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The South American mining community leads the world in recognition and adoption of the latest grinding mill relining technologies. Clearly this region has recognised the benefits of improved relining performance as a defence against the Global Economic Crisis. Five of the six RUSSELL TWIN 8 Mill Relining Systems, ordered to date, are either operating or being manufactured for South American mine sites. The sixth is for Sino IronÆs Cape Preston Project in Western Australia. This paradigm shift, towards very short relining times, aims at displacing mill relining activities from the critical path of concentrator maintenance shutdown schedules. The first uses of the RUSSELL TWIN 8 Mill Relining System have seen some of the highest semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill new liner placement rates ever observed by Russell Mineral Equipment (RME), as would be expected with two, independent Machines working simultaneously in the one mill. The liner replacement rate, averaged over the whole reline is good (27 per cent improvement over single Machine System in the same mill) but short of full potential. This modest result can be attributed to reline crews unfamiliarity with RUSSELL TWIN 8 System operation. This paper compares a sample of conventional (single machine) RME Mill Relining System performance data with one ædouble headÆ mill liner handler by others. Early performance of EscondidaÆs new RUSSELL TWIN 8 System performance is then compared with recent single machine data from Escondida, immediately prior to RUSSELL TWIN 8 commissioning. RME and Escondida look to constantly improving RUSSELL TWIN 8 System performance as full operational familiarity is achieved. The preparation of this paper revealed a need to develop a global industry standard for mill relining data collection. A web based platform to develop data collection templates is also discussed in Appendix 1.

Jan 1, 2009

Congratulations on your considerable enterprise in securing the opportunity to have this international conference here in Brisbane - and congratulations on your success in attracting such a distinguished audience from so many nations, with such a broad selection of papers. It is a notable achievement that in the year in which Australia is celebrating two hundred years since settlers first came fran Britain, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy is responsible for some ten major conferences, of which at least four are specifically international, or have a very strong international involvement.

Jan 1, 1988

A general review of grinding mill steel liner evolutions/developments in recent times. The driving force behind these developments has been the mill operators desire to minimise the nett cost of their operation. These developments have resulted from a team approach between supplier, operators and reline crews. The move towards larger diameter high aspect mills, faster mill speeds, pebble ports and the use of large diameter grinding media has affected the traditional liner designs, which is placing higher demands on the supplier to meet these new working parameters and expectations. Operators are also taking closer ownership in the liners being supplied, as demonstrated by the development of their own mill liner specifications. This paper outlines some of liner developments and changes undergone at various milling operations around Australia and overseas (such as Cadia Hill, Kidston, Ok Tedi Mining, PT Freeport, etc) and where to in the future?

Jan 1, 2000

By Ö Aydan

Rock dynamics is one of the most important topics in the field of rock mechanics and rock engineering. The spectrum of rock dynamics is very wide and it includes the failure of rocks, rock masses and rock engineering structures such as rock bursting, spalling, popping, collapse, toppling, sliding, blasting, non-destructive testing, geophysical explorations, science and engineering of rocks, earthquakes, and impacts. Undoubtedly, the rock dynamics issues in Mars would remain to be the same. Although mankind has no direct access to Mars yet, the Mars exploration rovers (Opportunity, Sprit, Curiosity and Perseverance), Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and InSight Lander provided very valuable data so that some rock dynamics issues can be recognised. The author reports his considerations on rock dynamics issues in Mars from very careful examination of images and data provided from MERs and MRO and discusses their implications.

Nov 29, 2022

By Kabel J. G

While a per onnel location system is primarily used to check that nobody is left in the mine at firing time, it is also useful for contacting people, uch a foremen, shiftbosses and tradesmen, who travel over several mine levels during a shift. The system installed at The Zinc Corporation, Limited, Broken Hill, uses punched coded plastic identity tags, with "In" and "Out" tag readers on each level. When entering a level, the employee inserts his tag in the "In" reader, and when leaving, in the "Out" reader. Each reader is connected to a central computer which shows who is still in the mine and their location.The system has been used on 3 levels by 21 men for a trial period of 4 months. It ha proved reliable in an underground mining environment, and employee acceptance has been good.

