volcanic tuff at Yucca mountain, Nevada. Two emplacement methods are currently being considered at Yucca mountain. The reference configuration stores the high-level waste in short vertical boreholes, and the alternative configuration stores the waste in long horizontal bore-holes. After emplacement operations for each emplacement drift are complete, the drift will be closed off from continuous ventilation. Given time, the radioactive decay of high-level waste will increase the rock temperature around access and emplacement drifts. Air cooling may be required to re-enter these drifts. The paper discusses the analysis procedure and computer programs used to evaluate the time to cool a drift to acceptable environmental conditions 50 years after emplacement of high-level waste. Key assumptions to the analysis are presented. The results of the study show that cooling either vertical or horizontal configuration emplacement drifts is possible in a reason-able period of time.

Jan 1, 1988

By E. D. Gardner

"A fire hazard exists in nearly all mines. Progressive mining companies recognize this danger and take all possible precautions to prevent any conflagrations, but in spite of such safety measures, mine fires do occasionally occur and endanger life and property. In order to be prepared for such an emergency, miners are trained in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus and the necessary fire-fighting equipment is kept on hand. Men trained to wear breathing apparatus can penetrate workings full of poisonous fumes, but in order to successfully combat fumes or to rescue miners, the rescue crews must be trained in fire-fighting operations and know how to proceed with a minimum loss of time when they get to the scene of action.In order to perfect fire-fighting plans and to train men of the Globe-Miami district under conditions approximating those found at an actual mine fire, mine-reseue maneuvers were held at Globe, Arizona, on October 17-20, inclusive. The work was done under the direction of Orr Woodburn, director, and his associates of the Globe-Miami District Mine Rescue and First Aid Association. He was assisted by Albert Tallon, safety engineer, and Herbert Finnegan of the Old Dominion Co.; Herbert Hodson, safety engineer for the Inspiration Consolidated Copper Co.; A. 3. Martinson and J. M. Harrington of Car One, and F. D. Gardner of the Southwest Station, Bureau of Mines. Invitations were issued to mining men likely to be interested and representatives of mining companies from other districts were present and observed the work.The Globe-Miami District Mine Rescue and First Aid Association is maintained by the mining companies in the district and each company contributes to the organization's support in proportion to the total number of men on the pay roll. A central station*, between Globe and Miami, has been established and a truck with 10 sets of 2-hour self-contained breathing apparatus and the necessary accessories is always in readiness to respond to a call to any of the mines in the district. Besides being in readiness for emergency work, the station employees train men in the use of mine-rescue apparatus and in first-aid to the injured at the mines of the association. The Globe-Miami Mine Rescue organization has been developed to high point of, efficiency under Mr. Woodburn's direction and is one of the best in the country. The three largest mines of the district such maintain a crew of 15 men trained in the use of breathing apparatus, and other mines keep crews of 5 men each."

May 1, 1923

By A Castillo, K Wiese, L Panduro Robles

For decades, organisations worldwide have been working to overcome challenges associated with new technology adoption while keeping up with rapid growth, development, and globalisation. In minerals processing, the challenges in developing and implementing solutions that contribute to the mining value chain are unique from other markets, as mining operations expect that world-class suppliers provide them solutions to gain a competitive advantage in their operation, production, performance as a financial asset, and as a long-term partner as we move into the future of mining. A simple shift in mindset is proven key to successful technology implementation. Change leaders must no longer think of their expertise in the area of application as their only responsibility; they must make a mental shift and see themselves in dual roles that strive to integrate the perspectives and needs of both developers and users. Successful change leaders must: (1) collaborate, seeking user involvement to ensure fit between product and operational needs, (2) demonstrate commitment to receive new technology, and (3) communicate to achieve an eventual shift of ownership from supplier to users that is seamless. Additionally, this strategy contributes to the mining value chain, as it allows developers and implementers to evaluate how change contributes to the asset’s position both within the company and in the commodities market. This paper will explain the shift in perspective for new technology implementation in detail and provide recommendations that operations can emulate, using examples of real challenges and lessons learned during a commissioning of the CYCLONEtrac™ Particle Size Tracking (PST) system at Cerro Verde’s C2 Concentrator. This concentrator has led technological change for plant optimisation, witnessed improved Net Metal Production (NMP), among other benefits with PST, the only technology in the market capable of providing real-time, online, and direct particle size measurement at the individual hydrocyclone level

