Enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climate
Abstract This study explored innovative approaches to enhance environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in quarry operations in Ethiopia, focusing on the limestone quarry of the National Cement Factory. This open-air quarry, dedicated to produce gravel and aggregate for construction ma...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01230-9 |
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| author | Hussein A. Saleem Abebe Temesgen Ayalew |
| author_facet | Hussein A. Saleem Abebe Temesgen Ayalew |
| author_sort | Hussein A. Saleem |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This study explored innovative approaches to enhance environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in quarry operations in Ethiopia, focusing on the limestone quarry of the National Cement Factory. This open-air quarry, dedicated to produce gravel and aggregate for construction materials, presented significant environmental challenges, including air pollution, dust emissions, and noise pollution. The study examined the integration of automated environmental monitoring systems, dust and noise control techniques, and sustainable site rehabilitation. Automated environmental monitoring systems, incorporating IoT sensors and machine-learning algorithms, provide real-time data on air quality, dust levels, and noise pollution. This data-driven approach enables predictive analytics for early hazard detection and proactive mitigation. In parallel, eco-friendly practices such as non-toxic dust suppressants and sustainable land reclamation strategies mitigate the ecological impacts of quarrying. These strategies, tailored to arid environments, include the use of indigenous plant species to restore biodiversity and prevent soil erosion. This study employs a case study methodology, collecting and analyzing real-time data before and after interventions. The findings demonstrate significant improvements, including a 45% reduction in dust levels, a 15% reduction in noise levels, and a 266% increase in vegetation cover. Additionally, the results highlighted the role of local regulations, industry collaboration, and workforce training in achieving sustainable quarrying operations. The proposed approach enhanced environmental compliance, safety, and operational efficiency, offering a model for similar quarrying sites in arid climates. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-30fa6df81f8843b9818a1b3ec6f84ff5 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-30fa6df81f8843b9818a1b3ec6f84ff52025-08-20T02:03:31ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111810.1038/s41598-025-01230-9Enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climateHussein A. Saleem0Abebe Temesgen Ayalew1Mining Engineering Department, King Abdulaziz UniversityWater Technology Institute, Arba Minch UniversityAbstract This study explored innovative approaches to enhance environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in quarry operations in Ethiopia, focusing on the limestone quarry of the National Cement Factory. This open-air quarry, dedicated to produce gravel and aggregate for construction materials, presented significant environmental challenges, including air pollution, dust emissions, and noise pollution. The study examined the integration of automated environmental monitoring systems, dust and noise control techniques, and sustainable site rehabilitation. Automated environmental monitoring systems, incorporating IoT sensors and machine-learning algorithms, provide real-time data on air quality, dust levels, and noise pollution. This data-driven approach enables predictive analytics for early hazard detection and proactive mitigation. In parallel, eco-friendly practices such as non-toxic dust suppressants and sustainable land reclamation strategies mitigate the ecological impacts of quarrying. These strategies, tailored to arid environments, include the use of indigenous plant species to restore biodiversity and prevent soil erosion. This study employs a case study methodology, collecting and analyzing real-time data before and after interventions. The findings demonstrate significant improvements, including a 45% reduction in dust levels, a 15% reduction in noise levels, and a 266% increase in vegetation cover. Additionally, the results highlighted the role of local regulations, industry collaboration, and workforce training in achieving sustainable quarrying operations. The proposed approach enhanced environmental compliance, safety, and operational efficiency, offering a model for similar quarrying sites in arid climates.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01230-9Automated environmental monitoringGreen mining practicesIoT sensorsMachine learningSustainabilityArid area |
| spellingShingle | Hussein A. Saleem Abebe Temesgen Ayalew Enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climate Scientific Reports Automated environmental monitoring Green mining practices IoT sensors Machine learning Sustainability Arid area |
| title | Enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climate |
| title_full | Enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climate |
| title_fullStr | Enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climate |
| title_full_unstemmed | Enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climate |
| title_short | Enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climate |
| title_sort | enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in a case study of limestone quarry in an arid climate |
| topic | Automated environmental monitoring Green mining practices IoT sensors Machine learning Sustainability Arid area |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01230-9 |
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