Substantiation of the ways to use lignite concerning the integrated development of lignite deposits of Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose. To substantiate the ways of the integrated lignite use as well as its derivatives by power, metallurgical, chemical, and construction industries of Ukraine to support the competitiveness of the country market. Methodology. The following research techniques were applied to solve the problems: mathematical modeling method was used to determine volumes of lignite extraction and to identify the intensity of inflows to opening mine workings while forming the operating area of an open pit; the method of graphic-analytical and mining and geometrical analysis was used to optimize parameters of open-pit mining operations in the process of their deepening; the method of techno-economic analysis of variants was used to select efficient schemes to extract productive lignite levels under complicated mining and geological conditions; and the method of economic modeling was used to determine investment attractiveness of lignite derivatives. Findings. Current state of mining enterprises extracting lignite has been analyzed to determine economically viable techniques for its processing. Investment attractiveness has been evaluated concerning ammonia production with the use of a technique of financial and mathematical expenses. Recommendations have been provided as for the future research on lignite mining and processing for the construction of the integral processing enterprise. Originality. Both attractiveness and profitability of ammonia production on the basis of technique of financial and mathematical expenses have been evaluated since ammonia is the most efficient lignite derivative. The studies have shown that IRR of lignite-based ammonia production is over 10 %. Estimation of technical and economic parameters of ammonia production as the basic product makes it possible to recommend lignite and the associated reserves of coal clay as the raw material to generate synthesis gas instead of natural gas used by chemical industry of Ukraine. Calculations on the adopted scheme of a deposit mining have shown that it is possible to produce the cheapest crude hydrocarbons in terms of equivalent to a ton of equivalent fuel in the Ukrainian energy market. The obtained cost values of the equivalent fuel ton are more than 5 times lower compared with natural gas. Practical value. The research results concerning the substantiation of a rational scheme to open and develop productive levels and economic and mathematical modeling of ammonia production make it possible to recommend lignite as crude hydrocarbons for chemical industry which will favor the revival of lignite industry in Ukraine. Construction of a processing complex for ammonia production on the basis of Novo-Dmytrivka deposit with 2.7 to 3.8 million tons of annual output will help decrease the country's dependence on import natural gas; increase pumping up the budgets and funds of all levels by the projected amount of no less than UAH 5 billion a year; provide the local communities with new jobs; attract almost USD 5-6 billion of investment; and develop marginal product within the related industries.