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By J Harding, S Munro, R A. Bearman

Despite the importance of the primary crushing stage, performance optimisation is not well analysed with sufficient focus to give improvement opportunities. At the Newcrest owned Telfer operation, liner life plays an important part in scheduling planned maintenance. Major consideration is given to monitoring crusher performance, as the highly abrasive nature of the feed significantly impacts the liner wear life. A study was undertaken by the lead author which focused on establishing a strong baseline of accurate data pertaining to the performance of the crusher, in terms of, operating parameters, liner life and key machine design factors. As part of the study, mining feed materials were examined for a particular set of liners and this revealed that improved methods should be pursued. Due to the competitive nature of the mining industry, the business solution to complex problems with long shutdown cycles should be streamlined to incorporate a non-operational modelling approach that is significantly more efficient than traditional online trial and error methods. In order to dramatically reduce the time and business risks, it was decided to engage services to model and simulate the liner life by varying main operational and mechanical factors. The key to all simulation work is gathering high quality baseline data. Such data allowed deployment of the Kinematic Crusher Model and validation of the model against worn 2D wear liner profiles. The proven model was then successfully deployed to predict operational values that defined crusher performance. To enhance the study, further investigation into a set of mechanical and operational simulations generated a sensitivity matrix measuring key performance parameters throughout the wear life of the liners. The study revealed throughput as a highly sensitive parameter and a change in eccentric throw provided the greatest improvement in extending liner wear life.

Aug 24, 2022

By K L. Olzard

At the WMC Resources Phosphate Hill operation, monitoring the quality of the ore delivered by the mine to the beneficiation plant is of prime importance to ensure the fertilizer is produced cost-effectively through the various stages of production and meets customer quality requirements. P2O5 and Fe2O3 are among the critical-to-quality elements. Fe2O3 is a key performance driver as it is an impurity that adversely impacts some of the chemical processes. The ore is supplied to the plant on a conveyor belt that is equipped with an automatic sampler. Increments are taken off the flowing ore stream at regular time intervals. A variographic experiment was conducted to investigate sampling strategies capable of estimating ore properties over a 12-hour shift to a nominated level of precision. The combination of individual increments into a shift composite was included among the strategies that were assessed. The experiment involved collecting data at regular time intervals and preparing variograms to characterise the feed-grade variability on the conveyor belt. Duplicates were also collected to assist in quantifying the precision of the subsampling stages of the sampling protocol and assay accuracy was monitored with matrix-matched standards. Various sampling schemes were evaluated by combining geostatistical techniques and the sampling theory of Pierre Gy. The following parameters were varied: the number of increments, the increment-size reduction leading to the composite, the masses of the subsequent sampling stages and the number of analytical determinations. This paper describes the planning of the variogram experiment, the various phases of data collection and the methodology used to process the data. It discusses the development of some of the sampling schemes that were considered.

Jan 1, 2005

By H He, S Tillotson, S Gibbons, J Shaw

"Water evaluation and management during mining exploration and operational activities is crucial to minimise direct and indirect operational costs and also in delivering mining companies the less tangible, but equally critical æsocial license to operateÆ.Mining is often carried out in remote areas, where the mine will be the most significant and visible user and potential contaminator of water resources. However, wherever it is located, a mineÆs use of water must be managed in the context of two key aspects: the natural parameters of the resource; its abundance, its temporal variability and its chemical and physical qualities other users of the resource; other industry, potable water supplies and ecological requirements of local habitats.It is vital, therefore, that this commodity be assessed to an appropriate degree to help establish the viability and sustainability of the mining project and identify those other stakeholders who may be affected by the mining companyÆs activities.This paper outlines the background to catchment-scale model and presents a cost-effective method for establishing a robust water baseline and creating a water management tool to be used throughout whole mine life cycle. Numerical surface and groundwater modelling has long been established as a tool for reactive management, following collation of yearsÆ worth of data. Now, using freely available remote sensing data and desk study information, analytical modelling techniques can be used cost effectively to provide mining companies with a tool for assessing and managing their water consumption requirements at the outset of a new project venture.The paper includes a selection of case studies to show how the use of analytical modelling can be used as an evaluation and management tool to help not only assess general watershed parameters and water availability but also how it can be used as a tool to provide decision makers with the information to complete æwhat if?Æ scenario assessments. The case studies illustrate how a combined hydrological and hydrogeological model may enable identification of sensitive receptors, water competition issues and contaminant migration pathways to help manage the risks associated with water consumption and its potential contamination from exploration and operational activities.CITATION:Gibbons, S, Shaw, J, Tillotson, S and He, H, 2013. Catchment-scale water modelling and its role in risk management during mining exploration, in Proceedings Water in Mining 2013, pp 175-188 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Nov 26, 2013

