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prospecting of coalbed methane deposits

Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-08-31
  • Date accepted
    2023-12-27
  • Date published
    2024-11-12

Geochemical studies of rocks of the Siberian igneous province and their role in the formation theory of unique platinum-copper-nickel deposits

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The Norilsk deposits, unique both in their geological structure and reserves of nickel and platinum, have attracted the attention of researchers for several decades. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain their formation. Two of them are the most widely accepted: the model of ore formation in an intermediate chamber from picritic melt enriched in sulphides and the formation of sulphides in situ through the assimilation of sulphate-bearing sediments by tholeiitic magma as it rises to the surface. The main questions regarding the genesis of these deposits are: the composition of the parental magmas that formed the ore-bearing massifs; the relationship between intrusions and effusive rocks; and the extent and role of assimilation of host rocks by magmas. These issues are discussed in the article using a large amount of analytical data obtained by the author during the study of the magmatic rocks and geological structures in the Norilsk area. Based on these data, it was concluded that none of the proposed models could fully explain all observed geological features of the deposits as well as the appearance of the unique sulphide ores. In order to solve the problem of the genesis of the Norilsk deposits, it is necessary to analyse the evolution of P3-T1 magmatism over time in the Siberian large igneous province, especially in its eastern part, and to determine its association with ore-forming processes; and its investigating it is a priority task for understanding sulphide ore formation. Solving this task should be based not only on geophysical data but also on studies of the geochemistry of igneous rocks within the province.

How to cite: Krivolutskaya N.А. Geochemical studies of rocks of the Siberian igneous province and their role in the formation theory of unique platinum-copper-nickel deposits // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 269 . p. 738-756. EDN ROAVGE
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-06-17
  • Date accepted
    2024-07-17
  • Date published
    2024-10-03

Justification on the safe exploitation of closed coal warehouse by gas factor

Article preview

The annual increase of coal production and its demand lead to the necessity in temporary storage places (warehouses) organization to accommodate raw coal materials before the shipment. It is noted that at the open method of coal storing the dust emission from loading/unloading operations and from the pile surface effects negatively the health of the warehouse workers and adjacent territories. An alternative solution is closed-type warehouses. One of the main hazards of such coal storage can be the release of residual methane from coal segregates into the air after degassing processes during mining and extraction to the surface, as well as transportation to the place of temporary storage. The study carries the analysis of methane content change in coal during the processes of extraction, transportation and storage. Physical and chemical bases of mass transfer during the interaction between gas-saturated coal mass and air are studied. It is determined that the intensity of methane emission depends on: the coal seam natural gas content, parameters of mass transfer between coal, and air and the ambient temperature. The dynamics of coal mass gas exchange with atmospheric air is evaluated by approximate approach, which is based on two interrelated iterations. The first one considers the formation of methane concentration fields in the air space of the bulk volume and the second accounts the methane emission from the pile surface to the outside air. It is determined that safety of closed coal warehouses exploitation by gas factor can be ensured by means of artificial ventilation providing volumetric methane concentration in the air less than 1 %. The flow rate sufficient to achieve this methane concentration was obtained as a result of computer modeling of methane concentration fields formation in the air medium at theoretically calculated methane emission from the pile surface.

How to cite: Gendler S.G., Stepantsova A.Y., Popov M.M. Justification on the safe exploitation of closed coal warehouse by gas factor // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. p. EDN SIJDWE
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-05-21
  • Date accepted
    2024-05-02
  • Date published
    2024-08-26

Assessment of the influence of lithofacies conditions on the distribution of organic carbon in the Upper Devonian “Domanik” deposits of the Timan-Pechora Province

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The study of high-carbon formations was instigated both by the decreasing raw material base of oil as a result of its extraction, and by the progress in development of low-permeability shale strata, primarily in the USA, Australia, and China. The most valuable formations occur in traditional hydrocarbon production areas – the West Siberian, Volga-Ural and Timan-Pechora, North Pre-Caucasian and Lena-Tunguska oil and gas provinces. Specific features of the Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous high-carbon formation occurring in the eastern marginal part of the East European Platform are: heterogeneous section due to intense progradation of the carbonate platform from west to east; succession of lithofacies environments that determined the unevenness of the primary accumulation and secondary distribution of organic matter (OM); possible migration or preservation in the source strata during the subsidence stages of the moving parts of bitumides, which determined the prospects for oil and gas potential. The distribution pattern of the present OM content was investigated depending on lithofacies conditions and lithological composition of rocks in the “Domanik type” Upper Devonian-Tournaisian deposits in the Timan-Pechora Province (TPP), its transformation degree to bring it to the initial content of organic carbon and further estimation of the share of stored “mobile oil” in oil and gas source formation. The study was based on the analysis of the data set on organic carbon content in core samples and natural exposures in the Ukhta Region in the Domanik-Tournaisian part of the section including more than 5,000 determinations presented in reports and publications of VNIGRI and VNIGNI and supplemented by pyrolytic and bituminological analyses associated with the results of microtomographic, macro- and lithological studies and descriptions of thin sections made at the Saint Petersburg Mining University. For each tectonic zone of the TPP within the investigated high-carbon intervals, the content of total volumes of organic carbon was determined. The data obtained allow estimating the residual mass of mobile bitumoids in a low-permeability matrix of the high-carbon formation.

