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By S. Durapraj, R. T. Masethe, U. Maqina, A. C. Adoko

This study investigates seismicity and rockburst control within the Merensky Reef and UG2 orebody of an intermediate-depth platinum mine located in South Africa's Bushveld Complex. Utilising a mine-wide seismic monitoring system, over 1,900 seismic events were recorded between April 2023 and May 2024, revealing complex seismic patterns driven by mining-induced stress changes. The largest event, with a magnitude of ML 2.0, underscores the seismic risks associated with mining at increasing depths. Key findings include the spatial and temporal variability of seismic events, with high seismic activity observed near pillars and geological structures. A significant portion of events correlated with pillar and foundation failures. Moment tensor analysis identified dominant failure modes, such as stress-driven fracture closures and dynamic pillar failures. To mitigate risks, the study emphasises advanced support system redesign and rockburst risk assessment using the rockburst damage potential (RDP) method. The research highlights the importance of monitoring, geotechnical compliance, and adaptive designs in enhancing safety and reducing seismic hazards in underground mining operations. The study applied the RDP framework, classifying damage across R1 to R5 scales, where most instances fell into low-risk categories (R1 and R3), indicating minor to moderate damage. However, data limitations and the tabular stoping method's complexity led to inconclusive results, highlighting the need for more robust data and customised risk assessment tools. Despite these challenges, the RDP approach provided valuable insights into rockburst mechanisms and the effectiveness of existing support systems.

Jan 12, 2025

The mining industry worldwide is currently facing a significant restructuring process. In most underground mines, widespread mechanization of the mining processes increases production while reducing staff numbers. At the same time, mining depths as well as the lateral spread of the mine workings are increasing. This ever-changing mining environment requires sophisticated solutions for the design and operation of underground mines. In fact, a reduced number of mining engineers is taking responsibility for everincreasing mine operations. This applies not only to the excavation of the minerals, but also to all other aspects of the mining operation, including health and safety, disaster management, and mine rescue organization. Most mining engineering graduates entering the industry lack experience in mine emergency management. Young engineer trainees must learn mine emergency management and rescue work in addition to their normal training experience on the job. Often, and unfortunately, emergency and rescue training at different mining companies is not carried out to the highest level and standard and with the best possible training outcomes. The tasks and challenges a young engineer faces while being trained in a new position do not leave much room for additional training in mine rescue and emergency management. At the same time, experienced, ?old hands? are retiring and cannot easily be replaced due to limited graduation numbers. Strategies are being developed at mining universities worldwide to train mining engineering students in handling mine emergency situations and to provide hands-on experience for managing potential accident and disaster scenarios underground. Two of these strategies, from the USA and from Central Europe, are presented in this paper. These specific strategies have to be seen under special consideration of the local and regional boundary conditions, but might serve as case studies for mining schools and universities in other countries.

Jan 1, 2014

By N. Henderson, J. Weyer, J. F. Brune

"The mining industry worldwide is currently facing a significant restructuring process. In most underground mines, widespread mechanization of the mining processes increases production while reducing staff numbers. At the same time, mining depths as well as the lateral spread of the mine workings are increasing. This ever-changing mining environment requires sophisticated solutions for the design and operation of underground mines. In fact, a reduced number of mining engineers is taking responsibility for everincreasing mine operations. This applies not only to the excavation of the minerals, but also to all other aspects of the mining operation, including health and safety, disaster management, and mine rescue organization.Most mining engineering graduates entering the industry lack experience in mine emergency management. Young engineer trainees must learn mine emergency management and rescue work in addition to their normal training experience on the job. Often, and unfortunately, emergency and rescue training at different mining companies is not carried out to the highest level and standard and with the best possible training outcomes. The tasks and challenges a young engineer faces while being trained in a new position do not leave much room for additional training in mine rescue and emergency management. At the same time, experienced, ’old hands’ are retiring and cannot easily be replaced due to limited graduation numbers.Strategies are being developed at mining universities worldwide to train mining engineering students in handling mine emergency situations and to provide hands-on experience for managing potential accident and disaster scenarios underground. Two of these strategies, from the USA and from Central Europe, are presented in this paper. These specific strategies have to be seen under special consideration of the local and regional boundary conditions, but might serve as case studies for mining schools and universities in other countries."

