Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
cdc96e0f-48c0-44a6-9a1e-73bf774c287e
Materials
Associated ID
cb6a31b5-bed3-4c48-aa02-bbe7f76cf2f1
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset represents iron ore from underground mining in Jiangxi. It covers the life cycle inventory (cradle-to-gate) from drilling to iron ore production, encompassing all activities associated with iron ore mining operations, but excluding the production of drilling rigs, transport equipment, employee commuting, and emissions from routine office operations, as well as direct or indirect greenhouse gas emissions arising from these activities. The dataset was 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 is representative of the average production level of iron ore mining in Jiangxi using the shrinkage stoping method.
Activity Description
This dataset describes the iron ore mining using the shallow-hole shrinkage stoping method in Jiangxi, with the following process steps:
1. Orebody Exploration and Drill Pattern Design
Orebody exploration: Prior to mining, detailed geological exploration of the orebody is conducted to determine its shape, size, dip angle, and mineral composition. Based on this information, mining design is carried out.
Drill pattern design: Based on the shape of the orebody and the thickness of the ore layer, a reasonable layout of shallow holes is designed. The depth of the shallow holes typically ranges from several meters to a dozen meters, and the hole spacing and row spacing are determined according to the stability of the orebody and the mining method. During the drill pattern design, factors such as the degree of ore liberation and blasting efficiency must also be considered.
2. Drilling and Blasting
Drilling Operation: Shallow holes are drilled into the ore body according to the blasthole layout design. Drilling equipment typically includes handheld or lightweight machinery, which offers flexibility and is suitable for working in narrow underground mine tunnels. The drill hole diameter usually ranges from 50 mm to 100 mm.
Charging and Blasting: Explosives are loaded into the drilled holes based on the characteristics of the ore body and the hole design, followed by blasting. The shallow hole blasting technique allows effective control over ore fragmentation and disintegration, minimizing excessive damage to the ore body structure. After each blast, the broken ore is recovered by gravity or mechanical means. Ore Extraction
Phased Extraction: Ore extraction is typically conducted in multiple stages. After each blasting segment, workers recover the collapsed ore, usually loading it into trucks or onto conveyor belt systems using mechanical or manual shoveling equipment for transport out of the mine.
Pillar Reservation: During extraction, certain ore portions are left in place as pillars to support the overlying orebody and surrounding rock, preventing mine collapse. These pillars are temporary and will be extracted in the final stage. The layout and extraction timing of pillars are crucial for stope stability. Pillar Recovery
Pillar recovery: Once the upper portion of the orebody has been mostly extracted, the recovery of pillars begins. At this stage, smaller blasting charges may be used to break down and collapse the pillars, ensuring the stability of the underground structure.
Support and Reinforcement: After pillar recovery, the mine structure may become unstable, requiring reinforcement measures. Common support methods include using rock bolts and shotcrete. Ore Transportation and Haulage
Transportation System: In the shrinkage stoping method, ore transportation mostly employs small-scale mechanical equipment (such as loaders and belt conveyors) to move ore to the shaft hoisting points. Depending on the geological conditions and design of the mine, the ore can be transported to the surface via mine cars, belt conveyors, or inclined shaft hoisting systems.
Surface Processing: Once hoisted to the surface, the ore enters the concentrator plant for crushing, grinding, and mineral beneficiation processes.
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,Jiangxi
Geography comment
Forming Jiangxi average data through merging data from multiple sources
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
Shallow-hole shrinkage stoping is a mining method commonly used for underground iron ore mining, particularly suitable for orebodies with small thickness and steep dip angles. The main characteristics of this method include staged shallow-hole blasting and ore extraction, combined with support from ore pillars and surrounding rock, to reduce subsidence and surface impact.