Estonian Mining Research and DevelopmentEstonian Mining Research and Development prepared for Study trip Germany 05…16 April 2008 ISBN 978-9949-430-15-4 Editor: Veiko Karu Special

Tallinn University of Technology Department of Mining

Mining and Geology Science Club

Estonian Mining Research and Development prepared for

Study trip Germany 05…16 April 2008

Tallinn 2008

Estonian Mining Research and Development prepared for Study trip Germany 05…16 April 2008 ISBN 978-9949-430-15-4 Editor: Veiko Karu Special thanks: Ave Õnnis Ingo Valgma Christian Buhrow Cover, back cover: Study trip Germany 2005 participants Brochure is sponsored by TUT Student Council © TUT Department of Mining

TUT Mining and Geology Science Club

Study trip Germany

Purpose of the study trip There is a strong demand for mining engineers and mining education in Estonia because of important role of oil shale mining for the Estonia’s and Baltic economy. Estonia has other minerals currently being mined or being mineable, too, e.g. limestone, dolomite, phosphate, peat. Tallinn UT educates mining engineers and applied geologists. Especially mining engineers must have a global overview about mineral excavation technologies and environmental impacts of mining. In order to achieve this goal and to improve the mining engineering and applied geologists education in Estonia, trips to international mining sites are necessary. As the world biggest lignite mining country Germany is a very attractive destination for a student excursion. Moreover, Germany is selected because it has long mining history, a great number of large surface and underground mines, many world-leading companies for constructing mining machinery, well developed relations between TU Bergakademie Freiberg and Tallinn UT. During the trip coal, salt and ore mines; companies for mining equipment and machinery are introduced to students; also relations between Tallinn UT and TU Bergakademie Freiberg are strengthened. The trip will increase student’s competence and knowledge about practical aspects of German mining industry.

Editor

© TUT Department of Mining 3

Study trip Germany

Table of contents Purpose of the study trip................................................................3

Participants of study trip Germany 2008 ..................................5 Schedule of the Excursion ........................................................6

Tallinn University of Technology .................................................8 Mission .....................................................................................8 History ......................................................................................8 Basic Facts about TUT .............................................................9 Mining Department is part of Faculty of Power Engineering.12 Studies at TUT........................................................................13 Research and Development ....................................................14 Academic activities ................................................................15

Student Council of Tallinn University of Technology ................17 General information................................................................17 TUT Science clubs .................................................................18

Department of Mining.................................................................19 Mining Research.....................................................................19 Planned mining tests and research in Estonian oil shale deposit................................................................................................21 Laboratory of Mining Design and Planning ...........................33 Laboratory of Mining Conditions...........................................33 Doctoral school of energy and geotechnology .......................34 Federation of European Mining Programs..............................35 Erasmus Mundus Minerals and Environmental Program (EMMEP) ...............................................................................35 Estonia in European Masters Mineral Engineering Course (EMMEC)...............................................................................36 Cooperation between Mining Departments ............................37 Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) / Societät der Bergbaukunde (SDB) .............................................................38 SOMP AGM will be held in Estonia in 2010 .........................38

Society of Estonian Mining Students ..........................................39 Mining and Geology Science Club.........................................39 IFMMS ...................................................................................40 International Student Week – ISW.........................................41 WinterAcademy......................................................................42


Study trip Germany

Participants of study trip Germany 2008

Family name First name m/f

Semester (Academic semester at the time of the visit)

Anepaio Ain m 14 Grossfeldt Gaia f 6 Haabu Tennobert m 6 Kaljuste Martin m 4 Karu Veiko m 16 Kolats Margit f 6 Lohk Martin m 12 Robam Karin f 8 Saum Märt m 10 Zaikin Ivan m 6 Tammeoja Tauno m 20 Vahtra Helis f 6 Väizene Vivika f 8 Västrik Aire f 16 Õnnis Ave-Õnne f 8

Academic instructor from Tallinn University of Technology is professor Ingo Valgma Academic instructor from Freiberg Bergakademie is professor Christian Buhrow


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Schedule of the Excursion

• Arrival Saturday 05.04.2008, 20:10 Schönefeld • Day 1 (Sunday, 06.04.2008): guided tour through Berlin • Day 2 (Monday, 07.04.2008): visit to Rüdersdorf chalk

quarry, afternoon: journey to Freiberg • Day 3 (Tuesday, 08.04.2008): Visit of Himmelfahrt

Fundgrube (educational and research mine of TU Bergakademie Freiberg, afternoon: visit to Mine Hermsdorf (GEOMIN, underground marble mine), evening journey to Bad Salzungen

• Day 4 (Wednesday, 09.04.2008): Visit of potash mine Neuhof-Ellers, afternoon: visit IBS GmbH, roadheader manufacturer (close to Fulda)

• Day 5 (Thursday, 10.04.2008): Visit of quarries of Basalt Nickel GmbH (close to Gießen), afternoon: visit of VDMA (German Association of machine manufacturers), mining machinery branch, Frankfurt

• Day 6 (Friday, 11.04.2008): Visit of underground slate mine "Margareta" (I. B. Rathscheck, Mayen), afternoon: visit of open pit "Frechen", Quarzwerke GmbH, Frechen,

• Day 7 (Saturday, 12.04.2008): Visit of open pit "Hambach" (RWE Power), afternoon: visit of power station Weisweiler (RWE Power)

• Day 8 (Sunday, 13.04.2008): Visit RAG's training mine (Recklinghausen), afternoon visit to DBM - German Mining Museum, Bochum