How to cite: Prishchepa O.M., Sinitsa N.V., Ibatullin A.K. Assessment of the influence of lithofacies conditions on the distribution of organic carbon in the Upper Devonian “Domanik” deposits of the Timan-Pechora Province // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 268 . p. 535-551. EDN JPUKCM
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-05-31
  • Date accepted
    2023-12-27
  • Date published
    2024-04-25

Velocity structure of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle in the Pechenga ore region and adjacent areas in the northwestern part of the Lapland-Kola orogen by the receiver function technique

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The article presents a study of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle in the Pechenga ore region, as well as areas adjacent to it in the northwestern part of the Kola region. Applying the receiver function technique to data acquired by three broadband seismic stations, we obtained one-dimensional seismic velocity distribution models to a depth of 300 km. The stations are located in the northern parts of Finland and Norway, as well as in the Pechenga region of the Russian Federation. Despite the stations being in relatively close proximity (within 100 km of each other), the velocity models turned out to be significantly different, which indicates structural discontinuity within the lithosphere. Thus, Finland station data set revealed a gradient crust-mantle transition, which is not present in the other two models. At depths of about 150 km, a low-velocity zone was discovered, associated with mid-lithospheric discontinuity, which was not found beneath the Pechenga ore region. Furthermore, the crustal structure of the Pechenga region has an anomalously high Vp/Vs ratio to a depth of about 20 km. Considering the fact that the Pechenga (Nikel) seismic station was installed in close proximity to major copper-nickel deposits, this anomaly can be interpreted as a relic of Proterozoic plume activity.

How to cite: Goev A.G. Velocity structure of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle in the Pechenga ore region and adjacent areas in the northwestern part of the Lapland-Kola orogen by the receiver function technique // Journal of Mining Institute. 2024. Vol. 266 . p. 188-198. EDN NZMXJC
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-08-22
  • Date accepted
    2023-02-02
  • Date published
    2023-08-28

Wodginite as an indicator mineral of tantalum-bearing pegmatites and granites

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In the composition of tantalum-niobates, the tin-bearing wodginite group minerals (WGM) were found: wod-ginite, titanowodginite, ferrowodginite, ferrotitanowodginite, lithiowodginite, tantalowodginite, “wolframowodginite”. We reviewed the worldwide research on WGM and created a database of 698 analyses from 55 sources including the author's data. WGM are associated with Li-F pegmatites and Li-F granites. Wodginite is the most prevalent mineral, occurring in 86.6 % of pegmatites and 78.3 % of granites. The occurrence of WGM in granites and pegmatites differs. For instance, titanowodginite and “wolframowodginite” occur three times more frequently in granites than in pegmatites, whereas lithiowodginite and tantalowodginite do not appear in granites at all. The difference between WGM in granites and pegmatites is in finer grain size, higher content of Sn, Nb, Ti, W, and Sc; lower content of Fe 3+ , Ta, Zr, Hf; higher ratio of Mn/(Mn + Fe); and lower ratio of Zr/Hf. The evolutionary series of WGM in pegmatites are as follows: ferrowodginite → ferrotitanowodginite → titanowodginite → “wolframowodginite” → wodginite → tantalowodginite; in granites: ferrowodginite → ferrotitanowodginite → “wolframowodginite” → wodginite → titanowodginite. WGM can serve as indicators of tantalum-bearing pegmatites and granites. In Russia the promising sources of tantalum are deposits of the Far Eastern belt of Li-F granites containing wodginite.

