Mining

 

Mining:

 

 

Research conducted at AGH-UST within the scope of the research group of Mining can be divided into the following subject areas: technologies of extraction processes, problems of mineral resources management while taking into consideration the aspects of environmental protection and environmental engineering, as well as geotechnics and underground constructions. The following faculties deal with the research subjects named above: Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas, Faculty of Mining Surveying and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, and Faculty of Energy and Fuels. The widest range of research in the field of Mining is offered by the Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering.

 

The most widely represented group involves research connected with the technology of obtaining fossil fuels (hard and brown coal, natural gas, oil and sulphur), as well as rock materials used in the building industry (for example, in road construction). Research into new mining technologies is of a particular importance in the process of developing the methods of extraction while ensuring maximum safety, especially in the case of extraction from the depth of below 1000 metres. The analysis involving the above subject areas comprises hazards connected with ensuring excavation stability, applying suitable lining, as well as seismic, fire, methane and water hazards. The basic condition for the extraction of mineral raw materials is ensuring maximum safety at the most effective exploitation of deposits.

 

Research into the management of fossil fuels aims primarily at obtaining the highest efficiency with particular attention to environmental protection. The latest research in this field involves the management of fossil gases in the light of obtaining methane from coal deposits and dicarbon sequestration, as well as pro-ecological methods of methane utilization. AGH-UST also conducts a wide range of research into ecological aspects of using mineral raw materials with particular attention to applying modern methods of processing and utilizing industrial waste (including the aspects of using waste as alternative sources of energy), and the revitalization of industrial areas (including the reconstruction of hydrographic conditions.)

 

Research is also conducted into the development of a modern technology of hard and brown coal gasification. Among others, the scope of this research comprises: research and development of the assessment criteria of technological suitability of coal for the purpose of above-ground gasification, research into non-typical properties of coal while taking into consideration its suitability for the process of gasification, technological conditions of deposit preparation for the process of underground gasification of hard coal, specifying the criteria of deposit management in the process of underground gasification of coal. Another research area is the analysis of mineral raw material base as well as the properties and management methods of solid waste resulting from the process of gasification. The university also carries out the analysis of the influence of gasification processes, characterised by deposit and technological criteria, on underground waters and the geological environment with respect to the environmental directives of the European Union and national regulations.

 

Another group of research is connected with geotechnics, geoengineering and building engineering. Within the scope of these subject areas, the following research is conducted: research into scarp, slope and embankment stability, the analysis of the influence of mining activities and underground constructions on ground surface, research into the causes of mining damages and methods of their prevention. Research in this field also encompasses the analysis of the causes of dynamic phenomena in rock masses, including the processes of determining their location, preventive measures and forecasting, as well as the geotechnical issues of historical sites renewal. Research is also conducted into the storage methods of liquid fuels and the methods of storing hazardous waste in underground deposits.

 

Research conducted at AGH-UST within the scope of building engineering concentrates in the first place on the aspects of underground and specialist building engineering (for example, tunnels and underground car parks), as well as the application of blasting techniques and ensuring maximum safety to people and buildings during demolition works. The Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering also runs the Laboratory for Testing Rock Properties and Stone Products accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation, whose staff conduct research into the properties of solid rocks in reference to the assessment of their qualities and suitability for the purposes of construction engineering (strength, strain, physical and other properties), research into the properties of mineral aggregates (according to the requirements of appropriate quality norms), as well as grounds and soils. Research within the scope of civil engineering conducted at the Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering encompasses the following subject areas: the assessment of construction reliability, research into the influence of reinforced concrete foundation piles on the condition of surrounding soil, the analysis of some selected properties of high-grade concrete in the light of its application in construction and mining engineering, the application of innovative technologies and management methods in construction engineering, the logistic management of mining enterprises.

 


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