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By Lu Fujun, Chen Xuewei

This paper will analyse the cause-effect relationship of the main factors influencing the production of the fully-mechanised coalface by mainly using the basic system dynamics theory. On the basics of the analysis, the simulated model of the sy

Jan 1, 1998

A review of publicly available coronial inquiries into fatalities that have occurred within the resources sector since the year 2000 reveals that a loss of corporate memory has been a contributing factor in 40 per cent of these accidents (National Coroners Information Service, 2010, Appendix B). With the highest levels of employee turnover within the Australian economy, increasingly complex operations and an ageing workforce, the management of corporate memory within the Australian resources industry poses a significant and often unrecognised safety risk.    The North Parks airblast of 1999 is used as a case study to highlight how corporate memory loss poses a significant hazard to resources projects and how such incidents will continue to occur if corporate memory is not effectively managed. Best practice from other industries is discussed to demonstrate how knowledge management systems can effectively work. This paper discusses how systems can be put in place within the geographically diverse resources sector, and how at the heart of any knowledge management system a culture of knowledge management needs to exist within an organisation.   The paper then discusses the importance of retaining key personnel and utilises findings from primary survey data collated in 2009 to show the size of the retention problem within the industry. From the data possible solutions to retaining key staff are proposed.   Finally the large and increasing role of contractors and consultants within the industry is discussed and methods of managing their knowledge are proposed.

Jun 1, 2010

Esso-BHP have installed a Production Supervisory Control System that is presently controlling the offshore oil and gas facilities on the Barracouta and Marlin platforms from an onshore master station. This control is achieved with a computerized master station onshore which uses a UHF radio system for telemetry and control. The system is designed to control, monitor, and gather data from a large number of oil and gas production platforms and has flexability to handle future variations in operating conditions. Thn -etom ..ill kn nvt,,ndnd to thn I-lalihn+ rJ,+f, rr , Into +hie -- -A +n the lei...,fieh .,lo+fnrmc A.,;- 1071

Jan 1, 1970

By Valenta R. K

Copper-gold deposits associated with iron oxide rich rocks (ironstones) form a distinctive and significant ore association which occurs widely, but not exclusively, in the Proterozoic. The ironstone association is geochemically distinct from the BIF-hosted gold association (Phillips and Groves, 1983). Not only is the former association higher in its copper and commonly uranium, FEE, ¦bismuth, molybdenum contents, but also the ironstones in many cases do not originate as chemical sediments. Although both associations form in metamorphic environs, they reflect differing tectonostratigraphic settings and with consequent differences in ore-forming fluids and ore-forming mechanisms. This paper discusses the nature and origin of the ironstone-related copper-gold association, with particular reference to the Tennant Creek district in northern Australia, and emphasises the two stage origin of mineralisation. The genetic model developed has significant implications for other ore-bearing environments.

Jan 1, 1990

By McGaffin I, Loah J

PT Newmont Minahasa Raya (PT NMR) is an Indonesian joint venture subsidiary of the Newmont Gold Company of Denver, Colorado, USA. PT Newmont Minahasa Raya operates a 700 000 tonne per annum gold plant in the Minahasa region of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. At full capacity the plant is expected to produce an average of 150 000 to 180 000 ounces of gold per year until the year 2007 based on current existing reserves.Exploration began in 1986 and high grade mineralisation was discovered in 1988. Subsequent drilling defined a resource of approximately 2000 000' ounces. Reserves as of 1 January 1997 were 7 035 000 tonnes grading 8.46 grams per tonne, for 1 913 000 contained ounces. Metallurgical testwork commenced in 1991. Construction of the plant started in late-1994 and the first gold was poured in March 1996.

Jan 1, 1997

Facies associations in the Okiduse Volcanics, woodlark island, suggest that two major volcanic centres erupted synchronously during the Middle Miocene. These centres are referred to as the Watou Mountain Eruptive Centre and the Uvarakoi Caldera. The Watou Mountain Eruptive Centre, centred on Boganuse Mountain in the Okiduse Range, was a typical, moderate-sized composite volcano (or stratovolcano). The seq-uence is readily divisible into lava (Boganuse lava unit), breccia (Nikuben breccia unit) and epiclastic (Talpas sandstone unit) dominant facies, typical of composite volcanoes. These facies girdle Boganuse Mountain and they are interpreted to represent vent, cone forming and ring plain associat-ions, respectively. These facies indicate a reconstructed volcano of approximately 1,700m height with a basal diameter of 7km. The presence of limited exposures of intrusive associated with the vent facies (Kuike'beimmicrodiorite) suggests that the volcano is only partially dissected. The Uvarakoi Caldera is a felsic volcanic system contrasting with the mafic Watou Mountain centre.