How to cite: Alekseev V.I. Wodginite as an indicator mineral of tantalum-bearing pegmatites and granites // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 262 . p. 495-508. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.19
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-11-02
  • Date accepted
    2023-03-02
  • Date published
    2023-04-25

Environmental damage from the storage of sulfide ore tailings

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The mining industry is one of the most challenging in ensuring environmental safety. During the last century, the Karabash Copper Smelting Plant was processing sulfide ores and depositing the tailings into storage facilities that now occupy an area of more than 50 hectares. To date, abandoned tailings are a significant source of natural water, air, and soil pollution in the Karabash city district. The article comprehensively examines the environmental impact of the Karabashmed copper smelter, one of the oldest metallurgical enterprises in Russia. The effects of seepage from the two Karabashmed tailings facilities on water resources were assessed. We revealed that even outside the area of the direct impact of processing waste, the pH of natural water decreases to values 4-5. Further downstream, the infiltration water from the tailings pond No. 4 reduces the pH of river water to 3.0-3.5. The presented results of environmental engineering surveys are derived from sampling water and bottom sediments of the Ryzhiy Stream and the Sak-Elga River, sample preparation, and quantitative chemical analysis. The study revealed significant exceedances of the maximum permissible concentrations for a number of chemical elements in the impact zone of the copper ore processing tailings.

How to cite: Pashkevich M.A., Alekseenko A.V., Nureev R.R. Environmental damage from the storage of sulfide ore tailings // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 260 . p. 155-167. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.32
Energy industry
  • Date submitted
    2022-08-05
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-17
  • Date published
    2023-02-27

Feasibility study of using cogeneration plants at Kuzbass coal mines

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The paper considers the problem of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the process of coal mining during the coal mine methane utilization in power supply systems. An algorithm to form recommendations for the implementation of CMM generation is presented. A simulation model for one of the Kuzbass coal mines was developed in the PowerFactory software application. The simulation model considers the uneven nature of the power consumption of mining equipment. As a result of modeling, daily power consumption profiles and voltage levels in the coal mine power supply system were determined before and after the implementation of the proposed measures. Based on the results, the technical and economic effects was estimated, which consisted in reducing the direct and indirect carbon footprint, electricity and capacity fees. It has been established that the cost of carbon dioxide emission quotas significantly affects the investment attractiveness of cogeneration projects. Based on the results, recommendations are given to stimulate the development of small generation in coal mines.

How to cite: Nepsha F.S., Voronin V.A., Liven A.S., Korneev A.S. Feasibility study of using cogeneration plants at Kuzbass coal mines // Journal of Mining Institute. 2023. Vol. 259 . p. 141-150. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2023.2
Modern Trends in Hydrocarbon Resources Development
  • Date submitted
    2022-08-20
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-17
  • Date published
    2022-12-29

Comparison of the approaches to assessing the compressibility of the pore space

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Integral and differential approaches to determining the volumetric compression of rocks caused by changes in the stress state are considered. Changes in the volume of the pore space of rocks are analyzed with an increase in its all-round compression. Estimation of changes in the compressibility coefficients of reservoirs due to the development of fields is an urgent problem, since the spread in the values of compressibility factors reduces the adequacy of estimates of changes in the physical properties and subsidence of the earth's surface of developed fields and underground gas storages. This parameter is key in assessing the geodynamic consequences of the long-term development of hydrocarbon deposits and the operation of underground gas storage facilities. Approaches to the assessment differ in the use of cumulative (integral) or local (differential) changes in porosity with a change in effective pressure. It is shown that the coefficient of volumetric compressibility of pores calculated by the integral approach significantly exceeds its value calculated by the differential approach, which is due to the accumulative nature of pore compression with an increase in effective pressure. It is shown that the differential approach more accurately determines the value of the pore compressibility coefficient, since it takes into account in more detail the features of the change in effective pressure.

How to cite: Zhukov V.S., Kuzmin Y.O. Comparison of the approaches to assessing the compressibility of the pore space // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 258 . p. 1008-1017. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.97
Modern Trends in Hydrocarbon Resources Development
  • Date submitted
    2022-05-26
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-17
  • Date published
    2022-12-29

Renovation method of restoring well productivity using wavefields

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A stagewise theoretical substantiation of the renovation vibrowave method of influencing the near-wellbore zone of reservoir for restoring well productivity is presented. The area of treatment by the proposed method covers the reservoir with a heterogeneous permeability with fractures formed by fracking. In this method a decrease in concentration of colmatants occurs due to a change in direction of contaminants migration. Under the influence of pressure pulses, they move deep into the reservoir and disperse through the proppant pack. The results of mathematical modelling of the propagation of pressure wave and velocity wave and the calculations of particles entrainment in wave motion are presented.

