In the capital-intensive mining industry, time is a crucial factor for the success and profitability of a project. This is especially true when it comes to shaft construction. The shaft sinking methods used often represent the longest and most complex phase of the alignment, putting considerable pressure on the overall project time and costs. By using fast shaft sinking technologies, mining companies can reduce construction time, minimise costs and accelerate the start of production. That is why this issue of Mining Report Glückauf focuses on new trends in shaft sinking technology …
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With my best regards // Mit freundlichem Glückauf
Dipl.-Ing. Andreas-Peter Sitte
Chief Editor Mining Report Glückauf, Essen
ISSUE 02/2025 // FOCUS OF THIS ISSUE:
New Trends in Shaft Sinking Technology
Risk Mamagement of Old Mining: Developments in 2023 – from Automation to Water-Bearing Tunnels
In 2023, a concept for risk management for potentially water-bearing tunnels was developed. Photo: Bezirksregierung Arnsberg
ince 2011, the NRW mining authority, Dortmund/Germany, has been running a risk management programme for old mining with a focus on surface entrances. Over the past 13 years, 4,542 documented surface entrances located in the area of responsibility of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia have been included in the risk management system for abandoned mines and assessed in terms of potential risk. Of these, 284 surface entrances have already been explored on site and remediated without aftercare. In 2023, the introduction of a special risk management module in the mining information system (BIS) of the NRW mining authority …
Authors: RBr Daniel Wagener, BOI’in Nicole Malz, RBe Monika Wölfl, RBe Fiona Groppe, Bezirksregierung Arnsberg – Abteilung Bergbau und Energie in NRW, Dortmund/Germany
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Accelerating Return of Investment: Changing Potash and Polyhalite Mine Development by Rapid Shaft Sinking Technologies
Shaft sinking by the SBR (Shaft Boring Roadheader). Photos: Redpath Deilmann
he article examines the global landscape of potash and polyhalite mining projects and highlights key trends in vertical shaft development over the past two decades. It examines the advantages of rapid shaft sinking, including faster project delivery, reduced capital expenditure and improved investment payback periods. Furthermore, we delve into innovative mechanized excavation techniques and case studies demonstrating their impact on modern mine construction. By using advanced methodologies and optimised project execution strategies, the mining industry can significantly improve efficiency, ensure faster time to market and maximise long-term …
Author: Dzianis Iholka MBA, Mining Engineer, Head of International Projects, Redpath Deilmann GmbH, Dortmund/Germany
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BIM Implementation in Shaft Sinking Projects: Case Example Suedlink Shafts Project
Technical planning in specialist tools. Source: Thyssen Schachtbau
haft sinking has a long tradition in Germany. There are hundreds of examples of successful planning and execution both in Germany and abroad. Shafts built for different applications and under a variety of conditions differ technically from one another. Not only the dimensions and the design, but also and especially how the shafts are sunk. There are detailed regulations describing the technical aspects as well as the qualitative and technical requirements for components and structures. The contractors and designers are familiar with the control and approval processes, and it can be assumed that constructability and safety are taken into account in planning and execution …
Author: Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Jenßen, BIM-Manager, Thyssen Schachtbau GmbH, Mülheim/Ruhr/Germany
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Challenges Vertical String Konrad 2 Shaft
Outer shell shaft collar at the bottom. Photo: BGE
he Konrad mine is the first final repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste in Germany approved under nuclear law. The approval process started in 1982 and the approval finally became legally binding in 2007. Due to the requirements of the approval situation and the requirement to build according to the current state of science and technology, there are special challenges that need to be met. The article provides a rough overview of the large number of approval-related requirements as well as the additional provisions of the planning approval decision that must be adhered to. After a brief overview of the entire system on Konrad 2 shaft …
Authors: Tobias Kornblum B. Eng., Ing. Uwe Blei, Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung mbH (BGE), Salzgitter/Germany
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Condition Analysis of Rigid Guidance Systems Using Inertial Sensors
Preview of the 3-axis motion simulator. Photo: TUBAF
hafts are the bottleneck of a mine and are essential for smooth and uninterrupted operations. Therefore, their availability is of central importance. Due to the high stresses placed on shafts and their conveyor systems by high humidity, moisture and the transportation of abrasive mining products, the shaft guide rails in particular are subject to intensive wear. (1) According to the Mining Ordinance for Shaft and Inclined Conveyor Systems, rigid guide systems, which include the wooden or steel guide rails installed in the shaft, must undergo an annual inspection in systems with a driving speed of more than 4 m/s and more than 400 trips per day. This inspection is carried out by a certified expert by means of geometric measurement, kinetic (acceleration) measurement or dynamic (force) analysis …
Authors: Alexander Mölle M. Sc. und Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Sobczyk, Institut für Maschinenbau (IMB), TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg/Germany
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Industrial Prospects of Marble Quarry Waste: an Analysis of Calcium-Carbonate Applications (Shayan Quarry, Fars Province (Iran))
