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By J. A. C. Diering

The determination of stresses and displacements close to tabular excavations is of considerable importance in the planning of tunnels and of remnant and pillar layouts. This paper gives a description of a simple yet effective method for the achievement of improved values from an analogue or MINSIM type of analysis. Essentially, closures and rides (the movement of hanging-wall relative to footwall) in mined-out areas are assumed to vary in a piecewise linear fashion as opposed to a piecewise constant fashion. As the former fashion more closely resembles the true variation, it is possible for the stresses and displacements at points close to the excavations to be calculated with much better accuracy.

Jan 1, 1980

By J. L. Taylor, E. N. Lawson, Hulse. G. A.

It is generally recognized that a large proportion of the gold remaining in the residues from metallurgical plants on the Witwatersrand is occluded in pyrite. The conventional flotation-roasting process typically recovers approximately 40 per cent of this gold. The process described here is an unconventional route involving bacterial oxidation, which can achieve a gold recovery of approximately80 per cent. The paper describes tests carried out in the laboratory, as well as on a slimes dam. The results show that recovery of gold can be noticeably enhanced through the use of bacteria under conditions of controlled pH, moisture, and aeration. Biological oxidation of the pyrite releases the occluded gold, which then becomes amenable cyanidation.

Jan 1, 1990

By R. T. Rudd

The impact of slimes-dam formation on water quality and pollution by R. T. RUDD*, B.Sc., AMI (S.A.) CE (Visitor) This paper discusses the mechanics of pollution by slimes dams in the gold- and fluorspar-mining industry, as well as that caused by coal dumps and slurry dams. The effect of coal mining on two typical rivers in Natal is shown and the implications discussed. The implications and trends of sulphates pollution on the Rand Water Barrage in the Vaal River are discussed. The spread of pollutants (sulphates and fluorides) from the Reef and elsewhere, and the impact on urban use and agriculture downstream of the barrage, are illustrated. Conclusions and future policy are outlined.

Jan 12, 1973

By O. G. Pauw

The relationships between mill power and pebble load, bulk density of the load, and circulating load were investigated on the pebble mills in the grinding circuit at Buffelsfontein Gold Mine. This paper describes the most significant relationships among the operating and control variables on the plant, and illustrates these by reference to experimental data gathered from the plant during operation. The results were used for the development of very successful multivariable peak-seeking controllers for the pebble load and bulk density of the load on these pebble mills. The peak-seeking control algorithms are described in detail. The control system has operated successfully at Buffelsfontein for more than 18 months and is still in operation.

Jan 1, 1985

By A. L. Hinde, P. J. D. Lloyd, D. Hebden

The philosophy behind the design of a rougher cell for the handling of coarse feed and for the maximization of recovery within a given time is presented. The application of this philosophy in cells of 22-litre, 320-litre, and 3 m3 capacity is outlined, and the results of the process testing of these cells are given. In this testing, particular accent was placed on the recovery of water as a guide to the recovery of the finest size of particles, and the rate of recovery of various mineral species. It is concluded that a promising concept has been identified, but that further testing is needed for the firmer establishment of optimal operational parameters in a production environment.

Jan 1, 1983

ORANGE FREE STATE BRANCH Proceedings of the Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held in the St. Helena Club on Tuesday, 3rd October, 1972 at 8.00 p.m. Mr J. M. Meyer was in the chair. METALLURGISTS AND COMPUTERS An address delivered at the Annual General Meeting of the O.F.S. Branch by Prof D. D. Howat. Most men who remain in mining and metallurgy like their jobs. There are many times when you say to yourself or to your wife - 'Anybody can have my job - if they want it'. You feel so fed up and frustrated everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.

By G. J. McDougall, M. J. Nicol, O. L. Wellington, R. G. Copperthwaites, R. D. Hancock

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the adsorption of gold cyanide on carbon in the presence or absence of electrolytes and acids proceeds by the same mechanism. Although the identity of the gold cyanide adsorbate is not known, the mechanism appears to have an initial adsorption stage that involves the adsorption of an ion pair: Mn+[Au(CN)-2]n where Mn+ is a metal ion (for example Na+, K+ and Ca2+) that has a lower solubility than the Au(CN)-2 anion in the adsorption medium, followed by a reduction step in which either a sub-stoichiometric Au(CN)x surface species or a cluster-type compound of gold is formed.

