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By Everson P. T, Moyle F. J

Magnesite-rich and dolomite-rich ores from the Savage River region of Tasmania are being considered as potential feed material for a commercial process for production of magnesia.Two selected samples have been characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis. The materials differ in calcination behaviour, with magnesite decomposing at a significantly lower temperature than dolomite. Calcination conditions have a marked effect on the rate and percentage of magnesium dissolved as the bicarbonate when slurries of the calcine are leached with carbon dioxide. From a process point of view, the feed should have the highest possible magnesite/dolomite ratio, while the optimum calcination conditions are determined by the behaviour of the magnesite component of the feed.From batch calcination tests, it is apparent that the optimum calcination conditions for magnesite-rich ore are a temperature in the vicinity of 700°C and a calcination time of one hour.

Jan 1, 1981

Fine coal is defined as material with a maximum size of 1/2 in. Various methods for separate washing of such coal are discussed briefly because separate treatment can lead to a higher overall recovery of coal or to a product having a lower ash content.A felspar jig is discussed in detail because it is the method most recently adopted in Australia, and because it has the advantages of compactness, flexibility and automatic Gontrol, with minimum operator attention. This jig has a variety of adjustable controls to enable the desired results to be obtained from a wide range of coals and the general application of each control is discussed.The only separate treatment of fine coal in the Illawarra district is by felspar jigs on Bulli seam coal.INTRODUCTIONAll reasonably large Australian collieries now win coal by mechanical methods. but while mechanization leads to more economic production of high tonnages, it also changes the characteristics of the coal won. In particular there is an increased proportion of fines, and an increased ash and moisture content. However, specifications of coal for sale have become more stringent, and consumers now require coals in a definite size range with a lower and more uniform ash content, as well as with a low and uniform moisturecontent.These factors have led to the need to wash and grade run-of-mine coal at the pithead. In' plants where the whole of the run-of-mine coal is treated in a jig, some of the fine coal in the feed is beneficiated; the extent depending on factors such as the type of coal and the feed rate. However, for dense medium treatment, fine coal must first be screened out, and there may then be no washing of fine coal at all.

Jan 1, 1961

By Singh DP, Singh TN

The present study attempts to critically review the pillar-design as required by Coal Mines Regulations of India vis-a-vis latest rockmechanics formulae. Equivalent material modelling was the approach adopted for testing the safety and stability of the pillar sizes predicted by various formulae. Two parameters, considered here for calculating pillar sizes was the stresses acting over the pillars and the strength of the pillars. Stresses acting on the pillars were calculated by the tributary area method. Based on the studies of Coates and Hustrulid, the stress obtained was reduced by 40 percent. For calculating the strength of the pillars, three formulae, namely Holland and Gaddy, Salamon and Munro and Central Mining Research Station, India, were used. The pillar widths were then determined by equating the product of recommended factor of safety and pillar stress with the pillar Strength.

Jan 1, 1992

By Little T. N

The Western Australian School of Mines is continuing to investigate the blasting techniques and mining strategies that are used for ore/waste separation (or high grade/low grade ore separation) or to prevent ore and waste mixing. The aim of all the mining strategies is to produce an optimum product. The optimum product is one which contains no diluent and undergoes no mixing of the various identified ore and waste blocks and is fully recovered at the minimum overall operating cost. The current study includes the use of computerised Knowledge Based Systems (KBS) technology to assist the user with the blast technique selection and blast design process. These aspects are highly dependent on the geology. (geometry, rock mass properties, grade distribution), explosive performance and the expectations of the mining company in terms of production rates and equipment utilisation. Most of these factors are not well defined and nor are they easy to quantify. However, a large amount of knowledge does exist and is available in the following forms: rules of thumb, empirical formulae, engineering judgement and past experience. KBS techniques are well adapted to handle such"forms of knowledge. The primary objective of this paper is to illustrate an approach for the use of Knowledge Based Systems during the analysis and interpretation stages of the blast design process. In particular, the components and methodology of the developed system are described for selective open pit gold mining. The Knowledge Based System developed was written using the declarative programming language PROLOG.

