List of Titles

Comparative investigation of spontaneous combustion of biomass, hydrochar, coal and their blends using Wits-Ehac and thermogravimetric analysis

- Matsobane, Ethel, Onifade, Moshood, Genc, Bekir, Bada, Samson

Authors: Matsobane, Ethel , Onifade, Moshood , Genc, Bekir , Bada, Samson
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization Vol. 44, no. 12 (2024), p. 2155-2179
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Description: Biomass, hydrochar, coal and hydrochar/coal blends have been proposed as alternative energy sources to coal. Given that the new fuels are derived from biomass, which is highly reactive, it is necessary to investigate their potential for spontaneous combustion (SPONCOM). Through the characteristics of coal discard, biomass, hydrochar, and hydrochar mixed at different ratios with discard coal, this study examined the factors that contribute to SPONCOM. The SPONCOM liability of these fuels was examined using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the Wits-Ehac index. The physicochemical analysis revealed an increase in the energy characteristic of the hydrochar produced from biomass. All samples showed a transmittance of the C=O stretch, which promotes SPONCOM, according to the results of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The TGA findings revealed that biomass is highly reactive, while discard coal was found to be non-reactive. A significant correlation was seen between the (Formula presented.) index and the physiochemical properties of the samples. The Wits-Ehac results showed that biomass had the lowest SPONCOM liability index, while the 50% hydrochar/50% discard coal blend had the highest SPONCOM liability index. There was no correlation between the TGA and Wits-Ehac results, as the Wits-Ehac results showed some inconsistencies, particularly for samples derived from biomass. This study establishes the mechanism responsible for SPONCOM of hydrochar blended with coal in relation to their properties using the TGA. In addition, contributed to the understanding of techniques for predicting the SPONCOM of likely fuels for this application. © 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Geotechnical design for open pit coal mining in proximity to electrical power lines: risks, mitigation, and regulatory compliance

- Zvarivadza, Tawanda, Ng'Andu, S., Zindi, L., Mohutsiwa, M., Masethe, Richard, Adoko, Amoussou, Onifade, Moshood, Chikande, T., Moyo, S., Firoozi, Ali

Authors: Zvarivadza, Tawanda , Ng'Andu, S. , Zindi, L. , Mohutsiwa, M. , Masethe, Richard , Adoko, Amoussou , Onifade, Moshood , Chikande, T. , Moyo, S. , Firoozi, Ali
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Conference paper
Relation: 58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024, Golden Colarado, 23-26 June 2024, 58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024
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Description: Open pit coal mining near electrical power lines presents distinct geotechnical challenges and regulatory demands, particularly under Section 17.6 of South Africa's Mine Health and Safety Act. This section requires a minimum 100 m buffer between mines and structures such as power lines unless deemed safe at closer distances. To balance safety with economic considerations, a detailed geotechnical risk assessment was performed to reduce this distance without compromising safety. This practical study is pivotal in optimising coal extraction while ensuring the integrity and safety of nearby power lines through well-considered geotechnical design. Employing empirical methods based on geological and geotechnical data, the study proposes a suitable geotechnical design, incorporating slope stability, ground control, and real-time monitoring to evaluate risks. This approach not only ensures compliance with regulatory standards but also enhances economic feasibility by increasing the minable coal resources. The findings highlight the critical role of comprehensive geotechnical design in allowing mining operations to coexist safely with essential power infrastructure. This research provides valuable insights for engineers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, establishing a framework for responsible mining in complex geotechnical environments. The recommendations from this study also guide future mining projects facing similar challenges, promoting sustainable and compliant mining practices. Copyright 2024 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association.

Investigation into the rock mass response to pillar extraction in a hard rock tabular mine

- Moyo, S., Chikande, T., Zvarivadza, Tawanda, Masethe, Richard, Adoko, Amoussou, Onifade, Moshood, Firoozi, Ali

