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By S Lee, I Sohn

The ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgical industries have been utilising slags, fluxes and mattes for process optimisation and quality improvements at high temperatures. Understanding the fundamentals of the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical metallurgy regarding slags, fluxes and mattes has been essential to the technological developments of these optimisation and improvements. This work will discuss how these fundamentals have been studied in the reactions involved and implemented in the ferrous industry from primary refining to continuous casting. In particular, the chemical driving forces that allow these reactions to take place and the limitations of the kinetics that require optimisation to enhance the reactions. In addition, the future research direction for slag technology innovation and the role of these fundamentals will also be described.

Jun 19, 2024

By J Wesseloo and Y Kim, Y Potvin, G Mungur, D Grant

At the previous MassMin conference held in Sudbury in 2012, the authors proposed a new framework going beyond dilution and equivalent linear overbreak sloughing (ELOS) for stope reconciliation in relation to the planned stope design. More specifically, the new process investigates performance outcomes including rock overbreak (OB) and fill overbreak (FOB), rock underbreak (UB) as well as geomechanical and operational aspects such as blasting, fragmentation and other production data.Based on the findings of the original 2012 study, a comprehensive data gathering program has been undertaken involving design and reconciliation data from 43 stopes mined between September 2012 and October 2014 at BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam (OD) operation. The new database structure was based on four types of data:stope definition and performance datastope geometrygeotechnical parametersoperational parameters.The new database allows a more in-depth investigation of stope performance. It is now possible to quantify and analyse UB and OB performance from each wall individually as well as the crown. In this paper, the influence of several parameters on recent stope performance at OD is analysed. The underlying reasons for stope wall performance outcomes are discussed in this paper.CITATION:Potvin, Y, Grant, D, Mungur, G, Wesseloo, J and Kim, Y, 2016. Practical stope reconciliation in large-scale operations part 2, Olympic Dam, South Australia, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 501–510 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

By Spooner H. W

The paper describes the search for mineral deposits in an area of 4,500 sq. miles of south-west Tasmania. The area is one of difficult access and the problem of speedy movement and maintenance of field parties was solved by the use of helicopters. The programme has followed a systematic pattern of the aerial photography of the exploration area with the preparation of photQmosaics and topographical base sheets from these mosaics. Geological maps were initially prepared by photogeological interpretation and making use where possible of pre-existing information. The maps produced were later checked by ground traverses. Geophysical maps were obtained by the use of airborne magnetic, electromagnetic and radiometric methods. Geophysical and geological anomalies were checked on the ground by a campaign using ground geophysical equipment in the former case and geological and geochemical work in both instances. Audio Frequency Magnetic and Induced Polarization techniques were used in an area which was covered by several hundred feet of Tertiary sediments.The campaign has reached the stage of the drilling of specific targets.INTRODUCTIONThis paper describes the activities of Lyell-E.Z. Explorations (L.E.E.), an organization which was formed in 1956 by the Mt. Lyell Mining and Railway Co. Ltd. and the Electrolytic Zinc Co. of Australasia Ltd. to explore for mineral deposits in an area of approximately 4,500 sq. miles in southwest and southern Tasmania. To provide the necessary personnel and equipment for this project the exploration resources of both Companies were pooled and augmented and a headquarters was established in Queenstown. The work was directed by a Committee of four made up of officials from both Companies; a review of this structure has recently been presented by Hall (1959).

Jan 1, 1960

By KEITH BARRONI

In the proposed criterion for coal a distinction is made between brittle and "psuedo-ductile" failure. This criterion is the basis for the development of new equations for coal pillar strength, including a transition from brittle fracture to pseudo-ductile yielding. In addition the equations obtained allow the critical minimum pillar dimensions to be calculated to avoid "catastrophic" and "ultimate failure".The validity of these formulae can be tested by comparing their results with pillar case histories derived from the literature.