How to cite: Shatalova N.V., Apasov T.K., Shatalov A.V., Grigoriev B.V. Renovation method of restoring well productivity using wavefields // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 258 . p. 986-997. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.108
Modern Trends in Hydrocarbon Resources Development
  • Date submitted
    2021-07-05
  • Date accepted
    2022-11-17
  • Date published
    2022-12-29

Determination of suitable distance between methane drainage stations in Tabas mechanized coal mine (Iran) based on theoretical calculations and field investigation

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A large amount of gas is emitted during underground mining processes, so mining productivity decreases and safety risks increase. Efficient methane drainage from the coal seam and surrounding rocks in underground mines not only improves safety but also leads to higher productivity. Methane drainage must be performed when the ventilation air cannot dilute the methane emissions in the mine to a level below the allowed limits. The cross-measure borehole method is one of the methane drainage methods that involves drilling boreholes from the tailgate roadway to an un-stressed zone in the roof or floor stratum of a mined seam. This is the main method used in Tabas coal mine N 1. One of the effective parameters in this method is the distance between methane drainage stations, which has a direct effect on the length of boreholes required for drainage. This study was based on the measurement of ventilation air methane by methane sensors and anemometers placed at the longwall panel as well as measuring the amount of methane drainage. Moreover, in this study, the obtained and analyzed data were used to determine the suitable distance between methane drainage stations based on the cross-measure borehole method. In a field test, three borehole arrangements with different station distances in Panel E4 of Tabas coal mine N 1 were investigated. Then, the amounts of gas drained from these arrangements were compared with each other. The highest methane drainage efficiency was achieved for distances in the range of 9-12 m between methane drainage stations.

How to cite: Hosseini A., Najafi M., Morshedy A.H. Determination of suitable distance between methane drainage stations in Tabas mechanized coal mine (Iran) based on theoretical calculations and field investigation // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 258 . p. 1050-1060. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.106
Metallurgy and concentration
  • Date submitted
    2022-05-10
  • Date accepted
    2022-09-06
  • Date published
    2022-11-03

Flotation separation of titanite concentrate from apatite-nepheline-titanite ores of anomalous zones of the Khibiny deposits

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Titanium raw materials are widely used for the synthesis of various functional materials – sorbents of radionuclides and rare earth elements, various additives, filler pigments, etc. Since most of titanium concentrates are imported, in line with the import substitution program, production of titanite concentrate from apatite-nepheline ores of the Khibiny deposits is a promising trend for supplying national industry with titanium raw materials. The article presents the results of laboratory studies of flotation separation of titanite concentrate from apatite-nepheline-titanite ores extracted from the upper ore horizon of the Koashvinskoye deposit, where titanite-enriched ores are concentrated. Recovery of titanite concentrate was accomplished using two reagent modes – a mixture of alkyl hydroxamic and carboxylic acids with the addition of distilled tall oil and a mixture of tall oils with the addition of polyalkyl benzene sulfonic acids. The results of the research showed that the first flotation mode, which allows a selective recovery of titanite into the concentrate (titanite content in the concentrate was 93.5 %) is the most efficient. It was shown that flotation separation of titanite concentrate is preferable compared to the chemical method based on sulfuric acid leaching.

How to cite: Mitrofanova G.V., Marchevskaya V.V., Taran A.E. Flotation separation of titanite concentrate from apatite-nepheline-titanite ores of anomalous zones of the Khibiny deposits // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 256 . p. 560-566. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.81
Economic Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-06-02
  • Date accepted
    2022-07-21
  • Date published
    2022-10-05

Substantiation of the optimal performance parameters for a quarry during the stage-wise development of steeply dipping ore deposits

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The use of stage-wise schemes in the development of deep quarries is one of the ways to increase the economic efficiency of mining a deposit and determining the optimal stage parameters remains an urgent task. Such parameters are stage depth, bench height, block length, etc. However, there is a wide range of values for these parameters. Therefore, to select the optimal values and evaluate the effectiveness of design solutions, it is advisable to use the net present value, which is an international notion. As a result of the analysis of data on deposits, a large number of variable indicators can be identified that presumably affect the efficiency of mining. The article proposes to divide all parameters of the quarry mining into two types: mine engineering and economic. The importance of each of them is determined by the measure of influence on the net present value. Thus, to assess the measure of influence of mining indicators, the average values of each of them are taken, and as a result of the alternating change of one parameter under study, the measure of its influence on the discounted income received is estimated. The results of the analysis of relevant factors, their evaluation and comparative analysis are important indicators that significantly affect the design decisions made and the effectiveness of the investment project.

