Mining Method Selection Application

Overview

This project implements a web application for the selection of mining methods for conceptual mining projects. The tool is based on the Nicholas methodology and other quantitative methods to evaluate mineral deposits. The application helps professionals make quick decisions about the feasibility of different mining methods based on geological and economic parameters.

Features

• Mining Method Evaluation: The application supports the Nicholas 1981, Nicholas 1992, UBC, and Sh&B methods.
• Intuitive Interface: Lithological parameter tables, such as uniaxial compressive strength and specific weight, are presented in a clear and easy-to-understand format.
• Geomechanical Classification: Auxiliary tools for geomechanical classification of mineral deposits using the RMR method.
• Quick Assessment: Allows for quick technical and economic evaluation, providing clear guidance on the most suitable mining methods for the project.

Technologies Used

• Frontend:
  • JavaScript
  • HTML5
  • CSS3
• Auxiliary Tools:
  • Lithological parameter tables
  • RMR geomechanical classification
  • GSI geomechanical classification
  • AHP tool for decision-making in Nicholas' method
• No Frameworks: The application was developed without using frameworks or additional dependencies.

How to Use

1. Access the application interface.
2. Select the desired mining method (Nicholas 1981, Nicholas 1992, UBC, Sh&B).
3. Fill in the geological parameters with available data about the mineral deposit.
4. Review the results and use the auxiliary tools to geomechanically classify the deposit.
5. Consider technical and economic criteria to choose the most suitable method.

Architecture

The application is designed to be modular and scalable, ensuring that new features can be easily added.

Contributions

This project is continuously evolving, and contributions to improvement are welcome.

Institutional Support

This work was developed with the support of:

• Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq): For funding and fostering scientific research in Brazil.
  
• Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS): For providing academic infrastructure and resources.
  

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How to Contribute

We welcome contributions from the community! Here’s how you can help:

1. Report Bugs: Open an issue on GitHub to document problems or suggestions.
2. Improve Code: Fork the repository, make changes, and submit a pull request.
3. Enhance Documentation: Help improve user guides or translate content.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for more details.

More about the Application

The development of the mining method selection application is described in two key research articles:

1. DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM APLICATIVO DE SELEÇÃO DE MÉTODOS DE LAVRA PARA PROJETOS CONCEITUAIS DE MINERAÇÃO
   Authors: Higor José Silva Campos, Fernando Alves Cantini Cardozo, Vinícius Matheus Lenz, Carlos Petter. DOI: 10.5151/2594-357X-40715

2. METHODOLOGY FOR SELECTING MINING METHODS IN THE PRELIMINARY PROJECT STAGES
   Authors: Fernando Alves Cantini Cardozo, Higor José Silva Campos, Carlos Otávio Petter, Vinícius Matheus Lenz. DOI: 10.5151/2594-357X-40716

These articles provide a detailed explanation of the methodology and the application’s development process.

References

• BIENIAWSKI, Z. T. Engineering Rock Mass Classifications: A Complete Manual for Engineers and Geologists in Mining, Civil, and Petroleum Engineering. John Wiley & Sons, 1989.
• NICHOLAS, D.E. Method Selection - A Numerical Approach. In: DESIGN AND OPERATION OF CAVING AND SUBLEVEL STOPING MINE. Stewart, Daniel R. ed. Society of Mining Engineers of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, 1981.
• NICHOLAS, D.E. Selection Procedure. In: MINING ENGINEERING HANDBOOK. 2nd ed. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 1992. v. 2, p. 2090–2106.
• HOEK, E.; CARTER, T. G.; DIEDERICHS, M. S. Quantification of the geological strength index chart. 47th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium, 2013. p. 1757–1764.
• PALMSTRÖM, A. Combining the RMR, Q, and RMi classification systems. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2009. v. 24, n. 4, p. 491–492.
• RIBEIRO, M. C. de C. R.; ALVES, A. da S. Aplicação do método Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) com a mensuração absoluta num problema de seleção qualitativa. Sistemas & Gestão, 2016. v. 11, n. 3, p. 270–281.
• SAATY, T. L. How to make a decision: The Analytic Hierarchy Process.
• SHAHRIAR, K. et al. A New Numerical Method and AHP For Mining Method Selection. Proc. 4th Int. Symp. on ‘High performance mine production, 2007. p. 289–306.
• TENZER, R. et al. A digital rock density map of New Zealand. Computers & Geosciences, 2011. v. 37, n. 8, p. 1181–1191.
• MILLER, T.L.; PAKALNIS, R.; POULIN, R. UBC Mining Method Selection. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, 1995.