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assessment of groundwater resources

Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-04-16
  • Date accepted
    2024-09-24
  • Date published
    2024-11-12

Deep-buried Lower Paleozoic oil and gas systems in eastern Siberian Platform: geological and geophysical characteristics, estimation of hydrocarbon resources

Article preview

The study of deep-buried oil and gas systems is a promising trend in the preparation of hydrocarbon resources. The study of the factors determining oil and gas potential is extremely important. The Lena-Vilyui sedimentary basin in the eastern Siberian Platform has a potential for the discovery of large oil and gas fields in deep-buried Cambrian deposits. The use of original methodological approaches to the analysis of black shale and overlying deposits, generalization of the results of lithological, biostratigraphic and geochemical studies of Cambrian deposits in territories adjoining the study area, modern interpretation of geophysical data showed that siliceous, carbonate, mixed rocks (kerogen-mixtite) of the Kuonamka complex and clastic clinoform-built Mayan deposits are most interesting in terms of oil and gas potential. Oil and gas producing rocks of the Lower and Middle Cambrian Kuonamka complex subsided to the depths of 14 km. The interpretation of modern seismic surveying data confirms the hypothesis of a limited occurrence of the Upper Devonian Vilyui rift system. Based on generalization of geological, geophysical and geochemical archival and new materials on the Lower Paleozoic deposits of the eastern Siberian Platform, a probabilistic estimation of geological hydrocarbon resources of the Cambrian and younger Paleozoic complexes in the Lena-Vilyui sedimentary basin was performed. Based on basin modelling results it was concluded that the resources were mainly represented by gas. It is presumed that oil resources can be discovered in traps of the barrier reef system as well as on the Anabar and Aldan slopes of the Vilyui Hemisyneclise. With a confidence probability of 0.9, it can be stated that total initial resources of oil and gas (within the boundaries of the Vilyui Hemisyneclise) exceed 5 billion t of conventional hydrocarbons. The recommended extremely cautious estimate of resources of the pre-Permian complexes is 2.2 billion t of conventional hydrocarbons. In the study area, it is necessary to implement a program of deep and super-deep parametric drilling without which it is impossible to determine the oil and gas potential of the Lower Paleozoic.

How to cite: Kontorovich A.E., Burshtein L.M., Gubin I.A., Parfenova T.M., Safronov P.I. Deep-buried Lower Paleozoic oil and gas systems in eastern Siberian Platform: geological and geophysical characteristics, estimation of hydrocarbon resources // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 269 . p. 721-737. EDN WDBEOS
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-11-15
  • Date accepted
    2024-09-24
  • Date published
    2024-12-25

Development and validation of an approach to the environmental and economic assessment of decarbonization projects in the oil and gas sector

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This article addresses the problem of selecting a priority decarbonization project for an oil and gas company aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The wide range of decarbonization options and assessment methods prompted the development of a comprehensive ranking system for project selection. This system incorporates both internal and external factors of project implementation, a two-stage algorithm that filters out unsuitable projects taking into account sustainable development goals, and a quantitative evaluation approach using absolute and relative indicators. The proposed system evaluates decarbonization projects by considering not only the reduction of emissions in both absolute and relative terms, but also the broader environmental, social, and economic aspects relevant to the oil and gas company and the national economy. It includes a ranking mechanism for identifying priority projects and integrates carbon regulation incentives and green taxonomy tools into the economic assessment for more precise comparative analysis. The quantitative assessment in absolute terms involves a specialized net present value calculation, which accounts for revenue from both carbon credit sales and the potential sale of new low-carbon products, if applicable. The proposed assessment provides for targeted analysis of specific performance indicators, such as the cost per unit of emissions reduced, tax and social security contributions per unit of emissions reduced, energy efficiency improvements, and other indicators used for additional assessments of projects under otherwise equal conditions.

How to cite: Sheveleva N.A. Development and validation of an approach to the environmental and economic assessment of decarbonization projects in the oil and gas sector // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 270 . p. 1038-1055. EDN GAOTZW
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-11-01
  • Date accepted
    2024-05-02
  • Date published
    2024-12-25

Improving the procedure for group expert assessment in the analysis of professional risks in fuel and energy companies

Article preview

The lack of a unified approach to the assessment of professional risks in fuel and energy companies (FEC) in the national regulatory environment and a high degree of subjectivity of the results of hazard identification and risk assessment makes mathematically sound recruitment of an expert group urgent and necessary. The article presents the results of a comprehensive study on hazard identification and risk assessment at 6,105 workplaces in 24 branches of a FEC company based on the application of the expert assessment method and a scientifically sound qualitative and quantitative selection of experts. The priority vectors of factors are determined, global priorities are calculated, the size of the expert group (15 persons) is determined and mathematically substantiated for carrying out hazard identification and risk assessment at workplaces with sufficient reliability of results. For the first time, a set of factors characterizing the FEC companies that influence the determination of professional competence of experts is proposed. The formed expert group presented more precise, objective and consistent results of risk assessment. Standards for free distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and wash-off agents to 7,234 company employees for implementation and trial use were developed. A fragment of the results obtained for a driller's workplace is presented. This approach allows a significant increase in objectivity and efficiency of the professional risk management system and provision of the PPE to employees in the concept of a risk-oriented approach helping to prevent industrial injuries and improve the level of occupational safety culture in fuel and energy companies taking into account global practice.

