http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/mining/ Mining News. Learn about mining operations, safety and procedures. Follow new developments in the mining field. en-us Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:05:01 EST Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/mining/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172255.htm Over nearly a century, thousands of residents and workers in Libby, Mont., have been exposed to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore, leading to markedly higher rates of lung disease and autoimmune disorders, and causing to Libby in 2002 to be added to the federal Environmental Protection Agency's "National Priorities List." Researchers are now launching three investigations into disease pathology in the town and to determine recommended cleanup efforts. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm A new report examines and, when possible, estimates "hidden" costs of energy production and use -- such as the damage air pollution imposes on human health -- that are not reflected in market prices of coal, oil, other energy sources, or the electricity and gasoline produced from them. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103623.htm Peat has been used in container plant production since the 1960s. Highly porous and able to hold water, peat makes an ideal rooting and growing medium. But harvesting peat (and draining valuable peatlands in the process) releases carbon stored in peat into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Researchers have worked for years to find alternative organic materials that can be used as partial or complete substitutes for peat and are now testing composted dairy manure. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012230441.htm Researchers working in Colombia's Cerrejón coal mine have unearthed the first megafossil evidence of a neotropical rainforest. Titanoboa, the world's biggest snake, lived in this forest 58 million years ago at temperatures 3-5 C warmer than in rainforests today, indicating that rainforests flourished during warm periods. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012230441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081219.htm Worldwide, thousands of workers die every year from mining accidents, and instantaneous coal outbursts in underground mines are among the major killers. But although scientists have been investigating coal outbursts for more than 150 years, the precise mechanism is still unknown. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930102525.htm Exposure to radon gas in homes is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to a study carried out by researchers in Spain And Romania. The team has studied data on exposure to this element in a uranium mining area in Transylvania and in an area of granite in Torrelodones, Madrid. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930102525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915140919.htm Processes and policies governing the reuse and recycling of electronic products need to be standardized worldwide to stem and reverse the growing problem of illegal and harmful e-waste processing practices in developing countries, according to experts behind the world's first international e-waste academy. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915140919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130709.htm Contaminants from natural coal deposits in the Gulf of Alaska are not easily bioavailable, unlike the crude oil from the Exxon Valdez tanker catastrophe, according to a new study. The findings challenge the theory that natural coal deposits were the cause of observed environmental damage. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801185900.htm Infection with Marburg virus and the related Ebola virus can produce severe disease in people, with fever and bleeding. During outbreaks, as many as 90 percent of those infected have died. The natural reservoir for Marburg virus, and its cousin Ebola virus, has been the subject of much speculation and scientific investigation. Sun, 02 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801185900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727081108.htm Mine shafts on the point of being closed down could be used to provide geothermal energy to local towns. The method engineers have developed makes it possible to estimate the amount of heat that a tunnel could potentially provide. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727081108.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729203655.htm An odd songbird with a bald head living in a rugged region in Laos has been discovered. Dubbed the "Bare-faced Bulbul" because of the lack of feathers on its face and part of its head, it is the only example of a bald songbird in mainland Asia, according to scientists. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729203655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721090226.htm Vast mirrors send reflections of snow-topped volcanic cones and lunar landscapes are fringed with giant cacti, the only remaining representatives of plant life. The salars, salt-crust deserts perched 4000 m high on the Andes of Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, have a fascinating beauty. And are extreme hostile environments. However, they also captivate scientists owing to the information they hold within them. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721090226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722100018.htm Researchers often make progress by applying a proven scientific method from one realm to another, connecting seemingly disparate disciplines. Such interdisciplinary approaches are powerful tools in the drive for scientific innovation. But who would ever dream of applying viruses to mining? Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722100018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723175438.htm Coal dust exposure is directly linked to severity of emphysema in smokers and nonsmokers alike, according to new research. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723175438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618093238.htm For the first time scientists have discovered the presence of a natural deep earth pump that is a crucial element in the formation of ore deposits and earthquakes. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618093238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616080909.htm Researchers have confirmed that zinc, copper and lead are present at high levels in the water and sediments of the Huelva estuary in Spain and have studied how some of these heavy metals are transferred to fish. The study shows that zinc, cadmium and copper accumulate in the body tissues of sole and gilthead bream. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616080909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527105713.htm Most polluted or damaged ecosystems worldwide can recover within a lifetime if societies commit to their cleanup or restoration, according to a new analysis. Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527105713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514083757.htm Researchers in Spain have verified in controlled trials the efficiency of Erica andevalensis, or heather from Andévalo -- an endemic shrub from the province of Huelva and the Portuguese area of the Alentejo -- in the recovery of soils contaminated with heavy metals. Sun, 24 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514083757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518172644.htm The study of ancient lake sediment from high altitude lakes in the Andes has revealed for the first time that mercury pollution occurred long before the start of the Industrial Revolution. Tue, 19 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518172644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513121054.htm Researchers have built a test facility to evaluate and enhance sensors designed to detect buried land mines. The unique automated system measures the response of individual electromagnetic induction sensors or arrays of sensors against land mines buried at many possible angles. Mon, 18 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513121054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423082915.htm Pollution experts are close to solving a problem which has led to over 100 tonnes of discharges from old iron stone mine workings pouring into the North Sea every year. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423082915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090222191245.htm Scientists have devised a method for identifying levels of exposure to environmental arsenic – by testing toenail clippings. Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment and people can be exposed to it in several ways, for example through contaminated water, food, dust or soil. Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090222191245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223121411.htm Uranium contamination is a devastating legacy of nuclear weapon and energy development, but new testing has shown that adding organic molecules can positively affect the bioremediation of this uranium, converting it to a solid mineral and sequestering it within the sediment. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223121411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090203172713.htm Several hundred little brown bats are dead from White-Nose Syndrome in Lackawanna County, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking to residents for help uncovering other sites where this deadly disorder may have surfaced. Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090203172713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209094555.htm Located five kilometers from the Spanish border, the Portuguese São Domingos mine, abandoned since 1966, continues to pollute the river ways that flow into Chanza dam, the largest drinking water reservoir in the province of Huelva, according to scientists. The new study shows that oxidation and the dissolving of sulfurs are processes that remain active today, so the researchers are asking that solution plans be put in place. Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209094555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090127210243.htm Volcanic ground is a challenging place to drill water wells. In central Nicaragua, situated on volcanic bedrock, only 3 of every 10 wells drilled produce sufficient water for even one household. Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090127210243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081218132254.htm Why does gold occur where it does in bedrock? If we understood that we would be able to make new finds in areas where we had not looked for it. In his research into the Fäboliden gold deposit along the so-called Gold Line in Västerbotten in northern Sweden, Glenn Bark has studied the geological features that are important to the formation of gold deposits. What's more, the results are proving to be directly useful to the project's industrial partner and its current gold prospecting. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081218132254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081031214322.htm Paper mill waste can safely be applied at a rate three times higher than the typical rate in Ohio, to reclaim soils of surface-coal mined areas. Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081031214322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081030194228.htm One of the biggest challenges facing the mining industry is rock wall failure. A new invention could change all that, by making excavations safer. Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081030194228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021190646.htm A 20-strong -team of cloud and climate experts from the UK’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science are setting off for Chile to investigate how massive swathes of clouds that hang over the Pacific are affecting climate and weather all round the world. This new project aims to reduce some of the largest errors currently in our climate models and thus greatly improve predictions of future climate change. Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021190646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081009143708.htm The first ecosystem with only a single biological species has been discovered and its genome analyzed by a multi-institutional and multidisciplinary team. Living 2.8 km beneath the surface of the earth in the Mponeng gold mine near Johannesburg, South Africa, the rod-shaped bacterium Desulforudis audaxviator exists in complete isolation, total darkness, a lack of oxygen, and 60-degree-Celsius heat. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081009143708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922090847.htm A researcher from the University of Alberta has proposed an experimental electrical heating process to draw oil from largely untapped deposits, which could yield major rewards for oil production and be more environmentally sound than current extractions processes. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922090847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908225740.htm Deposits of undiscovered copper, molybdenum, gold and silver may be present in the Andes Mountains of South America, according to a new scientific assessment. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908225740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903101420.htm The ground in the Dutch province of South-Limburg is not as stable as had been thought. Satellite observations have shown greater localized rises than expected. Newly-developed technology has also enabled improved charting of ground subsidence in the provinces of Groningen and North-Holland. The satellites measure ground shifts down to the last millimeter. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903101420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110241.htm Borneo (Kalimantan) is the third largest island in the world. Borneo's rain forests are also home to some extremely rare species of orchids, all highly valued for their exotic aromas and aesthetic beauty. Borneo's orchids are also endangered, a result of the loss of natural habitat from fire, forest damage, and illegal logging. Increased exploitation of the forests of West Borneo, including gold mining and illegal burning, has led to the certain extinction of hundreds of orchid species. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717210554.htm The same technology used to analyse minerals and atmosphere on Mars and other planets is being used by scientists to explore methods for geosequestration of carbon emissions. The idea of geosequestration is to trap carbon dioxide and to lock it into minerals deep underground. Geosequestration of carbon dioxide is one of the methods under debate to reduce greenhouse gases and their effects on climate change. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717210554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717221913.htm Working in coal mines can be backbreaking labor, not to mention dangerous. But a new technology will make it easier for miners to ensure their safety as they brace the roofs of mine shafts. The new method involves simple, but specially designed stackable wood braces that are lighter and stronger than conventional wooden blocks used by miners for centuries. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717221913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710145731.htm Researchers have devised a technology that can distinguish mine collapses from other seismic activity. Using the large seismic disturbance associated with the Crandall Canyon mine collapse last August, scientists applied a method developed to detect underground nuclear weapons tests to quickly examine the seismic recordings of the event and determine whether that source was most likely from a collapse. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710145731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616170810.htm A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that examining an insect's "family tree" might help predict a "cousin" insect's level of tolerance to pollutants, and therefore could be a reliable way to understand why certain insect species thrive or suffer under specific ecological conditions. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616170810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619094002.htm Advanced ground penetration radar, originally developed to investigate the soil structure on the moon and other planets on ESA planetary missions, is now being used in Canadian mines to spot hidden cracks and weaknesses in mine roofs. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619094002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619093259.htm Several huge active submarine volcanoes, spreading ridges and rift zones have been discovered northeast of Fiji. The summits of two of the volcanoes, named 'Dugong', and 'Lobster', are dominated by large calderas at depths of 1100 and 1500 meters. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619093259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616092214.htm A new geochemical study illuminates 7,000 years of mining and metal use in central China and links these trends to fluctuations in airborne pollution during the Bronze Age and other military and industrial periods in Chinese history. The study could help scientists better assess the accumulative environmental effects of human activity in the region since prehistory times. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616092214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611093842.htm Gypsum, a rocky mineral is abundant in desert regions where fresh water is usually in very short supply but oil and gas fields are common. Researchers have hit on the idea of using the untapped energy from oil and gas flare-off or small-scale solar power to release the water locked in gypsum. Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611093842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610092720.htm Research by an honors student has revealed high mercury levels may be a contributing factor to dolphin deaths in Australia. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610092720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602075828.htm New calculations show that the deadly Crandall Canyon mine collapse -- which registered as a magnitude-3.9 earthquake -- began near where miners were excavating coal and quickly grew to a 50-acre cave-in, seismologists say in a report on the tragedy. The University of Utah Seismograph Stations estimated the size of the collapse is about four times larger than was thought shortly after the time of the Aug. 6, 2007, disaster. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602075828.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115835.htm A novel gas sensor system makes it possible to monitor large areas cost-effectively the first time. The patented gas sensor is based on the principle of diffusion, according to which certain gases pass through a membrane faster than others. Using a tube-like sensor it is possible to measure an average gas concentration value over a certain distance without influencing or distorting conditions in the measuring environment. Fri, 09 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505072838.htm Fungi may have an important role to play in the fate of potentially dangerous depleted uranium left in the environment after recent war campaigns, according to a new report in Current Biology. Fungi can "lock" depleted uranium into a mineral form that may be less likely to find its way into plants, animals, or the water supply. Tue, 06 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505072838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421123231.htm Rising energy and environmental costs may prevent nuclear power from being a sustainable alternative energy source in the fight against global warming, according to a new study. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421123231.htm