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By Z. Lin, M. Isac, R. I. L. Guthrie

The kinetic and thermodynamic efficiencies of chromium recovery from the slag in an AOD process during the slag de-oxidation period with ferrosilicon is a complex process affected by slag basicity, temperature, the dissolution kinetics of the reducing agents, and intermixing of the slag/metal/alloy addition phases within the vessel. The present work focused on a study and simulation of the fluid dynamics and mixing behaviour of ferrosilicon additions in the AOD process for the production of stainless steel. In order to visualize the mixing behaviour, a two dimensional slice model of an AOD vessel was first built and filled with ZnCl2solution and then covered with silicone oil in order to represent the bulk liquid steel and slag phases, respectively. The injection of argon/oxygen process gases was simulated using air or helium. Particle trajectories and intermixing of the phases was monitored with a high-speed camera. To simulate the 75FeSi additions, glass spheres were used. A three-dimensional version of the AOD model was then constructed in order to confirm the adequacy of the slice model. Similar particle mixing behaviour was observed. Both models demonstrated that the ascending gas/liquid plume created two asymmetric mixing zones: a smaller rapidly re-circulating mixing zone adjacent to the side-wall locating the tuyere(s), and a larger mixing zone in the main part of the vessel. The process efficiency during the reduction period is governed by the thermal behaviour of ferroalloy as well as the mixing efficiency in the main large mixing zone. To enhance the recovery efficiency for chromium, small Fe-Si particles are suggested, given their wide distribution within the slag phase, and their large interfacial areas and rapid melting times for Cr2O3reduction from the slag. Keywords; modelling, ferrosilicon, chromium oxidation, AOD steelmaking.

Jan 1, 2004

By E. Chen, M. Barati, K. Coley

The reaction between carbon and slags is of significant importance in direct smelting of iron ores, EAF slag foaming and copper slag cleaning processes. This reaction is known to occur via gaseous intermediates and it is important to have fundamental data to understand the relative importance of each reaction step. In this study, the rate of CO2dissociation on different slag surfaces is measured using an isotope exchange technique. It was found that increasing iron oxide content up to 30 wt per cent does not have a significant effect on the rate constant while increasing from this limit, increases the rate constant dramatically. Activation energy of CO2dissociation on slags of unit basicity and different iron oxide contents is in the range of 180±40 kJ/mol. It is found that rate constant dependence on oxygen potential in the slag phase is increasing with iron oxide concentration. In the case of copper making slags, the influence of copper oxide is found to increase the magnitude of apparent rate constant, while decreasing the activation energy considerably. Key words: Gas-slag reaction, CO2dissociation, copper slag, kinetics, isotope exchange

Jan 1, 2004

By G. Tranell, L. Kolbeinsen, S. Gaal, J. Safarian

The effect of carbon material properties on the rate of MnO reduction from ferromanganese slag by solid graphite was investigated. A sessile drop technique was used to study the reduction rate of a synthetic slag containing 45 wt% MnO at 1500 and 1600 ºC. Different types of graphite substrates were used and the con-tact angle between slag droplets and substrate were measured in-situ. Moreover, the slag droplet volume during the interaction with the graphite substrates was calculated and normalised. The mathematical relationship between the slag density during the reduction and the normalised slag droplet volumes during the reduction were derived and the MnO reduction curves were then calculated. A method for measuring the slag reactivity of solid carbon was defined and used to qualify the propensity of the different graphites to react with the liquid slag. Some supplementary studies such as manganese evaporation measurement and EPMA analysis for determining the extent of MnO reduction were also carried out. It was observed that there is nota significant difference in the wetting angle of the graphite substrates by the slag, and the wetting is not changed within the temperature range of 1500-1600ºC. However, the changes in the contact angle during the slag reduction at 1600ºC are more than at 1500ºC. The kinetics of MnO reduction is dependent on the type of graphite and it is more dependent on the graphite properties at lower temperatures. On the other hand, the dominant properties of graphite on the reduction rate vary with temperature. A multivariate analysis on the graphite properties and the parameters related to the slag reactivity indicated that the kinetics of MnO reduction is mainly dependent on the temperature, and then on the graphite properties. It was also found that at1500 ºC the surface area and the CO2 reactivity are the most important graphite properties for the slag reduction, suggesting that the reactivity of carbon is rate controlling at 1500 ºC. However, the porosity related parameters are the most important graphite properties at 1600 ºC, suggesting that CO gas desorption is rate controlling at high temperatures.

