Applied sciences

Archives of Mining Sciences

Content

Archives of Mining Sciences | 2025 | vol. 70 | No 2

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Abstract

The end of the long-term exploitation of minerals makes it possible to stop maintaining underground infrastructure and pumping out water. This raises the groundwater table and may cause changes in the mechanical parameters of the subsurface soil layers. The occurrence of these phenomena in urban areas has raised concerns about the safety of residential buildings subject to such influences. The analysed two-storey building, without a basement, had a square plan and a typical brick wall structure with RC structural elements: foundation strips, inter-storey ceilings, ring beams on load-bearing walls and stairs. The numerical model also included the groundmass to consider the soil-structure interaction effect. During the calculations, all loads occurring during the standard operation of the building and two locations of the sinkhole under the building’s foundations were considered. The results of the analyses are presented in the form of colour maps showing the displacement of the building, the change in stresses in the soil under the foundations, the change in the principal stresses in the building structure and the possibility of cracks appearing. The analyses show that the building will not be destroyed, but there will be damage to the load-bearing walls.
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Authors and Affiliations

Leszek Szojda
1
ORCID: ORCID
Bernard Kotala
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Silesian University of Technology, Department of Structural Engineering, 5 Akademicka Str., 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
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Abstract

The South Field Mine, situated in Western Macedonia, Greece, has used continuous surface mining systems: bucket wheel excavators (BWEs), belt conveyors, and stackers for over four decades of uninterrupted operation. This paper, using the principles of the Lessons-Learned process, tries to identify, document, analyse, and disseminate valuable knowledge and experience acquired in this mine, focusing on the performance indicators and downtimes of BWEs. Quantitative analysis methods were employed to analyse data and detect trends and factors for productive time losses. During a rather crucial period for the mine, due to decarbonisation and energy transition policies, the performance of BWEs exhibited a decline. On the other hand, availability and utilisation remained relatively stable. Mechanical failures and annual maintenance appeared to be the primary causes of downtimes. Non-operating time, connected with the lack of personnel, also had a great impact on operational efficiency. According to the linear regression model, this downtime has the greatest influence on the availability of the BWEs. In conclusion, this research implies the importance of the incorporation of new technologies for monitoring and producing daily and monthly records of the mine activities, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of a continuous mining system.
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Authors and Affiliations

Dimitra Kondyla
1
Francis Pavloudakis
1
Ioannis Kapageridis
1
George Barakos
2
Christos Roumpos
3
Zach Agioutantis
4

  1. University of Western Macedonia, Mineral Resources Engineering Department, 50150 Kozani, Greece
  2. Curtin University, Kalgoorlie, Australia
  3. Public Power Corporation of Greece, Department of Mining Engineering and Closure Planning, 10432 Athens, Greece
  4. University of Kentucky, Department of Mining Engineering, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
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Abstract

To achieve the automatic, rapid, and precise extraction of stope data from open-pit mines, this paper introduces a novel stope data extraction method based on an enhanced Mine-YOLO model integrated with a triangulated network. An attention mechanism is incorporated to improve the capture of channel, spatial, and global multi-scale features, enabling the model to effectively consider both global context and boundary details of open-pit stopes while enhancing its ability to distinguish positive samples through an optimized loss function. Following dataset training and validation, the average accuracy for stope identification and segmentation using the Mine-YOLO model has improved by 0.15 and 0.079 respectively compared to the baseline model. The Mine-YOLO framework is employed to extract stope areas from DEM data; subsequently, indices such as stope area, volume, and mining depth are automatically calculated via a constructed triangulation network. The average errors in extracted stope area, volume, and mining depth are found to be 0.058, 0.047, and 0.002 respectively – demonstrating that the proposed methodology possesses high accuracy and significant practical application value.
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Authors and Affiliations

Tianwen Li
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Yangtze University , School of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
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Abstract

Urbanisation, economic development and the growth of the world’s population contribute to a continuous increase in demand for mineral aggregates. In many countries and regions (Arab countries, some Asian countries) there is a significant deficit of aggregates, contributing to unsustainable exploitation with a negative environmental impact. To regulate this unfavourable situation related to the management of aggregate resources, one of the main conclusions of the UNEP 2019 Report is the need for a universal introduction of planning and monitoring of the process of obtaining natural aggregates. The paper presents changes in the extraction and production of aggregates between 2005-2022 for Poland and the European Union (2008-2022). These changes confirm the dependence of aggregate production on cement consumption in both Poland and the EU. Econometric models estimated for these relationships were then used to forecast aggregate production. The relatively small errors shown in the ex-post forecasts (2020-2023) confirm the possibility of using the estimated dependencies for ex-ante forecasts (2024-2027), which is illustrated, for example, by the production of mineral aggregates in Poland and the EU.
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Authors and Affiliations