• Day 9 (Monday, 14.04.2008): Visit of RAG's coking plant "Prosper", afternoon: Visit to Mining Machinery Manufacturer "Bochumer Eisenhütte Heintzmann", Bochum


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• Day 10 (Tuesday, 15.04.2008): Visit of underground hard coal mine "Ost", RAG, Hamm, afternoon: journey to Wildeshausen

• Day 11 (Wednesday, 16.04.2008): Visit of gas purification plant "Großenkneten", EMPG - Exxon Mobile Production Germany GmbH, Großenkneten, afternoon (optional): visit of Dötlingen underground gas storage, EMPG - Exxon Mobile Production Germany GmbH, Dötlingen

• Departure 16.04.2008, 18.55 Schönefeld


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Tallinn University of Technology

Mission The mission of Tallinn University of Technology is to support Estonia’s sustainable development through scientific creation and science-based higher education in the field of engineering, technology, natural and social sciences. Statement of the Rector: With its eight faculties, four colleges and R&D institutions, Tallinn University of Technology (TUT) is a national university of technology, internationally renowned, known as a reliable partner at different levels of collaboration networks. We are serving our nation as a hothouse of engineering and technology professionals and a driving force for the development of a knowledge-based economy. TUT fosters integration of technical and related natural and social sciences and humanities that create a basis of higher technological education and advancement of Estonia’s economy. We are committed to collaboration in the networks of the countries of the Baltic Sea region, Europe- and worldwide. TUT is seeking international institutional accreditation in the next years. Professor Peep Sürje History Expressed by learned community in the early twentieth century, the need for engineering specialists trained nationally became urgent. Until then, young people from Estonia had received their specialist


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education in St. Petersburg, Germany or Riga. Opportunities had to be sought for engineering-minded people to acquire Estonian-based education adapted to local conditions and needs. On 17 September 1918, the Estonian Engineering Society managed to open an Estonian-based engineering school named Special Engineering Courses. That date has been recognised as the founding date of Tallinn University of Technology. Programmes were offered in mechanical, electrical, civil and hydraulic engineering, shipbuilding and architecture. In 1919, the school became the private Tallinn College of Engineering, which in 1920 was declared a state institution. Teachers' efforts to develop Estonian terminology for science and technology proved fruitful and the first engineering books were published. In 1923, the first engineering graduation theses were defended in Estonia. In the same year, a State laboratory of Materials Testing opened for research work. By the 15 September 1936 Act of the Head of State, the school was granted the status of University, named Tallinn Technical Institute. The institute had two faculties: civil and mechanical engineering and chemistry and mining. In 1938, the name - Tallinn Technical University - was effective. In 1940 the Faculty of Economics, in 1958 the Faculty of Power Engineering and in 1965 the Faculty of Control Engineering were founded. Basic Facts about TUT The official colours of the University are steel grey and cerise. Grey stands for the tenacity and stamina of our students in their pursuit of knowledge and cerise is for their vitality and joy in life. These colours are represented on the University flag and student caps. The middle white stripe on the cap symbolises peace, progress and high morals. The official student cap was in use from the sixties to the nineties, and after a short break in tradition, it was reinstated in the spring of 2001. Each first-year non-distance learning student is awarded this cap in a festive ceremony after the completion of the


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first examination session, at the beginning of the second semester of studies. The motto of TUT is Mente et Manu (with the hand and the mind). It is inscribed on TUT awards, Letters of Appreciation, student caps and publications. The Tallinn University of Technology has: • 8 Faculties • Faculty of Civil Engineering (letter designation E) • Faculty of Power Engineering (letter designation A) • Faculty of Humanities (letter designation H) • Faculty of Information Technology (letter designation I) • Faculty of Chemical and Materials Technology (letter designation K) • Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (letter designation T) • Faculty of Science (letter designation Y) • Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (letter designation M) • 33 Institutes, 2 Research Centres, 6 Centres and 3 Research and Testing Laboratories • 109 Chairs and 6 Teaching Divisions • 3 Colleges • Tallinn College of TUT • Kuressaare College of TUT • Virumaa College of TUT • 7 R&D Institutions • TUT Institute of Geology • TUT Institute of Cybernetics • TUT Institute of Marine Systems • TUT Technomedicum • TUT Library • TUT Institute of Sustainable Technologies • TUT Certification Centre


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Mining Department is part of Faculty of Power Engineering The Faculty of Power Engineering commenced its study and research activities in 1918 and has since become the leading centre of research and training in its field in Estonia. In addition to study programmes at home, we also offer study and working practice opportunities abroad. Considerable demand for our Faculty’s graduates exists both in Estonia and abroad. The Institute of Electrical Power Engineering is specialised in the field of optimal and safe production, transmission and distribution of electrical power. Its new priorities are the planning of power systems development, analyses of the energy market, the harnessing of alternative energy sources and the optimisation of large systems. The technical and economical aspects of power plants, grids and systems and their optimal management are the traditional research and study areas of the Institute. The Institute of Electrical Drives and Power Electronics concentrates its efforts on studying the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical motion, light, heat etc. Its research areas also include the supply of power to customers, industry automation and robotics. Key research areas are energy-saving electrical drives and power electronic converters and their application in Estonia’s power engineering, industry and electric transport. The Institute of Electrical Machinery and the Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering focuses on the theory of electrical circuits and machines, electrical technology, electrical measurements, electromagnetic compatibility and fields. The Institute also investigates the problems of energy saving, reactive power compensation, network-friendly power supplies, and special-purpose electrical machines. The research interests of the Institute of Mining lie in applied geology and mining of mineral resources. The main directions of research are Estonia's geology and mineral economics. The Institute’s core subjects of study include mining technology,


