Annual Conference on Mining for Sustainable Development

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2nd Annual Conference on Minerals for a Better Future - A Multidisciplinary Approach [Pre Text]
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2007-11) Karunaratne, S
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7th National Conference on Earth Resources Management (Pre Text)
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2013-07) Hemalal, PVA
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8th National Conference on “Earth Resources Management” [Pre Text]
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2014) Hemalal, PVA
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Alternative for river sand
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2007-11) Ekanayaka, EMTM; Jayawardene, MN; Kannangara, KKDM; Puswewala, UGA; Rathnayake, NP; Chaminda, SP; Vijitha, AVP; Karunaratne, S
The need of finding an alternative for river sand arises due to the over exploitation of river sand and its various harmful consequences. The focus of the current study was on offshore sand, which is clearly one of the most viable alternatives for river sand, with respect to availability, ease of extraction, environmental impact and cost. Offshore sand is already used in Sri Lanka mainly for road filling and it is also used for construction in all over the world. A sea survey was conducted in Kaluthara-Benthota sea area and a resource distribution map was plotted. Samples from Muthurajawela offshore sand stick piles were collected and CT content was checked. Offshore sand saturated with sea water has Cl' content around 0.3%, where as if the seawater is gravity drained; it reduced to around the acceptable 0.075%. The action of an average rain fall would be enough to reduce the CT contents to below acceptable levels. However, two other alternatives were also studied in a limited way, namely manufactured sand and quarry dust are quarry products. While quarry dust is merely a by product from the production of course aggregate and tends to be flaky in shape, manufacture sand is actually produced such that a more desirable "rounded cubic" shape is obtained.
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An alternative mitigation method for Gerandi-Ella reactivated landslide
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2015) Mampitiyaarachchi, CT; Ranathunga, RMIGNK; Rifad, MZM; Thathkalana, UMC; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Indrathilaka, HML; Premasiri, HMR; Weerawamakula, S; Hemalal, PVA
Gerandi-Ella, a former landslide area is currently under threat of reactivation. National Building Research Organization has implemented a surface and vertical well drainage system to stabilize it. However, vertical drainage system has failed,and an unexpected behavior of groundwater was observed due to presence of clay layers in the colluvium. An effective and economical alternative mitigation method is required to stabilize the area. A particular portion of the site,positioned such that it keeps the rest of the landslide mass intact, was chosen as the study area. Implementing a proper alternative mitigation methodto the study area may help to stabilize the landslide along with existing surface drainage system.Piezometric levels at two boreholes and rainfall data at the study area were analyzed. Stability analysis through the software SLOPE/W gave the current factor of safety as 0.965. A horizontal drain network with suitable design parameters was proposed to achieve a factor of safety of 1.206 by considering the effect of the matrix suction. A series of sand and gravel filled vertical holes capped with 100 cm clay layer are also proposed to expedite the water drawdown through impervious strata to horizontal drains.
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Analysing the relationship between skin and formation damage of an oil well (time depended)
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2016-07) Ruwanpathirana, RS; Nagasinghe, RV; Welagedara, WWVP; Wickrama, MADMG; Senadhira, AMADM; Ratnayake, NP; Vijitha, AVP; Hemalal, PVA
The concept of skin and formation damage play a vital role in productivity of an oil well. The objective of this study is to introduce the effect of skin into the well flowing equation in transient state. The effect of formation damage zone on the well flowing pressure was introduced to the original solution of diffusivity equation by considering three scenarios. In the first scenario it was assumed that oil is flowing through the reservoir with average (effective) permeability. In the second scenario it was assumed that the oil is flowing with the permeability of reservoir till the boundary of formation damage zone and within the altered zone, oil is flowing with the permeability of damage zone. The third scenario is similar to the second scenario, however it was assumed that the oil is flowing within the altered zone with an average permeability. By considering the difference between calculated reservoir permeability for all three scenarios and assumed values, scenario three was selected as the most suitable way to introduce the effect of skin in to the well flowing equation in transient condition.
