Articles tagged with Mining Engineering
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A study analyzed 25 countries' baseline mercury emission estimates and found that they rarely provide enough information to determine whether changes are due to actual change or data uncertainty. This lack of transparency hinders efforts to draft meaningful mercury reduction targets in national action plans.
A study by researchers from BirdLife International, WWF, and the University of Cambridge found that 80% of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) on land contain infrastructure, which is a significant driver of threats to biodiversity. The prevalence of infrastructure in KBAs is likely to increase due to planned developments.
The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.
Scientists discovered that 12 strains of cyanobacteria can passively collect rare earth elements from wastewater through a process called biosorption. This process has great potential for the circular recovery and reuse of rare earth metals in industries such as mining, electronics, and chemicals.
The study suggests that increased demand for energy transition metals could be more disruptive to some communities than winding back production of thermal coal. An additional 115.7 million people would be at risk from disruption by ETMs.
A team of researchers suggests a global mineral supply agreement to ensure green energy infrastructure development. The US, with its current metal shortage, particularly relies on China for mineral supplies, which could hinder the green transition.
Researchers analyzed metal ingots from a 14th century B.C. shipwreck to understand the origins of copper and tin used in bronze production. The study found that two-thirds of the tin came from Turkey, contradicting previous assumptions about its source.
Researchers estimate that opening protected areas to mining would lead to the destruction of 183 km² of forest and further loss of 7,626 km² due to infrastructure construction. The study highlights the need for strategic planning and environmental impact assessments before making changes to conservation policies.
Researchers analyzed three intervention strategies to mitigate mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining, finding that while some methods reduce emissions, others create new environmental problems. The study suggests a need for more comprehensive approaches to address the complex issues surrounding mercury use.
Researchers developed an electrochemical technique to recycle highly valuable homogeneous catalysts, extending their life cycle. The method uses an electrical field to separate catalysts from mixtures and bind them to a surface, allowing for reuse and reducing energy consumption.
Researchers developed proxies to estimate tellurium content globally and found that 18 gold mines in the US and Canada could produce ~90 tons/year of tellurium, while six copper, zinc, and nickel mines had potential for ~170 tons/yr. This represents a minimum estimate, with actual production potentially exceeding by up to 25%.
Researchers aim to create intelligent drones that can autonomously inspect coal waste storage facilities, detecting cracks and deformities with thermal and visual images. The drones will be equipped with AI-based software to identify potential hazards, providing a faster and long-term solution to prevent environmental damage.
Scientists argue that shallow-water mining is not a sustainable alternative to deep-water mining due to the removal of habitat and biodiversity loss. The authors caution that the extraction of valuable materials requires rigorous environmental evaluation before it can be declared safe and sustainable.
Researchers from Kyushu University analyzed global patent applications to identify R&D strategies for sustainable mining technologies. The study found that the Paris Agreement and raw metal price trends influence CCMT development, with varying degrees of impact by country.
A projected shortage of sulfuric acid could stifle green technology advancement and threaten global food security. Researchers estimate a shortfall in annual supply between 100-320 million tonnes by 2040, depending on decarbonisation pace. Developing low-cost methods to extract elemental sulfur is crucial to mitigate the crisis.
Associate Professor Angelina Anani has won a $300,000 career development grant from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration to support her research on mine planning and operations. She plans to use virtual and augmented reality technologies to optimize industry decisions and minimize risks.
A comprehensive new study examines the hydrological impact of lithium mining in Chile's Salar de Atacama, revealing that most water used is decades old. The research highlights the complexity of the region's hydrology and the need for longer-term monitoring to ensure responsible water usage.
A new study synthesizes the impact of metal and coal mines on salmon and trout in northwestern North America, revealing severe and long-lasting harm to watersheds and ecosystems. The research emphasizes the need for more complete and transparent science-based policies to inform mining governance.
A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the life cycle assessment of nuclear power generation, revealing varying TMR coefficients across different mining methods and fuel cycles. The results show that nuclear power generates similar natural resources as renewable energy, significantly less than thermal power.
Current mining practices can be improved through effective policies and stakeholder involvement. A more sustainable extractive industry can supply key raw materials for renewable energy technologies and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this, diverse stakeholders must participate in governance at different levels.
