Search Results (37)

With the emergence of Survey 4.0, the oil and gas (O & G) industry is now considering spatial digital twins during their field design to enhance visualization, efficiency, and safety. O & G companies have already initiated investments in the research and development of spatial digital twins to build digital mining models. Existing studies commonly adopt surveys and case studies as their evaluation approach to validate the feasibility of spatial digital twins and related technologies. However, this approach requires high costs and resources. To address this gap, this study explores the feasibility of the informed argument method within the design science framework. A land survey data model (LSDM)-based digital twin prototype for O & G field design, along with 3D spatial datasets located in Lot 2 on RP108045 at petroleum lease 229 under the Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia, was selected as a case for this study. The ISO/IEC 25010 model was adopted as a methodology for this study to evaluate the prototype and Digital Twin Victoria (DTV). It encompasses eight metrics, such as functional suitability, performance efficiency, compatibility, usability, security, reliability, maintainability, and portability. The results generated from this study indicate that the prototype encompasses a standard level of all parameters in the ISO/IEC 25010 model. The key significance of the study is its methodological contribution to evaluating the spatial digital twin models through cost-effective means, particularly under circumstances with strict regulatory requirements and low information accessibility. Full article

Sustainable development is a key concept that has been formulated over many years and is currently transforming our world. Decisions made in its spirit are influencing the economic and legal order and the daily lives of people in Europe and around the world. In Poland, achieving sustainable development requires a number of difficult decisions, and one of them is to transform the energy system toward low carbon. Poland’s energy transition is not an easy task in a country where, for many years, the dominant energy resource in terms of availability, resources and price has been coal. In view of such conditions, the Polish energy system has been based on coal, which in Polish conditions is still of strategic importance in meeting energy needs. For this reason, Poland’s planned move away from coal raises many controversies and concerns, especially in areas where mines operate. At the same time, it should be remembered that the mining industry, in addition to mining companies, brings together a large group of mining-related companies working for the benefit of mining. Due to the fact that it is in the territory of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin that about 80% of the documented balance resources of Polish hard coal are located, it was justified to conduct a survey among the residents of the Silesian Province as the group most likely to be affected by this decision. The aim of the survey was to find out the target group’s opinion on Poland’s transition away from coal. In turn, the main research problem was an attempt to answer the question of what percentage of households in the Silesian Province are opposed to Poland’s transition away from coal and what are the most significant factors influencing their opinion. Hence, this study presents the results of an empirical survey conducted among a randomly selected group of residents of the Silesian Province. The size of the research sample was 385 people. The study took into account factors such as age, place of residence, income, the square footage of the dwelling and the method of heating it, as well as respondents’ professional affiliation with the mining, mining-related, gas or energy industry. The results of the survey and analyses show that the vast majority of Upper Silesian residents are against the departure from coal, which is being planned in Poland’s energy transition. In addition, the most significant factors influencing respondents’ opinion on Poland’s move away from coal were identified and evaluated, revealing two social groups with differing views: one group opposes the move away from coal, prioritizing energy independence, energy security, energy prices and jobs over environmental issues; the other group advocates for the transition mainly for environmental reasons. Full article

The influence of coal and gas outbursts from a coal seam adjacent to the working face is crucial for determining its automatic gas discharge width, which is an important basis for the roadway position design of the adjacent working face. This study focuses on determining the automatic gas discharge width of the coal body in the neighboring goaf, especially examining the working face of the E₁₀-32040 air mining area and the E₁₀-32060 wind tunnel of the No. 1 Mine operated by Pingmei Company. Theoretical analysis, strain-softening simulation, and field testing were adopted to study the automatic gas discharge width under the current mining conditions, and the results are as follows: (1) Back mining at the working face has a greater impact on the coal body of the neighboring goaf than roadway excavation, and the compression deformation at 50 m from the goaf after back mining is 6.18 times that during roadway excavation. (2) The gas content of the coal body of the neighboring goaf is linearly distributed, and the coefficient of determination (R²) is 0.98024. (3) The extent of compression and deformation of the neighboring coal body follows an exponential distribution, and the coefficient of determination (R²) is 0.99482. (4) Under the current mining conditions, the risk of protrusion can be considered eliminated when the residual gas content is below 4.45 m³/t. The compression deformation is 0.96‰ when the automatic gas discharge width is 30.11 m. The research results can provide theoretical reference and data support for adjacent roadway location design and the selection of gas prevention and control measures in coal seams. Full article

