International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering (13 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Bridging the Gap between Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) and Formal Finance in Zimbabwe: a Literature Review  
  by Tinotenda Tingini, Olushola Eniowo 
  Abstract: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Zimbabwe accounts for approximately 65% of national gold output and sustains over one million livelihoods. Despite its economic significance, the sector faces severe constraints in accessing formal finance, primarily due to collateral requirements, inadequate technical documentation, and perceived high risk. This study examines both the demand and supply sides of ASGM finance, highlighting the diversity of investors; from traditional banks and private equity to impact-focused financiers; and the mechanisms they use to assess risk, return, and impact. Key barriers to investment in the sector are analysed alongside practical solutions, such as standardised geological reporting, operational templates, ESG compliance frameworks, and cooperative-based financing. The study further explores alternative financial instruments, including off-take and streaming agreements, blended finance, and movable asset collateral, that can bridge the financing gap while de-risking investments. By integrating investment-readiness criteria, scalability and replicability metrics, and operationalised ESG measures, this paper proposes a structured framework that enhances ASGM bankability, aligns miner capacities with investor expectations, and supports sustainable, responsible sector growth in Zimbabwe and comparable contexts.
  Keywords: ASGM; Zimbabwe; formalization; bankability; ESG compliance; access to finance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10075814
   
  
• Open pit Slope Stability Investigation of the Ouenza Iron Mine (NE Algeria) using Rock Mass Description, Stereographic Projection, and Kinematic Analysis  
  by Faouzi Mebrouk, Yacine Berrah, Rihab Hadji 
  Abstract: The stability of open-pit mine slopes is strongly controlled by geological structures, rock mass quality, and discontinuity orientations. This study assesses the stability of the Ouenza iron mine in northeastern Algeria through an integrated approach combining rock mass characterization, stereographic projection, and kinematic analysis. Field investigations included discontinuity mapping and evaluation of RQD, RMR, and SMR indices. The potential for slope instability was evaluated using kinematic analysis, aided by stereographic projection, to delineate the primary failure mechanisms and assess the overall stability. Results revealed substantial heterogeneity in rock mass quality: limestone and iron-bearing units (RQD 5098%, RMR IIIII) show greater stability than yellow marl (RQD 1865%, RMR IV). Kinematic analysis indicated planar sliding, wedge failure, and toppling, mainly in upper bench where low SMR values (136) denote unstable conditions. Findings link structural geology to slope stability, guiding targeted stabilisation.
  Keywords: Open-pit mining; slope stability; kinematic analysis; RMR; SMR; Ouenza mine.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10076037
   
  
• A Multimodal LLMs Approach for Mine Safety: Integrating Perception, Risk Reasoning, and Intelligent Decision Support  
  by Zhuang Xing 
  Abstract: Mine safety is challenged by complex, multi-risk environments where traditional monitoring systems suffer from information silos and lack predictive capabilities. To address this, this paper proposes a multi-modal large model framework enhanced with a mining domain knowledge base for deep data integration, dynamic risk reasoning, and intelligent decision support. Methodologically, it fine-tunes a large model with the knowledge base, processes heterogeneous data (sensors, video, reports) with a multi-modal encoder, and uses a causal reasoning engine for risk deduction and response generation. Experiments on a large coal mine dataset show the model significantly outperforms baseline methods, achieving high F1-scores in identifying gas and roof risks. Specifically, in the identification of the two core risks of gas exceeding limits and abnormal roof conditions, the model achieved an F1-score of 92.5%, significantly higher than the traditional threshold method (average 61.3%). Its risk early warning leads by an average of 22 minutes, and the generated emergency plans received high scores of 4.74.8/5 in expert blind reviews (for rationality, effectiveness, and completeness). It provides warnings several minutes earlier and generates more rational and complete emergency plans, enabling a paradigm shift in mine safety management from passive response to proactive intelligence.
  Keywords: Mine safety; Large language models; Multimodal fusion; Risk inference; Gas outbursts; Roof disasters; Intelligent decision-making.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10076822
   