How to cite: Karchina E.I., Ivanova M.V., Volokhina А.T., Glebova E.V., Vikhrov A.E. Improving the procedure for group expert assessment in the analysis of professional risks in fuel and energy companies // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 270 . p. 994-1003. EDN NZKFQG
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-03-16
  • Date accepted
    2023-12-27
  • Date published
    2024-04-25

Comprehensive assessment of deformation of rigid reinforcing system during convergence of mine shaft lining in unstable rocks

Article preview

Operation of vertical mine shafts in complex mining and geological conditions is associated with a number of features. One of them is a radial displacement of the concrete shaft lining, caused by the influence of mining pressure on the stress-strain state of the mine workings. A rigid reinforcing system with shaft buntons fixed in the concrete lining thus experiences elastoplastic deformations, their value increases with time. It results in deviation of conductors from design parameters, weakening of bolt connections, worsening of dynamic properties of geotechnical system “vehicle – reinforcing”, increase of wear rate of reinforcing system elements, increase of risks for creating an emergency situation. The article offers a comprehensive assessment of displacements of characteristic points of the bunton system based on approximate engineering relations, numerical modeling of the deformation process of the bunton system and laser measurements of the convergence of the inner surface of the concrete shaft lining. The method was tested on the example of the reinforcing system of the skip-cage shaft of the potash mine. Displacement of the characteristic points of the reinforcing system is determined by the value of radial displacements of the surface of the concrete shaft lining. Evaluation of the radial displacements was made using monitoring measurements and profiling data. The results obtained make it possible to justify the need and timing of repair works. It is shown that the deterioration of the reinforcing system at different levels occurs at different rates, defined, among other things, by mechanical properties of the rock mass layers located at a given depth.

How to cite: Tarasov V.V., Aptukov V.N., Ivanov O.V. Comprehensive assessment of deformation of rigid reinforcing system during convergence of mine shaft lining in unstable rocks // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 266 . p. 305-315. EDN TNNIZP
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-10-29
  • Date accepted
    2023-10-25
  • Date published
    2024-04-25

Assessment of rock massif sustainability in the area of the underground research laboratory (Nizhnekanskii Massif, Enisei site)

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The study presents the results of the research on geodynamic and geological conditions of the Enisei site (Krasnoyarsk Krai), chosen for the construction of an underground research laboratory. The laboratory is being built at a depth of 500 m to assess the suitability of the rock mass for burying high-level radioactive waste. The rocks consist of weakly fractured gneisses, granites, and dikes of metadolerites. Field observations were conducted on bedrock outcrops. They included the determination of rock mass quality indicators, measurement of rock fracturing, and a rating classification of stability using N.Barton's method. GNSS observations were also made to monitor surface deformations. These data were used to develop a three-dimensional structural model, including lithology, fault disruptions, intrusive bodies, elastic-strength properties of rocks, and the sizes of zones influenced by faulting. It will serve as a basis for boundary conditions and the construction of three-dimensional variational models of stress-strain states, identifying zones of concentration of hazardous stresses, and planning in situ geomechanical experiments in underground mines of the laboratory. The obtained values of the modified QR index for the main types of rocks allowed their classification as stable and moderately stable, corresponding to strong and very strong rocks on Barton's scale and the massif rating according to geomechanical classification.

How to cite: Akmatov D.Z., Manevich A.I., Tatarinov V.N., Shevchuk R.V., Zabrodin S.M. Assessment of rock massif sustainability in the area of the underground research laboratory (Nizhnekanskii Massif, Enisei site) // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 266 . p. 167-178. EDN ECCWUV
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-06-27
  • Date accepted
    2023-06-20
  • Date published
    2023-12-25

Analysis of the problems of high-quality drinking water extraction from underground water intakes on Vysotsky Island in the Vyborg district of the Leningrad region

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This article presents the results of drilling, experimental filtration work and laboratory studies aimed at assessing the resources and quality of groundwater in the licensed area of Vysotsky Island located in the Leningrad region, in the Gulf of Finland in accordance with the requirements of regulatory documents. Analysis of the results of hydrochemical studies and their comparison with data on water intakes in adjacent areas gives the right to conclude that it is possible to classify a hydrogeological unit as a different type of resource formation than those located in the surrounding areas. Groundwater in this area is confined to an unexplored deep fractured regional high-pressure zone. According to the received data, the explored water intake can be attributed to a unique groundwater deposit, which has an uncharacteristic composition of groundwater in the north of the Leningrad region, which may be due to the mixing of modern sediments and relict waters of the Baltic glacial lake. The stability of groundwater characteristics is confirmed by long-term monitoring.