By MJ SMITH

For the past 150 years, drilling and blasting has been an integral part of the underground mining industry in Australia. Ever since Busby's Bore was developed using black powder to supply Sydney with water, miners have been drilling holes, filling them with explosives and blasting the rock into a manageable size. The drilling was fairly straight forward but the explosives were always a mysterious commodity. It worked, but how and why? The explosives industry is now working much closer to the mining industry to dispel these mysteries and also to aid the advancement of explosive technology. This paper looks at the results of these advances in the form of explosives, accessories and blasting systems.

Jan 1, 1992

By J-P Franzidis

A technique for determining the recovery of attached particles across the froth phase in flotation that relies on measuring the rate at which bubble-particle aggregates enter the froth is used to investigate the selectivity of attached particles across the froth phase. Combining these measurements with those of other techniques for determining the froth recovery of attached particles provides an insight into the different subprocesses of particle rejection in the froth phase. The results of experiments conducted in a 3 m3 Outokumpu tank cell show that the detachment of particles from aggregates in the froth phase occurs largely at the pulp-froth interface. In particular it is shown that the pulp-froth interface selectively detaches particles from aggregates according to their physical attributes.

Jan 1, 2005

By A Vakili, F Harvey, H Greaves

Mine seismicity is one of the most difficult geotechnical risks to manage in seismically active mines. There are currently some established empirical and statistical methods that provide quantitative measures for seismic hazard assessment in operating mines. However, these methods are mostly suitable for quantifying the current or historical seismic hazard and often cannot be directly used to forecast the future hazards. Numerical modelling is the only analytical tool that can capture the level of complexities required for a meaningful analysis of mine seismicity and therefore to facilitate a reliable forecast of future hazards. However, there is currently no widely accepted and established guideline and methodology for analysing and forecasting mine seismicity using numerical modelling. This paper first provides a background on previous published studies on this subject and then outlines the key aspects that can affect the reliability of the forecasting for mine seismicity. These aspects include a) processing of historical seismic data, b) selection of suitable numerical modelling approach, c) Post-processing and interpretation of the model outputs. A case study is then presented for the Gwalia Deeps Mine where a new framework was developed to forecast future mine seismicity. High-quality seismic data for a period of five years was used for back-analysis and comparisons with the numerical modelling outputs. After development of the method, the future seismicity was forecast for the next 12 months and the actual seismicity was monitored against the forecast during this period. Results of this study shows promising potential for the proposed framework to be applied more routinely and at other mine sites. However, more validations are required at Gwalia Deeps mine as the mine proceeds to deeper levels. In addition, the method needs more improvements and should be tested and validated at other mining operations before it can be established as a proven method. CITATION:Vakili, A, Harvey, F and Greaves, H, 2018. Forecasting mine seismicity – towards a more established methodology, in Proceedings The Fourth Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference (AusRock), pp 207–222 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 30, 2018

By D Cumming-Potvin

Incidents that trap miners in underground mines have serious consequences for the miners and the mine operators involved. It is of utmost importance that mine operators utilise all available tools when trying to locate and rescue trapped miners. From testing conducted at underground hard rock mines, Cumming-Potvin et al (2013) found that pre-existing microseismic monitoring systems, which are routinely used for seismic risk management, have the potential to be used for detecting and locating trapped miners.This paper reflects on the Anzac Day seismic event that trapped two miners at Tasmania Mine, Beaconsfield, on 25 April 2006. The Anzac Day event occurred at 2123 on a Tuesday evening. Rescuers were unable to confirm that the trapped miners had survived until 1930 on Sunday evening. It is not possible to speculate on how the rescue operation may have been different had the technology to use the microseismic monitoring system for the purpose of detecting the trapped miners been available. However, it almost certainly would have been different. The recent research project has demonstrated that knowing the fate of the Beaconsfield miners might have been achievable up to 100 hours earlier than was the case in 2006. That knowledge would have been invaluable to the rescue effort.By examining the seismic array at the Tasmania Mine, the reliability of detection over the working levels of the mine could be quantified. Had the methodology been available, adding six additional sensors (at a cost of $40 000), would have been sufficient to increase the likelihood of detection to greater than 90 per cent in the working levels of the mine. This was true both at the time of closure of the mine in 2012, and just prior to the Anzac day event.CITATION:Cumming-Potvin, D and Hills, P B, 2014. Use of a pre-existing microseismic monitoring system to detect trapped miners (with reflections on Beaconsfield 2006), in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 143–150 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Mar 24, 2014