  
• Development of Water-Conducting Fractures in Overlying Strata under Conditions of Thick Unconsolidated Layers and Varying Bedrock Thickness  
  by Teng Zhang, Jiming Zhu, Jiayu Fan, Zhongchang Wang 
  Abstract: The Wanfu Coal Mine faces water-sand inrush risks from the Neogene aquifer during coal extraction. This study takes the 1305 working face as a case and adopts physical modelling and discrete element simulations to investigate overburden fracture development under different geological structures and mining activities. It reveals the critical locations and key periods for preventing water-sand inrush from the aquifer at the bottom of the Neogene system. It was shown that under 20MPa geostress, as bedrock aquifuge thickness continuously increases, the number of connected fracture zones within the aquifuge gradually decreases, and their locations shift toward the ends of the working face along the strike. The ends of the working face along the strike are critical areas for preventing water-sand inrush. When bedrock aquifuge thickness reaches 24 m, it can block the hydraulic connection between the water-conducting fractures and the Neogene aquifer, suppressing the upward expansion of the water-conducting channels.
  Keywords: deep mining; similar material simulation; discrete element numerical modeling; development patterns of the water-conducting fracture zone; aquitard thickness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10076840
   
  
• Theoretical Study and Application on the Distribution Conformation of Loads on the Overlay of Key Stratum  
  by Feilong Guo, Xiangbin Meng, Wenyang Zhang, Hongjie Liu 
  Abstract: A load transfer model for stacked beams in the upper and lower rock layers is established using Timoshenko beams. The results show that the greater the thickness ratio of overlying rock layers, the greater the load transfer. When the thickness ratio is 2, the intermediate pressure reaches 0.89 q and the boundary pressure is 0.72 q. The elastic modulus ratio will affect the magnitude of load transfer. The greater the softness of the upper rock layer, and the greater the load transfer to the underlying rock layer. When the ratio of the elastic modulus of the upper and lower rock layers is less than 1/10, the load can be transferred to the underlying key layer. Poisson ratio has a minimal effect on the load transfer. Adopting on-site measurement and composite blasting cutting of the top of the key layer shows good application of the project.
  Keywords: stacked beam; key stratum; interlayer pressure; Timoshenko beam.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10077064
   
  
• The Effect of Height and Width Ratio on Uniaxial Compressive Strength and its Application on Marble Pillar Strength Analysis  
  by Purwanto Purwanto, Wihdah Wihdah, Nirmana Fiqra Qaidahiyani, Assyahidul Hayyi 
  Abstract: Non-standard pillars will cause collapse in underground mines. The room and pillar underground system is used in marble mines in Pangkep Regency, Indonesia. The current pillar geometry is a stubby prismatic, measuring 22 x 6 x 5meters in length, width, and height, respectively, with plans to increase the mining height. This study focuses on the effect of the height and width ratio of marble on the compressive strength of rocks and its application towards the size of pillars supporting underground marble mines. The lowest UCS test results using prismatic sample for each hp/wp ratio show a decrease in strength with an increase in the h/w ratio, namely 61.29 MPa, 39.20 MPa, and 36.70 MPa for h/w ratios of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. The recommended pillar sizes in length, height, and width are 5 x 5 x 5 m, 14 x 13.5 x 9 m, 14 x 20 x 10 m.
  Keywords: Uniaxial compressive strength; specimen size ratio; pillar strength; pillar dimension; room and pillar method; marble mine.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10077168
   
