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Number of results: 321
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Abstract

The main source of information on the abundance of polymetallic nodules (APN) is the results of direct seafloor sampling, mainly using box corers. Due to the vast spread of nodule occurrence in the Pacific, the distances between successive sampling sites are significant. This makes it difficult to reliably estimate the nodule resources, especially in parts of the deposit with small areas corresponding to the areas scheduled for extraction in the short term (e.g. within one year). It seems justified to try to increase the accuracy of nodule resource estimates through the use of information provided by numerous photos of the ocean floor taken between sampling stations. In particular, the percentage of nodule coverage of the ocean floor (NC), the data on fraction distribution of nodules (FD) and the coverage of nodules with sediments (SC) are important here. In the presented study, three regression models were used to predict the nodule abundance from images: simple linear regression (SLR), multiple regression (MR), and general linear model (GLM). The GLM provides the most accurate prediction of nodule abundance (APN) due to the ability of this model to simultaneously take into account both quantitative variable (NC) and qualitative variables (FD, SC). The mean absolute errors of APN prediction are in the range of 1.0–1.7 kg/m2, which is 7–13% of the average nodule abundance determined for training or testing data sets. This result can be considered satisfactory for predicting the abundance in ocean floor areas covered only by photographic survey.
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Authors and Affiliations

Monika Wasilewska-Błaszczyk
1
ORCID: ORCID
Jacek Mucha
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. AGH University of Science and Techology, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

In the Mardin-Mazıdağı region, which corresponds to the northern Arabian Plate, layers containing marine phosphorite rocks are found within the Karababa Formation (Upper Cretaceous). The Karataş member contains phosphorites and carbonate rocks with nodular chert geodes and fossils.
The phosphorite and micritic limestones contain invertebrate fossil fragments and materials such as optical isotropic pelletic apatite minerals, angular/subangular and plated fish bone fragments, and brachiopod shells. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) results show that the apatite minerals are either spherical or ellipsoidal in shape and their size varies between 100–200 μm. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) examinations, the rocks contain apatite (carbonate rich fluorapatite; CFA), carbonate (calcite, dolomite), silica (quartz and opal-CT), little feldspar, and clay (smectite, palygorskite/ sepiolite, kaolinite, illite, chlorite, mixed layered chlorite-vermiculite (C-V) and illite-vermiculite (I-V).
The average major and trace elements found in the phosphorite include P2O5 (35.41 wt.%), REE s (44.57 ppm), Y (52.85 ppm), and U (5.45 ppm). The Mazıdağı phosphorite analysis indicates that the conditions are slightly oxic, which is supported by their slightly negative Ce anom average values (–0.30), low Ce/La ratios (0.32), and a V/(V + Ni) mean of 0.93 ppm. All the recoded values of the average REE for the study area are considerably lower than those in Iraq (84.30 ppm), Tunisia (400.3 ppm), Morocco (571.75 ppm) and Jordan (187 ppm). It is inferred that mineral formation processes are affected by the biogenic and biogeochemical activities that occurred in conjunction with the changes in sea level driven by the tectonic conditions associated with the evolution of the Neotethys Ocean.
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Authors and Affiliations

Sema Tetiker
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Batman University, Turkey
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Abstract

The growing increase in the use of cars and transportation in general is causing an increase the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. The current European Union regulations impose the minimization of pollution through the use of automotive catalytic converters on all member countries, which stops toxic compounds from being emitted into the atmosphere thanks to their contents of platinum group metals (PGMs). However, the growing demand for cars and the simultaneous demand for catalytic converters is contributing to the depletion of the primary sources of PGMs. This is why there is now increasing interest in recycling PGMs from catalytic converters through constantly developing technologies. There are newer and more sustainable solutions for the recovery of PGMs from catalytic converters, making the process part of a circular economy (CE) model. The purpose of this article is to present two innovative methods of PGM recovery in the framework of ongoing research and development projects.
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Authors and Affiliations

Natalia Generowicz
1
ORCID: ORCID
Agnieszka Nowaczek
1
ORCID: ORCID
Leszek Jurkowski
2
Iakovos Yakoumis
3