By W Roy

When it comes to plan implementation and securing success in organisations in the 21st century, if there was such a thing as the secret to success it would be effective communication. Commoditisation brings financial, operational and cultural advantages to organisations that use effective communication. Effective communication tools turn æpeople problemsÆ into system control solutions, removing personality clashes that hide procedural malfunctions. By introducing communications frameworks available in the market place today, and case studies of their use, this paper provides insights into the successes available to organisations courageous enough to redefine their communications for the 21st century.

Jan 1, 2006

By M A. Jardine, J A. Miller, M Becker, M Harris

"Although the role of texture has been increasingly recognised as a geometallurgical indicator of ore characteristics and their variability, the ability to appropriately quantify and correlate it with metallurgical performance remains an ongoing challenge. In this study, we propose the 3D characterisation and quantification of ore textures from drill core using X-ray computed tomography (XCT) with an appropriate image analysis methodology (grey level co-occurrence matrices, GLCM). This methodology has been specially customised for application of 3D XCT grey-scale volumes. This approach has potential as an online mine site analysis tool providing detailed 3D information on both quantitative texture and simple mineralogy.The approach is illustrated in this paper using drill core samples that were manually extracted from various rock types and textures representing the Nkomati Main Mineralized Zone (MMZ) sulfide nickel ore deposit. A preliminary classification of the samples was performed based on their particle size distribution after laboratory scale rod milling. Accompanying QEMSCAN analyses were also used to guide the interpretation of the grey-scale mineralogy and texture in the 3D XCT volumes. The resultant GLCM produced from quantitative 3D image analysis of the XCT volumes indicated sensitivity to ore variability and was able to capture a simple mineralogy and grain size distribution. The approach holds many possibilities for geometallurgy, of which the potential for automation is promising.CITATION:Becker, M, Jardine, M A, Miller, J A and Harris, M, 2016. X-ray Computed Tomography – a Geometallurgical Tool for 3D Textural Analysis of Drill Core?, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 231–240 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By G M. Taylor

The application of high technology to monitor and control fire life safety, critical functionality in tunnels and underground spaces generally has progressed at an ever accelerating rate over the past decade. Today these systems comprise some of the most complex and little understood aspects of the tunnel/underground facility construction industry, with this area being perceived as high risk comprising impenetrably complex ‘black box’ technology covered in blinking LEDs. This paper will seek to explode some urban myths and common misconceptions associated with such systems, providing its intended audience with a review of what all this technology comprises and where the real risks lie in its delivery lie.The author contends (and looks to support such contention via this paper) that by applying baseline project and risk management processes to the procurement of this widely misunderstood black box technology, the quality of the final outcome can be much improved, driving innovation, reducing both cost and significantly mitigating delivery risk.CITATION:Taylor, G M, 2014. Procuring control and intelligent traffic systems for major new build projects – avoiding pitfalls and maximising value, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 113–120 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By B Gyngell, P Culvenor

Large language models (LLMs) have generated a lot of hype since ChatGPT was released in early 2023. In essence, they allow people to interact with computer systems through natural language and have the ability to generate highly complex text, images and videos (Patil and Gudivada, 2024). It is clear that this technology has significant potential, however most mining companies have not yet found practical applications for it within their operations. In this paper, we present a range of such applications along with the tactical considerations associated with developing and implementing them. We have identified use cases across a variety of operational and functional areas within the mining industry and evaluated them based on their potential business value and ease of implementation. Firstly, we provide an overview of how LLMs work and a review of how LLMs are being applied in other industries to provide best practice inspiration for mining. Next, we present a list of possible applications in mining and a critical assessment of each use case. This section also includes a technical deep dive into the different methodologies for developing the technologies as well as an analysis of barriers to adoption within mining organisations. Finally, we share a discussion of the potential path forward for LLMs in mining and the impact they could have on the industry. We analyse the potential differences between early adopters and laggards in the artificial intelligence (AI) space. This research draws on interviews and surveys with artificial intelligence experts as well as mining subject matter experts to connect cutting edge thought leadership with the specific problems faced by our industry.

