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The basic principles for the design of the parameters of the shooting techniques are: the exact definition of the technical and economic objectives and especially those related to the granulometry of the demolished material, knowledge of the characteristics of the rock massif (degree of cracking and local fracturing, compressive and tensile strength of the rocks, the degree of homogeneity and their compactness), knowing in detail the possibility of executing the firing holes for loading and crushing the demolished material, knowing the explosive used and its behavior in the concrete conditions of the quarry, specifying the restrictions imposed by the protection of the environment (distances from the surrounding objectives, the maximum accepted levels of vibrations, noises, dust). In order for all these principles to be fulfilled, there are methods of designing and executing the drilling and shooting works so that the results of the shooting works are those expected in conjunction with a rational exploitation in safe conditions. The paper presents a case study where the design and execution of drilling and blasting parameters was successfully applied using modern equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addressed the need for a more comprehensive inventory of pit and quarry operations in Tetouan province and M’diq-Fnideq prefecture. It employed a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach, integrating various spatial remote sensing (RS) and field data to identify suitable areas for extracting alluvial, rocky, and clay materials. The used data includes quarry inventory, geological information, hydrographic networks, slope, and land use. The finding revealed 72 quarries and assessed their suitability for resource extraction. Alluvial deposits, approximately 127 million m³, were identified mainly in the primary wadis (river valley), including Oued Laou, Oued Amsa, Oued Mhajrate, and Oued Khemis. Massive rock deposits, consisting of limestone and sandstone, were estimated at 3.4 billion m³ . Clay deposits, suitable for various industrial applications, were also identified in significant quantities. In addition to confirming potential quarry deposits, our field surveys indicate that exploitation activities contribute to deforestation, and quarry waste often invades agricultural lands and forests. This information can facilitate sustainable resource management, environmental conservation, and informed policy and planning. The results highlighted the economic significance of geological resources in the study areas, contributing to various industries. Furthermore, by examining the relationship between quarries and the environment, including hydrographic networks, the study provides insights into eco-friendly quarrying practices. This methodology is expected to offer valuable insights into geological resources, guide sustainable resource management, and inform decision-making processes for regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Quarrying has become an important socio-economic activity in many societies as it provides several services for human well-being. Weija Hills at the Ga South Municipality in Ghana has been witnessing quarrying activities at various sections of the hills causing a series of environmental problems. The study examined the changes that have occurred in the geological structure of the Weija Hills and its environmental hazards. The study employed the mixed method approach following the exploratory sequential research design. The primary data were collected directly from field observation during which much data was gathered including photographs. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used for elevation changes between 2007 and 2014. The Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) was used for slope stability analysis. The study found that the Weija Hills's local geology is still stable. However, serious environmental problems such as erosion taking place and large quantities of weathered and eroded sediments being carried downslope any time it rains blocking the Mallam-Kasoa Highway making it risky for road users. We recommended that the Minerals Commission and other stakeholders should collaborate and reclaim the land.

Purpose. To determine the safe parameters of the recreational zones created in the residual space of the quarry taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of waste rocks in a watered state. Methodology. The Bishop Simplified Method is used to determine the influence of the irrigation level of the residual quarry space on the stability of the embankment from different types of mining rocks when creating a recreational area during reclamation works. Findings. The safe parameters of recreational areas during their construction in the watered residual space of the quarry were established taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of embankments made of sand, loam, and crushed rock by determining the stability of their slopes. The obtained results are necessary for the implementation of project works on the development of technological schemes for the reclamation of the residual spaces of construction materials quarry for the recreational direction of post-mining. Originality. The influence of the height of the rock embankment formation on the stable angle of inclination of the watered slope was established, which allowed determining that with an increase in the aggregates embankment height from 20 to 80 m, the safe angle of the slope will decrease from 46 to 26°. It was determined that the lowest FOS indicator is 0.57 when using sand rocks for an embankment height of 80 m at a water content of 40 %. It was established that with partial flooding of the rock embankment by 45–50 % for sandy, loamy and rocky rocks, there is a significant decrease in the coefficient of the reserve of stability by 1.4– 1.5 times, in contrast to the absence of water or complete flooding, which confirms the negative impact of partial flooding of embankments and reducing the stability of their slopes. Practical value. It was determined that when forming an embankment 20 m high from loamy rocks, the volume of reclamation works will be 1.34 times less compared to sandy rocks, but 1.02 times larger than rocky rocks. When the height of the embankment increases to 80 m, the volume of reclamation works when replacing loam with sand will increase to 1.87 and 1.12 times when using crushed stone. However, taking into account the market value of materials, when using loam, the cost of construction will decrease by 2.5 times compared to sandy rocks