Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
ed7a2c99-d545-4903-b0b5-ae38ebcb4776
Materials
Associated ID
ea8895b8-dcf0-436b-bdb4-3111322f19c3
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset represents the life cycle inventory of hematite ore mining in China, covering all activities related to iron ore mining and production cradle-to-gate, starting from rock drilling to iron ore output. It does not include the production of drilling equipment, transportation machinery, personnel travel, or direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from daily operations during the mining production process. 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 hematite mining in China.
Activity Description
This dataset describes the extraction of hematite ore, which mainly includes two basic methods: open-pit mining and underground mining. Open-pit mining is a method of directly exposing the ore body on the surface by removing the overlying rock and soil covering the ore body. It is typically applied to large-scale deposits with shallow ore bodies, offering advantages such as lower mining costs and higher production efficiency. Typical open-pit mining procedures include drilling, blasting, overburden removal, ore loading, hauling, and transportation. The primary equipment used includes excavators, drills, bulldozers, and mining trucks. Underground mining: Underground mining is primarily used for deeper ore bodies, accessing the ore deposits through the construction of underground shafts and tunnels. This method is suitable for ore bodies that are deeply buried or where surface conditions are unsuitable for open-pit mining. The underground mining process includes mine development, ore extraction, and ore hoisting, using equipment such as drills, hoists, and mine cars. The advantages of underground mining are minimal surface disturbance, but it involves higher costs and stringent safety requirements.
Process Description
Iron ore is the main raw material for steel production, and steel is one of the core materials for modern industry and infrastructure. Hematite, with the chemical composition α-Fe2O3, is an oxide mineral belonging to the hexagonal crystal system and exhibits polymorphism with maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), which crystallizes in the isometric system. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6.5. In China's iron ore resources, hematite accounts for a significant proportion and is characterized by wide distribution, large reserves, and low grade. Compared to magnetite, hematite has finer mineral grain size, higher clay content, and greater beneficiation difficulty.
Time period
2022
2026
Geography
China
Geography comment
Chinese average data are formed by merging multiple provincial datasets.
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
This dataset describes the extraction of hematite ore, primarily involving two methods: Open-pit mining: Directly accessing the ore by removing surface rock and soil, suitable for shallow deposits, with lower costs, high production efficiency, and commonly employing large machinery such as excavators and bulldozers. Underground mining: Accessing deep-seated ore bodies through the construction of underground shafts and tunnels, suitable for deeply buried deposits, involving higher costs, less surface disturbance, but requiring enhanced safety measures.