Search Documents

In the Ora Banda area of the Eastern Gold- fields, the ultramafic rocks tend to be more deeply lateritized than most of the surrounding rock types, and lateritic nickel concentrations have been formed. Extensive drilling_has shown that, of the two intermixed suites be- neath the laterite - an extrusive peridotite- pyroxenite suite and an intrusive, highly magnetic dunite - the latter weathers to a more nickel enriched laterite. The top horizon I of the laterite consists of ferricrete. Horizon II consists mainly of bands of secondary silica in a clay matrix, formed in the reworking zone around the water table and stranded as the weathering profile migrated downwards. Horizon III ('ºaprolite") is composed of serpentinite, magnesite, iron oxides and silica, and grades dowil to the fresh bock composed variously of olivine, ser- pentine, talc, amphibole-chlorite and iron oxides. The main locus of nickel deposition is the zone containing the bottom of horizon II and the top of horizon III. The water table is also at this general level. .

Jan 1, 1973

By G P. J Dijkema, M A. Reuter

From a material cycles perspective all processes are interconnected and consequently a process can never be evaluated as an isolated and independent unit. This also holds true for the evaluated co-incineration options. Environmental and sustainability issues for example, such as raw material and energy utilisation or air pollution, are a resultant of the whole system of industrial activities. It is therefore important, not to optimise a single process or industrial activity, but rather the whole system. Although engineering procedures for the design of individual industrial units are well developed, the problem of determining the best arrangement of these interconnected units is often far more difficult. Regulation that manages the arrangement of the units for waste processing is still under construction. In the evaluation of co-incineration, analogous principle from process control can be used: feedforward control. This principle includes the determination of which outlets can be used for all process outputs, hence avoidance of any æunusableÆ products or wastes possibly arising from co-incineration. To establish the extent, to which produced wastes are usable, a system overview is necessary, in addition to in-depth information on the subsystems, which produce and can consume wastes. Material cycles modelling can be used as the basis for a tool that supports the development of a suitable playing field. It should provide overview of the system and in-depth information on its subsystems. This tool then represents an attempt to bridge the gap between æholisticÆ industrial ecology and process engineering.

Jan 1, 2000

By C J. Corbett

Many underground mining methods rely on blasted rock moving under gravity to report to extraction points. Mining of orebodies dipping between 20 - 45 degrees poses a unique challenge for mining engineers in that a dip angle in this range will not allow the movement of broken ore down the footwall to the mucking horizon utilising gravity. This is more so in cases where the natural angle of repose of the rock is less than the dip of the orebody. Hence, innovative mining systems are necessary to mine this type of orebodies. In Australia, the method of uphole retreat panel stoping is commonly used to extract orebodies in the dip range of 20 - 45 degrees and thickness range of 5 - 15 m. In the Zambian Copperbelt a method called continuous retreat updip stoping is used for orebodies with similar dips and thicknesses. The mechanised form of this mining method has potential for application in the metalliferous mining industry in Australia. In this study a comparison is made between mechanised updip (MUDS) and transverse retreat stoping (TRS) methods. A hypothetical nickel sulphide orebody located in Western Australia is used as case study. The net present value for mechanised updip stoping is seven per cent higher than that of transverse retreat stoping based on the assumptions applied. Initial results of this study indicate that mechanised updip stoping can be adopted for Australian mining conditions. However, lack of significant local experience with the method is often cited as a reason for not adopting it even in situations where it is clearly the best option.

Jan 1, 2003

By Saint-Smith J. C

The anode, tank house and wire bar plant and operations are described with particular reference to those features of design and methods which are characteristic of this refinery at its inception.Reference is also made to auxiliary equipment, transport and materials handling facilities.The work of commissioning the plant late in 1959 is discussed and comment is made on the organisation of construction and origin of the equipment.LOCATION OF PLANTThe site chosen for the copper refinery is on level ground adjacent to the junction of the Mount Isa and the main north-south railway lines at Stuart near Townsville, Queensland. Blister for refining is received by rail from Mount Isa. Refined products are taken 10 miles by road to Townsville Harbour for shipment to other Australian ports or overseas, or despatched by rail direct from the plant.Adequate room for expansion was provided to cover copper refining and any associated industry. The layout of future extensions was planned and space reserved for them before detailing the original units of the main refinery.The initial plant also provides convenient storage facilities and is laid out to derive the greatest benefit from prevailing northerly breezes during the humid tropical summer.As far as possible, the working areas are located so that the prevailing winds cool them as they traverse the buildings.These factors are of very great importance since this is believed to be the only copper refinery in the tropics operating with all white labour and in any case the Company set out to provide the best possible conditions for its operating personnel.