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controlled detonation, mining economics and geoeconomics, underground constructions and mine reclamation. Research is focussed on environmentally friendly mining. The Faculty of Power Engineering comprises of four Institutes: the Institute of Electrical Power Engineering, the Institute of Electrical Drives and Power Electronics, the Institute of Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering and Machinery, and the Institute of Mining. Studies at TUT The main academic objectives of TUT are to ensure the efficiency and high quality of TUT study programmes as well as the competitiveness of our graduates in the Estonian and international labour markets alike. In order to achieve this, TUT studies must be based on internationally recognised and accredited curricula, informed by the priorities of the Estonian economy. They must be facilitated by qualified teachers, a modern working and study environment and flexible study regulations. The central principles guiding the design of TUT curricula are parity, ease of implementation and a broad foundation, all of which converge on a single common goal—quality. The parity that we have worked so hard to secure in collaboration with the Helsinki University of Technology today enables our students to successfully participate in student exchange programmes and pursue their studies for a Master’s or a PhD in any of the world’s famous universities. Thanks to the broad foundation of our curricula, TUT students are well placed to develop a solid base from which they can go on to a variety of different specialisations, fleshing out their particular foci of interest in Master’s studies or advanced speciality courses. The ease of implementation of curricula that is ensured at the curriculum design stage, in cooperation with employers and professional and trade bodies, makes it easy for TUT graduates to secure posts permitting them to achieve their potential and earn a good salary. Students can gain a Bachelor’s degree at TUT in three years.


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However, to obtain a professional qualification and an engineer’s diploma, a further two years of study (at Master’s level) are required. The curricula of the Faculty of Civil Engineering are designed to take five years and lead to a Master’s degree. Applied higher education curricula take three to four years to complete and provide graduates with the practical skills that are in considerable demand in the labour market. Those interested may pursue their studies further by enrolling for a Master’s and, after that, for a PhD. Since autumn of 2003, TUT has also offered some of its programmes in a distance learning format. Another recent development is the addition of curricula taught in English. Research and Development The aim of TUT R&D activities is to conduct high-level fundamental and applied research of practical significance for Estonian society. These aims include forging better links between fundamental and applied research, solving specific R&D problems, providing for knowledge and technology transfer, and implementing R&D results and know-how in teaching and in the economy. A central role of R&D is the direction of TUT as an entrepreneurial-oriented university. It continues to cultivate close ties between TUT, the public and in particular the business sector. The University strives to keep the public informed about significant scientific breakthroughs and to expand its applied R&D programmes considerably. As befits a business-orientated University, we intend to improve our domestic and international scientific cooperation and contribute to the development of Estonia’s innovation support structure as well as the transfer of technology and know-how. We will also take steps to facilitate the implementation of TUT research results and shape a network of accredited testing facilities.


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Academic activities TUT offers a wide variety of educational degree programmes in the bachelor, master and doctoral level, which include both traditional and new fields of modern technology, economics and business. Courses meet high academic standards and give a comprehensive overview of each science. The student body of TUT approximates 10,000, with female student ratio amounting to one third. Instruction is conducted in Estonian, however, during the first two years, Russian-based general studies are possible. Selected courses are delivered in English. The most popular study fields include public administration, national economy, business administration, gene technology, logistics, information technology, chemical and environment protection technology, computer systems and telecommunications. TUT is a highly internationally oriented university. Following the Bologna declaration, signed by a large number of European countries, TUT transferred to the 3+2 year programme (three years of bachelor and two years of master studies). These five-year engineering curricula promote development of quality and effectiveness. To provide an opportunity to international students to become part of the University, TUT is increasing the number of International Degree Programmes taught in English. Research activities TUT, the only university of technology in Estonia, is committed to high level basic and applied research significant on the global and national scale, implementable in teaching and promotion of innovation. The University aims at enhancing its contribution to Estonia's science policy, based on key international trends and local industry needs and social and economic changes in the society.


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Major co-operation partners in Estonia are Eesti Energia, Eesti Põlevkivi1 and Norma. Research and development activities are arranged through departments, research centres and R&D institutions: Institute of Geology, Institute of Cybernetics, Institute of Marine Systems, Estonian Institute of Energy Research. The University has its strategic research areas: innovative industrial technologies of the information society, chemistry and materials sciences, bio- and gene technology, energy saving and sustainable environmental technologies, and socio-economic research. In order to promote economy a spin-off programme has been developed at TUT, which aims at commercialising research and development products and creating favourable conditions and motivation for promoting economy. The programme is carried out in co-operation with the TUT Innovation Centre. TUT is an initiator in developing research-intensive enterprise environment. It is in the process of setting up the Technology Park and Technopolis in Mustamäe, Tallinn. Open to international cooperation, TUT participates in several European Union programmes, is involved in international research and development agreements, and has acquired over a hundred individual research grants from different foundations and organizations.

1 Eesti Põlevkivi is the biggest mining company in Estonia as well as world largest oil shale mining company


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Student Council of Tallinn University of Technology

General information TUT Student Council is formed by an elected company of active and wilful TUT students, who stand for TUT being the best place in Estonia to become an engineer and find new friends. We help many student clubs in their activities, for example cultural club “Ollallaa”, TUT Student Theatre and movie club “Tatikas”. We fend for university to take into consideration the opinions of students. We help new and old students to get started at the beginning of each school year. We also try to evolve and better our university on our own initiative. Good examples would be the new basketball square at the 6th house of the main building and a bicycle parking area with camera surveillance for environmental-conscious students. Juulius, a lifelong TUT student who symbolises TUT student body and who holds the Guiness record on containing most amount of beer in one’s tummy, is present on almost all of our organized events. He wears a TUT college cap that should be in the standard equipment of every proper TUT student and which history goes beyond many decades. The colours of the cap are cherry red (symbolizing joy of living, will to act and glow), steel gray (stands for the steel persistence of out students and single-mindedness in pursuing knowledge) and white (for peace, progress and high moral).


