Understanding Geologic Uncertainty in Mining Studies

SEG Discovery ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 21-29
Author(s):  
Roderick Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Early Career ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Measurement Technology ◽  
Data Types ◽  
Social License ◽  
Geologic Uncertainty ◽  
Geoscientific Data

Editor’s note: The Geology and Mining series, edited by Dan Wood and Jeffrey Hedenquist, is designed to introduce early-career professionals and students to a variety of topics in mineral exploration, development, and mining, in order to provide insight into the many ways in which geoscientists contribute to the mineral industry. Abstract The role of geology in advanced mining studies, such as feasibility studies, is commonly dwarfed by the technical inputs from mining, metallurgical, and social license issues. Understanding and planning for geologic risk in the feasibility process is often overlooked for the higher-profile aspects required to establish an ore reserve. If the geologic model of a deposit cannot be reliably forecast, then there will be lower confidence in many of the modifying factors (which include mining, processing, environmental, social, governmental, and economic factors that influence the conversion of identified mineral resources into economic reserves). Understanding geologic risk requires characterization of all the chemical, physical, and spatial properties of mineralization and waste that form part of the mined material. It is essential to understand the scope of the professionals who use geoscientific data in order to assist the outcomes of the study, with the data types first identified, then collected in a comprehensive manner, and finally interpreted at the appropriate time to contribute to the outcomes of the study. If the study is not comprehensive, remedial collection of data is required at a cost to development timeline and budget; a worse scenario is that the development fails economically after it is built. Developing projects to a construction stage after a mining study typically involves international standards of assessment and verification, although the standards of geoscientific data collection differ between companies and countries. For this reason, recent efforts by international bodies such as the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) are assisting many countries to work toward a standardized terminology in a feasibility study. There are many examples where the mining outcomes have not met the feasibility study forecast, with variable causes for a failure to deliver to plan; geoscientific data shortfalls often contribute significantly to these negative outcomes. Examination of case histories, knowledge of international standards for risk reporting, advances in measurement technology, and an understanding of the end users of geoscientific data will help geologists to better prepare the scope of a feasibility study for a potential mine, in order to deliver a product with lower risk related to geologic uncertainty.

scholarly journals Role of feasibility and pilot studies in randomised controlled trials: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e022233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Jane Blatch-Jones ◽  
Wei Pek ◽  
Emma Kirkpatrick ◽  
Martin Ashton-Key
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Pilot Feasibility Study ◽  
Group 1

ObjectivesTo assess the value of pilot and feasibility studies to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme. To explore the methodological components of pilot/feasibility studies and how they inform full RCTs.Study designCross-sectional study.SettingBoth groups included NIHR HTA programme funded studies in the period 1 January 2010–31 December 2014 (decision date). Group 1: stand-alone pilot/feasibility studies published in the HTA Journal or accepted for publication. Group 2: all funded RCT applications funded by the HTA programme, including reference to an internal and/or external pilot/feasibility study. The methodological components were assessed using an adapted framework from a previous study.Main outcome measuresThe proportion of stand-alone pilot and feasibility studies which recommended proceeding to full trial and what study elements were assessed. The proportion of ‘HTA funded’ trials which used internal and external pilot and feasibility studies to inform the design of the trial.ResultsGroup 1 identified 15 stand-alone pilot/feasibility studies. Study elements most commonly assessed weretesting recruitment(100% in both groups),feasibility(83%, 100%) andsuggestions for further study/investigation(83%, 100%). Group 2 identified 161 ‘HTA funded’ applications: 59 cited an external pilot/feasibility study wheretesting recruitment(50%, 73%) andfeasibility(42%, 73%) were the most commonly reported study elements: 92 reported an internal pilot/feasibility study wheretesting recruitment(93%, 100%) andfeasibility(44%, 92%) were the most common study elements reported.Conclusions‘HTA funded’ research which includes pilot and feasibility studies assesses a variety of study elements. Pilot and feasibility studies serve an important role when determining the most appropriate trial design. However, how they are reported and in what context requires caution when interpreting the findings and delivering a definitive trial.

scholarly journals Guidelines for Evaluating the Feasibility of Recruitment in Pilot Studies of Diverse Populations: An Overlooked but Important Component

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Suppl) ◽  
pp. 745-754
Author(s):  
Anita L. Stewart ◽  
Anna Maria Nápoles ◽  
Sorbarikor Piawah ◽  
Jasmine Santoyo-Olsson ◽  
Jeanne A. Teresi
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Tracking Data ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Recruitment Methods ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Pilot Feasibility Study

