Mineral Raw Materials’ Resource Efficiency in Selected ESEE Countries: Strengths and Challenges

The mineral raw materials’ resource efficiency is currently recognized in Europe as the way for the future development of the European mining economies. With this aim, a West Balkan Mineral Register was created in the EIT Raw Materials RESEERVE Project, including Primary and Secondary Raw Materials of six Eastern and South-Eastern Europe (ESEE) countries, i.e., Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Within the Project, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Gap Analysis was also performed for the development of the raw material sector in the region. This paper summarizes the main strengths to be exploited, i.e., the significant geological potential, the presence of critical raw materials (e.g., Sb, Co, REEs) in primary and secondary raw materials, and the challenges to address, i.e., compliance of resources/reserves classification with international standards, integration of state’s mineral policy with spatial planning strategies, improvement of the business environment, capacity building of the raw materials workforce and enhancement of the public acceptance of the sector, in order to achieve the sustainable development of the mineral resources of the six ESEE countries. These opportunities comply with the objectives of the EU Raw Materials Initiative and are expected to contribute in the further enhancement of those economies in transition for the upcoming years.

Download Full-text

Assessment of the mineral raw material potential in Denmark – methods and major findings

Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland Bulletin ◽

10.34194/geusb.v33.4484 ◽

1969 ◽

pp. 37-40

Author(s):

Jakob Kløve Keiding ◽

Per Kalvig ◽

Claus Ditlefsen ◽

Steen Lomholt ◽

Peter Roll Jakobsen

Keyword(s):

Economic Growth ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Spatial Competition ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

Raw Material ◽

Resource Evaluation ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

Mineral Raw Material ◽

Per Capita

Aggregates and other mineral raw materials are important prerequisites for the continual development of the infrastructure and economic growth of a country. Th e production of these raw materials in Denmark amounted to c. 4.5 m3 per capita in 2012, which was 57% higher than the average in EU and EFTA countries (UEPG 2014). In this perspective, it is essential to locate and assess the Danish mineral resources in order to plan future exploitation, especially in densely populated regions where both spatial competition for landuse and demands for raw materials are high. Here we present the methods used in a recent resource evaluation that for the fi rst time includes Danish resources both on land and at sea and summarises some of the main fi ndings of this analysis.

Download Full-text

POTENTIAL OF CARBONATE RAW MATERIALS OF GRAČANICA, DEPOSIT "SKLOP

Archives for Technical Sciences ◽

10.7251/afts.2018.1019.019b ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (19) ◽

Author(s):

Damir Baraković

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

Geological Structure ◽

Raw Material ◽

Material Base ◽

Important Place ◽

Materials Analysis ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

Geological Characteristics ◽

Metallic Mineral

Mineral resources as natural resources constitute the backbone of the development of the nationaleconomy of each country, and their valorization should be classified into its strategic developmentplans. Polyvalent industrial branches of the economy today are unthinkable without adequate supply ofraw materials, analysis of raw material base, their preparation and processing, technology of breedingand possible application.Due to the geological structure of the municipality of Gračanica, carbonate raw materials are one of themost important non-metallic mineral raw materials. In the territory of the municipality of Gračanicathere are numerous areas with deposits of carbonate raw materials (architectural and constructional andtechnical-construction stone), among which the "Sklop" deposit occupies the most important place. Thispaper presents the geological characteristics, types of carbonate raw materials, deposits, reserves,quality and potentiality.

Download Full-text

The regionalization of territorial combinations of mineral deposits and mining territories of Ukraine

Geology Geography Ecology ◽

10.26565/2410-7360-2019-51-12 ◽

2019 ◽

Keyword(s):

Mineral Resource ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Mining Industry ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

