Publications
16 results found
Balboa-Espinoza V, Segura-Salazar J, Hunt C, et al., 2023, Comparative life cycle assessment of battery-electric and diesel underground mining trucks, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol: 425, ISSN: 0959-6526
The mining sector is currently confronted with an energy market and evolving regulatory landscape that exerts pressure on the industry to consistently enhance its strategies and decision-making in support of sustainable practices. Traditionally, the ore is transported using heavy-duty trucks powered by diesel engines which have been identified as a primary contributor to environmental degradation. An emerging and technologically advanced solution of considerable interest is the implementation of battery-electric trucks, which still generates some uncertainty about its actual impact on the environment. The primary hypothesis under investigation is that battery-electric vehicles have significantly lower environmental impacts than conventional combustion vehicles. Thorough research is needed to bridge this knowledge gap and robustly understand the environmental effects of these technologies in the mining context. This study uses Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of battery-electric trucks compared to diesel trucks in a theoretical underground mine. The study analyses the environmental impacts around three main stages: the raw material supply for the manufacture of the vehicles, the energy supply (electricity or diesel fuel), and other indirect impacts associated with the operation of both types of trucks. The characterization methodology used is the ReCiPe2016 Midpoint (Hierarchical) using open-access software OpenLCA v1.10.3 for the impact assessment. The functional unit selected is one ton of material transported over 1 km. Our results for the baseline Chilean scenario indicate that diesel trucks have a considerably greater environmental impact in two of the five categories studied: global warming potential and stratospheric ozone depletion. The energy supply is the ‘hotspot’ for the electric truck life cycle, while the diesel truck life cycle has the operation and the energy supply as the main environmental impact sour
Valenta RK, Lebre E, Antonio C, et al., 2023, Decarbonisation to drive dramatic increase in mining waste-Options for reduction, RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING, Vol: 190, ISSN: 0921-3449
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- Citations: 1
Moore KR, Segura-Salazar J, Bridges L, et al., 2022, The out-of-this-world hype cycle: Progression towards sustainable terrestrial resource production, RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING, Vol: 186, ISSN: 0921-3449
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- Citations: 2
Segura-Salazar J, Tavares LM, 2021, A life cycle-based, sustainability-driven innovation approach in the minerals industry: Application to a large-scale granitic quarry in Rio de Janeiro, MINERALS ENGINEERING, Vol: 172, ISSN: 0892-6875
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- Citations: 4
Moore KR, Moradi S, Doyle K, et al., 2021, Sustainability of switch on-switch off (SOSO) mining: Human resource development tailored to technological solutions, Resources Policy, Vol: 73, Pages: 1-13, ISSN: 0301-4207
Adaptable, mobile, modularised technical solutions were piloted for switch on-switch off (SOSO) mining at test sites in the west Balkans. Pre-training occurred at the site of module construction and on the mine site in order to transfer knowledge relating to the rapid deployment, commissioning and operation of mining and processing units, in a mature health and safety culture. Translation of extensive documentation, describing operation of the equipment, into local languages and visual aids supported communication. Consideration of the activities required to deploy and operate prototype solutions revealed how characteristics of a SOSO workforce differed from other types of mining. Deployment of modularised plant employed fewer workers than traditional stick-build of a processing plant, but selective mining and processing of complex and variable deposits limited the potential for automation and required operator control. A workforce with mixed levels of experience was most amenable to development of a mature health and safety culture. The total number of employees was small at an individual site and might remain small, even in a multi-deposit, regional business model. However, employment is higher per unit of production than for conventional large-scale mining. The duration of employment is shorter than for large-scale mining but employment can nevertheless be important where there are few alternative opportunities and where it can increase the skills-base to support a more diversified local economy. SOSO mining constitutes a new relationship between society and the mining industry, which needs further consideration for greater resilience in the local community and increased social sustainability.
