International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering (9 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
   
  
• Utilisation of coal mine overburden waste: a review  
  by Sumit Kumar Jana, Amar Nath Mishra, Sunanda Jana, Dan Bahadur Pal, Dev Mani Pandey 
  Abstract: This paper reviews the utilisation of coal mine overburden (OB). India has the alternate-loftiest population in the world, which results in a high need for power and electricity. The need for coal and the demand for electricity and energy are adding in India, the loftiest population in the world, which results in a high need for power and electricity. The need for coal and the demand for electricity and energy are adding in India. Mine overload is the waste of gemstone material produced during mining. Massive volumes of mining waste are produced during mining operations, and these wastes have a severe dump insecurity, acid drainage brought on by oxidation processes, water pollution, air pollution, and other problems. This review focuses on the utilisations of coal overburden, like backfilling underground mine voids, ceramic, and bricks, from the by-products of coal mining and processing to pottery.
  Keywords: coal; coal overburden; backfilling; ceramics; secondary aggregate.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10074398
   
  
• Forecasting of slope failures in open cast coal mines using AI and ML algorithms  
  by Anasuya Ravikanti, Srinivasulu Tadisetty 
  Abstract: Coal is a crucial resource, widely used in industries and power generation. India ranks 3rd in coal production but must import coal to meet growing demand. Coal mining in India is done through underground and open-cast methods. Open-cast mining success depends heavily on the stability of pit slopes, which must remain intact throughout the mine's life. Slope failures in open-cast coal mines pose serious risks to safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This paper presents techniques to predict and forecast such failures using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. These innovative models leverage comprehensive datasets, including geological, hydrological, and operational parameters, to improve prediction accuracy. The paper also explores the role of AI in enhancing slope stability in open-cast coal mining, demonstrating how AI and ML algorithms can enhance the reliability of slope failure forecasts.
  Keywords: slope failures; coal mining; artificial intelligence; AI; machine learning; ML; prediction; open cast coal mines.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10075226
   
  
• Africa's mineral policy renaissance: reflection of geopolitical transformations for generational wealth creation in Kenya  
  by Obed Nyangena, Nyaboga Douglas Mochama, Jacob Wanyonyi Nato 
  Abstract: This study examines the African mining sector with focus on Kenya to offer insights for policy development amid escalating global competition and uncertainties within supply chains for critical and strategic minerals. Evolution of Kenya's mining regulatory framework is outlined from the inception of the 1940 Mining Act. Efforts to review the Act commenced in 1993, culminating in the introduction of the Mining Act, 2016. The protracted evolution underscores the intricacies linked to the formulation of a comprehensive sector legislative framework. The implementation of the 2016 Act was a response to demands for reform, grounded in the Constitution enacted in 2010. It is posited that Kenya is strategically situated to assert its position and play an active role in shaping international policies to protect its mineral interests and promote wealth generation. The study presents actionable strategies to expand the mining sector and align it with the dynamic demands of the industry.
  Keywords: just energy transition; transparency; public participation; Kenya.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10075895
   
  
• Optimal position of the open-off cut in the lower coal seam of the overlying goaf  
  by Guanfeng Chang, Xiao Liu, Peng Li, Yan Zhang 
  Abstract: An elastic mechanical calculation model was established to optimise the position of the open-off cut in the lower coal seam. Field measurements were employed to evaluate the fractured zone in the surroundings of the open-off cut. As the vertical distance between 22# and 42# coal seams increased, the stress gradually decreased at point M. The normal and shear stresses in the y-axis first increased and then decreased with increased y-axis. Stress peaks concentrated near 30 and 160 m from the stopping line of 22# coal seam under different mining heights, while the minimum stress occurred at about 15 and 165 m. The loosening circle around the open-off cut in 42# coal seam ranged from 2.9 to 4.6 m. Positioning the open-off cut of 42# coal seam about 50 m from the stopping line of 22# coal seam avoided the influence of the protective coal pillar on the stress peak.
  Keywords: overlying goaf; lower coal seam; opening-off cut; roof strata; floor strata; stress distribution characteristics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10075883
   
  
• Electricity and sustainable innovation in copper mining and processing: a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review  
  by Marco Cotrina, Jairo Marquina, Bruno Rodríguez, Jorge Vargas 
  Abstract: This study analyses electricity consumption in copper mining and processing (2000-2024), focusing on trends, innovations, and future directions. Using a mixed-method approach bibliometric analysis, text mining, and content analysis 95 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus, JSTOR, and Taylor & Francis were reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. The objectives were to identify trends, review energy efficiency and innovations in mineral processing, and propose future research directions. Three research clusters emerged: 1) energy efficiency and electricity consumption in copper mining; 2) electricity and sustainability in copper mineral processing; 3) technological advances in copper processing with a focus on electricity. Five research priorities were proposed: optimising energy use in comminution and flotation, integrating renewable energy, advancing desalination and energy, efficient water management, recovering and reusing residual energy, and developing sustainable processing technologies.
  Keywords: copper mining; electricity consumption; energy efficiency; mineral processing; sustainability; renewable energy; sustainable technologies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2026.10075299