and 3.2 times – to crushed stone, with an embankment height of 20 m. When the embankment height increases to 80 m, the cost of materials will increase by 3.5 and 3.8 times when loamy rocks are replaced by sand or crushed stone, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultural and architectural significance of stone becomes evident as one traces its journey from quarry to monument. Located in southeastern Türkiye, Mardin City presents an urban landscape characterized by stone-built heritage. This transforms Mardin into an open-air museum where the final stone products are exhibited. In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the present study explores the geological, physical, mechanical, mineralogical, petrographic, and chemical properties of the Mardin Stone through the samples collected from the Artuklu, Midyat and Savur districts of Mardin. The Mardin Stone is represented by two different types of limestone deposited during the Cretaceous-Eocene period, categorized as fossiliferous micritic limestone and micritic limestone. The physicomechanical and thermal characteristics suggest that the samples collected from the Artuklu district exhibit better engineering properties than those from the Midyat and Savur districts. The study mapped ancient and modern quarries, illustrating the significance of the stone extraction and crafting techniques used to produce the Mardin Stone. Additionally, it emphasized the ongoing use of stone in contemporary structures, its vital role in heritage conservation, and its export to various countries, notably for use in the Syriac diaspora churches. The evaluations demonstrate that the Mardin Stone, with its diverse architectural applications and symbolic element of the collective memory, meets the essential standards and criteria of the International Union of Geological Sciences-Heritage Stone Subcommission (IUGS-HSS) as a potential candidate for designation as Heritage Stone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lot of evidence that people used stone in the construction of buildings, as well as for other purposes in the municipality of Livno throughout history, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. Ever since the Bronze and Iron Ages, and through the Roman, medieval and Turkish periods, stone has been the main building material in these regions. In recent times, two dimension stone quarries have been opened on the territory of the municipality of Livno, one in the locality of Pogledala, east of the city, and the other in the locality of Kik, located between the Kamešnica and Dinara mountains. Both quarries were opened in massive limestones of Upper Cretaceous age. High-quality limestone with the commercial name "Silit light" is being exploited at the Pogledala quarry, and at the Kik site exploitation has been interrupted, but there is a great possibility of its continuation.

Introduction: The research is aimed to identify the vulnerable areas of quarry slopes through the creation of a stress-strain state model for the rock mass at the Vostochny quarry, East Saryoba field of the Zhi-landy Group of cupriferous sandstones, as well as their subsequent strengthening. Methods: The research is based on the development of a database containing information on mining-geological, geophysical, geodetic and aerospace surveys. The authors of the research use modern geodetic, aerospace and geophysical technologies for scientifically based predicting of technogenic disasters and the rock mass stress-strain state modeling to ensure safe and optimal mining of fields in difficult mining-geological conditions. Results: The results obtained show that the strengthening of weakened quarry slopes based on the rock mass stress-strain state modeling contributes to the scientific-practical profitability of field mining and provides safe mining in difficult mining-geological conditions. Discussion: Novelty is in the scientific substantiation of the method for strengthening quarry slopes, which is based on the rock mass stress-strain state modeling. The research is of great practical importance, as the rock mass stressstrain state modeling increases the reliability of predicting the rock mass state during its mining. Strengthening of quarry slopes using the proposed method reduces risks and increases safety and economic efficiency of mining the solid mineral deposits in difficult mining-geological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a transport planning model which applies a simulation to support decision-making in quarry operations. The analysis of the transport system was used as input for creating the model and the subsequent research. There are five loading points in the quarry from which, according to the plan, the quarry stone is transported to the crusher, where it proceeds for further processing. The required daily capacity of the downstream technological line is 3800 t/day. Based on the analysis, it was found that it was impossible to fulfill this requirement from the two loading points which were the furthest from the unloading point. For this reason, two simulation models of the transport system were created. The first simulation model is a transport system (loading, removal and dumping of quarry stone) from one loading point. Simulation experiments were performed on this model for all loading points. The findings from the analysis confirmed the results of the simulation experiments. Subsequently, a model of the combined quarry stone removal from two loading points was proposed. The model was designed for two variants of dividing the work shift into two work sections. In the model, which had a tabular form, the combinations of loading points and values of the minimum number of unloaded cars for stone removal were suitable to ensure its necessary daily capacity. The last part of this research was expanding the original model with an additional loading point. Several experiments were performed on this model. The aim of these experiments was to verify the combinations of loading points presented in the proposed model and the combinations of unsatisfactory loading points. Based on the research results, the transport planning model and simulation models are suitable additional tools for the decision-making process in removing quarry stone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lot of evidence that people used stone in the construction of buildings, as well as for other purposes in the municipality of Livno throughout history, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. Ever since the Bronze and Iron Ages, and through the Roman, medieval and Turkish periods, stone has been