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TUT Science clubs Institutions are making efforts, to get young people to study there, stay by the speciality they have chosen and continue their studies to get the master or PhD degree. According to the developmental plan of TUT for the years 2006...2010, the studies should be filled more with practical assignments. The science club has an educational background and is meant to diversify students education, so that the schoolwork could have an extra value and would not consist only from lectures/practical work. The science club has several goals: (1) find a supervisor for every student from the beginning, so that he/she could adjust better to the speciality; (2) introduce the students different aspects about the chosen speciality, that higher education recommends; (3) help to make the studies successful and decrease dropping out of school; (4) increase the quality of student’ s work; (5) notificate students of scientifical work and include them in the work; (6) tighten the communication between academicians and students. These are just some of the goals, that science club can offer a student to his/her development and to rise the quality of an institution. In the University are five science clubs. They are:

1. TUT Mining and Geology Science Club 2. TUT Robotics Club 3. TUT/TTK Formula Student 4. TUT Science Club of Sustainable Development 5. Students’ Scientific Union of Tallinn School of Economics

and Business Administration of TUT


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Department of Mining

Contact: Professor Ingo Valgma, [email protected] Head of Mining Department, Professor Tallinn University of Technology Ehitajate tee 5, VII-205, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia Phone: +372 620 38 51; Direct +372 620 38 51; Mob: +372 55 22 404; Fax: +372 620 36 96 , [email protected] http://mi.ttu.ee/mining Mining Research Most of our mining research is related to Oil Shale mining. Additionally we have experiences on phosphorite and hard limestone mining and rehabilitation of mined out areas. We are open for cooperation in all Mining related topics. Prominent fields in scientific research in the Department of Mining are the following: Mining engineering and mining geology The influence of geological factors on mining technologies and the rehabilitation of mine areas.


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Studying the properties of natural resources, the evaluation of calculation parameters. Evaluation of the quality and supply of natural resources and working out the express-methods of quality assessment. Hydrogeology The hydrogeological study of mines and the impact of mining activities to the environment. The hydrogeological parameters changing at mining activities. The hydrogeology of construction sites. The influence of groundwater consumption on the environment. Hydrogeological monitoring. Engineering geology and geotechnics Study of soil and rock properties and their use in geotechnical calculations. Geotechnical monitoring of buildings. Study of slopes stability. Environmental geotechnics. Landfills, Piles and pile foundations. Micropiles. Applied Geology and Rock Mechanics Mining technology and rock mechanics problems. Stability analysis and prognosis. Risk assessment, risk mitigation. Computer planning and design of mines by MGIS. Groundwater flow modelling (Visual Modflow). Tectonics and structural analysis. Tectonic jointing of bedrock. Services: consulting, research, expertises, development of new equipment and systems, mine design.


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Planned mining tests and research in Estonian oil shale deposit 1. Aim Strategic aim of the project is development of Coal mining technology by testing continuous mining system in difficult conditions in Estonian Oil Shale deposit improves coal mining possibilities due to enhancing cutting, supporting and face transport form high productive short-wall face. The main problems in addition to deep bedding are unstable roof, dilution of side rock and content of abrasive and hard parts of side rock inside or between coal seams. Aim of the research is to introduce oil shale underground continuous mining technology on example of Estonian oil shale deposit in areas with arduous conditions. The results of in-situ testing can be used to improve existing situation in EU coal/oil-shale mining fields with complicated geological conditions and in densely populated regions. Currently Estonia is independent energy producer thanks to existing of Oil Shale deposit and favourable mining and processing conditions. Due to environmental restrictions, social pressure and deeper bedding of oil shale in potential mining fields, testing of high-productive, environmentally friendly, mechanical mining is needed for successful continuation of independent energy supply (oil shale) for EU state country, Estonia. Situation in energy market of EU will be change in the nearest future. Decreasing need for energy import to Estonia will be very helpful for European energy market. New flexible and powerful mining technology will guarantee securing independence of Estonian energy sector.

Development of mining machinery and mining technology by the way of selective mining will improve environmental situation in Europe and Baltic Sea region. Effect can be achieved in decreasing CO2 pollution, ash pollution and water pollution. To avoid a potential problem of non-utilizable waste in stockpiles of mine areas


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selective mining provides leaving non-conditional rock mass in mined-out underground areas. It is intended to develop research program to develop design of cutting tools/drums with a minimum cutting tools consumption and machine down time. New design of cutting drums will lead to improved tool cutting (pick) loading efficiency with less fine rock and dust production. It is important factor in safety of mining operations. The results of this work will be taken into account for the design of continuous miner. Easy maintainability of machine equipment is just as important factor for reducing maintenance time/costs and enhancing reliability.

