GeoCorner

Author: Mikko Mäkelä
Supervisor: Augusto Cannone Falchetto
Advisor: Riikka Unhola (NRC Group Finland Oy)
Funding:

Abstract:

This thesis explores the potential integration of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) into the procurement process of infrastructure companies and construction projects to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. The primary focus is on understanding the effects of including EPD requirements in procurement criteria and documents. The study aims to determine if such inclusion could impact the selection of material suppliers or contractors, potentially affecting competition in procurement.

The online survey was conducted among the company's contractual partners in Finland, and information on their environmental aspects and opinions on EPDs was gathered. Survey respondents represent diverse business areas, providing insights into the environmental perspectives within the industry. The survey results suggest that it is not, currently in 2024, profitable to include EPD requirements in procurement criteria due to potential negative consequences, such as a reduced amount of offers and unfavorable procurement outcomes.

However, the study anticipates a shift in the future, with the European Commission introducing more environmental requirements for the construction field in the EU, leading to a possible increase in regulated services for EPD production, verification, and maintenance. This could make EPDs more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses.

Author: Ville Helko
Supervisor: Mikael Rinne
Advisor(s): M.Sc, Annika Korhonen, M.Sc Aki Ullgren
Funding: Terrafame Oy

Abstract:
This master's thesis investigates the comparative efficacy of diesel powered rotary-percussion drilling and rotary drilling methods in the Kuusilampi deposit in Finland. The study aims to evaluate these drilling techniques in terms of performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, specifically focusing on aspects like drill hole stability, drilling times, drill bit performance, and operational drilling costs.

Through field tests and data analysis, the study assesses the advantages and disadvantages of drilling with Epiroc's COPROD and Sandvik's dr410i drill rigs considering the geological characteristics of the deposit. The findings are expected to aid mining companies to optimize drilling operations and reducing costs. The study is delimited comparing only the methods in open-pit mining without varying blasting parameters or cost analysis of different power sources. The study was performed with 165mm drill bits for COPROD rigs and with 229mm drill bits for the dr410i rotary rig.

The thesis concludes with strategic recommendations for selecting the most suitable drilling method for the deposit. The rotary method resulted more efficient drilling results with the sparser drilling pattern than the COPROD drilling. However, with diesel engines, the COPROD method was more cost effective compared to the dr410i rig. The blasting resulted more oversized boulders with 229 mm drill holes. More research is required to understand the phenomenom better. 

As the thesis only studied drilling with diesel engines, more research of electric and automated drilling methods is recommended. Alternative power sources and reduced number of operators might level out the differences in drilling costs between the methods.