Jan 1, 1994

All sections of our community are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of uncontroll- ed erosion associated with modern earthworksy whether they be concerned with the protection of capital structures, reforestation of mine tailings or generally the aesthetic and ecol- ogical impact. Because of the many ecological variances and climatic conditions no single technique may be offered as the complete answer. Rather that a combination of a series of techniques is nec- essary to achieve an individual end result. These techniques may appear to be expensive initially, but when considered in relation to the overall cost, and we realise that this work represents our only insurance of the stability of our project, the cost of stabilisation is insignificant. Once erosion has commenced the cost of stabilisation escalates dramatically which highlights the definite need to include the requirement of stabilisation in early design of your projects. Stabilisation should commence during construction to ensure that control of mobile soils is gained at the earliest possible time.

Jan 1, 1976

The basic methods to remove material from underground mines are to: convey continuously, batch in trucks, or batch in a shaft hoisting system. A critical aspect in shaft hoisting is accurately batch loading the conveyance or skip. During the 20th century, the almost universally accepted method of loading was via a measuring flask. A measured quantity of material was filled into the flask as the conveyance traveled through the shaft and then, when the conveyance arrived at the loading position, it was ædumpedÆ into the skip for hoisting. Two skip loading conveyor systems have been developed in Australia: BHP BillitonÆs Cannington Hoisting System, installed in 1996, is believed to be the first conveyor loading system designed for two skips. Two parallel conveyors were installed with a two-way gate controlling feed onto each belt. Cannington was ideally suited to conveyor loading as the very high ore density and relatively low production rate required a relatively small volumetric storage capacity on the weighed belt. Newcrest MiningÆs Telfer Hoisting System, which is to be commissioned in 2005, consists of a single slewing conveyor loading each skip with 32 tonnes of ore. The development of this system eliminates the two-way transfer, improves the accessibility and minimises the excavation required. While every hoisting system must be considered on its merits, conveyor loading offers significant advantages to the Mining Industry in the 21st century.

Jan 1, 2005

By Lawson F

Chrome chemicals are commercially produced by the alkali roasting of the chrome-bearing ore chromite with sodium carbonate. In order to ascertain the influence on the extent of reaction of the replacement of Mg(II) for Fe(II) in the chromite spinel structure and the presence of acidic oxides in the gangue material, a series of roasting experiments was conducted using chromite materials from a number of different locations. The roast feeds and products were chemically analysed and the major compounds identified using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope techniques.Mg(II) replacement for Fe(II) in the chromite structure does not appear to restrict the amount of "available" chromium for reaction.Under the test conditions, namely an atmosphere of pure oxygen, finely ground chrome-bearing material, a roast temperature of 950°C and the stoichiometric amount of sodium carbonate to react with the chromite, the yield of water-soluble sodium chromate was able to be expressed as %yield = 104.5 -1.58 × %AI2O3 - 2.23 × %SiO2 for chromite samples containing alumina in the range 7.8 to 27.8 per cent and silica in the range 2.9 to 7.4 per cent.

Jan 1, 1984

By Shoobridge PH, Firkin GR

The Imperial Smelting Process blast furnace (ISF) of the Sulphide Corporation Pty Limited zinc/lead smelter at Cockle Creek, New South wales, has in recent years greatly increased its consumption of low grade feed materials, and as a consequence has experienced periods of unstable furnace operation. Routine examination of production sinter, including softening characteristics and micro- examination, showed that the problems had been caused by an increasing silica content in sinter. The silica entered a low melting point glass phase containing calcium and lead oxides. The relative volume of this phase increased until it formed a continuous matrix in the sinter structure and this made the sinter more likely to soften at lower temperatures. Premature softening caused loss of operating stability in both the shaft and hearth of the ISr. The required sinter structure for ISF smelting was found to consist of a network of intermeshing, refractory crystals which provided skeletal strength for sinter lumps even after the glass phases had begun to soften and melt. With an understanding of the importance of microstructure and softening temperature of zinc/lead sinter and the progressive identification of those factors in sinter production which affect the microstructure, a significant improvement in stability of operations has been possible.

Jan 1, 1980

Sampling and sample preparation systems at the Hamersley Iron Pty. Limited port of Dampier, W.A., were developed for two separate objectives. 1. The need for rapid determination of physical properties. On stream size analysis enables lump ore and pellet- ized ore physical properties to be monitored and controlled whilst shiploading is in progress. As a control procedure this facility allows optimum shiploading rates con sistent with physical quality control. 2. The need for accurate chemical analysis. Chemical analysis on ship- loading forms the final link in overall quality control procedures encompassing the operation of mining, railway and port blending. Thus maintenance of specification products with minimum variation in chemical characteristics is ensured.