  1. Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
  2. Unimetal Recycling sp. z o.o., Trzebinia, Poland
  3. MONOLITHOS Catalysts and Recycling Ltd, Athens, Greece
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Abstract

This study presents the results of concentrations of rare earth elements and yttrium (REY ), uranium (U), and thorium (Th) in ashes from combustion/co-combustion of biomass (20%, 40%, and 60% share) from the agri-food industry (pomace from apples, walnut shells, and sunflower husks) and hard coal. The study primarily focuses on ashes from the co-combustion of biomass and hard coal, in terms of their potential use for the recovery of rare earth elements (REE ), and the identification of the sources of these elements in the ashes. Research methods such as ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and SEM -EDS (scanning electron microscopy with quantitative X-ray microanalysis) were used. The total average content of REY in ash from biomass combustion is 3.55–120.5 mg/kg, and in ash from co-combustion, it is from 187.3 to 73.5 mg/kg. The concentration of critical REE in biomass combustion ash is in the range 1.0–38.7 mg/kg, and in cocombustion ash it is 23.3–60.7 mg/kg. In hard-coal ash, the average concentration of REY and critical REY was determined at the level of 175 and 45.3 mg/kg, respectively. In all samples of the tested ashes, a higher concentration of Th (0.2–14.8 mg/kg) was found in comparison to U (0.1–6 mg/kg). In ashes from biomass and hard-coal combustion/co-combustion, the range of the prospective coefficient (Coutl) is 0.66–0.82 and 0.8–0.85, respectively, which may suggest a potential source for REE recovery. On the basis of SEM -EDS studies, yttrium was found in particles of ashes from biomass combustion, which is mainly bound to carbonates. The carriers of REY , U, and Th in ashes from biomass and hard-coal co-combustion are phosphates (monazite and xenotime), and probably the vitreous aluminosilicate substance.
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Authors and Affiliations

Joanna Adamczyk
1
Danuta Smołka-Danielowska
1
ORCID: ORCID
Arkadiusz Krzątała
1
Tomasz Krzykawski
1

  1. University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Abstract

This article investigates the possibilities of the recovery of raw materials at the Kraków–Płaszów municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The materials include sand coming with raw sewage and delivered by septic tankers, after cleaning sewage systems. Following the Regulation of the Minister of Climate (January 2020), sand from grit chambers is classified in the waste catalog as waste, with the code of 19 08 02. (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 10). The purchase of very efficient units has optimized the grit chamber operation and minimized the amount of waste generated as well as being an odor nuisance. The paper presents a mass balance for sand collected at the WWTP. Due to the use of new sand separators, the amount of this waste has been reduced by 28%. The paper presents the sieve curves of sand collected at the wastewater treatment plant and during the cleaning of sewage wells, as well as for sand mixtures. The sand mixture was prepared to allow some variations in the grain size characteristics of the sand. The graining differentiation indexes and curvature indexes were calculated. In addition, in laboratory tests, the leachability of heavy metals and the content of dry matter (DM) and dry mineral matter (DMM) were determined. The laboratory tests confirmed the reduction of organic solids to a level below 3% of dry weight; the content of heavy metals remained below the level of detection. The experiments confirmed that sand from the WWTP can be used as fine-grained aggregate in the production of concrete.
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Authors and Affiliations

Justyna Górka
1
ORCID: ORCID
Dominika Poproch
2 3
ORCID: ORCID
Małgorzata Cimochowicz-Rybicka
1
ORCID: ORCID
Bartosz Łuszczek
4
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Cracow University of Technology, Kraków, Poland
  2. Doctoral School, Cracow University of Technology, Kraków, Poland
  3. Krakow Water, Kraków, Poland
  4. Kraków Water, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