Jan 1, 2007

By G. Akdogan, Q. G. Reynolds, S. J. Baumgartner

A computational model of a submerged arc furnace (SAF) used in the production of ferrochrome is presented. The model‘s intended use is to investigate the extent to which intrinsic and extrinsic properties of the raw materials affect burden distribution and electrical resistance within the furnace. The model is built on the discrete element method and calculates the mechanical interactions of particle distributions resulting from the flow motion of typical raw materials used in the smelting of chromium ore. This model excludes the effects of thermodynamics, furnace chemistry, and heat transfer. It illustrates how the consumption of materials (chromite pellets, flux, and reductant) is affected by changes in electrode length, reductant fractions, and reductant sizing and density during the formation of a reductant bed. The resistance calculation algorithm developed by Mintek was applied to construct networks developed from particle contacts, which can quantitatively generate estimates of the electrode-to-electrode and electrode-to-bath electrical conduction conditions.

Apr 16, 2024

By N. V. Moraka

In dealing with transformational aspects, the South African Constitution aspires for a balance between attempts to broadly represent the country’s demographics in the way in which organizations are structured and the need to maintain the necessary skills to ensure continual retention of skills for optimum and efficient organizational performance. Through the Mining Charter, government aimed to redress gender and racial imbalances in the mining industry as part of transforming the demographic representation of mining companies to include black people, women, and people living with disabilities in all job levels up to top management. While the Constitution calls for an appropriate balance between demographic representation and competency, this aspiration for mining poses challenges for companies due to the proficient and competent skills needed in this industry. To this end, the South African mining industry has been subjected to substantial criticism from government regarding the slow progress of transformation. The mining industry justifies its slow pace of transformation by pointing at inconsistent, varying legislation and definitions governing transformation, limited skills available from historically disadvantaged groups, and cautioning not to compromise the sustainability of mining companies by marginalizing white males and white youth with the objective of addressing racial imbalances. This lack of understanding between industry and the government has led to considerable confusion regarding the accountability of stakeholders in transforming the industry. This article presents the perspectives of ten mining executives on transformation in the South African mining industry. The theoretical description of transformation, as well as other mining stakeholders’ interpretations of transformation. is presented. Qualitative data from interviews with mining executives demonstrates their understanding of transformation through rich descriptions, interpretations, and implications in their contexts. The findings demonstrate that transformation in the mining industry is not simply about race and gender, but about cultural change, a change in mind-sets, embracing diversity, equalizing rights and opportunities, and attaining social justice. Moreover, transformation is clearly a gradual process. The article concludes with a recommendation for the definition of transformation to be corroborated with the views of mining executives and that of the Constitution of South Africa. This will create an overarching, simplified definition of transformation that can be accepted and interpreted by all stakeholders.