Jan 1, 1988

By J K. Claflin, S R. La Brooy

A case study from a current Ausenco project is presented to demonstrate the importance of maintaining high carbon activity to illustrate the driving force for plant improvements such as a carbon regeneration kiln upgrade.This paper revisits the factors that influence carbon activity for gold loading, with emphasis on deactivation by organic solution components such as flotation reagents.Kiln process design requirements for effective thermal regeneration are reviewed including the interaction of parameters such as temperature, kiln atmosphere and residence time.The different types of kilns that have been used for carbon reactivation are described. A check list is provided of what to look for when purchasing a carbon reactivation system for dealing with severely fouled carbon. This covers the ancillary equipment as well as the kiln itself.While the effectiveness of the carbon reactivation kiln is vital to maintenance of high carbon activity it needs to be remembered that this is only the end of pipe solution. It is also important to ensure that reagents such as frothers and flotation collectors are appropriately chosen to maximise recovery and at the same time minimise carbon deactivation.CITATION:La Brooy, S R and Claflin, J K, 2013. Carbon management in a high gold price environment, in Proceedings MetPlant 2013 , pp 455-467 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 15, 2013

THE Wonthaggi coal-field lies south easterly from Melbourne at a distance by rail of 86 miles, on the flats of the Powlett River, immediately to the south of the deep-cut valleys and steep intervening ridges in the Jurassic rocks of the Bass Range and itsfoot-hills. The coal-bearing area is covered with a thin layer of late Tertiary and Recent deposits, which serve to mask the true character of the underlying coal-bearing rocks and effectually prevent the appearance of any coal outcrop. Two or three bores sunk prior to 1890 had shown the locality to be really a potential coal-bearing one. Only one additional bore was sunk in the State Coal Mine area until 1908, when energetic boring was resumed, with the result that in November, 1909, when an acute shortage of black coal in Victoria resulted from the prolonged strike on the New South Wales coal-fields, coal-seams had been located at Wonthaggi offering sufficient inducement to start an...

Jan 1, 1918

The Nena high sulphidation-type copper-gold deposit is composed of andesitic pyroclastic units with minor interstratified lava flows. Epiclastic sandstone and conglomerate, and siliciclastic rocks consisting of mudstone, shale, lithic and bioclastic sandstone and conglomerate are locally present. Pre-mineral diorite intruded and domed the volcano-siliciclastic sequence. Economic copper-gold is hosted by vuggy quartz altered lapilli tuff and tuff breccia. The early hydrothermal alteration stage involved deposition of epithermal banded quartz and chalcedonic silica in localised environments. This alteration stage was locally superimposed by a hydrothermal breccia event. Following the breccia event, magmatically-derived volatiles were channelled through a NW striking dilational fault zone and generated the high sulphidation alteration. The high sulphidation alteration is zoned from a vuggy quartz core with local massive replacement silica through a broad pyritic quartz-alunite halo and finally to a thin illite-smectite zone. This is surrounded by regional chlorite-epidote-smectite alteration. A gangue mineral phase consisting of quartz, alunite and baryte overprinted the zoned high sulphidation alteration and preceded the main copper-gold-arsenic mineralisation. Early sulphide deposition is characterised by marcasite, arsenical pyrite and melnicovenite. Main-stage copper-gold mineralisation involved sequential deposition of hypogene bladed covellite+chalcocite, enargite-luzonite and luzonite+stibioluzonite respectively. The copper sulphides are zoned from bladed covellite-chalcocite in the north (cross-sections 5000 - 5600 N) through enargite-luzonite (cross-sections 4700 - 5000 N) and to luzonite????stibioluzonite in the south (cross-sections 4400 - 4700 N). A late phase of minor acicular covellite and enargite+luzonite overprinted the zoned copper sulphides and associated gold mineralisation. Gold mineralisation commenced at the transition from enargite to luzonite, and continued through the deposition of luzonite-stibioluzonite in both stages. Most gold was deposited during the main-stage mineralisation. Yellow native sulphur was deposited in the remaining vugs and defines the waning stage of the hydrothermal system. Post-mineral dioritic intrusives and feldspar porphyries intruded the volcano-siliciclastic sequence. Finally, supergene chemical processes with associated erosion and uplift generated a 40 - 50 m thick oxide-hosted gold cap. The oxide gold cap is underlain by a 35 - 45 m thick blanket of supergene chalcocite+covellite mineralisation which overlies and occurs throughout the main hypogene copper-gold zone. Supergene gold is related to the distribution of primary gold-bearing sulphides. Therefore, remobilisation and redeposition of gold are considered to be insignificant and very localised.

