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The complicated mining-geological conditions in the Kuzbass have led to some difficult mining situations in the past. Now, with historical data, supplemented by geomechanical information and measurements, together with an appropriate kinematic theory, a more reliable basis exists for prediction and control of the geomechanical state during extraction, with caving and with backfilling. Continued progress and improving reliability comes from data banks and computations, and now prediction of geomechanical situations is upgraded by more routing measurements and monitoring. Not only in the Kuzbass, but throughout the USSR, 14 dedicated groups are ready to solve various specific problems of prediction an control of geomechanic situations with assured increase in the quality of mining.

Jan 1, 1991

Using a new type of laser surveying instrument named Particle Dynamics Analyser (PDA), the distributions of the radial and axial components of the mean velocity, the size and the concentration of solid particles at selected positions within a transparent hydrocyclone were directly measured out for the first time, from which profiles of the flow field of solid particles were obtained. And some new points were put forward such as the locus of zero vertical velocity (LZVV) of solid particles was not the same as that of liquid, and some particles in inner helical flow could also be separated. The results are of great significance to farther ascertain the separation principle of hydrocyclones and improve the separation efficiency.

Jan 1, 1993

By Hosking JW, Muir DM, Ruane M, Smith I. Hinchliffe WD

Maintaining carbon activity is critical to the satisfactory recovery of gold in the Carbon-in-Pulp (C.I.P.) process. Reduced activity can lead to gold losses in tails and lower tonnage throughput.Carbons from a number of W.A. C.I.P. circuits have been examined for the extent of fouling by inorganics such as calcium, magnesium, copper, nickel and silicon. Many of these carbons have exceedingly low activity leadingto low gold loading and excessive contact times. The relative importance of these fouling agents and cyanide levels on carbon activity is discussed. Mathematical modelling shows that relatively small improvements in kineticactivity lead to much lower tank volume require-ments and carbon residence times.

Jan 1, 1984

The high maintenance of load-haul-dumps (LHDs) and front end loaders in hard rock affects mine planning with reduced availability and productivity. Intensive study of maintenance costs and availability of machines related to machine age and life provide the basis for planning from available operational alternatives.Derived programmes and experiences have led to the beginnings of unmanned operation and automation through reduction of manual diesel units and spreading electrification and use of radio. But electrification has obvious layout limitations. This approach to the present has resulted in better utilisation, costs and safety and the computerised monitoring and control provides continuous awareness of machine and work conditions with the promise of future improvements.

Jan 1, 1991

By Robinson BW, Walker RK

Using a new highly stable automated electron microprobe analyser, detection limits for gold in arsenopyrite have been improved. Using the AuLA emission tine at 40kV and 500nA, a limit of approximately 10gpt is attained in 10- lSmins. Some unusual features of the background need to be taken into account. Several ores containing different levels of gold in arsenopyrite have been examined, and it has been shown that gold is not evenly distributed between grains (some may contain more than 1%, invisible optically), and that the grains containing gold are often zoned. Gold may be released from the arsenopy rite by weathering or by heating in an inert or slightly oxidising atmosphere.

Jan 1, 1989

South Crofty's ventilation network is large and complex. Of the total exhaust air quantity 40% enters the mine by leakage routes through old workings, this air carries high concentrations of radon gas and results in the mine becoming a classified work place under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1985. Improvements in the control of the ventilating air and dilution by increased air quantity have reduced the average contamination to aelow-0.2 WL. The major part of the radon originates from ground water inflows and from concentrations of radium within the mine with direct emanation from rock surfaces being negligible. Of 600 kBgs-1 total radon leaving the mine 93% cannot be accounted for from known and accessible sources.

Jan 1, 1988

This paper will address this question from the point of view of a drill and blast engineer or researcher working in open cut and underground mining operations. The paper will establish a common set of reference standards for high-speed imaging and data capture, which engineers and researchers can apply when deciding which type of imaging technology is appropriate. It will present an overview of current image analysis technologies and practices in use across a range of appropriate scientific fields and draw lines of commonality of approach between these fields and the field of mining and blasting applications analysis and research. In addition, the paper will examine the different technologies from an image quality and data stream reference point, ease of operation, cost, and reliability parameters. Finally, this paper will present an argument for the hybridisation of established and new technologies which could provide a more beneficial approach to the use of imaging as a tool of quality control, research and analysis in the mining based industries. This will include a novel approach to digital high-speed imaging and data analysis in the field, which should deliver high-quality images and data analysis in a time frame that is more appropriate to the need for immediate action, analysis and problem solving.