How to cite: Fomin S.I., Ovsyannikov M.P. Substantiation of the optimal performance parameters for a quarry during the stage-wise development of steeply dipping ore deposits // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. p. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.73
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-05-04
  • Date accepted
    2022-06-15
  • Date published
    2022-07-26

Prospecting models of primary diamond deposits of the north of the East European Platform

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As a result of a comprehensive study of the geological structure and diamond presense of the northern part of the East European Platform, generalization of the data accumulated by various organizations in the USSR, the Russian Federation, and other states, three main prospecting models of primary diamond deposits have been identified and characterized: Karelian, Finnish, and Arkhangelsk. Geological, structural, mineralogical, and petrographic criteria of local prediction, as well as the features of the response of kimberlite and lamproite bodies in dispersion haloes and geophysical fields, are considered using known examples, including data on the developed M.V.Lomonosov and V.P.Grib mines. It is shown that the most complicated prospecting environments occur in the covered areas of the Russian Plate, where, in some cases, the primary diamond-bearing rocks are similar in their petrophysical properties to the host formations. The buried dispersion haloes of kimberlite minerals in the continental Carboniferous and Quaternary deposits are traced at a short distance from the sources. Differences in the prospecting features of magnesian (Lomonosov mine) and ferromagnesian (Grib mine) kimberlites are also shown. Conclusions about the diamond potential of the model objects of various types are given in this paper.

How to cite: Ustinov V.N., Mikoev I.I., Piven G.F. Prospecting models of primary diamond deposits of the north of the East European Platform // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 255 . p. 299-318. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.49
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-03-14
  • Date accepted
    2022-05-13
  • Date published
    2022-07-26

Unique titanium Deposits of Timan: genesis and age issues

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The article critically analysesthe hypotheses about the formation, age, and sources of material of large Timan titanium deposits, which were previously considered ancient buried placers formed along the weathering crusts of the Riphean shales. We discuss an alternative hydrothermal-metamorphic hypothesis about the formation of these deposits and the source of ore material. It is established that the incoming zircon of different ages (570-3200 Ma), as well as two other geochronometers, rutile and monazite, underwent a thermal effect common for all varieties as a result of a hydrothermal process about 600 Ma ago. According to modern concepts, the closing temperature of the U-Pb system in rutile exceeds 500 °С, which suggests high-temperature conditions for the hydrothermal processing of rutile during the formation of the considered deposits in the Riphean.

How to cite: Makeyev A.B., Bryanchaninova N.I., Krasotkina A.O. Unique titanium Deposits of Timan: genesis and age issues // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 255 . p. 275-289. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.32
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2022-03-03
  • Date accepted
    2022-04-27
  • Date published
    2022-07-26

Peculiarities of rare-metal mineralization and genetic relationship of mineral associations in the eastern rim of Murzinsko-Aduysky anticlinorium (the Ural Emerald Belt)

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The paper presents features of the location and composition, as well as a generalization of data on the age of rare-metal mineralization developed at the deposits and occurrences of rare metals and gemstones in the eastern rim of Murzinsko-Aduysky anticlinorium, within the Ural Emerald Belt, which is a classic ore and mineralogical object and has been studied for almost two hundred years. With a significant number and variety of prospecting, research and scientific works devoted mainly to emerald-bearing mica complexes and beryl mineralization, as well as rare-metal pegmatites, scientific literature has so far lacked generalizations on the formation of numerous mineral associations and ore formations that represents a uniform genetic process in this ore district. The aim of the work is a comprehensive geological-mineralogical analysis of mineral associations of the eastern rim of Murzinsko-Aduysky anticlinorium and studying their age, formation conditions and characteristic features to determine the possibility of expanding and using the mineral resource base of the Urals through developing new prognostic and prospecting criteria for rare-metal and gemstone ore formations and creating the new devices for promising objects prospecting

How to cite: Popov M.P. Peculiarities of rare-metal mineralization and genetic relationship of mineral associations in the eastern rim of Murzinsko-Aduysky anticlinorium (the Ural Emerald Belt) // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 255 . p. 337-348. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.19
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2021-03-23
  • Date accepted
    2022-01-24
  • Date published
    2022-04-29

Justification of the technological scheme parameters for the development of flooded deposits of construction sand

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The article describes the main types of technological schemes for working out the flooded strata of sand deposits using hydraulic shovel excavators. The analysis of scientific and technical literature describing the experience of using hydraulic shovel excavators in the open-pit mining, including pits for the extraction of construction sand, has been carried out. The proposed technological scheme is that the development of reserves of the flooded strata without preliminary water reduction is carried out by a hydraulic shovel excavator from under water by a downward digging with the storage of the extracted rock mass in bulk (for dewatering), placed in such a way that when working out the next mining bench width, it is located within the working area of the excavator for simultaneous processing of the next bench width and loading of dewatered sand from the pile. Calculations of the parameters of the operating platform and the excavator block of the proposed technological scheme for conducting open-pit mining were carried out. The dependence for determining the minimum length of the mining operations front of an excavator for drawing up a technological scheme of operation of a backhoe hydraulic excavator on working out the flooded strata with the pile formation for dewatering sand and its subsequent uploading from the pile by the same excavator is presented.