Jan 1, 1990

By Schoning W. L

Ore deposit models form the basis for numerous other economic decisions in the mining process. The success of these economic decisions therefore depend directly on the accuracy of the ore evaluation process. The Geology Department at the Sishen Iron Ore Mine is responsible for the generation of a reliable geological computer model of the rock material with predicted grades. This information is then utilised for further ore reserve calculations, mine planning, production scheduling and grade control. Owing to a very complex geological orebody, grades and beneficiation characteristics differ significantly from sample to sample. This means that ore evaluation is a difficult process and great reliance is placed on computer techniques. In 1993, preparation for the ISO 9002 quality certification of the mine motivated the Geology Department to hold formal `problem solving' sessions in order to identify and revise problem areas in operating

Jan 1, 1995

By E Hernandez, I Agustian, W Kusumohastuti

PT Freeport Indonesia is completing the first underground gyratory crusher excavation at their Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) mine located in the mountains of Jayawijaya, District of West Papua, Indonesia. DMLZ is an underground block cave mine with an expected output of 80 000?t/d and a scheduled production start in 2015.In order to deliver crushed ore to the mill through the existing conveyor belt, the DMLZ block cave mine will construct two 1000?kW 1.6?×?2.3?m gyratory crushers with their own respective ore flow conveying systems underground. Each crusher is composed of top, middle, and bottom chambers with an ore bin. This system includes a series of high capacity conveyors approximately 5 km in length including transfer stations and support facilities.The development methodology required a combination of lateral development by jumbo drilling machines and vertical development by mechanised raise climbers (MRC) due to the complexity of the chamber design.This paper will discuss the project scope, design and development methodology, ground conditions, innovative survey controls, and the challenges faced due to the remote location.CITATION:Hernandez, E, Kusumohastuti, W and Agustian, I, 2014. Excavating the first underground Gyratory Crusher at the Deep Mill Level Zone mine, PT Freeport Indonesia, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 43–50 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Mar 24, 2014

By Morgans DJ

The aim of this paper is to highlight the social aspects involved in the preparation of environmental impact studies (E.I.S.'s) for mining developments. In particular, the paper will reveal that the social information provided in such E.I.S.'s can achieve much more than simply satisfying government requirements. Such information can form the basis of a strategy to deal with the settlement of a mine workforce in either an existing or newly developed community. A strategy of this type can go a long way towards avoiding many of the social problems and related industrial disputes often created in such circumstances. It will also be of significant benefit to the mining company in negotiating its infrastructure package with the local authority.

Jan 1, 1987

By J Seppelt

The Kanmantoo Copper Project is owned and operated by Hillgrove Resources Limited and is situated in the Adelaide Hills region in South Australia. Mining in the area has taken place off and on over the last 140 years to recover metal from both copper and lead-zinc ores. This paper focuses on the commissioning, ramp up and future outlook for the copper concentrator at the Kanmantoo Copper Project with major focus on issues encountered and operating performance achieved to date.CITATION:Seppelt, J, 2012. Commissioning of the Kanmantoo Copper Concentrator, in Proceedings 11th AusIMM Mill OperatorsÆ Conference, pp 127-136 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Oct 29, 2012

The ""comparable sales"" method of valuation attributes value to an asset by reference to actual sales of comparable assets or to the market capitalisation of companies with comparable assets. This methodology is widely used in real estate valuations. The real estate approach can be used to value mining and exploration properties where there are actual sales of comparable or similar assets in the recent past. The practical limitations of the comparable sales method are well known and self evident: limited number of transactions, limitations on comparability and inadequate data. The real value of the comparable sales method is in its use as a validity check. Estimates of value of mining and exploration assets are so sensitive to so many variables that all valuation methods have limitations. Accordingly there is real value in attempting to establish benchmarks from comparable sales. Apparently sophisticated valuation methods can mislead by creating the impression that valuation is a precise science. The judgement of the valuer is critical and judgements can be wrong. Any available evidence from actual sales that are even remotely comparable can provide useful input to the valuation process.

Jan 1, 1994

Buoyant levels of world economic growth and recovery in intensity of metals usage suggest that demand for minerals will remain relatively strong into the 1990's. Supply constraints, low stock to use ratios, financial and political factors imply lower elasticities of supply for minerals in the future. The outlook for minerals and metals prices from a pro-ducers viewpoint is, accordingly, promising.The recent recovery in world minerals prices, following strong growth in the world economy over the last few years, makes it appropriate to consider the structural forces at work in the formation of world demand and supply of minerals. This paper will review past trends and consider some of the main economic issues facing the mining industry in the 1990's.