Jan 1, 1980

By S. Özgen

In this study, the possibility of beneficiation of chromite tailings in the Uckopru/Fethiye-Turkey region by a combination of hydrocyclone and multigravity separator (MGS) was investigated. The two significant operational parameters of hydrocyclone, which were diameter of the apex and diameter of the vortex, and the three significant operational parameters of the MGS, which were drum speed, tilt angle, and wash water, were varied and the results were evaluated with the central composite rotatable design. In order to produce a chromite concentrate by hydrocyclone and MGS, mathematical model equations were derived by computer simulation programming, applying the least-squares method using Minitab 15. Second-order response functions were produced for the grade and recovery of chromite concentrates.

Jan 1, 2012

By S. Özgen

In this study, the possibility of beneficiation of chromite tailings in the Uckopru/Fethiye-Turkey region by a combination of hydrocyclone and multigravity separator (MGS) was investigated. The two significant operational parameters of hydrocyclone, which were diameter of the apex and diameter of the vortex, and the three significant operational parameters of the MGS, which were drum speed, tilt angle, and wash water, were varied and the results were evaluated with the central composite rotatable design. In order to produce a chromite concentrate by hydrocyclone and MGS, mathematical model equations were derived by computer simulation programming, applying the least-squares method using Minitab 15. Second-order response functions were produced for the grade and recovery of chromite concentrates.

Jan 1, 2012

Previous investigations of stress conditions under which core discing occurs have concentrated on shear stress as the cause of this phenomenon. In this paper it is suggested that discing initiates as a result of extension strain, which develops in the field of triaxially compressive stress ahead of the borehole end.

Jan 1, 1982

METRICATION In order to bring South Africa into line with metric countries the world over and in view of the indisputable advantages of using the comma as a decimal sign, the Metrication Advisory Board has decided to recommend that the comma be used consistently as decimal sign as from April 1, 1971. Numbers consisting of more than three figures are separated by spaces into groups of three to the left and right of the comma, and not by commas, e.g... 2 734 671,512 73 A quantity such as 12,41 kg is read as "twelve comma four one kilograms" and 31,34 km as "thirty-one comma three four kilometres." A motor-car previously described as a 3.8 litre model now becomes a 3,8 litre model. THE BRITISH COUNCIL AWARDS 1972-1973 The British Council invites applications from permanent residents of all races in the Republic of South Africa and South West Africa, for the following awards:- SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are available to such residents who hold University degrees or comparable professional qualifications. The scholarships are tenable for post-graduate study at Universities and other educational establishments in Britain for the academic year of approximately ten months beginning 1st October 1972. All arrangements will be made by the British Council and the scholarships will include tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, approved travel in Britain, return fares to Britain, a books grant and a clothing grant. The closing date for applications is 31st July, 1971. BURSARIES Bursaries are available to such permanent residents who hold University degrees or who, being already established in their professions or trades, hold other qualifications. The bursaries are tenable at British educational in-institutions or other suitable establishments in Britain for a course of training, study or research lasting not less than two months or more than six. The British Council will arrange full programmes and professional contacts, and the bursaries will include a maintenance grant, a books grant, authorised course fees and certain other expenses. The British Council may, at its discretion, bear the cost of single or return fares to Britain. The closing date for application is 31st July, 1971. TRAVEL GRANTS Travel grants each of £300 are available in respect of journeys to Britain undertaken between 1st April, 1972, and 31st March, 1973, and are provided to facilitate visits to British Universities by persons holding staff appointments or graduate research posts at South African Universities. Visits must normally be of at least six months duration though grants are occasionally made for visits lasting for one complete term. Grant holders will make their own arrangements with the universities which they wish to visit and will be responsible for finding their own accommodation. The British Council's assistance is limited to the contribution towards cost of fares. The closing date for applications is 31st October, 1971. For further particulars and the relevant application forms please write stating the type of award you wish to apply to: THE CULTURAL ATTACHE BRITISH EMBASSY PRETORIA