Jan 1, 1984

One of the most frequently asked questions at the feasibility study stage of a project is, æhow big can one go?Æ This important question effects costing and efficiency of metallurgical equipment, the real estate required and the operating plant strategy.The presentation covers both engineering and process considerations and explains the limits that exist today and explores future trends.The paper is specific about large slurry application usually found in gold applications; however, it could apply to silver and uranium or other dense media leach duties.Agitator drive sizes are examined as well as process risks associated with large tank agitation. New technology has increased the maximum tank size and designers are now experienced in tank volumes in excess of 5000 m3. Tanks of 6000 m3 have been agitated and 10 000 m3 tanks are within present engineering know-how and scale-up.Fabrication techniques for shaft and impeller designs exceed the existing standards and new specifications will be needed to cover large mixer design. The paper covers certain aspects of mechanical design and proposes alternative standards that are more appropriate. Process considerations such as fluid natural frequency as well as typical superficial velocities for efficient operations are examined. Scale-up techniques based on existing and new technology are also examined to ensure a successful installation.The presentation therefore covers the majority of large mixer design questions that are frequently asked.

Jan 1, 2006

By Mance G

Today there are many different techniques of soil remediation used in Australia and throughout the world. This paper considers the thermal desorption remediation technique and, in particular, the application of high temperature filtration to the process. The thermal desorption technique involves the treatment of hydrocarbon (oil, petrol, etc) contaminated soil. The process involves heating the soil in a retort or kiln to drive off the volatile organic contaminants. The exit gas stream from the retort is subsequently passed through an after burner to thermally oxidise the hydrocarbons. This technique produces soil and combustion gas streams which are free of hydrocarbons. Due to the heating and agitation of the soil within the retort, soil particles become entrained in the hot gas stream. To avoid the blockage and fouling of the system's interim ductwork and the afterburner, high temperature filtration technology has been applied to remove these soil particulates without cooling the gas Stream.

Jan 1, 1995

Geological. engineering is a field of engineering practice concerned with design and construction of excavations and structures in soil and rock masses. The role of geological engineering in mining practice is defined in this paper, and the scope of the various disciplines in engineering science and geoscience which support geo-engineering research is discussed. The current national research capacity in geo-engineering is considered, and current and future needs for geo-engineering research for mining practice are proposed. Education programmes to sustain the proposed level of research and its industrial implementation are Suggested.

Jan 1, 1986

By Paine GG

In coal mining each of the unit operations are interrelated with each preceding operation having an effect on subsequent operations. This presents difficulties for determining when the lowest overall costs for a particular mining system are achieved. Drilling and blasting is the first mining operation for production and is known to have an effect on the subsequent loading, hauling and crushing operations. Computer blasting models developed over the past 15 years can be used to describe the drilling and blasting operation. This paper describes the ICI Blasting Model "SABREX" in detail. Methods of using the model are discussed. This involves field measurements of geological structure, shallow refraction seismic surveys, laboratory measurements of rock properties and high speed photography of blasts. The predictions are compared with actual blast results for fragmentation sizing and muckpile profiles. Outputs from the model are described and these can be used for input to models of subsequent operations.

Jan 1, 1987

By Dight P. M

The challenge of narrow vein mining is to produce ore with as little dilution as possible, at the least cost -commensurate with the increasing degrees of safety being demanded for mine workers by the modem 'duty of care' legislation. Geotechnical factors play an important, if not overriding, role in these areas. The geotechnical factors cover the complex interaction over a period of time, between the in situ and induced rock stresses, rock structures, rock mass strength and the cable, rock bolt and other ground support members. In the Archaean schist belt areas where many of our narrow vein mines occur the pre-mining in situ rock stresses are commonly significantly higher than the overburden stresses. These are concentrated in areas beneath previous open pits and may be highly concentrated in the pillars and abutments of stopes on narrow veins. The presence of high in situ stresses may be suspected from the appearance of drill cores and underground development long before they become sufficiently concentrated by mining to cause damage or bursts. These initial indications are discussed and modem low cost methods of stress measurement are described. Practical and quick methods of analysing the stress redistribution around scopes and other underground excavations are now available and guidelines for interpreting them in terms of rockmass characteristics, stope stability and support requirements are developed with the object of increasing safety, whilst reducing overall costs and dilution.

Jan 1, 1993

By Smith PE

The main components of face design are the power loader, face conveyor and powered support system and the interaction of these components determines the effectiveness of strata control. A major influence upon the interrelationship of this equipment is the geological environment, of which seam thickness appears to play an important role. Recent thick seam experience indicates a significantly different characteristic behaviour pattern from that observed in thin seams The structural integrity of the face wall is particularly influenced by seam discontinuities such as natural joint planes and mining-induced fractures in the yield zone ahead of the faceline. In addition, the presence of stone bands or dirt partings in the seam offers interfaces for uncontrolled release of blocky material. Some case study experience at British collieries provides a comparison with performance data at a specific location, that highlights the importance of coal face layout and design.