the main building material in these regions. In recent times, two dimension stone quarries have been opened on the territory of the municipality of Livno, one in the locality of Pogledala, east of the city, and the other in the locality of Kik, located between the Kamešnica and Dinara mountains. Both quarries were opened in massive limestones of Upper Cretaceous age. High-quality limestone with the commercial name "Silit light" is being exploited at the Pogledala quarry, and at the Kik site exploitation has been interrupted, but there is a great possibility of its continuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To develop an environmentally friendly technology for drilling and blasting operations in quarries that will ensure effective degassing and dust suppression during mass explosions by using a natural humate reagent in internal and external hydro-filling. Methodology. The study used a set of research methods: analytical – to establish the main technical and economic indicators that affect the cost of drilling and blasting operations; technical and economic analysis – to establish the relationship between the cost of operations, air pollution after massive explosions and types of hydro-fillings and concentrations of humate reagent. Findings. The paper presents the results of pilot tests of the effectiveness of applying the humate reagent in the preliminary humidification of blocks and its use in internal and external hydro-filling, which leads to a significant reduction in dust formation and degassing of mass explosions. During the period of production research from 2017 to 2021, the environmental efficiency of the use of internal and external hydro-filling with the use of humate reagent TU U 20.5-43384697-001:2020 was confirmed at the enterprises of the Metinvest Holding: PJSC Inhulets Mining and Processing Plant, Pivnichnyi Mining and Processing Plant, Tsentralnyi Mining and Processing Plant, as well as ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, JSC Pivdennyi Mining and Processing Plant and Rudomain LLC. When using an aqueous solution of humate reagent with a concentration of 3 % in internal and external hydrofilling, the environmental effect involves on average: dust suppression – 54 %; neutralization of carbon monoxide – 62 %; neutralization of nitrogen oxides – 55 %. The results of industrial tests have confirmed scientific hypotheses regarding the processes of binding dust particles in the dust and gas cloud, as well as the effect of neutralizing explosive gases. Originality. Dependences of the concentration of humate reagent in internal and external hydro-filling and binding of dust particles during mass explosions with environmental efficiency in terms of dust and gas suppression were established. Industrial research will allow confirming the scientific hypothesis about the neutralization of CO by a humate reagent in mass explosions, which is based on the Langmuir theory. Practical value. An eco-oriented technology of drilling and blasting operations in quarries has been developed which is based on using humate reagents in internal and external hydro-filling and allows industrial enterprises using massive explosions to reduce dust, carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to the development of geodetic methods and equipment, there has been a transition from conventional methods to modern technologies, which can efficiently and accurately acquire a large amount of data in a short time without the need for direct contact with the measured object. Combined technologies such as Structure from Motion (SfM), Multi-View Stereo (MVS) photogrammetry using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) are often used for monitoring geohazards and documenting objects in quarries to obtain detailed and accurate information about their condition and changes. This article deals with the analysis of point clouds obtained with different settings in terms of average absolute point distance, average point density, and time range for surveying and office work. The numerical and graphical results of the research lead to conclusions for scientific and practical applications for activities in the mining industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining industry is highly important in the economy of each country. At the same time, the mining industry is an industry with a high level of morbidity among workers. Quarry workers are often exposed to hazardous environments, while at the same time a low level of process safety organization. This study aims to develop a mathematical description of modelling the values of harmful factors in the production environment at the workplaces of quarry workers, which will help ensure high-quality engineering control during the work shift. The initial statistical data for the development of mathematical models were obtained directly by the authors through personal observations of the technological process and measurements of the level of harmful factors in the working environment. Measurements were taken using portable digital devices. To develop mathematical description based on accumulated statistical data, polynomial regression was used. The construction of models using polynomial regression is based on the property of functional dependencies, which can be formulated as follows: with a gradual increase in the complexity of the model (polynomial degree), the magnitude of errors (approximation error, forecast error) monotonically decreases. As a result, fourth-order polynomial equations were obtained to model the values of dust concentration and noise level at certain time intervals of the work shift. The correlation coefficient of these models is R = 0.98 and R = 0.99, and the relative error is 9.76% and 6.11% of dust concentration and noise level respectively, which indicates sufficient accuracy of the model. It was established that the studied harmful factors during a normal production process, have a level of impact at which early forms of occupational diseases develop. The proposed mathematical description of modelling the values of these factors makes it possible for high-quality engineering control over current technology processes in order to avoid abnormal excesses of the values. Further research, according to the authors, should be aimed at identifying and mathematically describing other potentially harmful and dangerous factors in the working environment. The originality of the current study lies in the fact that an attempt was made to propose a non-classical approach to quickly identify deteriorating working conditions directly in the work process using mathematical modelling.