Wiesław Kozioł
1
ORCID: ORCID
Ireneusz Baic
1
ORCID: ORCID
Artur Miros
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Łukasiewicz Research Network – Warsaw Institute Of Technology, 3 Duchnicka Str ., 01-796 Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the development and implementation of an unmanned mining system for deep underground metal mines, focusing on the Sanshandao Gold Mine as a case study. The research addresses the challenges associated with mining in deep, challenging environments characterized by high temperatures and humidity. To address these challenges, the paper explores the theoretical foundations and key technologies of intelligent mining, aiming to minimize the underground workforce while ensuring safe and efficient operations. An unmanned mining system is designed, comprising four layers: comprehensive control, remote centralized control, mobile control center, and intelligent operation. The system integrates smart equipment, autonomous vehicle management, multi-equipment coordination, and real-time production optimization. Technologies such as image recognition, automatic control, and LiDAR are utilized in the remote control systems for rock drilling trolley, scrapers, and fixed rockbreakers. A multimodal integration network, including a fiber optic ring network, fixed wireless base stations, and WiFi base station coverage, ensures comprehensive and redundant communication services. A production and operation scheduling system is developed to provide remote control, real-time monitoring, and job statistical analysis, enhancing scheduling efficiency and production stability. The application of these innovations at the Sanshandao Gold Mine demonstrates their practical feasibility and potential to transform mining technology towards greater informatization, digitization, and intelligence. However, the study reveals that unmanned multi-equipment collaboration still lags behind manned or remotely controlled operations, with an efficiency rate of 61%. Ongoing research and development are needed to improve autonomous capabilities, enhance communication systems, and optimize system workflows to bridge this efficiency gap and promote the widespread adoption of intelligent mining technologies in the industry.
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Authors and Affiliations

Xu Liu
1 2
ORCID: ORCID
Kai Zhan
2
ORCID: ORCID
Yuan Sheng Zhang
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. University Of Science And Technology Beijing, China
  2. Bbgrimm Technology Group, China
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Abstract

Mining-induced seismic events generate ground surface displacements that can significantly impact infrastructure. This study presents a geometric analysis of ground surface displacements caused by mining-induced tremors using remote sensing techniques, particularly Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR).The research focuses on two seismic events in the Legnica-Głogów Copper District (LGCD), Poland, examining displacement fields through SAR imagery from Sentinel-1 satellites. The Geometry of the displacement field was described with a function of stochastic medium displacement and Aviershin’s observation. The centre of gravity of the displacement field, its impact radius, and proportionality coefficient for vertical and horizontal displacement were determined. The results confirm the suitability of this model in describing mining-induced subsidence troughs, with high agreement between measured and calculated displacement values. Additionally, the study identifies systematic deviations in DInSAR - derived measurements, suggesting necessary corrections for improved accuracy. The findings contribute to a better understanding of ground surface deformation process and offer insights into refining predictive models for mining-induced subsidence.
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Authors and Affiliations

Andrzej Kwinta
1
ORCID: ORCID
Anna Kopeć
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Land Surveying, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Balicka 253A, 30-149, Krakow, Poland
  2. Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Fac ult y of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Na Grobli 15, 50-421 Wrocław, Poland
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Abstract

Grouting is a widely used method of reinforcement for stabilising fractured surrounding rock. To investigate the triaxial compression behaviour of surrounding rock after grouting reinforcement, laboratory-prepared grouted specimens were subjected to triaxial compression tests using an RMT-150B testing system. The analysis focused on the effects of confining stress, particle size, and water-to-cement ratio on the stress-strain behaviour. The internal friction angle and cohesion were determined based on the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. The variations in strain at peak stress and the elastic modulus were clarified, and the failure modes of the grouted specimens were examined. Additionally, Kendall’s correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between confining stress and other parameters. The results indicate that increasing confining stress significantly enhances the load-bearing capacity of the surrounding rock. The optimal rock particle gradation was observed when the particle size ranged between 5-10 mm, yielding the highest compressive capacity. Conversely, increasing the water-to-cement ratio reduced the strength of the specimens. Among the analysed factors, confining stress exhibited the strongest correlation with peak stress.
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Authors and Affiliations

Peng Yang
1
ORCID: ORCID
Dongdong Pang
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Joint National-Local Engineering Research Center for Safe and Precise Coal Mining, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
  2. Anhui University of Science and Technology, China
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Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive overview of the problem of sinkholes in mining and post-mining areas. It analyzes the key causes and mechanisms behind sinkhole formation, taking into account both natural factors and those resulting from human activity. Special attention is given to modeling methods and risk forecasting of sinkhole occurrence, based on a review of current scientific literature and the latest technological advancements, including advanced analytical techniques, numerical modeling and machine learning methods. The aim of this study is to expand both theoretical and practical understanding of sinkhole processes and to support the development of effective risk management strategies in regions affected by intensive mining activities.
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Authors and Affiliations

Alicja Szmigiel
1
ORCID: ORCID
Krzysztof Tajduś
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Strata Mechanics Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences , 27 Reymonta Str., 30-059 Kraków, Poland
  2. AGH University of Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