Jan 1, 2016

By R. C. J. Goode, W. S. Rapson, W. R. Lawrie, L. W. P. Van Der Bosch

W. R. Lawrie (Member): As all the Institute members present are aware, the Ninth Commonwealth Mining and Metallurgical Congress was held in Great Britain from 3rd to 24th May, 1969. The Congress opened in London and the first week was devoted to technical sessions. Several receptions and other forms of entertainment were held in the evenings. The Congress was attended by some 1 200 delegates, many of whom were accompanied by their wives. As can be imagined a large organisation was needed to cater for all the whims of these delegates, to arrange accommodation and to provide transport for the technical trips, for the receptions and for the sight-seeing tours. Papers presented at the technical sessions proved of great interest. It was stimulating to hear of the developments taking place in the various branches of mining and metallurgy. The discussions which developed between men from so many different countries were thought provoking, led to new friendships and most of us made valuable contacts for the future. There were 141 papers presented in the one week. They were given in four separate halls with two, three and sometimes four papers coming up for discussion in each of the three sessions per day in each hall. Among the more interesting subjects were those concerning off-shore drilling and the facilities for production of petroleum and natural gas. Beach mining at Consolidated Diamond Mines drew a large audience. Automation, mechanization and other technical developments were well described and we were brought up to date with modern techniques of mineral prospecting. There was general discussion on the future of the mineral industries together with comments on the consumption and price trends of these metals and minerals. The future of uranium, of vital interest to us in South Africa, came in for much debate. During the first week, besides attending the technical sessions and seeing some of the sights of London, we were royally entertained. There was a banquet, attended by some I 400 people, where we were welcomed by Princess Alexandra, a reception by H.M. Government in the Banqueting House, and we were entertained at the House of Lords on a terrace overlooking the bustling and rather muddy river Thames. Then there was the visit to the Glyndebourne Opera. It is only in London that at 3 o'clock of an afternoon, nearly 1 000 people all togged up in dress suits and long dresses and carrying packets of sandwiches for supper could arrive at a station to catch a train, and not even cause a stir of interest or a raised eyebrow! This is the way we travelled 60 miles to the opera from London. Surely there can be no more picturesque or romantic a setting for an opera than this large 400-year old red brick manor house nestling in the green valleys of the unspoilt Sussex countryside. It was a glorious evening and though we returned somewhat late and tired, not one of us would have missed this experience. After the first week in London there was a choice of tours of one week to London and the Home Counties, Cornwall, a Geological tour to Scotland, South Wales, and North England. These were followed by further one week tours to Yorkshire and Lancashire, Scotland, West Country and Midlands, a Geological tour of Wales, and a Mining and Geological tour to Jurassic Iron Mines. We then returned to London for the final session and closing banquet. Post-congress tours were arranged to Europe and to Ireland. It was a wonderful Congress, a great experience, we made many friends and may there be many more congresses! . L. W. P. van den Bosch (Member): Much has already been said in appreciation of the excellent organisation and arrangements made for the delegates who attended this Congress. This report is confined to a brief discussion of the personal impressions gained from the papers presented and the technical visits attended. The papers covered a wide variety of subjects ranging from highly theoretical observations to practical descriptions of operations. There were three main themes, VIZ: 1. The attention given to research and its forceful application to practical operation. 2. A steady development in mechanization and automation leading to savings in manpower. 3. Improvization, modernization and adaptation of exisitng facilities. Thoughts on these themes can best be illustrated by comments on some of the industries visited. COAL The National Coal Board (N.C.B.) has been most progressive and all of us have heard of the Bevercotes Colliery with its completely automatic mining and coal handling equipment. This was not, unfortunately, on show but there is no doubt that this is one of the greatest advances in coal mining leading towards continuous production. Coal in Britain is fighting for its life against oil, North Sea gas, imported gases and nuclear power. Output is dropping, the less efficient collieries are closing down and efficiencies are steadily rising as the following tabulation indicates: In 1931: 1 million men produced 300 million tons of coal In 1947: 0.7 million men produced 230 million tons of coal In 1968: 0.4 million men produced 160 million tons of coal

By J. Madias, E. Benavidez, E. Brandaleze, L. Castella

Knowledge of the physical and chemical properties as well as the behaviour of the mould fluxes during melting, important in order to improve continuous casting operations. Lubrication and control of heat transfer in the mould are the more relevant functions of these materials. Values of physical properties like viscosity and surface tension at melting range temperatures are required, as much as the thermal behaviour under process conditions. The heat extraction from the liquid steel has an important effect in the final quality of products. Mould fluxes are constituted by different oxides, and may form glasses and crystal phases during cooling. The solidification rate and the chemical composition determine the proportion, type and crystalline morphology, which are responsible of the thermal transfer processes. In this paper, viscosity values are reported in the melting range temperatures calculated by means of the Riboud model and compared with fluidity results obtained by the inclined plane technique. Also the linear expansion of the mould fluxes at high temperatures was determined by dilatometry. The crystallization in two different fluxes was determined by DTA tests and correlated with the basicity index. Crystal phases were evaluated by scanning electronic microscopy on quenched samples at 1300°C. This information is relevant to increase the knowledge on the peritectic steel grades casting process in order to improve its quality. Keywords: mould fluxes, heat transfer, crystal phases, peritectic steels, thermal properties.