Jan 1, 1990

There is a Chinese saying-may you live in interesting times. Certainly we do tod.a~our mining professions. We are, of course, totally dependent on a' healthy mining industry for the chance to practice our chosen professions, and for our Institute.Let us look at one of the more interesting facts. The mining industry now accounts for some 50 per cent of Australia's exports.This massive earning of foreign exchange is the key to keeping our increasing overseas debt in check. Furthermore, mineral production..including petroleum, saves us a large amount of foreign currency by providing essential minerals, including energy minerals, for local consumption.With such fundamental inputs to our economy, any primary school student, any child in fact, should be able to see that the mining industry and mining professions are very important to our nation. Yet the average citizen is unaware of this simple fact as they enjoy their high standard'of living and think that we are still living in the lucky country.Therefore, it is most interesting to me that the average citizen, and most of our politicians, seem to hold mining and miners in low esteem. I use the term miners to describe all those important people, like us, who work in the mining professions, and are employed by, or are dependent on, the mining industry.So why are we miners in this paradoxical situation of doing wonderful works, being the backbone of the country, and yet being held in low regard by the very community we underwrite.Truly-it is interesting-or did the Chinese mean intriguing?It is indeed paradoxical that we are the rare people who open up the land, borrow small parts of it for a relatively short time to harvest the mineral crops, then return it to the community for other uses; and when we return the land back to the community at large it should be in better shape than when we started. There will be infrastructure - roads, airstrips, supplies of water and power, parks and housing-all left behind after mining.These benefits to the community are ignored while our critics focus on the small scars on the landscape which sometimes cannot be healed at reasonable cost; and yet, if we allow time, nature usually heals the small scars anyway. Look at New Zealand, particularly the Coromandel Peninsula which was intensively mined and logged; now it is covered with secondary growth and stark pine plantations. Remember that mining scars are infinitesimally small when compared to urban sprawl or clearing of land for farming and grazing, or highways, or the area of most national parks.Thus, miners are important citizens economically, and we are the majority of the few who actually practice the principles of multiple land use.What are the consequences of our image? They are serious in that the poor image we seem to project, discourages many people from becoming involved in, or supportive of, our industry. This brings me to my theme for the year: Students, Education and Communication - the Key to our Future.

Jan 1, 1987

By A C. Carter

The increasing need for alternative energy sources as well as the less clearly perceived but equally increasing demand for non-fuel minerals has resulted in extensive exploitation of near surface deposits. Many such deposits have depleted reserves and mining corporations are increasingly turning their attention to deposits, with thicker overburden, less competent materials, steeper dips and more complex structure. These deposits pose mine layout, geotechnical and equipment problems as well as the need for large outputs to achieve economies of scale. The paper describes the major problems and operational solutions for such deposits using continuous excavation and transport equipment.