Aug 24, 2022

By A Mooney, J Marsden, H Grosser, G Dunstan

Carrapateena is a copper-gold deposit hosted in a brecciated granite complex, located 500km North of Adelaide, South Australia. The deposit is being mined using the Sub Level Caving (SLC) Mining method at a rate of 4.25 MTPA. The Carrapateena SLC construction was completed in Q4 2019, with ramp up to a mine production rate of 4.25 MTPA completed within 12 months; ~ 6 months earlier than originally planned (OZ Minerals, 2020b). Traditional SLC designs have had issues with safety interactions on production levels, namely at the perimeter drive, as well as presented challenges for the application of automation due to frequency of activity required to achieve ring turnover rates. Safety in design provides an opportunity to learn from experience at recent modern SLC operations and by considering hazards early in the design process minimise exposure and improve safety, productivity and automation of mining activity. This paper discusses the work carried out during the Carrapateena feasibility study and optimised during project execution; to update the SLC production level mine design, with a layout known as the Carrapateena Crows Foot Level Layout. This paper focuses on: • An introduction to the Carrapateena Operation and mine plan. • An overview and historical challenges of traditional level layout. • An introduction to the Carrapateena Crows Foot level layout, including production level design parameters as well as development metres and productivity comparisons. • Outlines the benefits of the Crows Foot design for safety in design of SLC operations. Provides a roadmap for improved production efficiency, level operational philosophy and the application of automation within the SLC.

Mar 15, 2021

By V. E. Edlund

Laboratory batch flotation tests were conducted on copper converter slags to evaluate the relative merits of recovering copper from slow-cooled versus water-quenched slags. Three slags containing 1.6, 5.0, and 6.6 percent copper were used. More than 90 percent of the copper was recovered in a rougher concentrate leaving a 0.2- to 0.3-percent copper tailings when treating slow-cooled slag. Lower recoveries and higher copper tailings ranging from 0.5 to 0.6 percent copper were obtained from quenched slag. Grindability studies were made on the respective heat-treated slags. Quenched slags proved more difficult to grind than slow-cooled slags. Cost studies showed that quenched slags can be treated at slightly lower cost than slow-cooled slags. However, the cost advantage of processing quenched slags is more than offset by the higher copper recoveries obtained from slow-cooled slags.

Jan 1, 1971

By Sadi Medina

As it is characteristic from Custom Smelters, ENAMl Las Ventanas Smelter has to deal with different qualities and quantities of mining products from about 70 suppliers, that contain a variety of impurities that would be harmful for copper production. In order to increase the smelting capacity, an oxygen plant has been running since September of 1990. Moreover, to improve the environmental conditions, a new sulphuric acid plant started up to neutralize the metallurgycal off-gases from the Teniente Converter and partially from the Peirce-Smith converters. Based on the on-line operation among the reverberatory furnace and the Teniente Converter using oxygen enriched air to produce high grade matte, most of the volatilizing impurities, mainly arsenic, are collected as discarding compounds in the gas cleaning system of the acid plant. This paper describes the continuous performance of the Teniente Converter with acid plant, the results attained, the operation problems and how they were solved. The impurities distribution achieved in this process is also included.

Jan 1, 1993

By Jon A. Hummer, MICHAEL R. SHAHAN, Aleksandar D. Bugarski, Shawn Vanderslice

A study was conducted in an undergroundminewith the objective to identify, characterize, and source apportion airborne aerosols at the setup face and recovery room during longwall move operations. The focus was on contributions of diesel- and battery-powered heavy-duty vehicles used to transfer equipment between the depleted and new longwall panels and diesel-powered light-duty vehicles used to transport personnel and materials to various locations within the mine. Aerosols at the setup face were found to be distributed among diesel combustion-generated submicrometer and mechanically generated coarse aerosols. According to the data, the submicrometer aerosols downstream of the setup face were sourced to diesel exhaust emitted by vehicles operated inside and outside of the panel. Depending on the intensity of the activities on the panel, the outby sources contributed between 12.5 and 99.6% to the average elemental carbon mass flow at the setup face and recovery room. Extensively used light-duty vehicles contributedmeasurably to the elemental carbon concentrations at the setup face. The number concentrations of aerosols downstream of the setup face were associated with aerosols generated by combustion in diesel engines operated in the shield haulage loop and/or outside of the longwall panels. Entrainment of road dust by diesel or battery-powered load-haul-dump vehicles operated near the measurement site appears to be the primary source of mass concentrations of aerosols. The findings of this study should help the underground mining industry in its efforts to reduce exposures of miners to diesel and coarse aerosols.