A new archaeological research project analyses the history of Isla del Fraile (Águilas, Spain), a small island off the coast occupied since at least Roman times. Its isolation means that the sea has always conditioned its connectivity and relationship with land. Despite some underwater studies carried out in previous decades, its underwater surroundings, El Hornillo Bay, continue to be relatively unexplored. In parallel to the excavation work on the island's surface, an underwater survey was carried out in the area, which is known for its archaeological wealth. The objectives of this paper are to study the underwater contexts associated with the archaeological site, to determine whether there were any ports or anchorages and to analyse the phases of greatest activity in the bay between Antiquity and the Modern Age. New data are provided, and earlier finds, either previously unpublished or from private donations, are also reviewed. The findings are discussed and related to their local and interregional contexts. The main purpose is to offer a new contribution to the study of the maritime cultural landscape of the Western Mediterranean through a region underrepresented by research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quarrying has great importance for economic development and, at the same time, can have several adverse environmental impacts; specifically, it may have a significant influence on water resources. There are approximately 4000 quarries in Italy, and knowledge of their potential impact on water resources is limited. To this end, a procedure for categorizing Italian quarries was devised by combining the methods of Geographic Information Systems and Multi-Criteria Decision Aiding, selecting the potentially impactful criteria, and parametrizing the latter through the available databases. Using the ELECTRE models (ELECTRE TRI and ELECTRE III), the impact category of each quarry was assessed separately for surface water and groundwater and then the overall impact on water resources was assessed. The simulations were carried out by varying the weights of the various selected criteria, which allowed the grouping of Italian quarries into five categories with increasing potential impact on water resources. The ranking of quarries falling into the two highest-impact categories was further refined using ascending and descending distillations. The categorization can be interpreted as a first national assessment of the sustainability of quarrying activities with reference to water resources. The methodological approach of the study proved to be appropriate for the quarry-sorting and -ranking processes, lending itself to the introduction of other criteria and weights, including those arising from the participation of different stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of soils on loamy deposits during the primary succession of vegetation after biological reclamation of a technogenically disturbed area (quarry) in the middle taiga subzone of the northeast of European Russia (Komi Republic) is considered. The planting of Picea obovata on the reclaimed area activates the formation of the tree layer and helps to accelerate pedogenetic processes. In drained conditions, by the beginning of the third decade of succession, litter horizons were formed, soil bulk density in the upper mineral horizons decreased, and a tendency towards redistribution and differentiation of the clay fraction and iron and aluminum compounds in the soil profile was noted. The latter may indicate the beginning of eluviation. The heterogeneity of the quarry surface (presence of highs and lows with a height difference of up to 2–6 m) contributes to the redistribution of moisture within the quarry and the appearance of areas with surface waterlogging. Under these conditions, the role of conservation of organic residues (peat formation) is enhanced, and gleyzation processes are activated. With an increase in the degree of surface waterlogging of soils, the soil acidity and the stocks of soil carbon and nitrogen increase, which is typical for an analogous series of background soils. The calculated rate of organic carbon accumulation in the soil layer of 0–20 cm in drained soils of the quarry is about 0.4 t/ha per year. In the waterlogged soils, it increases to 1.0–1.2 t/ha per year. The stocks of organic carbon in the upper 20 cm of the profile of young soils remain two–four times lower in comparison with the background native soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to rapidly and accurately delineate open-pit granite mining areas is pivotal for effective production planning and environmental impact assessment. Over the years, advancements in remote sensing techniques, including the utilization of satellite imagery, LiDAR technology and unmanned aerial vehicles, have revolutionized the way mining areas are monitored and managed. Simultaneously, in the context of the open-pit mining area extraction task, deep learning-based automatic recognition is gradually replacing manual visual interpretation. Leveraging the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for real-time, low-risk remote sensing, this study employs UAV-derived orthophotos for mining area extraction. Central to the proposed approach is the novel Gather–Injection–Perception (GIP) module, designed to overcome the information loss typically associated with conventional feature pyramid modules during feature fusion. The GIP module effectively enriches semantic features, addressing a crucial information limitation in existing methodologies. Furthermore, the network introduces the Boundary Perception (BP) module, uniquely tailored to tackle the challenges of blurred boundaries and imprecise localization in mining areas. This module capitalizes on attention mechanisms to accentuate critical high-frequency boundary details in the feature map and synergistically utilizes both high- and low-dimensional feature map data for deep supervised learning. The suggested method demonstrates its superiority in a series of comparative experiments on a specially assembled dataset of research area images. The results are compelling, with the proposed approach achieving 90.67% precision, 92.00% recall, 91.33% F1-score, and 84.04% IoU. These figures not only underscore the effectiveness of suggested model in enhancing the extraction of open-pit granite mining areas but also provides a new idea for the subsequent application of UAV data in the mining scene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests restored passively or by tree planting can take many decades to be recolonized by native forest understory plant species, if at all. Our study tested (1) the ability of forest topsoil transfer to accelerate the recovery of native forest plant communities in post‐agricultural reforestation sites after tree‐planting and without previous topsoil removal and (2) the effect of adding combinations of woody debris (WD), shrub plantings, and shade shelters (SS) on top of the transferred topsoil. Five 12.5 × 10 m treatment blocks were established in each of three recipient sites, which included two post‐agricultural reforestation sites, and one abandoned gravel pit site. Each treatment blocks received forest topsoil and a combination of additional treatments. Treatment and control plots were sampled for all vascular species in spring and summer. Native forest plant species richness in topsoil recipient plots was similar (p > 0.05) to that of mature donor forest