Background: In health disparities research, studies often fall short of their recruitment goals. Conducting a pilot feasibility study of recruitment in which data are collected systematically on recruitment processes can help investigators refine methods for the larger study. However, there are few guide­lines for conducting pilot feasibility studies, and recruitment methods are seldom the focus. Feasibility indicators differ from traditional reports of recruitment results by focusing on the extent to which recruitment goals are met.Methods: We present an organizing frame­work for assessing the feasibility of recruit­ment that includes eight steps, briefly: 1) specify recruitment goals; 2) specify recruit­ment processes; 3) establish a tracking sys­tem for each individual; 4) establish a track­ing database for monitoring processes and results; 5) implement recruitment and track each individual’s progress; 6) summarize re­cruitment results; 7) calculate and interpret feasibility measures - were goals met; and 8) if goals were not met, utilize tracking data to modify methods for the larger study. We describe methods within each step, with added details for steps 2-5 (the specific pro­cesses). The framework draws from a small literature on recruitment feasibility with a focus on health disparities populations. The guidelines blend well-known methods of recruitment with additional information on calculating feasibility indicators.Conclusion: These guidelines provide a first step in thinking systematically about recruitment feasibility, to advance the field of measuring feasibility. Feasibility indicators also can be used to track the effectiveness of innovative recruitment strategies as part of building the science of recruitment, es­pecially in disparities populations. Ethn Dis. 2020; 30(Suppl 2):745-754; doi:10.18865/ed.30.S2.745

scholarly journals Meta Analisis Pengembangan Assesment Kelayakan Sistim Pembangkit Tenaga Air

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Suryadimal Suryadimal
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
Feasibility Assessment ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Rating Model

Abstract-This study aims to determine the feasibility assessment of hydroelectricity to feasibility studies that have been conducted in various developing and developed countries. In a feasibility study usually consider various important aspects such as technical and non technical aspects that will affect the productivity of a feasibility study.Methododologi research based on the meta-analysis method, in which the analysis is based on a review of a number of research results on similar issues in the case of a feasibility assessment of the power plant system. Approaches are based on journal articles and research reports that are taken based on their compatibility with the theme of research. The technical aspects used are hydraulic and civil aspects, mechanical and electrical aspects, while non technical aspects are economic, social and cultural aspects. So with the development of this feasibility rating model can be a reference for developers, government and investors to decide the feasibility of a power plant investment   Keywords: Assessment Feasibility, Hydropower, Power Plant, Feasibility Study, Meta analysis

A new mining life for non-feasible mineral deposits?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Balazs Bodo ◽  
Luis Lopes ◽  
Claudio Rossi ◽  
Giorgia Stasi ◽  
Christian Burlet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Mineral Deposits ◽  
Biological Inspiration ◽  
Social License To Operate ◽  
Social License ◽  
New Vision ◽  
And Control

<p>ROBOMINERS is developing an innovative approach for the exploitation of currently non-feasible mineral deposits. The approach entails the use of a robot-miner - a bio-inspired reconfigurable robot with a modular nature - in a new mining setting where the activities are nearly invisible and where mining presents less socio-environmental constraints, thus contributing to a more safe and sustainable supply of mineral raw materials.</p><p>The main aim is to design and develop a robotic prototype that is able to perform mining related tasks in settings including both abandoned, currently flooded mines not accessible anymore for conventional mining techniques; or places that have formerly been explored, but whose exploitation was considered as uneconomic due to the small-size of deposits, or their difficulty to access.</p><p>ROBOMINERS’ innovative approach combines the creation of a new mining ecosystem with novel ideas from other sectors, particularly robotics. At this point, work has been done to understand the best methods for the robotminer’s development in 1) biological inspiration, 2) perception and localisation tools, 3) behaviour, navigation and control, 4) actuation methods, 5) modularity, 6)autonomy and resilience, and 7) the selective mining ability. All these aspects combined aim to provide the robotminer XXI Century tools for mineral exploration and exploitation of (currently) unfeasible deposits.</p><p>At the same time, for the vision of a new vision of a mining ecosystem, work is involving studies on 1) developing computer models and simulations, 2) data management and visualisation, 3) rock-mechanical and geotechnical characterisation studies, 4) analysing ground/rock support methods, bulk transportation methods, backfilling types and methods, and 5) sketching relevant upstream and downstream mining industry analogues for the ROBOMINERS concept.  </p><p>After design and development, based on the previously mentioned studies, the robot-miner is set to be tested at targeted areas representatives which include abandoned and/or operating mines, small but high-grade mineral deposits, unexplored/explored non-economic occurrences and ultra depth, not  easily accessible environments. Possible candidates for testing purposes include mines in the regions of Cornwall (UK), mines in the Kupferschiefer Formation (e.g. Poland) or coal mines in Belgium.</p><p>When compared to usual mining methods the ROBOMINERS approach shows: 1) no presence of people in the mine, 2) less mining waste produced, 3) less mining infrastructure, 4) less investment, 5) possibility to explore currently uneconomic resources and 6) new underground small-sized mines, practically “invisible”. Altogether, ROBOMINERS can contribute to solve some of the main issues that make mining’s social license to operate so difficult to get in Europe: land-use, environmental limitations, and socio-economic aspects.</p>