By J. Sepulveda

"Despite the recognized influence of product fineness on line capacity and downstream process performance, few mineral concentrators today use particle size measurement of the final product in automatic control applications for particle size. ‘Near-line’ particle size instrumentation has existed for decades and is utilized in modern concentrators, but low availability and measurement frequency, due to problems with slurry sampling and transport systems, make these technologies unreliable for use in automatic control. An innovative technology for real-time particle size measurement on individual hydrocyclones, named CYCLONEtrac™ PST (particle size tracking), has been developed by CiDRA Minerals Processing, and proven in commercial installations, demonstrating near 100% availability with minimal maintenance requirements, thus overcoming the limitations of previous technologies. Potential stakeholders require convincing, reliable information regarding the economic value delivered by automatic grind control projects. In this paper we present a methodology for estimating such value with the CYCLONEtrac™ PST technology, and demonstrate unique opportunities to improve process stability and performance. Based on actual plant data accumulated over time, the evaluation approach assesses and highlights the significant potential process improvement that can be expected with the particle size tracking technology. As an extension of previous work, in this paper we present the key operating criteria for optimizing the production of valuable metals and increase mill throughput by identifying the optimal grind size. As this requires operating closer to the process boundaries, accurate real-time particle size measurements, such as those provided by the CYCLONEtrac™ PST system, become essential for achieving the maximum potential value from every operation. For further illustration, data from three different copper plants is compared.Introduction Owners and operators of mineral concentrators constantly search for the most economically attractive way to increase the output of valuable metal. A logical approach is to identify a key parameter that has the greatest impact on the performance of multiple stages of the process and then use a holistic analysis methodology to determine how this key parameter can be controlled to optimize the final output.Particle size is widely recognized as such a key parameter; however, very few concentrators today use real-time particle size measurements for automatic control of the final product size due, to a large extent, to the inherent limitations of existing technologies. ‘Near-line’ particle size measurement instrumentation, which has been used for decades, typically suffers from low availability because the fundamental measurement technologies were developed for other, less demanding industries and then adapted to the harsh environment of the typical mineral concentration process. An outline of the key differences among the available technologies used for particle size measurement in comminution circuits has been completed in previous work, and plant data has proven the benefits of measurements on individual cyclones – something that, until now, has not been possible (Cirulis, 2017)."

Nov 1, 2018

By S. Kauchali

"Underground coal gasification (UCG) is recognized as an efficient mining technique capable of chemically converting the coal from deep coal seams into synthesis gas. Depending on the main constituents of the synthesis gas, chemicals, electricity, or heat can be produced at the surface. This paper provides a high-level graphical method to assist practitioners in developing preliminary gasification processes and experimental programmes prior to detailed designs or field trials. The graphical method identifies theoretical limits of operation for sensible gasification within a thermally balanced region, based primarily on the basic coal chemistry. The analyses of the theoretical outputs are compared to actual field trials from sites in the USA and Australia, with very favourable results. A South African coal is studied to determine the possible synthesis gas outputs achievable using various UCG techniques: controlled retractable injection point (CRIP) and linked vertical wells (LVW). For CRIP techniques, an important result suggests that pyrolysis, and subsequent char production, are important intermediate phenomena allowing for increased thermal efficiencies of UCG. The conclusion is that South African coals need to be studied for pyrolysis-char behaviour as part of any future UCG programme. The results also suggest that UCG with CRIP would be a preferred technology choice for Bosjesspruit coal where pyrolysis dynamics are important. Lastly, the use of CO2 as oxidant in the gasification process is shown to produce syngas with significant higher heating value. Introduction and literature surveyCoal is a commonly utilized fossil fuel, providing over 40% of global electricity demand and about 90% of South Africa’s primary energy needs. However, less than 20% of the known world resources are suitable for possible extraction using conventional surface and underground mining techniques (Andrianopolous,, Korre, and Durucan, 2015). Underground coal gasification (UCG) has the potential to recover the energy stored in coal in an environmentally responsible manner by exploiting seams that are deemed unmineable by traditional methods. The UCG process, if successfully developed, can increase coal reserves substantially. For example, in the Limpopo region of South Africa alone, the estimated potential for UCG gas, based on existing geological records, is over 400 trillion cubic feet (TCF) natural gas equivalent – this is about a hundred times more gas than the existing 4-TCF Pande-Temane natural gas field reserve in Mozambique (de Pontes, Mocumbi, and Sangweni, 2014)."