In this article, gold is analyzed from an investment perspective as an asset that allows you to increase your wealth. The analysis is twofold. First, it is about examining to what extent changes in gold prices in the world markets translate into changes in the prices of shares of companies that extract gold. Second, it was checked whether there is a financial leverage effect, which in this case means that changes in the price of shares of gold mining companies are greater than changes in the price of gold itself. Methodically, the Sharpe model was used and two basic parameters of the model were estimated, i.e. the intercept (alpha), and the beta coefficient as a measure of systematic risk, for the gold market and the equity market of gold mining companies and ET Fs based on these companies.
The research carried out in accordance with the logic of the Sharpe model shows that the obtained value of the alpha parameter for the stock market was positive, while for the gold market it was negative. At the same time, higher levels of this parameter are beneficial to the investor, which means that an advantage of the stock market over the gold market exists. In turn, the estimated beta for the stock market is much lower than for the gold market. The systematic risk level for stocks is 0.45, and for the gold market it is 1.98, which is a significant difference. The stocks of gold mining companies can be classified as defensive against the stock market (the rate of return of the gold mine stock is insensitive to market movements) and aggressive against the gold market (the rate of return of the gold mine shares reacts more strongly than the movement in the price of gold).
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Authors and Affiliations

Mikołaj Baranowski
1
Krystian Pera
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. University of Economics, Katowice, Poland
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Abstract

Road construction has been an ongoing engineering practice throughout human history. Although road construction technologies have changed over time, the raw material used has not changed for centuries, and it seems that it will not change in the upcoming centuries. Although some standards are used to determine the aggregate quality in road construction works, it is often complex and laborious to identify the aggregates that best meet the standards. Long-lasting and high-quality roads can be built and the most suitable aggregate is selected for the road. This study aims to select the most suitable aggregates used in hot-mix asphalt pavement production for road construction. In this study, multi-criteria decision-making methods were used for the selection of the aggregate that provides the best conditions. Aggregates used in constructing roads within the provincial borders of Ankara are produced from six stone quarries. To rank these aggregates and determine the ideal quarry for hot-mix asphalt production, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method, which are multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods, were used. The results obtained from the tests on aggregates and hot-mix asphalts (HMA) were compared with the the best results based on the maximum and minimum limits determined in the standards. By comparing the the best results of the standards with the test results of the aggregates, weight scores were made for each test. Weight scores were scored and classified using the AHP and TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making methods. As a result, the aggregate with the highest score and the quarry area represented by the aggregate were determined as the most suitable for hot-mix asphalt construction.
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Authors and Affiliations

Niyazi Bilim
1
ORCID: ORCID
Hamza Güneş
2

  1. Konya Technical University, Turkey
  2. Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey
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Abstract

Almus agates which are forms of nodules like egg-shaped are located in the Eocene aged Almus volcanics in Tokat (Turkey). These nodules are surprise eggs in spherical or oval form ranging from a few cm to 25–30 cm. It is thought that the most effective reason for the formation of the magnificent texture and color combinations of the agates in the region is the iron element. In thin section studies, agate formations are composed of length-slow zebraic chalcedony and quart zine. In addition, curved fossil like structures composed of iron oxide minerals offer visual richness.
The host rock in which the Almus agates are located is trachyte, which consists of sanidine, plagioclase microlites and small opaque minerals, in which microlithic porphyritic and flow (trachytic) texture are observed. As a result of the multipoint eds (field emission scanning electron microscope), it was determined that the quartz is composed of Si, O and Fe. The content of the iron element, which is thought to cause color, was observed in the range of ca 1–1.5 wt.%. According to XRF analysis results, in Almus agates, there is depletion of Fe2O3 content in fine crystalline regions (ca 1 wt.%) compared to coarse crystalline zones (ca 1.5 wt.%).
In order to determine the usability of Almus agates as gemstone, various cabochon shapes were made in Ümit Ulus Gemstone Processing workshop. It has been observed that these agates can be used for both collection and gemstone purposes due to their unique patterns and color compensation.
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Authors and Affiliations

Zeynel Başibüyük
1
ORCID: ORCID
Meltem Gürbüz
2
ORCID: ORCID
Ilkay Kaydu Akbudak
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kirşehi̇, Turkey
  2. Mersin University, School of Technology and Design of Jewelry, Çiftlikköy, Mersi̇, Turkey
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Abstract