Jan 1, 1999

Various steps, and complete sequences, for the recovery of lead and zinc from a mixed sulphide concentrate, high in silica and pyrite, have been tested.Oxidation steps of roasting in air or in a sulphating atmosphere and use of aqueous acidic, ammoniacal, and near neutral oxidation media were compared. Oxidation roasting or use of acidic media appeared most useful. Procedures for dissolution of zinc from calcines using sulphuric and sulphurous acid to avoid silica gelation problems are compared and a direct leaching procedure with sulphuric 'acid at controlled pH shown to be the most useful.Methods for the removal of germanium, nickel, and magnesium from zinc sulphate solutions prior to zinc electrodeposition were tested. The recoveries of zinc from ammoniacal solutions by electrolysis and distillation are compared.The dissolution of lead compounds from the residue of zinc extraction by amine and ammoniacal ammonium sulphate (AAS) solutions Was tested. Lead, sulphide was precipitated in filtera'ble form from AAS solutions. The reduction of lead sulphate to lead sulphide with sulphur was difficult, but possible. The various steps were used to deveiop five complete processing sequences, of which two were shown to be technically feasible and have potential economic viability.

Jan 1, 1975

By M Wortley, R Morrison, T Rivett

The tracking of ore through process hold-ups such as stockpiles has been traditionally been difficult to achieve. The inability to pinpoint the exact source in the mine of material that is feeding a processing plant has led to inefficient mine-mill reconciliation processes. In addition, a lack of understanding of the behaviour of ore in process hold-ups such as bins and stockpiles often leads to poor predictions of plant performance and to poor reconciliation of this to the orebody.This paper reports on two short case studies. One case study addresses tracking ore from various parts of two mines to the concentrator. The other follows synthetic particles through the coarse ore stockpile. Both studies use radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracer technology. The paper concludes by discussing general strategies for implementation of such concepts into mine-mill metal accounting and reconciliation systems. As shown in this paper, reliable ore tracking systems will allow much more effective mine-mill reconciliations as well as the ability to model process hold-ups with regard to size by residence time distributions. This should, in turn, allow metallurgists to have a better understanding of the size and grade of material that will report to the plant at different process hold-up (eg stockpile) conditions.

Jan 1, 2009

The stratigraphy of the Western Coalfield is briefly reviewed and the important units of the Lithgow Coal Measures, particularly the coal seams, are defined. The possibility of coal measures of Tomago age ocurring near the edges of the Sydney Basin is discussed onpresent evidence.Using data obtained from unpublished drilling records, detailed structural, isopachous and lithofaeies maps have been drawn. These show that the structure of the coal basin has been influenced by the underlying basement in many ways.The prominent jointing in the overlying Triassic sandstones is discussed in relation to jointing in the coal measure sediments.It is concluded that in addition to the general knowledge obtained with respect to the coal basin, useful information regarding coal quality and quantity can be gained by the study of broader sedimentary and structural features.INTRODUCTIONThe term "Western Coalfield" covers approximately the area from Katoomba to Rylstone, together with the smaller, separate Ulan area (Fig. 1). The area studied is part of the great sedimentary Sydney basin named by Osborne (1948). The first discovery of coal in Sitlt in the area was made in 1824 by Andrew Brown, although George Bass noted the presence of coal float in the Grose River in 1797. Production is recorded from the Western Coalfield in 1838 but mining was intermittent until 1868 when mines in the Lithgowvalley (producing coal from the Lithgow Seam) came into production. In 1882 the Katoomba Seam was first worked at Katoomba.The work of J. E. Carne (1903, 1908) defined the limits of the Coal Measure sediments and also contributed a great amount of valuable detailed information about the region.

Jan 1, 1960

By Bulters J, Sheppard I

Two blasthole density logging programmes have been conducted on the Mt Whaleback iron ore mine to evaluate the use of this type of logging as an aid to blast pattern design. The first programme also involved the setting up of a Density Test facility with which to calibrate the density probe. The programmes indicated that about 22-23 blastholes can be consistently logged per day at a cost of $1.30 per metre. Even though this is only half the rate required to log the average number of blastholes drilled daily on Mt Whaleback, testwork indicated that no significant loss of accuracy results if only half the holes in a pattern are logged. The major results of the programmes were: 1. The density range for black pyritic Shale is 2.2-2,9 g/cc. 2. The density range for soft to medium hard BIF is 2.1-3.0 g/cc. 3. The density range for hard BIF is 3.0-3.6 g/cc. 4. The front row blastholes show consistently lower densities than the main body holes due to blast damage. 5. A low density zone extending to a maximum depth of 6 m occurs at the top of most blastholes and results from blast damage from the bench above. These density results have been used to implement savings in drilling and blasting via pattern expansion and charge optimisation of blastholes. Eight ore