sites, and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of passive control plots in the recipient sites. The plant community composition of all topsoil recipient plots had also become more like the donor forests and less like recipient site controls. Only the unplanted gravel pit‐site increased in non‐native ruderal plant species after topsoil transfer. The addition of WD, shrub plantings, or SS had no significant effect after two growing seasons. We recommend that topsoil should when possible be added where trees have already been planted, allowing for shorter time to canopy closure and thereby higher survival of shade‐adapted understory species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is fascinating to observe the potential hazards associated with mining and quarrying activities, despite the limited number of comprehensive studies conducted in Algeria to evaluate their environmental impact. This particular investigation focuses on El M'cif quarry in Chekfa, located within the Nil watershed in Jijel, a region situated in the North‐East of Algeria. The primary objective is to assess the concentrations of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd) in surface water, groundwater, stream sediments, and soil. Consequently, a suite of petrographic and geochemical analyses is undertaken to discern the origins of these heavy metals. Employing statistical methodologies, notably the Geo‐accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Index (PI+PI), and Ecological Risk Assessment (ER), this study is further fortified to quantify the levels of hazardous contaminants. The findings reveal that the concentrations of Cd and Pb in surface water are recorded at 22 and 654.3 μg/L, respectively, surpassing both Algerian and WHO standards. Meanwhile, the heavy metal concentrations in stream sediments are ranked in the order of Zn > Cu > Cd, with respectively mean concentrations of 1085.30, 14.60, and 1.49 (mg/kg). The mean concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu in soil are measured respectively at 219.78, 128.86, 20.76, and 2.42 (mg/kg). Based on the statistical methods such as I‐geo, PI, IPI, and RI, the research reveals that the sediments of the Aftis River are uncontaminated by Cu, moderately to heavily contaminated with Zn and heavily contaminated by Cd. Besides the soil samples which are found to be extremely contaminated with Cd, moderately contaminated with Pb, and uncontaminated with Cu and Zn. Additionally, the X‐ray fluorescence analysis reveals that the limestone extracted from the quarry contains 0.7% cadmium, suggesting that the quarry could potentially contribute to cadmium contamination. The surrounding rocks exhibit significant concentrations of iron, lead, and zinc. Therefore, the elevated levels of these heavy metals can primarily be attributed to geological factors rather than human activities, highlighting the combined influence of the extractive industry and the geological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on addressing the complexity inherent in various amplitude components of blast-induced ground vibration (BIGV), encompassing vertical, radial, transversal, and the vectoral sum of PPVs of particle velocity. It takes into account their nonlinearity across diverse quarry environments, and aims to present an enhanced nonlinear intelligent system for accurate prediction of these components. Multiple artificial intelligence models were explored and developed for this purpose, including a support vector machine (SVM), an adaptive neural network based on the fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and a novel hybrid model that combines earthworm optimisation (EO) and ANFIS (EO-ANFIS). The study also leverages the empirical model offered by the United States Bureau of Mines. The outcomes highlighted that the predictions of the three individual components prove to be more accurate compared to the vectoral sum of PPVs of particle velocity. However, the latter remains a valuable metric for evaluating the magnitude of BIGV in open-pit mines. Notably, the hybrid EO-ANFIS model emerges as the most accurate, achieving an impressive ~ 75% accuracy across 10 quarries characterised by distinct geological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The research is aimed to identify the vulnerable areas of quarry slopes through the creation of a stress-strain state model for the rock mass at the Vostochny quarry, East Saryoba field of the Zhi-landy Group of cupriferous sandstones, as well as their subsequent strengthening.Methods: The research is based on the development of a database containing information on mining-geological, geophysical, geodetic and aerospace surveys. The authors of the research use modern geodetic, aerospace and geophysical technologies for scientifically based predicting of technogenic disasters and the rock mass stress-strain state modeling to ensure safe and optimal mining of fields in difficult mining-geological conditions.Results: The results obtained show that the strengthening of weakened quarry slopes based on the rock mass stress-strain state modeling contributes to the scientific-practical profitability of field mining and provides safe mining in difficult mining-geological conditions.Discussion: Novelty is in the scientific substantiation of the method for strengthening quarry slopes, which is based on the rock mass stress-strain state modeling. The research is of great practical importance, as the rock mass stress-strain state modeling increases the reliability of predicting the rock mass state during its mining. Strengthening of quarry slopes using the proposed method reduces risks and increases safety and economic efficiency of mining the solid mineral deposits in difficult mining-geological conditions.

As more companies start disclosing environmental, social, & governance (ESG) information, a holistic understanding of environmental impact is needed to provide transparency on the different concerns of stakeholders from different backgrounds. The extraction industries are poised to play a pivotal role in providing key environmental information to downstream organizations. However, these industries face unique environmental challenges, making it difficult to identify what is significant to disclose. This article explores significant environmental impacts within the quarrying sector, from a lifecycle perspective. Quarries, where mechanical extraction and processing for rock products (including aggregates and ornamental stone) occur, are integral for infrastructure projects worldwide. To identify significant environmental aspects that should be considered in comprehensive environmental assessment for quarry stakeholders, a systematic literature review is conducted with in-depth content analysis. This reveals potential significant environmental impacts, trends, and crucial knowledge gaps. Nine relevant environmental aspects are found across six lifecycle stages for quarries. Notably, differences in environmental concepts are observed. To help overcome some conceptual barriers and improve understanding at a holistic level, environmental aspects are mapped to endpoint impacts where notable damages can occur. The findings suggest more harmonization of significance assessment for environmental impacts is needed to facilitate cross-disciplinary discourse. Waste management and transport emerge as key areas that demand increased attention. Additionally, future research efforts should focus on exploring ways to reduce environmental impact in quarries.