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Analysis of effect on vibration and air blast in rock quarrying
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2010-09) Senadeera, SMADSI; Erangika, MD; Herath, MHBCW; Wickramasmghe, WIUS; Chaminda, SP; Dharmaratne PGR; Ratnayake, NP; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Premasiri, HMR; Karunaratne, S
Blasting induced ground vibration occurring in the quarries has ecome a serious environmental issue in Sri Lanka. To achieve high production targets the number of blasts has increased in the quarries and, therefore, mitigate measures to minimize the detrimental effects of the vibrations have to be identified. This research project on rock blasting was carried out to design a suitable indicating system to predict the ground vibrations and air blasts. In order to assess the variation of intensity of the ground vibration and the air blast over pressure, ground vibrations and air blasts results from two different types of explosives on different types of rocks were monitored. Statistical analysis of the data sets found a high level of confidence on the best fitting empirical relationship between peak particle velocity and scaled distance. By that two site-specific factors were established. A comparison of the analytical work revealed that the level of ground vibration varies significantly with the changing of charge weight per delay, explosive type, rock type and the distance from blasting point to monitoring point.
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Analysis of geological structures for road cut failures: a case study along Balangoda – Haputale main road
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2016-07) Senarathna, CSS; Godaliyadda, DP; Disanayaka, KTD; Premasiri, HMR; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Weerawarnakula, S; Hemalal, PVA
This study is focused on the causes for the road cut failures and suggest a methodology to design road orientation to minimize cut failures considering geology of the rock present in the area. In the past few years, several road cut failures have been recorded in Sri Lanka and there are development plans to construct expressways in hilly areas of the country. Hence, this study is important to minimize and control road cut failures while designing road orientation in a scientific manner. Several of studies were carried out to find the relationship between rock properties of the slope and occurrence of cut failures. This study helps to create a forecasting model for different scenarios. In this study, in order to validate the outcomes, some software were used. “DipAnalyst 2.0” is one of them and is a slope stability analysis software, which is designed to perform kinematic analysis for rock slopes and also calculating factor of safety values for plane and wedge failures based on the limit equilibrium theory. In this study, we identified that rock of the study area mainly dip towards the road (dip direction is parallel to the road direction). It is the main cause for lot of failures.
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Application of simulation methods to understand tsunami processes around the coastal region of Sri Lanka
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2007-11) Rathnayake, RMMT; Nilminie, WNRPN; Senanayake, DS; Rathnayake, NP; Karunaratne, S
Tsunami is one of the most devastating natural disasters which cannot be prevented or precisely predicted even with the modern advanced technology. One of the best solutions for prediction as well as for the risk analysis of this natural disaster is Numerical Modelling. Present study focuses on the generation of earthquake induced different Tsunami scenarios from the potentially high amplitude earthquake generation zones in the Indian Ocean using Tsunami numerical modelling. Simulation modelling for different scenarios was carried out for source, propagation and inundation using UNESCO/IOC recommended interfaces of AVI NAMI and ComMIT, which uses TUNAMI N2 model. Etopo 2, JEBCO (combine SRTM, ETOP2 and Sea Map data) were used for bathymetry analysis. Distribution of wave heights, run up heights for given locations and arrival times of the waves were simulated as output data. Different Tsunamis were simulated, taking Java Sumathra and Macrum zones as Tsunami sources. Wave heights and propagation of Tsunami waves around twelve locations of Sri Lanka were analysed and vulnerable areas for different scenarios were identified. Results further indicated that if a Tsunami is triggered at Java-Sumatra, Southern part of Sri- Lanka will be severely affected, and particularly the Yala region, because of the direct hit of the Tsunami waves. ComMIT simulation results showed strong coupling to Tsunami sediment data and actual tidal records for 26th December 2004 Tsunami. Therefore, ComMIT seems to be one of the best models for Tsunami warning and forecasting in Sri Lanka.
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Assessing different methods of salt removal techniques from offshore sand
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2008-05) Ilankoon, IMSK; Jayarathne, LGR; Karunanayake, KDP; Thamilinpamalar, N; Wimalarathna, WMNJ; Vijitha, AVP; Ratnayake, NP; Karunaratne, S
Usage of offshore sand as an alternative to inland river sand is beneficial due to the various environmental impacts of river sand mining in Sri Lanka. However, higher amount of chloride ions in the sea sand can corrode the reinforcements of the concrete. Therefore it's necessary to identify suitable, low cost and efficient method to remove cl* ions from the sea sand. In this study, three different salt removal techniques; mechanical washing, natural washing and recently introduced grain to grain collision were evaluated using samples from beach sand, river sand, offshore sand and old stock piled offshore sand. Relative salt content and absolute cl* content were measured using conductivity measurements and titration, respectively. Mean grain size and other textural parameters were calculated using sieve analysis. Results indicate lOOg of sand soaked in 200ml of water, required approximately 10 minuets to remove salt from sea sand. Natural removal of chloride by rainwater shows one year of Monsoon rain is more than sufficient to remove salt from even 10 m thick piles of sea sand. However, grain to grain collision does not show significant capacity to remove salt.
