St.

Paul University
Surigao
St. Paul University System 8400
Surigao City, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TRACK SPECIALIZATION: COMPUTER APPLICATION IN MINING

Name: Jef Michael L. Dahuyla October 19, 2023

Course/Year: BSEM – 4

Guide Questions:

1. Data Collection Techniques:

A
Data collection in mining minerals involves various methods and technologies to gather geological and
mineralogical information. The choice of techniques depends on the specific mineral deposit, its
geological setting, and the information required. Here are some primary methods and technologies
used in mineral data collection:
Geological Mapping: Geological mapping is fundamental in understanding the distribution
and characteristics of mineral deposits. Geologists use field observations, surface
sampling, and remote sensing techniques to map the geology of an area.
Drilling: Drilling is a common method for collecting subsurface data. Techniques like core
drilling, reverse circulation drilling, and rotary drilling provide samples of rock and mineral
cores for analysis.
Geophysical Surveys: Geophysical methods, such as seismic surveys, electrical
resistivity, and magnetic surveys, are used to determine subsurface structures and
potential mineralization.
Geochemical Sampling: Geochemical sampling involves collecting samples of soil, water,
or vegetation to analyze for trace elements and anomalies associated with mineralization.
Remote Sensing: Remote sensing technologies like satellite imagery and aerial
photography are used to identify mineral deposits and geological features from a distance.
Mineralogical Analysis: Mineralogical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, electron
microscopy, and spectroscopy, help identify and quantify mineral compositions in collected
samples.
Sampling and Assaying: Collected rock or ore samples are assayed in laboratories to
determine the concentration of target minerals. Techniques like fire assay and atomic
absorption spectroscopy are used for this purpose.
Borehole Logging: Borehole logging tools, such as gamma-ray spectrometers and
neutron porosity tools, provide data on rock composition and physical properties at depth.
 Drones and UAVs: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cameras and sensors
can be used for high-resolution mapping, surveying, and data collection in rugged terrains.
b. Different geological settings require tailored data collection techniques to effectively explore
and mine mineral deposits. Here are some examples of how data collection techniques can be applied
in various geological settings:
Vein Deposits: In settings with narrow vein-type mineralization, drilling and underground
sampling are common techniques. Geophysical surveys may help trace vein structures.
Placer Deposits: For alluvial or placer deposits, geochemical sampling of riverbed
sediments and gravels can identify valuable minerals like gold and diamonds.
Open-Pit Mining: In large, near-surface deposits, open-pit mining requires detailed
geological mapping and drilling for ore reserve estimation.
Underground Mining: For deep or underground deposits, borehole logging and drilling are
used to delineate ore bodies and understand their orientation.
Skarn Deposits: Skarn deposits often require a combination of geological mapping and
geophysical surveys to locate ore zones within altered host rocks.
Porphyry Deposits: Exploration for porphyry deposits involves geochemical sampling and
geophysical surveys to identify alteration zones and associated mineralization.
Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Deposits: VMS deposits require extensive drilling
and geochemical analysis to trace the complex ore bodies associated with volcanic activity.
Sedimentary Deposits: Techniques like core drilling and borehole logging are used to
explore sediment-hosted mineral deposits like uranium and phosphate.
The choice of data collection techniques is influenced by the geological model, deposit
type, depth, and economic considerations. Accurate and comprehensive data collection is
crucial for successful mineral exploration and mining.
2. Database Design and Management:
a.
Designing and implementing a robust database for storing mining-related data involves
several key steps:
Define Your Purpose: Understand the specific needs and requirements of your database.
This includes knowing what kind of data you will be storing and how it will be used.
Data Modeling: Create a logical model of the data to be stored in the database. This
includes defining the tables, fields, relationships, and constraints.
Implement the Database: Use a database management system (DBMS) to create the
physical database based on your logical model.
Data Input and Management: Develop methods for inputting data into the database and
managing it effectively.
Testing and Optimization: Test the database to ensure it meets all requirements and
optimize it for performance.
B.
To ensure data consistency, security, and accessibility, you can use the following
strategies.
 Data Consistency: Implement ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability)
properties to ensure data consistency6. Use techniques like data partitioning and
replication to maintain consistency in distributed databases.
Data Security: Establish robust security measures including access controls, encryption,
and regular audits to protect sensitive data.
Data Accessibility: Design the database to support efficient queries and provide users
with the necessary tools to access and analyze the data.
Backup and Disaster Recovery: Establish a reliable database backup and disaster
recovery system to protect against data loss.
Monitoring and Fine-tuning: Regularly monitor application and data performance, fine-
tuning and troubleshooting the database as needed.
Remember that designing a robust database is an iterative process that requires ongoing
management and optimization to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
3. Environmental Monitoring and Reporting:
Environmental data in the mining sector is collected and incorporated into data management systems
in several ways:
Data Collection: Environmental data is collected through various methods, including on-
site measurements, remote sensing, and laboratory analysis.
Data Management Systems: Environmental Data Management Systems (EDMS) provide
a standardized, web-based platform for managing environmental and utility data. GIS-
enabled systems like EDMSi offer secure storage of field and analytical information on the
cloud.
Integration with Business Data: The same data that satisfies compliance obligations can
be mined to provide insight and information about an organization at the facility, business
unit, and corporate level1. This information can be used for decision support, risk
management, efficiency upgrades, project planning, and more.
Automated Data Capture: Local environmental teams can increase their efficiency
through automated data capture.
As for the regulations and standards governing the reporting of environmental impact data in mining,
they vary by country but some key ones include:

National Laws: In the Philippines, for example, mining law is regulated by the State policies
laid down under the 1987 Constitution and the Philippine Mining Act of 19956.
Environmental Compliance Certificates: These are required under various national laws
such as the Environmental Protection Act 19946.
International Standards: The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards are widely used for
sustainability reporting in the mining sector.
4. Safety Data Collection and Analysis:

a) Safety data in mining operations is collected through various methods to ensure the well-
being of miners and equipment. Here are some of the ways:
 Wearable Devices: These devices can provide protection and data. The spread of COVID-
19 may have smoothed the way for wearables by making people more comfortable with
tracking and tracing mechanisms1.
Automated Ground Control Systems: These systems, installed by many mining
companies across the globe, are primarily used underground or for pit mining. These
systems capture data from the vibrations in the ground and can determine whether the
mine is strong enough.
Atmospheric Monitoring: Information collected through leaky-feeder devices can be used
to provide mine managers with vital safety data.
Data from Regulatory Bodies: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
collects employment, accident, and injury data under CFR 30 Part 50, among other
sources.

5. Integration of Real-time Data:

a. Incorporating real-time monitoring data into the data management framework involves
several steps:
Data Collection: Real-time monitoring, in the specific context of mining operations,
involves the continuous and immediate collection of data from various sources within
mining sites. This data can originate from a myriad of sources, such as equipment sensors,
environmental monitors, worker wearable technology, and especially from aerial platforms
like satellites and drones.
Data Processing: The continuous stream of data, derived from a variety of sources,
including satellite imagery and drone footage, is then analyzed using artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms.
Integration into Data Management Framework: The processed data is then integrated
into the data management framework. This integration reduces the need to manually
transform and combine datasets which significantly increases operational efficiency. It also
improves data quality by automating the data transformations that apply business rules to
data.
b. Real-time data integration offers several advantages for decision-making in mining
operations:
Improved Decision-Making: Real-time monitoring and intelligence allow mining
companies to make instantaneous, informed decisions, maximizing operational efficiency,
safety, and sustainability.
Operational Efficiency: The improved operational efficiency is a testament to how real-
time monitoring and intelligence can optimize mining operations, leading to significant cost
savings and productivity gains.
Predictive Maintenance: From predictive maintenance leading to substantial cost savings
to mining equipment optimization driving operational excellence.
Environmental Monitoring: Real-time data and AI-powered analytics are pushing the
boundaries of sustainability in this sector.
Single Source of Truth: Integrated operations provide a single source of truth built on real-
time tracking of information. This positions companies to deliver step-change
improvements in decision-making through advanced analytics, enable remote
management of resources where feasible, and streamline workforce allocation and
utilization.
6. Data Validation and Quality Assurance:
a. Several procedures and protocols are in place to validate and ensure data quality in
mining:
Data Validation: Data validation in an analogue format or a digital database includes all
the checks done to make sure there are no errors or mismatches in the data (e.g.,
overlapping samples, mislabeling of data, mixed units, etc.).
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC): QA/QC programs are typically
participated in by analytical laboratories. These programs ensure the accuracy of the data
and protect against data loss and leaks.
Input Validation: Always validate input data. This is one of the best practices to maintain
data integrity.
Access Controls: Implement access controls to prevent unauthorized access to the data.
b. Data integrity is maintained throughout the data collection and management process
through several methods:
Security Measures: Lock-tight data security measures are crucial for maintaining data
integrity.
Regular Backups and Automated Duplications: Regular data backups and automated
duplications help prevent data loss.
Encryption: Utilization of encryption helps protect the data from unauthorized access4.
Clear Policies: Establishing clear policies on data collection, storage, and processing is
critical for maintaining data integrity. This might include rules about who can access and
modify data, as well as the necessary procedures for doing so.
Physical Integrity Measures: These include having an uninterruptible power supply,
setting up redundant hardware, controlling the physical environment against heat, dust or
electromagnetic pulses, using a clustered file system, and using error-correcting memory
and algorithms.
7. Technological Advancements and Innovation:
Several emerging technologies are transforming data collection and management in
mining:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): These technologies are being
used to analyze data collected from various sources within mining sites, such as equipment
sensors, environmental monitors, worker wearable technology, and aerial platforms like
satellites and drones.
Blockchain: This technology is being applied across various mining engineering value
chain activities such as in drilling, blasting, excavation, and ore hauling.
Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices are being used to collect real-time data from mining
sites, which can then be analyzed to improve operational efficiency.
Robotics: Robotics is being used in mining operations for tasks such as drilling, blasting,
excavation, and ore hauling.
b. These innovations can significantly improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in
mining operations:
 Efficiency: The use of AI and ML can optimize mining operations, leading to significant
cost savings and productivity gains. For example, robotics operating 24 hours a day and
real-time monitoring of minerals and metals through mines and processing plants can
enhance efficiency.
Safety: Improved underground communication, automation, more sophisticated mineral
and metal transportation, and emergency response measures achieved by integrating
technology into mining projects can lead to safer working conditions.
Sustainability: Through improved waste management efforts, tailings are being processed
more efficiently. The mining sector will also play an important role in the circular economy.
Using renewables such as solar energy to power vehicles will also ensure a more
sustainable mining sector. Moreover, innovation plays a critical role in the mining industry
as a tool to meet the increasing social and environmental concerns among communities
and authorities.
8. Community Engagement and Ethical Considerations:
a. Data collection and management practices can facilitate better communication and
engagement with local communities and stakeholders in several ways:

Transparency: Sharing data with local communities can build trust and foster a sense of
partnership.
Informed Decision Making: Data can help communities understand the impacts of mining
operations and make informed decisions.
Community Participation: Involving communities in data collection can ensure their
concerns are addressed and their knowledge is incorporated.
Feedback Mechanisms: Data management systems can include mechanisms for
communities to provide feedback or report issues.
b. Several ethical considerations should be addressed in mining operations:
Responsible Sourcing: Mining companies should ensure that their operations do not
contribute to conflict or human rights abuses. This includes adhering to guidelines such as
the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals.
Environmental Sustainability: Mining operations should strive to minimize their
environmental impact. This includes efficient use of resources, proper waste management,
and efforts to restore mined land.
Data Privacy and Security: Companies must ensure that any data collected is stored
securely and used responsibly. This includes respecting privacy laws, obtaining informed
consent for data collection, and being transparent about how data is used.
Community Consent: Mining operations should seek the free, prior, and informed consent
(FPIC) of local communities. This means that communities have the right to participate in
decision-making processes, and the right to say no to projects that could affect their lands,
territories, and resources.
9. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
a. Ensuring that data collection and management practices align with regulatory
requirements in the mining industry involves several steps:
 Understanding Regulatory Requirements: The first step is to understand the regulatory
requirements that apply to the mining industry. This includes requirements from various
regulators, specific country requirements where exploration activities are performed, as
well as listing requirements.
Data Governance: Data governance involves determining whether each data asset
contains information covered under any of the regulations, which regulations, which
directives associated with each regulation, the methods by which compliance is observed,
any methods for validating and reporting on compliance.
Compliance Reporting: A compliance report provides assurance to the community,
industry, government, and other stakeholders that regulatory obligations are being met. An
annual compliance report for authorized operations on a mining lease is now required.
Data Retention and Deletion: Regulators are increasingly scrutinizing data retention and
recordkeeping laws, including collection, storage, retention, and disposal practices4.
Companies should review their electronic communications policies, practices, and
communications as well as their data retention and deletion policies and practices across
legacy and multi-platform systems and unstructured data repositories.
b. Data plays a crucial role in regulatory reporting and compliance:
Regulatory Reporting: The data collected from regulatory reports facilitates early
identification of problems that can threaten the safety and soundness of reporting
institutions and ensures timely implementation of legal corrective actions5.
Compliance Assurance: A compliance report provides assurance to the community,
industry, government, and other stakeholders that regulatory obligations are being met3.
Risk Management: Regulatory compliance risk is defined as the risk to which an
organization might be exposed to should it fail to comply with the applicable regulatory
(legislative) requirements or excludes provisions of the regulatory requirements from its
operational procedures1.
10. Data Security and Privacy:
Several measures are in place to safeguard data security and privacy in mining operations:

Multi-Factor Authentication: This requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before
accessing a system, making it much more difficult for hackers to gain access.
Encryption: Strong encryption methods are used to protect sensitive information, such as private
keys and passwords.
Regular Security Audits: Regular audits are conducted to ensure that the security measures in
place are effective.
Physical Security: Mining equipment is secured in a safe location, away from prying eyes and
potential theft.
Regular Backups: Regular backups of mining data are implemented to ensure that they can recover
from any potential data loss.
b. Sensitive data and intellectual property are protected from security breaches through
several methods:

Data Loss Prevention Tools: These tools secure sensitive data and can effectively limit or block its
transfer and use.
Access Controls: Access controls are only given to those who have been given the authorization can
access the data.
Cryptographic Methods: Cryptographic methods including homomorphic encryption as well as zero-
knowledge proofs prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and increase data usability without
privacy risks.
Intellectual Property Rights: Intellectual property rights can be licensed to generate new revenue
where the owner cannot invest. Every company at times needs to generate finance or reassure
investors. IP rights form an asset which can be sold, reported or used to secure finance
arrangements.