How to cite: Ivanov V.V., Dzyurich D.O. Justification of the technological scheme parameters for the development of flooded deposits of construction sand // Journal of Mining Institute. 2022. Vol. 253 . p. 33-40. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2022.3
Oil and gas
  • Date submitted
    2021-05-28
  • Date accepted
    2021-11-30
  • Date published
    2021-12-27

Features of grouping low-producing oil deposits in carbonate reservoirs for the rational use of resources within the Ural-Volga region

Article preview

A methodology has been developed and a procedure for selecting homogeneous groups has been implemented using a set of parameters characterizing the properties of formation fluids, layering conditions, geological and physical properties of formations at different levels of the hierarchy. An algorithm for identifying deposits for monitoring and justifying measures to improve the efficiency of development management is proposed. A justification for the selection of associative groups of long-term developed objects using the parameters of geological heterogeneity according to different tectonic-stratigraphic elements is presented. To reduce the degree of uncertainty in the evaluation of objects by the degree and nature of geological heterogeneity, the parameters reflecting the degree of uncertainty of the system using complex characteristics are proposed. For different deposit associations, a different influence of the features of the object structure on the degree of their division has been established. In the process of deposit drilling, as additional information about development objects is obtained, it is necessary to specify the nature of the distinguished groups of objects first of all based on the use of characteristics of geological heterogeneity. Comparison of various grouping options shows the need to take into account the geological heterogeneity of objects during their drilling. The identification of groups of objects using a limited number of parameters is approximate, but at the stage of drafting the first design documents, it is possible to solve certain tasks aimed at determining the strategy for the development of deposits

How to cite: Mukhametshin V.S., Khakimzyanov I.N. Features of grouping low-producing oil deposits in carbonate reservoirs for the rational use of resources within the Ural-Volga region // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 252 . p. 896-907. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.6.11
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
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2020-12-24
  • Date accepted
    2021-10-18
  • Date published
    2021-12-16

Natural gas methane number and its influence on the gas engine working process efficiency

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The natural gas usage as a vehicle fuel in the mining industry is one of the priority tasks of the state. The article pays special attention to the component composition of natural gas from the point of view of its thermal efficiency during combustion in the combustion chamber of a power plant on a heavy-duty vehicle in difficult quarry conditions. For this, domestic and foreign methods for determining the main indicator characterizing the knock resistance of fuel in the combustion process – the methane number – are considered. Improvement of technical and economic indicators will be carried out by changing the composition of the gas mixture based on methane to fit the design features of the gas power plant, the methane number will be the determining indicator. A theoretical analysis of the influence of the methane number on such engine parameters as the compression ratio and the maximum speed of the flame front propagation in the second phase of combustion in the engine cylinder, expressed through the angle of rotation of the crankshaft, is presented. Based on the results of theoretical and experimental studies, the dependences of the influence of the methane number on the efficiency of the working process of the engine and its external speed characteristic were obtained.

How to cite: Didmanidze O.N., Afanasev A.S., Khakimov R.T. Natural gas methane number and its influence on the gas engine working process efficiency // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 251 . p. 730-737. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.5.12
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2020-12-08
  • Date accepted
    2021-10-18
  • Date published
    2021-12-16

Prospects for the oil and gas content of the Upper Permian deposits of the southwestern part of the Vilyui syneclise based on the analysis of sedimentary environments and geochemical conditions of oil and gas content

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The article discusses the prospects for the oil and gas content of the Upper Permian deposits in the southwestern marginal part of the Vilyui syneclise. In this margin, the Permian terrigenous complex with proven oil and gas productivity in the central part of the syneclise, pinches out. The study area, represented by the monoclinal slopes of the Vilyui syneclise, is considered a promising area for the exploration of non-structural hydrocarbon traps in the Upper Paleozoic sediments. The objectives of the study include identifying general patterns of sediment formation, associated mainly with the development of the alluvial complex, and substantiating the potential opportunities of migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons in the predicted traps. The research is based on the interpretation of the latest seismic surveys and prior-years geological and geophysical data. Authors carried out structural and paleo-structural analysis, identified lithofacies in the well log, generalized and analyzed the geochemical conditions of the oil and gas content of the Upper Permian deposits, traced the pinching out of the Upper Permian deposits on the southwestern margin of the syneclise, and also outlined areas of river valleys development that form zones of advanced reservoirs. The results of the studies have validated promising oil and gas accumulation zones on the southwestern slopes of the syneclise associated with non-anticlinal hydrocarbon traps. Authors also drew up a diagram of the oil and gas potential of the Upper Permian deposits. The obtained results are of interest for prospecting for oil and gas in the area under study.

