Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
cbef991c-3eba-4d2a-925f-497f20b7bf1c
Materials
Associated ID
c23eda8f-bc7c-4d21-8772-b9406154f444
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset represents the open-pit mining of specular iron ore in China. It includes a life cycle inventory (cradle-to-gate) covering all activities associated with specular iron ore mining and production, from drilling to ore output, but excludes greenhouse gas emissions (direct or indirect) from the production of drilling machines, transport equipment, employee commuting, and daily office operations during the mining production process. The dataset is compiled from multiple data 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 represents the average production level of surface-mined specular hematite ore in China.
Activity Description
This dataset describes open-pit iron ore mining, with the following operational processes:
1. Drilling
Drilling is a step in the open-pit mining process used to prepare for blasting. Drill rigs are generally used to bore a series of holes into the ore body, which will then be filled with explosives. The primary 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 pre-drilled holes with blasting agents (such as emulsion explosives, dynamite, etc.) and then detonating them, the ore is broken into smaller fragments. The effectiveness of blasting directly influences the efficiency of subsequent loading and hauling operations. Blasting operations require strict control of timing, charge quantity, and blasting methods to ensure uniform ore fragmentation and operational safety. Shoveling and loading
Shoveling and loading refers to the process of loading crushed ore into transport equipment. This operation is typically carried out using machinery such as excavators and loaders. The efficiency of shoveling and loading directly affects ore transportation and the overall economic performance of the mining process. Factors such as ore distribution, equipment operating range, and operational efficiency must be considered during shoveling and loading operations.
4. Transportation
Transportation is the process of moving excavated ore from the mining area to a processing plant or storage area. Common transportation methods include haul trucks, conveyor belts, and belt conveyors. The primary objectives during transportation are to ensure the safe and efficient movement of ore, minimizing loss and contamination. The selection and layout of transportation equipment should be rationally designed based on factors such as mine topography, ore characteristics, and transport distance.
5. Drainage
During open-pit mining, large amounts of rainwater, groundwater, or other liquids often accumulate in the mining area. Therefore, drainage is a critical step in ensuring smooth mining operations. Drainage systems typically include facilities such as drainage ditches, pumping stations, and drainage pipelines, designed to rapidly remove accumulated water from the mining area and prevent impacts on equipment and threats to 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 development. Jingtie ore is a variety of hematite, occurring as metallic lustrous, flaky aggregates. It ranges from iron-black to steel-gray in color. Its crystal surfaces exhibit strong luster, glittering like a mirror, hence its name. It commonly contains minute inclusions of magnetite, giving it magnetic properties. Major deposits are found in the Jingtiershan area of Gansu, the Xinyu-type iron-bearing quartzite deposits in Jiangxi, the Huoqiu region of Anhui, the Bayan Obo iron deposit in Inner Mongolia, the Taochong iron mine in Anhui, the Shunfengshan iron mine, the Nanlu iron mine, Fan-chang, Tongling, and the Shuimao Mountain iron mine in Jiangsu.
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.