The global economy enters the year 2025 with brand new challenges, related to political tensions and growing economic competition between the US, China and Europe. In February this year, the European Commission announced the Clean Industrial Deal program, which declares the continuation of the decarbonization process of the EU economy, but taking into account measures to maintain its global competitiveness at the same time. For the national economy of Poland, exposed to high electricity prices and significant carbon footprint, an effective new energy policy is expected to facilitate the competitiveness with products from global markets. The new National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), announced in October 2024, presents such proposals for action and, as a result, attempts to define a decarbonized energy mix of Poland in 2040. The primary objective of the paper is a critical analysis of the assumptions adopted in the draft of the NECP. The discussion will focus in particular on the risk associated with meeting the schedule for the introduction of nuclear energy into the national system, and the complete replacement of coal-fired control capacities with new gas sources, in view of the risk of availability and price of the latter fuel. The materialization of the risk of failure to meet the investment schedule means the need for alternative energy supplies to the power system from other sources. The paper is an attempt to identify the possible alternative scenarios for ensuring the capacity and power generation gap.
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Authors and Affiliations

Stanisław Tokarski
1
ORCID: ORCID
Antoni Tajduś
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Central Mining Institute – National Rese arch Institute, Plac Gwarkow 1, Katowice, Poland
  2. AGH University of Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
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Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) technology has been widely used in the coal mining industry. This technology can effectively increase the permeability coefficient of low-permeability coal seams, thereby enhancing the gas drainage efficiency and increasing the safety of coal mining. To study the correlation between the fluid injection pressure (FIP) and the unit fluid injection quantity (UFIQ) during hydraulic fracturing and considering the limitations of laboratory and numerical simulation methods, this study employs a field engineering experiment at the 1703 mining working face of Jin’zhong Coal Mine in Sichuan Province as the test site. Through the monitoring and analysis of the FIP and the UFIQ during the whole HF process of coal seam drilling, it is found that there is a certain correlation between the FIP and the UFIQ, the FIP will appear obvious “decreases-recovery” phenomenon when the coal cracks and cracks propagation. And in this process, the UFIQ will appear the corresponding “rise-recovery” phenomenon. At the same time, the fracturing process is divided into three stages according to the variation law of UFIQ in the HF process: liquid filling stage, energy storage and coal cracking cycle stage, and stop cracking stage. In addition, through the arrangement of holes stress gauges around the fracturing hole, it is found that the transfer of disturbance stress formed in the coal mass due to HF behavior is mainly attenuation, and its change stage in the whole HF process is mainly divided into the original stress stage, the stress response stage, and the stress stabilization stage. These results inform the design and optimization of fracturing parameters in hydraulic fracturing processes and aid in understanding the mechanisms of earthquake induction by HF.
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Authors and Affiliations

Fake Ren
1 2
Chongyang Wang
1 2 3
Yisha Pan
4

  1. Chongqing University, State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing 400030, China
  2. Chongqing University, School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Chongqing 400044, China
  3. Politecnico di Torino, Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering,Turin, Italy
  4. Henan Polytechnic University, School of Surveying, Mapping and Land Information Engineering, Jiaozuo 454000, Henan, China

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Archives of Mining Sciences (AMS) is concerned with original research, new developments and case studies in all fields of mining sciences which include:

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[1] L.B. Magalas, Development of High-Resolution Mechanical Spectroscopy, HRMS: Status and Perspectives. HRMS Coupled with a Laser Dilatometer . Arch. Metall. Mater. 60 (3), 2069-2076 (2015). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/AMM-2015-0350

[2] E. Pagounis, M.J. Szczerba, R. Chulist, M. Laufenberg, Large Magnetic Field-Induced Work output in a NiMgGa Seven-Lavered Modulated Martensite. Appl. Phys. Lett. 107, 152407 (2015). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4933303

[3] H. Etschmaier, H. Torwesten, H. Eder, P. Hadley, Suppression of Interdiffusion in Copper/Tin thin Films. J. Mater. Eng. Perform. (2012). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-011-0090-2.

Books:

[4] K.U. Kainer (Ed.), Metal Matrix Composites, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim (2006).

[5] K. Szacilowski, Infochemistry: Information Processing at the Nanoscale, Wiley (2012).

[6] L. Reimer, H. Kohl, Transmission Electron Microscopy: Physics of Image Formation, Springer, New York (2008).

Proceedings or chapter in books with editor(s):

[7] R. Major, P. Lacki, R. Kustosz, J. M. Lackner, Modelling of nanoindentation to simulate thin layer behavior, in: K. J. Kurzydłowski, B. Major, P. Zięba (Eds.), Foundation of Materials Design 2006, Research Signpost (2006).

Internet resource:

[8] https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/crystallographic-databases, accessed: 17.04.2017

Academic thesis (PhD, MSc):

[9] T. Mitra, PhD thesis, Modeling of Burden Distribution in the Blast Furnace, Abo Akademi University, Turku/Abo, Finland (2016).


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