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Calcite and dolomite mineralization in the area around Balangoda and critical analysis of mining methods and utilization of the deposits
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2009-05) Jayatissa, MDCP; Urapola, MOA; Perera, PAAP; Manojh Kumar, M.; Chandrakumara, GAK; Weerawarnakula, S; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Karunaratne, S
Among the industrial minerals found in Sri Lanka Calcium and Magnesium Carbonate bearing minerals and rocks play a major role in local industry. Crystalline Dolomite and Calcite found in metamorphic terrains are used in ceramic industry, fertilizer industry and in local lime manufacturing plants. Major Calcite and Dolomite occurrences in the metamorphic Precambrian basement are found in Digana, Kekirawa, Polonnaruwa, Balangoda, Baddulla, and Okkampitiya. Studies carried out in the area around Balangoda showed the calcite and dolomite occurrences are located in the area of Hlukpeilessa, Rajawaka and Molamure. Legal and illegal small scale mining has been carried out in the area during last few decades. Studies also showed most of the mining is carried out haphazardly. No proper mining methods have been used for maximum utilization of the deposits. Furthermore, long term mining has not uplifted the socio-economic conditions of the people of the area and proper environmental protection methods have also not been used. Systematic mapping of the deposits, educating miners on proper mining methods, safety precautions and value of environment protection could lead for better utilization of the deposits. Proper financial guidance through possible co-operate system to obtain financial assistance for mining , transporting materials and finding systematic market for continuous material supply could also uplift the socio-economic condition of the community.
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Characterization of beach sand deposits with heavy minerals using geo-physical techniques
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2015-07) Angammana, UHBIU; Gunasingha, ULDDM; Gunawardana, RA; Srilal, KGC; Ranaweera, KVDNP; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Weerawarnakula, S; Premasiri, HMR; Hemalal, PVA
Mineralogical analysis through physical concentration and microscopic studies of beach sand is one of the most accurate methods in the determination of percentages of constituent heavy minerals of beach sand. However, in this study a magnetic survey method was tested as a field method to separate magnetic minerals from non-magnetic minerals in beach sand. The main objective of this study is to find out a relationship between magnetic survey data and heavy mineral composition data of beach sand. Beaches at Panadura and Beruwala were selected for the magnetic surveys, owing to their dominance of heavy mineral bearing beach sand. Samples were also taken adequately and systematically from each beach, and were analysed at the mineral laboratory. The iso-dynamic magnetic separator was used to separate the magnetic heavy minerals. ArcGIS software and geo-statistical and normal statistical analyses were used to build the relationship between magnetometer survey data and mineral composition data. analysis was not observed a significant relationship between magnetic survey data and mineral composition data. However, According to the geographically weighted regression (GWR)
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Characterization of tsunami wave using texture & structure of sediments from South Western coast of Sri Lanka
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2006-10) De Silva, RHSI; Jeyram, P; Perera, RSL; Thananchayan, A; Wickramanayake, NU; Rathnayake, NP; Premasiri, HMR; Abesinghe, AMKB; Puswewala, UGA; Karunaratne, S; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Ratnayake, N; Chaminda, SP
This research focuses on characterization of Tsunami waves by using tsunami sediments, as the only reliable source of information which a Tsunami leaves after strike are sediments. The sediments contain information about Tsunami waves which can be extracted by analyzing. The study focuses on evaluating wave height, flow velocity and wave energy by examining of the thickness, grain size distribution, sediment structures and texture of tsunami deposits. These findings can be used for the prediction of Tsunami threats and in the formulation of precautionary measurements.
