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By P Clark, P A. Kirsch, R Tapia Rivera

Community members’ sources of information about companies’ social investments are often influenced by the messages in a variety of communication channels, such as newspapers, television and social media. In this sea of communication channels, corporate communications may not always have the desired effect in influencing community perceptions. This paper explores the efficacy of communication between mining companies and communities in Chile through content analysis of corporate sustainability reports and newspaper reporting.Chilean media reporting between 2005 and 2013 is examined to identify community perceptions of corporate social investments made by mining companies. Content within the Chilean newspapers El Mercurio (national) and Soy Chile (regional) is contrasted with content from corporate sustainability reports published by The National Copper Corporation of Chile (Codelco) and Barrick Gold Corporation, Canada (Barrick) for the same period. The objective is to identify differences in the way that corporate social investments are reported by companies in sustainable development reporting and by media in newspapers.Overall, the study demonstrates that the media’s framing and reporting of corporate activities was more negative than positive. Moreover, media outlets tended to focus upon the ‘negative impacts’ or ‘damage’ to communities brought about by mining developments. Conversely, companies’ public communications were largely focused upon direct improvements in livelihoods (health, education, etc) of neighbouring communities. This preliminary study provides a baseline for the development of new formats of effective communication with neighbouring communities. The paper advocates for an increase in participatory mechanisms with affected parties, which could lead towards a greater mutual understanding of the impacts and draw parties closer together.CITATION:Tapia Rivera, R, Kirsch, P A and Clark, P, 2014. Challenging Perceptions? Sustainability Reporting, the Media and Mining, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2014 , pp 413–426 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 16, 2014

By Collings P. S, Adair D. L

The Upper Robe (Robe Gorge) deposits occur in Kumina Creek and the Robe River, some 20-40 km upstream from mining operations at Pannawonica. The Gorge Deposits were rec- ognised, mapped and sampled in 1962-3 and re- examined in detail in 1971. Approximately 180 mineralized occurrences were mapped in 1971 on 1:4800 scale and 50 of these were remapped in detail at 1:1200 scale. Eighty cross sections were measured and sampled and 300 geological maps prepared. In addition 88 holes totalling 7388 feet were drilled in three occurrences considered to have the greatest potential. The Gorge Deposits occur in the Robe Pisolite unit which forms thin remnant crusts, bay fillings and occasional cut-off meanders along the edge of the present streams. Less than 50 of the deposits have tonnage potential of one million or more. Consequently exploit- ation of the Gorge reserves must be considered as a very uncertain, long range possibility because the deposits are small and scattered throughout the gorges in the area, thereby necessitating costly railroad spur lines to gain mining access. Grade of the occurrences is extremely variable over short distances both vertically

Jan 1, 1973

By Hayes P. C

The kinetics of reduction of PbO-silicate melts in CO-N gas mixtures at 900¦C have been studied. Rea~tion rates were measured by moni- toring the CO2 content of the product gas. A wide range of gas and melt compositions and gas flowrates have been investigated. The overall reaction rates in heterogen- eous systems are typically characterised by a steady increase as the gas flowrate is in- creased. At low flowrates the processes are limited by gas film mass transfer. At high flowrates it is expected that the rates will tend to maximum values determined by either the rate limiting chemical reaction or diffusion in the condensed phase. In the present series of experiments it has been found that for any given gas composition the overall reduction rate goes through a maximum with increasing gas flow. The maxima, which occur at relatively low gas flows, are more than an order of magni- tude greater than those observed at high gas flowrates. The results of these and other experiments are presented and analysed. Possible rate limiting mechanisms in the reaction system and their implications regarding commercial reactors are discussed.

Jan 1, 1987

By George G

The Circum-Pacific Map Project is a cooperative international effort to prepare and publish geological, geophysical and mineral resource maps of the Pacific Basin and adjacent land areas. Earth scientists representing 180 organizations from more than 40 Pacific Rim countries are participating in the work. The project is directed by a committee established 14 years ago as an activity of the non-profit Circuin-Pacific Council for Energy and Mineral Resources. Technical and cartographic support is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. The Circum-Pacific Map Project is organized under five regional panels of experts on the geology and resources of the four quadrants of the Pacific and Antarctica. A series of five 1:10,000,000-scale regional maps and a 1:17,000,000-scale map of the entire Project area, the Pacific Basin Sheet, provide the cartographic base. Forty-eight individual sheets are planned and thirty have been published in eight different series, including base maps, geography, plate tectonics, geology, energy resources, mineral resources, tectonics and geodynamics. Additional special single-sheet thematic maps on the Pacific Basin base have been published and are planned for a total of more than 50 individual sheets.