Pyrite is a sulfide mineral and is widely distributed in nature. Pyrite may transform into pyrrhotite when heated at high temperatures. In order to support processing engineering techniques and industrial applications of pyrite and pyrrhotite, it is necessary to investigate synthetic pyrrhotite, which is formed by heating pyrite in air, based on existing research. In this work, the mineralogical characteristics and stability conditions of synthetic pyrrhotite formed by heating pyrite at elevated temperatures were studied. The possible formation pathway was verified using a solid-phase reaction. X-ray-diffraction results revealed that synthetic pyrrhotite differs from natural pyrrhotite in the paragenetic association of minerals. Natural pyrrhotite and magnetite coexist in the natural pyrrhotite sample. Synthetic pyrrhotite formed by heating pyrite at 700℃ for 1 h has the paragenetic association with hematite and a small amount of pyrite and magnetite. All pyrrhotite samples were monoclinic pyrrhotite-4C (Fe7S8) and exhibit minimal differences in terms of lattice parameters. Synthetic pyrrhotite-4C was stable under 0.5–2 h of heating at 700℃ in air. It had the highest relative content by heating for 1 h. It was eventually transformed into hematite with heating periods exceeding 3 h, as was the case for pyrite and magnetite. In air, synthetic pyrrhotite-4C is mainly formed via two pathways: (1) pyrite → pyrrhotite-4C and (2) pyrite → magnetite → pyrrhotite-4C. Pathway (1) is more favorable than pathway (2). This transformation cannot be achieved by the reaction between hematite and sulfur.
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Authors and Affiliations

Zhehao Wang
1
ORCID: ORCID
Ling Wang
1
ORCID: ORCID
Yuting He
1
Jiongran Duan
1
Bowen Fan
1

  1. Chengdu University of Technology
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Abstract

The paper presents the analysis of IT tools selection to develop a system of deposits geological modelling as well as production designing and scheduling in a hard coal mine. The presented concept creates a subject-matter foundation of the solution supporting the decision making system in the field of production activities performance, with the use of IT solutions and monitoring of end product quality, implemented under the paradigm of so-called Intelligent Mine.
A technological dialogue carried out by questionnaire surveys, supported with experts’ opinions, was applied to select the software for designing a system of deposit modelling, and for designing and scheduling of mining operations. Questionnaires originated based on presentations, covering the functionality in the field of geological data gathering, developing a geological spatial model of a bedded deposit, as well as designing and scheduling. The presented solutions were next evaluated, via questionnaires, by the employees of the company. In addition, 4 groups of criteria were prepared: technical (questionnaires), technical (experts), business, and IT, based on which the final evaluation was carried out. Ultimately, Solution 2 was selected as that, which to the highest degree satisfied technical, business, and IT requirements of the planned system.
The indicated IT solution was implemented and became one of basic tools for modelling hard coal deposits, an also for designing and scheduling of the mining operations in the company.
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Authors and Affiliations

Artur Dyczko
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Trace elements contained in rocks, especially those classified as potentially toxic elements (PTEs), can be largely harmful. Knowledge of the geochemical composition of waste is of great importance due to the potential possibility of contamination with these elements in the environment. The paper presents the geochemical characteristics of the sedimentary rocks from the Carboniferous coal-bearing series of the USCB. The present study used data for 120 samples from borehole WSx representing Zaleskie layers and Orzeskie layers within the Mudstone Series (Westphalian A, B). Major oxide concentrations (Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, P2O5, K2O, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, MnO, TiO2, Cr2O3, Ba) were obtained using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The concentration of potentially toxic elements (Be, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, W, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U) was analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. As there are no relevant standards for the content of toxic elements in post-mining waste stored in dumps, the concentrations of elements were compared to their share in the Upper Continental Crust. Most elements, such as B, Sc, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sb, W, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U had higher mean concentrations than those of the Upper Continental Crust (UC). Concentrations of the analyzed toxic elements in the studied samples did not exceed permissible values for soils, therefore they are not a potential threat to the environment. The results of the Pearson correlation analysis showed differing relationships among the analyzed toxic elements in the studied samples.
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Authors and Affiliations