Oct 1, 2018

By S. Kirkpatrick, J. Mukendwa

"The mining operation at Namdeb’s Southern Coastal Mine (SCM) is unique. It targets gravel layers up to 30 m below sea level, which continue to dip deeper, further west, under the Atlantic Ocean. On this storm-dominated coastline, severe water seepage into mining areas, rugged orebody footwall characteristics, and highly variable resource grades all contribute to a challenging operational environment. Namdeb has a proud history of innovation, and as the mine progresses further westwards and associated technical and economic challenges increase, this innovative culture has become essential to the future of the mine. The Theory of Constraints (ToC) has been widely used at SCM, and across the mining discipline, to focus efforts on improving overall business profitability. Through analysis of the mining processes, opportunities were identified, solutions developed, and initiatives implemented with staggering results across all three mining disciplines, i.e. stripping, load and haul, and bedrock bulking and cleaning. This paper outlines the solutions adopted and the results of the ToC analysis. IntroductionSouthern Coastal Mine (SCM) is one of three Namdeb operations located in the southwestern corner of Namibia, between the Orange River in the south, the Namib Desert to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west (Figure 1). These three geographical features set the backdrop for the world’s greatest marine diamond mining placer (Badenhorst, 2003). SCM is situated along the coastline extending from the mouth of the Orange River to Chameis Bay approximately 120 km to the north. The active mining area, called Mining Area 1 (MA1) is, however, limited to very narrow strip, 30 km in length, in the south of the licence area, close to the town of Oranjemund.Namdeb, a wholly owned subsidiary of Namdeb Holdings, is a 50/50 joint venture between De Beers and the Government of Namibia. Diamonds were first discovered along the Namibian coastline in April 1908, close to the town of Luderitz, but mining operations started in the SCM mining area only in February 1929 (Schneider, 2009). Initially all Namdeb mining operations exploited massive land-based deposits, producing nearly 40 million carats from MA1 between 1920 and 1977 (Schneider, 2009) when mining targeted onshore raised beaches west of the high water line. Since 1977 however, SCM and Namdeb have developed a unique mining method to economically extract the resource which extends westward under the Atlantic Ocean."

Feb 1, 2019

1. Book reviews Perspectives in metallurgical development. London, The Metals Society. 338 pp. £29. Reviewer: John V. Bee Mechanics of oil shale, edited by K.P. Chong and J.W. Smith. London, Elsevier Applied Science Publishers Ltd, 1984. 603 pp. £75. Reviewer: R.W.O. Kersten 2. Recent publications CANADIAN MINERAL POLICY SECTOR. Metallurgical works in Canada. Primary iron and steel 1984. Mineral Bulletin MR 203. Ottawa, Canadian Government Publishing Centre, Supply and Services, 1985. $6.00. Tin and its uses no. 143. Greenford (England), International Tin Research Institute, 1985. Mining 1985, edited by Diana Russell. Harlow England), Longman Group Ltd, 1985. 540 pp. £46. The following books are available from CRC Press, Inc., 2000 Corporate Boulevard N.W., Boca Raton, Florida 33431, U.S.A. Inorganic ion exchange materials, edited by A. Clearfield. 304 pp. $100. Polyurethane foam sorbents in separation science, by T. Braun. $80. Advanced particulate morphology: theory and practice, by J.K. Beddow and T.P. Melloy. 208 pp. $79. CRC handbook of atomic absorption analysis, edited by A. Varma. 2 vols: vol. I $114, vol 11 $102. CRC handbooks of inorganic elecrochemistry, edited byL. Meites, P. Zuman, E.B. Rupp, andA. Narayanan. 3. Mintek reports Report M169 The preparation of three South African coals for as reference materials. Report M190 The preparation and certification of a South African phosphate concentrate for use as a reference material. Report M191 The agglomeration of fine material for bacterial heap leaching. Report M197 A computer programme to monitor the performance of an X-ray-fluorescence spectrometer. Metallurgical award The 1984 Acta Metallurgica Gold Medal has been awarded to Professor John W. Christian of Oxford University. The medal is an international award that was established in 1974 to recognize outstanding ability and leadership in materials research. Proterozoic volcanic suites An international symposium will be held at the British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, U.K., from 2nd to 5th April, 1986. Entitled 'Geochemistry and Mineralisation of Proterozoic Volcanic Suites', this special meeting of the Geological Society will discuss the geochemical evidence for the nature of volcanism during the Proterozoic. Powder metallurgy Every second year the International Powder Metallurgy Conference, the world's leading event in powder metallurgy, is organized and held alternately in North America and Eruope.