How to cite: Nikishin V.V., Blinov P.A., Fedorov V.V., Nikishina E.K., Tokarev I.V. Analysis of the problems of high-quality drinking water extraction from underground water intakes on Vysotsky Island in the Vyborg district of the Leningrad region // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 264 . p. 937-948. EDN ZGVJSR
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-04-03
  • Date accepted
    2023-03-02
  • Date published
    2023-12-25

Specifics of geotechnical risk control in the design of underground structures

Article preview

The underground space development is associated with the emergence of complex and dangerous situations, often leading to accidents. The condition for their development is the potential geotechnical risks. High-quality execution and analysis of design work at all the stages of design, starting from the early stages, is one of the effective ways to control risks. Clarification of the characteristics and features of the rock mass adjacent to the projected underground structure makes it possible to identify the potential cause of the occurrence of an adverse event with a certain probability during the construction and operation of an underground structure. The purpose of a qualitative risk analysis is to identify risk factors in underground construction. The value of the total geotechnical risk, expressed by the sum of each of the possible risks, should be numerically estimated at the design stage of a specific underground facility. At the same time, it is extremely important to develop a methodology for managing geotechnical risks, which would make it possible to assess their probability of development at an early stage of project preparation and propose measures to reduce or prevent them. This technique is given in the article. The results of the study conducted in accordance with the presented methodology showed that geotechnical risk control proved an effective method in preventing accidents during underground construction.

How to cite: Kulikova E.Y., Polyankin A.G., Potokina A.M. Specifics of geotechnical risk control in the design of underground structures // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 264 . p. 895-905. EDN DGEAGK
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-10-31
  • Date accepted
    2023-03-02
  • Date published
    2023-12-25

Lightweight ash-based concrete production as a promising way of technogenic product utilization (on the example of sewage treatment waste)

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The study is devoted to the development of a method for the technogenic raw materials utilization. Special attention is paid to the prospect of involving products based on them in the production of new building materials. The results of Russian and foreign studies on the reuse of wastes, such as phosphogypsum, metallurgical slag, waste from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, etc., in the building materials industry are considered. It has been established that the use of incinerated sewage sludge ash in construction is a promising direction in terms of environmental and economic efficiency. The research confirmed the compliance of the lightweight ash-based concrete components to the regulatory documentation requirements for a number of indicators. As a result of the research, the composition of the raw mixture for the lightweight concrete production with incinerated sewage sludge ash as a replacement for a part of the cement has been developed. In terms of parameters, the developed concrete corresponds to standard lightweight concrete, marked in accordance with the regulatory documents of the Russian Federation as D1300 (density not less than 1.3 g/cm3), Btb2 (flexural strength not less than 2 MPa), M200/B15 (compressive strength not less than 15 MPa). Lightweight ash-based concrete is suitable for use in construction, repair of roads and improvement of urban areas.

How to cite: Litvinova T.E., Suchkov D.V. Lightweight ash-based concrete production as a promising way of technogenic product utilization (on the example of sewage treatment waste) // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 264 . p. 906-918. EDN LMZCWZ
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-09-30
  • Date accepted
    2023-02-13
  • Date published
    2023-04-25

Hydrogeoecological conditions of technogenic groundwater in waste disposal sites

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The specific hydrogeoecological conditions of aquifers of some technogenic formations, mainly iron ore skarn-magnetite and titanium-magnetite formations, are considered. The resulting wastes, which are stored in waste disposal sites during development of deposits, due to the impact of a number of factors (natural and technogenic) form technogenic waters. Waste disposal facilities are complex engineering structures (dumps and sludge storages), which in turn create their own hydrogeoecological conditions, which must be investigated in order to prevent and minimize environmental and economic damage caused by these objects to the aquatic environment. The paper presents long-term field and laboratory studies of the aquatic environment under the influence of a waste disposal facility in the Middle Urals – one of the largest tailings, representing a potential environmental and man-made hazard. This tailing dump contains tens of tons of waste – enrichment tailings and creates specific hydrogeoecological conditions on the territory. Based on many years of monitoring studies, an analysis of these conditions was carried out – the quality of groundwater affected by the tailings was assessed. It is shown that groundwater is of technogenic nature, i.e. are man-made waters that have a significant impact on the surface and underground hydrospheres of the territory.