The project stages include selective mining research for mining machinery development also for:

1. Increasing oil yield 2. Decreasing CO2 pollution ca. 1,2 times 3. Decreasing ash amount 4. Decreasing oil shale losses (2 times) 5. Avoiding vibration caused by blasting 6. Avoiding ground surface subsidence (in case of longwall

mining) 7. Increasing drifting and extracting productivity compared

with current room and pillar mining (1,7 times) 8. Increasing safety of mining operations (dust explosion for

oil shale and methane gas explosions for coal) The testing documents elaboration will also be part of the work program of the project. On this part the main partner will be Tallinn University of Technology in cooperation with Mining Department and VKG Oil, Estonia. Also it is planned to cooperating with European Continuous Miner and cutting tools producers. The final aim of the research is to use BAT (Best available Technology) for underground mining in areas with arduous conditions of coal and oil-shale deposits.


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2. The main problems to be solved

1. Cutting selectively oil shale (15MPa) and hard limestone (up to 100MPa). The oil shale seam consists up to 50% of limestone layers and peaces.

2. Roof support at the face 3. Stability of the main roof, roof bolting, pillar parameters 4. Backfilling with rock or residues (ash) from oil production 5. Water stopping and pumping in problematic environment

(30m3/t expected) 3. Project team (Contact Ingo Valgma, [email protected], +3726203850, http://mi.ttu.ee/research ) Number Role Partner 1 Coordinator Estonian Oil Shale Company, Estonia,

http://www.ep.ee/?lang=en 2 Partner Mining Department of Tallinn

University of Technology, Estonia, http://mi.ttu.ee/mining

3 Partner VKG Oil, Estonia, http://www.vkg.ee 4 Partner European Continuous Miner producer 5 Partner European Continuous Miner Cutting

tool producer 6 Partner European research group or institute

working together with the machinery producer

7 Partner European research group or institute working together with the machinery producer

8 Partner European process equipment (crusher, sizer, screen, gravity separator) producer

9 Partner European pump (pumps, dewatering and backfilling systems) producer

10 Partner European support (supporting, bolting) producer


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Figure 1 Oil shale cutting principles


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4. Partner search and potential cooperation Crushing Sizers or other types of crushers are needed for getting oil shale fraction 0-15 mm, and limestone 0-45 mm. Continuous miner Continuous miners are needed for non-blasting operations in new potential underground oil shale mines. The main requirement is to cut hard limestone and soft oil shale with the same machine. Screening Roll screens or banana screens are required for fine screening of fines of oil shale material. Universities Universities with mining research groups are needed for partnership for application to the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (http://cordis.europa.eu/coal-steel-rtd/) with above mentioned topics. (Contact Ingo Valgma, [email protected], +3726203850) Backfilling Backfilling equipment, technology and methods have to be worked out and tested in connection with need to reduce ash and waste limestone material and securing ground stability. Fine separation Fine separation is needed for enriching fine part of limestone and oil shale mixture. Possible solutions are drying, pneumatic separation, heavy media separation, water jet separation or others.


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5. Current situation Room and pillar mining with drill and blast technology. Supporting with bolts. Mining production is in total 14Mt/y, including 7Mt/y underground. Total raw material amount is 12Mt/y underground. Tests are made for opening two new mines, with total production 15Mt/y.

1. Overview of oil shale mining and problems can be found here, http://mi.ttu.ee/research,

2. Optimisation of Oil Shale mining Continuous Mining technology

3. Breakage of oil shale by cutting can be read here 4. Shortwall mining possibilities in Estonia 5. Photos of tests 6. Room dimensions in oil shale mines could be up to 15m in

opposite to conventional coal mining with 5m dimensions.

Figure 2 Current underground room and pillar mining The planned research project is based on the Sustainable Development Act (RT2 I 1995, 31, 384; 1997, 48, 772; 1999, 29, 398; 2000, 54, 348) and directs the development of the Estonian fuel and energy sector until 2015. The document defines the current situation in the sector, presents issues set out in the EU accession treaty, prognoses developments in the energy consumption, states the strategic development objectives for the energy sector, the development principles and the extent of the necessary investments. The plan describes the problems that require further analysis and the functions of the state relating to supervision and regulation. The


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strategic environmental assessment of the document is presented in the strategic environmental assessment statement of the long-term public fuel and energy sector development plan, which has been prepared at the same time as the development plan. The development plan and the statement are both disclosed on the website of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (http://www.mkm.ee/). The specified plan helped to direct the development of the power engineering the main objective of which is to attain a level in the Estonian energy sector which is required to join the EU. At the same time, the plan does not provide sufficiently specific guidelines, e.g. regarding the objectives of renewable energy, combined heat and power production and energy conservation, and is too non-specific in directing the development of the energy sector. The visions and needs relating to the future of power engineering have now changed to a significant extent - in connection with accession to the EU, a number of requirements and objectives have arisen, the energy technology has developed and implementation of the Kyoto Protocol provides new possibilities etc. In order to comply with the specified criteria, it is necessary to specify the public power engineering development plan.