Jan 1, 1985

By B. Mienie, J. F. Morrison, C. H. Wyndham, M. J. Martinson, N. B. Strydom

Contribution to discussion M. J. Martinson (Associate Member)*: Application of the simple selection test mentioned in the penultimate paragraph of the paper (reference to a more detailed description of the test would not have been inappropriate) should assist South African mining engineers to make more efficient and possibly more humane use of available labour. The authors mention that the test 'is in use in the gold mining industry', and it would be interesting to know the extent of this usage in terms either of number of mines or as a percentage of the total number of labourers employed on 'heavy' tasks. The paper would have been of greater interest had the authors attempted to relate their findings to the statistics of labour usage in gold mines, members of the Chamber, and to the 'heavy' tasks in particular. On this the authors confine themselves in their Introduction to the somewhat ambiguous statement that 'A relatively high proportion of the 360,000 Bantu mine labourers are employed underground on manual tasks'. To appreciate the practical significance of the authors' work one needs a detailed breakdown of the underground labour force by occupations, together with estimates of quantities such as: (a) total stope and development tonnages moved manually per shift: by shovelling by shovel/tram by tramming together with distances and any other relevant data; (b) theoretical energy expenditures required to accomplish (a); (c) actual energy expenditures required to a accomplish (a); (d) energy theoretically available to accomplish (a) based on 50 per cent of the total maximum oxygen intakes of the labour force allocated to these tasks. Analyses of this sort on an industry basis might demarcate the more promising areas for detailed investigation. Stress is often laid on the need for increased mechanisation to increase stope productivity, but it may be questioned if enough is known about the characteristics, performance and potential of our underground labour force to warrant blind acceptance of stope mechanization as the industry's panacea. Provided that health and safety are not compromised, the ultimate yardstick for assessing any form of stoping is profitability; obviously the industry must investigate very thoroughly any form of mechanization which might reasonably be expected to increase profitability, but it should also be remembered that a radical overhaul of existing systems-which have after all evolved by trial and error over the past 75

Jan 11, 1968

The June General Meeting of the Institute was held in Kelvin House, Johannesburg, on 18th June, 1969, at 4.30 p.m. Mr J. K. E. Douglas (Vice-President) was in the Chair. There were also present fourteen Members, Messrs R. J. Adamson, F. P. Bath, D. M. Jamieson, D. G. Maxwell, Dr J. T. McIntyre, and Mr P. W. J. van Rensburg (Council Members), Messrs B. F. Berry, A. F. Lee, J. E. van Leeuwen, G. G. Nicolson, N. F. Peverett, Dr A. G. Raper, Messrs E. R. Rudolph and H. R. Reid. Five Associate Members, Messrs T. D. Brown, M. R. Fuller-Good, J. S. Freer, Dr P. R. Jochens and Mr D. A. Viljoen. One Graduate, Mr P. G. Mrkusic. Five Students, Messrs N. A. Barcza, J. A. Cruise, R. P. W. Henrard, D. I. Ossin and J. C. M. Wethmar. Nine Visitors, Messrs M. Badenhorst, N. J. Bovey, H. H. Herold, Dr H. J. S. Kriek, Messrs M. S. Rennie, B. B. Segal, S. Selmer-Olsen, O. A. W. Strydom and B. Yates. Secretary, Mr D. C. Visser. Total present: Thirty-six. MINUTES The Vice-President: "May we confirm the minutes of the Monthly General Meetings held on 24th March, 16th April and 21st May, 1969 as published in the Journal?" Agreed. MEMBERSHIP The Vice-President: "I have much pleasure in announcing that the names of the undermentioned candidates having been published in accordance with By-Law 5.2.2, Council has elected them to membership of the Institute in the following grades: Members: Wilfred Desmond Morgan, Abraham Kriek. Associate Members: Rodger Neville Hampson, Robert Richard Booth Lodge. Graduates: Beverley Hugh Waiters, Gwynne Hugh Johnston. Students: Colin Edward Alvery, Peter Marthinus Haikes, Charles Aubrey Husband, John Nowell Randell, Frederick Johannes Jacobus Blaauw, Johannes Andries Breytenbach, Peter Vos, Frederik Hendrik Coetzee, Petrus Nicolaas Jacobus Smit, Patrick Alien Boardman, Robert Nelson Guest. "May I welcome the newly elected members to the Institute." (Applause.) ELECTION OF SCRUTINEERS FOR THE 1969-70 BALLOT FOR COUNCIL The Vice-President: "In terms of By-Law 9.4, I now call for nominations for scrutineers for the 1969-70 ballot for CounciL" P. W. J. van Rensborg: "I wish to nominate Messrs R. C. J. Goode, V. C. Robinson, J. K. E. Douglas, P. Lambooy, D. G. Maxwell, H. Britten and H. Simon as scrutineers."