Jan 1, 2007

By Grant BPM

The lower levels at the CSA Mine have been developed to mine reserves between theNo.7 level and No.9 level.Work on major excavations for the project began during 1982 with the develop-ment of the crusher chamber, on No.9 level. The brows and walls were pre-dowelled to improve stability before mining by mass blasting techniques.At the same time work commenced on theextension of No.2 Shaft from No.7 level toNo.11 level. The shaft was stripped, using hand held drilling, to a raise bored holeand concrete lined to a diameter of 5.5 metres. Plats were developed at No.8 level, No.9level and the loading station.

Jan 1, 1985

By Hunter TC

Metals Refining Operations Pty. Ltd. (NMO), PNG's only gold and silver refinery is operated by Golden West Refining Corporation Ltd (GWR), a member of the Rothschilds group and has a strong PNG ownership link through statutory shareholders. Located in Waigani, MRO has been successful in substantially increasing production through toll refining for Porgera, Misima, Tolukuma, Wapolu and, more recently, at Lihir as well as treatment of alluvial gold from smaller operations. This increased throughput has resulted in the need to constantly upgrade equipment, techniques and practices, particularly to continue quality improvements and meet market demands. The evolution of these changes are documented and discussed and the probable future development plans are detailed.

Jan 1, 1997

By L P. Trout, D G. Reid

PanAust Limited (PanAust) has successfully constructed and commissioned two mining operations in Lao PDR over the past decade and undertaken major studies for three new mine developments. The management of potentially acid generating mine waste and tailings in close proximity of local communities sensitive to water discharge quality have been recurring themes that have confronted PanAust’s project study, development and operational teams. Further compounding challenges, such as the effects of intense annual tropical monsoonal conditions, staging of embankment raises and regular lifting of spillway structures, integrating mine waste and tailings management into production plans and ensuring the long term stability of structures, have been addressed by implementing leading practice management solutions.A recognition of the criticality of managing the substantial business risks associated with these crucial activities led to the early establishment of a governance structure to ensure that the highest standards are embraced for planning and execution. Importantly, these are guided and monitored by a panel of highly experienced and qualified international specialists reporting directly to PanAust’s Managing Director – the Tailings Independent Review Panel. The stewardship process has been effective in identifying potential shortcomings in management systems and has led to enhanced executive commitment to risk informed designs, assurance and overall process rigour.CITATION:Trout, L P and Reid, D G, 2018. PanAust Limited’s approach to mine waste and tailings stewardship, in Proceedings Mine Waste and Tailings Stewardship Conference 2018, pp 135–155 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 23, 2018

By D Cai, E Baafi

Various enabling technologies and systems have recently been introduced in the mining industry. Such systems include miner-bolters with concurrent cutting and bolting, employment of two shuttle cars, adoption of self drilling bolts and utilisation of continuous haulage or monorail systems. The paper discusses how Flexsim discrete event simulation models were used to assess how these proposed mining systems can best be used to achieve and sustain high roadway development rates of 10 m per operating hour for 20 h/day.

Sep 26, 2011

Following a decline in direct and indirect employment in the minerals industry between 2000 and 2003, the situation reversed in 2004 and employment rose by 12 per cent. Furthermore, there are forecasts of continuing employment growth in the minerals industry in the immediate future. For those of us charged with promoting the virtues of a career in the minerals industry this is encouraging news, as it provides us with the evidence to promote the increasing employment opportunities of a healthy and vibrant industry. However, for many others û particularly the employers in this industry û the news is not so rosy. The jobs are there, and in increasing numbers, but the workers arenÆt! Employers right across the industry are finding it increasingly difficult to fill vacancies with suitably qualified and skilled employees and the competition is becoming fiercer. In the minerals and energy sector, questions are being asked and solutions sought on the industryÆs ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce. From many quarters û industry, government and the education sector, calls for urgent action are becoming louder. The reasons for this are well known û the nature of the work, the remote location, perceptions of the industry, an aging workforce, the gender imbalance, the shrinking demographic of school leavers. It is the latter I wish to focus on û the Generation Y demographic û those who have recently left school, those who are in higher education or have recently entered the workforce, or those who are still at secondary school. These young people are the next cohort of potential employees for the industry. But our need for them appears to be greater that their perceived need for us! How do we engage them so they are informed about the industry? How do we inform and advise them so they are prepared to consider further education and training in disciplines and skill areas relating to our industry? How do we guide and motivate them to give it their best shot and work in it û at least for part of their working life? These are fundamental questions that many within the industry have been grappling with for quite some time. Let me share with you some of the strategies that the Minerals Council is implementing to address this issue.