Jan 1, 1987

By G R Ryan

Recent events have raised the issue of whether, and if so when and how, an explorer may gather data from a mining tenement or permit which is held under the relevant mining Act by another party. Two situations arise: that of the small operator who wishes to prospect, and if successful mark off, ground held by others by virtue of the local form of exploration permit; and that of a regional explorer who may wish to enter on to some one else's existing mining tenement within the region of interest. The legal situation varies from state to state. At present the broad consensus seems to be that, provided consent is given, small-scale prospecting on another's exploration permit is at least tolerated if not actually provided for by the relevant Act. Entry onto a granted tenement to carry out any form of exploration is, however, prohibited in all jurisdictions unless consent is given. Furthermore it would appear that the proposal and conclusion of a joint venture agreement places certain obligations upon the party proposing to carry out exploration. These conclusions apply where ground surveys are proposed. Where data acquisition is by aerial survey the situation is much less clear, principally it would appear, because up to now little thought has been given to it. If trespass applies at ground level, at what height does it cease to apply? Can aerial magnetometry or photography be classified as prospecting? Is there an obligation upon public authorities who carry out remote sensing to make data available to the holders of mining tenements within the surveyed areas? Moves are now afoot to address these and other considerations, and it would be in the interests of everyone if a national approach to the problem could be adopted from the beginning. Certain suggestions in this respect are put forward.

Jan 1, 1994

The paper describes the $US240 million expansion at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co LimitedÆs operations in Canada. The company has been continuously producing copper and zinc from local area mines at its Flin Flon metallurgical plant since 1930. The paper details the companyÆs operational turnaround since 1995 and æThe 777 ProjectÆ which includes: two new mines, expansion and modification of the concentrators, expansion of the zinc pressure leach plant, a new zinc electrolytic cellhouse and the modifications to the copper smelter gas handling system to reduce ground level gas emissions.

Jan 1, 2000

By Falconer A. J

Two magnetic parameters are proposed as a basis for the assessment of ironsands beneficiation. The parameters are deter- mined for raw sand prior to dredging and for magnetic separator head feed over a production period of five months. The relationships between these parameters and the performance of the magnetic separators are examined to establish the value of magnetic assessment compared with the traditional soluble iron assay method. The results illustrate that the first parameter, true magnetic fraction (TMF), has a value superior to that of soluble iron when relating raw sand grade calculated by tri- angulation to magnet performance. In terms of the relationship between magnet head feed grade and magnet performance, TMF and soluble iron perform equally as assessment parameters. For the ironsands mined during the five month period, the second magnetic assessment parameter, composite fraction (CR), is shown to merely reflect TMF and offers no additional information for assess- Ment. Conclusions are that true magnetic fraction has many advantages over soluble iron in terms of time and cost of determination and that it is a meaningful and reliable parameter upon which to base all calculations relating to the mining and beneficiation of ironsands.

Jan 1, 1980

The search for an efficient and economic machine to excavate hard rock continues. Development of the Robbins Mobile Miner commenced in 1983 with the formation of a joint venture between Mount Isa Mines Limited and The Robbins Company. Construction of the machine ensued and preliminary trials to verify the cutting action were undertaken in the USA prior to transportation to and assembly at Mount I-sa where mining commenced in September 1984. Initially, the machine was used to develop the S60 Decline which serves as a combined access and conveyor drive for the Southern 1100 Orebody Ore Handling System.

Jan 1, 1988

By S Rice, A Midlin

Many of the stacking and reclaiming machines employed in the mining industry today are operating in ways that were never envisaged in the days before they were commissioned, with greater throughput, increased annualised operating hours and load cycles well in excess of their original specification requirements being the norm. In many cases these machines were supplied prior to the widespread use of finite element modelling or, in the era when such software became commercially available, those supplied designed using simplified and/or coarser meshes than would be employed today. With many of these machines being expected to operate for many years to come, it is important that their ongoing reliability be maintained and their operational limits understood. In this paper, a case study is used to outline the method required for estimating the fatigue life already consumed and the likely real life left in a machine. By reference to the machineÆs prior operating history, the use of strain gauges in the field and the development of finely meshed finite element analysis (FEA), a coherent picture of the machineÆs operational state can be generated and then investment/maintenance decisions made to ensure continuity of machine operation.

Jan 1, 2007

A case-study is presented of the tailings dam of Nairne Pyrites Pty. Ltd., at Brukunga, South Australia. The methods of-construction and operation of the dam are outlined over the whole working life of the mine. Procedures of soil mechanics used to estimate the stability 'of the face of the dam are described, and seepage problems are dis- cussed. It is concluded that the dam is basically stable, and enabled Nairne Pyrites Pty. Ltd. to dispose of tailings economically, although more attention to seepage control may have been ad- vantageous. Suggestions are made on the construction and operation of tailings dams elsewhere.