A: Schematic sketch showing the extraction procedure in the top ten benches. B: Schematic sketch showing the extraction procedure in the lower benches. Source: B. Koshabadi
he Shayan marble quarry in the Fars province (Iran) produces high-quality dimension stones, i. e. calcite marble blocks, but faces a significant challenge as about 90 % of its extracted material is discarded as waste because of intense tectonic-induced fracturing. Geochemically composed of almost pure calcium-carbonate with only traces of unwanted impurities (Al, As, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Pb and Si), this study explores alternative industrial applications for the “marble waste material”. In cement production, the material’s compliance with geochemical standards suggests a possible use as primary raw material. Similarly, the marble properties align with specifications for quicklime production, offering opportunities …
Authors: Bahador Khoshabadi and Dr. rer. nat. Stephanie Lohmeier, Institute of Geotechnology and Mineral Resources, Technische Universität Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany
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Developments and Challenges in the Field of Digital Maintenance
Evaluation of efficency gains. Source: Epiroc
he ongoing digitalization and automation of maintenance strategies has established itself as a central factor for optimizing operational processes in recent years. Particularly in technically demanding industries such as mining, efficient maintenance is essential to minimize unplanned downtime, high maintenance costs and safety risks …
Author: Christel Füllenbach M. Sc., Epiroc Deutschland GmbH, Essen/Germany
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Kinematics Test with a Cutter Wheel Quick-Change System
Connection between cutter wheel and hub as pre-assembled replacement module. Source: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
n addition to the utilisation of terrestrial deposits, maritime ore deposits can also be explored to secure the supply of raw materials, especially copper. Massive sulphide deposits in the deep sea can make a significant contribution (1), if there is a way to extract these ores economically and safely. The Deep Sea Sampling joint project of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) aims to make an important contribution here by adapting a milling process that has been tried and tested on land for many years for use in ore mining on the seabed. In order to realise this ambitious project …
Authors: Swen Aurich M. Sc. und Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Sobczyk, Institut für Maschinenbau, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg/Germany, Dr.-Ing. Matthias Semel und Stefan Wegerer M. Sc., Bauer Maschinen GmbH, Schrobenhausen/Germany
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Mining 4.0, AI and Law
Artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more and more important in smart mining – like in the European Union. According to its Competition Compass of January 2025, one of the Commission’s priorities is to promote investment in future technologies such as AI. What legal framework is already in place, including for digitalization? What access and protection requirements exist for companies? Which possibilities have enterprises to use the data?
Author: Prof. Dr. jur. Walter Frenz, Maître en Droit Public, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen/Germany
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Mining Machinery Markets on the Move: Example China
Chinese foreign direct investment for mining and processing (outside the energy industry) in Africa by metals or minerals in bn US$, 2000 – 2022. Source: Zentrum für globale Entwicklungspolitik der Boston University (2024)
uropean and German industry and all commerce will never be self-sufficient in the supply of critical raw materials. We are and will remain dependent on imports from third countries. The EU is now more aware of the importance of international trade and the risks associated with its dependence on a limited number of dominant supplier countries. The EU has identified over a hundred critical raw materials and classified a double-digit number of them as strategic raw materials that are essential for our economic stability. Strategic raw materials include lithium, cobalt, natural graphite and nickel for battery production, metallic silicon for semiconductors and rare earth elements …
Author: Peter von Hartlieb, Düsseldorf/Germany
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Interactive Multi-User Hologram Tables for Practical Knowledge Transfer in Mining and Mineral Resource Sciences
Visualisation of the content of the hologram table and classification in the Mixed Reality (MR) scale. Source: RWTH
he spatial understanding of complex 3D structures is essential in geosciences and mineral resources engineering, but traditional teaching methods are limited. Multi-user hologram tables enable an immersive learning environment through interactive and collaborative 3D visualisations that allow students to analyse geological structures and mineralogical samples together, annotate and intuitively grasp spatial contexts. The Holo-4-Edu research project investigates integrating 3D multi-user hologram tables into mining and raw materials science and (dental) medicine courses. The aim is to promote the spatial understanding of complex geological structures and …
Authors: Maximilian Weber M. Sc. und Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernd Lottermoser, Institute of Mineral Resources Engineering (MRE), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen/Germany, Samira Khodaei M. Sc., Mihail Padev B. Sc., Anders Petruschke, Antonia Markus M. Sc., Dr. Esther Borowski und Prof. Dr. Ingrid Isenhardt, Chair of Intelligence in Quality Sensing (WZL-IQS), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen/Germany
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