Magdalena Kokowska-Pawłowska
1
ORCID: ORCID
Ewa Krzeszowska
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation, Gliwice, Poland
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Abstract

This paper presents data on the management of dimension stones in Poland in the period 2011– –2021. The domestic production of rocks suitable for the production of slabs, pitcher and curbs, etc. is estimated and the major varieties of rocks utilized for these purposes are indicated. Data on raw and processed products with regard to imports and exports are presented for crude and roughly worked blocks and slabs, worked dimension stones as well as pitcher, curbs and other road stones. In the first two groups, data is reported separately for:
- marbles, limestones and other carbonate rocks,
- granites,
- sandstones (distinguished as separate category in crude blocks and slabs group),
- other rocks.
Data on the volume of production, imports and exports is utilized for the calculation of the apparent consumption of dimension stone in Poland. The conducted analyses revealed that its volume has been ranging from 1.4 to 1.9 million tons/year in 2013–2021 with the exception of the years 2011–2012 when it reached ca. 2.7 million tons/year. The most important group of rocks utilized in Poland as dimension stones are granites. These originated primarily from domestic deposits but they are also imported from various directions, primarily from the Republic of South Africa and India (crude blocks and slabs), China (worked dimension stones) as well as from Sweden and Norway in 2011–2012 (significant amounts of hydrotechnical stones). A nother significant group of rocks utilized in Poland as dimension stones are sandstones (with a share of imports in total domestic consumption not exceeding 1%) while marbles, limestones and other carbonate rocks are of marginal importance (primarily imported in the form of worked dimension stones from China, the Czech Republic, Italy and Turkey).
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Authors and Affiliations

Katarzyna Guzik
1
ORCID: ORCID
Beata Figarska-Warchoł
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Green mine construction is the main melody of mining development and problems such as safe production, energy saving and consumption reduction need to be solved urgently. The working conditions of the mill are complex in the process of grinding. Aiming at the problems existing in the feature extraction and load prediction of the mill, a signal-processing method based on adaptive chirp mode decomposition (ACMD) and a standardized variable distance classifier (SVD) is proposed. Firstly, the recursive framework of the ACMD method is used to obtain the initial frequency of mill vibration signals. Secondly, the initial frequency is used to reconstruct the high-resolution component of the mill vibration signal through the iterative frame in the ACMD method. The frequency corresponding to the frequency domain peak of the reconstructed signal is then selected as the mill load feature vector. Finally, with consideration to the influence of standard deviation and standardized variable factors on the feature vectors, a standardized variable distance classifier is proposed. The feature vectors of the mill load are input into the SVD model for training, and the state types of the mill load are obtained. The method is applied to the grinding experiment and the results show that the frequency-domain features obtained by the mill vibration signal-processing method based on ACMD-SVD are obvious, which has high accuracy in the identification of mill load types, and provides a new idea for the extraction of mill load features and prediction of the mill load.
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Authors and Affiliations

Wencong Tang
1
Fangwei Zhang
1
Xiaoyan Luo
1
ORCID: ORCID
Junliang Wan
1
Tao Deng
1

  1. Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, China
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Abstract

The article presents the principles of sozology formulated by Walery Goetel and examples of their development in the scientific and research works as well as implementation and teaching work performed at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management at AGH University of Science and Technology. These works are aimed at the rational management of mineral deposits and its extraction, as well as at the creation of utility values of the post-mining areas. It has also been shown that the work carried out at the faculty has gone far beyond mining activities using the experience gained from them. This has included, for example, the preservation and accessibility of the subsoil of medieval towns and the revitalization of towns with a predominantly industrial character. Work has also been conducted to rehabilitate sites and facilities for additional public use.
The most important directions of solutions in the field of the reclamation and revitalization of post-mining areas developed with the participation of the faculty staff as well as in cooperation with national and international researchers are in this article. The continuous development of the Faculty is also reflected in its name changes: from the Faculty of Mining, through the Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering, to the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management. The current name reflects the actual scope of the subject matter undertaken in research and teaching, specifically the management of natural mineral deposits and also of secondary resources that should be reused in a closed cycle.
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Authors and Affiliations