Researchers aim to eliminate respirable coal mine dust toxicity with chemical additives, targeting ultrafine particles and quartz. The project will investigate particle surface chemistry and aging effects on toxicity, with potential applications in metal, non-metal mining, and construction.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to extract rare earth elements from fly ash, bauxite residue, and electronic waste using flash Joule heating. This process improves yields and reduces the use of strong acids, making it a more sustainable solution for recycling these materials.
Scientists have recorded high levels of atmospheric mercury pollution in a pristine patch of the Peruvian Amazon due to illegal gold mining. Mature Amazonian forests near gold mining are capturing huge volumes of atmospheric mercury, more than any other ecosystem previously studied.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have partnered with BHP to identify new areas for nickel and copper deposits critical to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The project aims to challenge current understanding of the nickel mineral system, potentially opening up new exploration search space globally.
A new study from Edith Cowan University identifies four pathways regularly associated with Western Australian mining deaths, including design flaws and poor management. The research recommends that companies prioritize these pathways to reduce workplace fatalities and improve worker safety.
Researchers are developing insect-like robots for agriculture, mining, and space exploration using dynamic force sensing and agile movement. The goal is to create robots that can navigate difficult terrains and interact safely with humans.
A new process recovers rhodium, palladium, gold and silver from electronic waste in seconds, producing a byproduct clean enough for agricultural land. The flash Joule heating method uses significantly less energy than traditional lab methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a non-toxic alternative to traditional cyanide-based gold extraction processes. The new chloride-based method, called EDRR, achieves an impressive 84% gold recovery rate, surpassing the 64% recovered with traditional cyanide methods.
A team of researchers has demonstrated how a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can mitigate against negative environmental impacts in metal mining explorations. The new approach helps identify potential 'hot-spots' before extraction operations begin, allowing geologists to select targets with lower environmental impacts.
Researchers have created a global database of 63 tailings flows since 1928, revealing catastrophic events occur every two to three years on average. The study highlights the importance of understanding water-to-solids ratios and downstream terrain in preventing mass casualties and environmental damage.
A new study reveals that the global demand for sand and gravel is in direct conflict with nearly half of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, primarily affecting health, environment, and society in low- and middle-income countries. The research highlights the need for effective management plans and policies to balance the pros an...
Researchers at Caltech studied ant digging habits and uncovered mechanisms guiding their tunnel construction. Ants use efficient techniques to minimize work, digging straight tunnels along cup edges, and sensing force chains to avoid digging there.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new technique to structure chaotic bubbles, enabling more efficient separation of useful metals from useless particles. This method uses vibrations to control the motion of bubbles, leading to reduced energy and water usage in mining.
The study reveals that nearly 20 percent of intact tropical forests overlap with mining and oil concessions, posing a significant threat to these ecosystems. The total area of overlap is approximately 376,449 square miles, about the size of Egypt.
A new analysis from Imperial College London suggests that countries investing in new coal mines and exports risk losing billions of dollars as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. Transitioning to a sustainable pathway by 2040 could save $10 billion per year globally, while avoiding job losses and economic instability.
Researchers examine how governments use stakeholder commissions to legitimize their transition policies, finding similarities and differences between the two countries. Both Canada and Germany face challenges in phasing out coal due to job losses and regional concerns.
Scientists have developed a new method to extract metals like copper from their parent ore body using an electric field. This non-invasive technique has the potential to transform the mining industry by dissolving metals from previously inaccessible deposits.
Researchers will study the ethics of mining, bringing together geohumanities and geology with communities impacted by mining. The project aims to create an interdisciplinary understanding of mining's social, political, and environmental implications.
A new study finds that mine ponds created by artisanal gold miners have increased the risk of mercury poisoning in Peru's Amazon. The proliferation of these ponds has amplified the environmental and human health risks associated with mercury exposure.
A new study finds that infrastructure and mining projects in tropical forests will destroy forests and increase development, harming wildlife and people. The report highlights the urgent need to factor in forest value and protect critical habitats.
A remote monitoring tool has been developed to predict geological movement and groundwater flow in old coalfields. The tool uses satellite radar imagery to capture millimetre-scale measurements of changes in terrain height, allowing for the monitoring and forecasting of groundwater levels and changes in geological conditions.