How to cite: Semyachkov A.I., Pochechun V.A., Semyachkov K.A. Hydrogeoecological conditions of technogenic groundwater in waste disposal sites // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 260 . p. 168-179. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.24
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-11-08
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-21
  • Date published
    2023-02-27

Assessment of the role of the state in the management of mineral resources

Article preview

Mineral resources as natural capital can be transformed into human, social and physical capital that guarantees the sustainable development of a country, exclusively through professional public management. Public management of a country's mineral resource potential is seen as an element of transnational governance which provides for the use of laws, rules and regulations within the jurisdictional and sectoral capabilities of the state, minimising its involvement as a producer of minerals. The features of the ideology of economic liberalism, which polarises the societies of mineral-producing countries and denies the role of the state as a market participant, have been studied. The analysis of the influence of the radical new order of neoliberal world ideology on the development of the extractive sector and state regulation has been presented.

How to cite: Litvinenko V.S., Petrov E.I., Vasilevskaya D.V., Yakovenko A.V., Naumov I.A., Ratnikov M.A. Assessment of the role of the state in the management of mineral resources // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 259 . p. 95-111. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.100
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2022-04-14
  • Date accepted
    2022-07-21
  • Date published
    2022-11-03

Technological mineralogy: development of a comprehensive assessment of titanium ores (exemplified by the Pizhemskoye deposit)

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Technological mineralogy of titanium ores is the basis for assessing their complexity. It enables, from a unified standpoint, to trace the entire course of changes in mineral matter through operating procedures, including beneficiation, processing, and obtaining target industrial products. The study targets are Pizhemskoye ilmenite-leucoxene sandstones, which are distinguished by a complex polymineral composition. Along with the main ore components, there are other metals with different speciation (isomorphic admixture, independent mineral phases). The optimal set of mineralogical analysis methods for the predictive assessment of their further use is substantiated exemplified by titanium ores of the Pizhemskoye deposit, which are complex, noted for a variable content of iron oxides and contain rare earth metals. Examinations by X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirm that the main titanium phases of sandstones are pseudorutile and a polymineral aggregate, “leucoxene”. Considering the granulometric peculiarities of the magnetic and non-magnetic fractions of the gravity concentrate, the prospects of technologies for processing titanium raw materials are discussed. Along with the problems of obtaining high-quality raw materials, the transformations of mineral phases as a result of extreme impacts and their physicochemical properties as a consequence of isomorphic substitution of a part of Ti atoms with natural modifier agents (Fe and V) in the synthesis of titanium oxide nanostructures for industrial applications are considered (photocatalytic nanoreactor).

How to cite: Kotova O.B., Ozhogina E.G., Ponaryadov A.V. Technological mineralogy: development of a comprehensive assessment of titanium ores (exemplified by the Pizhemskoye deposit) // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 256 . p. 632-641. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.78
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-06-01
  • Date accepted
    2022-09-06
  • Date published
    2022-11-10

Impact of EU carbon border adjustment mechanism on the economic efficiency of Russian oil refining

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The carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) leads not only to the expected environmental changes, but also to the transformation of market environment. The study estimates the losses of the oil refining sector from the introduction of CBAM for the export of oil products from Russia to the countries of the European Union. An approach to assess the impact of CBAM on the cost of oil products has been formed and the mechanisms of its impact on the economy of Russian oil refineries have been identified. The study was carried out on the basis of actual data on the volume of greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the current rules of the European emissions trading system. Decomposition of assessments of the CBAM impact was carried out into direct and indirect effects, as well as the effect of adaptation. It is shown that with the introduction of the CBAM mechanism, the prices of oil products in the domestic market will be determined not only by the logistical factor, but also by the requirements for environmental friendliness of oil refining. The introduction of CBAM will have a significant impact on the economics of oil refining, including refineries that do not export to the EU. The total impact of CBAM on the economy of Russian oil refineries will be about 250 mln dollars.