Jan 1, 2014

By J. C. Vreugdenburg, B. A. Dippenaar, J. Muller, T. L. de Vries

Iron ore fines are agglomerated in the sintering process to produce sinter: an important feed material for blast furnaces worldwide. A model of the iron ore sintering process has been developed with the objective of being representative of the sinter pot test, the standard laboratory process in which the behaviour of specific sinter feed mixtures is evaluated. The model aims to predict sinter quality, including chemical quality and physical strength, as well as key sinter process performance parameters such as production rate and fuel consumption rate. The model uses the finite difference method (FDM) to solve heat and mass distributions within the sinter pot over the sinter bed height and time dimensions. This method can further be used for establishing empirical relationships with measured sinter properties. Inputs into the model include the feed material physical properties, chemical compositions, and boundary conditions that vary over time. Sub-models describe relationships between applied pressure differential and gas flow rate through the bed of granulated fine ore particles, combustion of carbonaceous material, calcination of fluxes, evaporation and condensation of water, and melting and solidification. Four sinter pot tests were performed and the model predictions validated against temperatures measured at depths of 100, 230, and 420 mm. Differences between predicted and measured temperatures indicated the need for optimization of some model parameters that are uncertain. Optimization resulted in an improvement in the correlation between the predicted and measured temperatures for all tests, although an acceptable level of agreement was not achieved in all cases. Using these parameter values, reasonable agreement was found in terms of typical performance parameters for three out of the four tests.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. W. van der Merwe

Technology is advancing at a rate that makes it extremely difficult for the mining Industry to keep pace. Many advances occur within a given piece of technology and often this is missed by the disciplines that could have gained advantage by its implementation. Often this may have been simply an aspect of cost exceeding benefit. However, there are some technologies that potentially have such a far-reaching impact on the mining industry that the benefits simply outweigh the cost. The application of 3D laser scanning in the mining industry has the potential of taking the concept of ?Google maps?? underground. This presents an opportunity where the virtual world of underground can be traversed with relative ease and many aspects of measurements could be obtained without having to visit the working place again, potentially saving countless man-hours and still delivering precision work with significant savings in downtime, stoppages, and exposure to safety incidents. Anglo American Platinum maintains its competitive advantage though the review and application of appropriate technology. This paper describes the 3D laser scanning trial at one of Anglo American Platinum?s new shafts, and goes on to show the benefits encountered through the application and the involvement of the various MRM disciplines.

Jan 1, 2012

By M. de Paiva Bueno, G. Barakos, S. Luukkanen, K. Luolavirta

Lifelong development of skills and knowledge of mining professionals has been recognised worldwide as a challenge for the development of a sustainable mining sector. Practical training and learning over the mine value chain are among the key components of this knowledge building. However, the number of available mining sites for continuous education in real-life conditions is limited; also the specifications for practical training are not clearly defined. The project MINETRAIN was developed to (i) evaluate the potential of the shortly-closing Pyhäsalmi Mine, in Finland, as an educational and training underground facility, and thus, prolong the utility of the existing modern mine site, and to (ii) develop and test practical training programs for mining and mining industry related professionals. Pyhäsalmi facilities enable training among all disciplines related to the overall mine value chain and hence, the project has potential in providing education for sustainable management of any phase of mining operations. The philosophy underpinning the MINETRAIN approach to mining activities is to assist the clients in minimising the technical and financial risks by providing a competitive and skilled personnel asset while optimising the value drivers in their operations. As a first major step of the project, a pilot training course, involving basic-level online theory and hands-on training at the Pyhäsalmi mine site, was undertaken in summer 2019. Feedback from the pilot test group of mining professionals has proved to be very positive. The comments from the participants strongly emphasised the added value of the practical onsite training for improved understanding in the large scale picture of mining on the entire value chain. As a second phase of the project, a new test course was launched in June 2020. The second MINETRAIN course focuses on new technologies and digitisation in mining. Keywords: Lifelong learning, mining education, mine value chain, research and education mine, educational research project

Jan 1, 2020

By L. A. Maseko

"As part of the mining engineering curriculum, students are required to be placed in industry for vacation work or work-integrated learning (WIL). In this paper we review work-based placement as done at the four South African mining schools: the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the University of South Africa.Key aspects of past and current WIL (pre- and post-graduation) practices that may need attention are highlighted for consideration by all universities that provide professional qualifications. Work-directed theoretical learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning, workplace learning, and simulated work experiences are discussed as legitimate approaches to WIL.Regardless of the choice each institution makes, commitments of universities, preparedness of university teachers, and the desire for equity and excellence will play an important role in the provision of WIL.DefinitionsAccredited Qualification: a qualification awarded on successful completion of an accredited programme.Advisory Boards (or Committees): are essential infrastructure for a WIL curriculum that is built on the integration of the workplace and the university. This requires the collaboration of experts from both environments. Workplace advisors are critical to the success of the academy as they embody expert knowledge of the ‘real world’.Assessment: the process of determining the capability or competence of an individual against standards by evaluating performance.Category: a mode of registration defined in or under the ECSA Act which has a distinctive purpose, characteristic competencies, defined principal routes to registration, and educational requirements.Experiential learning: (in South Africa sometimes used synonymously with work placement or cooperative education) is a term used with a great variety of meanings in the international literature. More broadly, it may refer to learning that has meaningful learner involvement. It is the process of generating meaning from direct experience. In the international literature, experiential learning is learning through reflection on doing, which is often contrasted with rote or didactic learning."