Jan 1, 1961

By Lynch A. J

The success of the Australian mining industry depends on the quality of its skills. High quality skills supported by a culture which demands success lead to innovations, good practices and prosperity. Average skills lead inevitably to mediocrity. Universities play an essential role in the development and use of skills but the crucial industry-university links have been subordinated to conventional academic interests in training mining and processing engineers. It is only in the area of post-graduate research degrees which are oriented towards the mineral industry that Australia can claim world leadership. Deficiencies are not due to lack of training resources, they are due to inadequate utilisation of the resources that are available. Australia can and should have the world's best mineral engineering school, with a branch in Asia where many of its customers are and close ties with South America where some of its production operations will be. Some steps which might be taken to achieve this are proposed.

Jan 1, 1995

A mining joint venture presents a real management challenge to achieve harmony with the other participants in the successful development and operation of a mine. This can best be facilitated by a detailed agreement and guided by a set of joint venture principles which recognise the differences of the interests of the parties and seek to establish sound business and personal principles by which differences not anticipated in the agreement might be resolved. The major and minor co-venturers can and do present potential difficulties to one another. This paper, one of the pair in the joint venture panel discussion session, predominately presents the minor's viewpoint. Usually commercial matters such as project finance, areas of interest, divestment, pre-emptive rights and decision-making can be adequately covered in the agreement. However, when the parties disagree and have difficulty in resolving their differences, the joint venture principles should be used to advantage to resolve relationship difficulties.

Jan 1, 1997

By Rashad MZ

The evaluation of ore deposits consumes much effort, cost and time, hence research work must aim to minimize these inputs with no loss of accuracy. The present study is devoted to assess the optimum conditions and methods of calculations which give minimum costs of ore exploration. An area of (a x a) where "a" is the zone of influence of the semi-variogram, i.e. (2800 x 2800 square metres) located within the Abu Tartur plateau is the subject of the intensive study. The distances between boreholes are varied ie. a/4, a/6, a/8 and a/ 10 respectively. The average ore grade (G), thickness (t) and relative ore reserves (tG) are calculated by four methods. The results indicate that at a distance equal to a/5, the inverse distance squared method gives the best results. These parameters save about 50 percent of the cost of exploration with a map accuracy greater than 90 Percent.

Jan 1, 1987

By Morinaga K

The optical basicity (A, Pb2+ as probe ion) of various oxide glass systems has been measured to establish the new basicity scale of slag melts. Best conditions of glassy fragments to measure A were as follow, (1) 1 ti 4 x 10-2 wt% Pb content, (2) 0.2 mm in thickness, (ii) enough annealing (about 10 hr) at a temperature 200¦C below Tg., and (4) polishing a surface well. the variation of A with composition was correlated to that of relative oxygen activity of slag melts. The estimation of basicity of slag melts from it could be valid. The A of opaque and coloured quenched slags could not be measured. An approximately linear relationship, however, exsisted between the isomer shifts (b) of Fe3+ ion in slag derived from the Mossbauer effect and A. Therefore, -4 of various metallurgical slag could be estimated from this relationship. These results can be expected to establish the new basicity scale of slag melts as the Louis basicity.