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6. Previous situation Continuous miner operations keep playing a major role in the underground industry in over fourteen countries worldwide. Estonia’s oil-shale industry is at the beginning of introducing modern fully mechanized continuous miner systems, which will dramatically increase productivity and safety in the underground mines. A longitudinal cutting head type was first introduced in the former Soviet Union by modifying the Hungarian F2 roadheaders and in 1970s in Estonia by modifying the Russian coal roadheader 4PP-3. Evaluation of breakability was performed by a method developed by A. A. Skotchinsky Institute of Mining Engineering (St Petersburg, Russia). For this purpose over a hundred samples produced by cutting of oil shale and limestone, as well as taken in mines by mechanical cutting of oil shale were analysed. In researches evaluations were made for using coal-mining equipment for mining oil shale. Comparative evaluations were made by the experimental cutting of oil shale in both directions – along and across the bedding, including also mining scale experiments with cutting heads rotating round horizontal (transverse heads) and vertical axes (longitudinal heads). In both cases the efficiency was estimated by power requirement for cutting. The feasibility was shown of breaking oil shale by direction of cutting across the bedding by using cutting drums on horizontal axis of rotation. The research also evidenced that the existing coal shearers proved low endurance for mining oil shale. Therefore, the problem arose of developing special types of shearers for mining oil shale or modifying the existing coal shearers. It was further stated that the better pick penetration of the longitudinal machines allows excavation of a harder strata and at higher rates with lower pick consumption for an equivalent sized transverse machine. It was reported that with the longitudinal cutting heads the dust forming per unit of time decreases due to smaller peripheral speed. The change in the magnitude of the resultant boom force reaction during a transition from arcing to lifting is relatively high for the transverse heads, depending on cutting head design. Specific energy for cutting across the bedding with longitudinal


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heads is 1.3–1.35 times lower which practically corresponds to the change of the factor of stratification. The results of these tests were used in large body of fundamental research into rock and coal cutting in the UK during the 1970’s and early 1980’s at the UK Mining Research and Development Establishment. About three decades ago a progressive mining method with continuous miner, which is most suitable for the case of high-strength limestone layers in oil-shale bed, did not exist in oil-shale mines of the former USSR and in Estonia. Therefore, up to now oil shale mining with blasting is used as a basic mining method in Estonia minefields while continuous miner was tested for roadway driving only. With regard to cutting, the installed power of coal shearers and continuous miners has increased enormously since the original work. Actual state of the market has changed and a wide range of powerful mining equipment from well-known manufacturers like DOSCO, EIMCO, EICKHOFF, etc. is available now. We have 30 years of experience in cutting with longwall shearers which were not capable of cutting hardest limestone layer inside of the seam. Tests with road headers have been carried out in 1970ties.

Figure 3 Cutting with longwall shearers


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Figure 4 Testing Twin Boom Axial Road Header (Continuous miner) in Estonian Oil Shale deposit in 1970ties We have tested Wirtgen surface miner SM2100 and SM2600 for two years and SM2200 and Man Tackraf surface miner, and are currently testing Wirtgen surface miner SM2500 for high selective mining in an open cast mine.

Figure 5 Testing Wirtgen surface miner SM2500 for high selective mining in an open cast mine


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Figure 6 One billion tonnes of oil shale has been mined in Estonia from the beginning in 1916 until 2006 7. Testing criteria Decreasing CO2 pollution ca. 1,2 times Decreasing ash amount Decreasing oil shale losses Avoiding vibration caused by blasting Avoiding ground surface subsidence Increasing oil yield Increasing drifting and extracting productivity Increasing safety of mining operations


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8. European measure 1. Currently many coal fields in Europe face difficult mining

conditions. The main problems in addition to deep bedding are unstable roof, dilution of side rock and content of abrasive and hard parts of side rock inside or between coal seams. Development of Coal mining technology by testing continuous mining systems in difficult conditions in Estonian Oil Shale deposit improves coal mining possibilities due to enhancing cutting, supporting and face transport form high productive shortwall face.

2. Bases for hard rock mechanical breaking have been tested in Estonia in 1970es. The results of these tests were used in continuous miners producing in UK. Currently The Mining machinery development. Hard rock mechanical breaking.

3. Currently Estonia is independent energy producer thanks to existing of Oil Shale deposit and favourable mining and processing conditions. Due to environmental restrictions, social pressure and deeper bedding of oil shale in potential mining fields, testing of high-productive, environmentally friendly, mechanical mining is needed for successful continuation of independent energy supply (oil shale) for EU state country, Estonia.

4. Decreasing need for energy import. Oil shale, shale oil (0,5% S, -15 freezing temp.)

5. Improving environmental situation in Europe and Baltic Sea region.

6. Decreasing CO2 pollution, ash pollution and water pollution. 7. Improving safety (dust explosion for oil shale and methane gas

explosions for coal)


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Laboratory of Mining Design and Planning The purpose of the laboratory of mining design and planning is applying mining software systems, testing and developing them in scientific and teaching process. The laboratory contains from software, databases, methods, hardware with necessary equipment (scanners, printers, plotters, savers, presenters, servers). Following world most used mining modelling software has been set up in the laboratory: 1. Gemcom Minex – modelling stratified deposits 2. Gemcom Surpac – modelling mining processing and workings 3. Visual ModFlow; AquaChem- groundwater flow and quality modelling 4. MapInfo Professional, Discovery, MapBasic - GIS 5. Vertical Mapper- spatial modelling 6. Encom Discover- spatial modelling for mining environment 7. AutoCAD Civil 3D- planning 8. FLAC- rock massive modelling 9. PLAXIS- geotechnical spatial modelling 10. Mining specific software (parameters of pillars, productivity, mining equipment cooperation and fleet calculations, Caterpillar and Mining Department of TUT) Laboratory of Mining Conditions The laboratory of Mining Conditions ( http://mi.ttu.ee/maelabor ) is meant for testing rock and environment with applied geological, civil engineering and mining mechanical methods. The laboratory is equipped with modern equipment as following: 1. Press for compressive strength 2. Los Angeles Test for aggregate quality 3. Full set of seaves 4. Particulate analyse system WipFrag 5. Polarisation Microscope