Jan 1, 1986

By D R. Swinbourne, T Lehner

Study of the distribution of minor elements between copper matte andfayalite slag is important in determining appropriate methods tomaximise the recovery of valuable metals and the rejection of harmfulelements. Boliden Mineral AB operate a large copper smelter in northern Sweden, where they had noted that the loss of silver to the slag in the settling furnace appeared to be a direct function of the tin content of the slag. This work was aimed at determining whether or not this was a cause-and-effect relationship. Copper matte containing approximately 50 wt per cent copper and small amounts of silver and tin was equilibrated with silica-saturated fayalite slag at 1250¦C, then quenched. The matte and slag were then analysed for their silver and tin contents. It was found that there was no relationship between the silver distribution and the tin distribution. The silver matte/slag distribution ratio had a value of 120 ¦ 40 while that for tin was 2.8 ¦ 0.3. It is suggested that the most likely cause of the relationship observed at the Boliden smelter was matte entrainment in the slag.

Jan 1, 1999

By J OÆDriscoll, R Butler, L Winter

The iron ore mining district of Labrador West and adjacent Quebec is Canada's largest iron ore producer with almost 50 years of production. The area is currently experiencing a period of renewed activity not seen in decades that includes new mine development, mine expansion and exploration for new iron ore resources. All of the past and present production and exploration programs in the district are centred on the Lower Proterozoic Superior-type iron formations of the Knob Lake Group, located within the Grenville tectonic province of the Canadian Shield. The Knob Lake Group is a continental margin sedimentary sequence which was deformed and subjected to greenschist to upper amphibolite facies metamorphism during the Grenville orogeny. Regional deformation and metamorphism plays a key role in making the iron formation of the Knob Lake Group economic. The distribution of orebodies in the district is controlled by superimposed F1/F2 synclines which causes thickening of the iron formation through repetition. Ore mineralogy consists of specular haematite, magnetite and locally martite with quartz as the major gangue mineral. Regional metamorphism has caused an increase in grain size of the ore minerals making it more amenable to concentrating and pelletising. Altius has been active in Labrador West since 2003 and is now the second largest licence holder in the district with several iron ore exploration projects. The Kamistiatusset project is located in the heart of the region's transportation, power and mining infrastructure. The property has seen limited previous exploration, but covers several significant iron ore prospects. Work by Altius includes a helicopter-borne magnetic survey, ground magnetic and gravity surveys, geological mapping, sampling and 6000 m of diamond core drilling all of which confirm both a favourable geologic setting and ore mineralogy.

Jan 1, 2009

By K Whelan

The Land Access Branch of the Mines Division of the Northern Territory Department of Mines and Energy is responsible for Aboriginal Liaison and cross-cultural matters that affect the Department. In essence, it exists to provide a basis for communication between the Department, industry. Aboriginal organisations and Traditional Owners. The paper outlines the various ways in which this is accomplished including the preparation of detriment submissions for pending land claim hearings, the use of promotional material to support access to Aboriginal Land for NTGS Mapping Programs and field work, and advice/assistance on exploration and mining issues.

Jan 1, 1994

In both surface and underground coal mines, the detection of geological structures ahead of workings is recognised as being fundamental to the efficient operation of the mine. Mining into zones of unexpected structures has a drastic effect on a mine's productivity. For the prediction of structures, geophysical methods can be applied from the air, from the ground surface, from boreholes and from underground workings. There are several improvements to report in the geophysical methods being developed for these purposes. These include developments in three-dimensional seismic reflection surveying, cross-hole seismic reflection methods and radar systems. The recent development of the radio imaging method for use in underground mine workings will complement existing in-seam seismic methods. Geophysical techniques for use in horizontal boreholes are also under development.