Jan 1, 2005

By B W. Atkinson, J Docherty

An Australian Working Group has been compiling a guide for operators to use in order to improve the efficacy of their routine and non-routine sampling tasks within their coal preparation process. The guide focuses on unit operations within the process, and not conveyor belts or transfer stations that are adequately covered by the existing Standard ISO 13909.Representative sampling of unit operations is generally an after-thought following plant construction, whether that be a result of oversight, or more commonly, capital cost minimisation during initial construction. Minimising capital cost by avoiding adequate sampling systems is generally a poor decision, since the result is a process that cannot be adequately measured, meaning that it cannot be adequately managed and optimised.The use of the term ‘guide’ rather than ‘standard’ is intentional. Practical means of sampling unit operations within existing plants generally relies on a compromise between sample representativity (minimisation of bias) and sampling feasibility. The guide does not endorse poor sampling practice, but instead offers practical guidance to overcome, to the extent reasonably possible, real-life limitations.When it comes to sampling any particular process, it is almost always necessary to make a professional judgement as to whether or not the proposed samples are likely to be sufficiently representative such that the sampling will be worthwhile. Such judgement needs to be exercised by personnel who understand the principles of sampling, as they apply to the stream being sampled. There are many circumstances where available methods for sampling of a particular stream will be meaningless, and in such circumstances analytical data from that sampling will only serve to propagate poor decision-making.This paper outlines the approach for the guide, the areas it covers and the approaches adopted for different types of unit operations and associated equipment configurations.CITATION:Atkinson, B W and Docherty, J, 2017. A practical guide to sampling in coal preparation plants, in Proceedings Eighth World Conference on Sampling and Blending , pp 241–246 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2017

By P G. Greenhill

The Wonawinta silver project near Cobar in NSW is under development by Cobar Consolidated Resources Limited (CCR). RMDSTEM Limited is part of the owner’s team for feasibility, design, engineering, construction and commissioning.With a 51Moz resource CCR is one of the largest pure silver players in Australia. A probable reserve of 14.3Moz has been defined for a mine life of approximately five years. The silver mineralization is contained in host rock composed of clays and oxidized limestone. The ore also contains on average 1.3% lead as cerussite, and other minerals. A simple circuit consisting of slurrying of the ore, gravity treatment of the coarse fraction to recover lead, silver extraction using CIL, elution and the Merrill Crowe silver recovery process, has been developed.The “value engineering” approach to this development pioneered over the past decade by RMDSTEM has meant that RMDSTEM has delivered the bankable feasibility study at a cost of $0.07 per resource ounce. It is highly cost effective making efficient use of shareholders funds as well as being very time efficient. This paper describes the application of the value engineering approach to the development of the Wonawinta project.

Aug 8, 2011

By R Chinamatira

Several technical and economic factors have to be taken into consideration in developing an optimal mining method. This paper describes some of the important factors learnt during the evolution of the sublevel cave mining method at Trojan Nickel Mine, part of the Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC) in Zimbabwe. Sublevel caving (SLC) has been successfully implemented at Trojan mine since its introduction in 1994. The method has evolved over the past six years into a system that has brought about improvements in efficiencies and productivity. Although the original design parameters used were sound and provided a solid foundation for the system, they needed to be optimised to get the best out of the mining method. Improvements and changes have been made in areas such as the drilling process, charging and blasting techniques, ring pattern design, development size and shape, and the draw control system. This has enabled the mine to develop an SLC operation that is efficient and innovative. Experience gained, together with the theory available has given us a much better understanding of the system. This knowledge will be used in the future to enhance the system further. Given the low grades of the BNC Mines, management recognises that only through technical excellence and efficient mining can the mines reduce mining costs and maintain profitability and competitiveness on the world market. In the Zimbabwe mining industry reaction to technological change, mechanisation and advancement have been relatively slow, due to isolation and economic constraints, compared to the rest of the world. Economic difficulties prevail, with high inflation levels, a poor exchange rate, lack of foreign currency and other associated problems. Despite these constraints, the bold steps taken have transformed Trojan mine into a more efficient and competitive operation, presenting itself as the leading mine in the BNC group. Appendices give data to illustrate the benefits obtained.

Jan 1, 2000

By M Lak, R Amiri, A Haratian, M Asghari, S Haji

Dry magnet separators are used to upgrade and beneficiate a wide variety of minerals such as hematite and magnetite materials. In recent years advances in dry magnetic separators have improved their performance. Fine particle separation is one of the main areas which still remain weak. This paper will present a new design of fine particle drum separators which used for particle size less than 3 mm. A big problem in processing of iron ore is the grade and recovery of mineral values in the fines fraction. The new design high efficiency drum separator is developed to handle fine feeds. In this drum separators both of the drum shell and magnetic yoke rotate in opposite direction. the results showed that when the material feed size was = 1298 μm, drum shell speed was 42.5 rev/min, magnetic yoke speed was 100 rev/min and the maximum intensity of magnetic field was at = 30° the feed grade increased from 50.87 to 65.67 in concentrate box, increase to 60.45 in middle box and tail grade was 24.44. The total achieved recovery for both concentrate and middle box was 81.89 per cent.