  
• Estimation of Thermal Conductivity of Rocks through Artificial Neural Network Modelling Based on Physico-Mechanical Properties  
  by Anup Tripathi, Gurram Dileep, Samir Kumar Pal, Aman Raj 
  Abstract: Accurate estimation of rock thermal conductivity is vital in geotechnical, geothermal, and mining engineering for underground design, thermal modelling, and energy storage applications. Conventional laboratory methods, though accurate, are time-consuming and impractical for large datasets or field conditions. This study explores artificial neural networks (ANN) to predict rock thermal conductivity using measurable physico-mechanical properties such as density, porosity, P-wave velocity, and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). A feedforward backpropagation ANN model was developed and trained in MATLAB using experimental data. Model performance was evaluated using correlation coefficient (R), mean squared error (MSE), and regression analysis. The ANN architecture was optimised by varying hidden neurons from 5 to 15, with optimal performance at 12 neurons. The model achieved high R-values for training (0.98361), validation (0.94635), testing (0.95408), and overall R of 0.97679, with consistently low MSE values. Results confirm ANN as an accurate, efficient, and reliable alternative to conventional methods.
  Keywords: Thermal conductivity; Artificial Neural Network (ANN); Rock properties; P-wave velocity; Porosity; Density; UCS; Predictive modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10077962
   
  
• A review of the negative impact of adopting fourth industrial revolution technology in South Africa’s mining industry  
  by T.L. Tingini, J. Githiria 
  Abstract: The benefits of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies in mining, such as improved productivity, safety, and operational efficiency, are well documented. However, there remains a limited and fragmented understanding of their negative socio-economic, ethical, regulatory, and security implications, particularly in developing-country contexts such as South Africa. This study addresses this gap by systematically examining empirically observed risks and constraints associated with 4IR adoption in the South African mining sector, distinguishing these from speculative or assumed impacts. The study uses a qualitative narrative review methodology to synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed academic studies, as well as authoritative industry and policy reports. The findings show that 4IR adoption is constrained not only by high capital costs, skills shortages, and regulatory uncertainty, but also by behavioural and cultural resistance. The study concludes that 4IR adoption in mining risks exacerbating inequality and undermining long-term socio-economic sustainability if there are no proactive governance measures.
  Keywords: mining; fourth industrial revolution; 4IR; automation; cybersecurity; job displacement; socio-economic impacts; South Africa.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10078119
   
  
• Study on fracture propagation in deep coal seams under fracture network fracturing based on a multi-field coupling model  
  by Bumin Guo, Fan Yang, Ling Chen, Jinwei Shen, Jinhao Cao, Yantao Xu, Ximo Qu, Mingjie Chen 
  Abstract: This study develops a fluid-solid coupled numerical model for simulating fracture propagation, utilising discrete grid theory and synthetic rock mass technology. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using systematic numerical simulation methods to examine how critical parameters affect fracture propagation behaviour and network development patterns. Results demonstrate that complex fracture networks are more likely to form under conditions of low horizontal stress difference (3 MPa), low elastic modulus (710 GPa), low compressive strength (1-30 MPa), low-viscosity fracturing fluids (120 mPa s), and appropriate natural fracture or joint angles (45-75 or around 45). These parameters collectively influence fracture path deviation, branch development, and interconnection, ultimately governing the geometry and effectiveness of the stimulated reservoir volume. The established model offers reliable numerical support for analysing fracture propagation patterns in deep coal seams, and the revealed mechanisms provide a theoretical basis for optimising fracturing designs and improving reservoir stimulation efficiency.
  Keywords: deep coal seam; multiphysics coupling; hydraulic fracturing; discrete network grid; numerical simulation; natural fractures.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10078120
   
  
• Towards intelligent control of hydrostatic systems in side discharge loaders for underground mining applications  
  by Ajit Kumar Pandey, Md. Ehtesham Hasan 
  Abstract: Hydraulic driving system holds significant and intrinsic position in mining and construction equipment. It allows smooth variation in the wheel torque, output speed, and machine power. In the present context, smooth ease of control and high efficiency remain the salient points to emphasise in the selection and design of the electro-hydraulic loaders in underground mining operations. The present investigation inclusive of the study of the performance remains the one associated with the hydrostatic driving system akin to one utilised in one of the conventional mining machines, namely side discharge loader (SDL). The design rules of the control approach can be formulated from the present analysis to result in the optimum operating features of the drives. The study undertaken in the article establishes the zone of efficient operating of the driving system, which would be useful to the practicing engineers in the selection of the same driving system in the similar application purposes.
  Keywords: analytical modeling; hydrostatic drive system; motor-based control strategy; motor displacement ratio; pump-based control strategy; pump displacement ratio; system efficiency; variable motor displacement.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10078188
   
