Mining and Agribusiness: what is the relation between these two industries?

Agribusiness and mining are the two of the most relevant industries to the Brazilian economy. According to a research conducted by Cepea (Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics), of Esalq/USP, in a partnership with CNA (Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil), the Agribusiness industry grew 8.36% in 2021, reaching a 27.4% share in the country’s GDP.

As for income in the mining industry, it grew 62% in 2021, compared to 2020, reaching R$ 339 billion Reais.

Especially due to fertilizers, mining and agribusiness are extremely closely related, to know more, read this article through the end!

Agricultural commodities and fertilizers

Fertilizers are products that provide nutrients for plants to develop, largely used in several cultures for maintaining the soil and improving foods. NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) is one of the best known fertilizers in the world, and Brazil depends on 90% of the Potassium and 70% of Nitrogen, and 50% of Phosphorus, in terms of importation.

Therefore, mining and the extraction of these natural substances are directly related to the development of agribusiness, considering that the decrease in the production of these fertilizers directly affects the agribusiness.

Soil Remineralization Rock Flour

The rock flour or soil remineralization technique consists in applying fine-grained, silt-sized particles of rock in the soil, for recomposing the fraction of minerals that have been weathered or mined and which carry relevant nutrients to plants (VAN STRAATEN, 2007).

These nutrients can be categorized as:

Macronutrients: K, P, Ca, MG and S;
Micronutrients: B, Cl, Cu, Fe and beneficial elements such Silica.

These remineralizing agents, for originating from silicate minerals, have a wider variety of secondary nutrients and micronutrients relative to soluble fertilizers.

Overall, the SGB-CPRM research has been showing that alkaline volcanic rock, such as phonolites, kamafugites and some basalts have shown very good results as remineralizers, as well as biotite schists.

Moreover, mineral input can be used for correcting soil acidity, among other practices. That contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture, and also to afford more autonomy to that industry.
Regulatory Directive No. 5, of 2016, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) sets the rules for remineralizers, access the link to learn more.

Future Trend

According to some studies and projections of the Ministry of Agriculture, Brazil is likely to have a 27% increase in food production over the next decade, which will increase the need for NPKs and other natural input and application thereof in the agribusiness.

Therefore, the Brazilian Geological Service carried out a mining prospection campaign focused on these inputs in 2020.

For Potassium, the potential of potassium salt deposits was expanded in 70% due to occurrences originated in the Amazonas Bay, which may be geologically similar to other areas that are the world’s top potassium producers, such as Russia and Canada.

As for Phosphate, the carbonatite project was discovered in Rio Grande do Sul in 2009, which has recently had its interim license approved, projecting investments of over R$ 400 million Reais.

Serra Geral Group Agrominerals Project

Last year, SGB-CPRM presented the “Serra Geral Group Agrominerals Project” project in Rio Grande do Sul, which characterized part of the state of the continental basalt Paraná-Etendeka province, of Cretaceous age.

The project was developed for research into alternative sources of agricultural nutrients and soil correctives originating from volcanic rocks from the northern portion of the state, part of the Agromineral Potential Assessment of Brazil, whose objective is

surveying and assessing sources of minerals and rocks for use in the remineralization and soil conditioning technique all across the national territory, focused on materials available in piles of mining tailings.

For this specific study, a field survey was conducted between July 2012 and June 2014, focused on collecting quantities of samples of rock, fine-grade and Zeolites for agronomic testing.

Lithostratigraphic scheme of the Serra Geral group in Rio Grande do Sul and distribution of sampled points. Source: https://rigeo.cprm.gov.br/handle/doc/22373

Were performed:

Petrographic analysis;
Petrographic analysis;
analysis by electron microscopy screening;
X-ray diffractometry analysis;
reflectance spectroscopy (RE) analysis

After all the analysis and lab work, rock samples were characterized according to their potential to build agrominerals, including, in this case, soil remineralizers, soil conditioners, fertilizers or beneficial elements.

The presence of heavy metal Cd in part of the basalt samples in the region ultimately showed restrictions relative to care necessary for preserving food safety in employing these rocks in agriculture.

The work showed the region has potential, but that more specific research must still be conducted for attesting whether or not this material can be used. For seeing the full paper, click this link.

As seen before in future trends and due to the 2022 fertilizer crisis, considering the Ukraine and Russia conflict, the prices of this input has been approximately 78% above the 2021 average. This event proved how important it is investing in this area and how relevant it is, not only for Brazil, but to the entire world.

Therefore, investing in research and prospection of minerals focused on this type of fertilizer and agrominerals is growing more important by the day, and by doing that, the country will know better the potential of its reserves and which areas must be the focus of study and research for this agenda.

References:

https://www.nationalgeographicbrasil.com/meio-ambiente/2022/05/falta-de-fertilizantes-pode-levar-a-crise-alimentar-global-haveria-uma-solucao#:~:text=%E2%80%9COs%20pre%C3%A7os%20est%C3%A3o%20mais%20ou,n%C3%A3o%20est%C3%A3o%20dispon%C3%ADveis%20para%20eles.

https://rigeo.cprm.gov.br/handle/doc/22373

https://www.cepea.esalq.usp.br/br/releases/pib-agro-cepea-pib-do-agro-cresce-8-36-em-2021-participacao-no-pib-brasileiro-chega-a-27-4.aspx#:~:text=Cepea%2C%2016%2F03%2F2022,8%2C36%25%20em%202021.
https://www.cprm.gov.br/remineralizadores/

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Core Case won the Top Mining Tech 2022 award from Metals Mining Review magazine

Core Case was highlighted at TOP 10 Mining Tech Award – Company in APAC 2022, and this is yet another recognition for a work that strives for process improvement, sustainability, and application of cutting-edge technologies in the mining industry.

