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Around 35 Mt of industrial clays were produced in 1994 under the broad classifications kaolin (25 Mt), bentonite (8 Mt) and attapulgite/sepiolite (2 Mt). A brief review of world sources and markets is given as background to Australia's small production (0.5 Mt) but developing interest in industrial clays. Clay markets have changed significantly over the past 30 years resulting initially in consolidation and expanded production from traditional high-grade clay sources but also creating opportunities for development of new discoveries. Decline in the use of clay-based refractories has come at a time of strong growth in demand for refined kaolin for the paper industry. Traditional markets for bentonite as oil drilling muds, iron ore pelletising and foundry bond sands are mature and in overall decline. Today, bentonite has a significant share of the growth market in pet litter which a few years ago was dominated by attapulgite/sepiolite clays. Both bentonite and attapulgite/sepiolite have good prospects for increased demand in environmental markets both in containment of hazardous wastes and sorption of toxic substances. In common with all industrial minerals, markets for clay minerals will demand continuous improvement in product quality and consistency. Development of new and improved products will be increasingly the responsibility of the raw material supplier. In order to remain competitive, this will require a substantial commitment to quality assurance and research and development. Increase in market share will come for those producers able to translate developments in their products to cost savings or increased competitiveness for the industries that they Supply.

Jan 1, 1997

By Morris A. E

The thermodynamically-based pyrometallurgical simulation software STEPSOL (Version 3.0) provides for the modelling of activities using the Interaction Parameter Model, the Regular Solution Model, the Sub-Regular Three Suffix Margules Model, the Sub-Regular Four Suffix Margules Model and various simpler polynomial models. These are briefly reviewed, along with the major sources of data available in the literature, and the implementation of the models in the program.

Jan 1, 1992

By Morris A. E

The thermodynamically-based pyrometallurgical simulation software STEPSOL (Version 3.0) provides for the modelling of activities using the Interaction Parameter Model, the Regular Solution Model, the Sub-Regular Three Suffix Margules Model, the Sub-Regular Four Suffix Margules Model and various simpler polynomial models. These are briefly reviewed, along with the major sources of data available in the literature, and the implementation of the models in the program.

Jan 1, 1991

Digital Simulation of Particulate Processes The inherent complexity of mineral particulates (shape, size and mineralogical texture) has challenged conventional simulation model approaches for decades. Much effort was expedited in using mathematical assumptions to accommodate stereological effect. With the advance of instrumental methods such as x-ray microtomography 3D structure can, in many cases, be measured directly. The information derived from such measurements provides direct input to building the structural digital model. In addition digital simulation methods that enable creation of process realistic particulate properties in an efficient digital computer space have demonstrated their effectiveness to model a variety of realistic packing, sorting and multi-phase processes. The paper reviews recent advances in the use of information derived from 3D micro-tomographic imaging and laser scanning technology can be coupled with digital methods to enable simulation of tablet compaction and dissolution, filtration and permeability, column packing and leaching kinetics, packing and cementation of nuclear waste. By assigning 'properties' to a digital zone (voxel) in the computational space it is possible to mimic the realistic characteristics of quite complex particulate mineral processing systems. The system self-adapts to correct the coherent particle characteristics (shape, size, compound, porosity) with time. Such simulations are useful to elucidate the sensitivity of system performance to variations in process parameters. Dimensional scaling of the approach is also possible, as the case studies will illustrate, in deploying the method to both small (micron) and large (m) features. The use of process realistic simulations presents experimental challenges in code validation. It is in this context that other tomographic methods play a role in direct 3D measurement of system behaviour such as electrical and optical sensors.

Sep 13, 2010

By Mostyn G. R

An important problem in rock engineering is to control the properties of artificial rock. A compaction technique for casting artificial rock specimens with controlled properties is described, i.e. using a compression-testing machine to compress the mixture. Uniform density is necessary to achieve uniformity of properties of the specimens, and uniform density can be obtained by using the specific pressing method presented. Rebound and borax content are important to the technique and have been studied as well.