Scientific Basis ◽

Raw Material ◽

Mineral Deposits ◽

Resource Base ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

Current State

The purpose of the article is using the data of Geoinform of Ukraine on the current state of the mineral resource base of the country, to regionalize its territory by combining explored mineral deposits and production-territorial complexes formed on their basis with a mineral raw material orientation. Research results. The article is written in the context of the constructive-geographical direction of studying the geography of mineral resources, which has been developing in the last decades in Ukraine. In particular, three approaches to regionalization of territorial combinations of mineral deposits are compared and analyzed: geological, economic-geographical and mining, which will contribute to their interconnection in characterizing the mineral-raw materials complexes of individual regions. The authors’ own interpretations of discussion definitions of mining terminology are proposed. Based on the results of previous studies and taking into account the current state of the mineral resource base, economic-geographical and mining zoning of the territory of Ukraine has been carried out for groups of explored mineral deposits. Within Ukraine, four mineral resource zones are allocated: Prydniprovsko-Pryazovska, Eastern Ukrainian, Donetsko-Slovianska and Prykarpatska, as well as several territorially separate structures: Zakarpatskyi, Lvivsko-Volynskyi, Podilskyi, Kerchenskyi, Krymskyi macrodistricts, Zhytomyrskyi and Pobuzkyi districts. A detailed description of the mineral and raw material specifications of these structures and their constituent parts, the features and prospects of their exploitation, the formation of territorial-production complexes of mineral and raw materials orientation are submitted. Scientific novelty. For the first time, various approaches to the regionalization of territorial groupings of mineral deposits and mining territories are compared, the basic definitions of mining regionalization are presented, and on this basis their own variant of zoning the territory of Ukraine on mineral resources is proposed. Practical value. The economic, geographical and mining zoning of the territory of Ukraine according to the forms of concentration of mineral deposits and mining areas will help create the scientific basis for optimizing the structure of the mining industry, ensuring the effective use of mineral raw materials, and developing the country's raw material complex.

Download Full-text

EFFECTIVE MINERAL POLICY AS A KEY FACTOR FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

Ukrainian Geologist ◽

10.53087/ug.2021.1-2(44-45).238854 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 34-40

Author(s):

Guenter TIESS ◽

Iryna SOKOLOVA ◽

Serhii KLOCHKOV

Keyword(s):

Circular Economy ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Action Plan ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

Raw Material ◽

Added Value ◽

Main Task ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

Mineral Policy ◽

By Products

The paper analyzes the changes in commodity market distortions, competing land use types, raw material demand for development, and rapid diffusion of key enabling technologies meeting the requirements of constant, dynamic development of major European industries. The author gives the relationship between the dynamics for mineral resources consumption growth, and changes in the conditions of production of these resources. Contains a critical review of methods for predicting the mineral resources dependency, including an estimated forecasting method based on guidelines for the evaluation of needs for natural resources and their substitutes. One of the principles is comprehensive and integrated resource recovery. In a nutshell, this new approach argues that any operation should disturb a mine site only once and extract all useful materials using an optimised integrated flowsheet. This principle also requires that all by-products and residues are (re)used and that by-products and tailings at the end of life to be ‘future-proofed’, i.e. they should retain their ability to continue to be of value into the distant future where technology/economy may make feasible their use. It is noted that access to and affordability of mineral raw materials are crucial for the sound functioning of the EU’s economy. A new 2020 list of critical mineral raw materials is presented and ways to compensate for the CRM deficit are described in detail. Separately noted that the mineral policy is needed to be meticulously treated to facilitate company investment security, streamline permitting and access to minerals in a line with the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Bioeconomy Strategy and the European Industrial Strategy. Concerning, the latest steps towards Europe economically resilient by a framework for raw materials and the Circular Economy – creation of European Raw Materials Alliance recognized as particularly effective. Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management represented as a robust, fit-for-purpose international standard for the safer management of tailings storage facilities. The argument is given that since the land issue is one of the most delicate in a densely populated areas heavily dependent on agriculture, housing, infrastructure or other nonmineral development, a fair and equitable distribution of land is important for a mineral perspective. There is also the need for strategic and open network between political, industrial and local communities through the exchange of information to enhance knowledge, experience and skills between stakeholders. Social acceptance of that idea is a fundamental element that must be addressed to develop a confl ict-free area for mineral development activities. The conclusions indicate that we would like to emphasize that the main task of today is to create an effective system for monitoring the movement of raw materials along the entire added-value chain. The ability to quickly identify and respond to challenges in mineral policy will provide leadership in EU strategic technologies and industries. This process has already started with the creation of the European Raw Materials Alliance ERMA. State institutions, businesses, scientific institutions, and civil society in the close dialogue are able to ensure sustainable development and security of civilization as a whole.

