Researchers are using cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and geophysical techniques to improve mine planning, predict slope behavior, and prioritize worker safety. The goal is to fundamentally change how mines are planned and operated, making them more sustainable and productive.
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A WVU researcher creates an augmented reality training program to enhance miners' awareness of blind spots and ability to identify hazards. The training technology uses visualizations to project blind spots directly onto the trainee operator's surroundings, reducing fatalities and injuries in the mining industry.
A researcher from Göttingen University advises on overcoming difficulties faced by mining communities in transition, suggesting a three-step approach centered around stakeholder collaboration. This approach combines early planning, local-based solutions, and targeted investments to foster economic and workforce transformation.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a technology that can capture carbon dioxide from the air of buildings and use it to produce methanol, a common chemical with numerous applications. The process is expected to increase the sustainable supply of methanol while removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
A new study from Kyushu University examines the spillover effects of rising energy prices following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The research finds that a 20% increase in energy prices has little impact on global prices and social surplus, with only a small effect on certain sectors.
Researchers developed a novel way to store energy by transporting sand into abandoned underground mines, creating a long-term energy storage solution. The technology generates electricity when the price is high and stores it when cheap, making it an effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional batteries.
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University of Central Florida researchers have discovered a method that uses microwaves to melt lunar soil, coupled with beneficiation technology, may be the best option for building safe and economical lunar landing pads. This approach could increase microwave absorption by up to 80% using magnetic fields, making it more energy-effici...
Researchers at WVU are resurrecting discarded electronics, recovering minerals, and making new products for national defense. The technology also has promise beyond national defense, including community-level e-waste recycling and space applications.
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 new study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 kilometers in gentle weather conditions, with cumulative impacts likely in areas with multiple mines. The deep sea is home to organisms found nowhere else on Earth, and mining activities could have untold impacts on these species.
A new study has found higher levels of silica dust in the lung tissue of contemporary coal miners compared to previous generations, providing a rationale for the Mine Safety and Health Administration to develop a more protective occupational standard for silica. The study suggests that changing mining practices, which generated more si...
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Researchers examine how heat affects salt and brine in underground tests to refine computer models and inform policymakers about spent nuclear fuel disposal. The understanding gained will help assess the viability of salt beds as a safe storage option for radioactive waste.
Researchers estimated Bitcoin mining's electricity consumption and carbon emissions in 2018, finding a lower impact than previously thought. The study showed that the majority of environmental harm comes from the use of mining equipment, with location being a significant factor.
Researchers are using seismic data collected through a novel real-time monitoring system to track the spread of carbon dioxide underground. The team aims to refine the picture of what's happening underground as carbon dioxide spreads and increases in concentration in different rock features.
Researchers at Tecnalia and the ICMCB-CNRS have developed an ultrarapid synthesis method for nano-tobermorite, which speeds up concrete hardening. The technology enables mass production of high-quality tobermorite nanoparticles within minutes, not days.
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A team led by CSU engineers aims to provide a low-cost, high-fidelity communications system for miners that eliminates the need for expensive equipment. The system will use standard smartphones and low-cost wireless sensing to improve miner safety in underground environments.
Researchers at SnT develop an algorithm that reduces computing overhead in smart grid control by storing only changes in system state and automatically identifying suitable measurement values from the past. This enables micro mining, resulting in increased computing efficiency and a significant reduction in computing capacity.
A handheld mineral analyzer has been developed for mining applications, enabling rapid analysis of minerals in the field. The device combines X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques to identify and quantify minerals within 1-2 minutes.
A recent study by the American College of Radiology found that digital mammograms require nearly twice as long to interpret as film-screen screening mammograms. The study identified factors contributing to the difference in time, including the interpreting radiologist's identity and age of available studies.
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Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute are adapting their self-driving vehicle technology to create autonomous haul trucks for Caterpillar's largest haul trucks, each with payload capacities of 240 tons or more. The goal is to provide productivity gains through consistency in processes and improve mine safety.
The Cornell laboratory will be a national center for calculating earthquake effects on structures, including soil deformation and seismic damage. The facility will use customized testing structures and actuators to apply displacements and loads, enabling researchers to study the behavior of structures during earthquakes.
A new software program, EXAKT, uses mathematical models to determine the optimal time to replace or repair equipment based on performance data and economic factors. This allows maintenance managers to combine risk assessment and economic considerations in making informed decisions.