How to cite: Ulanov V.L., Skorobogatko O.N. Impact of EU carbon border adjustment mechanism on the economic efficiency of Russian oil refining // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 257 . p. 865-876. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.83
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-12-16
  • Date accepted
    2022-04-07
  • Date published
    2022-07-13

The Upper Kotlin clays of the Saint Petersburg region as a foundation and medium for unique facilities: an engineering-geological and geotechnical analysis

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The article reviews the issues concerned with correctness of the engineering-geological and hydrogeological assessment of the Upper Kotlin clays, which serve as the foundation or host medium for facilities of various applications. It is claimed that the Upper Kotlin clays should be regarded as a fissured-block medium and, consequently, their assessment as an absolutely impermeablestratum should be totally excluded. Presence of a high-pressure Vendian aquifer in the lower part of the geological profile of the Vendian sediments causes inflow of these saline waters through the fissured clay strata, which promotes upheaval of tunnels as well as corrosion of their lining. The nature of the corrosion processes is defined not only by the chemical composition and physical and chemical features of these waters, but also by the biochemical factor, i.e. the availability of a rich microbial community. For the first time ever, the effect of saline water inflow into the Vendian complex on negative transformation of the clay blocks was studied. Experimental results revealed a decrease in the clay shear resistance caused by transformation of the structural bonds and microbial activity with the clay’s physical state being unchanged. Typification of the Upper Kotlin clay section has been performed for the region of Saint Petersburg in terms of the complexity of surface and underground building conditions. Fissuring of the bedclays, the possibility of confined groundwater inflow through the fissured strata and the consequent reduction of the block strength as well as the active corrosion of underground load-bearing structures must be taken into account in designing unique and typical surface and underground facilities and have to be incorporated into the normative documents.

How to cite: Dashko R.E., Lokhmatikov G.A. The Upper Kotlin clays of the Saint Petersburg region as a foundation and medium for unique facilities: an engineering-geological and geotechnical analysis // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 254 . p. 180-190. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.13
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-01-24
  • Date accepted
    2022-04-26
  • Date published
    2023-04-25

Forecast of radionuclide migration in groundwater of the zone affected by construction drainage at the Leningrad NPP-2

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The distribution of natural (at the level of global background) and technogenic radionuclides in groundwater of the industrial zone in Sosnovy Bor town, where several nuclear power facilities are operating, was analyzed. The main technogenic radionuclides recorded in groundwater samples are cesium ( 137 Cs), strontium ( 90 Sr), and tritium isotopes. The first two aquifers from the surface are subject to contamination: the Quaternary and the upper zone of the Lomonosov aquifer. Based on extensive material on the engineering and geological studies of the work area, a 3D geological model and hydrodynamic and geomigration models of the industrial zone were constructed. By means of modeling, the extent and nature of changes in hydrogeological conditions of area resulting from the construction and operational drainage of the new stage of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant (LNPP-2) were determined. The “historical” halo of radioactive contamination of groundwater forming (1970-1990) at the site adjacent to the NPP, where the storage facility of low- and medium-level radioactive waste is located, falls into the zone of influence. Interpretation of monitoring data allowed obtaining the migration parameters for predictive estimates. Modeling has shown that during the time of the LNPP-2 operation there was no intake of contaminated water by the drainage system of the new power plant.

How to cite: Erzova V.A., Rumynin V.G., Nikulenkov A.M., Vladimirov K.V., Sudarikov S.M., Vilkina M.V. Forecast of radionuclide migration in groundwater of the zone affected by construction drainage at the Leningrad NPP-2 // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 260 . p. 194-211. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.27
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-05-19
  • Date accepted
    2022-04-07
  • Date published
    2022-04-29

On the possibility of reducing man-made burden on benthic biotic communities when mining solid minerals using technical means of various designs

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The paper analyses features of the species composition and diversity of biotic communities living within the ferromanganese nodule fields (the Clarion-Clipperton field), cobalt-manganese crusts (the Magellan Seamounts) and deep-sea polymetallic sulphides (the Ashadze-1, Ashadze-2, Logatchev and Krasnov fields) in the Russian exploration areas of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Prospects of mining solid minerals of the world’s oceans with the least possible damage to the marine ecosystems are considered that cover formation of the sediment plumes and roiling of significant volumes of water as a result of collecting the minerals as well as conservation of the hydrothermal fauna and microbiota, including in the impact zone of high temperature hydrothermal vents. Different concepts and layout options for deep-water mining complexes (the Indian and Japanese concepts as well as those of the Nautilus Minerals and Saint Petersburg Mining University) are examined with respect to their operational efficiency. The main types of mechanisms that are part of the complexes are identified and assessed based on the defined priorities that include the ecological aspect, i.e. the impact on the seabed environment; manufacturing and operating costs; and specific energy consumption, i.e. the technical and economic indicators. The presented morphological analysis gave grounds to justify the layout of a deep-sea minerals collecting unit, i.e. a device with suction chambers and a grip arm walking gear, selected based on the environmental key priority. Pilot experimental studies of physical and mechanical properties of cobalt-manganese crust samples were performed through application of bilateral axial force using spherical balls (indenters) and producing a rock strength passport to assess further results of the experimental studies. Experimental destructive tests of the cobalt-manganese crust by impact and cutting were carried out to determine the impact load and axial cutting force required for implementation of the collecting system that uses a clamshell-type effector with a built-in impactor.