Ryszard Uberman
1
ORCID: ORCID
Marek Cała
2
ORCID: ORCID
Anna Maria Ostręga
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
  2. AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Contamination of the natural environment with petroleum pollution is still a frequent and particularly dangerous phenomenon, thus there is a need to remove these pollutants. Various types of mineral sorbents (silicate minerals, zeolites, perlite, diatomite, clay rocks) are highly valued in remediation processes due to their affordable, big selectivity and high efficiency. However, many sorbents are not resistant to moisture, which limits their use. The hydrophobization process improves the effectiveness of sorbents used in a humid environment. The DAMSORB produced by IM-POL was hydrophobized with a methanolic stearic acid solution. The use of cheap stearic acid as a modifier is economically advantageous. The evaluation of the hydrophobic properties of the modified material was performed on the basis of the results obtained from the tests: water absorption, floating on the water surface and the contact angles were determined. Tests of the sorption of petroleum-derived compounds were performed on the basis of three procedures: in accordance with the technical sheet of the leading producer of hydrophobic sorption materials in Poland, the Westighouse’s method in the oil layer and the Westighouse’s method on a flat surface. The modified sorbent floats on the surface of the water very well. The average value of the contact angle for the modified sample is 104 degrees. Material is super hydrophobic. In the water environment, the hydrophobized samples have a higher absorption capacity in relation to oil contaminations compared to the raw material. Features of the modified sorbent, such as good buoyancy on the water surface, low affinity to water and better absorption of oil from the solution, make it possible to use the material to remove petroleum contamination from water and highly moist surfaces.
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Authors and Affiliations

Elżbieta Vogt
1
ORCID: ORCID
Karolina Topolska
1

  1. AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

In order to explore the impact of coal and gangue particle size changes on recognition accuracy and to improve the single particle size of coal and gangue identification accuracy of sorting equipment, this study established a database of different particle sizes of coal and gangue through image gray and texture feature extraction, using a relief feature selection algorithm to compare different particle size of coal and gangue optimal features of the combination, and to identify the points and particle size of coal and gangue. The results show that the optimal features and number of coal and gangue are different with different particle sizes. Based on visible-light coal and gangue separation technology, the change of coal and gangue particle size cause fluctuations in the recognition accuracy, and the fluctuation of recognition accuracy will gradually decrease with increases in the number of features. In the process of particle size classification, if the training model has a single particle size range, the recognition accuracy of each particle size range is low, with the highest recognition accuracy being 98% and the average recognition rate being only 97.2%. The method proposed in this paper can effectively improve the recognition accuracy of each particle size range. The maximum recognition accuracy is 100%, the maximum increase is 4%, and the average recognition accuracy is 99.2%. Therefore, this method has a high practical application value for the separation of coal and gangue with single particle size.
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Authors and Affiliations

Xin Li
1 2
ORCID: ORCID
Shuang Wang
1 2
Lei He
1 2
Qisheng Luo
1 2

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
  2. State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mines, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
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Abstract

In order to achieve accurate identification and segmentation of ore under complex working conditions, machine vision and neural network technology are used to carry out intelligent detection research on ore, an improved Mask RCNN instance segmentation algorithm is proposed. Aiming at the problem of misidentification of stacked ores caused by the loss of deep feature details during the feature extraction process of ore images, an improved Multipath Feature Pyramid Network (MFPN) was proposed. The network firstly adds a single bottom-up feature fusion path, and then adds with the top-down feature fusion path of the original algorithm, which can enrich the deep feature details and strengthen the fusion of the network to the feature layer, and improve the accuracy of the network to the ore recognition. The experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper has a recognition accuracy of 96.5% for ore under complex working conditions, and the recall rate and recall rate function values reach 97.4% and 97.0% respectively, and the AP75 value is 6.84% higher than the original algorithm. The detection results of the ore in the actual scene show that the mask size segmented by the network is close to the actual size of the ore, indicating that the improved network model proposed in this paper has achieved a good performance in the detection of ore under different illumination, pose and background. Therefore, the method proposed in this paper has a good application prospect for stacked ore identification under complex working conditions.
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Authors and Affiliations