Apr 14, 2020

By S J. Schafrik, C Keles, C Schlosser, E S. Gilliland, A K. Louk, N S. Ripepi, S Keim, J Amante, E Diminick

Three legacy coalbed methane production wells have been converted to injection wells for a one-year carbon dioxide (CO2) injection test to evaluate the potential for CO2 storage in the coal reservoir and the potential for enhanced gas production at offset wells. The injection reservoir is composed of 15–20 individual coal seams with an average thickness of 30 cm (1.0 ft), spanning a depth range of approximately 240 (800 ft) to 670 m (2200 ft).The monitoring program for this test includes gas and water sampling of the three injection wells, three dedicated monitoring wells and approximately 20 offset production wells. Key technologies used for monitoring the study area include time-lapse GPS and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) acquisitions for surface deformation measurement, a 28-station buried passive microseismic monitoring array, real-time downhole pressure and temperature sensing and perfluorocarbon tracer fluids, which will be injected with the CO2 stream. The schedule for the monitoring program includes pre- (baseline), during- and post-injection data collection. This schedule will allow data to be analysed for time-lapse changes and trends, which are important for understanding the migration of gas and fluid phases in the reservoir – including CO2, methane, other hydrocarbons and water – and for observing the changing distributions of reservoir pressures and stresses.The results of the monitoring efforts for this study have implications for monitoring mining operations. The combined use of GPS and InSAR geospatial data to evaluate elevation changes across and beyond the study area may prove to be an accurate option for measuring surface deformation, including mining-induced subsidence, in unstable terrain. Long-term microseismic monitoring using high-sensitivity instruments has several applications in mining operations, including rock stability monitoring, production monitoring and miner location detection during emergencies. Tracer studies and short-term microseismic monitoring used to assess methane extraction can also be used to develop and optimise degasification systems for underground coalmines.CITATION:Gilliland, E S, Ripepi, N S, Schafrik, S J, Schlosser, C, Amante, J, Louk, A K, Diminick, E, Keim, S, Keles, C and Karmis, M, 2015. Monitoring design and data management for a multiwell CO2 storage/enhanced coalbed methane test in a stacked coal reservoir, Buchanan County, Virginia, USA, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 47–56 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By F. Elgersma

Hydrometallurgical zinc winning processes ?are frequently based on iron containing concentrates which yield a goethite, jarosite or hematite residue. Jarosite or goethite are mostly stored in waste ponds which ,are lined with foil. Water percolating through the pond is withdrawn from the deposit ,and decontaminated before discharge. Despite these measures, more and more pressure is put upon zinc companies to treat their (historical) residues and to produce environmentally acceptable residues. The criterion which determines this acceptability is the potentiality of leaching out hazardous elements by natural processes. This paper provides the comparison of five different process designs for integrated jarosite treatment in a hydrometallurgical zinc winning plant leading to environmentally acceptable residues. The processes are esigned for producing 200 ktons/yr zinc and for treating 80 ktonslyr historical jarosite. Mass and energy balances are used to determme parameters such as: the energy use per ton waste treated and the amount and composition of final residues. The conclusion of the work is that. pyrometallurgical jarosite treatment integrated in hydrometallurgical zinc winning is preferable to hydrometallurgical jarosite treatment. Integrated pyrometallurgical processes lead to a ?smaller quantity of remaining hazardous residues and require less energy.

Jan 1, 1992

By Richard W. Herzer

Introduction Thermal methods have been predominant in the metallurgy of the base-metals ever since the foundation of the industry thousands of years ago. Development in hydrometallurgy has been confined largely to the past six or seven decades. It was at first necessarily slow, then for a number of years rapid progress was made. At present, the uncertain state of the metal industry has curtailed research on the subject; however, in the next few years one may assuredly look forward to an ever increasing use of wet processes. Leaching methods have attained the dominant position in the case of certain metals, notably zinc. For others, they have made no headway at all. Copper presents a situation all its own. Due to the varied nature of its ores and to the large number of localities in which it is mined, a great number of processes have been developed, each suitable in its own particular field. In the case of this metal, therefore, it is more difficult to arrive at definite conclusions. It is the purpose of this paper, first, to review the outstanding developments of base-metal hydrometallurgy, and, secondly, to consider possible Canadian applications of some of the processes in use. The discussion will be confined to the three metals, zinc, lead, and copper, with particular reference to the last mentioned. Zinc General Note At present, zinc is produced by two principal processes, the older retort process and the electrolytic process. The latter is a development of the last twenty years and, judging by its present progress, bids fair eventually to supplant older methods in a large proportion of cases. It is certain, at least, that in the erection of a new plant, a hydrometallurgical process would be given the most serious consideration