Jan 1, 1980

Mining companies often view water quality as an environmental issue. The importance of water quality as a production related issue in mineral beneficiation is greatly underestimated at many mineral processing operations. While most mine sites have comprehensive water balance data for water quantity, the information regarding the quality of water supplies available on site is limited, inadequate or non-existent. The seasonal variations in process water quality and changes in the composition of various water streams are not known. Despite the fact that water represents about 80 to 90 per cent of the volume of mineral pulp processed in a flotation plant, the influence of process water composition on flotation performance is often poorly understood. The process water used at mineral processing operations is made up from a number of available water sources, which can be classified as recycled water streams or make-up waters. The recycled water streams are commonly the tailings and concentrate thickener overflows, filtrate from the concentrate filtration plant and tailings dam return water. Make-up waters can originate from a variety of sources: surface waters (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, dams), groundwater (wells and springs), mains water (potable water), treated and untreated sewage waters and industrial effluents. Mineral processing plants are increasingly recycling water to reduce demand for fresh water and minimise the discharge of wastewater to the environment. However, increasing water recycling can have adverse effects on process water quality and ultimately on the performance of mineral separation processes. The main reasons for reduced plant performance due to water recycling are the accumulation of organic and inorganic compounds in the process water and increased microbiological activities. Other detrimental effects of water recycling can be increased reagent consumption and inefficient dewatering of tailings and concentrates. Recycling of water also tends to accumulate very fine suspended particles. Excessive amounts of slimes in the process water can also have an adverse effect on mineral beneficiation processes. The main constituents of process water are dissolved gases (oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide), colloidal and suspended solids of inorganic and organic nature (including micro-organisms: dead or alive), dissolved organics (natural organic matter, residual reagents, reaction and decomposition by-products of chemical reagents, impurities in the reagents and metabolites originating from microbiological activities) and inorganic compounds (acids, alkalis, inorganic salts, metal ions, anions and heavy metals). Inputs to the chemical composition of process waters are: dissolution of soluble mineral phases present in the ore, surface oxidation followed by dissolution of mineral particles during grinding and mineral processing, the chemical composition of various make-up waters and recycled water streams, and reagent additions during mineral processing. The beneficial or detrimental impact of process water quality on flotation performance can be attributed to a number of subprocesses: adsorption and/or precipitation of inorganic and organic species present in the process water onto the surface of mineral particles, chemical reactions between process water constituents and the chemical species present on the surface of mineral particles and interactions between the chemical and microbiological species present in the process water and the various reagent species added in solution during mineral processing. Dissolved chemical species such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, sulfates, phosphates and carbonates can have a strong effect on the electrokinetic properties of oxide and sulfide minerals, at certain pH ranges. Several reactions can occur at the solid-liquid interface that can play an important role in determining surface adsorption of reagents. Solid-liquid interfacial properties of mineral particles can be significantly affected by the conformation of adsorbed and precipitated reagent layers, which in turn are determined by solution chemistry. The chemical and microbiological constituents of process water can have a significant effect on liquid-gas interfacial properties and have a strong influence on froth height, strength and stability during flotation. Water chemistry can play an important role in determining the interactions between minerals present in the ore and the chemical reagents added in the mineral processing plant by altering the reagent-solution and mineral-solution equilibria. These interactions can include dissolution, micellisation and precipitation of reagents, dissolution of minerals contained in the ore followed by hydrolysis, complexation, adsorption and precipitation of dissolved chemical species and reactions between dissolved ions and various reagent species present in solution. All of the above mentioned subprocesses can ultimately have a significant effect on the efficiency of mineral processing operations. In this presentation, a systematic approach for assessing the composition of water supplies available at the mine sites and for investigating the influence of process water quality on the efficiency of mineral processing operations will be discussed. The consequences of mixing different quality water streams to produce the required volumes of process water for some flotation plants will be highlighted. To substantiate the water quality issues described in this paper some examples are given from a metalliferous processing perspective. However, the topics described in the paper are not only relevant to metalliferous processing but to all other type of mineral processing operations as well. In fact the principles described in this paper have also been successfully applied to the coal flotation industry.

Jan 1, 2006

By P Blattner

The Late Miocene gold-silver bearing epithermal system at Waihi has some close similarities in its paleo-thermal and geochemical structure with modern, volcanic-hosted geothermal systems such as Ohaaki-Broadlands. At Waihi an extensive braided quartz vein system is enveloped by hydrothermally altered andesites with minor tuff breccias and tuffs. A main stage of vein filling consists of multiple phases of chalcedonic quartz and fine to medium grained quartz, which are accompanied by pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and acanthite below the base of oxidation. Platy calcite is present locally. Fluid inclusion studies indicate that the main stage quartz was deposited at temperatures of 189¦-273¦C from dilute (Tm of -0.1 to -1.0¦C) fluids that were locally boiling. Homogenisation temperature Th versus Tm data points lie within the field enveloped by dilution and boiling/gas loss paths determined for the Ohaaki geothermal field, and indicates that the parent hydrothermal fluid for the Waihi epithermal system had a similar composition to that at Ohaaki, ie 0.2 wt% equiv NaCl and 3.3 wt% equiv CO2. The hydrothermal alteration mineralogy and the isotopic composition of vein calcite indicate that the hydrothermal fluid contained relatively high concentrations of CO2 , as at Ohaaki. Oxygen isotope analyses of main stage quartz range from 6.1 to 11.6 %0 and of vein calcite from 2.29 to 9.4%0. Calculated d18Owater values for the hydrothermal fluid that deposited the main stage quartz range from 2.0 to -5.7%0, with a trend to less negative values with depth. They are similar to those in the deep chloride fluid in active geothermal systems with a substantial fluid throughput. A high fluid throughput at Waihi system is also evident from the extensive high intensity hydrothermal alteration and large volume of quartz deposited in the vein system.