Study trip Germany

Preparation equipment: 1. Rock saw 2. Boring machine 3. Sander 4. Owen Field laboratory 1. Point load test 2. Schmidt hammer 3. GPS systems 4. Water probe pump MP1 5. Noise meter 6. Radioactive radiation meter PAKRI-E 7. Water level measurement devices 8. Water flow measurement propeller 9. Vibration meter 10. Field laboratory for water chemistry 11. Trimble M3 tachymeter Doctoral school of energy and geotechnology Department of electrical Drives and Power Electronics Juhan Laugis, Professor Phone +372 620 3702 Fax +372 620 3701 E-mail [email protected] Department of Electrical Power Engineering Heiki Tammoja, Professor Phone +372 620 3752 Fax +372 620 3751 E-mail [email protected] Department of Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering and Electrical Machines Kuno Janson, Assistant Professor Phone +372 620 3802 Fax +372 620 3800 E-mail [email protected]


Study trip Germany

Department of Mining Ingo Valgma, Professor Phone +372 620 3850 Fax +372 620 3696 E-mail [email protected] Department of Thermal Engineering Aadu Paist, Professor Phone: +372 620 3901 Fax: +372 620 3901 E-mail: [email protected] Federation of European Mining Programs FEMP is the organisation that co-ordinates the 2 year Erasmus Mundus Minerals and Environmental Program (EMMEP) for students in Mining- and Geotechnical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Recycling and related academic studies. EMMEP has three different specialisations, which each has its own main topics, courses and study locations. Accommodating groups with 15 to 20 students each. Erasmus Mundus Minerals and Environmental Program (EMMEP) EMC Mining Engineering The EMC focuses on a wide variety of mining subjects. Both Underground and Open Pit mining subjects are taught. Furthermore, the subjects include rock mechanics, computer modelling, health & safety, and economics. Most courses include projects in which the students work in small groups. The program finishes with a case study in which the students are creating a business plan. Company visits to operations and the supply industry take place in each of the four countries. The EMC courses take place at: Aachen, Exeter, Delft and Helsinki.


Study trip Germany

EMEC Mineral Engineering The EMEC is mainly focused on mineral processing, recycling and metallurgy. Both classic and modern mineral processing and separation techniques are taught. Classic methods are mostly applied in raw materials processing, where the modern ones have predominantly applications in recycling engineering. Computer modelling of processing systems has high attention and is also included in the Program. Lectures are often combined with small projects that have to be worked out in groups. Some courses include practical work as well, for better understanding of the course material. The Program also contains many company visits to industry related to mining, mineral processing and recycling. The EMEC courses take place at: Aachen, Exeter, Delft and Helsinki. EGEC Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering The EGEC combines geotechnical and environmental subjects into one program. The subjects are related to mining and non-mining applications. The program includes subjects concerning rock mechanics, underground space construction, rehabilitation and environmental issues. Project work in small groups is included as well as mine site and company visits. The EGEC courses take place at: Berlin, Freiberg, Miskolc, Kosice and Wroclaw Estonia in European Masters Mineral Engineering Course (EMMEC) Students: - Aire Västrik participated in EMC in 2006 - Elo Rannik participated in EGEC in 2005 - Sirli Mägi participated in EMEC in 2004 - Tauno Tammeoja participated in EMC in 2004 - Helena Lind participated in EMC in 2003


Study trip Germany

Professors: - Gerd Wehner gave lectures in Tallinn in 2006 - Ingo Valgma gave lectures in Freiberg in connection with EGEC in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Excursions: - EMC students ware in Estonia on 6th and 7th October 2006. They visit mining companies and look around in Tallinn. - Excursion for Estonian students was organised in Germany in 2005 with Freiberg Mining Academy. Supported by Freiberg Mining Academy, Mining Department of TUT and Estonian Mining Society. - Veiko Karu participated in EMC excursion in Finland in 2004 - Excursion for students from Holland was organised in 2004 in - Excursion for students from Freiberg Mining Academy in Germany was organised in 2004 in Estonia and Finland in cooperation with EMC and EGEC program. - Aire Västrik and Ivar Sova participated in EMC excursion in Finland in 2003 Cooperation between Mining Departments Cooperation between Department of Mining of Tallinn University of Technology and Institut für Bergbau und Spezialtiefbau TU Bergakademie Freiberg and other related Institutions in Germany First mining and excursion supported by DAAD was organised in 07..23.07.2001 with help of Clausthal TU. This was great success and after that several actions have been taken. Clausthal TU visited us and our mining industry in Estonia in 2004. Since that connections between our Department and German Mining institutions have been growing. Six of our students have been studying in Germany for 2 months. Our professors have been giving quest lectures every year in both Universities. Freiberg TU visited us in Poland, Estonia and Finland for getting to know our culture and industry. We are attending and organising professional conferences and are working together in professional workgroups since that. In addition to Aachen TU we have strongest relation with Institut für


Study trip Germany

Bergbau und Spezialtiefbau TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Professor Christian Buhrow) We organised similar excursions in Germany in 2005. This year, after discussing potential international courses of mineral resources in our institutions and professional excursion to German Mining Industry that is strongly related to similar problems in Estonian industry, Professor Buhrow recommended to ask support from DAAD to make this visit successful and useful for both, German and Estonian participant. Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) / Societät der Bergbaukunde (SDB) The Society of Mining Professors/Societät der Bergbaukunde is a vibrant Society representing the global academic community and committed to make a significant contribution to the future of the minerals disciplines. The main goal of the Society is to guarantee the scientific, technical, academic and professional knowledge required to ensure a sustainable supply of minerals for mankind. The Society facilitates information exchange, research and teaching partnerships and other collaborative activities among its members. SOMP AGM will be held in Estonia in 2010 2008 Annual General Meeting The 2008 meeting will be held in Aachen, Germany. 2009 Annual General Meeting The 2009 meeting will be held in Sydney, Australia. 2010 Annual General Meeting The 2010 meeting will be held in Tallinn, Estonia. 2011 Annual General Meeting The 2011 meeting will be held in Arequipa, Peru.