Jan 1, 1988

By C Rizzardi, M Callahan, J Mahon

Henderson Operation’s underground molybdenum mine has been in production since 1976. Since that historic date, more than one billion pounds of moly has been produced, and over 120 Mt of ore extracted from three different levels and many different panels. The safe and successful operation of Henderson has been, and will continue to be, dependent on utilising an increasingly sophisticated fleet of equipment, advanced designs, innovative mining techniques, best practices in maintenance processes, improvements in crushing and conveying systems, and most importantly, the training and mentoring of the underground staff. These ‘professional mining technicians’ have been essential in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the underground mine and convey systems, and will drive the continuous improvements needed to keep Henderson competitive in the growing global market.CITATION:Callahan, M, Mahon, J and Rizzardi, C, 2016. Development of the professional mining technician – Henderson’s underground mine continuous improvement program, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 161–166 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

Timely disclosure of information germane to the taking of investment decisions makes an essential contribution to ensuring the growth, efficiency and integrity of our capital markets. It is a core contributor to the maintenance of fair, orderly and transparent markets. Australia has a strategic need to protect and enhance market integrity. Australia is ranked tenth in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World Index, yet represents only 1.59 per cent of that Index. In order to survive and grow in this globally competitive environment, Australian capital markets û the drivers for economic activity in Australia û need to attract foreign investment and engage retail capital. The communication of relevant and comprehensible information to the investor plays a vital part in fostering investor confidence, thereby building depth and liquidity in our market. We have had a rewarding partnership with the mining industry to develop and recognise reporting standards which could allow ready comparability and investor understanding of the mining investment vehicle. Our mining market has been successful because of the high standards of professionalism and the intellectual capital that has been built up among the participants û the mining professionals, brokers, analysts, mining investors, professional advisers and the market operator. The balance of knowledge and understanding among these participants combined with the competition for capital, contributes to the standards for our mining market in a way that the market operator simply cannot replicate by market rules alone.

Jan 1, 2002

The recommissioning of the plant at Mary Kathleen involved several distinct phases. The previous plant process was modified significantly, the plant capacity was increased by the addition of new equipment and the exist- ing equipment was in most cases overhauled. This equipment was either reused in its original duty or relocated. Maintenance requirements after the plant was cmommissioned were high because of the amount of modified equipment and also because some old items of equipment were deliberately not overhauled during recommissioning. The equipment that was overhauled has operated reliably. However some new equipment has not been as satisfactory.

Jan 1, 1978

By J M. Galvin, B J. McKinnon

Lightning Ridge, Australia, is the largest opal producing area in the world. Most opal is mined from shallow underground mines by individuals or small partnerships with the industry having been protected from large-scale development to date. The safety performance of opal mining has lagged both general mining industry standards and community expectations. The application of geotechnical analysis to the opal fields has the potential to considerably reduce injuries and fatalities. With consideration of the local culture, preliminary geotechnical analysis has been applied to some current methods of work utilised at Lightning Ridge. Practical solutions have been advocated and are presented in this paper. Improvements to safety generated by these practical solutions indicate that further geotechnical research at Lightning Ridge is warranted and would be beneficial.

Jan 1, 2002

By L Cooper, J Sharma, M J. Hendry

Thick clay tills below potash mine tailings and brine ponds are important natural barriers protecting fresh water aquifers in Saskatchewan. Centrifuge modelling was applied to assess geochemical processes and impacts of dilute brine (0.1 M NaCl) migration through clay till core samples obtained from non saline, unoxidised clay till at a mine site. At accelerated gravity of 876 + g, during each day of centrifuge modelling, flow driven through a 52 mm length core simulated transport through a 45 m thick clay over ~2100 years. Hydraulic conductivity, monitored continuously before and during brine permeation, was low and relatively constant (8.5 + 10-12 m/s), confirming that confining stresses prevent permeability increase. Core density and porosity measurements confirmed that reactive transport occurred under realistic in situ conditions. Breakthrough (defined by C/C0 = 0.5) of non-reactive Cl- occurred at 25 days. The slight delay for Na+ breakthrough, associated with small increases in Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations in the effluent were attributed to ion exchange, but carbonate reactions were relatively unimportant. Cation exchange analysis of core samples was inconclusive without corrections for porewater Na+ and carbonate dissolution. Geochemical processes that were observed during centrifuge modelling were successfully simulated using the 1D geochemical transport code PHREEQC. Solute transport was dominated by diffusion with limited ion exchange to delay Na+ migration. Brine would not break through a 45 m thick clay for tens of thousands of years. Based on these findings, the thick clay till at this site, if laterally extensive and undisturbed by drilling activity, is likely to act as an effective natural barrier to vertical brine migration over the long term.

Jan 1, 2003