Jan 1, 1934

By W. M. Colwell

When it comes to the analysis of gold bearing ore, there are literally dozens of variables that contribute to the final "true value" of a given sample. Initial sample selection, splitting size and method, inherent nugget gold, pulverization method, and analytical method variations are but a few. However, it seems that the inherent nugget gold particle is targeted as the primary reason for intra and inter-laboratory variations in assay. The following study will show that this is not always the case. A series of tests were undertaken for the Aurora Partnership-Aurora Project to solve inter-laboratory variations in the analyses of blasthole cuttings. Initial concern was centered on the probability that free gold occurrence was resulting in erratic results for the mine's cyanide shake assays and outside laboratory fire assays. Comparison of fire assay and cyanide shake assay was sporadically consistent with previously demonstrated extraction percentage for the cyanide method. The goal was to delineate the factors that ensure consistency in analyses; implement, where needed, Good Laboratory Practices; and reestablish acceptable analytical method correlation.

Jan 1, 1993

By R. A. Ford

The paper outlines: methods used for the determination of wear metals in motor and transmission oils; contaminents in motor, transmission and crusher lubricating oils; and viscosity determinations. Case histories and costs are presented to illustrate the value of an oil analysis program. Introduction NORANDA MINES LIMITED (BELL COPPER DIVISION) is located on the shores of Babine Lake, approximately 450 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia. Access to the mine is by road from Topley, B.C., about 40 miles away. When a preventive maintenance analysis program was first considered, it was obvious that if samples were to be sent out for analysis, results would not be available for at least a week, due to the distance from any commercial laboratory. The assay laboratory was asked to investigate the possibility of determining wear metals on site. A limited program was started soon after production commenced, and this has now grown to include all large mobile equipment as well as crushers and grinding mills. The laboratory also now determines viscosity, fuel dilution, dirt and abrasives, glycol and water. All these results are ready within two days. This paper will outline the methods used, data interpretation, several case histories and the benefits from such a program.

Jan 1, 1977

By E. Kumar, L. A. Kumar

"A methodology is proposed to develop an optimization model to understand the impact of transporting minerals, from mines to the final destination, on air quality. Recently, there has been increasing concern about the combined effects of multiple activities over many years, and the regional environmental changes brought about by a single project. Environmental issues in the iron ore industry have highlighted the need to broaden the cumulative impact assessment. In this study, we simulated the optimal routes and quantity of materials needed to meet the destination plant demand based upon environment constraints (level of air pollution), as well as the cost of transportation and availability of materials. Multiple scenarios were developed to analyse the effects of changes in routes, alternative transport system (or multi-modal split), traffic congestion, and the cumulative impacts on air quality. The air quality impact zones of the study area were demarcated using a GIS technique. The expected outcome of the study is the selection of a suitable transport system for a particular site with the least impact on air quality, including the transportation route, relative to the minimum cost of transportation of the minerals from the mines to their final destination. The proposed methodology is evaluated with a case study. IntroductionIn India, the process of environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been focused primarily on the local impacts of projects, without considering regional environmental effects. Environmental clearances for proposed projects are based on reports of local impacts. However, any developmental project poses a potential risk to the environment as a whole, and not just in the immediate vicinity of the project. Recently, there has been increased concern about the combined effects of multiple activities over many years—the regional environmental changes due to development of a single project (Dutta, Mahatha, and De, 2004). Environmental issues throughout the country, particularly in the iron ore industry, have emphasized the need to broaden the analysis to include the combined impacts, or those forecast for a proposed region, on an existing environment. The most significant adverse environmental consequences of iron ore transportation are the deterioration of biodiversity and air quality (Kumar and Ajay, 2015)."

Jan 1, 2017