A recent study suggests that bacteria can extract useful materials from rocks on Mars and the Moon, paving the way for new technologies to support human exploration and settlement. The findings also highlight the potential of microorganisms to enhance the removal of rare earth elements from lunar and Martian landscapes.
A study by the University of York reveals that metal pollution from historic mining is weakening scallop shells, threatening marine ecosystems. The research found that contaminated seabed sediments with zinc, lead, and copper are causing brittle shell thinning, affecting the species' survival.
The study uses Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) to investigate lignite regions in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It finds significant land subsidence in open-cast mining areas, with rates of up to 50 centimeters per year.
Researchers developed a new method to distinguish between small earthquakes and low-yield nuclear explosions in the US West. By comparing local magnitude and coda duration magnitude measurements, seismologists can identify seismic events caused by human activity more accurately.
Researchers are developing a new type of geosynthetic clay liner to manage toxic landfill leachates. The liner, composed of bentonite and polymer, has shown promise in maintaining low hydraulic conductivity when exposed to aggressive leachates.
The new global standard on tailings management establishes comprehensive best practices for planning, design, operation, and closure of mine tailings facilities. This system-wide change is expected to dramatically improve safety and prevent catastrophic failures.
A Simon Fraser University professor's research analyzes CSR impact in forestry, mining, and textiles industries, finding few initiatives translate to improvements for local communities. He advocates for global pressure, transparent reporting, and harmonized labels to promote sustainable production and reduce conflicts.
A new study reveals that gold mining significantly restricts Amazon forest regeneration, leading to substantial losses in carbon sink capacity. The research highlights the urgent need for active land management and restoration to recover tropical forests on previously mined lands.
A study by University of Seville experts found an important decrease in total metal concentrations and a shift towards less toxic forms in the River Guadiamar sediment. The research suggests that measures taken after the disaster have improved water quality, but ongoing monitoring is necessary to maintain this progress.
A study by Duke University scientists found that native communities hundreds of kilometers away from gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon have high levels of mercury exposure, leading to intellectual deficits and IQ losses. Children with higher mercury levels in their hair showed cognitive effects, even at lower exposure levels.
A comprehensive analysis of a mountainous region in Southwest China reveals the driving mechanisms behind changes in soil chemical composition and distribution. Human activities like mining disrupt natural processes, affecting land quality and ecosystem health.
Researchers found high concentrations of selenium in stream insects and spiders that eat them, indicating pollutants move from water to land as they form the food chain. The study showed that even streams without mining contamination can still have selenium-rich spiders, highlighting the persistence of toxic substances.
The Global Tailings Portal provides detailed information on over 1,700 tailings dams worldwide, helping the industry reduce dam failures and minimize environmental impact. The database brings transparency to the mining industry, benefiting regulators, researchers, and local communities.
The research found that cryptocurrency mining is associated with worse air quality and increased CO2 emissions, impacting communities nationwide. The study estimates that in 2018, every $1 of Bitcoin value created was responsible for $0.49 in health and climate damages.
Research reveals artisanal gold mining is altering water clarity and dynamics in the Madre de Dios River watershed, causing increased sediment levels that contain mercury and other contaminants. This has severe impacts on fish populations and other aquatic life, disrupting natural seasonal cycles and habitat of endangered species.
A pilot program introducing safer mining practices in Nigerian gold mining communities has reduced blood lead levels among miners by 32%. The study, published in the British Medical Journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, also found that women miners experienced lower reductions in lead levels. The project's success demonstrat...
Researchers at ICTA-UAB found that 10% of metals enter the sea through underground discharges, while recirculation transports the rest. Groundwater and sediments are more contaminated by metals than surface marine waters.
Researchers are studying ventilation systems in large-opening mines to reduce diesel particulate matter exposure and improve workplace safety. They aim to develop new tools for booster fan optimization, air recirculation modeling, and seasonal ventilation pressure analysis.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing an autonomous robotic system to monitor the structural integrity and safety of underground mines. The system will provide high-resolution 3D maps for assessment of pillar and roof damage, enabling a rapid response to detected degradations in stability.