Jan 1, 1980

By Barlow S

The Kelian Gold mine project won two excellence awards from the Victorian Division of the Institution of Engineers, Australia. It was a challenging project, fast tracked in a remote and inhospitable tropical environment. The creation of a profitable and efficient mine was a significant engineering and project management achievement. The difficulties encountered and the way they were managed provide valuable lessons. These include the importance of sufficiently detailed engineering in all aspects of the job to enable the best estimates possible to be prepared during feasibility studies, the need to prepare the project scope and execution plan with disciplined and rigorous attention to detail by a highly experienced team and the value of identifying, assessing and mitigating risk and uncertainty during execution. The practical benefits of applying these lessons were demonstrated in the successful management of technical uncertainty on the recent diversion of the Kelian River to allow the expansion of the Kelian mine.

Jan 1, 1997

By Nemick JA

Recent advances in computer simulation together with field measurements of caving and microseismic activity about longwall panels, has allowed a much better understanding of the caving process and the variability due to geology. The joint research between SCT Operations and CSIRO Division of Exploration and Mining has initiated new methods of computational modelling predicting various caving patterns and strata failure far ahead of the longwall face. This work was validated by field measurements of caving and microseismic activity at the longwall face.The rock fracture distribution and the caving characteristics of a range of strata sections have been simulated by computer methods. Validation studies of the method were addressed together with case studies. The interaction of caving with support convergence and face control is presented. The method allows the simulation of longwall support behaviour under various geological conditions. The system also allows a prediction of the monitoring data, which is best suited to give an early warning of weighting events or signal various key caving characteristics.

Jan 1, 1998

By R Hardie, J Crerar, J Merritt, B Kirsch

Longwall mining and related subsidence, and watercourse diversion for surface mining operations have the potential to impact on fluvial geomorphic processes and the health of river systems. This is evident in the Isaac River in central Queensland. The scale and likelihood of these impacts are a function of the extent of existing and proposed mining developments and of the ongoing geomorphic, hydrologic and ecological processes within the Isaac River. Understanding the objectives for the river, the past and ongoing processes at work, the cumulative impacts of longwall mining development and the options for managing those impacts is essential for the development of an effective strategy to manage the health of the river system. An assessment has been undertaken to identify and understand the cumulative impacts of mining subsidence and other mining influences on geomorphic processes and waterway health in the Isaac River over a river length of approximately 100 km near Moranbah in central Queensland. The assessment included the development of a vision and objectives for waterway health. The assessment has identified mining and landuse changes that have impacted on the hydrology, geomorphology, ecology and hence the health of the Isaac River. The assessment has then sought to identify the cumulative impact of longwall mining and related subsidence on current stream condition and the proposed vision for the system. The primary impact of longwall mining on the river was found to be associated with sediment transport. The investigation included assess- ment of total sand available for transport, the volume of sand transported annually and the fluvial process response to subsidence. Recommendations have been developed for the management of the system and for longwall mining to increase system robustness and achieve the river health objectives.

Jan 1, 2009

The elements of consistent structural de sign models for underground structures are explained. Such models should comprise at least ground properties, excavation and support methods, computational models for analysis, failure hypotheses, and in-situ monitoring. The fundamental characteristics of the interaction between ground and support are investigated. Then, plane strain models for soft ground tun- nelling and design models for rock tunnelling employing stress release at the tunnel face are elaborated. Some numerical evaluations are gi- ven in diagrams, comparing approaches of dif- ferent authors. Comments are presented on nume- rical three-dimensional models (visualized by structural models for mining in rock salt), on the interaction of in-situ monitoring and design, on structural safety for underground structures, and finally on the general develop- ment of structural design models in geo- Techniques.

Jan 1, 1987

The writer had the pleasure of several months' laboratory tests on a metallurgical process for copper ores devised by Mr. W. H. Corbould, Consulting Engineer, North Queensland. Mr. Corbould's research work in this direction commenced somesix years ago, and he eventually succeeded in obtaining a good extraction of copper and a resulting solution practically free from iron and other impurities. The commercial operation of the process was investigated and special machines with novel features were designed. OUTLINE OF THE PROCESS.The process described in detail in the following pages, required for successful application that the ores contain at least the minimum ratio of sulphur to copper, consistent with the production of sulphadising roasting conditions.

