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Moving towards deep underground mineral resources: Drivers, challenges and potential solutions

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  • Ghorbani, Yousef
  • Nwaila, Glen T.
  • Zhang, Steven E.
  • Bourdeau, Julie E.
  • Cánovas, Manuel
  • Arzua, Javier
  • Nikadat, Nooraddin

Abstract

Underground mining has historically occurred in surface and near-surface (shallow) mineral deposits. While no universal definition of deep underground mining exists, humanity's need for non-renewable natural resources has inevitably pushed the boundaries of possibility in terms of environmental and technological constraints. Recently, deep underground mining is being extensively developed due to the depletion of shallow mineral deposits. One of the main advantages of deep underground mining is its lower environmental footprint compared to shallow mining. In this paper, we summarise the key factors driving deep underground mining, which include an increasing need for raw materials, exhaustion of shallow mineral deposits, and increasing environmental scrutiny. We examine the challenges associated with deep underground mining, mainly the: environmental, financial, geological, and geotechnical aspects. Furthermore, we explore solutions provided by recent advances in science and technology, such as the integration of mineral processing and mining, and the digital and technological revolution. We further examine the role of legacy data in its ability to bridge current and future practices in the context of deep underground mining.

Suggested Citation

  • Ghorbani, Yousef & Nwaila, Glen T. & Zhang, Steven E. & Bourdeau, Julie E. & Cánovas, Manuel & Arzua, Javier & Nikadat, Nooraddin, 2023. "Moving towards deep underground mineral resources: Drivers, challenges and potential solutions," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:80:y:2023:i:c:s0301420722006651
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2022.103222
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    2. Boris V. Malozyomov & Vladimir Ivanovich Golik & Vladimir Brigida & Vladislav V. Kukartsev & Yadviga A. Tynchenko & Andrey A. Boyko & Sergey V. Tynchenko, 2023. "Substantiation of Drilling Parameters for Undermined Drainage Boreholes for Increasing Methane Production from Unconventional Coal-Gas Collectors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-16, May.
    3. Ivan Stevovic & Jovana Jovanovic & Sabahudin Hadrovic, 2023. "Sustainable Economy Of Non Renewable Resources And Conflict With Environment," Annals - Economy Series, Constantin Brancusi University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 3, pages 119-126, June.
    4. Chipangamate, Nelson S. & Nwaila, Glen T. & Bourdeau, Julie E. & Zhang, Steven E., 2023. "Integration of stakeholder engagement practices in pursuit of social licence to operate in a modernising mining industry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    5. Yujin Ran & Jia Peng & Xiaolin Tian & Dengyun Luo & Jie Zhao & Peng Pei, 2024. "Technologies for Heat Hazard Governance and Thermal Energy Recovery in Deep Mines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-18, March.

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