Sep 1, 2024

By D van der Spuy, T Kewe, K Keet, N Moffatt, A P. Paine

The Blue Cube Mineral Quantifier Inline (MQi) instrument uses reflective light spectroscopy and advanced chemometrics to measure mineral or elemental grade in a slurry line. The instrument takes scans continuously and sends data to the DCS or PLC control system.Controlling the concentrate grades on a flotation circuit using low-frequency measurements can be difficult or impossible, especially on a circuit that has fast process dynamics. The ability to rapidly measure changes in grade makes it possible to continuously manipulate the flotation circuit operating parameters such as level, airflow and reagent addition set points to optimise plant performance throughout changing conditions.At Barrick’s Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea the flotation circuit feeds sulfide concentrate slurry to a pressure oxidation circuit. In order to maximise gold recovery in the flotation plant and increase performance in the pressure oxidation process, there is a stringent requirement to maintain a stable and optimum sulfur grade. The gold recovery is directly affected by the sulfur grade as most of the gold at Porgera is submicroscopic and associated with the sulfides (disseminated?pyrite).Porgera considered various points in the flotation circuit for installing Blue Cube analysers. This was part of a plant upgrade to improve process control. Due to budget constraints it was decided to initially only install one Blue Cube analyser on the final concentrate stream of the flotation circuit measuring sulfur, sulfides, gold and particle size. The accuracy of the calibration results were very good for all these properties. The sulfur measurement was used in an advanced control system to optimise and stabilise the grade. The paper presents comparisons between mineral grades determined using analytical laboratory analyses and the online Blue Cube data measurements, as well as benefits achieved by measuring grade online. An analysis of the plant data before and after installation of the Blue Cube and the advanced process control upgrade indicate that the flotation recovery increased by 1.98 per cent.CITATION:Kewe, T, Moffatt, N, Strobos, P, van der Spuy, D, Paine, A P and Keet, K, 2014. Evaluation of the Blue Cube MQi slurry analyser for application in an advanced control system for the optimisation of a gold sulfide flotation circuit, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 357–362 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 1, 2014

By J M. Galvin

History attests to the catastrophic consequences that fire, explosion and contaminated, noxious andirrespirable atmospheres can have for workplace health and safety in underground coal mining. It also confirms that fires and explosions present the greatest risk of partial or total loss of underground mines and equipment and that this risk continues to materialise. The design, implementation, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system are core controls for managing the hazards associated with these risks, both for preventing them from materialising and for mitigating their consequences if they do materialise. These are most effective when embedded in a risk management approach.

Oct 12, 2022

By J E. Powalisz

"The application of automated sampling techniques can help to provide a representative sample of process fluids and slurries that provide data for controlling process, custody transfer and quality assurance and quality control purposes.The automation of sampling provides a more consistent and reliable sampling process and eliminates many of the human-induced errors. Automated sampling can also provide a higher degree of safety in the plant/processing environment as well as better bottom-line results.Automated, fixed volume samplers can provide a very representative sample by integrating many small ‘grabs’ of sample from a process. Automated samplers can be controlled in a variety of ways to optimise the sampling process, including:cycle ratedwell timetotal volume.Properly selected and applied, an automated sampler can effectively isolate the operator from the process fluid during sampling and, to a great degree, during sample container collection.A variety of materials of construction, including seals, are available to handle demanding mining applications. Alloy 625, alloy 2205, AL6XN® and even certain plastics are used successfully in mining slurry applications.This paper explores the application of automated, fixed volume, batch style samplers in copper/nickel and gold processing, specifically pregnant leach solution and extraction fluids.Several specific field applications are discussed, including process installation details, hardware and operation.CITATION:Powalisz, J E, 2014. The application of automated samplers in copper/nickel processing, in Proceedings Sampling 2014, pp 35–42 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jul 29, 2014

