Informational Articles

A topical task for the secondary and higher schools in the Digital Age is to find innovative methods and approaches in the educational process. The objective of the paper is to present the experience of interaction between the Vernadsky State Geological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences and educational specialists, as well as to discuss further ways to actualize this trend in studying natural sciences in the secondary and higher schools. The museum has created all the necessary conditions to work with the young generation in the new environment, the key factors being a well-developed communication environment and technical facilities, as well as sustainable professional relations with the academic and teaching community of higher educational institutions of mining and geological profile. Specific examples of innovative techniques and methods of work are presented that include research and educational projects and programs, on-line video lectures, teleconferences with participation of the leading scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences, researchers and engineers, work with schoolchildren in the "Club of Young Geologists", participation of its members in a variety of city and national competitions both in real time and on-line. The accumulated experience of using digital technologies in the educational process indicates the prospects of the created developments.

Reserves of the main Russian tungsten deposit, the Primorye Field, are close to depletion. In this connection, the feasibility of resuming the development of the Tyrnyauz tungstenmolybdenum deposit in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic (KBR) has been the subject of discussion for the past decade. According to industry experts, the ore field of this deposit still contains about 50% of the total tungsten reserves of the Russian Federation. However, implementation of the idea will be hindered by a number of both external and internal constraints. The world demand for tungsten and molybdenum is characterized with high volatility. Classical mechanisms to regulate the non-ferrous metals market in Russia are still rudimentary. The production infrastructure at the Tyrnyauz Plant has been completely destroyed, which means high capital costs for the project. The abandoned ore fields disturbed by industrial development have undergone serious changes due to intensive geochemical and gravitational processes. This physical and chemical transformation was caused by internal and external conditions which resulted in formation of migratory and toxic aggregates that had not been manifested at the time of the mine closure. As a result, the natural and man-caused evolution of ores and nonmetallic minerals has caused a significant reduction in the balance reserves of this deposit. The final decision regarding this project should be based on comprehensive understanding the obvious risks, which are impossible to avoid. Thus, if the decision is made to build a new metallurgical enterprise, it will then operate in the new market conditions with more stringent requirements regarding the mining and geological parameters of the deposit. Ore extraction and processing are inherently highly energy intensive processes. It is not an easy task to achieve its high profitability under conditions of constant and unpredictable growth in energy prices. Forecast investments to launch a new mining complex with innovative technology are too high; according to various estimates, they may reach 22-29 billion rubles. The generation of specialists who used to work at the mine before the Perestroyka is gone, and it will take years to create a new highly qualified team.

The paper reviews general information on amber as well as its physical and mechanical properties. A technology of amber mining and processing, its grading by size, shape and colour, segregation on an inclined plane, as well as separation using moving parts of various mechanical equipment are considered. Prospective technologies and methods for classifying amber into grades using friction grading machines are proposed to eliminate existing shortcomings in the technology currently used in production. Taking into account that each amber piece is unique and represents a heterogeneous material, the greatest efficiency can be achieved by combining different grading methods.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the commodity markets and mining industry around the world in different ways. Mining company’s operations have been hit by coronavirus outbreaks and government-mandated production stops. Demand for many commodities remains low. This paper examines the potential long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future commodity demand, mining prospects, as well as tactical and strategic steps by mining companies to overcome the current crisis quickly and effectively.

The article addresses the issues of ensuring safe operation of mining equipment in surface mining. It describes the main factors and situations that pose a high risk to human life and health. The most dangerous incidents are shown to be related to limited visibility and blind spots for operators of mining equipment, which can result in collisions and personnel run over. The main technologies and specific solutions used to design collision avoidance systems are described and their general comparison is provided. A particular focus is placed on monitoring the health of employees at their workplace by means of portable personal devices that promptly inform the dispatcher of emergency situations. General technical requirements are formulated for designing of the system to prevent equipment collisions and personnel run over in surface mining operations. The paper emphasizes the importance of introducing a multifunctional safety system in surface mines in order to minimise the possibility of incidents and accidents throughout the entire production cycle.

Intensive development of the nuclear power generation industry creates the issue of radioactive waste disposal (RAW), which has a negative impact on the environment. Development of uranium deposits using underground mines produces openings, e.g. workings and stopes that can be used as reservoirs for RAW storage. This requires a geomechanical assessment of the condition of mine workings and stopes, evaluation of their total volume, compliance with the requirements for the nuclear waste disposal sites, necessary preparation, as well as evaluation of the limits of existing mining technologies and equipment.

The paper presents the demonstration test results of the XLPD trackmounted low-profile LHD designed by DOK-ING for narrow bedded vein mining (m=1.6-1.8 m). These tests were performed in Mine No.8 of 'PIMCU' PJSC. The demonstration results proved the applicability of this equipment for the conditions of Mine No.8 due to reduced dilution, improved safety of mining operations, decreased volumes of both mined and processed ore keeping the metal production at the same level. The main economic effect of utilizing this complex can be obtained by cutting the metallurgical conversion costs.

After several years of crunch , the oil and gas industry demonstrates signs of revival given the ramping up of U.S. oil and gas production and the sense of optimism that is sweeping the sector. In general, the industry feels much healthier than it did 12 months ago: the price of oil has rebounded. After appearing limited to a range between the mid-$40s and $50 per barrel, Brent crude is now trading above $60. The industry is thus recovering from the brutal last few years of weak prices. The fundamental challenge, of course, is the intrinsic volatility in the sector facing serious problems.

External dumps of PJSC «Mikhailovsky GOK» were formed on a weak watered base which presents the least favourable conditions to ensure their stability. Refuse rock was dumped in the controlled deformation mode. This method can be applied if enough free land is available and the mining equipment makes it possible to locate the dump outside the deformation zone. However, at the present time it does not seem possible to dump the refuse material in this way.

Specific features of the Urals gold deposits at the mature stage of their development are considered in the paper. It presents principal provisions of a long-term project for time-phased implementation of lean operations at the ‘Noviy Kochkar’ Mining and Concentration Complex. A new concept of the strategy to develop gold deposit in the Southern Urals is based on unleashing the resource base potential through application of innovative geotechnologies and securing sustainable development of the company in the present-day context.