Dec 1, 2018

By S. Banisi, M. R. Yarahmadi, S. R. Mortazavi

Nowadays the development of automatic on-line sampling systems has enabled large amounts of data to be available to plant managers. These data are inevitably prone to random and sometimes systematic errors. Data reconciliation methods are used to deal with random errors. In these methods, the measured data are adjusted in accordance to their error, so that the mass conservation law is satisfied at the same time. Measured data may also contain systematic errors, using these data in mass balancing software will result in inaccurate or even irrational results. In this paper three methods for detecting systematic errors (global test, node constraint test and maximum power constraint test) were presented. A step by step method to locate the systematic errors was demonstrated. Then, the new version of Movazen©, a mass balancing software, was introduced and used to locate systematic errors in the measurements taken from the Sarcheshmeh pilot plant copper flotation circuit. Keywords: Mass balancing, data reconciliation, random error, systematic error

Jan 1, 2020

By V. van der Merwe, C. W. Siyasiya

"A petrochemical company experiences premature thermal fatigue failure of the casting moulds used in catalyst production. The aim of the project was to find an alternative alloy that would outperform the current low-alloy cast steel used for the moulds. Based on their thermo-fatigue properties, 3CR12 ferritic stainless steel and H11 tool steel were chosen for testing and comparison with the currently used BS3100 B7 cast steel. Samples of each material were subjected to temperature cycling in a Gleeble 1500TM thermo-mechanical processing simulator, followed by surface analyses. The main parameters derived from the test work were the total true strain, the hot strength of the materials, and the number of cycles to failure. Additionally, the coefficient of thermal expansion for each material was measured using a Bähr dilatometer. H11 tool steel yielded the best performance by way of having the fewest surface cracks, the lowest total true strain per cycle, the most cycles to failure, the highest hot strength, and the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion.IntroductionThe Catalyst Manufacturing Plant (CMP) is a dusty environment with temperatures higher than ambient. Molten mill scale (magnetite, Fe3O4) is tapped from the electric arc furnace into the casting moulds at temperatures close to 1600°C. After 10 seconds the magnetite is quenched with a water spray for 50 seconds to a minimum temperature of 400°C. Sometimes there is residual water in the pans from the cooling fog process (water sprays) in the empty mould. In a typical plant, the factory produces 40–44 batches a day containing between 150–300 moulds, depending on the time required for the specific batch (Buchholz, 2014). The typical batch in the CMP usually weighs about 6 t. The thickness of the tap, speed of the casting belt, and tilting angle all affect the number of moulds per batch.One of the main problems faced during the molten mill scale casting is the premature failure of the casting moulds. Cracks initiate on the surface of the mould, which is in contact with the hot catalyst, and propagate into the interior of the mould. Cracks are generally concentrated in the middle area of the mould where the catalyst makes first contact with the mould, and which experiences the highest temperature fluctuations. This suggests that the cracks are caused by thermal fatigue during the casting process."

Jan 1, 2016

By D. Nardini

The need to move towards faster and safer mine development is a key priority in mining houses globally. In addition to this, South Africa faces an array of challenges introduced by labour-intensive operations; hence a study was conducted to look into improving development rates and labour productivity, specifically in the areas where trackbound flat-end development is required. The aim of the study was to propose a method to deliver fit-for-purpose tracked tunnels that advanced at a rate of one blast per end every single working day. A major part of the study was to optimize the selection of an appropriate trackless fleet and mitigate any constraints introduced with the mechanization. This was done by creating scenarios, based on a typical case study, looking into the aspects around safety, mine design, mine activity cycling, men and machine requirements, service installations, and trackless-trackbound interfaces. The case study was based on a deep-level gold mine developing twin headings with connectings; however, with the move to extend and deepen platinum operations it is foreseen that twin end development will become more prevalent due to ventilation, logistical, and other requirements. With the introduction of the trackless mechanized system suggested, development rates of 56 m of system advance are expected (189 m total development), with on an average of three headings and fixed blast times. Scenarios run with multi-blast conditions yield expectations of 75 m/month advance of the system, significantly higher than the conventional performance seen today.

