Information management - the need of modern mining industry

In the present era of computerisation, the technology vision ranges from real time data access for improving decision-making, to robotic mining. The ultimate vision of technology is the fully automated mine. When communicated to an end-user, the in-real-time information can provide accurate and timely answers to questions of how much, where, when, and by whom about an activity. This capability forms the foundation of a more comprehensive, proactive management and planning facility where, ultimately information acquired from the production equipment will be used to optimize and control machine and human activities. As these technologies mature and become essential tools in a mine, they will eventually serve as the bases for more robotic and autonomous mining operations. The main problem, presently faced by mine management, is that how to acquire the in-real-time data; filter the relevant information from these data; implement an appropriate decision within a desired period to optimize the mine productivity and safety. Application of information technology is needed to perform these tasks. This paper justifies the need of information technology (IT) in mining industry, infrastructure requirement and procedure to develop an information management system. It also highlights some suggestions to maintain and improve the information management system. It is elaborated that how to acquire the information about a system, how to send the information for implementing the decisions to control the operations. It is suggested that a comprehensive model of the system should be developed for real-time optimisation of mining organization and planning and scheduling of operations should be done for short-term development of mining property so that full advantage of IT management can be entertained. Issues related to information, business, vendors and organization are discussed to maintain and improve an efficient IT management

Selection of a Techno-Economically Optimum Roof Bolting System for Development Roadways of Indian Underground Coal Mines. A Scientific Approach

Roof bolting is the primary method of rood support in the freshly exposed roof in Indian coal mines. This practice has rapidly gained prominence in stature as a primary ingredient of roof management scheme in place of traditional timber/steel supports because of its economic and socio-ecological considerations. The timber availability has become scarce and it is also highly costly. Conventional steel supports are very costly and less manoeuvrable. Thus, roof bolting is a leading roof controlling system. A study was conducted in Indian coal mines regarding roof bolting as a major reinforcing measure. The objectives of this study were to formulate a nomogram and develop a computer software for the selection of an optimum roof bolting system for bord-and pillar development roadways of Indian underground coal mines. In this paper, formulation of nomogram is briefly explained and use of software in a case study is discussed

Impact of sandstone quarrying on the catchment area of balsamand-lake in jodhpur city, India

Scarcity of drinking water is one of the major problems in the sun-city Jodhpur, Many lakes situated in the outskirts of Jodhpur have been serving water to this city for several years. But the existence of these ancient reservoirs is being endangered due to unplanned and injudicious sandstone quarrying within their catchment area. The quarrying activities are continuously changing the land-profile. Hence, the direction of slope of the catchments area of these reservoirs is also being disturbed by large mined out pits and waste dumps. A huge amount of rainwater gets logged in these giant pits instead of feeding the reservoirs named Balsamand, kayalana, kaliberi, etc. As a result of this, these water reservoirs dry up after every two to three years. Day by day severity of this problem is increasing due to increase in quarrying activities in the catchments area. The type of topography that has resulted after quarrying leads to the process of devegetation. This phenomenon increases the hot plate effect in the eco-system leading to the hydrological imbalance. Therefore, it is essential to study how the water resources of the area can be protected if not improved by doing the planned quarrying operation. This paper highlights a case study conducted in the catchment area of Balsamand lake, which is 11km far from Jodhpur city. The objective of the study was to determine the extent of impact of mining activities on natural drainage system, so that suitable measures may be taken within time to restore the natural drainage pattern of the lake. Further recommendations are given to restore the natural drainage system and reduce the water logging in pits