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Cleaner production assessment of a quarry mine
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2010) Wijegunawardana, DS; Sabesan, S; Karunagalage, KVS; Kumara, HMCR; Karunaratne, S; Rohitha, LPS; Kirunanayake, P; Ratnayake, NP; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Premasiri, HMR; Karunartne, S
Wastages, energy loses, low production and environmental impacts are the major problems associated with quarry mines and s. It is essential to minimize these problems to optimize profit and to make a better working place. A Cleaner Production (CP) assessment was performed in quarry and crusher plant located in Nochchiyagama, Sri Lanka. The objective of this project was to identify and provide suggestions to reduce wastages and energy losses, reduce environmental impacts, and provide optimum installation criteria of and to optimize the explosive usage of the quarry with enhanced profit/benefits. The whole operational process was divided in to five sections, i.e. material balancing, energy survey, chain survey for , assessment of environmental aspects and rearranging blasting parameters according to Uniaxial Compressive Strength of rock in quarry mine. After implementing the CP, the solutions / suggestions of turning off generator after starting the plant, introducing cone nozzles to the , covering the conveyor belts, reducing powder factor, etc, was made and they were given to client. The expected annual saving of the CP implementation was Rs.3, 168,895.89 with number of other intangible benefits.
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Coastal erosion in South Western part of Sri Lanka from December 2006 to June 2007
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2007-11) Hansi, MKTN; Lokukankanamage, DMG; Ranasinghe, GP; Witharana, GH; Rathnayake, NP; Karunaratne, S
Coastal region is a very valuable area for developing countries like Sri Lanka, since a good protected coastal region will facilitate the tourism as well as fishing Industry. But the coastal erosion, especially in South Western parts of Sri Lanka has significantly destroyed the coastal land. Therefore, effective management of the coastal area has become a necessity. Present study is focussed on the variation of coastal profile at ten selected locations from Moratuwa to Balapitya and the monthly changes of beach width, profile and the grain size distribution of sediment at the mean sea level. The study was conducted from December 2006 to June 2007. Results showed that during North East monsoon, the beach face became wider and gentler whereas, during South West monsoon the beach face became narrower and steeper. Further, the mean grain size showed higher values during North East monsoon period than South Western monsoon. This variation of beach width, beach profile and the sediment grain size was strongly correlated with the rainfall changes and it was concluded that the coastal erosion in this area is directly controlled by monsoon changes.
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Coastal problems associated with Southern Colombo Harbour expansion project
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2011-11) Nawarathna, NMIB; Jeevakan, T; Ranatunga, RPUM; Jayasena, JHDJ; Ratnayaka, NP; Ratnayake, NP; Abeysinghe, AMKB
Colombo is the major commercial harbour in Sri Lanka and the government has started to expand this harbour to increase its capacity. Therefore, a breakwater has started to build perpendicular to the shoreline. Due to these types of offshore structures wave patterns as well as current patterns changes to a large extent, leading to detrimental effects on the coastal beaches on either side of the harbour. In this study, we are planning to understand coastal effects due to the harbour expansion by studying 8 transects selected from each side of the harbour and measuring beach width, profile changes and grain size variation at mean sea level at monthly interval. This information along with previous shoreline data collected from the Survey department of Sri Lanka can be used to understand the coastal sediment dynamics including the erosion and deposition characters in the nearby beaches.
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Cost estimation and development of cash flow on mining operation (IML/A) (category quarry operation)
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2007-11) Amirthasothy, V; Arulvadivel, T; Fareez, MRM; Kommala, KD; Madanayake, TA; Walideniya, HS; Weerawarnakula, S; Karunaratne, S
More than 70 quarry operations are conducted under the IML/A Category licence all over the country. The high demand of metal aggregates for the construction industry (road and buildings constructions) has made industrial quarry operations one of the most profitable mining operations in Sri Lanka. However, present economic situation and increase the number of I ML/ A category quarries in Kaluthara District (13 quarries) causing problems in aggregate industry in this area. Manufactured sand produced in quarries has become a better solution for scarce sand resources as well as to increase the quarry operation revenue. During this study three quarry sites in Kaluthara District were studied in detail and cost benefit analysis was made. Among these TAMAC quarry site was the main source for the study. Selection of a quarry site with low operation cost with minimum damage to the environment plays the major role in success. Proper blasting techniques, crusher plant design, selection of machinery and friendly environmental could increase net profits and help to continue operations in a sustainable manner.