Jan 1, 1992

The subject of steel wire ropes covers such a wide range of points that it would be impossible to deal with it fully in one paper, and in view of the apparent scarcity of published information on the subject it is proposed in this paper to deal with those items which should give the mining engineer a better understanding of the basic factors which affect the design.selection, and use of ropes. The matter will be considered under the following headings:-1. Brief history of steel wire rope-making.2. Rope-making terms.3. Wire rope materials.4. Characteristics affecting economy, operating life, and serviceability of a rope.5. Properties of construction of rope, and stresses met with in wire ropes.6. Drum and sheave sizes and sheave bearing pressures.7. Storage, handling, and maintenance of ropes in service.8. Common factors affecting rope life, particularly winding and haulage ropes.9. Inspection of ropes.GENERALWire rope, which was invented for, and first applied to mine winding, has become an indispensable aUXiliary throughout the whole field of mining, be it for underground, open cut, or dredge work, as well as the requirements of transport and treatment of ores.Though wire ropes appear simple collections of wire and fibre, the demands made upon them are many, and the stresses and abuses to which they are exposed in service are varying, and often of serious dimensions.The exposition of these stresses and abuses, particularly dynamic stressing, corrosion, etc., all of which seriously affect the safety and economical life of the ropes, is often enough to frighten most practising mine staffs, who are aware that before the requirements of economic operation stands the still more important question of safety in mining.

Jan 1, 1947

The Electricity Commission of New South Wales operates three power stations located on Lake Macquarie and Lake Munmorah. Coal for these power stations is supplied by three collieries operated by the Electricity Commission, three operated by the State Mines Control Authorityrand one privately owned. Most of the coal used in these power stations is won from the Great Northern seam which lies at depths of up to 220 ft at Awaba and at depths of the order of 600 ft at the remaining mines on the southern end of the field.

Jan 1, 1972

By Jr

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the requirements of a full due diligence study for a coal property acquisition in both text and table format. From the initial scoping of the assignment, the paper discusses in depth from reserve base validity and mineability; historic performance; plant and equipment; future mine plans; infrastructure; capital spending and operating costs; labour and management; future risk assessment and environmental liabilities; marketing; valuation and finally acquisition synergies. All are important areas to ensure the viability of the acquisition and to identify and minimise the project risks.

Jan 1, 2003

Against a background of deeper pits, the introduction of prestripping fleets and the need for closer control of operating costs (especially the waste removal component), Australian coal operations utilising draglines have in recent years become increasingly focused on:1. assessment of more efficient excavation methods; and2. application of explosive products and initiation systems which offer more flexibility than ever before.Additionally, developments in blast performance assessment techniques and equipment, and computer modelling and excavation monitoring systems have provided an improved opportunity to design a blast to achieve a desired profile suited to the excavation equipment and Sequence.

Jan 1, 1992

By Warren M

Many Australian tunnelling and mining companies regularly investigate different methods or equipment in an attempt to keep ahead of their competition. Sometimes the result is a new approach or process which wins a tender or provides an advanced solution to a problem.The Australian Government has a policy of encouraging forward thinking among Australian companies and provides a range of incentives. One of these incentives is currently available retrospectively to 1985 - 86, and the registration process is relatively simple with only one form to be completed. Companies who investigate methods of raising productivity could be reimbursed for the costs of the investigation.

Jan 1, 1993

KIeeman (1968) described practice in the Mount Hebbard dump concentrator, Broken Hill, N.S.W. The purpose of this note is to give data on flotation pulp chemistry in the plant for comparison with results of Woodcock and Jones (1970a, 1970b).Ten chemical parameters were measured at ten points in the circuit using the techniques of Woodcock and Jones (1970a, 1970b). Fig. 1 shows a condensed time plot of some continuous measurements in conditioner overflow and rougher feed. Fig. 2 shows average values of selected parameters at the start and end of each of the three rougher flotation stages.DISCUSSIONpH and redox potentiaIsFig. 1 shows that pH and Eh were relatively constant at the start of sulphide lead flotation. There was a fairly steady increase in pH throughout the circuit (Fig. 2), but flotation was always conducted in a slightly acid pulp in spite of the large amount of alkaline reagents added. Eh values became more positive as the pulp progressed through the circuit (Fig. 2) in accord with results elsewhere.

Jan 1, 1973

Australia has a long and successful record in mineral processing technology extending over 100 years. This has included the development of new processes and equipment and new analytical techniques. These developments have added greatly to the efficiency of mineral processing and thereby to Australia's national wealth. Demands on mineral processing engineers in the future show no signs of diminishing, in fact they will increase considerably as more difficult areas must be treated and the requirements for quality control become more stringent. These demands must be met successfully since mineral processing must continue to be one of the most important technologies in Australia's economic future.