Gas explosions are the most serious type of accident in coal mines in China. This study analyzed 125 gas explosion accidents that occurred between 2010 and 2020. The results showed that the number of gas explosion accidents and deaths in 2010–2020 was stable and decreasing. The number of larger gas explosion accidents in 2010–2020 is the largest, but the death toll from major accidents was much greater. Coal faces, headings, and roadways are the main locations where gas explosions are initiated. The coal mines in which gas explosions occur in coal faces and headings are mainly “township” enterprises and private mines, all of which engage in illegal operations. The main cause of gas accumulations in roadways is ventilation system failure; these failures can be reduced with improved ventilations system management. The number of gas explosion accidents and related deaths in the Sichuan, Guizhou, and Heilongjiang provinces are very high. The annual change in the frequency of gas explosion accidents, the quarterly distribution of gas explosion accidents, and time during a mining shift when gas explosion accidents occur are closely related to national policies and regulations, company annual production goals, and the mental status of miners, respectively. Full article

This research determines the contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to reducing financial risks and, consequently, to the sustainable development of companies in different sectors of the economy and at different phases of the economic cycle (using Russia as an example). The informational and empirical base comprises data on the dynamics of stock prices of sectoral indices of the Moscow Exchange’s total return “gross” (in Russian rubles): oil and gas, electricity, telecommunications, metals and mining, finance, consumer sector (retail trade), chemicals and petrochemicals, and transportation, as well as the “Responsibility and Openness” index in 2019 (before the crises), in 2020 (COVID-19 crisis), 2022 (sanction crisis), and 2024 (Russia’s economic growth). Economic–mathematical models, compiled through regression analysis, showed that the contribution of CSR to reducing the financial risks of companies is highly differentiated among economic sectors and phases of the economic cycle. The research presents a new sectoral perspective on counter-cyclical management of the financial risks of companies through CSR, enabling a deeper study of the cause-and-effect relationships of such management for the sustainable development of companies from different economic sectors. This is the theoretical significance of this research, its novelty, and its contribution to the literature. The research has practical significance, revealing previously unknown best practices for the sustainable development of companies from different economic sectors of Russia across different phases of the economic cycle. The systematized experience will be useful for forecasting the financial risks of companies during future economic crises in Russia and improving the practice of planning and organizing the financial risk management of Russian companies through CSR. The authors’ conclusions have managerial significance because they will help enhance the flexibility and efficiency of corporate financial risk management by considering the sectoral specifics and cyclical nature of the economy when implementing CSR. Full article

The rapid increase in lithium demand has recently drawn attention to the environmental impacts of conventional mining processes. Pyrometallurgical extraction from hard rock is associated with high energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and land degradation. Extraction from brines involves the depletion of water resources and risks to local ecosystems. In response to these environmental challenges, this study explores innovative pathways for more sustainable primary lithium extraction for a truly green energy transition across the entire supply chain. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of novel technologies designed to mitigate these impacts, with particular emphasis on direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, which offer promising solutions for water savings, CO₂e emissions reduction, and improved lithium recovery. A comprehensive review of the scientific literature, along with an analysis of data and information from various pilot projects and demonstration plants, have been conducted. The main conclusion is that, despite considerable efforts by mining companies, two primary obstacles remain to the implementation of novel technology: scalability and operational costs. To address these challenges, it is essential to sustain consistent investments in R&D (Research and Development) initiatives and continue testing the implementation of the most sustainable experimental practices on an industrial scale. Full article