Beylot A, Muller S, Segura-Salazar J, et al., 2021, Switch on-switch off small-scale mining: Environmental performance in a life cycle perspective, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol: 312, ISSN: 0959-6526
A switch on-switch off (SOSO) approach to mining relies on an integrated modular and mobile plant. It is appropriate for rapid start-up and cessation of production from ore deposits that have economic viability dependent on fluctuating commodity prices. This study aims at assessing the environmental performance of the SOSO approach in a life cycle perspective, using evidence collected during its pilot-scale implementation on a high-grade lead deposit located in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The deployed modules include: i) a selective mining tool, ii) a comminution module with crusher and screen, and iii) a gravity separation module with screen, spirals and a shaking table. The Life Cycle Inventory is based on a comprehensive and transparent set of data, drawn from the on-site pilot tests, completed with additional calculations (including process simulation with USIM-PAC®), scenarios (regarding energy), and some generic data and assumptions. The potential environmental impacts are calculated considering 13 impact categories of the EF 2.0 impact assessment method. The production of one tonne of Pb concentrate, with a Pb-content of 58.7%, induces in particular the potential generation of 897 kg CO2-eq. Moreover, the contribution analysis enables identification of the environmental hotspots, including the consumption of electricity supplied by on-site diesel generators that contributes to more than 90% of the total impacts in seven impact categories. Finally, this article discusses i) how advantageous the SOSO approach is compared to large-scale lead mining regarding some of its associated key environmental hotspots, ii) the potential for reduction of the impacts associated with electricity consumption, in particular through the implementation of a renewable electricity supply mix (solar photovoltaics and biomass-based), iii) the contributions of equipment and tailings to the total impacts, and iv) the contribution of the SOSO approach to resource accessibility and depletion
Segura-Salazar J, Santos NDSL, Tavares LM, 2021, Holistic pre-feasibility study of comminution routes for a Brazilian Itabirite Ore, Minerals, Vol: 11, Pages: 894-894, ISSN: 2075-163X
Comminution is an essential step in processing itabirite ores, given the need to liberate silica and other contaminants from the iron minerals for downstream concentration and then pellet feed production. In general, these ores in Brazil are not particularly hard to crush and grind, but both capital (CAPEx) and operating (OPEx) expenditures in this stage of preparation can be critical for the project, in particular due to uncertainties in iron ore prices. Several circuits have been designed and are in operation for this type of ore in Brazil; however, it is not yet clear which technologies are more cost-effective and in which configuration they should be applied. This work critically analyzes four comminution circuits for an undisclosed case study. For these circuits, CAPEx, OPEx, and some environmental sustainability indices, as well as qualitative technical criteria, were used in the comparisons. This work concludes that two of these process routes, especially those based on more energy-efficient technologies (and one of these still rarely explored even at bench-scale), have demonstrated to be very attractive from multiple standpoints.
Segura-Salazar J, Brito-Parada PR, 2021, Stibnite froth flotation: A critical review, Minerals Engineering, Vol: 163, Pages: 1-23, ISSN: 0892-6875
Antimony has a long and diverse history of applications, and concerns about its future supply have emerged in recent years. Stibnite-bearing ores continue to be the main source of this critical element, although its sourcing from secondary resources (e.g. mine tailings) is becoming increasingly relevant yet technically challenging. In this sense, froth flotation plays a key role in the recovery of stibnite from both sources. In view of this, a comprehensive review of technical and environmental aspects related to the flotation of stibnite across scales (microflotation, bench-scale and industrial-scale) has been carried out. One of the major topics reviewed is stibnite flotation reagents; while the overall practice has been mostly conservative, relying on the use of xanthate collectors and lead nitrate as an activator, less common (bio)reagents for the flotation of stibnite ores of varying complexity have been shown to be a promising alternative. Other challenges identified from the literature are discussed, highlighting areas of opportunities for further research to enhance stibnite flotation, minimise antimony losses throughout the mine life cycle and thus make antimony more available for future generations.
