Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
e502ad4d-a99f-43f6-bd0d-aefbf37864b1
Materials
Associated ID
e3e1b866-d6e9-4f9c-969a-445917573bf0
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset represents the life cycle inventory (cradle-to-gate) of specular hematite ore mining in China, covering all activities related to iron ore mining and production from drilling to final output. It excludes the production of drilling rigs, transport equipment, personnel travel, and indirect or direct greenhouse gas emissions from daily office operations associated with the mining 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)', representing the average production level of specular iron ore mining in China.
Activity Description
This dataset describes the mining of specular hematite ore, with mining methods primarily including two basic forms: open-pit mining and underground mining. Open-pit mining involves removing the overlying rock and soil covering the ore body to directly expose it on the surface for extraction. This method is typically applied to large-scale, shallow deposits and offers advantages such as lower mining costs and high production efficiency. Typical open-pit mining steps include drilling, blasting, overburden removal, ore loading, and transportation. Major 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 buried deeply or where surface conditions are unsuitable for open-pit mining. The underground mining process includes mine development, ore extraction, and hoisting, utilizing equipment such as drills, hoists, and mine carts. The advantages of underground mining are minimal surface disturbance, but it involves higher costs and stringent safety requirements.
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. specularite is a variety of hematite, occurring as metallic luster scaly aggregates. It ranges from iron-black to steel-gray. The crystal faces have strong luster, shining like a mirror, hence the name. It often contains very fine magnetite inclusions and is thus magnetic.
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 mining of specular hematite ore, including two main methods: open-pit mining, which involves removing surface rock and soil to directly access the ore, is suitable for shallow deposits, has lower costs and high production efficiency, and commonly uses large equipment such as excavators and bulldozers; and underground mining, which accesses deep ore bodies through constructed tunnels, is suitable for deeply buried deposits, has higher costs, causes less surface disturbance, but requires higher safety measures.