Dynamics of glass windows in mining vehicles under the impacts of rock pieces: numerical and analytical comparison for computational models validation

This study represents the results of linear dynamics analysis of glass plates subjected to rock pieces impacts occurring in underground machines’ windows. The aim of the work is to provide analytical and numerical solutions, obtain frequencies and plate displacement, and compare results of stress calculation for different models. The work performs finite element method (FEM) computations within a modal analysis in 3D statement including a mesh-size convergence analysis. Given approach is a basement for estimation of safety work conditions for operators in cabins of underground mining vehicles when glass windows are subjected to rock bursts and damages.

Topological Navigation and Localization in Tunnels—Application to Autonomous Load-Haul-Dump Vehicles Operating in Underground Mines

Mobile robots are no longer used exclusively in research laboratories and indoor controlled environments, but are now also used in dynamic industrial environments, including outdoor sites. Mining is one industry where robots and autonomous vehicles are increasingly used to increase the safety of the workers, as well as to augment the productivity, efficiency, and predictability of the processes. Since autonomous vehicles navigate inside tunnels in underground mines, this kind of navigation has different precision requirements than navigating in an open environment. When driving inside tunnels, it is not relevant to have accurate self-localization, but it is necessary for autonomous vehicles to be able to move safely through the tunnel and to make appropriate decisions at its intersections and access points in the tunnel. To address these needs, a topological navigation system for mining vehicles operating in tunnels is proposed and validated in this paper. This system was specially designed to be used by Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) vehicles, also known as scoop trams, operating in underground mines. In addition, a localization system, specifically designed to be used with the topological navigation system and its associated topological map, is also proposed. The proposed topological navigation and localization systems were validated using a commercial LHD during several months at a copper sub-level stoping mine located in the Coquimbo Region in the northern part of Chile. An important aspect to be addressed when working with heavy-duty machinery, such as LHDs, is the way in which automation systems are developed and tested. For this reason, the development and testing methodology, which includes the use of simulators, scale-models of LHDs, validation, and testing using a commercial LHD in test-fields, and its final validation in a mine, are described.

SWOT-assessment of recycling materials for cheap explosives used in the development of fields in the Russian Arctic zone

The recycling potential is being actualized due to the trends in the production and use of powder and liquid combustible materials from the waste of a mining enterprise in the production cycle of mining, enrichment and processing (polymer packaging and containers of explosives, large tires and rubber products during the operation of mining vehicles, coal powder and coke breeze during enrichment and coking of coal, waste oil products during the operation of vehicles and mechanization equipment). In the material under consideration, a SWOT analysis of the possibility of using the recycling technology of materials in the manufacture of the simplest explosives in the northern and arctic regions of Russia is carried out, including consideration of geological, natural, climatic, economic-geographical, environmental, technological and technical aspects. On the basis of the presented detailing of the indicators of the considered aspects of the SWOT analysis, their role is shown and the value is highlighted when using the technology of recycling materials for the simplest explosives in the development of medium and small deposits. The possibility of obtaining recycled material used for the manufacture of the simplest explosives at mining enterprises from alternative manufacturers is shown.