Chemometric Analysis of Mid-Wave Infrared Spectral Reflectance Data for Sulphide Ore Discrimination

Despite significant recent advancements in the sensor technologies, the use of sensors for raw material characterization in the mining industry remains limited. The aim of the present study was to assess the utility of applying the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) reflectance data acquired by the use of a handheld Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), combined with partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), for the characterization of a polymetallic sulphide ore deposit. In achieving the study objectives, focus was given to the MWIR portion of the FTIR dataset, as it is the least explored region of the infrared spectrum in mineral characterization studies. Three datasets—covering different wavelength ranges—were generated from the FTIR spectral data, namely the full FTIR range (2.5–15 µm), MWIR (2.5–7 µm) and long-wave infrared (LWIR: 7–15 µm), in order to investigate the associated information level of each defined wavelength region separately. Design of experiment was developed to determine the optimal data filtering techniques. Using the processed data and PLS-DA, a series of calibration and prediction models were developed for ore and waste materials separately. As the models applied to the MWIR data showed a successful classification rate of 86.3% for sulphide ore–waste discrimination, similarly using the full spectral FTIR dataset, a correct classification rate of 89.5% was achieved. This indicates that MWIR spectral range includes informative signals that are sufficient for classifying the material into ore or waste. The proposed approach could be extended for automating the sulphide ore–waste discrimination process, thus greatly benefiting marginally economical mining operations.

     

Staying cool in a changing climate: Reaching vulnerable populations during heat events

The frequency and intensity of hot weather events are expected to increase globally, threatening human health, especially among the elderly, poor, and chronically ill. Current literature indicates that emergency preparedness plans, heat health warning systems, and related interventions may not be reaching or supporting behavior change among those most vulnerable in heat events. Using a qualitative multiple case study design, we comprehensively examined practices of these populations to stay cool during hot weather (“cooling behaviors”) in four U.S. cities with documented racial/ethnic and socio-economic disparities and diverse heat preparedness strategies: Phoenix, Arizona; Detroit, Michigan; New York City, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Based on semi-structured in-depth interviews we conducted with 173 community members and organizational leaders during 2009–2010, we assessed why vulnerable populations do or do not participate in health-promoting behaviors at home or in their community during heat events, inquiring about perceptions of heat-related threats and vulnerability and the role of social support. While vulnerable populations often recognize heat's potential health threats, many overlook or disassociate from risk factors or rely on experiences living in or visiting warmer climates as a protective factor. Many adopt basic cooling behaviors, but unknowingly harmful behaviors such as improper use of fans and heating and cooling systems are also adopted. Decision-making related to commonly promoted behaviors such as air conditioner use and cooling center attendance is complex, and these resources are often inaccessible financially, physically, or culturally. Interviewees expressed how interpersonal, intergenerational relationships are generally but not always protective, where peer relationships are a valuable mechanism for facilitating cooling behaviors among the elderly during heat events. To prevent disparities in heat morbidity and mortality in an increasingly changing climate, we note the implications of local context, and we broadly inform heat preparedness plans, interventions, and messages by sharing the perspectives and words of community members representing vulnerable populations and leaders who work most closely with them.     

Infrared detection of ore variability that influences the environmental risks during perlite mining and processing

In the mining of perlite deposits, controlling the generation of fine particles and the concentration of metals is of outstanding importance to meet the environmental and market requirements. Particle size and chemical purity are conventionally manipulated during the processing of the ore to achieve high product specifications. However, the current practices do not consider a proactive approach that focuses in the in-pit characterisation of the ore that would minimise the environmental impact and optimise the mining process since its early stages. This paper presents a method for the in-pit detection of the perlite ore variability that is related to the generation of fine particles and the elevated concentration of metals. Particle size and chemical purity showed to be dependent on the mineralogical variations of the ore, specifically opal and montmorillonite. Using a portable infrared spectrometer, an index that establishes the relative proportions of these minerals in the perlite ore was created. Such index provided insight into the correlation between mineralogy, fine particles and concentration of metals. Consequently, the index could be used not only for mineralogical determination but also as a predictor of the presence of the main impurities in the perlite ore. These results can be implemented in perlite mining to reduce the generation of waste and can influence the production of high-quality perlite products.     