How to cite: Sudarikov S.M., Yungmeister D.A., Korolev R.I., Petrov V.A. On the possibility of reducing man-made burden on benthic biotic communities when mining solid minerals using technical means of various designs // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 253 . p. 82-96. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.14
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-06-08
  • Date accepted
    2021-11-30
  • Date published
    2021-12-27

Management of groundwater resources in transboundary territories (on the example of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia)

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Groundwater, as a source of water supply, the most important mineral and geopolitical resource, , is often the only source of high-quality drinking water that is protected from pollution under conditions of increasing deterioration of surface water quality. Transboundary groundwaters are the focus of hydrogeological researchers for a number of reasons, including the reduction and pollution of water resources as a result of economic activities. The increased controversy between states over transboundary water issues has necessitated the development of international legal documents on issues related to water conflict prevention and the sustainable use of fresh water. As part of the analysis of the problem of legal regulation of groundwater extraction from transboundary aquifers and complexes, it is proposed to consider this aspect on the example of Russia. The problems of regulation of rational use and protection of fresh water in the bilateral treaties of the Russian Federation were revealed; a methodology for the management of groundwater extraction in the territory of the transboundary aquifer was developed, the size, parameters, and factors influencing the formation of the transboundary zone have been determined (based on research and analysis of water intake activities in the border areas of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia) were determined.

How to cite: Golovina E.I., Grebneva A.V. Management of groundwater resources in transboundary territories (on the example of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia) // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 252 . p. 788-800. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.6.2
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-02-24
  • Date accepted
    2021-10-18
  • Date published
    2021-12-16

A probabilistic approach to the dynamic cut-off grade assessment

Article preview

Cut-off grade is an important conditioning parameter that determines the quantity and quality of recoverable reserves and development efficiency. Today, Russian mining companies operate with certified quality requirements. By setting permanent quality requirements, the government seeks to prevent depletion of reserves, reduced production during periods of falling prices, and decreased budget revenues, expressing the interests of all members of society. But to what extent do the permanent quality requirements protect the interests of the state? The answer to this question is ambiguous and does not lie on the surface. The State Commission for Reserves and domestic researchers are working to find a rational solution to the problem of quality requirements. One solution is dynamic quality requirements. The effectiveness of their application has been proven for individual mining companies, but it is incorrect to transfer these conclusions to the entire mineral resource base of the country. This article presents a new approach to determining the dynamic cut-off grade, which varies depending on the price of minerals. The dynamic cut-off grade is proposed to be determined based on the indicators of constant requirements to the quality of exploration work, using the maximum allowable costs in the region. The approach allows to calculate the effect of the introduction of dynamic cut-off grade in the practice of subsurface use for the state (in the form of the amount of taxes received) and for subsoil users (in the form of the amount of income). For a group of gold-bearing deposits with open-pit mining method, it was established that the development of reserves using dynamic values of the cut-off grade in periods of price changes ensures compliance with the interests of the state and subsoil users.

How to cite: Bragin V.I., Kharitonova M.Y., Matsko N.A. A probabilistic approach to the dynamic cut-off grade assessment // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 251 . p. 617-625. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.5.1
Geoeconomics and Management
  • Date submitted
    2020-07-29
  • Date accepted
    2021-03-29
  • Date published
    2021-09-20

Critical analysis of methodological approaches to assessing sustainability of arctic oil and gas projects

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Development of hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic is one of the priority tasks for the economy of the Russian Federation; however, such projects are associated with significant risks for the environment of nearby regions. Large-scale development of hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic should be based on the principles of sustainable development, which imply a balance between socio-economic benefits and environmental risks. The purpose of this study is to analyze the gaps in scientific knowledge on the issues of assessing sustainability of Arctic oil and gas projects (OGPs) and systematize the key problematic elements of such assessments. The analysis was carried out in terms of four key elements that determine the feasibility of implementing Arctic OGPs in the context of sustainable development: economic efficiency, social effects, environmental safety and technological availability. The methodology for conducting bibliometric analysis, which included more than 15.227 sources from the Scopus database over the period of 2005-2020, was based on PRISMA recommendations for compiling systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methodological problems of assessing sustainability of Arctic OGPs were mapped and divided into four key sectors: consideration of factors that determine sustainability; sustainability assessment; interpretation of assessment results; sustainability management. This map can serve as a basis for conducting a series of point studies, aimed at eliminating existing methodological shortcomings of the sustainable development concept with respect to Arctic OGPs.