By A McKay

The Great Artesian Basin (the Basin) is a large aquifer system underlying more than 20 per cent of continental Australia and most of Queensland. The aquifers of the Basin are an important water source for many industries, including the mining sector. The Queensland Great Artesian Basin Water Resource Plan (the Plan) was released in March 2006. The Plan provides a framework for the long- term holistic management of the aquifers in the Queensland Section of the Basin, in a manner that is consistent with the strategic management plan for the Basin as a whole. The paper describes the Basin and summarises trends in the demand for water in the Queensland section of the Basin. It describes the broad framework for management of the Basin by the individual Australian states, as well as the planning entitlement framework for water resource management in Queensland. The paper discusses the content of the Plan. This includes: the division of the aquifers into management areas and management units for management purposes, provision for protection of the flow of water to springs, limits on further allocating water, provision for a competitive process for access to new water and provision for water trading. Under the Queensland planning and entitlement system a resource operations plan is prepared to specify operational arrangements to implement a water resource plan. A resource operation plan for the basin is expected to be finalised before the end of 2006. The paper summarises the likely content of the plan.

Jan 1, 2006

By D Kent, J Bullock, M Wilkinson

Over the last few years at Glencore’s Mount Isa Copper Operations (MICO) mining conditions have become increasingly challenging through lower head grades and higher work indices. MICO has had great success improving operating efficiencies and increasing productivity through focusing on technology, innovation and operational discipline. The recent implementation of the Mine Site Technologies (MST) ImPact System has supported the continued transformation of the MICO operations through improved personnel safety and direct measurement of productivity. The ImPact System has implemented new safety systems such as the heavy vehicle proximity detection system, underground personnel tracking system and emergency evacuation dashboards improving the overall safety of the workforce. The ImPact System has facilitated productivity improvements via real-time equipment and personnel monitoring, and the implementation of exception reporting (personnel productivity), KPI reports and production dashboards, and transparent reports highlighting developing maintenance issues.This paper discusses the components of the ImPact System, the current installation at MICO, and critically analyses the implementation processes and right sizing of the system to meet the needs of the business today and into the future.CITATION:Bullock, J, Kent, D and Wilkinson, M, 2017. Productivity and safety improvements supported by MST’s ImPact System at Glencore’s Mount Isa Copper Operations, in Proceedings 13th AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference 2017, pp 279–286 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Oct 16, 2017

By M J. Thurley, L Lindqvist, D Degerfeldt, J Nyström, R Nordenskjöld

Rock breakage is a major component of all mining and mineral processing operations with the particle size distribution linked to productivity through the comminution chain. Optimisation and automatic control of comminution, material handling, and agglomeration processes is a complex task with large potential for gains in productivity, and energy efficiency. A key factor in realising these gains is the requirement for fully-automated online particle size distribution measurement to provide the necessary feedback and input for control. Moreover, to enable automatic control system it is necessary to provide a consistent, reliable size distribution measurement that avoids the significant errors resulting from under-sizing overlapped particles and over-sizing clusters of fine particles. Published literature and observation of commercial systems indicate a body of predominantly 2D photographic based particle size measurement systems that suffer from a number of significant errors except in the simplest case of a monolayer of particles under good illumination with limited colour variation in the material. In order to overcome these limitations a university and industry collaboration developed three-dimensional particle measurement (3DPM) between 2006 and 2012, based on 3D surface profile measurement of the visible material on conveyor. 3DPM avoids particle delineation errors due to variation in material colour and shadows, detects overlapping versus non-overlapping particles, and identifies areas of fine particles as fines and not large rocks. 3DPM measures: the visible material and calculates its particle size distribution, bulk volume, detects boulders, and conveyor belt fill factor in an automated consistent manner. Furthermore, 3DPM’s advanced algorithms allow observation of particle variation that would otherwise be undetected without the capacity to identify visible areas-of-fines and overlapped particles. Boliden Mines has installed 3DPM at three operations for measurement between the stockpile silo and grinding mill, and measurement after the primary crusher. Fragmentation measurements across multiple years of measurement are presented with some observations of plant behaviour. In the future 3DPM results will be incorporated into automatic control strategies for plant optimisation. 3DPM is used across a wide range of material types and applications that also includes; limestone aggregate for quality control in manufacturing, agglomerates for closed-loop automatic control in chemical production, and measurement of coke for size-based blending feed control to the blast furnace in steel production. CITATION:Thurley, M J, Degerfeldt, D, Nyström, J, Nordenskjöld, R and Lindqvist, L, 2018. Automated, online measurement of bulk material size distribution on conveyor using 3D profile imaging at Boliden Mines, in Proceedings 14th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2018, pp 641–652 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 29, 2018