Jan 1, 1986

The steps for the beneficiation of iron ores differ from ore to ore, depending on the mineralogical phases of the particular iron ore and the nature of the association of the gangue minerals with iron oxide in that ore. The extent to which the beneficiation can be undertaken economically depends both on the amount and the nature of the gangue. The analysis of the phases present in an orebody optimises the mining and process operations (separation, beneficiation, sintering, etc).X-ray diffraction (XRD) provides qualitative and quantitative information about the main ore phases as well as the gangue mineralogy and the amorphous content present in a sample. In addition, modern quantification methods such as Rietveld refinement allow the calculation of the distribution of elements in solid solutions such the substitution of Fe with Al in goethite or hematite.The use of high speed detectors has made XRD an important tool for grade and process control. Finger printing of XRD data can facilitate multi-dimensional mapping of ore deposits and drill cores, identifying regions of favourable mineral compositions. Grade control using XRD can be completely automated and controlled remotely.The two case studies in this paper demonstrate how XRD and finger printing can be used for grade control, process optimisation and quality control of a goethitic and a magnetitic iron ore. The enormous potential of XRD as an inexpensive, reliable tool, useful in the characterisation of iron ores will be demonstrated.CITATION:K÷nig, U, 2013. Application of x-ray diffraction to iron ores - potential implications for grade control and downstream processing, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013 , pp 275-280 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 12, 2013

By Hill G

The Boddington Gold Mine (BGM) is managed by Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd (Worsley) and is located 110 km south-east of Perth, Western Australia. The gold mine, which has operated since mid-1987, was originally constructed to treat 3 Mtpa of gold bearing oxide ores, has subsequently been expanded to treat 7 Mtpa and is presently one of the largest gold producing operations in Australia.During 1990 a Supergene/Basement Plant was constructed to treat 250 000 tpa of copper supergene and hypogene ores and basement ores which contain significant gold grades and which are encountered at the lower levels of the existing oxide orebody. The SupergeneBasement Plant has the versatility to treat a wide range of ore types, producing both gold bullion and copper-gold concentrates. It is a stand-alone facility adjacent to the existing 7 Mtpa gold plant.

Jan 1, 1992

In a coal mine there are many substances capable of ignition under certain circumstances, which can be placed in the following groups: ordinary combustible solids, dusts, liquids and vapours, gases, metals and plastics. There are many factors influencing ignition, including temperature, minimum ignition energy, particle size, explosion pressure level, rate of pressure rise, specific energy content and also explosive limit. Not all are applicable in every case. Frictional ignition of methane is an accident statistic of increasing concern and is considered in some detail. Practical measures that can be taken to reduce the incidence of frictional ignitions are considered, and also possible ways of ignition suppression.

Jan 1, 1981

By McIlveen GR

The water pollution hazard posed by the derelict Conrad mine site, to the water and associated stream sediment of Borah and Maids Creeks and the nearby Copeton Dam storage, has been assessed. Mine water, tailings and tailings dump leachate have polluted water and stream sediments in Borah Creek downstream of the mine site. Acidity, arsenic, copper, lead, iron, silver and zinc are the principal pollutants. Under dry and low flow conditions, mine water was found to be the dominant polluting source, however, leachate and run-off from tailings dumps were also significant under and following wet conditions. Soluble arsenic, lead, iron and silver species in mine water and leachate were found to be rapidly incorporated into sediments, but acidity, copper, and zinc persisted in the creek water. Under low flow conditions, the water of Maids Creek is polluted with copper and zinc (up to 4.4 and 34 mg/l for copper and zinc respectively) and the pH is decreased (from pH 5 - 7 to pH 3 - 6) by entry of Borah Creek water. Values found in Maids Creek were variable and related to flow regime and distance downstream from Borah Creek confluence. Water in Copeton Dam storage, having a much larger volume of water with a higher bicarbonate buffering capacity (50mg/l versus 15mg/1), is not affected by entry of Maids Creek water. Polluted sediment from Borah Creek has contaminated Maids Creek for 2km downstream to Copeton Dam storage. Stream sediment downstream of the Borah Creek confluence, contains up to 1.0% As and 1.4% Pb in the less than 200 micron size fraction. Under high flow conditions, arsenic was found to be moved out from the mine site as insoluble species, associated with suspended sediment in Run-off.

Jan 1, 1988

By Ritchie AS

The principles of chromatographic and electrophoretic separations are described in simple non-mathematical language. Brief details of the analytical procedures and of equipment are given. Partial analyses of rare earth elements in monazites from four localit- ies in New South Wales are compared with analyses from other localities. The presence of uranium in two of the monazites is recorded. The occurrence of rare earths in nature is outlined and its geological significance is indicated, A low capital cost method of analysis of rare earths in monazites is Introduced.