Authors: Moyo, S. , Chikande, T. , Zvarivadza, Tawanda , Masethe, Richard , Adoko, Amoussou , Onifade, Moshood , Firoozi, Ali
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Conference paper
Relation: 58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024, Golden Colarado, 23-26 June 2024, 58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2024, ARMA 2024
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Description: Historically, secondary pillar extraction has been successful in the soft rock mining environment. Several hard rock platinum mines have conducted selective remnant extraction with backfill as a regional support measure. A hard rock tabular platinum mine instigated the extraction within a non-yield pillar layout without backfill support. The mine is situated within the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe in a shallow depth environment of approximately 100m. Pillar extraction without backfill in a hard rock mine is a novel mining method. A study was carried out to make a quantitative comparison between the various design parameters and the rock mass response measurements. The primary mining utilised the mechanised room and pillar mining method to extract ore from the wide tabular reef. Similar, low profile mechanised equipment with additional automated systems were adopted for ore extraction and transportation to the surface crusher. The risks associated with the extraction of pillars include large localised falls of ground due to wide spans, pillar run, high severity injuries due to windblasts and large regional collapses through to the surface. The pre-feasibility study for the mine layout design used MAP3D to assess the expected displacement and stress limits post-extraction. MAP3D uses the boundary element method of analysis and has an in-built CAD system for stress analysis and 3-dimensional visualisation of models. A monitoring strategy consisting of displacement, deformation, stress change, ground motion and groundwater level measurements was put in place to record the variations resulting from the pillar extraction. The rock mass response analysis aimed at trending the monitoring results, conducting a comparison to the design parameters and previous pillar collapse trends. Minor stress, strain, and displacement changes have been recorded within a period of one year since the project began with no visible deformation noted on accessible pillars. The current system was identified as including the hazard identification and first-pass monitoring stages. Real-time monitoring systems with a higher sensitivity are required to ensure long-term data retrieval and timeous emergency response. Copyright 2024 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association.

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On the impact of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) - mining sector perspectives

- Zvarivadza, Tawanda, Onifade, Moshood, Dayo-Olupona, Oluwatobi, Said, Khadija, Githiria, Joseph, Genc, Bekir, Celik, Turgay

Authors: Zvarivadza, Tawanda , Onifade, Moshood , Dayo-Olupona, Oluwatobi , Said, Khadija , Githiria, Joseph , Genc, Bekir , Celik, Turgay
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment Vol. 38, no. 10 (2024), p. 771-809
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Description: The application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in industrial systems and other new technological advancements led to the development of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). IIoT can help overcome the shortcomings of the conventional monitoring and control system while enabling enterprises to create a unified monitoring system to automate operations, provide a safe working environment, enforce compliance effectively, and regulate environmental issues. Given the advantages that IoT brings to the forefront, it makes sense that so many mining companies have raised their investment following the implementation of IoT-enabled solutions in their organisations. To increase safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability in mining operations, this article examines the current state of information technology in the mineral industry with an emphasis on the implications and challenges brought on by the technological diversity of various systems and devices used in those activities. The study contributes valuable insights into the integration of IoT technologies in the mining industry, highlighting its potential to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The paper paves the way for future research and development efforts aimed at overcoming the challenges of adopting IIoT in mining operations by identifying gaps and proposing a comprehensive IoT architecture. The innovations of the study are encapsulated in its approach to detailing the application of IoT technologies in enhancing mining operations and the establishment of an overall IIoT architecture suitable for the general operations in the mining industry. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

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Predictive modelling for coal abrasive index : unveiling influential factors through shallow and deep neural networks

- Onifade, Moshood, Lawal, Abiodun, Bada, Samson, Khandelwal, Manoj

Authors: Onifade, Moshood , Lawal, Abiodun , Bada, Samson , Khandelwal, Manoj
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Fuel Vol. 374, no. (2024), p.
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Description: The use of coal in applications such as power generation is influenced by its combustibility, sulphur content, Hardgrove grindability index (HGI), and abrasivity index (AI), including its volatile matter and ash content, etc. Collectively, these properties affect the quality and performance of coal for its intended use. In particular, the abrasive characteristics of coal from both the same and different coal fields pose challenges during milling operations, leading to accelerated wear and tear of machinery within the plant. In this study, the abrasive index (AI) of coal samples from three South African coalfields using the Yancey, Geer, and Price (YGP) method was conducted. A predictive model using artificial intelligence was developed using the AI obtained from individual samples and other characteristics of the coals. A reliable model utilizing Shallow Neural Network (SNN) and Deep Neural Network (DNN) was developed to relate the coal properties to AI across the different coalfields tested. It is noteworthy that the DNN demonstrated superior performance in modeling AI for all three coalfields, with ash content being the most influential factor. The research findings underscore the importance of other coal properties, including volatile matter, fixed carbon, calorific value, and HGI, in forecasting coal AI. Furthermore, it contributed to the knowledge of the use of artificial intelligence, specifically for a diverse range of coal samples collected from various South African coalfields. © 2024 The Author(s)