Nov 8, 2021

By Fickera M. A, Marshall S, Burgeese F. L, Burgees J, Estrina H

A new high intensity flotation process FASTFLOT was deployed to recover residual zinc from the zinc circuit tailings at Pasminco Mining's Concentrator, Broken Hill. Performance of the FASTFLOT process is discussed with respect to various size fractions. Results suggest that the process has an affinity not only for fine particles but also for +200 ¦m particles which the conventional flotation cells failed to recover. Various strategies for FASTFLOT deployment are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1995

By G McCullough, J Bassan, d P. Knights, C T. Farrelly

By 2045, carbon-neutral mines will be economically producing products that are vital for the world’s transition to renewable energy. After overcoming significant technical challenges (and the investment of significant capital), leaders have successfully eliminated the use of diesel and other fossil fuels by introducing a wide range of new decarbonisation technologies. These leaders will be reaping the benefits of lower production costs (resulting from elimination of diesel), stable and predictable operations, and easier access to capital for their future projects. This paper describes a future scenario of how a net zero carbon and zero-entry mine could operate by taking maximum advantage of technologies in development or already proven in other industries. Some miners have been unsuccessful in their efforts to reach decarbonisation targets. Instead, they have been forced to close or offload their assets to be acquired by operators with better sustainability credentials, or, in some cases, to indigenous or community-based enterprises with vested interest in making operations viable and sustainable. Regardless of ownership structure, all successful mining operations will have fostered strong and positive community relations that bring education, health, security and economic development opportunities to the communities while respecting their traditions, land-uses and culture. As shallow, easy to mine deposits have become scarce, the majority of new mines are underground. Advancements in electric underground technology and the feasibility of ‘zero entry mining’ (with no personnel in active mining zones) has made it increasingly possible to economically operate underground mines, even at shallow depths. The newest mines have a near zero footprint on the surface, produce no harmful by-products, and are employing in-place or in situ methods of extraction that are efficient and low impact. Surface land-uses, such as agriculture and renewable energy generation, continue in the immediate vicinity of the mine, with no significant ground disturbance, community impact or environmental footprint.

Sep 1, 2024

By A Poliakov, E Donskoi, K Vining

The automated optical image analysis software Mineral4/Recognition4 (M4/R4) is capable of performing comprehensive characterisation of different materials throughout the iron ore value chain, including ore fines, lump, sinter, pellets and coke. It has been successfully used by CSIRO for industrial and research projects and has been independently licensed to several world leaders in iron ore production and ironmaking. The M4/R4 software was strongly integrated with a Zeiss microscope to make use of the company’s powerful AxioVision software. This required users to own both Zeiss microscope hardware and AxioVision software in order to be able to use M4/R4 to its full image acquisition and analysis capacity. Therefore, it was not available to the users of equipment produced by other major microscope manufacturers. In recent times however, Zeiss has indicated that the AxioVision software will no longer be supported. To overcome this limitation, CSIRO has proceeded with the next generation of this software, Mineral5/Recognition5 (M5/R5). Importantly, the M5/R5 system has been developed without any dependence on a specific microscope hardware/software platform. Furthermore, the image analysis functionality is now based on openCV open access software and has been fully rewritten using stateof- the-art software development tools to allow reading and processing of all major image formats. Although past applications have been specific to iron ore and ironmaking applications, other improvements, such as an increased number of minerals allowing better gangue segmentation, flexible mineral definitions, improved software modules behaviour and refined analysis routines enables the platform independent M5/R5 image analysis system to be used by researchers in any area of mineralogical or materials research.

Nov 8, 2021

Throughout the study phases (scoping, prefeasibility and feasibility) of new mining projects one is forced to work with and make predictions based upon limited date obtained from diamond and reverse circulation drill holes. These data are extrapolated to determine how much of the valuable metal is present in the ground, how it can be recovered it and the efficiency of this recovery. Mining methods to extract the ore are investigated with forecasts made regarding excavation stoping stability and performance in an attempt to optimise production. Extraction and use of rock mass data for use in characterising the mechanical behaviour of the rock mass is no exception. One often relies heavily upon the use of empirical charts developed over many years on hundreds of case histories based upon rock mass characterisation schemes. This is largely successful and indicative of what one might expect. However specific site characteristics can always play a significant role, and are not necessarily apparent in diamond drill core. Feasibility studies for the Favona orebodies indicated that the rock mass was generally poor to extremely poor, and that stoping conditions would be difficult in all of the orebodies for various reasons. A range stope performances were achieved ranging from very good to very poor and in some cases unexpected results were achieved. A comparison is made between what was actually achieved and what was expected since stoping commenced in 2007. Explanations are attempted for differences in stoping performance and, in some cases, unexpected results at the Favona underground mine are attempted.

Nov 25, 2010