Jan 1, 1975

By W Wu

The prospect of discrete element modelling (DEM) being used as an everyday design tool for transfer chutes in the iron ore mining industry is becoming more and more probable. However, much care needs to be taken to ensure accurate results are obtained. Whilst there are many publications in industry portraying the potential of DEM, there is little evidence of where it has been validated against a real set of experimental results. The purpose of this investigation was to gauge whether the incorporation of the physical properties of a specific bulk material at the DEM pre-processing stage can yield visually and numerically accurate simulations for a simple flow case. Effects such as irregular particle shapes, varying frictional properties and coefficients of restitution, all found through experimentation were investigated. Video analysis was used to compare simulations to real flow cases. It was found the most critical attributes in determining the accuracy of the simulations were particle shape and wall friction. Keeping the particle-to-wall friction factor constant was not sufficient to describe the flow accurately. But by introducing the varying effects of wall friction with consolidation stress, the correct results were simulated.

Jan 1, 2007

TSG Consulting works with many of the major global mining companies using simulation modelling as an integral component in their development teamÆs processes to determine which combination of infrastructure options, operating performance and operating rules best achieve project goals. All systems can be divided into a series of subprocesses. Conventional management and design practices focus on the optimisation of these system components. However, the interaction between subprocesses means that improvements made to the individual components do not necessarily translate into total system performance improvement.TSG Consulting advocates a ætotal integrated system approachÆ to understanding the behaviour and performance of complex interacting systems. In a constraint-based integrated set of processes, the instantaneous system capacity is limited by the subsystem component capacity that is the bottleneck at that point in time. Additionally, real world stochastic and dynamic influences tend to have knock-on effects across subsystem boundaries. This necessitates the requirement for simulation modelling to develop and validate solutions that are sufficiently robust to deliver sustainable outcomes. The key to maximising production is to understand the causes and effects the inherent variability has on component performance, subprocess performance and most importantly, the total integrated system performance. The correct use of simulation modelling techniques allows study teams to evaluate the relative merits of different capacity enhancement proposals. Put simply, when done well, simulation modelling provides a quantitative and rational process to enhance the knowledge and insight needed to make informed decisions.

Jan 1, 2007

By Finlayson E, Hilyard D, Francis G

Papua New Guinea's mainland is dominated by a foreland thrust belt, which can be divided into two zones. The "body" zone is floored by Palaeozoic granites and metamorphics of the Fly Platform (Tasman Orogen). Underlying the "tail" zone is Papuan Plateau, rifted from the Tasman Orogen during Coral Sea spreading, and believed to underlie the Papuan Peninsula and Papuan Islands region (D'Entrecasteaux, Woodlark, Misima, Sudest, and Rossel Islands). Thrusting began in the Miocene and continues today in the crust below the "body" zone. The youngest known thrusted rocks in the "tail" zone are Pliocene in age. Recognition of foreland thrusting has major implications for petroleum prospectivity of the Papuan and North New Guinea Basins, mineral exploration prospectivity, and geological terrane identification in PNG.

Jan 1, 1987

By J Galvin

This paper addresses the actions of the Australian mining industry, its regulators and educational providers towards ensuring that a pool of competent mine managers is maintained in Australia and that mine management remains a desirable career path for future mining professionals. The Australian and global mining industries are experiencing an acute skills shortage. Mine managers, traditionally drawn from the ranks of mining engineers, are at the sharp end of this shortage. Exacerbating the shortage is a perception that a professional mine manager is not an attractive career option. This perception is influenced by the following forces which combine to make the role of a modern mine manager very demanding:legislative requirements for owners and managers to ensure (guarantee) the safety and health of employees; an increasing trend towards prosecution over exposure to risks to health and safety a need to be more aware and responsive to community and environment; financial, technical and æpeopleÆ pressures traditionally associated with the job of managing a mine; and mine management roles being filled by younger and less experienced professionals. Universities and other educational providers have the challenge of both ensuring that undergraduates are exposed to these issues during their study and continuing to promote mine management as a desirable career option. Anecdotal and statistical evidence indicates that young graduates are choosing and remaining in technical roles rather than taking on the challenge of mine management. Furthermore, it is suspected that the issues referred to above are contributing to the low retention rate of young professionals at mine sites. The challenges are not insurmountable, however. This paper reviews the initiatives of industry, the regulators and educational institutions in addressing these challenges. It includes a focus on:prosecution policies and their impacts, tertiary education program content and delivery modes, CPD initiatives of the Mine Managers Association of Australia, and alternative pathways for obtaining mine management qualifications.