The award is granted by important international media Metals & Mining Review that operates in the technology and mining industry identifying the most relevant companies for professionals and their industry. Published in Florida, present in Europe and also in emerging countries.

Core Case is bringing a much-needed sustainable transformation to the minerals mining industry with its environmentally-friendly, recycled plastic boxes for storing geological core samples. With an emphasis on innovation and environmental responsibility, Core Case’s boxes are designed by geologists with extensive experience in mineral extraction. The core boxes not only help reduce plastic waste through recycling, but also diminish the detrimental environmental impact of using wood products. It’s no surprise Core Case has become a forerunner in adherence to ESG norms.

To drive environment-consciousness in its product lines further, Core Case will continue to leverage sustainable technology

Pioneering in recycled raw materials use

TOP 10 Mining Tech – Company in APAC 2022.

In a unique and visionary environmentally-conscious move, Core Case was one of the early pioneers in using recycled plastics—as opposed to virgin plastic—to build its core boxes. Since the company’s inception 11 years ago, Core Case has been firm in its approach to enabling eco-friendly, sustainable mining operations by leveraging sophisticated recycling technologies and materials. In the initial stages, procuring recycled materials and processing them to produce core boxes was a challenge.

Moving ahead of its initial product line, Core Case today has access to vast amounts of recyclable plastics courtesy of its suppliers and top-notch in-house recycling processes. This has enabled the company to build its robust product line of core boxes, namely Generation I, Generation II, Adapt, Petro Case (for the oil and gas industry) and Chip Case (for RC drilling).

Its team of qualified professionals determines and identifies the parameters of the plastics to be used in core box production, analyzes the recycled raw materials for core box manufacturing, and establishes routines for quality testing, post-production, in the company’s laboratory.

Customer Centricity

The company is defined not just by its innovative, sustainable approach to enabling efficiencies in the mineral extraction industry but also by its customercentric operational processes that enable meeting customers’ varied sample storage requirements well within deadlines.

A notable illustration of Core Case’s dedication to going the extra mile is its Adapt product line. A leading national mining company in Brazil needed adjustable core boxes to boost their sample storage capacity, as well as make it easier to stack the boxes in warehouses. In response to the client’s customization request, Core Case designed and developed the Adapt line. The company modified its existing core boxes by adding a detachable adapter that helps reduce box size. The adapter allows the adjustment of samples storage space in the boxes as per their solid and soft states. This tailor-made product enabled the customer to triple their storage capacity in the warehouse, compared to conventional wooden boxes. The success of this product prompted Core Case to transform it into an entirely new product line.

Material analysis laboratory

The latest addition to Core Case’s offerings is its technology division and business branch, Core Case Tech, launched to improve geological core sample data collection and access. The object of this system is to save time, reduce and, if possible, eliminate any possibility of errors that might occur while taking and recording the information generated by taking core samples: such as the description, sampling details and final storage. The management system is able to help workers who are out in the field, where samples are stored or in the office, by using electronic resources to analyze the geological information and that of the sample. It saves time and creates confidence in the data, by removing many of the inherent mistakes that can result from the conventional process.

A future focused on sustainable technology and expansion

To drive environment-consciousness in its product lines further, Core Case will continue to leverage sustainable technology. “Our focus will be on aligning our product to technology that provides more security, sustainability, and agility when it comes to mining-related processes,” states Flávio Ramos, Administrative Director at Core Case.

Core Case also looks forward to spreading its footprint into more foreign markets. Already well-established in Brazil and commencing business operations in Canada, the company plans to gain a stronger foothold in the Latin American market. With that goal, Core Case will also oversee the development of products better suited to international mining markets. In essence, Core Case will continue on its mission to bring novel, sustainable geological core sample storage solutions to the mining and related industries, transforming and augmenting drilling, extraction, and sampling operations across the mineral exploration sector.

Mold from Generation II product line

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Mining Technologies

Like many other industrial sectors, mining is constantly undergoing technological advances, enhancing the development of the industry. The major challenges in mining today are finding new deposits that are economically feasible, along with developing measures to make the processes of a mining project more sustainable. In a world where there is increasing demand for mineral resources but also requiring a more sustainable outlook for the industry, new technologies are critical in all phases of a mining project.

They can promote everything from improved characterization and selection of areas for sampling, development of geological models, improved data storage and management, mine planning, mining and transportation, monitoring, and even closure and environmental recovery of a mine. These aspects comprise reducing the time and expenses of a project, as well as reducing environmental impacts. There are several technologies that can be used in a mining project.

The latest trends in mining technology indicate a compelling industry shift to provide a truly modern, safe, and productive mine that meets the growing demand for extracted materials while exceeding customer expectations and global sustainability initiatives.

In a world where there is increasing demand for mineral resources but also requiring a more sustainable outlook for the industry, new technologies are critical in all phases of a mining project.

Technological innovations in the mining industry

Spatial data view

Spatial data is becoming more detailed and clearer than ever in mining. Three-dimensional (3D) modeling creates a visible, realistic impression with depth perception that allows the human brain to understand and relate to complex interrelated issues. 3D modeling helps companies to rethink the mine more efficiently.

Virtual Reality (VR) is an artificially created software environment that uses real-life data. The virtual environment immerses people into a 3D environment created by the user. VR presents an enhanced impression to help miners experience what it’s like to work in a mine or plan a new mine without an on-field presence.