The June General Meeting of the Branch was held in the St. Helena Club on Wednesday, 18th June, 1969. Mr J. G. Kirchner (Chairman of the O.F.S. Branch) was in the chair. There were also present: Eight Members: Messrs A. F. Leger, J. N. Saunders, T. Zadkin (Committee Members), Messrs M. G. Cullen, M. S. Grobler, C. J. Isaac, S. L. S. Swart, P. S. Turner. Eight Associate Members: Messrs R. Campbell, D. E. Couperthwaite, J. D. Couperthwaite, A. Hepburn, P. A. Hoffman, H. J. Reeders, R. B. Sutherland, P. R. Wheeler. Two Graduates: Messrs M. T. G. Davies, B. D. Goodwin. Two Affiliates: Messrs L. D. Hulley, K. L. Wilson. Three Visitors. Total Present: 24. Apologies were received from Mr L. O. W. Leimer. The Chairman declared the meeting open and, after extending a welcome to all visitors, said that it was his sad duty to announce the recent death of Mr. R. Jack, Associate Member. As a mark of respect to the deceased and in sympathy with the bereaved, those present stood in silence for a few moments. MINUTES OF PREVIOUSGENERALMEETING The Minutes of the Previous General Meeting held on the 19th February, 1969, which were published in the April Journal, were taken as read and their adoption proposed by Mr J. N. Saunders and seconded by Mr D. E. Couperthwaite. MA TTERS ARISING FROM THESE MINUTES There were no matters arising from these minutes. ELECTION OF SCRUTINEERS Mr V. J. Isaac proposed and Mr M. S. Grobler seconded a motion that Messrs J. G. Kirchner, J. N. Saunders and M. G. Cullen be elected scrutineers in the forthcoming election of Committee Members. GENERAL BUSINESS The Chairman announced that a visit to the South African Railways Workshops in Bloemfontein had been arranged for the 23rd July, 1969 and expressed the hope that this would be well patronised. TALKS The Chairman called first on Mr D. E. Couperthwaite to present his paper on 'Heavy media separation' and then on Mr A. F. Leger to present his paper on 'Engineering plastics'. Both presentations, which were illustrated with diagrams, proved of great interest to all members. A vote of thanks to both speakers was proposed by Mr T. Zadkin. CLOSURE After thanking the speakers, the Chairman thanked all present for their attendance and declared the Meeting closed at about 9.30 p.m. Refreshments were then served.

By P. Syrjänen, Lovén. P.

