The seismic ambient field allows us to study interactions between the atmosphere, the oceans and the solid Earth. The theoretical understanding of seismic ambient noise has improved substantially in the last decades, and the number of its applications has increased dramatically. With chapters written by eminent scientists from the field, this book covers a range of topics including ambient noise observations, generation models of their physical origins, numerical modelling and processing methods. The later chapters focus on applications in imaging and monitoring the internal structure of the Earth, including interferometry for time-dependant imaging and tomography. This volume thus provides a comprehensive overview of this cutting-edge discipline for graduate students studying geophysics and for scientists working in seismology and other imaging sciences.

Presenting new technologies in underground coal extraction, with special attention to mine galleries support and maintenance, load mechanism of "massif-support system-safety system" systems, analysis of face equipment for thin coal seams mining and substantiation of rational stoping parameters.
Advanced surface mining technologies of coal and ore are discussed in an original form, stability calculations of internal dumps and open-cut faces are presented, as well as examination of land surface subsidence using modern methods of calculation experiments. Special attention is given to the complex mining of mineral resources, such as: iron ore, coal deposits with drilling advance degassing wells, methane extraction from coal and anthropogenic deposits, heat receipt from mine water with help of thermal pumps.
The unique geological conditions for mining in Poland and the Ukraine require a new technological approach for mining thin and very thin coal seams with thickness of 1 meter and less, using selective coal extraction methods, leaving rock behind in the mine. Relevant technological solutions are discussed in this volume.
Further, technological process control during coal seams underground gasification is described together with pressure-temperature conditions of gas hydrates formation from gaseous mixtures of various content. Substantiation is also given to gas hydrates extraction technologies development and 21st century new pulse technologies of well drilling and a temperature mode of a rock-cutting tool and equipment with cryogenic-gravel filters is examined.
Gas extraction processes located in flooded deposits with uniform and macroheterogeneous collectors are presented with the description of an effective methodology of two-subbench technology of ore deposits extraction.

This book intends directly the practical engineers, who will be of great interest in reading the interesting chapters. Earthwork projects are critical components in civil construction and often require detailed management techniques and unique solution methods to address failures. Being earthbound, earthwork is influenced by geomaterial properties at the onset of a project. Hence, an understanding of the in-situ soil properties and all geotechnical aspects is essential. Analytical methods for earth structures remain critical for researchers due to the mechanical complexity of the system. Striving for better earthwork project management, the geotechnical engineering community continues to find improved testing techniques for determining sensitive properties of soil and rock, including stress wave-based, non-destructive testing methods. To minimize failure during earthwork construction, past case studies and data may reveal useful lessons and information to improve project management and minimize economic losses.

This book presents a collection of papers on topics in the field of strategic mine planning, including orebody modeling, mine-planning optimization and the optimization of mining complexes. Elaborating on the state of the art in the field, it describes the latest technologies and related research as well as the applications of a range of related technologies in diverse industrial contexts.

This book deals with the history of mining and smelting from the Renaissance to the present. Martin Lynch opens with the invention, sometime before 1453, of a revolutionary technique for separating silver from copper. It was this invention which brought back to life the rich copper-silver mines of central Europe, in the process making brass cannon and silver coin available to the ambitious Habsburg emperors, thereby underpinning their quest for European domination. Lynch also discusses the Industrial Revolution and the far-reaching changes to mining and smelting brought about by the steam engine; the era of the gold rushes; the massive mineral developments and technological leaps forward which took place in the USA and South Africa at the end of the 19th century; and, finally, the spread of mass metal-production techniques amid the violent struggles of the 20th century. In an engaging, concise and fast-paced text, he presents the interplay of personalities, politics and technology that have shaped the metallurgical industries over the last 500 years.

Mining haul roads are a critical component of surface mining infrastructure and the performance of these roads has a direct impact on operational efficiency, costs and safety. A significant proportion of a mine's cost is associated with material haulage and well-designed and managed roads contribute directly to reductions in cycle times, fuel burn, tyre costs and overall cost per tonne hauled and critically, underpin a safe transport system. The first comprehensive treatise on mining haul road design, construction, operation and management, Mining Haul Roads - Theory and Practice presents an authoritative compendium of worldwide experience and state-of-the-art practices developed and applied over the last 25 years by the three authors, over three continents and many of the world's leading surface mining operations. In this book, the authors: Introduce the four design components of an integrated design methodology for mining haul roads - geometric (including drainage), structural, functional and maintenance management Illustrate how mine planning constraints inform road design requirements Develop the analytical framework for each of the design components from their theoretical basis, and using typical mine-site applications, illustrate how site-specific design guidelines are developed, together with their practical implementation Summarise the key road safety and geometric design considerations specific to mining haul roads Specify the mechanistic structural design approach unique to ultra-heavy wheel loading associated with OTR mine trucks Describe the selection, application and management of the road wearing course material, together with its rehabilitation, including the use of palliatives Develop road and operating cost models for estimating total road-user costs, based on road rolling resistance measurement and modelling techniques Illustrate the approach of costing a mining road construction project based on the design methodologies previously introduced List and describe future trends in mine haulage system development, how mining haul road design will evolve to meet these new system challenges and how the increasing availability of data is used to manage road performance and ultimately provide 24x7 trafficability. Mining Haul Roads - Theory and Practice is a complete practical reference for mining operations, contractors and mine planners alike, as well as civil engineering practitioners and consulting engineers. It will also be invaluable in other fields of transportation infrastructure provision and for those seeking to learn and apply the state-of-the-art in mining haul roads. "This book is the most definitive treatise on mining haul roads ever written [...] There has never been a text that addresses the many facets of mining haul roads on such a scope [...]" From the Foreword by Jim Humphrey, Professional Engineer, Autonomous haulage systems developer and Distinguished Member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.