Jan 1, 2004

By H. H. Einstein

This paper reviews how uncertainty has been dealt with over the past 40 years using the decision making cycle as a frame of reference. The review of the phases of this cycle, as applied to rockmechanics and rock engineering, namely characterization, performance analysis, updating and decision making shows that in each, progress has been made over the past 40 years, although most of the basic concepts existed already in the 1960’s. Characterization is the area in which the greatest scientific steps were taken, this phase and performance analysis also gained from the tremendously expanded computational capabilities which allow one to use both more complex and more practically oriented models. The greatest practical advance is without using any doubt in risk based decision making although its acceptance shows interesting differences between different professions. Dans l’article suivant on utilise le cycle de décision pour illustrer le développement du traitement des incertitudes en mécanique des roches et en construction en roche dans les quarante années passées. La revue des phases du cycle de décision montre qu’on a fait du progrès dans chaque phase du cycle de décision, c’est à dire dans la caractérisation, dans l’analyse et la prédiction du comportement, dans l’actualisation et dans l’acte de décision, même si les concepts fondamentaux existaient déjà dans les années 1960. Les plus grands avancements scientifiques se trouvent dans le domaine de la caractérisation tandis que l’analyse prédictive profitait du développement de l’informatique qui a mené à des modèles plus complexes mais aussi plus pratiques. Le plus grand progrès est sans doute dans le domaine de l’acte de décision sur la base des risques. Ce procédé est devenu assez commun même s’il y a encore des différences d’acceptation entre différentes professions. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird der Entscheidungszyklus gebraucht, um darzustellen wie sich derUmgang mit Unsicherheiten im Felsbau während der letzen 40 Jahre entwickelt hat. DerÜberblick über die Phasen des Entscheidungsprozesses zeigt, dass bei der Anwendung in derFelsmechanik und im Felsbau, in allen Phasen d.h. bei der Charakterisierung, bei der analytischenVorhersage, beim Aktualisieren und bei der Entscheidungsfindung Fortschritte gemacht wurden,obwohl die grundlegenden Konzepte bereits in den 1960er Jahren existierten. Im Gebiet derCharakterisierung gab es wohl die grössten wissenschaftlichen Entwicklungen, während dieanalytische Vorhersage vor allem von den Fortschritten der Informatik profitierte, welchekomplexere wie auch praktischere Modelle möglich machte. Der grösste Fortschritt ist ganz sicherin der Entscheidungsfindung zu beobachten, wo Risikobetrachtungen gang und gäbe sind, obwohlhier noch einige Unterschiede zwischen verschiedenen Berufsgattungen zu finden sind.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. L. Fuentes-Cantillana, J. B. Solar Menéndez, A. O. Cámara

The Principality of Asturias is a region situated in Northern Spain with two centuries of tradition in underground coal mining. In addition, its uneven relief has obliged the construction of a great number of tunnels both for railways and roads. Basing on this experience and an ever increasing need to improve on safety, the Barredo Foundation dependent on the Regional Government and the University, provides and manages a Centre for Research of Fires and Ventilation in Tunnels. The Centre has as its most important infrastructure, a tunnel 540 m long, 9,5 m wide and 8,0 m high at centre. This section coupled with ventilation equipment allows the simulation of risk conditions at real scale, which is achieved by modifying the geometry of the section and through two powerful stations situated one at either en of the tunnel. In addition, the Centre houses two test benches for fans and electrical motors at high temperatures. One bench with a re-circulation conduit is the most appropriate for tests in Transversal and Semi-transversal type of installations. The other, is for the testing of electrical motors or fans which operate in zones where the surrounding temperature is high. In this Centre, training has also been developed for Fire Fighters and Civilian Protection Personnel who have to work in fire and smoke rescue conditions in underground structures. Testing conducted at real scale enables this formation and also to improve different computer programmes in the field of Fires and Ventilation.