The marble sector observes a diversity of articles that abundantly report the problems of low efficiencies, technological outdatedness, hygiene and occupational health, as well as negative externalities with an impact on society and ecosystems. However, there are no studies from its supply chain that report the productive dynamics of this sector. This article supported by a Scope Review for the period 2006-2024 describes the productive dynamics and proposes to respond to the practical implications that impact low productivity and negative socio-environmental externalities of the marble industry of La Laguna and the mixteca poblana region in Mexico from its actors in the supply chain. The findings fill an information gap regarding the relationship between the economic actors in the supply chain of this industry in Mexico, and highlight that the practical implications of leading this industry towards a sustainable company require the provision of technological tools for the extraction and work of the mineral from its quarry, which is strengthened by the ability and skill of the worker during the performance of their activities.

Air pollution is a serious problem in the world, and it is necessary to monitor air pollution emission sources in other neighboring countries to respond to the problem of air pollution spreading across borders. In this study, we utilized domestic and international optical images from KOMPSAT-3/3A satellites to build an AI training dataset for classifying industrial parks and quarries, which are representative sources of air pollution emissions. The data can be used to identify the distribution of air pollution emission sources located at home and abroad along with various state-of-the-art models in the image segmentation field, and is expected to contribute to the preservation of Korea’s air environment as a basis for establishing air-related policies.

The scientific publication highlights the results of research on determining the parameters of stability of quartz sand slope. According to the analysis of previous studies, it was found that in the vast majority of cases, methods for calculating slope stability are based on a model of a boundary-stress environment using graphical construction methods, application software packages for calculating slope stability, and numerical methods. For the conditions of development of the Sykhiv quartz sand deposit, the stability of the working slope was calculated using graphical methods and the Rocscience Slide software package, and a comparative analysis of sliding surfaces was carried out. Using graphical construction methods (classical and simplified), based on the strength criterion of the Coulomb-Mor rock mass, and Autodesk AutoCAD, circular-cylindrical sliding surfaces of possible displacement on the working slope of the quartz sands of the Sykhivske deposit were determined and all the necessary parameters of its stability were determined. The sliding surfaces, graphical and calculated parameters of both methods were identical. The slope stability parameters were determined in the Rocscience Slide software package using the Slide 6 programme. Mohr-Coulomb was chosen as the strength criterion, and Bishop, Janbu and Spencer were used as the analysis methods. For each method, the following were determined: the global minimum sliding surface and the contours of the minimum stability factor; the minimum stability factor surface generated at each point of the grid; all possible sliding surfaces; and sliding surfaces for stability factor values from 0.5 to 1.3 (the standard value). The results of calculations show that when using the Janbu method, the quartz sand slope is more dangerous than when using the Bishop and Spencer methods (by about 4...6 % according to the given indicators of slope stability). Compared to the classical method of graphical construction, which is currently normative, the values obtained in Slide for all selected methods of analysis differ significantly in the direction of higher danger, especially in terms of global minimum.

Tuberculosis occurs commonly in silicosis and is difficult to diagnose. We are presenting four cases of silicotuberculosis. The first three cases of silicotuberculosis have occupational risk factors such as borewell driller, construction sites, and quarry presented with silicotuberculosis clinic radiological features with negative sputum acid-fast bacilli and positive results for tuberculosis obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage samples. The last case developed silicosis due to inhalational burned sugarcane crops. Antituberculosis therapy started after microbiological confirmation for tuberculosis. Hence, a vigorous search of tuberculosis in silicosis patients is highly warranted.