Geophysics introduces new section on multiphysics and joint inversion

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 753-754
Author(s):  
Jiajia Sun ◽  
Daniele Colombo ◽  
Yaoguo Li ◽  
Jeffrey Shragge
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Joint Inversion ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Computational Power ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Data Types ◽  
Geoscientific Data

Geophysicists seek to extract useful and potentially actionable information about the subsurface by interpreting various types of geophysical data together with prior geologic information. It is well recognized that reliable imaging, characterization, and monitoring of subsurface systems require integration of multiple sources of information from a multitude of geoscientific data sets. With increasing data volumes and computational power, new data types, constant development of inversion algorithms, and the advent of the big data era, Geophysics editors see multiphysics integration as an effective means of meeting some of the challenges arising from imaging subsurface systems with higher resolution and reliability as well as exploring geologically more complicated areas. To advance the field of multiphysics integration and to showcase its added value, Geophysics will introduce a new section “Multiphysics and Joint Inversion” in 2021. Submissions are accepted now.

scholarly journals ESTIMATING CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL COSTS OF BACKHOE SHOVELS

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Reza Sayadi ◽  
Ali Lashgari ◽  
Mohammad Majid Fouladgar ◽  
Miroslaw J. Skibniewski
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Cost Model ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Cost Models ◽  
Optimum Type

Material loading is one of the most critical operations in earthmoving projects. A number of different equipment is available for loading operations. Project managers should consider different technical and economic issues at the feasibility study stage and try to select the optimum type and size of equipment fleet, regarding the production needs and project specifications. The backhoe shovel is very popular for digging, loading and flattening tasks. Adequate cost estimation is one of the most critical tasks in feasibility studies of equipment fleet selection. This paper presents two different cost models for the preliminary and detailed feasibility study stages. These models estimate the capital and operating cost of backhoe shovels using uni-variable exponential regression (UVER) as well as multi-variable linear regression (MVLR), based on principal component analysis. The UVER cost model is suitable for quick cost estimation at the early stages of project evaluation, while the MVLR cost function, which is more detailed, can be useful for the feasibility study stage. Independent variables of MVLR include bucket size, digging depth, dump height, weight and power. Model evaluations show that these functions could be a credible tool for cost estimations in prefeasibility and feasibility studies of mining and construction projects.

What Does it take to Become a Psychiatrist? Results from a Survey on Quality of Training

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Barbanti Silva ◽  
M. Forghieri ◽  
S. Ferrari ◽  
U. Volpe ◽  
A. Fiorillo
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Psychiatry ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Child And Adolescent Psychiatry ◽  
Early Career ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Emergency Psychiatry ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Self Confidence

As models of mental health care and the professional identity of psychiatry are dramatically changing throughout Europe, a constant redefinition of aims, procedures and standards of training in psychiatry is widely perceived as necessary. The aim of the present study was to assess, in a group of trainees in psychiatry and early career psychiatrists, facts and opinions about their own training.A 30-item ad hoc structured questionnaire, with both yes/no questions and rating scales, was administered to 92 Italian trainees in psychiatry and young psychiatrists, during a training event. The questionnaire focused on general work-related aspects (job satisfaction, self-confidence in different skills and therapeutic interventions) but also on more specific training-related aspects (supervision, training in psychotherapy, methods of evaluations, training in research).Mean (SD) age of respondents was 30 (3.51) years, with a M/F ratio of 0.31. Sixty-nine percent of respondents deemed themselves generally “satisfied” with their training, but when considering some specific areas of training, such as psychotherapy and forensic psychiatry, the satisfaction rates were sensibly lower (33 and 19% respectively). Lower levels of professional self-confidence were associated to forensic psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and emergency psychiatry. Respondents also reported problems in the definition and application of training instruments such as supervision and a training log-book.The definition and implementation of minimum educational international standards for training in psychiatry is still necessary. Thus, continuous research on definition of educational standards in psychiatry has to be promoted throughout Europe.

scholarly journals TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY STUDY MODEL OF AGED APARTMENT RENOVATION APPLYING ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Junho Choi ◽  
Jaepil Choi
Keyword(s):  
Analytic Hierarchy Process ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Technical Feasibility ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
The Government ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Study Unit

Residential buildings are being renovated around the world, especially apartments, their solutions are becoming increasingly important. The number of apartments in Korea that are more than 20 years old has reached 4.3 million, and the problem of aged apartments now needs to be addressed. Consequently, the government is promoting the improvement of the residential environment through renovation. In a renovation project, a feasibility study is conducted at the outset, but many apartments fail to complete the renovation process during the project. One reason is that feasibility studies focus on economics without sufficiently considering the technical aspects of the redesign. This study developed a feasibility study model that can pre-evaluate apartment renovation in terms of technology. We selected 27 criteria that affect technical feasibility, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was performed with experts to derive the relative importance of the criteria. Based on the weight of the criteria, we developed an apartment renovation technology feasibility study model. As a result of the study, unit and complex conditions were found to have a significant influence on renovation. Moreover, it was found that the technical feasibility study model can quantitatively evaluate the technical aspects of an apartment to be renovated.

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