Download Full-text

SUPPLY CHAINS OF MINERAL RAW MATERIALS AND MONTANISTIC TOURISM

GeoScience Engineering ◽

10.1515/gse-2017-0014 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 63 (3) ◽

pp. 25-29

Author(s):

Ctirad Schejbal

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chains ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

Raw Material ◽

Material Industry ◽

Exploration And Exploitation ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

Landscape Type ◽

Mineral Raw Material

Abstract Supply chains in the mineral raw material industry take different forms depending on requirements, the placement of resources and points of consumption, and the nature of geological, morphological and botanical landscape type. Hitherto, in the context of montanistic tourism, the attention is paid primarily to the objects associated with the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources. Professionally and touristically, processes of transport of mineral raw materials and products of their processing can be interesting. Therefore, during the selection, development and implementation of montanistic tourism products, it will be useful to focus on these parts of a supply chain, especially if they are implemented in areas with high levels of geodiversity and biodiversity.

Download Full-text

Identification of Market Gap as a Chance for Enterprise Development—Example of Polish Raw Materials Industry

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14154678 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (15) ◽

pp. 4678

Author(s):

Marta Sukiennik ◽

Barbara Kowal ◽

Patrycja Bąk

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

Raw Material ◽

Hard Coal ◽

The European Union ◽

Enterprise Development ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Hard Coal Mining

The raw materials sector plays a key role in the Polish economy. The mineral raw material industry encompasses many different, sometimes highly specialized activities, such as exploration, mining, hauling, mineral processing, metallurgy and metal refining, as well as risk assessment, management (environmental, financial, legal) and marketing. The purpose of the article is to identify the market gap for business for entities or individuals in the mineral resources sector in Poland. Taking into account the European Union regulations which enforce the closure of hard coal mines in Poland by 2050, it is reasonable to identify such a gap in the raw materials area, especially since the current situation may turn out to be a new revival of the raw materials market after the pandemic period. Based on the NACE classification, a key area was identified, which is dedicated to potential entrepreneurs in the mineral resources area. Based on an internal analysis, the sectors directly related to the RM field in Poland were distinguished. Narrowing down the analyzed sections, leading areas were indicated that offer significant employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people who will be made redundant (often in groups) as a result of the phasing out of hard coal mining in Poland. As part of the article, the identification and analysis of key trends that have a significant impact on the functioning of companies, the industry, the region or the country, as well as threats, challenges and opportunities that may arise in the near future, was carried out. What is more, a number of scientific, research or development projects implemented in the area of mineral raw materials in the years 2010–2019 were analyzed. The authors present an innovative approach to defining the gap in the mineral raw materials sector in Poland in what regards conducting business activity, as well as an in-depth analysis of the sector in terms of enterprise development opportunities (creation of new start-up companies) and its directions. It should be mentioned that the presented research is the first attempt to analyze this issue in Poland.

Download Full-text

PERSPECTIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL BUILDING STONE- LIMESTONE IN THE REPUBLIC SRPSKA

Archives for Technical Sciences ◽

10.7251/afts.2015.0712.027m ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 1 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Slobodan Majstorović ◽

Vladimir Malbašić ◽

Miodrag Čelebić

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Production Capacity ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

Building Stone ◽

Raw Material ◽

Material Base ◽

Standard Quality ◽

The Republic ◽

Fragmentation Of Production ◽

Republika Srpska

Curent situation of raw material base and study of limestone like construction stone deposits in the Republic of Serbian were relatively poorly considered during the last decades, and the main problems are the following: low production capacity fragmentation of production, needs for raw materials homogenization and delivering of standard quality, undeveloped market, the recession of the domestic economy and the economies in the region, the relatively low level of exploration by many deposits, especially lack of knowledge of the occurrence legality for certain types and quality of raw materials and lack of complete quality indicators for raw material, which sometimes causes the utilization of only the highest quality deposit parts.This paper provides an overview of active quarries in the Republic Srpska with exploitation of limestone like technical building stone and present an attempt to determine the basic quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the raw material and the current working conditions at these quarries. The purpose of such a review would be in an effort to create a clearer picture about production, market, social and other aspects of the limestone exploitation in the Republika Srpska and the realistic possibilities of maintaining and developing of these mineral resources utilization, which can certainlybe interesting for the development of many other industries in the Republic Srpska.