Hehui Zhou
1
ORCID: ORCID
Gaipin Cai
1 2
Shun Liu
1

  1. School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, China
  2. Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center for Mechanical and Electrical of Mining and Metallurgy, China
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Abstract

Mineral-resource mining is a pillar of many state economies and, in many cases, it determines the welfare of the society. The mining of mineral resources provides the market with the raw materials that are traded and drives the economic and social development of countries, although it can also be a source of tensions and crises (e.g. the “curse of wealth”, “Dutch disease”). The trade of raw materials is conducted by exchanges, bilateral deals and other forms of transactions, and is regulated by trade regulations and contract agreements, and in most cases, constitutes a source of income for exporters. In this paper, the use of game-theory modelling for creating the selling price of mineral products on the basis of Polish export quotas for refined copper raw materials is proposed. Using a characteristic function created on the basis of reported export values, possible cooperation arrangements are defined and solutions are calculated for an n-person game of hypothetical coalitions of the major (in terms of volume) recipients of refined Polish copper, i.e. Germany, Italy and France. Alternative markets and possible supplies of cheaper raw material are excluded from the analyses, while the price spread between the rates paid by the buyers is taken into consideration. Among the many possibilities, the game core, the Shapley imputation and the Gately point are arbitrarily adopted as permissible solutions to the defined system. The obtained results are used for a speculative analysis relating to the possibility of renegotiating prices between the producer and recipients of the raw material. Marginal contributions resulting from Shapley’s solution are taken into account as is the power of individual trading-participant coalitions. The paper demonstrates that the recognition and adoption of solutions based on the n-personnel game model as impartial would require the redefinition of contracts and the rates paid for the raw material.
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Authors and Affiliations

Mariusz Krzak
1

  1. AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

The issues covered by the work are important and topical as sinkholes that develop in large numbers over shallow mining excavations pose a great threat to public safety. In Upper Silesia (Poland), the formation of sinkholes can be observed even for a period of over 100 years following the termination of mining works. An effective method of risk elimination consists of filling the voids with a binding material with strength properties similar to those of the rocks surrounding the void. The application of fly ash is very suitable for this purpose, the use of which also has an ecological aspect. The literature studies presented in the paper indicate the possibility of making mixtures with the use of fly ash that has the required strength parameters. The compressive strength of the mixtures after solidification is up to 3 MPa, or even up to 7 MPa, and in some cases, up to 15 MPa. Most of the voids at shallow depths are found in coal seams, in which the compressive strength at shallow depths amounts to approx. 5 MPa. Thus, by filling the void with such material, we can ensure conditions similar to those prevailing before the excavation was made. The paper presents a case study involving the formation of a sinkhole above a dog heading and an ex post forecast made with the use of two selected methods. These methods yielded results affirming that the development of a sinkhole in the considered conditions is certain. Then, using the said methods, the impact of the filling level of the void on the possibility of sinkhole development was analyzed. The obtained results indicated the necessity to fill the void to around 90% with the use of one of the methods and its complete filling with the use of the other method.
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Authors and Affiliations

Piotr Strzałkowski
1
ORCID: ORCID
Ewa Strzałkowska
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation, Gliwice, Poland
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Abstract