Because geostatistics together with block modeling has not been studied in detail before in the rock mechanics, a two-year research program to investigate the practical use of geotechnical modeling was started in Finland in 1999. According to research work results block modeling gives good estimate of overall rock mass quality but it can not identify individual structures like faults and narrow weakness zones. Weakness zones and faults should be mapped from drill cores, surface mapping, geophysical methods etc. and manually generate 3-D structural model. Rock mechanical 3-D modeling can be used for preliminary stope dimensioning and preliminary reinforcement design. Detailed design needs rock quality mapping from drifts during excavation work. La géostatistique associée à la modélisation par blocs n'ayant pas été étudiée en détail jusqu'à présent dans la mécanique des roches, un programme de recherche sur deux ans visant à examiner l'utilisation pratique de la modélisation géotechnique a été lancé en Finlande en 1999. D'après les résultats des travaux de recherche, la modélisation par blocs donne une bonne estimation de la qualité générale de la masse rocheuse mais elle ne permet pas d'identifier les structures individuelles comme les failles et les zones géologiquement dégradées étroites. Ces zones et failles devraient être cartographiées à partir de carottes de sondages, d'une cartographie de surface, de méthodes géophysiques, etc. et générer manuellement un modèle de structure 3D. La modélisation mécanique des roches en 3D peut être utilisée pour un dimensionnement de la chambre et un plan d'armature préliminaires. Un plan détaillé nécessite l'élaboration d'une cartographie de la qualité des roches des galeries lors des travaux d'excavation. Da man früher Geostatik und Block-Modellieren in der Gebirgsmechanik nicht detailliert untersuchte, wurde 1999 in Finnland ein zweijähriges Untersuchungsprogramm in Angriff genommen. Aufgrund der Untersuchungsergebnisse ergibt das Block-Modellieren eine gute Beurteilung der gesamten Gebirgsmassenqualität, kann jedoch einzelne Strukturen wie Verwerfungen und kleine Schwachzonen nicht identifizieren. Schwachzonen und Verwerfungen müssen demnach aus Bohrkernen, oder mit Hilfe von Oberflächenkartierung, geophysischen Verfahren usw. ermittelt und danach ein 3-D-Strukturmodell manuell erstellt werden. Felsmechanisches 3-D-Modellieren ist für die vorbereitende Abbaudimensionierung und für die vorbereitende Bewehrungsplanung verwendbar. Ein detaillierter Entwurf benötigt die Kartierung der Gesteinsqualität aus den Gesteinsstrecken während der Ausbrucharbeiten.

Jan 1, 2003

By W. Newcomen, D. Brox

The assessment of the stability performance of open pit highwalls has traditionally been based on consideration of surface movement rates. Although generally accepted in industry, this approach presents challenges for establishing appropriate threshold values to allow for safe mining operations and does not address the issue of total strain. Surface movement monitoring data from a limited number of open pit mining operations in North and South America has been evaluated in terms of highwall strain, rock mass quality and inferred mechanism of instability. Threshold strain levels for key stages of highwall stability proposed from previous work has been reviewed and are endorsed based on evaluation of additional data. An empirical highwall strain criteria for the assessment of highwall stability performance is postulated based on relatively consistent trends in highwall strain data. L’évaluation du niveau de stabilité des hauts murs de carrières a traditionnellement été basée sur les taux de mouvements de surfaces. Bien que cette approche soit généralement acceptée à travers l’industrie, elle présente des défis pour la définition de seuils appropriés concernant la sécurité des opérations minières et n’adresse pas la notion de déformations totales. Des données de mouvements de surface provenant d’un nombre limité d’opérations minières à ciel ouvert d’Amérique du Nord et du Sud ont été évaluées en terme de déformation des hauts murs, de qualité de la masse rocheuse et des mécanismes inférés d’instabilité. Des seuils de déformation pour différentes phases clefs de stabilité de hauts murs ont été revus et sont endossés, basé sur l'évaluation de donnés additionnelles. Un critère de déformation empirique pour l’évaluation de la stabilité des hauts murs est postulé, basé sur des tendances relativement consistantes de données de déformations de hauts murs. Die Beurteilung der Stabilität von hohen Felsböschungen basiert traditionellerweise von Oberflächenbewegungen. Obwohl dieses Verfahren im Allgemeinen akzeptiert wird, stellt es jedoch gewisse Probleme für die Festlegung von Grenzwerten für die Sicherheit dar. Die totalen Dehnungen werden bei dieser Betrachtungsweise vernachlässigt. Eine beschränkte Anzahl von Oberflächenbewegungs Daten von Bergbauwerke in Nord- und Südamerika sind in Bezug auf die Dehnungen von hohen Felsböschungen, Felsqualität und davon abgeleiteten Bruchmechanismen untersucht worden. Grenzwerte für die Belastung von hohen Felsböschungen während den massgebenden Bauetappen aus bisherigen Projekten sind begutachtet und durch zusätzliche Untersuchungen bestätigt worden. Gestützt auf relativ konsitenten Trends, ist hier ein empirisches Verfahren der Dehnungen in hohen Felsböschungen zur Beurteilung der Stabilität vorgestellt.

Jan 1, 2003