Development of multiphysics mathematical models for sustainable minerals and energy extraction

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Fewer world class mineral deposits are being found at the surface which requires advances in mining and extraction technologies that will enable sustainable mining excavations in challenging environments, such as deep and arctic mines. The most difficult challenges to competitive mining, however, relate to productivity, safety, energy constraints, as well as increased environmental requirements. To address these issues, one requires in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the multidimensionality of mining problems ranging from large mining system to subsystem to component to micro/nanoscale phenomena coupled to each other. The proposed Discovery Program aims to tackle some of these challenges. Unlike traditional mining engineering approach, the applicant's expertise in multiscale and multiphysics modeling of mining system is very well aligned with the requirements to enable the development of novel "tools" based on various scale and physical phenomena leading to great knowledge advances and innovation in mining. This research program, addresses three integrated and interdisciplinary key research priorities, as follows: Theme 1: Renewable mine ventilation, heating and cooling: This focuses on the fundamental and applied aspect of "hot" and "cold" thermal energy extraction and storage using sensible and latent heat for mine heating and cooling. Rock thermal energy storage will be investigated for mine heating and cooling coupled with carbon sequestration. Spray freezing air heating coupled with ice slurry will also be evaluated for deep mine air heating and cooling. Mathematical model will be developed along with experimental validation for proof-of-concept. Theme 2: Renewable energy-based artificial ground freezing (AGF): This focuses on the development of thermosyphon coupled with "cold" energy storage based on phase change materials (PCM) for AGF. It aims at the development of a novel conjugate mathematical model capable of assessing the interaction between cold extraction in thermosyphon and storage rate in PCM. A physical model will be made in our laboratory for validation and proof-of-concept. This technique will enable the system to freeze the ground for whole year round without the need to run an active refrigeration plant in the summer. Theme 3: Modeling of microwave-thermal-mechanical-tool interactions for the development of continuous excavation machine: This aims to develop four-way coupling of mathematical model that can simulate the effect of microwave irradiation to the heat transfer and microfractures in the rocks, which reduces the overall strength of the rock. The interactions of the preconditioned with cutting tool for continuous excavation machine will also be investigated. In the long-term, the proposed three inter-related research themes are intended to pave the way to improve the sustainability of mining operations, especially for mining in challenging environments.