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At least 19 records

Interactions Between Landslides, the Mining Industry, and the Communities Tethered to This Industry in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

The nature of the hilly and insecure terrain of the mining industry can also be home to numerous landslides that impact the lives of those dependent on this economy for survival. However, the connections between localized landslides in the mining sector and impacts to lives and livelihoods are often overlooked. This research focuses on the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality of the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa where frequent summer rains along with the steep terrain leads to abundant number of landslides. The mining analysis was performed within the eThekwini Municipality, while the entirety of KwaZulu-Natal Province was considered for the societal impact research.

Rachel Soobitsky↗

Applications of Seasat to the offshore oil, gas and mining industries

The NASA satellite Seasat-A (to be launched in 1978) has applications to the offshore oil, gas, and mining industries including: (1) improvements in weather and wave forecasting, (2) studies of past wind and wave statistics for planning design requirements, and (3) monitoring ice formation, breakup, and movement in arctic regions. The primary geographic areas which will be monitored by Seasat-A include: the Beaufort Sea, the Labrador Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. east coast, West Africa, Equatorial East Pacific, the Gulf of Alaska, and the North Sea. Seasat-A instrumentation used in ocean monitoring consists of a radar altimeter, a radar scatterometer, a synthetic aperture radar, a microwave radiometer, and a visible and infrared radiometer. The future outlook of the Seasat program is planned in three phases: measurement feasibility demonstration (1978-1980), data accessibility/utility demonstration (1980-1983), and operational system demonstration (1983-1985).

Mourad, A. G.↗

Mining G.O.L.D. (Geothermal Opportunities Leveraged Through Data): Exploring Synergies Between the Geothermal and Mining Industries

This report analyzes potential collaborations between the geothermal and locatable mineral industries (focused on the portion of the Basin and Range Province within Nevada, United States of America). The objectives of this study included analyzing: 1. The type and quality of data collected by the locatable mineral industry to determine feasibility for geothermal resource exploration; 2. The regulatory pathways and potential barriers that could prevent development of geothermal resources discovered via a mining claim (and vice versa) in the United States; 3. The historical development of geothermal resources discovered via mineral exploration data in the United States and illustrations of co-located mining and geothermal power projects; 4. The value propositions for both the locatable mineral and the geothermal industries to collaborate. This article concludes that many of the data collected by the mining industry as part of locatable mineral exploration (e.g., copper, gold, lithium) would also be useful for identifying and developing previously unknown geothermal resources (and in some notable cases, already have led to geothermal resource development). In addition, for minimal costs, the mining industry could catalogue these data and potentially monetize the data itself or use the data in the future to develop a geothermal project. Leveraging these locatable mineral data to develop geothermal resources and/or co-located minerals and geothermal resources would represent significant cost savings when compared to developing geothermal resources under a business-as-usual scenario as well as compared to current generating technologies (e.g., diesel-powered generators) employed at remote mining operations. Ultimately, leveraging mining industry data, knowledge, and expertise serves to effectively expand the geothermal exploration workforce, increase the rate of geothermal resource discovery, and potentially reduce geothermal electricity's levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by 23%-29%.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. Mined land reclamation analysis procedures developed within the Indiana portion of the Illinois Coal Basin were independently tested in Ohio utilizing 1:80,000 scale enlargements of ERTS-1 image 1029-15361-7 (dated August 21, 1972). An area in Belmont County was selected for analysis due to the extensive surface mining and the different degrees of reclamation occurring in this area. Contour mining in this area provided the opportunity to extend techniques developed for analysis of relatively flat mining areas in Indiana to areas of rolling topography in Ohio. The analysts had no previous experience in the area. Field investigations largely confirmed office analysis results although in a few areas estimates of vegetation percentages were found to be too high. In one area this error approximated 25%. These results suggest that systematic ERTS-1 analysis in combination with selective field sampling can provide reliable vegetation percentage estimates in excess of 25% accuracy with minimum equipment investment and training. The utility of ERTS-1 for practical and reasonably reliable update of mined lands information for groups with budget limitations is suggested. Many states can benefit from low cost updates using ERTS-1 imagery from public sources.