Augmented Reality (AR) superimposes a digital view onto a real-world environment. AR achieves this by enhancing the user’s visual field with computer-generated inputs such as sound, video, applications, and graphics. Miners use augmented reality to train using virtual simulators, which also helps the industry reduce equipment maintenance costs.

By using new technologies such as spatial data effectively, the mining industry gains insights into mining systems at a reduced cost and impact on the environment.

Geographic Information Systems

Geographic information systems (GIS) are an integral tool that allows deeper insight into how geographic relationships influence the world around us. Geospatial data represents the location, size, and shape of an object. By visualizing this type of data, miners get more information about the represented system or mine environment.

GIS is used to obtain information about:

Mineral exploration
Geochemical and hydrological data
Report generation
Facility and waste management
Sustainability and regulatory compliance

In mining today, geospatial data software allows us to train mine managers and employees in new ways and improve the long-term understanding of mining with virtual interpretations of real-life environments.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) now leads decision making in insight-driven companies. They use intelligent data and machine learning to improve operational efficiency, mine safety, and production workflow. Implementing artificial intelligence technology generates day-to-day data in half the time of what was previously used in the field.

The mining industry is evolving rapidly, so machine learning and AI affect the way decisions are made today for the future of mines. Some ways in which AI affects the operating mine:

Mineral processing and exploration: Companies can find minerals more easily using high-performance AI technology.

Autonomous vehicles and drillers: For more than eight years, companies around the world have used autonomous vehicles in their pit-to-pit operations. Autonomous trucks can easily navigate narrow tunnels by using AI. Now, drilling systems are also simplified with a single operator controlling multiple drills simultaneously.

As the mining industry tries to reduce costs and lessen its environmental impact, the use of mining equipment like AI helps ensure safety and reliability for both miners and the land the mines use.

CORE TECH: intelligent and integrated system for the mining industry

Data management during the mining stages is essential for a better project development.

In addition to the correct storage of core samples, Core Case Tech is developing a complete and innovative system to manage drill cores.

The integrated system will act as a whole, starting in the field using a digital data collection via tablet or smartphone. Also in the field, the drill core data will be applied in the cases.

In the storage shed, QR CODE and RFID data will be read by the Core Case Tech’s system. It can be accessed on multiple devices and from any location.

This reading will be done through the Core Case Tech management software, which gets the most accurate information from the collected drill cores and can include photos and other information without physically accessing the drill cores. All in a simple and digital way!

See how it will work:

The purpose of this technology is to save time, reduce and, if possible, totally eliminate the possibility of errors arising in the acquisition and annotation process that occur when extracting the drill core, passing through description, sampling, and final storage.

The management system will work as a facilitator for on-field working professionals, core shop and office, using digital features to analyze geological and drilling data. Saving time, adding assertiveness, and thus reducing as much as possible the inherent bias and errors in the usual process.

TOP Mining Tech – Company Award in APAC 2022

Core Case was highlighted at TOP Mining Tech Award – Company in APAC 2022, and this is yet another recognition for a work that strives for process improvement, sustainability, and application of cutting-edge technologies in the mining industry.

References

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Lithium: understand why this element is increasingly relevant in the mining industry

Lithium was discovered in 1818 and is a light metal, commonly found in magma rocks, not occurring freely in nature, as it is a very rare ore. It is worth mentioning that an important Brazilian personality, José Bonifácio de Silva Andrada, discovered 2 lithium minerals, describing, and naming the spodumene and petalite.

According to S&P Global, the demand for lithium should reach 2 million tons by 2030 and in this scenario, Brazil could be one of the main producing countries as it concentrates most of the world’s lithium reserves in Latin America.

Source: CPRM
(https://www.cetem.gov.br/antigo/images/eventos/2016/ii_litio_brasil/apresentacoes/2-avaliacao_do_potencial_geologico_de_litio_br.pdf)

This element has even been called the ” 21st century’s white gold” due to the energy matrix transition that the world is going through, it can be used in several renewable energy sources, which should be adopted by most countries in the years to come, being its main use in batteries for electric vehicles. To learn more about lithium, read this content to the end!

Mining in Brazil

In 2008, only 3 countries had 85% of all the lithium ever found until that year in the world, the demand for this ore has started to increase a lot in the last years, due to the energy transition that will happen for cleaner energy sources. In 2020, according to the USGS, Brazil was the fifth largest lithium producer, reaching 1900 tons, Chile reached 18,000 tons, being second and Australia was first reaching 40,000 tons.

Some research suggests that the demand for lithium will increase up to six times by 2050. According to the general director of the SGB-CPRM, today Brazil’s representation in the world production of lithium is only 1.5%, and may reach 5% in about 10 years, even with this increasing global production.

Although this representation is low, there are data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) published in 2021 that place the country as the seventh in the world to have a greater amount of lithium in its territory. Today it is estimated that 95,000 tons could be exploited with current technologies and laws, in the total available reserves, counting what is currently inaccessible, is estimated at 470,000 tons.

Currently, only two companies produce lithium in Brazil, Companhia Brasileira de Lítio (CBL) and AMG Brasil, and there are a number of companies with projects in progress. Among them is Sigma Lithium, which should start selling ore by the end of 2022 and has invested R$ 2.3 billion in its ventures in the country.

The Jequitinhonha Valley, in Minas Gerais, concentrates most of the known reserves in Brazil, and the extraction of this ore is carried out in small and medium sized quarries. It is important to note that, increasingly, there is an effort by the Ministry of Mines and Energy to map other regions with potential for lithium production and exploration.

New studies for lithium in Brazil

The SGB-CPRM did a first survey in the Jequitinhonha Valley, northeastern Minas Gerais, where the state’s main lithium mining companies are located, the second phase of the project is being completed and is studying occurrences in the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, and a third phase should be started to verify occurrences in the state of Ceará.