Segura-Salazar J, Lima FM, Tavares LM, 2019, Life Cycle Assessment in the minerals industry: Current practice, harmonization efforts, and potential improvement through the integration with process simulation, JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION, Vol: 232, Pages: 174-192, ISSN: 0959-6526
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- Citations: 35
Pedrosa FJB, Bergerman MG, Segura-Salazar J, et al., 2019, HPGR as alternative to fused alumina comminution route: An assessment of circuit simplification potential, Revista Escola de Minas, Vol: 72, Pages: 543-551, ISSN: 0370-4467
A considerable portion of energy consumption and, as a consequence, operational costs in mineral processing, is associated with comminution. High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) are appealing for their energy efficiency and resulting lower operating costs. This article evaluates this technology as an alternative to the conventional fused alumina comminution route of a specific plant comprising a complex roll crushing circuit. Two fused alumina samples, called BT and TB, were submitted to HPGR (open circuit) and physical characterization (DWT, BBWI, bulk density, specific gravity) tests. In addition, simulations were conducted using JKSimMet® 6.0 software, aiming to predict the performance of a closed circuit equipment and scale-up of an industrial-scale unit. Product size distributions of the open circuit HPGR tests and closed circuit HPGR simulations were compared with the product size distribution required by the industrial comminution circuit. The required throughput was also evaluated. Results show that the alternative HPGR route provides a remarkable potential for circuit simplification, while considerably reducing the number of comminution equipments from 13 to 1, which facilitates operational control and possibly reduces operating costs.
Bodin J, Muller S, Brito-Parada P, et al., 2019, Linking mineral processing simulation with life cycle assessment (LCA) to forecast potential environmental impacts of small-scale mining technologies development, 15th SGA Biennial Meeting on Life with Ore Deposits on Earth, Publisher: SOC GEOLOGY APPLIED MINERAL DEPOSITS-SGA, Pages: 1581-1584
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- Citations: 1
Segura-Salazar J, Tavares LM, 2018, Sustainability in the Minerals Industry: Seeking a Consensus on Its Meaning, SUSTAINABILITY, Vol: 10, ISSN: 2071-1050
Segura-Salazar J, Barrios GP, Rodriguez V, et al., 2017, Mathematical modeling of a vertical shaft impact crusher using the Whiten model, MINERALS ENGINEERING, Vol: 111, Pages: 222-228, ISSN: 0892-6875
Salazar JS, Tavares LM, 2017, ECO-EFICIÊNCIA NO PROJETO DE CIRCUITOS DE COMINUIÇÃO: O CASO BRASILEIRO, 45º Redução / 16º Minério de Ferro / 3º Aglomeração, Publisher: Editora Blucher
Campos TM, Barrios GP, Salazar JS, et al., 2016, COMPARAÇÃO DE MODELOS MATEMÁTICOS NA PRENSAGEM DE ROLOS DE MINÉRIO DE FERRO ITABIRÍTICO, 46º Seminário de Redução/ 17º Minério de Ferro/ 4º Aglomeração, Publisher: Editora Blucher
Segura J, Tavares LM, 2014, Comparing Comminution routes for a Brazilian iron ore using sustainability principles
Comminution is one of the most energy consuming stages in a mineral processing plant. This consumption is not only related to the power supplied to equipment, but also to the indirect or embodied energy, mainly associated to materials that are worn during operation, including grinding media and liners. Until recently, preparation of iron ores in Brazil did not use comminution intensively, given that plants mainly produced sinter feed, natural pellet fines, besides lump ore. However, with decreasing ore grades, size reduction now occupies a centre stage in nearly all new plants. Technologies used up to date for processing low-grade iron ores in Brazil, in particular itabirites, have consisted of three or four stages of crushing followed by ball milling. A number of new plants are either being built or are currently being designed that will process the same type of ore, so that engineers are investigating alternative comminution routes. The paper analyses comparatively four comminution routes for processing a particular itabirite ore, many of which using technologies and layouts that have not yet been used in such application. Using data from bench scale and/or pilot-plant tests, the different routes are compared on the basis of sustainability principles in accordance to the Brazilian energy matrix, which is quite particular. It is concluded that if the sustainability criterion is used, then the optimal route would correspond to a circuit that uses HPGR technology with truncated feed followed by ball milling. Given the particular case of itabirite iron ores and specially to the one in the present work and the source of Brazilian energy, it is evident that indirect energy expenditure in comminution plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to direct energy, being the reason for the great attractiveness of HPGR technology. Evidently that these will have to be balanced against CAPEX, OPEX, NPV and other qualitative criteria, which can certainly l
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