How to cite: Cherdantsev G.A., Zharkov A.M. Prospects for the oil and gas content of the Upper Permian deposits of the southwestern part of the Vilyui syneclise based on the analysis of sedimentary environments and geochemical conditions of oil and gas content // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 251 . p. 698-711. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.5.9
Oil and gas
  • Date submitted
    2021-03-11
  • Date accepted
    2021-07-27
  • Date published
    2021-10-21

Justification of a comprehensive technology for preventing the formation of asphalt-resin-paraffin deposits during the production of highlyparaffinic oil by electric submersible pumps from multiformation deposits

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Production of highly solidifying abnormal oils (with a paraffin content of over 30 % by mass) in the Far North is complicated by the intensive formation of asphalt-resin-paraffin deposits (ARPD) in the bottomhole zone of the productive formation, well and surface equipment. Existing methods and technologies for countering the formation of organic deposits in well equipment have many advantages. However, their application in the production of highly paraffinic oil does not fully prevent the formation of ARPD in the tubing string. This leads to a significant reduction in oil production, reduction of turnaround and intertreatment periods of production wells operation, an increase in specific operating expenses for paraffin removal. Results of theoretical and laboratory investigations presented in the article show that one of the promising ways to improve the operational efficiency of wells equipped with electric submersible pumps during extraction of highly paraffinic oil from multiformation deposits is the application of a new integrated technology based on the joint production of highly solidifying abnormal oil with oil, characterized by a lower paraffin content and manifestation of structural and mechanical properties, in conjunction with the regulation of the parameters for the electric submersible pump. Results of numerical modeling using the PIPESIM steady-state multiphase flow simulator, physical, chemical and rheological investigations show that with a decrease of highly paraffinic oil from the productive formation D2ef in a blend with Stary Oskol oil from the Kyrtaelskoye field, a decrease in the mass content of paraffin in the blend and the temperature of its saturation with paraffin, depth and intensity of the organic deposits formation in the tubing string, pour point, as well as the improvement of the rheological properties of the investigated structured dispersed systems is observed. Article describes a promising assembly of well equipment for the single tubing separate production of highly paraffinic oil from multiformation deposits of the Timan-Pechora province, providing separation of the perforation zones in two productive formations using a packer-anchor system at simultaneous-separate operation of the formations by a double electric submersible pump unit.

How to cite: Rogachev M.K., Aleksandrov A.N. Justification of a comprehensive technology for preventing the formation of asphalt-resin-paraffin deposits during the production of highlyparaffinic oil by electric submersible pumps from multiformation deposits // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 250 . p. 596-605. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.4.13
Mining
  • Date submitted
    2021-03-30
  • Date accepted
    2021-07-27
  • Date published
    2021-10-21

Integrated development of iron ore deposits based on competitive underground geotechnologies

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The article presents an analytical review of the current state of the iron ore base of the ferrous metallurgy of Russia and the world, identifies the largest iron ore provinces and iron ore producers. The promising directions of development and improvement of the quality of the iron ore base of Russia and the features of the development of new deposits of rich iron ores are identified. Effective technologies for the development of rich iron ores deposits that ensure an increase in production volumes are proposed. The geomechanical justification of rational technological parameters that are easily adapted to changes in mining and geological conditions has been performed. Based on the results of field studies, the use of an elastic-plastic model with the Coulomb – Mohr strength criterion for modeling changes in the stress-strain state of an ore rock mass during mining operations is justified and recommendations for ensuring the stability of mine workings are developed. Effective engineering and technical solutions for the complex development and deep processing of rich iron ores with the production of fractionated sinter ore, which increases the efficiency of metallurgical processes, the production of high-grade iron oxide pigments and iron ore briquettes, which increase the competitiveness of iron ore companies and the full use of the resource potential of deposits, are presented.

