Veiko Karu

The basic parameters of oil shale quality are heating value and grain-size composition. Heating value can vary considerably within the location in a deposit and depends on concretions and limestone content. Grain-size distribution and heating value depend directly on mining technology: breakage, transporting and processing. Energy distribution when using different technologies was determined. New boilers of oil shale power plants and oil retorts require a relatively constant quality of raw materials and fuel. The possibility of improving oil shale separation was investigated.

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Application of modelling tools in Estonian Oil Shale mining area

"Corresponding author: veiko.karu@ttu.ee", "Corresponding author"

The research needed for sustainable mining should be performed in nature, but large-scale tests are complicated. These studies are performed by computer modelling. The main task for modelling is to find suitable criteria and demonstration ways.

Modelling is a relatively new approach for planning new mines and analysing abandoned ones. Modelling itself is a convenient way for choosing, selecting and visualising the results, but deciding about optimal modelling methods and software is a complicated task. There are three main tasks of modelling to solve: mining technology, planning and development of mining and impact of mining.

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Future of Oil Shale mining technology in Estonia

In the future, oil shale mining conditions will worsen and environmental taxes will be increased. Higher calorific value and more homogeneous material are required for more effective usage of boilers and generator units in power stations and oil plants. The solution for the mining industry is related to the optimal usage of mineral and technological resources, utilizing the best available techniques and modelling and visualization of mining impacts for explaining the changes in technology to the influenced parties. The main challenges for technologies in the future are related to the mining in environmentally or socially sensitive areas. One of the solutions could be utilizing selective mining and backfilling. Related tests have shown good results and show a promising future for sustainable oil shale mining.