Jan 1, 1972

Taxes have an impact on mineral resource availability in several ways. There is the obvious effect on the grades needed for mineral deposits to become economic orebodies. There are also indirect effects which can have equally significant impacts. The paper examines the appropriateness of different types of taxes in the mining industry. The effects of discriminatory taxes such as price-based royalties are described. There is a discussion on the feasibility of introducing a single resources tax to replace completely the various forms of taxes presently applied to the industry. The subtle impacts of taxes are described in a section covering the way in which apprehension over future possible changes to both the level and diversity of taxes is reflected in industry confidence. It is concluded that taxation can significantly limit the economic availability of mineral resources.

Jan 1, 1978

By E R. Ramanaidou

Two unknown iron ore samples were found by a geologist from Ok Tedi Mining Limited copper, gold and silver mine at an old wharf site dedicated to a 1970s drilling program in Lake Murray in Papua New Guinea (PNG). These iron ore samples could not come from a PNG mine and it was decided that a study should be undertaken to understand their origin. Lake Murray is the largest lake in PNG with a total surface area of 647 km2. It has a high-water 2038 km long convoluted shoreline with seasonal water level changes (Osborne, Kyle and Abramski, 1987) and it is located around 200 km south of the Ok Tedi mine (5°13’25”S, 141°09’37”E). The petrology, mineralogy and chemistry of two Fe samples (Ok Tedi 1 and Ok Tedi 2) included optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and a comparison with worldwide iron ore deposits. The two rock samples were cut to produce two subsamples: (1) a polished thin section; and (2) a pulp that was used for XRF analysis including major, minor and trace elements. Ok Tedi 1 and Ok Tedi 2 were petrologically and chemically compared to a range of known iron ore samples from Australia, Brazil and South Africa. The petrological study of Ok Tedi 1 indicates that it is composed of granoblastic recrystallised hematite and the overall texture is uniform without any obvious original ‘sedimentary’ texture. Ok Tedi 2 is a ‘specular’ or platy hematite with recrystallised and fused grains. Using both petrological and chemical clues, the two Ok Tedi samples likely originated from the Iron Quadrangle in Brazil.

Sep 18, 2023

Much of New Zealand is comparatively young geologically in the sense that it has only recently been uplifted. In many places young marine sediments are to be found at high altitudes, as evidenced by the existence in the North Island of Pliocene shell limestones which form prominent escarpments at altitudes of about 3000 ft. inthe central part of the Island, and remnants of the same formation found on the summits of the northern Ruahin.e Range at altitudes greater than 4000 ft.

Jan 1, 1962

The Olympic Dam mining operation is some 520 kilometres NNW of Adelaide on the Roxby Downs Pastoral lease. The deposit containing copper, uranium, gold and silver was discovered in 1975 by Western Mining Corporation (WMC). A joint venture was formed in mid-1979 between WMC (51 per cent) and British Petroleum (BP, 49 per cent) for the development and exploitation of the deposit. WMC assumed 100 per cent ownership after acquiring BP's share in early-1993. Ore is won from a highly mechanised underground mining operation and processed to refined products. Current annual output from the mining of 3.0 Mt of ore is approximately 83 500 t of refined copper, 1400 t of uranium oxide, 750 kg of gold and 12 000 kg of silver. Conventional long hole, open stoping techniques are used to extract the production ore. Since stope production began in April 1988, full surveys and appraisals of stopes have been carried out to evaluate the integrity of the design and blasting techniques. This evaluation included the determination of the degree of dilution or non break that had occurred. Performance information also made it possible to re-design any adjacent stopes to retrieve remaining ore and conversely, avoid the chances of targeting backfilled material in the future. Performing stope surveys proved not only to be a time-consuming process but one fraught with access and line-of-sight problems. Occasionally it was not possible to obtain any stope survey data, and as was often the case with the mine pass system, rarely. In 1992 the sudden failure of the pillar between the fine ore and mullock passes and the subsequent delays to production, emphasised the need to effectively monitor pass wear. Initial information regarding the development of the Cavity Measurement System (CMS) prototype (Figure 1) indicated that it had the potential to solve these problems by the introduction of a remote scanning device into a cavity. Following a great deal of investigation, Olympic Dam Operations purchased the first CMS in Australia. This paper discusses its application for all underground void surveys and the procedures developed to manage both field and office requirements.

Jan 1, 1995