Prioritising the experimental procedures for Mode I fracture toughness using fuzzy group Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Methods

- Lawal, Abiodun, Ogunsola, Nafiu, Ajeboriogbon, Aminat, Onifade, Moshood, Kwon, Sangki

Authors: Lawal, Abiodun , Ogunsola, Nafiu , Ajeboriogbon, Aminat , Onifade, Moshood , Kwon, Sangki
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Vol. 57, no. 12 (2024), p. 11065-11082
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Description: Mode I fracture toughness is the most common amongst the three fracture modes because of its applications in rocks/materials engineering. There are different experimental methods that are available for its measurements and the selection of the available procedures to be used is usually a difficult task and highly multi criteria in nature. Therefore, this study proposed novel applications of two fuzzy-based multi criteria decision making (MCDM) methods for prioritising the experimental procedures. Thirteen different experimental methods were identified and evaluated under three different criteria by the experts. The weights were computed using both expert-assigned weights to each criterion and the fuzzy intuitionistic entropy measure obtained weights. This study reveals that ISRM-suggested cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc method is the most preferred follow by the semi-circular bend specimen and Brazilian disc method. The Pearson’s correlation between the models is very strong (˃ 0.9), indicating that either of the two proposed approaches is suitable for this purpose. The sensitivity analysis was conducted by generating twenty-one sets of weights and the outcome ranked ISRM-suggested cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc, the most suitable follow by semi-circular bend specimen and Brazilian disc methods. The correlations amongst the MCDM methods for the sensitivity analysis are also very strong as previously observed. This study shows that the proposed models are suitable in prioritising the most appropriate experimental procedures for mode I fracture toughness. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature 2024.

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Recent advances in blockchain technology: prospects, applications and constraints in the minerals industry

- Onifade, Moshood, Adebisi, John, Zvarivadza, Tawanda

Authors: Onifade, Moshood , Adebisi, John , Zvarivadza, Tawanda
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment Vol. 38, no. 7 (2024), p. 497-533
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Description: One of the most important sectors of the world economy is the mining and metals sector. Although, many operational and commercial procedures continue to be ineffective and out-of-date, which results in crucial data omissions, security flaws, and sometimes corruption. Given that the mining industry wants to increase the emphasis on ethical and open mining practices, the industry has been looking for ways to incorporate these practices. It is envisioned that such practices will contribute to the modernisation of supply chains in addition to helping to reduce risks related to sustainability and reputation. The application of blockchain technology in the minerals industry capable of tracking natural resources has been discussed in this study, giving a much-needed layer of transparency of this technology. However, there are a lot of difficulties and problems that come up when thinking about blockchain technology; if it is to advance as an industry standard, stakeholders will need to evaluate the usefulness and scalability of the technology. While blockchain technology can be applied to a wide range of areas in the minerals industry, this study shines more light on the application of this technology to conflict minerals tracking, mineral resources reporting cheating scandals, rock mechanics designs and monitoring strategy, blasting designs and operation, mine ventilation designs and applications, mining machinery maintenance and management, and mining surveying. The study reveals that blockchain technology is starting to be seriously evaluated and used by a variety of stakeholders, even though broad acceptance has not yet been attained. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Towards application of positioning systems in the mining industry

- Onifade, Moshood, Zvarivadza, Tawanda, Adebisi, John

Authors: Onifade, Moshood , Zvarivadza, Tawanda , Adebisi, John
Date: 2024
Type: Text , Journal article
Relation: International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering Vol. 15, no. 1 (2024), p. 15-48
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Description: Positioning and communication systems hold intriguing potentials in the context of the mining industry. The need for safety and environmental precautions in mining has grown clearer for governments and scientists across the world. This is in light of complex and hazardous mining situations which can be tackled by the advancement of science and technology. This paper discusses how positioning systems have enhanced mining operations' safety, productivity and environmental sustainability. The drawbacks of positioning systems in the mining industry are established and analysed by examining the influence this technology has had on the different operations in the mineral industry. The possibility of their utility for precise localisation in situations when no other techniques exist has been carefully evaluated for recent uses of these technologies in the mineral industry. Future study must address a few significant issues and gaps that have been identified. Copyright © 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

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