Green hydrogen production is expected to play a major role in the context of the shift towards sustainable energy stipulated in the Fit for 55 package. Green hydrogen and its derivatives have the capacity to act as effective energy storage vectors, while fuel cell-powered vehicles will foster net-zero emission mobility. This study evaluates the potential of green hydrogen production in Power-to-Gas (P2G) systems operated in former mining sites where sand and gravel aggregate has been extracted from lakes and rivers under wet conditions (below the water table). The potential of hydrogen production was assessed for the selected administrative unit in Poland, the West Pomerania province. Attention is given to the legal and organisational aspects of operating mining companies to identify the sites suitable for the installation of floating photovoltaic facilities by 2050. The method relies on the use of GIS tools, which utilise geospatial data to identify potential sites for investments. Basing on the geospatial model and considering technical and organisational constraints, the schedule was developed, showing the potential availability of the site over time. Knowing the surface area of the water reservoir, the installed power of the floating photovoltaic plant, and the production capacity of the power generation facility and electrolysers, the capacity of hydrogen production in the P2G system can be evaluated. It appears that by 2050 it should be feasible to produce green fuel in the P2G system to support a fleet of city buses for two of the largest urban agglomerations in the West Pomerania province. Simulations revealed that with a water coverage ratio increase and the planned growth of green hydrogen generation, it should be feasible to produce fuel for net-zero emission urban mobility systems to power 200 buses by 2030, 550 buses by 2040, and 900 buses by 2050 (for the bus models Maxi (40 seats) and Mega (60 seats)). The results of the research can significantly contribute to the development of projects focused on the production of green hydrogen in a decentralised system. The disclosure of potential and available locations over time can be compared with competitive solutions in terms of spatial planning, environmental and societal impact, and the economics of the undertaking. Full article

Integrated geo- and environmental monitoring in mining represents a high-dimensional challenge (location, altitude/depth, time and sensors). This is challenging for experts but poses great problems for a multitude of participants and stakeholders in building up a complete process understanding. The Epe research cooperation aims to elucidate the ground movement at the Epe cavern storage facility with a public participation process. The research cooperation was founded by the city of Gronau, the citizens’ initiative cavern field Epe, the company EFTAS, Münster, and the Research Center of Post-Mining at the Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, Bochum. This research cooperation is the first in Germany to involve direct collaboration between science and the public. In the cavern field, which has been in operation since the 1970s, brine is extracted, and at the same time natural gas, crude oil and helium, as well as hydrogen in the future, are stored in the subsurface. The technical focus of this work was the development of a high-resolution spatiotemporal analysis of ground movements. The area is monitored annually by the mining company’s mine surveyor. The complexity of the monitoring issue lies in the fact that the western part is a bog area and a former bog area. Furthermore, the soils in the eastern part are very humus-rich and show strong fluctuations in the groundwater and therefore complex hydraulic conditions. At the same time, there are few fixed scatterers or prominent points in the area that allow high-resolution spatiotemporal monitoring using simple radar interferometry methods. Therefore, the SBAS method (Small Baseline Subset), which is based on an aerial method, was used to analyze the radar interferometric datasets. Using an SBAS analysis, it was possible to evaluate a time series of 760 scenes over the period from 2015 to 2023. The results were integrated with the mine survey maps on the ground movement and other open geodata on the surface, the soil layers and the overburden. The results show complex forms of ground movement. The main influence is that of mining. Nevertheless, the influence of organic soils with drying out due to drought years and uplift in wet years is great. Thus, in dry years, ground subsidence accelerates, and in wet years, ground subsidence not only slows down but in some cases also causes uplift. This complexity of ground movements and the necessary understanding of the processes involved has been communicated to the interested public at several public information events as part of the research cooperation. In this way, an understanding of the mining process was built up, and transparency was created in the subsurface use, also as a part of the energy transition. In technical terms, the research cooperation also provides a workflow for developing the annual mine survey maps into an integrated geo- and environmental monitoring system with the development of a transparent participatory geomonitoring process to provide resilience management to a mining location. Full article

The mining industry faces persistent challenges related to hazardous gas emissions. Diesel engine-powered wheeled vehicles are commonly used during work shifts and are a primary source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in underground mines. Despite diesel engine manufacturers providing gas generation data, mining companies need to predict NOx emissions from numerous load-haul-dumping (LHD) vehicles operating under dynamic conditions and not always equipped with gas sensors. This study focused on two ensemble methods: bootstrap aggregation (bagging) and least-square boosting (boosting) to predict NOx emissions. These approaches combine multiple weaker statistical models to yield a robust result. The innovation of this research is in the statistical analysis and selection of LHD vehicles’ working parameters, which are most suitable for NOx emission prediction; development of the procedure of source data cleaning and processing, model building and analyzing factors, which may influence the accuracy; and the comparison of two ensemble methods and showing their advantages and limitations for this specific engineering application, which was not previously reported in the literature. For datasets obtained from the same LHD vehicle and different operators, the more efficient bagging method gave a coefficient of determination R² > 0.79 and the RMSE (root mean square error) was under 30 ppm, which is comparable with the measurement accuracy for transient regimes of physical NOx sensors available in the market. The obtained insights can be utilized as input for mine ventilation systems, enhancing mining transport management, reducing workplace air pollution, improving work planning, and enhancing personnel safety. Full article