The Reactivity of Biogenic Monoterpenes towards OH· and SO4-· Radicals in De-Oxygenated Acidic Solution

The reactivity of some selected biogenic monoterpenecompounds towards important aqueous phase free-radicaloxidants, namely OH· and SO₄ ^-·, have beeninvestigated using the complementary experimentaltechniques of pulse radiolysis and laser flashphotolysis ( = 248 nm). Rate constants forthe reactions of the OH· radical with cis-verbenol andmethacrolein have been determined to be (6.8 ± 0.5) ×10⁹ dm³ mol^-1 s^-1 and (8.0± 0.7) × 10⁹ dm³ mol^-1s^-1,respectively (T = 20 °C, pH 4.0, Ionic strength 0 mol dm^-3). Rate constants and activationenergies for the reactions of the SO₄ ^-·radical have been measured for the following compounds(T = 20 °C, pH 4.0, Ionic strength = 0.03 moldm^-3): -pinene (k = (3.1 ± 0.1) ×10⁹ dm³ mol^-1 s^-1;E _act. =(8.9 ± 1.3) kJ mol^-1), -terpineol(k = (4.1 ± 0.1) × 10⁹ dm³mol^-1s^-1; E _act. = (13.4 ± 0.6) kJmol^-1), cis-verbenol (k = (3.2 ± 0.2) ×10⁹ dm³ mol^-1 s^-1;E _act. =(10.0 ± 0.7) kJ mol^-1), verbenone (k = (1.6± 0.1) × 10⁹ dm³ mol^-1s^-1;E _act. = (6.1 ± 0.7) kJ mol^-1), myrtenal(k = (1.85 ± 0.1) × 10⁹ dm³mol^-1s^-1; E _act. = (7.5 ± 0.7) kJmol^-1)and methacrolein (k = (1.18 ± 0.1) × 10⁹dm³ mol^-1 s^-1). In most instances theabsorption spectra of the intermediate products formedby these reactions have been measured which, inconjunction with strategic conductiometric studies,have been used to suggest plausible mechanisms for theoxidation in acidic de-oxygenated solution.     

Patterns and Rates of Ground-Water Flow on Long Island, New York

Increased ground-water contamination from human activities on Long Island has prompted studies to define the pattern and rate of ground-water movement. A two-dimensional, fine-mesh, finite-element model consisting of 11,969 nodes and 22,880 elements was constructed to represent ground-water flow along a north-south section through central Long Island. The model represents average hydrologic conditions within a corridor approximately 15 miles wide. The model solves discrete approximations of both the potential and stream functions. The resulting flownet depicts flow paths and defines the vertical distribution of flow within the section. Ground-water flow rates decrease with depth. Sixty-two percent of the water flows no deeper than the upper glacial (water-table) aquifer, 38 percent enters the underlying Magothy aquifer, and only 3.1 percent enters the Lloyd aquifer. The limiting streamlines for flow to the Magothy and Lloyd aquifers indicate that aquifer recharge areas are narrow east-west bands through the center of the island. The recharge area of the Magothy aquifer is only 5.4 miles wide; that of the Lloyd aquifer is less than 0.5 miles. The distribution of ground-water traveltime and a flownet are calculated from model results; both are useful in the investigation of contaminant transport or the chemical evolution of ground water within the flow system. A major discontinuity in traveltime occurs across the streamline which separates the flow subsystems of the two confined aquifers. Water that reaches the Lloyd aquifer attains traveltimes as high as 10,000 years, whereas water that has not penetrated deeper than the Magothy aquifer attains traveltimes of only 2,000 years. The finite-element approach used in this study is particularly suited to ground-water systems that have complex hydrostratigraphy and cross-sectional symmetry.     

A Special Issue on Geomathematics for Real-Time Mining

Mathematical Geosciences -