Jan 1, 2003

By D. F. Malan, W. J. Theron

Practical mining aspects should be considered when conducting pillar designs for bord-and-pillar layouts. The current methodology for pillar design will result in increasing pillar sizes with depth. This affects the extraction ratio and will result in onerous ventilation requirements when cutting large pillars. A holistic approach, including all mining engineering requirements, is required to ensure that the rock engineering designs are optimized to ensure efficient mining operations and sustainable production. Bord widths should not only be a function of the rock mass ratings, but should also be selected to fit the specifications of the mechanized equipment. The use of a ‘squat pillar’ formula for hard rock is discussed in the paper and the formula based on the exponents of the Hedley and Grant pillar formula, is explored. The effect of abutments and geological losses on average pillar stress is also explored. These factors must be considered when designing layouts at increasing depths.

Nov 27, 2024

By M. Yavuz

Two different methods of fuzzy multiple criteria decision making have been proposed to solve the problem of mining method selection in the paper titled ?Mining method selection by multiple criteria decision making tool, by Bitarafan and Ataei. This problem is really important and also difficult to solve because of the need of handling many criteria simultaneously in the process of decision making. Bitarafan and Ataei have selected 15 criteria for the case study in their paper and those criteria have not been clustered/grouped yet. The number of selected criteria is only 15, although there are more criteria that should be handled in a real case, because they have used Saaty?s method in the section ?Fuzzy multiple attribute decision making? in their paper. Saaty?s method considers the pair wise comparison of criteria and uses random indexed which have already been derived and published. Available random indexes, however, have been derived for maximum 15 criteria so far.

Jan 1, 2007

By H. Schunnesson, H. Fredriksson, D. Johansson, E. Söderström, S. Manzoor, A. Gustafson, M. Danielsson

Fragmentation analysis is an essential part of the optimization process in any mining operation. The costs of loading, hauling, and crushing the rock are strongly influenced by the size distribution of the blasted rock. Several direct and indirect methods are used to analyse or predict fragmentation, but none is entirely applicable to fragmentation assessment in sublevel caving mines, mainly because of the limitations imposed by the underground environment and the lack of all the required data to adequately describe the rock mass. Over the past few years, measurement while drilling (MWD) data has emerged as a potential tool to provide more information about the in-situ rock mass. This research investigated if MWD can be used to predict rock fragmentation in sublevel caving. The MWD data obtained from a sublevel caving mine in northern Sweden were used to find the relationship between rock fragmentation and the nature of the rock mass. The loading operation of the mine was filmed for more than 12 months to capture images of loaded load-haul-dump (LHD) buckets. The blasted material in those buckets was classified into four categories based on the median particle size (X50). The results showed a stronger correlation for fine and medium fragmented material with rock type (MWD data) than coarser material. The paper presents a model for prediction of fragmentation, which concludes that it is possible to use MWD data for fragmentation prediction.