The purpose of these campaigns is to understand more about the Borborema Pegmatite Province, located between the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, and to learn more about the areas already mined, in addition to discovering new deposits.

It is worth mentioning that the time between discovering the lithium in a place and starting production can take up to ten years, because there are some challenges, among them, adding value to the ore that Brazil has not yet mastered, and this is one of the areas where investment will be made.

It grabbed attention from several industries, especially the automotive industry, which is interested in mining lithium because it is crucial to use it in electric vehicles, since, lithium is required to manufacture a battery for this type of vehicles.

Lithium and clean energy

Currently 70% of the world’s lithium is already used for the production of batteries, and a leap in the Brazilian production is expected by 2025, as this demand are increasing, and even more electric vehicles are expected to be running in the country. Tesla, a world leading company in this industry, revealed that almost half of the vehicles it produced in the first half of this year were equipped with iron-lithium phosphate batteries.

Source: https://carroeletrico.com.br/blog/bateria-litio/

In addition to batteries for electric vehicles, it is also used for solar energy, wind power, and nuclear energy reactors. The U.S. Department of Energy considers lithium as one of the 16 key strategic raw materials for energy transition.

Decree allowing the trade of Lithium in Brazil

On July 06, 2022, the Decree no. 11.120 was published in the Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU), promoting the opening and implementation of the Brazilian lithium market. This decree allows foreign trade operations of lithium minerals and ores and their derivatives and has the objective of positioning Brazil as one of the main countries for lithium mining.

Source: Metais BR (https://www.metaisbr.com/wp-content/uploads/Produto-Litium.jpg)

Due to this flexibility, they expect more than 7,000 direct jobs in lithium mining to be created, reaching a total of 84,000 direct and indirect jobs in its production chain. Therefore, lithium will be increasingly strategic not only for the country, and throughout the world in years to come.

Core Case has developed plastic products and solutions for shipping and packing diamond drill core samples. They are produced in 100% recycled and recyclable plastic, with an ergonomic shape, light and easy to transport, and also more durable.

If you or your company work in this industry, be like the largest mining and drilling companies, use Core Case products and ensure the quality of your samples.

References:

https://forbes.com.br/forbes-money/2022/07/brasil-pode-se-tornar-uma-potencia-na-producao-de-litio-diz-sigma/

https://www.tecmundo.com.br/ciencia/231948-brasil-precisa-ciencia-explorar-litio-agredir-ambiente.htm

https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/decreto-n-11.120-de-5-de-julho-de-2022-413346932

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Drilling Record: Wooden boxes versus plastic boxes

The records and materials collected by drilling methods are essential sampling products in a mineral project, which characterize deposit the type and will be used in later analyses.

The drilling and perforation campaigns in a project are high-cost procedures and therefore there must be measures for the proper management of the sampled materials, to better preserve them.

Have you ever thought about how to store drilling records?

Millions of dollars might be spent on a project to make an incredible drilling campaign, but after all the collection procedure, it is decided to store the samples in dubious conditions, opting for wooden boxes that are eventually cheaper.

This factor might be crucial for poor sample management, and significant losses can occur as a result of storage conditions. In other words, it ends up investing heavily in drilling holes, but in storing the data so that it is well packaged and organized for future analyzes and consultations with auditors, it decides to opt only for the economic criterion.

Remember that records are not just your project data, they are the geological legacy of your company’s mineral deposit.

This way, thinking of a smart alternative to store your enterprise’s drilling records is the ideal way to manage your samples!

Core Case plastic boxes - Why use Them

Millions of dollars might be spent on a project to make an incredible drilling campaign, but after all the collection procedure, it is decided to store the samples in dubious conditions, opting for wooden boxes that are eventually cheaper.

Using wooden boxes to transport and storage diamond samples generated a series of difficulties, common to many companies in the mining sector. Core Case developed new products for this task, which offered a new alternative to the market, solving these problems and bringing other benefits.

Main benefits of Core Case plastic cases:

Best cost benefit: Medium and long term use of Core Case products generates a better cost benefit compared to other materials, such as wood or metal.
Economical transport: Core Case plastic boxes are lighter than wood, which significantly reduces the cost during transport.
Sustainability and ESG: Does your business follow ESG strategies? Core Case products are made from 100% recycled materials.
Greater durability: Plastic has a longer shelf life than wooden boxes, especially if properly stored.
Efficient use of space: Core Case products considerably improve the organization of warehouses and storage locations, reducing the need of high investment in infrastructure Greater stacking capacity.
Resistance and no contamination risk: Core Case products present a lower risk of fire when compared to paperboard and wooden boxes. Plastic is an inert material that does not chemically react with other substances. Core Case boxes have holes for water drainage, preventing contamination with the box stacked below.

In the table below we can compare different types of records storage box available on the market.

Core Case’s principle is making everything with 100% recycled materials. Core Case’s purpose is preserving the planet through responsible exploration, promoting sustainability.

We are committed to constantly improve our processes and develop innovative solutions to limit negative environmental impacts (whenever possible), and minimize the waste production that is harmful to the nature.

So, do as the biggest mining and drilling companies, use CORE CASE products and ensure your samples quality.

Mining industry, technological development and sustainability

In addition to the economic benefits of using suitable boxes to store geological drilling records from your mineral enterprise, we know that the mining industry is going through a key moment in the use of new technologies to reduce the environmental impacts generated in the industrial process.

By using plastic boxes produced with 100% recycled material that have greater durability than other materials, your enterprise contributes to the waste reduction disposal to the environment, investing in a material with an innovative proposal to the mineral sector.