Wier, C. E.↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The mine refuse inventory maps were prepared in response to a need by both the State and the coal industry. The lack of information on the scope of the problem handicapped all people concerned in drafting realistic legislation for a severance tax on coal production to raise funds for restoration of refuse sites. The inventory was conducted rapidly and economically, and demonstrated the benefits which can be derived through remote sensing methods.

Wier, C. E.↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The Mined Land Inventory map of Pike, Gibson, and Warrick Counties, Indiana, prepared from ERTS-1 imagery, was included in the 1973 Annual Report of the President's Council on Environmental Quality as an example of ERTS applications to mined lands. Increasing numbers of inquiries have been received from coal producing states and coal companies interested in the Indiana Program.

Wier, C. E.↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The Kings Station Mine in Gibson County, Indiana has experienced considerable roof fall problems. Detailed fracture mapping of the mine area was done with ERTS-1 and aircraft imagery, and a prediction map of roof problem areas was produced in advance of a visit. The visit to the mine and discussions with the operator indicated that of four zones mapped as potential problem areas, three coincided with areas of excessive roof fall. This positive correlation of 75% lends confidence to the validity of the technique being applied in the investigation. The mine officials expressed an interest in the project and are anxious to see the final product maps which are forthcoming.

Wier, C. E.↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The utility of ERTS-1/high altitude aircraft imagery to detect underground mine hazards is strongly suggested. A 1:250,000 scale mined lands map of the Vincennes Quadrangle, Indiana has been prepared. This map is a prototype for a national mined lands inventory and will be distributed to State and Federal offices.

Wier, C. E.↗

Study of the application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. Various data compilation and analysis activities in support of ERTS-1 imagery interpretation are in progress or are completed. These include the compilation of mine accident data, areas of mine roof instability and the analysis of high altitude color infrared photography and low altitude color and color infrared photography which was acquired by NASA in support of the project. The photography reveals that many fracture lineaments are detectable through a varied thickness of glacial till. These data will be compiled on a series of 1:250,000 scale base maps and evaluated for a correlation between fracture zones and mine accidents and rooffalls. Due to high occurrence of cloud cover in the project area and to the delay in imagery shipments, little progress has been made in the analysis of ERTS-1 imagery.

Wier, C. E.↗

Study of application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The 70mm black and white infrared photography acquired in March 1973 at an approximate scale of 1:115,000 permits the identification of areas of mine subsidence not readily evident on other films. This is largely due to the high contrast rendition of water and land by this film and the excessive surface moisture conditions prevalent in the area at the time of photography. Subsided areas consist of shallow depressions which have impounded water. Patterns with a regularity indicative of the room and pillar configuration used in subsurface coal mining are evident.

Wier, C. E.↗

Application of ERTS-1 imagery to fracture related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. New fracture detail of Indiana has been observed and mapped from ERTS-1 imagery. Studies so far indicate a close relationship between the directions of fracture traces mapped from the imagery, fractures measured on bedrock outcrops, and fractures measured in the underground mines. First hand observations and discussions with underground mine operators indicate good correlation of mine hazard maps prepared from ERTS-1/aircraft imagery and actual roof falls. The inventory of refuse piles/slurry ponds of the coal field of Indiana has identified over 225 such sites from past mining operations. These data will serve the State Legislature in making tax decisions on coal mining which take on increased importance because of the energy crisis.