Mar 2, 2022

By M. I. Mthenjane

"BackgroundThe paper discusses post-mining land use however, the essence of the topic is the emotional motivation behind the decisions related to mining investment and development. Therefore this is not a typical SAIMM technical paper about the science and techniques of post-mining land use. There are already numerous papers written and conferences held on this aspect of post-mine land use; the science is well understood, but the evidence of the practical application of the (environmental, social, and economic) science is sparse. At a recent conference held in November 2017 on the theme of ‘Science, Business, Society Dialogue – linking science, society, business and policy for the sustainable use of abandoned mines in the SADC region’, it was demonstrated through the delivery of several papers on the possible viable options of post-mine land use. The conference was structured in nine sessions, covering the following relevant topics:? Sessions 1 and 2: Nature and magnitude of the problem: raising awareness? Sessions 3 and 4: International experiences in remediation: case studies? Sessions 5, 6 and, 7: Technological solutions: converting liabilities into assets? Session 8: Implementing solutions: social and legal aspects? Session 9: Wrap up, lessons learned: conference resolution.Summaries of the key outcomes of the sessions are available for reference.The aim of this paper, accompanied by the video speech, is to provide a visualization of the possibilities of post-mine land use. Mining contributes approximately 7% to South Africa’s GDP - this is the lowest it has ever been and is attributable to both a diversifying economy and to poor mining and investment policy which has resulted in reduced investment in the sector. The objective of the paper is to highlight the opportunities, for succeeding and diversifying economic activity following mining and mineral extraction which can continue to sustain the livelihoods and wellbeing of communities and societies beyond mining.During mining, very few alternative and local economies develop. Dependence on mining and its value chain prevails until mining ceases. This idea is conveyed in Figures 1a and b."

Jul 1, 2019

By C. Ntsele

Stirred milling technologies have firmly established themselves in concentrator circuits as energy-efficient alternatives to tumbling ball mills. High and continued increases in electricity costs, coupled with the ever-increasing power consumption by primary grinding circuits due to declining head grades of ore-bodies, provides a compelling case for these technologies. Additionally, the ability to successfully deploy stirred milling in coarse grinding applications extends the range of use in concentrators, thus increasing the opportunity matrix for energy optimization in a flowsheet. This paper therefore details methodologies and strategies that can be applied to evaluate the optimum stirred milling solution for different concentrator applications. These methods and strategies will focus specifically on the two major stirred mill machine types; namely, gravity-induced (VERTIMILL? grinding mill and Nippion-Eirich tower mill) and fluidized (SMD, Isamill?, Knelson-Deswik mill, etc. ). Finally, case studies from circuits across industry and laboratory tests will be used to illustrate the energy benefit from the use of stirred mills.

Jan 1, 2012

By V. Maseko, C. Musingwini

"When considered collectively, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are arguably a key asset for any mining company. Mineral Reserves are the economically mineable portions of Mineral Resources. They therefore provide a good indication of the economic prospects in the short to medium term and associated non-financial impairments for mining companies, hence a focus on Mineral Reserves. An assessment of modifying factors for converting Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves revealed that Mineral Reserves were most sensitive to long-term commodity prices, hence the focus on long-term commodity prices. The justification for selecting gold and platinum mines is that they collectively make a significant contribution to South Africa’s earnings from mining.The introduction of the South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC Code) in 2000 informed the basis for analysing long-term commodity price assumptions for major South African gold and platinum mining companies between 2000 and 2016. The analysis revealed that the least number of non-financial impairments occurred when long-term commodity prices were within ±5% of spot prices. This finding suggests that this range is the ideal range for long-term commodity price assumptions to improve confidence in Mineral Reserve declarations and minimize impairments. Introduction The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC Code) defines a Mineral Resource as ‘a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction’ (SAMREC, 2016, p. 18). Mineral Resources are categorized according to increasing levels of geoscientific confidence or knowledge, from Inferred to Indicated and lastly, Measured categories. The SAMREC Code defines a Mineral Reserve as ‘the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource’ (SAMREC, 2016, p. 25). In some of the other reporting codes such as the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code), a Mineral Reserve is synonymous with an Ore Reserve. The conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves involves applying modifying factors, which are non-resource considerations. The modifying factors used in the Mineral Reserve estimation process include mining, metallurgical, processing, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social, and governmental factors. Each of these modifying factors consists of several components which require due consideration in the estimation of Mineral Reserves. Table I shows some of the components typically considered for each of the modifying factors."