Study trip Germany

Society of Estonian Mining Students

Mäering is an organization of geology and mining students in Tallinn University of Technology. We have 48 members. Our purpose is to introduce mining companies to the students and also take care of the entertainment. Traditional events are: sauna party, winter camp, spring excursion, conversation evenings and others. Our roots belong back to the year 1947. Mining and Geology Science Club The science club of Mining and Geology was started in the spring semester of 2006, where the excursions to the phosporite grounds in Maardu and to the limestone deposit in Harku took place to assess the effects of mining. The results of the excursions were presented on the science club’s seminars and in addition poster reports and reports from the fieldworks were made. Activity of the Science Club of Mining and Geology For all the written work and its scientific side are responsible the academicians. Therefore it is possible to apply the results in all the scientifical actions and they redound in student’s bachelor and


Study trip Germany

master thesis, in institute’s scientifical reports, in the scientifical work the institute orders etc. To test the student’s self-expression ability and to develop it, there are several performances in the science club and on the institute’s seminars that students have to attend. The result of it is, that student’s are more successful in presenting their final thesis, because they have several opportunities to improve their ability to talk in front of a big audience. As a result of the science club’s actions, there is more cooperation with the private section, different institutions, departments and universities. In the process of the work posters, webpage’s and reports of all the field work, that the science club has been to, are made. Student’s participation in the science club helps them to broaden the mind, they are more successful in their studies and they get an idea of their future work – they get to know, what kind of assignments they are going to solve. IFMMS IFMMS is an international organization for mining, metallurgy, petroleum and geology students. Every year a congress is arranged to discuss the latest issues for the federation. In addition to the congress the members arrange international student weeks where the visitors gets to know the structure of education and companies in the country visited. The IFMMS counts 20 members as of November 2003 divided in 16 countries. About IFMMS IFMMS is an independent federation of mining, metallurgy, petroleum and geology students. The federation pursues its aims without religious, social, racial, national, sexual or other discrimination. Our aims are to serve mining, metallurgy, petroleum and geology students all over the world through our member organizations and to promote international cooperation in the fields designated in the political statements. The functions of the IFMMS are consolidation of the contacts among European mining universities, discussing of special problems in education and


Study trip Germany

engineering, traditional international student weeks, etc. The highest authority and jurisdiction of the IFMMS is the annual congress, which is held every year. Besides the annual congress the regional boards are responsible for arranging international student weeks. This should introduce the participants to the special subject industry of the host country. History of IFMMS The history of the organization dates back to 1905 when a body called "The International Union for Mining Universities” was formed in Clausthal, Germany. They had their first meeting in Delft, Holland the following year and this was attended by 23 European and 3 American faculties. In 1947 this body merged with the Geological Society of Amsterdam to form a new organization called the International Federation of Students of Geology and Mining (IFSGM). This body functioned for a number of years but sadly interest was lost. The organization re-named the IFMMS was established in Delft 1961, but again this only functioned for a few years and in 1969 was no longer. The idea to re-establish the IFMMS came initially from the students at the Mountain Universität in Leoben, Austria in 1986. For a number of years now, even before the re-formation in 1986 a number of institutions have hosted International Student Weeks (ISW) where invitations were extended to 2 representatives from other institutions. These weeks while being mainly social and cultural have a serious side, which often involve visits to related industry and lectures from qualified persons in these fields. International Student Week – ISW An ISW is as the name says an international student week. This is an opportunity to get to know the curriculum of other universities and also get to know the industry. But the most important thing is the social aspect and lifelong traditions in each country. The IFMMS


Study trip Germany

Congress is arranged every year and all the members have the choice to participate at the congress or not. WinterAcademy WinterAcademy is a student science conference held once a year and a network of students connecting them throughout the year. The overall aim of WinterAcademy is to inspire students to get involved in making science and innovation projects in the fields of sustainable development. The three-day conference gives possibility to bachelor and master degree students from all universities in Estonia to introduce their research projects to wider audience. Every year science article competition is organised to select the best works to be presented at the conference. Besides that, WinterAcademy brings discussion about most important problems related to balance between humankind and nature, allows participants to learn new practical skills in workshops and creates supporting environment for people to meet, share ideas and develop new projects. As conference takes place in different part of Estonia every year, away from main city centres it also helps to introduce Estonian countryside. WinterAcademy was founded by students from three main/biggest Estonian universities in 2003. While organising team consists of approximately 20 students (incl students of Tartu University) with different background every year, the Council of Winteracademy is run by following student organisations: Environment Protection Students' Association of Eesti Maaülikool Estonian Students Society for Environment Protection „Sorex” Club of Sustainable Development in Tallinn University of Technology Student Council of Mining Department in Tallinn University of Technology Contact WinterAcademy: [email protected]


Study trip Germany

TUT Mining Department

Bergakademie Freiberg

TUT Student Council

Estonian Mining Society

Estonian Oil Shale Company


Study trip Germany Study trip Germany

Study trip Germany Study trip Germany

Documents

Estonian Mining Research and DevelopmentEstonian Mining Research and Development prepared for Study trip Germany 05…16 April 2008 ISBN 978-9949-430-15-4 Editor: Veiko Karu Special