Jan 1, 1989

By Waghorne E. P

The State Electricity Commission of Victoria is Australia's largest single coal producer. Approximately 19 Mt of coal will be produced in 1989 from the SEC V's newest mine, Loy Yang Open Cut (LYOC), which com- menced overburden stripping operation in October 1982. When the adja- cent Loy Yang Power Station is completed in the late 1990's, LYOC will supply between 35 to 45 Mt/a, depending on power station performance and demand of coal for non-power generation uses. LYOC has been a major challenge for the SECV. It is the biggest single open pit coal mining development undertaken in Australia, with a whole of life capital cost approaching A$1 billion. The mine has supplied a very rapidly growing demand for coal from the expanding power station while developing in breadth, length and depth. Coal demand has consistently been above the figures anticipated during the initial planning because of the substantially improved performance of the 500 MW units of the Loy Yang A Power Station. The superior performance of the LYOC and power station has generated additional electrical energy during the first 5 years of power station operation compared with the initial planning targets- at almost no additional capital cost. This has been a major benefit to the SECV. LYOC will continue to present major challenges for the SECV, particularly in achieving overburden removal and coal reserve targets as development of the open cut continues to full depth over the next 15 years.

Jan 1, 1989

By R Sridhar, M Fe, W G. Bacon

The problems of magnetite build-up have plagued the non-ferrous pyrometallurgical industry for many years. To better understand these problems, a study was undertaken to determine the thermodynamic variables that affect the behaviour of magnetite under different smelting conditions. Equilibration studies were performed in the nickel smelting systems of matte-gas and matte-slag(silica saturation)-gas. The relationship of thermodynamic variables such as temperature, sulphur and oxygen partial pressure and matte grade on iron and magnetite activities were calculated and the significance on smelting parameters such as metal losses and partition coefficients were defined. The experimental data from this study were employed to develop practical methods which could be used to control the build up of magnetite, as well as to obtain additional metallurgical benefits. In general, a lower sulphur partial pressure and higher temperature operation was shown to enhance the metallurgical benefits of nickel smelting by decreasing the magnetite activity. Operating in this manner can also have added benefits such as higher metal recoveries, more efficient vessel utilisation and efficiency and lower smelter emissions at equivalent or higher primary furnace matte grades.

Jan 1, 2000

The success of any industry depends on the planned integration of the policies and resources of the key components of the Australian economic and political structure - government, industry management, education, research, and the human resources of the industry. The Australian Mineral Industry, like Australia itself, has grown and developed at a rate not foreseen by many of our founding fathers and early industry leaders. Hence, now, as we approach the 21st Century, we need to re-think our approach to the significant new problems that are beginning to face both government and the Mineral Industry. Government initiatives, government information and support services, industry re-structuring, and research and development support, need to be carefully re-evaluated, re-diredted,. and strengthened, so that government, the community, and the Mineral Industry produce and receive the optimum education and research strategies and services. The support of academics and researchers, the development of facilities, and the design of new Courses for the future successful and beneficial exploitation of minerals need particular consideration.

Jan 1, 1986

By Thatcher R

In areas where undeveloped land represents a scarce resource, an upgraded post mining land use can result in economic benefits to both the mining company and to the community. A study undertaken at Allied Queensland Coalfields Ltd's Aberdare Colliery located between Brisbane and Ipswich during 1986/1987, assessed the costs and benefits of developing the site following mining for grazing, forestry and residential uses. The proposed final land use plan comprised a combination of these uses which can be upgraded to higher valued uses once subsidence monitoring of backfilled opencut areas and dumps indicates that total settlement has reached acceptable levels. The study involved the documentation of existing site environmental parameters and the delineation of site opportunities and constraints. The unpredictable nature of settlement over backfilled opencuts and overburden dumps represents the major constraint to urban development on mined areas.

Jan 1, 1987

By A Domanti, C Jewkes

This paper describes the design and constructability issues investigated in the selection of a trenchless solution in comparison to trenched construction options as part of a scoping study for the augmentation of the existing Bulimba Creek Trunk Sewer in Brisbane. Initial work involved the planning of alignment options vis-a-vis ground geology, geotechnical conditions, location and depth of shafts considering potential construction technology, flotation and stability of the tunnel, availability of construction sites and the influence of construction works on neighbourhood properties and the immediate environment. Two design pipe sizes, DN1200 and DN1500, were considered, and factors including jacking forces, specification of product pipes, pipe joints, pipe jacking methods and the associated impacts of ground settlement were carried out. Of particular interest was research on suitable lubricating fluids with the potential to minimise jacking forces and maximise the length of pipeline between launch and reception shafts.