Mar 1, 2019

By Mike de Wit

Of the approximately 6,500 kimberlites known to date, less than 3% are diamondiferous and less than half of those are economically viable. Admittedly, this is a global figure and varies from area to area much depending on geological, logistical, and political circumstances. The number of diamond-bearing kimberlites is an important geobarometer, and an age-frequency profile has been compiled in order to identify diamond metallogenic epochs and provinces. Four primary diamond clusters have been recognized: Siberia (332-370Ma), Kaapvaal South(114-144Ma), Kaapvaal Southwest(84-95Ma), and Slave (52-55Ma). In addition, three secondary clusters are the Kaapvaal Central (S06-S38Ma), the Man Craton (139-lS3Ma) and the Kasai Craton (120-130Ma). The Kaapvaal is the only area where kimberlites with diamonds were discovered between 1870 and 1925, except for the Prairie Creek discovery in North America in 1906 and Colossus in Zimbabwe in 1907. Between 1906 and 1940 no major diamondiferous kimberlites were discovered, but many of Africa's alluvial deposits were found and exploited in that period. Advances in scientific prospecting in the 1940's rapidly accelerated the discovery rate that peaked in the 1990's; 39 diamondiferous occurrences were found in the 1980's, of which 8 became mines and 5 are in feasibility, and nearly 450ha of kimberlite was added to the global resource base. Despite the accelerated exploration expenditure, the last decade (e.g. 2000-2009) has been the leanest since the 1940's. The most important reason for this decline in exploration success is that any undiscovered deposits are largely buried by younger cover. Understanding complex and geophysical noisy basement geology, as well as decomposition of path-finder minerals are major challenges to further exploration success. Major investments in basic geological expertise and field research will have to be made in order to secure future diamond resources. Integrated geophysical studies, geochemistry diamond forensics, and improved imaging of Earth's upper mantle are perhaps foremost in this requirement, but the costs of these activities are such that government support will be required if countries are to sustain their diamond mining industry.

Jan 1, 2010

By Moraka N. V., van Rensburg M. Jansen

"SynopsisGoing beyond transformation claims contained in employment equity scorecards and industry compliance reports, this article provides qualitative insight into the initiatives employed and challenges experienced by mining companies in a quest to transform the mining industry. Perceptions expressed during in-depth interviews with 10 senior executives showed that the assumption that mining companies are reluctant to transform is erroneous. Results from this study suggest buy-in and commitment to transformation. This article describes specific initiatives undertaken by mining companies to transform. The most notable initiatives include staff recruitment efforts to appoint historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs), staff development initiatives, as well as community development. The findings furthermore contextualize the challenges experienced by industry participants in their quest to transform. Despite accusations that industry participants are not taking responsibility for the implementation of the transformation agenda, government needs to recognize that they too have a role to play and need to appreciate and assist in the current challenges experienced by the industry.IntroductionWe need a mining sector that works. Mining employs over half a million people. It is the biggest earner of foreign exchange in our country. It also contributes about 20 billion rand directly to tax revenue. Mining also makes a far larger contribution as a buyer of goods and services, and a supplier of inputs to other sectors of our economy and other economies around the globe’ said President Jacob Zuma during the 2014 State of the Nation Address (Zuma, 2014). However, despite apparent commitment from government, enforced compliance with social and labour plans, regulations and Mining Charter targets, the South African mining industry is slow to gain local and international investor trust (Deloitte & Touche, 2013; Mashego, 2013).Industry players acknowledge that their context has changed – creating various challenges (Davis, 2014). In the past few years, such challenges included subdued commodity prices, increased working costs, constrained infrastructure, and high labour costs, coupled with poor levels of productivity, strained labour-management relations, an uncertain regulatory environment, and the inevitable maturation of the industry (Deloitte & Touche, 2013; Davenport, 2014). Mining affected communities also became more cognisant of their rights, and politicians more vocal in their expectations from their relationships with the mining giants (Davis, 2014). One of the main issues that contributed to the difficult operating conditions was claims from organized labour and Minister Shabangu that this industry is too slow to transform. Specific claims were made in terms of employment equity, fair salaries and wages for mineworkers, housing and living conditions, health and safety issues, and general working conditions (Limpitlaw et al., 2005; Miningmx, 2013; Shabangu, 2010). These claims were followed by what Gill Marcus, Reserve Bank Governor, explained as ‘unprotected strike action [that] has escalated into an uncontrolled, violent and unlawful landscape, led by a mob mentality in the absence of formal and recognised leaders’ (Mavuso,2013)."