Jan 1, 1921

By Lee H. G, Li H, Hayes P

Slag from the smelting of lead can contain up to 20 per cent zinc as an oxide. An understanding of the lead smelting process and of the subsequent fuming process for the recovery of zinc is enhanced by a knowledge of the activity coefficient behaviour of zinc oxide in smelting slags. The literature presents a wide range of contradictory values. This paper critically reviews the published data and outlines new measurements being made by the authors. A consistent set of zinc oxide activity coefficient data is presented for liquid slags within the ZnO-'FeO'-CaO-A1203-SiO2 system, through a combination of present and previous measurements.

Jan 1, 1993

Techniques Used and Problems Encountered in Normal and Reverse Circulation Drilling at the Mt Roseby Project, Cloncurry, North West Queensland

Sep 13, 2010

By Cecala AB

For 20 years the US Bureau of Mines has been researching strategies for improving the physical, social, and psychological work environment of the miner. The products of this program have shown that a consistent link exists between safety and productivity, and the key to this link is the use of effective human factors and management practices. There are specific research findings from the research projects of the Bureau on ergonomic design of mining equipment, redesign of tasks (especially materials handling) to minimize back injuries, human resource management techniques for increasing safety and productivity, and improved shift rotation schedules. Current research is continuing these themes with new applications to high technology mining systems, including computer assisted extraction devices and mine monitoring.

Jan 1, 1991

A new national-scale geochemical survey is under way inAustralia with the aim to provide energy and mineral explorers with state-of-the-art precompetitive data and information about the continentÆs potential resources. This low-density geochemical survey will provide a national geochemical data layer using consistent sampling medium and sampling, preparation and analytical methods. Large-scale geochemical patterns thus revealed are expected to point to new areas of exploration potential. The project is funded under the Onshore Energy Security Program. It is hoped that this new national geoscience dataset will help make Australia a more attractive destination for energy and mineral exploration investments. An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation.

Jan 1, 2008

By Smith I, Gowan M

With the advent of increased environmental regulation and high penalties for non-compliance in many countries, there has grown a need for all industries to assess their risk with respect to environmental compliance and consequently develop management systems which ensure environmental compliance and sound environmental practice. The need to better assess and manage environmental risk has developed rapidly as legal and financial penalties have increased for inappropriate management of the environment. The mechanism that industry has developed to manage risk is through the use of environmental management systems. These environmental management systems are generally based on the principles of total quality management. For example the British Standard BS7750 (Specification for Environmental Management System) shares common management system principles with ISO 9000 quality management systems. The same trends of increased environmental regulation and higher penalties for environmental impairment are now evident in Australia where environmental management systems are now being introduced. With increased penalties for environmental impairment and greater responsibility of managers and directors, environmental management systems are likely to become even more common in Australia. This paper describes some of the influences directing environmental management within the Australian industrial and mining environment, describes the elements of an environmental management system and relates these to the mining industry.

Jan 1, 1994

Most text books on rock blasting claim that the relationship between burden and borehole diameter is linear. The statistical calculation presented here with real values from one hundred open pit and underground mines indicates that the relationship is exponential. For underground mines the burdens are consistently lower than those for open pit mines because of higher ore densities, greater confinement in blasting, and finally greater demand for well fragmented rock. The results shown in this paper are recommended to be considered in basic teaching of rock blasting technique. The formulas can be used for a first rough estimation of practical burden and spacing. The formulas do not however give any information about the fragmentation. For that purpose it is necessary to use other formulas not described in this paper.

Jan 1, 1990

By M Pomery

BHP’s Western Australian Iron Ore Operations (WAIO) move approximately 250 million tons of ore per annum. The magnitude of the constant changes to the terrain models along with the diverse output and presentation requirements of numerous stakeholders presents significant challenges for the geospatial team. This paper describes how the WAIO Survey team use a combination of technology and optimised workflows to capture, ingest, publish and access large data sets for diverse stakeholder requirements. Machine learning for processing of data and the use of web based systems to track and prioritise task allocation of resources will be discussed in detail, in addition to the changes to the traditional roles of surveyors from the use of automation and mobile technology.

Sep 18, 2023