Jan 1, 2008

The Kingsgate molybdenite pipes are considered on petrochemical data and field occurrence to be, possibly, epi-magmatic plutonic offshoots grading into hydrothermal bodies. There is reason to believe that the ore is derived from a highly acid granite of type similar to that of the tin bearing areas of northern New England. The mineralogy, microtextures and paragenesis of the ore are discussed.INTRODUCTIONThe Kingsgate Mining Field is situated in steep, heavily timbered terrain 18 miles E.N.E. of Glen Innes and 430 miles north of Sydney. Bismuth and molybdenum ores were discovered at Kingsgate (Yarrow Creek) in 1877. Subsequently some 50 pipes were developed yielding tonnages which at the peak of operations, 1905 to 1920, rivalled production from the rich deposits of northern Queensland.Attempts to revive the field have been made periodically and small parcels of ore have been forthcoming.' During World War II demand for piezioelectric quartz again focussed attention on Kingsgate but twinning and other imperfections of the quartz prevented all but a minor exploitation of the otherwise noteworthy crystals of this locality.There is reason to believe that the ore at Kingsgate is not exhausted through exploration and mining costs would probably be high due to the capricious nature of the pipes and to the irregular distribution of rich ore shoots within them.

Jan 1, 1962

The purpose of this paper is to outline the basic policy problems for good community relations programmes in the resource extraction industries of Papua New Guinea. The main focus of the paper will be on defining and analysing those problems which lie on the landowner side and which are still not widely understood within the resource extraction industries despite several decades of turbulent experience. Many of the companies operating in the resource extraction industries of mining and petroleum and gas have in recent decades adopted, by choice or necessity, 'good corporate citizen' policies. Some of these companies now pursue ethical business, environmental and community relations policies. Some have adequately funded and well-trained staff in their community relations departments. Although different industry sites scattered over Papua New Guinea show significant differences in their experience of social conflict, I argue here that a good deal of this variation has less to do with the differences between the companies' public relations policies and their effectiveness and more to do with the conflict causing features of indigenous society. Experience suggests that even a company well-equipped with good intentions, good policies and good staff may experience serious difficulties in maintaining good community relations in Papua New Guinea. Many of these difficulties, I argue, can be traced to causes that lie, essentially, within the structure of Papua New Guinean communities and in the customs and social relations of Papua New Guinean peoples. Accordingly the attention of this paper is focussed on the conflict causing aspects of Papua New Guinean society. It is true, to the point of being a cliche, that Papua New Guinean societies are oriented very strongly towards achieving consensus and social harmony. In this regard Papua New Guinean communities differ significantly from, say, Australian communities. My purpose here is not to denigrate this aspect of Papua New Guinean societies but, rather, to point out that the drive for consensus is driven by the desire to avoid its opposite, dissensus. This paper sets out to define the dissensual aspects of Papua New Guinean societies and my special interest is in those conflict producing aspects of Papua New Guinean societies that are most resistant to the mechanisms that are designed to create social harmony. A survey of the recent history of industry and community relations in Papua New Guinea indicates that there are three main factors present on the landowner side which are liable, separately or through their interaction, to cause difficulties. These factors are respectively generational challenge, social boundaries and custom variability and I shall discuss each of these in turn.

Jan 1, 1997

By A Maurer, N Pereira

Low-density explosives have been developed with trials being conducted for over 20 years and yet have still only gained limited market acceptance despite producing some very promising results. The biggest concern with industry acceptance has been disbelief that a product with lower density than the ANFO benchmark could fragment anything but the weakest of strata. Trials have been carried out with products such as diluted ANFO, low-density ammonium nitrate (AN) and various other mixes, although it has been only recently that low-density explosives have been accepted as a serious alternative to traditional products such as ANFO and heavy ANFO. The recent uptake of low-density products has been the result of several key factors: the current resources boom forcing AN supply issues, the development of new handling techniques, and a far better understanding of the utilisation of such products. This paper highlights the benefits of low-density products available in the market and focuses on the situations where low-density explosives can provide the end user with benefits that would otherwise be achieved through more time consuming methods. Through correct implementation, low-density explosives can provide the blast designer with another option when looking at the optimum method of breaking the rock. This while still controlling the other limiting factors such as cost, environmental impacts (noise, vibration, dust and fumes), coal damage and safety (stable walls).

Jan 1, 2005