The aim of the presented work was an attempt to verify the geothermal conditions in the Polish Lowlands (Lower Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous reservoir) based on new geological information. The paper presents geothermal conditions in the Polish Lowlands according to the state of recognition at the end of 2022 in order to update the hydrogeothermal conditions in selected regions. Based on the scientific and research works published so far as well as numerous geothermal investments, and geological information from twenty-three new exploratory drilling events performed in the years 2000–2022 (nineteen of which were performed/documented after 2006), the authors undertook to update forecasts of the top surface of Lower Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous formations, the total thickness of these formations and the potential discharge of wells. The analysis was performed using the QGIS Desktop 3.24.1 software, a cross-platform and free open-source geoinformation software application (GIS ) that enables the viewing, editing and analyzing of spatial data and the creation of maps. The correction covered the course of the isolines on all six analyzed maps. The presented analysis made it possible to make a spot correction of the forecasted course of the isoline in relation to the maps published earlier in the Atlas of geothermal resources in the Polish Lowlands. Mesozoic formations developed in 2006, edited by Wojciech Górecki. Information obtained from newly drilled geothermal boreholes enabled the local correction of the forecasted values of individual parameters while maintaining the general trend.
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Authors and Affiliations

Wiesław Bujakowski
1
ORCID: ORCID
Piotr Zacharski
2
Bogusław Bielec
1
ORCID: ORCID
Magdalena Tyszer
1
ORCID: ORCID
Karol Pierzchała
1
Barbara Tomaszewska
3 1
ORCID: ORCID
Leszek Pająk
3 1
ORCID: ORCID
Beata Kępińska
1
ORCID: ORCID
Krystian Szczepański
2

  1. Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
  2. Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute, Warszawa, Poland
  3. AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

This article discusses regulations on the management of rock mass resources more broadly than previous literature in this area. Significant changes in the directions of globalization development as well as the transformations and disruptions of existing raw-material supply chains and changes in their structure call for verification of and changes in regulations on raw-material management in individual countries, not only in the UE. The article examines the current EU regulations and their amendments in Poland. The article presents problems that have arisen during works on the necessary regulatory reform of the following policies: development, spatial (land-use), raw material, geology and mining, environmental protection, and waste and water management. The article shows that strategies, policies, and regulations prepared simultaneously, which were to be correlated with the horizontally integrated National Development Concept, are not. This should effectively enhance the country’s raw-material security. Deficiencies have been highlighted both in assumptions and procedures adopted in developing said documents. The author also emphasizes the need to balance competing values and make necessary choices when specific solutions affect at least two competitive areas, e.g. mineral deposits vs. water, farmlands or woodlands, critical infrastructure, housing, investment in the defense sector. The need is highlighted to rationally and sustainably manage resources and country space, to protect and explore them, and plan their management. The author justifies the need for a new Act of the Code status –that comprehensively and consistently regulates both the management of rock mass resources and land and water resources, and the country space management.
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Authors and Affiliations

Jan Andrzej Stefanowicz
1
ORCID: ORCID

  1. Kancelaria Juris sp. z o.o., Warszawa, Poland
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Abstract

The domestic (Polish) lignite deposits, including the Bełchatów deposit, are classified as multi- mineral and multi-raw materials. Ensuring the possibility of using a significant part of all minerals present in this type of deposits should be a matter of priority for mines. Over several dozen years of operation, the Bełchatów Lignite Mine, based on its own experience in documenting and exploiting both the main mineral and accompanying minerals, as well as rock mass components that are not solid minerals, this mine has developed a new approach to the problem of the comprehensive use of deposit resources. The content of the article is an attempt to answer the question: do the applicable laws guarantee a comprehensive and rational use of mineral deposits whose resources are non-renewable? On the example of the area of the Bełchatów lignite deposit, the comprehensive and rational use of mineral resources was analysed. It was indicated that the reasons for their use result from the lack of appropriate organizational, economic and financial solutions. Particular attention was paid to the need to modify the licensing procedures for prospecting, documenting and extracting minerals. It seems reasonable to introduce multi-resource concessions, which are an important element of the circular economy. Therefore, proposals were formulated regarding the introduction of additional legal regulations and instruments of an economic and financial nature. These would be able to guarantee the comprehensive and rational use of most mineral resources.
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Authors and Affiliations

Elżbieta Hycnar
1
ORCID: ORCID
Tadeusz Ratajczak
2
ORCID: ORCID
Ryszard Uberman
2
ORCID: ORCID

  1. AGH University of Kraków, Poland
  2. Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute PAS, Kraków, Poland

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