Our Core is Preservation

Core Case’s principle is making everything with 100% recycled materials. Core Case’s purpose is preserving the planet through responsible exploration, promoting sustainability.

So, do as the biggest mining and drilling companies, use CORE CASE products and ensure your samples quality.

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Project We Nature is one the 23rd Fritz Müller Award’s winners

Annually, the Environment Institute of Santa Catarina (IMA) recognizes, through the Fritz Müller Award, companies that stand out for environmental practices. The award is the state’s main honor in this sense, aiming at projects and initiatives that go beyond the current environmental legislation. Project We Nature is one of the 23rd Fritz Müller Award’s winners.

On June 29, 2022, the winners names of the award 23^rd edition were announced, which included the registration of 88 projects or actions.

Project We Nature was made possible by the Brazilian-Canadian company Core Case, and won the “Socio-environmental Projects” category.

About Core Case

In short, Core Case has been producing recycled items for the mining sector for over 10 years and, almost three years ago, it launched a line of clothing and accessories focused on sustainability. The brand also developed ecological products made from waste collected in the beach cleaning efforts, by Project We Nature.

We Nature

So, in 2021, as a result of a partnership with NGO Eco Local Brazil, collective efforts carried out by the project were responsible for collecting 43 tons of waste from beaches on the South Coast of Brazil. In addition to collective efforts that engage volunteers and institutions linked to the environmental cause, We Nature also classifies all the material found, giving it the most appropriate destination.

This way, everything is planned. In the moments preceding each action, participants are instructed on how the activity will take place. First, gloves, garbage bags and instructions for collection are distributed. Therefore, these wastes impact on the environment is reinforced. With that, the purpose is making an awareness work. At the end of each action, the residues found are weighed and classified.

Certainly, a very relevant information about this project is that 100% of what is collected in environmental actions is used. In other words, most of the waste is sent for recycling. Items that would normally be discarded in landfills, as they are considered non-recyclable, are transformed into raw material to manufacture tables, benches, and ecological plant pots. This is an innovative process, which makes a big difference in the use of waste and resulted in this important state recognition, making project We Nature one of the 23^rd Fritz Müller Award’s winners.

The Fritz Müller Award also highlighted environmental initiatives by Epagri, Portobello, Cooperativa Aurora, Whirlpool, BMW do Brazil, GDC Alimentos S.A (Gomes da Costa), Schulz Compressores, RPPN Catarinense and Escola da Fazenda.

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QAQC applied to the mining industry

QAQC stands for Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are the two major components of any quality management system.

According to ISO definition, QA is “the set of all planned and systematic actions required to provide appropriate assurance that a product, process or service will comply with certain quality requirements.”

While QC refers to an “actions system to check for efficacy of control activities quality.”

QA is about issues prevention, while QC is about detecting them, should they occur.

QAQC application to mineral projects

QAQC applies to various types of data management projects, and it is a mining industry standard to be applied in various countries, regarding mineral survey and exploration data – especially associated with sampling, laboratory analyses, and data management.

For all practical purposes, geological quality control procedures aim at monitoring test data precision and accuracy, as well as potential sample contamination during preparation and test.

QAQC application to the mining industry aims at ensuring the quality of data and information used for decision making associated to the project is solid – thus interfering with relevant aspects of a mineral project that directly affect its development.

A positive QAQC stands for an approval seal to the database. Without such seal, all effort made during complex geological interpretation, mathematical estimation, and resource classification will be jeopardized.

Diagram showing QAQC process in the mining industry Source: Instituto Minere

QAQC applicability to the mining industry

QAQC is more effective if applied during a drilling program to MONITOR data collection and suspend low-performance programs or laboratory testing.

Performing QAQC upon the completion of a data collection program is an effective way to manage data collection.

A good QAQC process is the one that is active, continuous, and reviewed as data are collected; an easy-to-understand process that makes sense and provides sufficient information for timely corrections to its sampling or laboratory procedures.

QAQC – Major ways to analyze data quality in the mining industry

Statistical process control
Develop control graphs
Define standards
Define control bounds

QAQC process activities for the mining industry are driven by a series of technical standards and analytical procedures. Statistical control and data organization are major QAQC tools.

QAQC and sampling standards in the mining industry

Sampling in the mining industry is one of the most relevant quality control procedures. It includes some definitions used for control sample description. They include:

Twin samples: Used to assess sampling error and indicate low or high variability of mineralogical sample characteristics. They are samples obtained from the second core drill split. Both samples must be prepared and analyzed at the same laboratory, same lot, however with different identifications, without characterizing which ones will be for quality control.

Coarse whites: Samples used for identification of contamination during preparation stage. They are mine waste material samples (no mineralization), with coarse particle size, which must be subject to the whole preparation process along with original samples of the project. They are recommended to be added right after mineralized samples.

Fine whites: This tool is used to identify potential contamination during analysis. They are pulverized material samples free from active components (waste) and must be added and analyzed right after sample mineralization.

Standards: Used to assess analytical accuracy. They are samples prepared under special conditions and must be used as lots for analysis by primary and secondary laboratories. A standard of at least three-degree ranges (low, medium, and high) is recommended. Accreditation criteria are used to assess analytical accuracy.

Coarse (or preparation) duplicates: Tool used to assess errors during the preparation stage (quartering). They are duplicates collected right after crushing and quartering stage. They must be added to the same original sample lot, with different numbers, and analyzed at the same laboratory.

Slurry duplicates: Used to access analytical laboratory precision. They are replicates (duplicates) of the original samples, pre-crushed, added to lots for analysis and identified differently from the original samples. Such samples are used to assess the analytical laboratory precision.