How to cite: Cherepovitsyn A.E., Tcvetkov P.S., Evseeva O.O. Critical analysis of methodological approaches to assessing sustainability of arctic oil and gas projects // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 249 . p. 463-479. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.3.15
Electromechanics and mechanical engineering
  • Date submitted
    2021-03-30
  • Date accepted
    2021-05-26
  • Date published
    2021-09-20

Improving the efficiency of autonomous electrical complexes of oil and gas enterprises

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In accordance with the Energy Strategy until 2035, the possibility of increasing the efficiency of energy use of secondary energy resources in the form of associated oil and waste gases has been substantiated by increasing the energy efficiency of the primary energy carrier to 90-95 % by means of cogeneration plants with a binary cycle of electricity generation and trigeneration systems with using the energy of the waste gas to cool the air flow at the inlet of gas turbine plants. The conditions for maintaining the rated power of the main generator with variations in the ambient temperature are shown. An effective topology of electrical complexes in a multi-connected power supply system of oil and gas enterprises according to the reliability condition is presented, which allows increasing the availability factor by 0.6 %, mean time between failures by 33 %, the probability of failure-free operation by 15 % and reducing the mean time of system recovery by 40 %. The article considers the use of parallel active filters to improve the quality of electricity and reduce voltage drops to 0.1 s when used in autonomous electrical complexes of oil and gas enterprises. The possibility of providing uninterrupted power supply when using thyristor systems for automatic reserve input has been proven. A comparative analysis was carried out to assess the effect of parallel active filters and thyristor systems of automatic transfer of reserve on the main indicators of the reliability of power supply systems of oil and gas enterprises.

How to cite: Abramovich B.N., Bogdanov I.A. Improving the efficiency of autonomous electrical complexes of oil and gas enterprises // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 249 . p. 408-416. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.3.10
Geoecology and occupational health and safety
  • Date submitted
    2019-02-01
  • Date accepted
    2019-09-16
  • Date published
    2020-02-25

Priority parameters of physical processes in a rock mass when determining the safety of radioactive waste disposal

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Consideration of geodynamic, hydrogeochemical, erosion and other quantitative characteristics describing evolutionary processes in a rock mass is carried out when choosing a geological formation for the disposal of radioactive waste. However, the role of various process parameters is not equal for safety ensuring and additional percentages of measurement accuracy are far from always being of fundamental importance. This makes it necessary to identify various types of indicators of the geological environment that determine the safety of radioactive waste disposal for their detailed study in the conditions of the burial site. An approach is proposed to determine the priority indicators of physical processes in the rock mass that determine the safety of disposal of various types of radio active waste and require increased attention (accuracy, frequency of measurements) when determining in - situ conditions. To identify such factors, we used the sensitivity analysis method that is a system change in the limits of variable values during securty modeling in order to assess their impact on the final result and determine the role of various physical processes in ensuring safety.

How to cite: Gupalo V.S. Priority parameters of physical processes in a rock mass when determining the safety of radioactive waste disposal // Journal of Mining Institute. 2020. Vol. 241 . p. 118-124. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2020.1.118
Geoeconomics and Management
  • Date submitted
    2019-03-17
  • Date accepted
    2019-05-21
  • Date published
    2019-08-23

Impact of External Factors on National Energy Security

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The article examines both external and internal threats to national energy security, formulates the tasks of increasing energy security, discloses modern challenges, as well as measures to level them. In recent years, Russian economy has felt the growing influence of external threats and risks: unfair competition in world markets, high politicization of energy issues, and attempts to prevent Russia from monetizing national energy reserves. Influence of the use of renewable energy sources on national energy security, growth of liquefied natural gas production, stricter environmental requirements, changes in the demand for petroleum products, and introduction of anti-Russian sanctions are analyzed. The influence of internal risks is no less significant: quality of hydrocarbon reserves in the Russian Federation is declining, effectiveness of geological exploration is insufficient, and the share of hard-to-recover reserves is increasing. Energy security assessments are recommended taking into account modern challenges and on the basis of parameters such as ratio of the annual increase in the balance values of primary fuel and energy resources to the volume of their production, share of natural gas in the balance structure of primary fuel and energy resources, implementation of investment programs by fuel and energy sectors, change in the specific energy intensity of GDP, prices and etc.