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Cost reduction of quality controlling in metal quarrying
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2011-11) Basnayaka, LR; Samarathunga, SPGN; Susantha, TKJ; Nawaneethan, M; Wickrama, MADMG; Samaradiwakara, GVI; Dassanayake, ABN; Ratnayake, NP; Abeysinghe, AMKB
Quality controlling of aggregates is a major concern in aggregate industry. Cost of quality controlling can be minimized via finding correlations between different test on aggregates and rocks. Los Angeles abrasion value test, Aggregate impact value test, Uni-axial compressive strength test, Point load index and Schmidt hammer rebound value test were performed on a total of 22 gneissic metamorphic rock samples, which were collected from selected two quarries in Meepe and Nebada areas of Sri Lanka to investigate correlations between these test parameters. Correlations were developed between each parameter to reduce the cost of quality controlling by means of regression analysis. The study found a strong correlation between Loss Angeles abrasion value test and Aggregate impact value test. By analysing correlation between tests, mineralogy and rock properties validity of this correlation can be proved for common application
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Critical analysis of safety aspects of an underground graphite mine with reference to Bogala mines
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2015-07) Karunarathne, KVP; Piyasena, DT; Marino, IJ; Sarvakaran, S; Hemalal, PVA; Dharmaratne, PGR; Hemalal, PVA
Trend analysis of occurrence of mine accidents was proposed to assess the risks associated with occurrence of underground accidents and human health in order to manage and control measures and support decision making. It provides the right balance between different concerns, such as safety and costs. For this purpose, information collected from Bogala graphite Lanka PLC located at Aruggammana in Kegalle district, Sri Lanka, was used to manage the risks affecting the health and safety of the miners. In order to categorize the data, various hazardous activities were identified and classified under eleven categories: Scaling, Hammering, Supporting, Lifting of weights, Drilling, Graphite transportation, Loading, Mucking, Machine/tool operating, Machine/tool repairing. The ranking process is accomplished by analyzing the past accident records. Further, four critical groups of body parts with different illnesses were obtained. These groups were; eye, limbs, back, head. From these groups, the most common injuries with the highest level of occurrence are sprains, cuts, bruises and contusions. According to the results, the proposed methodology can be a reliable technique for management of mine hazards and coping with uncertainties affecting the health and safety of miners when performance ratings are imprecise. The proposed recommendations can be primarily designed to identify potential hazards and help in taking appropriate measures to minimize or remove the risks before accidents occur in future mining activities in Bogala mines.
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Critical evaluation of blast- induced structural damage criteria for buildings around metal quarries at Thudugala, Kaluthara
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2016-07) Hettiarachchi, MM; Priyasanka, IDP; Herath, HMWD; Mohanaruban, G; Dharmaratne, PGR; Hemalal, PVA
Quarrying can generate a number of on-site and off-site environmental effects as a result of blasting, excavation, crushing, screening, stockpiling and transport activities. Blasting is necessary for recovery of ore and production of aggregates in most underground and open cut mines, as well as in quarries. However, blasting can cause noise and ground vibration, which can have an impact upon nearby structures and people living close by. Hence, proper control of blasting practices is necessary to ensure both the safety of employees and the protection of the community from adverse effects. In Thudugala, in Kaluthura district, people those who are living close to quarries are highly subjected to these effects due to quarry blasting. In these circumstances, it was decided to conduct a research into the ground vibration impact in the area. Due to complexity of structures ranging from wattle-and-daub structures which do not have proper foundations to those built with good foundations, the applicability of single criteria of 5 mm/sec PPV level of vibration which is currently being used in Sri Lanka is inadequate. It is also noted that the above vibration criteria has been adopted in Sri Lanka without a proper theoretical foundation. In this research program, the propagation of cracks due to the blasting was assessed at the initial stage of the project. At the final stage, the optimum PPV values will have to be found for different types of structures by constructing them. In this area soil overburden is less. Therefore most of the structures have been constructed on rock. When blasting takes place, rock tends to vibrate and the intensity perceived is very high. Therefore crack propagation is high in these particular structures. It is also noticed that the cracks have further developed between the period between pre-blast crack survey and post-blast crack survey. It is due to large number of un-monitored blasts that have been conducted during that period. Therefore to solve this problem, it is recommended to carry out continuous monitoring of blasts.