Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
c7159382-ae9d-4942-9310-acf488e2f888
Materials
Associated ID
953debd8-08d9-4250-a8db-8b4e10451791
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset represents the life cycle inventory (cradle-to-gate) of iron ore mining in Jiangsu using the sublevel stoping with subsequent backfilling method, covering all activities related to iron ore mining production from rock drilling to ore output, but excluding direct or indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the production of drilling rigs, transportation equipment, personnel commuting, 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 underground iron ore mining in Jiangsu.
Activity Description
This dataset describes underground iron ore mining using sublevel open stoping with subsequent backfilling. The process flow is as follows:
1. Preparation Phase
Mining Area Design: Based on the geological characteristics of the orebody, a rational mining plan is formulated. The orebody is typically divided into several sublevels, each having its own independent extraction and backfilling system.
Drift Excavation: Transportation drifts, extraction drifts, and ventilation drifts are excavated to establish the foundation for ore extraction and transportation. Mining generally starts from the lower part of the orebody and progressively advances upward.
2. Block Mining
Ore fragmentation: The ore body is fragmented through drilling and blasting techniques. After fragmentation, the ore is loaded into transportation equipment (such as mine cars or conveyor belts) and transported to the surface or a mineral processing plant for treatment.
Ore transportation: The broken ore is transported via a conveyance system to the surface or the mineral processing facility. Modern underground mining typically employs electric or mechanized transport methods.
3. Backfilling of Goaf
Preparation of backfill material: Backfill material is typically composed of a mixture of tailings, waste rock, cement, slag, and other materials, with specific composition determined by mine conditions and stope stability requirements. Tailings backfilling is commonly used in iron ore mines, as tailings are waste materials generated from ore beneficiation (and may be recyclable). Backfilling not only manages these waste materials but also reduces pressure on tailings dams.
Backfilling methods: Backfill material is transported via pipelines into the goaf. Depending on specific orebody conditions, common backfilling methods include:
Cemented full-tailings backfill: A mixture of tailings and cementitious binders is conveyed through pipelines into the mined-out area to stabilize and support the goaf. Waste rock backfilling: Using waste rock generated during the mining process as filler material prevents waste and provides supporting function.
Paste backfilling: Paste backfilling is a technology developed in recent years; it has low water content and high viscosity, which enhances the stability of the backfill.
4. Step-by-step advancement
Stepwise mining: After completing the mining and backfilling of the lower section, mining proceeds to the upper section. Through step-by-step advancement, the entire orebody is progressively mined and backfilled, ensuring the stability of mined-out areas in the mine.
Roof control: The backfilling process maintains the stability of the overlying rock and roof, preventing roof collapse. This method is particularly important in deposits with complex geological conditions or unstable rock formations.
5. Ore Processing
Mineral Processing and Tailings Backfill: Mined ore is typically transported to a mineral processing plant, where it undergoes crushing, grinding, magnetic separation, and other processes to extract iron concentrate. The tailings generated during processing are dewatered, and a portion can be used as backfill material for mined-out areas, enabling resource recycling and utilization.
Process Description
This dataset describes iron ore in Jiangsu Province, with the following information:
Iron ore resources in Jiangsu Province are mainly composed of hematite, magnetite, and limonite, with geological grades ranging from 28.62% to 43.7%.
Time period
2022
2026
Geography
China,Jiangsu
Geography comment
Forming Jiangsu's average data through merging data from multiple sources
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
Cut and fill mining is a mining method that involves mining ore bodies in sections and backfilling the mined-out areas. After each section of ore is extracted, the void is backfilled with materials such as tailings, waste rock, or cement to ensure stope stability. The advantage of this method is that it effectively reduces the risk of geological collapse, making it suitable for mines with high groundwater pressure or unstable geological structures.