Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
63b1ca2a-21c6-4b78-bd9d-aaf331d6f152
Materials
Associated ID
ed2144a8-7f56-43c3-a74f-8099af5f1142
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset represents the life cycle inventory (cradle-to-gate) of open-pit mining of limonite ore in China, covering all activities related to limonite ore mining and production from drilling to ore output. However, it does not include the production of drilling machines, transportation equipment, or direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions caused by personnel travel and daily office 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 open-pit limonite iron ore mining 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
Limonite, whose main component is hydrated iron oxide (FeO(OH)·nH2O), includes goethite, lepidocrocite, akaganeite, feroxyhyte, and hydromaghemite. Limonite is rich in crystalline water, with a magnetic susceptibility of (20–80) × 10⁻⁶ m³/kg, a density of (3.0–4.2) g/cm³, and a Mohs hardness of 1.0–5.0. 5. It is prone to sludging during the crushing and grinding process, and this sludging increases grinding energy consumption and reagent usage, reduces beneficiation efficiency, and causes resource waste. Limonite in China is mainly distributed in Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Shandong, Guizhou, Fujian, and other provinces.
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.