Jan 1, 1976

The topic for my address is Sharemarket Floats - Issues for Expert Valuers. I've decided to focus on three areas where current practice in the preparation of prospectus valuation reports for resource companies might be improved. My central theme is that the valuer for a float should augment the usual assessments of the value of the company or its assets, with some input on the way the share market might value the company's shares when they are listed. I will then look at the valuer's role in relation to vendor consideration, last I will look at his role in providing investors with some input on the risk dimensions of the new company.

Jan 1, 1989

As a result of high fuel prices and substantial haul distances or vertical lift from pits, the development of large inpit crushing and conveying systems at many open pit operations has occurred over the last decade.The basic criteria that has to be met is that the material is reduced in size to be conveyable. Generally this requires a top size of less than 300 mm.

Jan 1, 1992

Our ultimate resources come from the Sun and the Earth System. At this time we face a world crisis in energy, water and soil resources. Global pollution problems are increasing in almost all nations. There is an urgent need to use our vast knowledge with a new wisdom and this requires new integrated teams of experts to provide the best alternatives for the needed new development problems. These teams must include economists, engineers and a broad spectrum of scientists. Today it is possible to produce clean energy, stop soil erosion, clean water and reduce and use wastes of many types.

Jan 1, 1995

By Hodges D. A

The manufacture of steel from raw materials which have to be mined, transported and processed must affect the environment. Steelmaking, like almost every other stage of manufacture involves the unwanted production of dust and fume; thus a major part of the steel industry's effort to minimize changes to the environment is the collection, treatment and recycling of dust and fume to avoid pollution of the atmosphere and waterways. The paper describes how this achieved in the various steelmaking processes and shows the diversity of problems-and their solutions in this context. Particular emphasis is, given to basic oxygen steelmaking.

Jan 1, 1976

By Van Rensburg C S J

The options that are open to engineers for cooling mines are limited and are primarily dependent upon the thermophysical properties of coolants. These properties are carefully analysed in the context of cooling mines and a comparison is drawn among Ammonia (R717), Monochlorodifluoromethane' (R22), Dichlorodifluoromethane (R12) and Water (R718). From this comparison the extent of Ammonia's superiority as refrigerant is Evident.

Jan 1, 1988

The discovery of bauxite in 1955 at Weipa on the NW coast of Queensland's Cape York Pen- insula enabled Australia to join the Caribbean and West Africa as one of the major world sources of bauxite. Weipa, today, is the largest bauxite mining operation in the world and holds a significant position on the world bauxite scene as the operation 1. supplies 15 per cent of the Western World's metallurgical grade bauxite requirements, Z. produces 50 per cent of the world's demand for abrasive grade calcined bauxite, and 3. is the world's largest bauxite shipp ing port.

Jan 1, 1978

By Walton S, Wheeler D. J, Sargent D. M, Ting L. Y

Goonyella-Riverside mine is an open cut coal mine in Central Queensland. One component of the mining operations at this site is an uncompacted spoil dump some 50 m above the natural ground surface and over 300 ha in extent formed as a result of bucket wheel excavator operations. Plateau area slopes are 0.5¦ to 1.5¦ with irregular outer dump slopes of 9.5¦ - 17¦Investigation was undertaken and a series of trials planned to assess the suitability of a variety of stabilisation proposals to meet the client's requirements and to conform with Department of Resource Industrystabilisation guidelines.

Jan 1, 1992

By Simpson JF, Murrie SJ

In determining new areas for slag disposal a foamed slag aggregate has been developed for use as a skid resistant material. The foaming of the slag does not rely on the use of water, but rather on the slag chemistry. Laboratory test results indicated that a product having good skid resistant properties has been prod- uced. A section of road is being assessed for performance of the aggregate in a surface dressing application under heavy load. The results from the test section after seven months have shown that the foamed slag is suitable for this application. Further test sections are now being considered.

Jan 1, 1979

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Australian Mining Industry Council are concerned that a sufficient number of able young people receive an adequate level of professional training for the mineral industry. A Joint Committee on Education has been formed to pursue these objectives. At a time of strong growth in the industry it is most important to forecast the demand for people, so that the educational authorities will be able to provide adequate facilities. The factors to be considered in fore- casting the demand for professional staff are set out, and the proposed method of assessment is outlined.

Jan 1, 1981