  
• Performance evaluation of an IoT-enabled wireless sensor network for monitoring blast-induced ground vibrations  
  by Kandi Sandeep Reddy, Karra Ram Chandar 
  Abstract: Blasting is an essential process in opencast mines. The emission of waves from explosive detonations causes ground vibrations that impact adjacent structures and substrata. For many years, experts in blasting have focused on monitoring ground vibrations by peak particle velocity (PPV). Seismographs detect ground vibrations in PPV, but has drawbacks of limited storage capacity, human intervention, and high cost. A low-cost wireless sensor networks (WSN) system is proposed to monitor blast vibrations in real time. This system gathers data of ground vibrations in PPV. The study recorded 28 blast events, categorising the data into three groups based on scaled distance to analyse the impact on ground vibration attenuation according to DGMS (Tech) Circular No. (7) 1997. The efficiency of the WSN based real time vibration monitoring system is validated by seismograph PPV values and found closely correlated. Overall, this approach ensures, data accuracy, reliability, for safe and optimised blasting operations.
  Keywords: mining; blasting; ground vibration; frequency; peak particle velocity; PPV; sensors; seismographs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10078214
   
  
• Enhancing mining efficiency: evaluating geomechanical challenges of high-angle conveyor systems in deep open-pit operations  
  by Seric Moldabayev, Olena Sdvyzhkova, Dmytro Babets, Maxat Amankulov, Assel Nurmanova, Roman Dychkovskyi, Howaniec Natalia, Adam Smoliński 
  Abstract: The transportation of materials within open-pit mining operations is a pivotal factor influencing overall mining productivity. The high-angle conveyor (HAC) is engineered to be installed within a steeply inclined trench, necessitating meticulous consideration of its effects on the stability of the pit walls. This study seeks to assess the geomechanical risks linked to HAC construction by employing a two-tiered finite element method (FEM) analysis utilising RS3 software. A broad stability evaluation of the entire pit was performed to ascertain the optimal positioning for the HAC, where geomechanical risks are minimised. A focused analysis was undertaken on the specific sector encompassing the trench, enabling an in-depth assessment of the slopes multi-bench geometry and rock composition. The findings reveal that although trench excavation diminishes the safety factor (SF) of the pit wall, the reduction remains within acceptable thresholds as per design criteria, thereby validating the viability of HAC construction.
  Keywords: high angle conveyor; numerical simulation; management system of mining; slope stability; risk assessment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10078215
   
  
• Influence of personal, machine and operational factors on whole body vibration of dumper operators: a statistical approach  
  by Mallikarjun Sarapur, Mangalpady Aruna, Harsha Vardhan, Mohith Bekal Kar, Priyanka Aswatha 
  Abstract: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a significant occupational hazard for heavy Earth moving machinery operators in mining. This study examined the individual and combined effects of personal and machine-related factors on WBV exposure among 306 dumper operators from a cluster of mines. RMS(8) and VDV(8) were measured along three axes using a tri-axial accelerometer mounted on the seat surface. Results showed that both RMS(8) and VDV(8) commonly exceeded the health guidance caution zone along the z-axis. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified key risk factors. For RMS(8), weight was the strongest predictor, followed by dumper velocity, height, experience, model, and capacity. For VDV(8), dumper velocity ranked highest, followed by capacity, model, weight, experience, and height. Overweight and taller operators experienced higher RMS(8), while higher dumper speed and capacity increased VDV(8). The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce WBV-related health risks and improve worker safety.
  Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders; MSDs; whole body vibration; health guidance caution zone; HGCZ; vibration dose value; VDV.