Jan 1, 2012

By Z. Ruetz

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis has been widely adopted in the geochemical and environmental field as a cost-saving alternative to standard analyses. This paper outlines the efficacy of a method for indirectly quantifying organic copper content in solvent extraction circuits via stripping of the chelated metal with concentrated sulfuric acid in a single contact and subsequent pXRF aqueous analysis. pXRF analysis is common within the mining industry but presents unique challenges with liquid analysis, the most prevalent of which are briefly discussed. This method was developed specifically for mining operations with regional constraints and limited resources. Providing an in-field alternative to flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, this entirely mobile XRF analysis method produces consistent and accurate results within minutes and at a fraction of the cost.

Jan 1, 2023

By B. Genc, P. Malepfane

This study proposes a new approach to reduce the environmental impact during surface mining by improving environmental factors through the incorporation of carbon footprint into strategic mine planning. Two key variables were analysed by contrasting and comparing the baseline and optimised models generated. These variables include net present value, which helps determine the financial feasibility of the mining models and their carbon emissions. The variables were analysed by using linear regression, Spearman’s correlation, a P-value hypothesis, and an exponential decay test. Results show that at Mine A the projected net present value was 62% higher than when running a baseline model. Furthermore, the net present value from the baseline model portrayed a high rate of decay at 0.667 versus 0.118 from the optimised model. This indicates the baseline model’s sensitivity to long-term project timelines and fluctuating markets. The optimised method presents an opportunity to manage emissions during the high operational costs phases. It is represented by a 31% improvement in carbon emissions during the periods of high operational costs, whilst maintaining a positive net present value when compared with the baseline model. It was shown that the optimised model presents a better chance of achieving financial feasibility and balancing environmental impact, thereby ensuring that Mine A can align with the environmental aspect of economic, social, and governance principles through lowering the carbon footprint resulting from its hauling operations.

Jan 30, 2026

Rock mass classification systems are extensively used in rock engineering design work, and mine design is no exception. Among the systems most widely used for mining-related design work are the NGI 0-system (Barton et al., 1974), the RMR system (Bieniawski, 1976), the MRMR system (Laubscher and Taylor, 1976) and, more recently, the GSI system (Hoek et al., 1998). Classifying the rock mass is widely seen as being the fieldwork required to characterize the rock mass and enable the application of empirical design methods associated with the different classification systems. This paper argues that it is fundamentally important to recognize the distinction between rock mass characterization and rock mass classification. These two processes should, in most cases, be separated from each other. Rock mass characterization should be used to determine the intrinsic properties of the rock mass independently of the application; i.e. independent from the infrastructure to be designed, the size, shape, and orientation of the excavation(s) or pillar(s), etc. Rock mass characterization should also be compatible with most classification systems and empirical design methods to be used. Rock mass characterization is the background fieldwork required to perform rock mass classification and/or engineering design work. Rock mass classification is the subsequent step to the characterization, and an integral part of the design process. Parameters that vary according to the design, such as the relative orientation of geological structures compared to the opening or the mine-induced stresses, should be calculated as part of the rock mass classification and design process, rather than during the rock mass characterization process. The failure to distinguish between rock mass characterization and rock mass classification can lead to major design errors and poor results.

Jan 1, 2012

By L. J. Gerber, O. D. Eniowo, L. D. Meyer, S. R. Kilambo

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations continue to grow across sub-Saharan Africa and serve as a source of livelihood to many rural communities. Owing to safety, health, environmental, and social concerns, the occupation has been regarded as a menace in several sub-Sahara African countries. Recent studies in the field of ASM prescribe formalization as a way to tame its excesses while enhancing its potential. This paper explores the concept of formalization as it relates to ASM and how it is being affected by the funding situation. The paper seeks to address the question as to whether formalization of artisanal mining operations can achieve the desired results in view of the lingering credit constraints in this mining subsector. It is recommended that, as a way of extending the scope of formalization, focus should be placed not only on access to credit in ASM but also towards optimizing the creditworthiness of ASM firms, with the goal of improving the viability of the operations.

Mar 2, 2022

By K. G. Lomberg

The density used to covert volume to tons is critical in determining the real in-situ tonnage of Mineral Resources. However, the methods used to determine density and the use of different technical terms are seen to be inconsistent throughout the industry. Probably the best discussion addressing the determination of density was presented by Lipton (2001). This paper does not try to replicate this excellent work, but rather to review current industry practice and present a comparison of the approach to density in public reporting. Some of the technical terms used in reporting and the common methods applied are also discussed.