Wier, C. E.↗

Application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The most important result to date is the demonstration of the special value of repetitive ERTS-1 multiband coverage for detecting previously unknown fracture lineaments despite the presence of a deep glacial overburden. The Illinois Basin is largely covered with glacial drift and few rock outcrops are present. A contribution to the geological understanding of Illinois and Indiana has been made. Analysis of ERTS-1 imagery has provided useful information to the State of Indiana concerning the surface mined lands. The contrast between healthy vegetation and bare ground as imaged by Band 7 is sharp and substantial detail can be obtained concerning the extent of disturbed lands, associated water bodies, large haul roads, and extent of mined lands revegetation. Preliminary results of analysis suggest a reasonable correlation between image-detected fractures and mine roof fall accidents for a few areas investigated. ERTS-1 applications to surface mining operations appear probable, but further investigations are required. The likelihood of applying ERTS-1 derived fracture data to improve coal mine safety in the entire Illinois Basin is suggested from studies conducted in Indiana.

Wier, C. E.↗

SEASAT demonstration experiments with the offshore oil, gas and mining industries

Despite its failure, SEASAT-1 acquired a reasonable volume of data that can be used by industrial participants on a non-real-time basis to prove the concept of microwave sensing of the world's oceans from a satellite platform. The amended version of 8 experimental plans are presented, along with a description of the satellite, its instruments, and the data available. Case studies are summarized for the following experiments: (1) Beaufort Sea oil, gas, and Arctic operations; (2) Labrador Sea oil, gas, and sea ice; (3) Gulf of Mexico pipelines; (4) U.S. East Coast offshore oil and gas; (5) worldwide offshore drilling and production operations; (6) Equatorial East Pacific Ocean mining; (7) Bering Sea ice project; and (8) North Sea oil and gas.

Mourad, A. G.↗

Insulation of nonlinear and random vibrations in the mining industry

The insulation of nonlinear and random vibrations is considered for some ore preparing and sorting implements: rotary crushers, resonance screens, hammer mills, etc. The appearance of subharmonic vibrations is analyzed, and the conditions for their appearance are determined. A method is given for calculating the insulation of these vibrations by means of elastic elements made of rubber. The insulation of the random vibrations produced by Symons crushers is calculated by determining the transmissability and deformation of the insulation system for a narrow band random response.

Zeveleanu, C.↗

Reduction of diesel engine exhaust noise in the petroleum mining industry

An important noise source in a drilling plant is Diesel engine exhaust. In order to reduce this noise, a reactive silencer of the derivative resonator type was proposed, calculated from the acoustic and design point of view and applied. As a result of applying such a silencer on the exhaust conduit of a Diesel engine the noise level dropped down to 18 db.

Marinov, T.↗

Integrating Renewable Energy into Mining Operations

The mining industry is a major source of raw materials for several industries such as manufacturing, transportation, construction, energy, and mining industry itself. It is anticipated that demand for raw materials is going to increase as the population growth and many low-income economies shift to middle-income countries. The increase in mineral demand accompanies by falling mineral ore grade is expected to increase energy demand raising concern of greenhouse gas emission (GHG). Renewable energy can provide mine operators with solutions to several of the challenges they face today, including energy costs, fossil fuel volatility, social license to operate, and meeting environmental, societal, and governance goals. However, the integration of wind, solar, storage, and other renewable technologies face several barriers that are generally not well understood. Many of these barriers will require further research, development, demonstration, and deployment before we see higher levels of renewables adoption in the mining industry. Thus, this report highlights renewable opportunities, barriers, and enabling approaches.

clean energy↗

Integrating Clean Energy in Mining Operations: Opportunities, Challenges, and Enabling Approaches

The mining industry is a major source of raw materials for several industries such as manufacturing, transportation, construction, energy, and mining industry itself. It is anticipated that demand for raw materials is going to increase as the population growth and many low-income economies shift to middle-income countries. The increase in mineral demand accompanies by falling mineral ore grade is expected to increase energy demand raising concern of greenhouse gas emission (GHG). Renewable energy can provide mine operators with solutions to several of the challenges they face today, including energy costs, fossil fuel volatility, social license to operate, and meeting environmental, societal, and governance goals. However, the integration of wind, solar, storage, and other renewable technologies face several barriers that are generally not well understood. Many of these barriers will require further research, development, demonstration, and deployment before we see higher levels of renewables adoption in the mining industry. Thus, this report highlights renewable opportunities, barriers, and enabling approaches.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