In the process of protected seam mining, the reduction in stress and the enhancement of the gas mobility that affects the protected seam are crucial manifestations of the protection effect. Taking the working face of E₈-32010 and the upper D_5-6 coal seam of the Six Mines of Ping Coal Company Limited as the study object, the research method combining theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and a field test was adopted. In combination with the actual production, we adopted the stress distribution law pertaining to the coal body of the protected seam under the condition of 2.2 m mining height. When the length of the tendency of the working face mining is under the condition of 2.2 m mining height and when the working face mining inclination lengths are 120 m, 160 m, 200 m, 220 m, 240 m, and 280 m, the stress distribution law that regulates the coal body of the protected seam is analyzed, and, based on the stress distribution law, the unpressurized extraction drilling holes are designed, and the effect of the coal body stress at the final hole position of the unpressurized extraction drilling holes on the efficiency of unpressurized extraction is determined through on−site extracting data. The research results indicate the following: (1) as the tendency length of the working face increases, the degree and range of pressure unloading that affects the protected layer are increasing, the stress increase in the deep D_5-6 seam is larger than that of the shallow D_5-6 seam, and the tendency direction can be divided into the stress elevation area, pressure unloading area, and stress elevation area from the shallow zone to the deep zone. Moreover, the minimum stresses in the pressure unloading area are 7.80 MPa, 6.42 MPa, 5.59 MPa, 5.59 MPa, 5.42 MPa, 5.30 MPa, and 5.21 MPa, and the minimum stress is less than 60% of the original stress; (2) the vertical stresses at the final locations of the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 drill holes after the protective layer is mined are 16.42 MPa, 10.74 MPa, and 6.72 MPa, respectively, and the pure amount of gas extracted from the unpressurized extracting drill holes has increased immensely; the higher the rate of unloading, the greater the increase, and, the more the unpressurized extracting drill holes are extracted, the greater the increase. The higher the unloading rate, the greater the increase: 19.77–21.31 times, 41.62–41.68 times, and 68.68–74.66 times the pure amount of gas extracted from the corresponding pre−pumping holes; (3) the No. 3 depressurized extraction borehole is 261.02–281.04 times, 191.77–205.55 times, and 138.43–148.18 times higher than the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 pre−pressurized extraction boreholes, respectively, and 6.09–7.14 times and 2.28–2.49 times higher than the No. 1 and No. 2 depressurized extraction boreholes, respectively. The research results can not only provide a theoretical basis for verifying the protection effect of the protected layer but also a scientific rationale for the layout of the unpressurized extraction drill holes. Full article

The coal mine ground gas transportation system is widely used for gas transportation and mixing preheating in the gas storage and oxidation utilization system. However, gas or coal dust explosions may occur, which could result in heavy casualties and significant economic losses. To prevent accidents in the gas transportation system, the present study takes the gas transportation system of Shanxi Yiyang Energy Company as an example to identify the composition and hazardous factors of the gas transportation system. Fault tree analysis (FTA) models were established with pipeline gas and coal dust explosions as the top events, and the importance of each basic event was quantitatively analyzed using the fuzzy fault tree analysis (FFTA) method. The results show that gas and coal dust explosion accidents are mostly caused by the combination of high-temperature ignition sources and explosive materials. The uneven mixing gas and the ventilation carrying a large amount of coal dust are the fundamental causes of coal mining accidents. Consequently, based on the general pipeline safety measures, gas indirect preheating, ventilation air methane in dust removal, and gas intelligent mixing and regulation were proposed to enhance the safety of the gas transportation system. Full article