Jan 1, 2006

This paper reviews the role of fill in mining including consolidated fill both histor- ically and currently as determined by a recent survey of the Fill Subcommittee of the Canadian Advisory Committee on Rock Mechanics (CACRM). It covers the application of fill in modern min- ing methods including mechanized cut and fill, undercut and fill, post pillar cut and fill and longhole pillar recovery between stabilized fill. An automated fill preparation plant and recent developments in rotary drilling of hydraulic fill conducting holes are described briefly. The paper also summarizes the findings of some of the important laboratory and field work carried out on the behaviour of fill in Canada, the United States and Australia and again draws on current information obtained from the Fill Subcommittee of the CACRM. Space limitations and unavailability of suitable material prohi- bit the summary of similar information from other countries.

Jan 1, 1973

By Dredge K, Becker G

The successful dissolution of the valuable metal components of a solid phase is often a basic requirement for a successful hydrometallurgical treatment process. Sulphide concentrates are often an intermediate product in the production of refined metals. These concentrates need to be further processed to realise the contained metal values in a useful form. Pyrometallurgical techniques have tended to dominate, at least the initial treatment of metal sulphide concentrates. The technology described, Activox«, has been developed specifically for the hydrometallurgical treatment of these sulphide mineral concentrates, in particular those containing copper, nickel or gold. The Activox« dissolution technology coupled with the use of existing, or newly developed, downstream processing techniques, offers alternative processing options for the recovery of full value, saleable metal products. The technology is suitable for application down to relatively small scales opening up the opportunity for on-site production of metals even at modest scale mining Operations.

Jan 1, 1995

By G Harbort, D Clarke, D Morgan, C Sola

Northparkes Mines commenced production in 1994 and the mine has significant reserves to allow operation into the future. There are a number of potential future concentrator feed sources with variable sulfide mineralogy and grades.In February 2012 a comprehensive flotation survey was conducted to allow mass balancing and evaluate the operation of the flotation circuit. A rudimentary, copper element only, unsized flotation simulator was developed to evaluate high level potential for optimisation and improvement. In 2013 this flotation model was expanded to produce a mineral based, floatability component model to estimate the effect of future concentrator feed source on metallurgical performance. This revised model allows various circuit configurations to be simulated to provide a high level blueprint for the long-term planning to maximise performance.This paper provides a review of the process followed to develop the model, including an analysis into the mineral floatability component model and its calibration against plant operations. The effect of varying feed mineralogy and feed quality on future performance has allowed an internal review of potential circuit changes needed to accommodate the changing future feed.CITATION:Clarke, D, Harbort, G, Morgan, D and Sola, C, 2014. Northparkes Mines – flotation and planning for the future, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 203–208 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 1, 2014

The lignite mines in the Latrobe Valley of Victoria/Australia have been using continuously operating mining systems for more than 50 years. The relatively small bucket chain dredgers of the early years have been progressively displaced by bucket wheel dredgers with increasing size, increasing capacity and increasing service weight. The large machines for the new open pit Loy Yang have a bucket wheel outreach of 46m, an effective capacity of 3350 bm' coal/h respective 2500 bm' overburden/h and a serv- ice weight of approx. 4500 t. The time between signing of con- tract and starting of operation for these machines is at least four years. The high service weight, the resulting high capital invest- ment and the long period for design, design review, manufac- turing, erection and commissioning of these machines directed the SECV to investigate a possible application of compact dredgers for the Latrobe Valley.

Jan 1, 1989

Mount Gibson Iron Limited (æMount Gibson IronÆ) has made the difficult transition from a privately owned company with an iron resource to a publicly listed company owning and operating a profitable iron ore mine in the mid-west of Western Australia. The development of the company is described with particular emphasis on the Tallering Peak operations, resources, associated infrastructure and logistical arrangements; the Mt Gibson hematite and magnetite resources and the proposals to develop the magnetite resource as part of an integrated project through to iron pellet production. The concept of tailoring the relatively small ship capacity of the outturn port of Geraldton to appropriately sized inturn ports in China to allow direct delivery of product is discussed. The companyÆs philosophy of building shareholder value by progressive development of its relatively modest resources (compared with the Pilbara) is discussed. In pursuit of long-term business success Mount Gibson Iron has formed symbiotic relationships with strong business partners whose aims and objectives mirror or complement those of Mount Gibson Iron.

Jan 1, 2005

It is commonly accepted that govern ments have a role in the financing of mineral development. The reasons for government involve- ment are examined in general and in the light of the current situation in Aust- ralia, particularly having regard to the ownership of resources. A brief introduction is given to the new Australian Government bodies, the Petroleum and Minerals Authority and the Australian Industry Development Cor- poration, designed to fill a new role in mineral development, and to the basic changes brought about by the Australian Government's decision to become involved in the future development of the country's mineral resources. It is generally accepted that governments do have a role in financing mineral development. This acceptance does not seem to be confined to Aust- ralia alone but is more a worldwide phenomenon. Mineral development has traditionally been regarded as the pre- serve of private enterprise and there- fore is presumed-to be profitable, and so it is instructive to ask why there is this special role for governments.

Jan 1, 1974