Jan 1, 1995

JUDGING from the attitude of past and present Parliaments in Australia, it is a' reasonable assumption that encouragement of the principal industries has been adopted as a main principle in the government of the country, but while in most cases bonuses, subsidies, and other means have been proved successful and become recognized as established methods in the case of mining, which is undoubtedly one of the most important industries, the question is complicated by difference of conditions and variable quantities, and it can scarcely be said that any system has been proved generally successful. Indeed, it would not be a very extravagant statement to assert that problems connected with affording direct monetary assistance in aid of mining development, and at the same time devising a system adaptable to the varying conditions to be met, are, in every State of the Oommonwealth, matters continually exercising the minds of those concerned in providing and ailocating such assistance ie Parliament on the one hand, and the Department of Mines on the other.True, there are methods in vogue of granting State assistance to the mining industry which have undoubtedly been successful, but it is in most cases questionable whether the beneficial results following successful expenditure in one direction have compensated.

Jan 1, 1911

By D J. Clark, R F. Wright, M D. Goodz

The A1 Gold Mine is a Devonian-age narrow vein high-grade gold deposit located 115 km east of Melbourne. The mine operated almost continuously from 1861 to 1992 producing 442 334 ounces of gold (13.8 t) from 530 436 tonnes from primary gold ore tonnes processed at an average recovered grade of 25.9 g/t Au. The A1 dyke was attributed with a yield exceeding 620 000 ounces (19.3 t) of gold (including gold in alluvial and tailings deposits), and was renowned as one of VictoriaÆs premier mines paying considerable dividends. The orebody was principally in a diorite dyke bulge 150 m long, 45 m wide and 700 m deep and was mined via two vertical shafts. The mine site was closed in 1992 and the site was rehabilitated in 1999. In 2008 - 2009, a diamond drilling program identified various extensions to the host dyke lithology and to gold-bearing quartz vein filled fault zones over a 700 m strike length. The outcome of this study was the establishment of a mine geology corridor four times longer in strike length than the original 1970s model. This opens A1 dyke hosted deposit style to exploration outside the historical dyke bulge and provides exploration opportunity for all similar deposits. Construction of the first 3D geological model has developed new insights on the host rock diorite dyke system and identified various extensions to both host stratigraphy and to gold-bearing mineralised structures. Coarse visible gold in quartz vein mineralisation (>30 g/t Au) and medium-grade stockwork mineralisation (8 - 15 g/t Au) has been intersected within 100 m of the surface and up to 300 m along strike of the nearest historical underground workings. At depth it appears that the mineralisation is continuous with the main dyke body with consideration of minor rotation in the strike orientation and limited reverse thrust faulting showing maximum displacement of 10 - 20 m. Along the A1 mine corridor, between two and five parallel dykes are observed at different drill sections. The gold mineralisation is hosted mainly within the dyke rocks, but where the sedimentary rocks are intensely silicified or are xenolith rafts, the gold mineralisation continues across these sedimentary rock blocks. There has been inference to the role of silicified sedimentary rocks as a second ore host and a bounding material for inflections in fault and vein orientations. In the central 150 m long A1 mine dyke bulge, the extremities are demarcated by four to five parallel dyke fingers (referred to as apophyses) going both north and south. These apophyses are clearly observed both vertically and horizontally between levels No 4 and No 9. The dyke fingers entrap sedimentary rock xenoliths and collectively form the A1 dyke æcorridorÆ, which is quite uniform in overall width from the easternmost contact (footwall) to the westernmost contact (hanging wall). Dyke fingers were assumed to coalesce at depth into a single dyke, but recent drilling shows this feature to repeat in several positions with depth and along strike. Key observations are the relationship between gold grade and fracture density, alteration, sulfidation, host rock morphology û relation of contact shape and fault zones. These relationships allow for the classification of prospectivity indicators and geology as a guide to potential extensions of mineralised zones. Mining geology is contributing to the whole-of-mine life planning and development where decline path, stockpile and infrastructure positions are controlled by geology.