Increased effectiveness of methane drainage from sealed post-mining goaves in hard coal mines contributes to reduced methane emission from goaves into the mine ventilation system. This paper focuses on issues concerning the assessment of the additional amount of methane released from the goaf into mine workings during periods of atmospheric pressure drops, which can be captured with a methane drainage system. Thanks to the solutions presented in the paper, it is possible to control the efficiency of the goaf drainage system, which in turn leads to the reduction of methane emission from the mine ventilation air into Earth’s atmosphere. These solutions are of great added value for both the environment and coal mines as they reduce the costs arising from greenhouse gas emissions that are incurred by mining companies, increasing the efficiency of methane capture and its use in gas engines or district heating systems. The paper uses relationships relating to the influence of atmospheric pressure changes on the process of gas release from the goaf according to the hysteresis loop of methane release during atmospheric pressure changes, which was developed based on conducted research. The analysis and conclusions presented in this paper may facilitate the development of strategies aimed at reducing methane emissions from a mine’s ventilated air into Earth’s atmosphere. Full article

Carbon markets are highly relevant to the need to regulate man-made greenhouse gas emissions. As the world faces the dangerous effects of global warming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become a critical priority for governments, corporations and individuals around the world. Carbon markets offer a way to incentivize and encourage emissions reductions and facilitate a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy. Low-carbon development is possible by building transparent and understandable organizational and economic conditions for the operation of carbon regulation. This article considers the feasibility of introducing energy-efficient technologies at Polymetal International PLC enterprises located in Khabarovsk region, engaged in the mining and processing of non-ferrous and precious metals (gold, silver and copper) in light of the country’s growing attention to the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions. The objective of this study is to model the organizational and economic conditions of the carbon market and estimate the economic and climate outcomes from the implementation of energy-efficient technologies at Polymetal International PLC. This study analyzes the current energy-consumption structure of non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises in Russia and identifies potential areas for the use of energy-efficient technologies. An important aspect is the assessment of government policies and incentives that could facilitate the introduction of low-carbon technologies. It is important to assess the impact of prospective carbon-management plans in Russia on the economic performance of steel companies. The results of this study suggest that the introduction of low-carbon technologies has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from non-ferrous metal companies in Russia. However, the successful implementation of these technologies will require significant investment, stakeholder cooperation and political support from the Russian government. Full article

This research aims to explore the relationship among environmental sustainability, work environment, green innovation, and industrial companies’ innovation climate. The purpose of this exploration was to find out the explanation of how these variables influence each other and how they play a role in organizations sustainability. The study collected data from 253 employees in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas, minerals, and mining sectors. It employed the Warps analysis method to assess the relationships between green innovation, innovation climate, and environmental sustainability. By applying well-established theoretical frameworks, including the Innovation Diffusion Theory and Environmental Sustainability Theory, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play. The findings affirm the significant and positive relationships between green innovation and both environmental sustainability and the innovation climate within industrial firms. Moreover, the study highlights the mediating role of the innovation climate, which serves as a bridge connecting green innovation with environmental sustainability outcomes. Additionally, green motivational strategies and green abilities were identified as moderators that enhance the effectiveness of green innovation practices. This research carries practical and theoretical implications. It provides valuable insights for industrial firms seeking to integrate sustainability practices into their operations, enhance their innovation climate, and optimize their green innovation initiatives. The findings bridge the gap between theory and practice, guiding managerial decision-making and facilitating the implementation of sustainable practices. Moreover, the study enriches the theoretical foundations of sustainability and innovation by applying established theories to the industrial context, contributing to a more holistic understanding of these critical concepts in the modern business landscape. Full article

The main goal of this research is to analyze the perception of service in public sector companies in the city of Bogota via Twitter and text mining to identify areas, problems, and topics aiming for quality service improvement. To achieve this objective, a structured method for data modeling is implemented based on the KDD methodology. Tweets from January to June 2022 related to the companies in the sector are processed, and a temporal analysis of the evolution of sentiment is performed based on the dictionaries Bing, AFINN, and NRC. Subsequently, the LDA algorithm (Latent Dirichlet Allocation algorithm) is used to visually identify the topics with the greatest negative impact reported by the users in each of the 6 months by adding the temporal dimension. The results revealed that, for Aqueduct (water supply service), the topic with the highest dissatisfaction is related to the “Water Tank Request” processes; for Enel (energy services) “Service Outages”; and for Vanti (gas services), “Case solution and request information”. Temporal patterns of tweets, sentiments, and topics are also highlighted for the three companies. Full article