How to cite: Ulanov V.L., Ulanova E.Y. Impact of External Factors on National Energy Security // Journal of Mining Institute. 2019. Vol. 238 . p. 474-480. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2019.4.474
Geoeconomics and Management
  • Date submitted
    2019-03-21
  • Date accepted
    2019-04-30
  • Date published
    2019-08-23

Actual and Forecast Impact Assessment of Earthquakes on the Global Economic System

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Problem of strong earthquakes impact on the global economic system is considered. Geoscientists suggest that increase in Earth's seismicity is highly unlikely, but experts in economic geography say that existing facts indicate increase in seismic risk for economic systems. Using the example of an earthquake in the Tahoku region (Japan, 2011), a comprehensive assessment of economic consequences of a strong earthquake is presented as a part of analysis of three blocks of statistical information: 1) macroeconomic indicators of Japan; 2) stock market indicators; 3) industry indicators of the global economy. Results of the assessment pointed to a new feature of strong earthquakes effects in economically developed regions of the world: globalization processes are spreading regional effects of large earthquakes throughout the world economic system. To understand the magnitude of strong earthquakes problem, estimate of world economy loss from a probable earthquake near the United States, similar to Tahoku, is given. It was established that economic losses would be 2.6 times greater: a drop in the global S&P Global 1200 index would be about 15 %. The farther in time this probable earthquake protects from the Tahoku earthquake, the more globalization will increase losses.

How to cite: Skufina T.P., Baranov S.V., Samarina V.P. Actual and Forecast Impact Assessment of Earthquakes on the Global Economic System // Journal of Mining Institute. 2019. Vol. 238 . p. 465-473. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2019.4.465
Geoeconomics and Management
  • Date submitted
    2019-02-28
  • Date accepted
    2019-05-24
  • Date published
    2019-08-23

Methodological Approach to Substantiation of Capital Investments of Gold Fields Based on Unit Costs

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Issues of assessing capital expenditures for setting mineral deposits into operation are considered. Existing methods have a number of advantages and disadvantages, but they are determined separately for each type of fixed assets of the field. A simple method, that allows to quickly and easily determine the amount of capital costs for setting gold deposit into operation, based on data on ore reserves, as well as unit costs, taking into account the degree of infrastructure development at the deposit, is proposed. Presented methodology allows one to determine the real amount of initial capital expenditures of a gold deposit, calculate their marginal (recommended) value, and also assess the balance of capital investments in the development of a particular deposit, taking into account the existing one in the company's investment portfolio. The methodology is based on analysis of empirical material, which used real capital costs for development of gold deposits (and foreign-metal impurities) by Polymetal International plc. As a result of a statistical study, method for determining the marginal cost of a field is obtained.

How to cite: Zaitsev A.Y. Methodological Approach to Substantiation of Capital Investments of Gold Fields Based on Unit Costs // Journal of Mining Institute. 2019. Vol. 238 . p. 459-464. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2019.4.459
Electromechanics and mechanical engineering
  • Date submitted
    2018-12-30
  • Date accepted
    2019-03-01
  • Date published
    2019-06-25

The concept of development of monitoring systems and management of intelligent technical complexes

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Conceptual approaches to improving the system of monitoring and managing the functional capabilities of intelligent technical complexes of buildings and transport and technological machines of mining enterprises are defined. Criteria are proposed for the efficiency of functioning of automatic systems for controlling the movement of transport-technological machines, taking into account the probabilistic nature of system-forming factors. The scheme of scientific and methodological research on the improvement of automation systems and traffic control in the automotive transport is presented. The perspective directions of the formation of control functions for the movement of vehicles based on the use of intelligent automated systems are substantiated. The stages of the life cycle of technical systems for monitoring the movement of vehicles, taking into account the features of their operation. A technique has been developed for the optimal use of technical means of control in the field of providing control and supervisory functions in the operation of vehicles, and the dependence of determining the financial costs of maintaining their efficiency has been determined.

How to cite: Safiullin R.N., Afanasyev A.S., Reznichenko V.V. The concept of development of monitoring systems and management of intelligent technical complexes // Journal of Mining Institute. 2019. Vol. 237 . p. 322-330. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2019.3.322
Geoecology and occupational health and safety
  • Date submitted
    2018-09-04
  • Date accepted
    2018-11-16
  • Date published
    2019-02-22

Development of an occupational safety management system based on the process approach

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The article discusses the relevance and possibility of using the process approach in the development and implementation of occupational safety management systems based on GOST 12.0.230-2007, which is the main document in this area for all industrial enterprises and organisations of the Russian Federation. The system of occupational safety management in the organisation is considered taking into account all its internal communications and input-output parameters. It is shown that the process approach used in the design of the occupational safety management system in the organisation, allows categorising the list of works (processes), participants, resources (responsible, performers, documents, etc.), the control and correction processes. The methodological substantiation of the process approach to the design of the occupational safety management system in the organisation is given, the basic issues of its applicability are considered. A context diagram of the process of an occupational safety management system is drawn in the IDEF0 graphical notation by means of the SADT structural analysis technology. The decomposition of the context diagram to the required levels of detail is presented and the balance factor of the models is calculated.

How to cite: Filimonov V.A., Gorina L.N. Development of an occupational safety management system based on the process approach // Journal of Mining Institute. 2019. Vol. 235 . p. 113-122. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2019.1.113