QAQC and application to mineral project phases

A Mineral Project has several phases or stages with common data generation or sampling. Therefore, QAQC. procedures must be complied with. In general, these phases/stages include:

Mineral Prospection: This stage is the outset of a mining project, with ore and associated rock characterization being required (thus involving analysis of its mineralogy, grades, and resource and reserve definition). Thus, QAQC will provide data transparency and reliability required for economic feasibility of the project. Sampling and its description (drill cores or manual) and data management are relevant steps for QAQC application.

Chemical analyses: Reliable and transparent results for samples sent over to the laboratory are fundamental for appropriate ore deposit characterization and decision-making. Several sampling control tools (previously referred to) are used for the chemical analysis process, e.g. mass control, preparation white, duplicates, reference materials.

Database: All ore deposit information obtained are managed on a database. Thus, it is important for such data to be correct for project development and upcoming stages not to be jeopardized. A responsible person for database management must be appointed, and permissions for each user and backups must be obtained.

Geological Modeling: All deposit-related information (drilling data, samples, rock types, chemical analyses, grades, and density, amongst others) can be visualized on a geological model. Thus, it is paramount for all data to be appropriately located and shown on the model, with this being the essential tool for decision-making of the mineral project (e.g., resource definition, economic feasibility, and even mine location for ore exploration).

Thus, sampling, analyses, and data management stages, along with QAQC procedures, are fundamental for good mineral survey or exploration project performance.

You can count on Core Case! We’ve got the perfect solution to assist you with your project drill core and soil sample storage requirements.

https://mrmr.cim.org/en/library/magazine-articles/quality-control-reporting-requirements-by-the-mining-industry/

http://igeologico.com.br/qaqc-transparencia-e-confianca-para-a-industria-mineral/

https://institutominere.com.br/materiais/e-book-conceitos-basicos-de-qaqc-instituto-minere

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/qual-fun%C3%A7%C3%A3o-das-ferramentas-de-controle-qualidade-gilvana-soledade/?originalSubdomain=pt

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Mining and clean energy

To the extent the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, the mining industry is facing a decisive moment for becoming a recognized contributor in the transition to broader energy.

Mining is fundamental for the growth of renewable energy, since green technology strongly relies on certain metals and minerals – that come from mining.

Therefore, both industries – mining and energy – must undergo adaptations for the growing demand for these materials to be met.

In this text we will approach the main characteristics of the energy transition (the so-called clean energy) and its relation to the mining industry. Read until the end to learn more about this important matter!

Renewable energy in the future

The effects of climate change already affecting several parts of the world and the alerts made by scientists, especially in the last IPCC report point to an alarming situation in the worldwide energy system.

The raising of sea levels, intense heat eaves, loss of habitat and animal species, droughts and floods have led to global pleads to diminish the impacts of climate change – which must happen sooner rather than later.

According to the Paris Agreement and global pressure, governments and large companies are trying to reduce energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. They try to achieve that especially by implementing renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydro.

The International Renewable Energy Agency projects that, for meeting the climate goals, total participation of renewable energy must increase in two thirds by 2050, suggesting that renewable energy may represent 60% or more of the total final consumption in many countries.

This demand means that the sources of renewable energy will have to increase both their capacity and generation. For instance, the global cumulative installed power of onshore wind power will have to be expanded threefold by 2030 and ninefold by 2050.

For offshore wind power, the increase would have to be tenfold by 2030. In terms of solar power, the global capacity will need to grow from a total 480 gigawatts in 2018 to 2,840 gigawatts by 2030 and 8,519 gigawatts by 2050. As for solar power, it is projected to reach 8,519 gigawatts in capacity worldwide by 2050.

These changes are significant and to that effect, companies need to be tuned to current demands which, in addition to being necessary for the environment, impact the economy – ESG’s agenda and sustainability and are attracting more and more investments; therefore, it is necessary for these demands to be broadly met.

Clean energy and dependency on mining

Discussions concerning sustainable energy and the global supply chain are often at odds with the fact that a renewable energy dependency plan relies deeply on the mining industry – since it supplies and metals and minerals necessary for building and operating it.

Solar power relies on the supply of aluminum, copper and certain rare earth elements (including indium and cadmium) for producing photovoltaic panels.

Likewise, wind turbines are made of steel and their manufacturing, consequently, requires the production of iron, but also some rare earth elements, such as neodymium, which are necessary for the magnets used inside the turbine generators.

Overall, copper is essential for the entire energy-generation infrastructure, as well as for electrical vehicle technology (EV).

Rare Earth Materials and wind turbines

For example, the case of rare earth metals, such as dysprosium and neodymium: Both metals are used for making alloys for permanent magnets found in wind turbine generators, with China mining approximately 63% of the global rate earth materials market. Currently, one 5-megawatt wind turbine requires one ton of alloy.

Given future projections for wind power, the global demand for neodymium and dysprosium is projected to increase 2.1 times, with 65% of new turbines installed int he next ten years, incorporating technology that requires rare earth materials.

Copper and wind turbines

Likewise, copper is in high demand due to its high conductivity and durability. Inside an installed wind turbine, the copper content is from 2.5 to 6.4 tons per megawatt, used in the generator, transformers and wiring.

The global wind power market, currently requires an average 450 kilotons of copper a year and that is expected to increase to 600 kilotons per year by 2028. This number will probably be substantially increased, considering that future requirements for renewable energy will lead to larger wind turbines notwithstanding the need for copper for other technologies, such as solar power and electrical vehicles.

