International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering (6 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