Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
b16b0a01-6dde-4534-a40f-b9879b0e5c66
Materials
Associated ID
f8e99336-1c66-444e-8189-fee1a9cb06b1
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset represents the life cycle inventory (cradle-to-gate) of iron ore extracted from underground mining in China. It covers all activities related to iron ore mining and production from drilling onwards to the output of iron ore, but excludes the production of drilling rigs, transport equipment, personnel commuting, and direct or indirect greenhouse gas emissions from daily office operations associated with the mining production process. The dataset was developed by consolidating data from multiple sources based on 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 underground iron ore mining in China.
Activity Description
This dataset describes underground iron ore mining in China, with the following process steps:
1. Drilling
Drilling is the process of creating holes in underground ore bodies in preparation for blasting. Drilling machines (such as drill rigs) are used to bore holes in the ore body for loading explosives. The accuracy and efficiency of drilling directly affect the subsequent blasting effectiveness and overall mining performance.
2. Blasting
Blasting involves detonating explosives in the pre-drilled holes to fracture the ore. Through blasting, the ore is broken down into smaller pieces suitable for loading and transportation. Blasting operations require precise control of explosive quantity and detonation timing to ensure uniform ore fragmentation and operational safety.
3. Loading
Loading is the process of loading broken ore into mine trucks or other transportation equipment. Equipment such as loaders and front-end loaders are used for ore loading. The efficiency of loading is crucial to subsequent transportation and mining progress.
4. Transportation
Underground ore transportation is the process of moving loaded ore to hoisting points. Transportation methods include mine cars, electric carts, or belt conveyors. The transportation system must be designed properly to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of ore.
5. Hoisting
Hoisting is the process of transporting underground ore to the surface through a hoisting system. Hoists or lifting equipment are primarily used to raise the ore to the surface. The safety and efficiency of hoisting equipment directly affect the overall mining operations.
6. Ventilation
Ventilation is the process of ensuring air circulation in underground mines to supply fresh air and remove harmful gases. Ventilation systems include fans, ducts, and air regulation devices to ensure a suitable working environment underground.
7. Drainage
Underground mine dewatering is the process of managing accumulated water within the mine, including groundwater and seepage. Equipment such as dewatering pumps and drainage pipelines are used to remove the accumulated water, preventing its impact on mining operations and equipment.
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 huge demand for iron ore. However, China's iron ore resources are characterized by low grade and high impurities, necessitating beneficiation before most of the ore can be used. Magnetic separation is the main beneficiation technology for Chinese iron ore, 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 through data integration from multiple sources
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
The underground iron ore mining process in China includes procedures such as drilling, blasting, loading, transportation, hoisting, ventilation, and drainage.