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Purpose. To determine the efficiency of the cyclic flow technology at the development of non-ore deposits depending on the location of haulage level, mobile crushing and sorting plants with variable productivity of the enterprise. Methodology. The research implemented the following methods: analytical method – to establish the dependence of the required number of dump trucks at the enterprise on the depth of non-ore quarry development at a given annual productivity; simulation modelling – to determine the influence of the mining depth of a non-ore quarry on the haulage distance of mining mass to the surface of the quarry. Findings. The performance indicators of the haulage system for the development of a non-ore quarry using dump trucks and conveyor transport in combination with a mobile crushing complex, as well as a mobile crushing and sorting plant on the haulage level, were determined. It was established that the use of cyclic flow technology with a mobile crushing complex on the haulage level allows reducing the haulage distance by 1.9 times at a quarry depth of 150 m. Originality. The dependence of the dump trucks productivity and their required number on the depth and production capacity of a non-ore quarry when using the haulage mining system was established. It was determined that an increase in the quarry depth from 50 to 150 m will lead to an increase in the number of dump trucks by 2.6 to 3.6 times, depending on the quarry productivity. At the same time, the use of cyclic flow technology with a mobile crushing complex in the quarry allows increasing the productiv)ity of dump trucks by 2.1 times from 94.1 to 197.6 thousand tons/year due to the reduction of the haulage distance of dump trucks from 2525 to 575 m. Practical value. A methodology for determining the impact of the quarry depth on the parameters of the mining haulage com)plex has been developed when using the technique of cyclic and current action on non-ore raw material quarries, which takes into account the location of the mobile crushing and sorting plant, changes in the depth and annual productivity of the quarry, its area and parameters of the trenches. The indicators of the cyclical-flow mining technology, necessary for the further technical and economic assessment of the proposed solutions, have been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating field models with satellite imagery can provide a comprehensive approach to analyzing environmental changes. This can help validate and calibrate satellite data. This analysis examines an open-pit quarry project in relation to Protected Area metrics. The goal is to minimize both environmental impact and investment costs. Satellite imagery from the Copernicus program plays a crucial role in assessing land use and environmental changes, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the quarry's potential effects on surrounding areas. By integrating this data with GIS information, we can effectively visualize and analyze spatial relationships, ensuring that project planning adheres to environmental regulations and minimizes disruptions to local ecosystems. The analysis is conducted using an ArcGIS Pro license from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, specifically through the North University Center of Baia Mare within the Faculty of Engineering. This advanced GIS platform facilitates sophisticated spatial analyses, supporting informed decision-making for sustainable quarry development while safeguarding surrounding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This paper aims to investigate the process of modeling and simulating the mill plant operations with a specific emphasis on the use of AggFlow software. The main purpose is to highlight the importance of modern approaches in to mill plant operation, with a focus on the crucial role of simulation in improving production processes, reducing inefficiencies and optimizing resource use. Methods. The AggFlow software is used to model current operations at a mill plant in Jordan with a specific emphasis on the limestone production in different size fractions. The accuracy of the simulation is verified by carefully comparing it with actual operational data, confirming the AggFlow effectiveness in predictive modeling to enhance mill plant performance. Findings. This study has systematically increased the production rates of mill plant products through thorough analysis while ensuring that the supplying conditions remain consistent. The aim was to increase production efficiency while guaranteeing the marketability of the finished products. The findings provided useful insights into effective operational modifications and strategies for enhancing production rates while maintaining product quality. Originality. This research provides novel insights by integrating actual mill plant operations with sophisticated simulation utilizing AggFlow software. The study confirms the reliability of AggFlow as a tool for predicting models and offers new insights into enhancing production efficiency in mill plant environments. Practical implications. The research results are directly applicable to mill plant operators, providing a realistic method for improving operational efficiency through the use of AggFlow simulation. The research provides practical methods that can be implemented to optimize production rates and maintain consistent product quality in mill plant operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eurasian Physical Technical Journal is the property of E.A. Buketov Karaganda University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zpravoday Hnede Uhli is the property of Brown Coal Research Institute, j.s.c. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Giurgeului Depression has been significantly impacted by human intervention, resulting in numerous scars on the landscape. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan is imperative for the Suseni quarry area to restore its natural features. This initiative, spearheaded by the local council and municipality, collaborates with the Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania's Department of Horticulture and the Babeș-Bolyai University's Faculty of Biology and Geology. They've launched a research scholarship program for students focused on a research and landscape rehabilitation plan tender within Suseni's administrative region. Large scars created by human activities, adjacent to a valuable natural environment, significantly alter the natural landscape features and are detrimental to the visual and ecological relationship systems. Those need urgent rehabilitation. Student projects serves as a potential model for transforming natural landscapes affected by human actions. It aims to teach landscape design through experimental approaches, aligning with modern research-driven design methods for strategic planning. Moreover, it seeks to enhance student projects for practical implementation by local authorities, contributing positively to the area's ecosystem and landscape. Much has already been taken from this landscape, and it is now time to give something back to the area, the local ecosystem, and the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the latter half of the first century BCE, an increased observance of Jewish purity laws is evidenced in Judea, focusing on Jerusalem and the Temple. This is further attested by the flourishing chalk-vessel industry, producing vessels for storage and table use, which according to Halakha did not contract impurity. This article is the final report of the chalkquarry and vessel-production cave complex uncovered on the eastern slope of Mount Scopus, dated by pottery and coins to the first century CE, including a reconstruction of the technology for producing chalk vessels and quantification of vessel types. A few pottery vessels dating to the period between the revolts (70-132 CE) may indicate that chalk vessels continued to be produced in the cave after the First Jewish Revolt. Also included in this report are adjacent quarries, a winepress, water installations and tombs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a transport planning model which applies a simulation to support decision-making in quarry operations. The analysis of the transport system was used as input for creating the model and the subsequent research. There are five loading points in the quarry from which, according to the plan, the quarry stone is transported to the crusher, where it proceeds for further processing. The required daily capacity of the downstream technological line is 3800 t/day. Based on the analysis, it was found that it was impossible to fulfill this requirement from the two loading points which were the furthest from the unloading point. For this reason, two simulation models of the transport system were created. The first simulation model is a transport system (loading, removal and dumping of quarry stone) from one loading point. Simulation experiments were performed on this model for all loading points. The findings from the analysis confirmed the results of the simulation experiments. Subsequently, a model of the combined quarry stone removal from two loading points was proposed. The model was designed for two variants of dividing the work shift into two work sections. In the model, which had a tabular form, the combinations of loading points and values of the minimum number of unloaded cars for stone removal were suitable to ensure its necessary daily capacity. The last part of this research was expanding the original model with an additional loading point. Several experiments were performed on this model. The aim of these experiments was to verify the combinations of loading points presented in the proposed model and the combinations of unsatisfactory loading points. Based on the research results, the transport planning model and simulation models are suitable additional tools for the decision-making process in removing quarry stone.