The demand for copper due to electrical vehicles alone is likely to increase in 1,700 kilotons by 2027, since electrical vehicles are projected to represent more than 7% of annual vehicles sales until 2025.

Copper and rare earth metals are difficult to replace and reuse thereof depends on recycling initiatives, which means their continued mining is essential to support the renewable energy industry.

Silver and solar panels

Silver, due to its high resistivity, is used in solar cells in the form of a past that collects electricity from the cell, so it may be stored or consumed. The metal is used in 95% of photovoltaic panels installed, which is equivalent to 9% of the total global production of silver.

With the solar power capacity growing rapidly, the demand for silver mining is high.

Storage batteries – copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt

Given its intermittent nature, the increase in the generation of renewable energy will require large power storage units, which, on its turn, will lead to the increase in demand for minerals contained in storage batteries, especially copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt.

However, there is a concern that the fast increase of the demand for these metals cannot be met based on annual production rates. Automakers, such as Tesla and Mercedes-Benz are already cutting down production forecasts due to concerns with the offer.

Mining challenges for clean and sustainable mining

The core objective of the change into renewable energies is the reduction in greenhouse gas, caused by fossil fuels.

However, this change cannot cause even more impacts on the environment we are trying to preserve, and therefore, it requires that mining operations also become more sustainable concurrently with the energy transition process.

Climate change also represents a broader threat to the mining sector. Metals that will probably have an increased demand, due to their importance in the production of renewable energy technology, tend to be concentrated in areas that are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Furthermore, the activities of the mining industry also require energy, and therefore, they are sources of emission of greenhouse gas.

The mining industry, which already has its environmental impacts broadly known by society, has even greater challenges to change this scenario, since the demand for minerals will be continued – as will the need for adaptation into a more sustainable world.

More sustainable mining, cleaner energy and opportunity

The Javiera Power Plant that supplies Minera los Pelambres, one of the largest copper mines in Chile is managed by Antofagasta Minerals.

The Financial Times reported in September 2019 that the number of institutional investors that committed to completely remove fossil fuels from their portfolios by 2030 soared from 180 in 2014 to over 1,100, representing approximately US$ 11 trillion in assets.

Therefore, at the same time the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, the enthusiasm for investment in fossil fuels and mining is decreasing.

Consequently, the industry challenges are great and it will be necessary implementing continuous adaptations for managing a broad and detailed ESG agenda, thus attracting investment and development that is adequate to current demands.

The mining industry, therefore, must pay attention to opportunities renewable energy present as one of the several solutions for making the industry more sustainable.

One of the top advantages of renewable energy applied to mining is it can supply the energy needs of mining operations in remote areas, where the cost of building the infrastructure necessary for connecting the mine to the grid or building a conventional power plant would be substantial.

Therefore, with the progress in renewable energy technology and the commitment of some of the top players in the industry, the industry is ready for the change and there are many benefits to mining companies moving to renewable energy:

Reduced reliance of fossil fuel that is vulnerable the fluctuations of global prices and reduction in carbon emissions;
Meeting environmental and social criteria (ESG) used for measuring the sustainability of a given project – will be a prerequisite requirement for both investors and creditors.

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References

https://www.irena.org/

https://www.wfw.com/articles/the-mining-industry-an-essential-part-of-a-renewable-future/

https://www.wfw.com/articles/mining-renewable-energy-a-greener-way-forward

https://www.land-links.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Green-Energy-Minerals-Report_FINAL.pdf

https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions

https://www.atlasrenewableenergy.com/en/projects/

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Sampling in Mining

One of the major processes in characterizing a mineral deposit is sampling. This is the process of systematic and specialized material collection for analysis.

Sampling of metallic or industrial mineral deposits is performed for several reasons and at various stages of their assessment and exploration

The mining industry routinely collects samples to help decision-making, whether for exploration, resource estimation, grade control or mine planning.

In this text, we will address the major characteristics of sampling in mining. Read to the end to find out more!

What is mining sampling?

The sampling process in mining consists of removing certain amounts of material (increments) from a whole to be sampled (population), to make up the primary or overall sample so that it is representative of the population it was taken from.

The sample is, therefore, a representative amount of the whole to be sampled (population) and comprises increments.

Sampling is characterized as a selection and inference process, geared at representing a whole (a mineral deposit, for example) as concretely as possible through the analysis of its parts (samples).

Samples are prepared and sent for further laboratory analysis, enabling an increase in knowledge on the deposit or ore bed.

The representativeness of the sample is related to the characteristics of the deposit analysis interest characteristics, such as:

Type of rock and minerals in it
Density
Grade
Moisture
Porosity
Particle size

The importance of ore sampling relates to:

Assessment of mineral deposits (quantification, economic feasibility, etc.)
Process control (variability, capability, etc.)
Product sale (inspection, batch classification, etc.)

Deposit sampling and representativeness

Accurate resource estimates depend on collecting reliable samples during exploration.

Therefore, sampling programmes must be carefully designed to minimize the chances of collecting biased, unrepresentative or contaminated material.

Whether for direct and manual collection samples, in trenches or drill cores, the sampling process must be adapted to the target mineralization and soil conditions.

Poorly designed sampling protocols can result in increased project risk due to increasing variability.

Protocols for sample collection, preparation and testing or test work optimized to suit the ore type, along with QAQC systems, will reduce variability.

Mineral sampling errors

According to GÓES, LUZ e POSSA (2004, p. 19)

“Ill-conducted sampling can result in costly losses or result distortions with unpredictable technical consequences”

“Sampling is, without a doubt, one of the most complex and error-inducing-prone operations encountered in the mining and

steelmaking industries”

Mineral sampling error involves a difference between the value of a given characteristic of interest and the estimate of this characteristic in the analyzed sample.