How to cite: Trushko V.L., Trushko O.V. Integrated development of iron ore deposits based on competitive underground geotechnologies // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 250 . p. 569-577. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.4.10
Mining
  • Date submitted
    2021-06-01
  • Date accepted
    2021-07-27
  • Date published
    2021-10-21

Indicator assessment of the reliability of mine ventilation and degassing systems functioning

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The gas emission control in the mines is operated by ventilation and degassing systems that ensure the aerological safety of the mines or minimize the aerological risks. The ventilation system of the mine and its individual sites includes a significant number of technical devices and equipment, and the air tubes are mainly mining workings, the condition of which determines the quality of the ventilation network (its capacity) and depends on a number of mining factors. Similarly, one of the most important elements of the degassing system, which includes its own chain of technological equipment, are wells, and in some cases, mining workings. Thus, mine ventilation and degassing systems cannot be attributed to purely technical systems, since they include mining elements characterized by high variability of the determining parameters. To assess their reliability, it is necessary to use various combined methods that include additional characteristics in relation to the mining component. At the same time, the reliability of technical devices that ensure the functioning of mine ventilation and degassing systems largely determines the efficiency (stability and reliability) of these systems and, consequently, affects the level of aerological risks. The described approach to assessing the reliability of ventilation and degassing systems of coal mines when analyzing aerological risks is based on the developed system of risk indicators for the methane factor and will allow determining the risk dynamics in automatic mode based on monitoring the parameters of the ventilation and degassing system state.

How to cite: Kaledina N.O., Malashkina V.A. Indicator assessment of the reliability of mine ventilation and degassing systems functioning // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 250 . p. 553-561. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.4.8
Geology
  • Date submitted
    2020-05-28
  • Date accepted
    2021-07-27
  • Date published
    2021-10-21

On the applicability of electromagnetic monitoring of hydraulic fracturing

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The purpose of this work is to assess the possibilities of using electromagnetic monitoring to study the development of a fracture system generated by hydraulic fracturing (HF) with a specified position of the controlled source. The option with the source (a vertical electric dipole) located in the interval of the oil-bearing formation and ground-based measurements was chosen as the most promising monitoring plan. We have built a geoelectric model equivalent to the system of hydraulic fractures, divided into 11 zones corresponding to HF stages. For the selected model, mathematical simulation was performed by solving the direct problem considering the impact of the steel casing, the presence of which reduced the effect. Despite this fact, no strong distortion of electromagnetic field anomaly was observed above the HF zone. Analysis of the simulation results at different HF stages showed that as new hydraulic fractures appeared and were filled with electrically conductive proppant, the total effect increased. The data on electric field anomaly demonstrated maximum deviation from the background level of more than 2 %. Provided that the studied formation is characterized by sufficient electrical conductivity, its magnetic field also becomes informative.

How to cite: Grigorev G.S., Salishchev M.V., Senchina N.P. On the applicability of electromagnetic monitoring of hydraulic fracturing // Journal of Mining Institute. 2021. Vol. 250 . p. 492-500. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2021.4.2
Oil and gas
  • Date submitted
    2020-06-19
  • Date accepted
    2020-10-06
  • Date published
    2020-11-24

Practice of using the magnetic treatment devices to intensify the processes of primary oil treating

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During the primary treatment of oil, gas and water, complications arise associated with the presence of hard water-oil emulsions, which cause an increase in fluid pressure in the gathering systems, pipeline damage, as well as difficulties in gas separation and preliminary water discharge at the preliminary discharge unit (PRU). Additional problems arise during transportation of highly paraffinic oils associated with the crystallization of paraffin in the flow path of the oilfield equipment and on the inner surface of pipes, leading to a drop in the productivity of pipelines. Article discusses the technology of magnetic-reagent treatment of water-oil media, which allows intensifying the processes of primary oil treatment at the facilities of its production. Bench and pilot tests have shown the ability of the magnetic field to accelerate oil demulsification processes, increasing the percentage of separated water during subsequent settling, and to reduce asphalt-resin-paraffin deposits (ARPD) on the inner surface of oil and gas field equipment. Mechanism of the magnetic field effect on water-oil media is described. Effect of treatment on the integrity of the armour shells of oil-water emulsions was studied. Various modes of magnetic treatment have been investigated with evaluation of its effectiveness. It is shown that the best effect is achieved with the combined use of reagents and a magnetic field. Synergistic effect is observed, which consists in increasing their effectiveness. This made it possible to conclude that this method can be applied to reduce the consumption of reagents used in oil production while maintaining the treatment efficiency.

How to cite: Golubev I.A., Golubev A.V., Laptev А.B. Practice of using the magnetic treatment devices to intensify the processes of primary oil treating // Journal of Mining Institute. 2020. Vol. 245 . p. 554-560. DOI: 10.31897/PMI.2020.5.7