Background. The development of “artisanal” aquaculture, fish farming, fish cultivation in reservoirs of complex purpose is given great importance, both at the global level, in the Russian Federation and in Penza region. This was facilitated by the presence of numerous ponds and small reservoirs of complex purpose, dispersed throughout the region. However, despite the high growth rates of fish production in the region as a whole, the fishproductivity of the reservoirs used remains quite low. To develop methods for optimal cultivation of aquaculture facilities and rational use of aquatic biological resources, it is necessary to know the real picture of the productivity of the forage base of the reservoirs of the region, taking into account modern climatic changes, since the current standards of fish farming for Penza region are clearly outdated. For these purposes, we have chosen an artificial reservoir that is not subject to direct anthropogenic impact, without representatives of the ichthyofauna. The purpose of this work is to determine the real natural fish productivity in a shallow reservoir on the basis of a natural food base for fish free from representatives of the ichthyofauna. Materials and methods.General observations of the shallow reservoir and its aquatic inhabitants were constantly carried out in 2014–2021. Sampling of zooplankton, zoobenthos, necton, neuston, macrophytes was carried out in the non-freezing period from April to November. The samples were processed in accordance with generally accepted methods. Calculations of fish products were carried out using up-to-date data on P/V coefficients, feed coefficients for individual feed components (taking into account their digestibility). Which are used in scientific research and practical work to determine theconsequences of a negative impact on the state of aquatic biological resources and their habitat. Results.Fish production by the main components actively used by the local ichthyofauna (zooplankton, zoobenthos, necton, neuston) can reach 356–427 kg/ha in May–June. The total fish production, taking into account the potential components of the food base (phytoplankton, macrophytes) consumed by herbivorous cultivated fish, may amount to 427–502 kg/ha, respectively. For comparison, the average natural forage base of eutrophic reservoirs of the region with native ichthyofauna not used by fish for food in the summer period is 135.1 kg/ha, the average total productivity of the reservoir, taking into account thefish living in it, is 508 kg/ha. When carp is grown by one-year-olds, the real natural fish productivity of a shallow reservoir in this zone during the growing season of commercial fish can be 400–500 kg/ha. Conclusions.The results obtained in a shallow reservoir without representatives of the ichthyofauna in terms of natural fish productivity in the forage base in the considered zone indicate the possibility of achieving fish productivity at the level of 400–500 kg/ha during the seasonal period of pond fish cultivation, which is a higher indicator in comparison with the available data for Penza region and data on reservoirs of neighboring regions.

Presentamos un complejo minero dedicado a la extracción del sílex denominado Botorrita-Monegros, demandado en diferentes momentos de la Prehistoria. Para su documentación se programó una prospección a tres escalas: 1) prospección superficial intensiva para acotar las áreas de interés; 2) ortofotografía y MDE de las zonas de mayor potencial mediante RPAS; 3) prospección magnética y georradar, para determinar la estructura del subsuelo. El resultado es la identificación de un complejo de unas 30 ha con restos de minería de transferencia a cielo abierto basada en la excavación de pozos y su ampliación en plataformas, generando modelados superficiales con formas circulares y semicirculares. Las minas reflejan labores sistemáticas, probablemente neolíticas, a cargo de individuos con cierto grado de especialización, que justificarían la dispersión del sílex Botorrita-Monegros por buena parte del valle del Ebro y entorno. ABSTRACT: In this paper we present a new mining complex in the Iberian Peninsula for the supply of flint (Botorrita-Monegros type). The demarcation of exploitation areas and their characteristics has been tackled in a three strategies program: 1) systematic and intense field walking survey of the main exploitation area, 2) photogrammetric drone flight at low altitude to obtain an orthophotograph and a DEM, and 3) geophysical survey (magnetometer and ground-penetrating radar) to obtain a 3-dimensional insight of the subsoil. As a result, we have identified the main exploitation spots in a mining complex that spreads over ca. 30 ha. The morphological evidences are compatible with a systematic surface mining based in the excavation of open-pits that are later on enlarged into platforms that cut the calcareous overburden. The resulting circular or semicircular debris dumps reach 20-25 m in diameter and 2-3 m in depth. These mines reflect systematic carried over time, probably Neolithic, managed by groups of individuals with certain level of specialization. This could explain the broad distribution of flint of the type Botorrita-Monegros in a great part of the Ebro Valley.