By C Cavern, G Jacobs, F Durufle, L Ameglio

Airborne geophysics and geomatics is at a crossroads as to whether it remains a viable mapping tool, both technically and commercially, and broadens its potential for new applications (eg environmental monitoring, civil engineering and precision farming). The use of small and stable multisensor aerial platforms to conduct highly flexible surveys flown at a low/reasonable cost of operation is a recurrent wish of many stakeholders in the natural resources exploration and mining industry. Through its Fly Light Airborne Geophysics research program, EXIGE and partners have pushed the development and testing of two new airborne carriers with unique capabilities for geo-surveys: GyroLAG’s gyrocopter and Infotron’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). These carriers are the next generation of versatile and innovative aerial vehicles for remote sensing and monitoring. They are rotary, smart tailored, ultra-high resolution manned (gyrocopter) or autonomous (UAV) airborne platforms that combine the merits of dense data sampling, accurate position location, very low clearance above ground or sea level, slow speed, interchangeable and combined multiple geo-sensors, automatic data quality control and real-time quality assurance. They also have the benefits of being highly efficient, cost-effective, commercially attractive, safe, reliable and easy to deploy and operate. Their technical specifications and multiple advantages compared to traditional aircraft and/or ground crews are presented in this paper. An overview of various geo-sensors (magnetic, gamma-spectrometry, visual, near-infrared and LiDAR) carried on-board is also provided.CITATION:Ameglio, L, Durufle, F, Jacobs, G and Cavern, C, 2015. Light airborne platforms for monitoring mines and minerals, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 11–20 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By A R. Bye

The mining industry is facing some key challenges that provide a compelling case for geometallurgy initiatives. Over the last 30 years, the average grade of Australian orebodies being mined has halved while the waste removed to access the minerals has more than doubled. In the last eight years, the industry’s energy consumption has increased 70 per cent while multi-factored productivity has fallen 24 per cent. The paper documents a broad range of industry case studies which demonstrate strategies for gaining value from geometallurgy.The mining industry constantly faces the key questions of how significant ore variability is on mine valuation and how would knowledge of the variability change the mining schedule, mine to mill design and operation. Using case studies the paper describes the methods used for incorporating mineral extraction attributes into orebody models and their technical integration into daily operation as well as mine planning optimisation. While pit optimisation from a fully attributed geometallurgical model highlights areas of opportunity and risk it is shown that during the scheduling phase of mine planning that significant value can be added. The benefits from these projects included reducing geotechnical and environmental risk, improving mine to mill performance, option analysis and quantified cash flow risk. There is growing acceptance within the minerals industry that ‘realistically assumed modifying factors’ defined by a competent person/s are not sufficient to mitigate the risk of funding mining ventures. Geometallurgy is moving away from factored ore reserves to data-rich block models providing reliable information for mining, metallurgical and environmental considerations.

Sep 5, 2011

By L Mottola

Three decades ago mining companies, principally in North America, aided by machine and explosive manufacturers, started significant attempts to develop and implement automated mining systems, mainly underground. These tended to be motivated by decreasing cost, increasing productivity, reducing labour requirements, and improving safety. These are important business drivers, however, little attention was given to the underlying goal of mining automation, namely to bring upstream processes in control and reducing variation, as seen in downstream mineral processing plants.This paper first reviews the nature of Lean Thinking and its application in the context of the growing commitments by industry to develop future automated mine production systems. The paper then makes reference to prior and current experiences in open pit blasthole drill and shovel performance monitoring, to demonstrate the principle that machine performance data offers as a means, not only to characterise the dynamic geological and working environment, but also to provide a foundation for automation. In this case, drill and shovel monitoring was originally motivated as a means to optimise blast fragmentation through more effective drill and blast designs that are based on an accurate determination of the bench geological and geotechnical characteristics, hence managing variation in the drilling and blasting process. This paper considers how automating and integrating such components of the mine production system would bring processes into a controlled state, creating value at the face, within a framework of Lean mining.

Nov 22, 2011