Jan 1, 2009

The aim of all modelling is to replicate geological reality as closely as possible using available data. This paper is aimed at one end of the spectrum, where very limited data is combined with intuitive geological ideas to synthesise models for either target definition or for determining minimum viable mining scenarios. Interactive 3D modelling allows a satisfactory hypothetical geometry of surfaces to be assembled, and provides a fast quantitative method for generating targets. As data flows from exploration, an evolving geological model assists with the progressive evaluation of a prospect. Two case histories are described where this approach has been used successfully, the Mosquito Hill Prospect in Queensland and the Longwood Ranges Platinum Prospect in New Zealand. The possibility is also discussed of hypothetically modelling an orebody which has yet to be discovered. The proper description of an orebody is the foundation upon which all mine design and planning is undertaken. The volumetric accuracy of the model is crucial in valuing an orebody. Geologists must form a geometry which matches the conceptual view of the ore occurrence and ensure that they understand how the computer system used calculates volumes. If the underlying assumptions inherent in the method conflict in any way with the conceptual model visualised for the ore occurrence, then that method must not be used.

Jan 1, 1995

By M E. Taulis, S Hayton, D A. Manhire, J G. Pope

Successful development of coal seam gas (CSG) resources in low-rank coalfields such as the Powder River Basin has raised interest in CSG from low rank coal in New Zealand. Kenham Holdings Limited holds 12 Petroleum Exploration Permits (PEP) covering some of New ZealandÆs low-rank coal and lignite resources and has engaged CRL Energy Limited to assist in the systematic evaluation of the CSG potential of the permits. To date, exploration results from seven New Zealand coalfields reflect differences in coal type, rank, depositional environment and depth of burial between coalfields. Several of the explored coalfields are considered prospective for CSG. One of the most advanced Kenham exploration programmes is in the Hawkdun Coalfield, Central Otago.   The Hawkdun Coalfield contains a single, thick lignite seam with properties that are similar to the Powder River Basin. Preliminary results indicate the Hawkdun Coalfield is prospective for CSG with the potential to contain between 25 and 60 PJ of gas; enough to supply a 30MW power station for ten to 25 years. Further drilling is planned to investigate the economic viability of the Hawkdun Coalfield. The in situ permeability of the lignite, the amount and availability of free gas, gas saturation at depth and market opportunities will determine its economic viability. If initial pumping and production results in the planned exploration programme are promising, the Hawkdun Coalfield will be further developed with additional production drillholes to form a trial production pod.

Jan 1, 2004

By Pollmans GJ, Hoberg H, Schneider FU

The Institute of Mineral Processing at Aachen University of Technology has been engaged in fine and ultrafine comminution for several years. Former investigations had been dealing with the mechanical activation with the aim of increasing the solubility of highly resistant oxides such as tantalite and niobite while research on the product of ultrafine powders is of major importance at the moment. Materials of that kind are of increasing interest in the production of extremely resistant ceramics, in the development of new raw materials, in powder metallurgy and in the production of fillers (extender pigments) and pigments. The creation of ultrafine powders is difficult and very expensive. They can be produced by means of condensation or dispersion methods. One important method of dispersion is mechanical comminution. Due to long and intensive research and development all over the world important advances have been achieved but still a great number of questions and problems occur especially in producing materials of submicron and nanometer grain sizes which could be answered or solved only insufficiently up to now. These mentioned difficulties refer especially to: ò the required energy input into the feed material, ò the forming of strong agglomerates and wall stickings, ò the required product qualities, and ò the entire and reliable characterisation of the products. Basic investigation aim to clarify the micro and macro processes of ultrafine grinding and work towards solutions to the difficulties mentioned above. The aim of the Institute's research is the development of a new grinding device for producing ultrafine powders. First results of a laboratory scale mill of that type will be presented in this paper.

Jan 1, 1993

By M L. van Kampen

The Resource Management Act 1991 provides for activities to be classified as permitted, controlled, restricted discretionary, discretionary, non-complying or prohibited in district and regional plans. This paper looks at the use of the prohibited activity status to restrict, in particular, mining. Often the use of prohibited activity status for mining appears to have no basis other than the negative perceptions that the local community and/or the planner drafting the plan has toward mining and quarrying.   The paper will address the current appeal regarding the use of prohibited activity status now before the Court of Appeal, and the history to the litigation. The relevance of the outcome of the appeal to the minerals sector will also be explained.

Jan 1, 2007