Download Full-text

INNOVATIVE PROCESSES OF DEEP AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE PROCESSING OF TECHNOGENIC RAW MATERIALS IN THE CONDITIONS OF NEW ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories ◽

10.21177/1998-4502-2021-13-2-224-237 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 224-237

Author(s):

Valentin CHANTURIA ◽

◽

Irina SHADRUNOVA ◽

Olga GORLOVA ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Mining Industry ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

Secondary Products ◽

Resource Saving ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

The Face ◽

Environmentally Safe ◽

Copper Zinc ◽

Technogenic Raw Materials

Innovative processes of deep and complex processing of technogenic raw materials in the context of sustainable development of the mining industry and the economic challenges facing the mining industry should ensure the transition to a circular economy and the maximum use of natural resources. The article reflects the priority scientific and technological research on the involvement of technogenic mineral resources in efficient processing. Presented, developed at ICEMR RAS, including jointly with universities, research and production organizations and enterprises, modern innovative processes of deep and environmentally friendly processing of refractory mineral raw materials of complex material composition (tailings of enrichment of non-ferrous and noble metal ores, poor off-balance ores, slags ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy, sludge of metallurgical production) and hydro-mineral technogenic resources (acidic mineralized bottom-dump waters of mining enterprises of the copper-zinc complex of the Urals, saponite-containing circulating waters of diamond processing factories). Among other things, new directions in the field of selective disintegration of finely dispersed mineral raw materials based on energy effects and deep processing of slags are outlined; increasing the selectivity of enrichment processes; combined processing of technogenic raw materials; resource-saving processing of technogenic and hydro-mineral resources, obtaining secondary products from processing waste. It is shown that in the face of new economic challenges, Russia has sufficient scientific and technological potential in the field of deep and environmentally safe processing of technogenic raw materials in the form of developed and, to varying degrees, tested innovative resource-saving technologies that correspond to the world level, and in a number of technologies are superior to it.

Download Full-text

Technogenic Mineral Raw Materials for the Production of Refractories and Ceramics

KnE Materials Science ◽

10.18502/kms.v6i1.8056 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Vladimir Perepelitsyn ◽

Alexander Yagovtsev ◽

Vitaliy Merzlyakov ◽

Victor Kochetkov ◽

Alexander Ponomarenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Mineral Resources ◽

High Alumina ◽

Secondary Mineral ◽

The Urals ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

Secondary Resources ◽

Additional Processing

Chemical–mineral and material–genetic classifications of technogenic mineral raw materials including up to 36 polyphase groups of materials that form the basis of secondary resources suitable for the production of refractories and ceramics after additional processing are proposed. It is shown that technogenic materials of the Urals are cheap multifunctional raw materials and can be used in the production of magnesia-silicate ceramics, carbon– and zirconium–containing high-alumina refractories and cements. Keywords: classification, secondary mineral resources, composition, recycling, refractories, ceramics

Download Full-text

Assessing Behavior Similarity of Mineral Raw Material Prices through a Feature-Based Clustering Approach

Materials Proceedings ◽

10.3390/materproc2021005037 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 37

Author(s):

Konstantinos Oikonomou ◽

Dimitris Damigos

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Aggregate Demand ◽

Raw Material ◽

International Business Cycles ◽

Macroeconomic Factors ◽

Mineral Raw Materials ◽

Mineral Raw Material ◽

Learning Techniques ◽

Feature Based ◽

Clustering Approach

Mineral raw materials prices have been shown to be affected by macroeconomic factors such as aggregate demand and commodity-specific factors (e.g., supply shocks). In addition, it has been shown that certain mineral raw material prices co-move, meaning that they behave similarly during expansion and contraction phases of the international business cycles. In order to assess the behavior similarity of the prices of different mineral raw materials, we propose a method that utilizes extracted features of time series price data and unsupervised learning techniques to create clusters of price movements having similar long-term behavior.

Download Full-text