Techniques to correct these errors in the sampling process are applied in order to obtain satisfactory results.

Types of mineral sampling

The sampling process in a mineral project can be performed in two main ways:

Random sampling: It is typically used when little information is available about the material to be sampled. The increments are chosen at random (all parts of the material are equally likely to be selected)
Systematic sampling: Increments are collected at regular, preset intervals.

Sampling can be done by several methods, such as:

Sampling of existing exposures, manual collections.
Use of manual or mechanized excavations (e.g., trenches)
Boreholes

Mineral Project Sampling and Steps

During the exploration phase, sampling is largely confined to the analysis of drilling gravel or drill cores, and is geared at assessing intersections in the deposit.

Drill cuttings and gravel are broken pieces of solid material removed from a drilled well by rotary, percussion or auger methods and brought to the surface in the drilling slime.

During the exploration phase, sampling is used to define grade over mineable thicknesses, taking into account not only the mineralized zone, but also its potential dilution by low grade material or waste rock.

Mineral deposit characterization for sampling purposes

A mineral deposit’s occurrence mode and morphology has a considerable impact on sampling type and density and the amount of material required.

Sample type and amount collected depend on a number of factors including:

Type of mineral deposit – composition and structure
Distribution and particle size
Process assessment phase
Existence of direct access to mineralization
Sampling cost

Thus, based on prior knowledge on the deposit or ore bed of interest, it is necessary to perform a study on the types, objectives and sampling methods to be used in the mineral project.

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References

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-94-011-9714-4_2.pdf

https://files.cercomp.ufg.br/weby/up/596/o/Apresenta%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20sobre%20T%C3%A9cnicas%20de%20Amostragem%20e%20Controle%20de%20Qualidade.pdf

http://mineralis.cetem.gov.br:8080/bitstream/cetem/174/1/stm-49.pdf

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Drilling applied to civil construction

To carry out a real estate project, whether it is for one’s own home or for the construction of commercial and tourist buildings, and so on, it is necessary that all the soil study stages be carried out with the highest possible level of excellence and care, and one of these studies is the drilling.

Drilling consists in a process of terrain recognition and characterization, being a very efficient and complete way to know the site characteristics where the construction will be executed.

According to Márcio Leão, geologist and post-doctorate in Geotechnics from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), “the purpose of a soil drilling is to provide representative geotechnical data about the terrain conditions that are relevant to the project under consideration”. 

Based on drilling methods used in civil construction it is possible to capture information such as:

identification of different soil layers;
classification of each layer;
water table level;
Strength of soil layers.

These data are crucial in the decision-making process regarding the project, allowing a more efficient, precise, safe and economical execution, based on information regarding the building positioning on the terrain and the best type of foundation, avoiding a series of pathologies to the construction work. (BELINCANTA,1985).

Drilling Types carried out in Civil Construction

Auger Drilling

Manual or mechanized, the most common are the clamshell (or auger) and helical.

This type of drilling consists of an excavation with a small diameter and reduced depth, whose purpose is to collect deformed samples to perform laboratory tests, making it possible to determine the profile of the soil under investigation.

Manual augers can also be mentioned in this category.

This method is generally simpler than other types, fast and economical, but is not as effective in depth, as it only penetrates soil layers above the water level and with low strength.

Another method within this category is the Mechanical Auger:

A method widely used on construction sites because it is a clean process that does not produce mud, is easy to transport and mobilize on site, requires a small number of operators, and is relatively quick to execute.

Auger drilling is widely used in sanitation and road construction.

SPT percussion drilling

Also called SPT (Standard Penetration Test) is the most widely used process to determine soil type, strength and water level.

It is a method of soil investigation where the drilling advance is done by means of an auger or washing, and a sampler is used to measure the indexes of resistance to penetration, obtain samples, determine the water level, and perform various tests in situ.

The number of blows required to drill into the rock allows the strength of the soil to be determined.

SPT drilling is widely used in engineering works.

Rotary Drilling

It is the drilling type that presents the highest cost, but it is the drilling with the most advantages, since it allows the analysis of greater depths and several other types of soils to be drilled, besides being of easy transportation.

It consists in the use of a mechanized set for drill rock masses and obtain samples of rocky materials with a cylindrical shape, named as core. It can also sample soils and other materials.

It is one of the most widely used methods to qualify rock masses.

Data acquired from drilling

After presenting the main types, we can say that drilling

Provide proper geotechnical data for all aspects of an economical, safe and reliable design of foundations, earthworks and temporary works, including an assessment of the effects of any previous uses of the site;
Assesses problems associated with construction of the site arising from subsurface conditions, including temporary works, excavations, and drainage;
Considers changes in the stability, drainage, or other geotechnical aspects of the site and surrounding buildings;
Compares alternative construction methods and their impacts on the ground.

Do you see how drilling is an essential practice for civil construction?

Performing this step in your project brings financial security, efficiency to the processes, reduces risks during the work, and ensures safety for those who will buy/rent/frequent that environment after it is finished.

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Get to know our solutions!

References

Core Case. https://corecase.com/br/en/core-case-blog/

Concrete Digital. https://digital.concreteshow.com.br/na-obra/sondagem-de-solo-para-construo-civil-dicas-e-informaes

Alcance Engenharia. https://alcancejr.com.br/sondagem-de-solos/

Lajes Contim. https://www.lajescontim.com.br/construc-a-o/perguntar-o-que-e-sondagem-na-construcao-civil.html
Revistas Braz Cubas. https://revistas.brazcubas.br/index.php/pesquisa/article/view/683/719

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