Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
57c120df-d2cb-41ef-983a-9d12ac7277df
Materials
Associated ID
ee5e1714-9aad-4601-97ee-7fd9f820664e
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset represents open-pit iron ore mining in China. It includes a life cycle inventory (cradle-to-gate) covering all activities associated with iron ore mining and production, from drilling to iron ore output, but excluding the production of drilling rigs, transport equipment, direct or indirect greenhouse gas emissions from personnel travel, and routine office operations during the mining production process. The dataset is compiled from multiple data sources based on Chinese national standards such as the 'Manual of Production and Emission Coefficients for the Iron Ore Mining and Processing Industry (0810)', 'Emission standard of pollutants for mining and mineral procressing industry (GB 28661-2012)', 'Cleaning production standard Iron ore mining and mineral processing industry', and 'The norm of the energy consumption per unit product of iron ore dressing(GB31337-2014)', and is representative of the average production level of open-pit iron ore mining in China.
Activity Description
This dataset describes open-pit iron ore mining, and the process flow is as follows:
1. Drilling
Drilling is a step in the open-pit mining process used to prepare for blasting. Drilling machines are generally used to drill a series of holes into the ore body, which will then be filled with explosives. The main objective of drilling is to ensure that the blasting effectively fractures the ore, facilitating subsequent loading and transportation. Parameters such as drilling depth, hole spacing, and hole diameter must be designed according to the characteristics of the ore body and the mining plan.
2. Blasting
Blasting is one of the most critical steps in open-pit mining. By filling drilled holes with blasting agents (such as emulsion explosives, nitroglycerin-based explosives, etc.) and then detonating them, the ore is broken into smaller fragments. The effectiveness of blasting directly influences the efficiency of subsequent loading and transportation operations. Blasting operations require strict control of timing, charge quantity, and blasting methods to ensure both uniform fragmentation of the ore and operational safety.
3. Shoveling
Shoveling is the process of loading crushed ore into transportation equipment. This operation is typically carried out using equipment such as excavators and loaders. The efficiency of shoveling directly affects ore transportation and the overall economic viability of the mining process. Shoveling operations must consider factors such as ore distribution, equipment operating range, and efficiency.
4. Transportation
Transportation is the process of moving the excavated ore from the mining area to the processing plant or storage area. Common transportation methods include haul trucks, conveyors, and belt conveyors. The primary objectives during transportation are to ensure the safe and efficient movement of ore, minimizing ore loss and contamination. The selection and layout of transportation equipment must be rationally designed based on factors such as mine topography, ore characteristics, and transportation distance. Drainage
During open-pit mining, rainwater, groundwater, or other liquids often accumulate in the mining area. Therefore, drainage is a crucial component in ensuring smooth mining operations. Drainage systems typically include facilities such as ditches, pump stations, and drainage pipelines, designed to rapidly remove accumulated water from the mining area, preventing equipment damage and ensuring operational safety.
Process Description
Iron ore is the primary raw material for steel production, and steel is one of the core materials for modern industry and infrastructure. China is the world's largest steel producer and has enormous demand for iron ore. However, China's iron ore resources are characterized by low grade and high impurity content, requiring most iron ore to undergo beneficiation before use. Magnetic separation is the main beneficiation technology for iron ore in China, especially suitable for magnetite and vanadium-titanium magnetite. For non-magnetic or weakly magnetic ores such as hematite, limonite, and siderite, a combination of processes including roasting, gravity separation, high-intensity magnetic separation, and flotation is typically required to improve the yield and grade of iron concentrate.
Time period
2022
2026
Geography
China
Geography comment
Forming China's average data by merging multiple provincial datasets
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
Open-pit mining includes processes such as drilling, blasting, loading, transportation, drainage, environmental protection, and road maintenance.