Jan 1, 2015

By E. J. M. Jahnsen, I. Jauhari, T. Badrujaman, F. A. Stober, B. O. Wasmund, L. R. Nelson, T. Miraza, J. M. A. Geldenhuis, A. Taofik Hidyat

The role of dedicated operational support in the ramp-up and stabilisation of the FeNi-II furnace for ferro-nickel production at PT Antam?s smelter located in Pomalaa, Indonesia is described. The furnace was uprated to 32MW capability in a rebuild performed in 2005. This primarily involved installing a larger transformer, coupled with adoption of HATCH water-cooled copper plate, waffle and flanker coolers with integrated metal and slag tapblocks, HATCH air-cooled copper fin lower sidewall cooling and HATCH vertical sidewall binding system ? ?holddowns?. Following a smooth commissioning period, the progress in attaining the preliminary ramp-up target load of 24MW is described. This initial target was set by Antam, subject to some prevailing smelter equipment constraints, particularly kiln capacity. Stabilisation of the furnace operation is discussed, together with some of the specific commissioning and operational challenges surmounted by the joint Antam-HATCH team. These included: ?Mastering furnace integrity monitoring and operation with copper coolers, especially metal tapblock planned maintenance and repair strategies; ?Transition from traditional ?immersed electrode? to ?brush-arc? mode of operation approaching as closely as possible to the productive ?shielded-arc? mode of operation within existing equipment constraints; ?Reductant selection and control issues; ?Utilising the sophisticated furnace monitoring to provide detailed indication and warning of potentially destructive furnace upset conditions such as Si reversion and CO boils.

Jan 1, 2007

By R. Mumbi, M. Peart, E. Arinaitwe, B. Mbao, J. Zulu

Since 1925, xanthates have been widely used in sulfide flotation due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, and ability to float most value species. However, the industry's increasing need for safer and more selective alternatives, driven by low head grades, poor-quality, difficult-to-process ore with complex mineralogy, and stricter environmental regulations, has led to the development of Solvay's AERO® XR series of collectors. These custom-formulated products are based on greener chemistries and offer metallurgical benefits that are similar to or better than those of xanthates, without the safety concerns. Developed through Solvay's Flotation Matrix (FM) 100 approach, the XR series collectors are suitable for a wide range of applications, including the processing of Cu, Zn, and Cu-Ni, as well as the flotation of precious metals. This paper will highlight the differences between xanthates and XR series collectors, and present case studies of their successful commercial application at various global operations.

Jan 1, 2023

By A van Jaarsveld

Environmentally-friendly, safe and cost-effective technology for stope drilling has successfully been introduced at TauTona mine. It has enabled the problem of inadequate compressed air pressure and its downgrading impact on production capability to be overcome. The paper traces the development process which culminated in the conversion of the entire stoping operation at TauTona to electric drilling. Background work which took place at other mines is also described. Statistics of performance improvements are provided. 1. Introduction Holman?s Silver series and the Seco S215 were drills that had a measurable impact on the South African gold mining industry. It is too soon to say whether Hilti will join those great names. However, there is no doubt that the introduction of electric drills into the harsh and unforgiving world of deep level gold mining is a significant development. History has shown that being the first to enter a new technology is no guarantee of long-term success. The pain and suffering which accompany the birth of anything new can deplete the energy of the innovator while at the same time creating opportunities for competitors to leapfrog him. In addition to commitment and enthusiasm, the innovator must therefore also possess, or have access to stamina and resourcefulness to overcome the unexpected difficulties which will inevitably arise. All of these were needed for the Hilti project.

Jan 1, 2008