Sep 1, 2021

By B. Besa, S. Nalukui

Globally, the demand for mineral products is ever increasing. Extraction of these mineral resources results in the continuous production of a huge volume of waste material, including tailing dumps. The mass of tailings usually exceeds the actual resource and often contains hazardous contaminants. This study investigated the effects of tailings disposal on soil, water, and air quality in the Nampundwe area. Water, soil, and dust samples were collected from different locations in the surrounding communities. The constituents analysed in the samples included copper, cobalt, iron, sulfate, and silica. According to the results obtained, some seepages occurred from the tailings impoundment to the shallow aquifer in the area. However, the general water quality meets the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) statutory limits. Recorded concentrations of sulfate (1500 mg/l), copper (1.5 mg/l), cobalt (1.0 mg/l), iron (2.0 mg/l), and silica were between 0.003 mg/l and 705 mg/l, which is far below ZEMA’s statutory limit. Silica concentration was also evident in the air. The highest concentration recorded was 260 ppcc (particle per cubic centimeter) recorded in July 2019 from the northern direction of the tailings dam. The concentration was below the statutory limit of 350 ppcc. The topsoil from the northern part of the tailings recorded a silica dust concentration of 39.9 ppcc. Iron was evident in the underground soil with a concentration of 8.01 ppcc, cobalt 0.005 ppcc, copper 0.051 ppcc, while sulfate was recorded as 0.41 ppcc.

Oct 9, 2024

By J. P. Gouvea, W. Geel

Resin bolting in South Africa has been developed and refined in underground coal mines (i.e., soft rock) since the late 1940s. The extension of resin bolting to hard rock mines started in 2003 and has required significant adaptations, challenging the status quo from both a supplier and applicator perspective. As far as resin bolting is concerned, the most affected aspect in coal mining and hard rock mining environments, is the rock drills or machinery used for installation. Hard rock mines mostly use hand-held airlegs with limited thrust, low torque, and rotation speed, relative to coal mine mechanised bolters. Resin bolt development for hard rock mines was, and still is today, predominantly focussed on compensating for the ‘shortfalls’ of using hand-held airlegs. At face value, hydro-powered rock drills, which are more powerful than traditional handheld equipment, provided hard rock mines with a means to attain more consistent and reliable resin bolt installations. This paper assesses the quality and performance of hydro-powered resin bolting at an intermediate to deep level platinum mine in South Africa and its potential contribution to rock-related instabilities when applied erroneously. The findings of this paper necessitate a revision of current quality control and quality assurance measures related to resin bolting for underground support.

Nov 24, 2025

By M. A. El-Sayed

"Double oxide films (bifilms) are significant defects in light alloy castings that occur when, during melt handling, the oxidized surface of the melt is folded over onto itself and then entrained into the liquid metal, encapsulating a portion of the local atmosphere. These defects create crevices in the final castings and have been shown to decrease tensile and fatigue properties, and also to increase their scatter, making casting properties unreproducible and unreliable. This paper reports on two different experiments performed to study the behaviour of such defects in Al alloys. In the first experiment and as a proxy for a bifilm, air bubbles were held in an Al-5Mg alloy melt for varying periods of time before the melt was allowed to solidify. The composition of the gas content of the bubbles was subsequently analysed using mass spectrometry to ascertain how it changed with time. In the other experiment the influence of the age of bifilms on the mechanical properties of Al-5Mg castings was assessed by holding castings in the liquid state for different times before solidification, followed by mechanical property testing and SEM and EDX studies of the fracture surfaces of tensile test bars. This research could provide a better understanding of the behaviour of double oxide film defects, and may lead to the development of new techniques by which these defects could be eliminated, or at least deactivated, in light alloy castings. Introduction One of the major structural defects affecting the reproducibility of mechanical properties of aluminium castings is the double oxide film defect (El-Sayed and Essa, 2017; El-Sayed and Ghazy, 2017). This type of defect is usually created as a result of poor filling system design. Owing to the very high reactivity of liquid Al-Mg alloy with oxygen in the air, the surface of the liquid metal can be considered to be permanently coated with an oxide film (Weigel and Fromm, 1990). As a consequence of surface turbulence, the oxidized metal surface can become folded over onto itself, but not fused, and then submerged into the bulk liquid, with a portion of the mould atmosphere being entrapped within it (Campbell, 2003; Al- Sayed, 2016; El-Sayed, Hassanin, and Essa, 2016)."

Nov 1, 2018

By J. Uys, P. J. Mokganya, J. Olwagen, R. C. W. Webber-Youngman

This article discusses the critical role of leadership in the technology adoption process within organizations, particularly in industries like mining, where innovation is essential for maintaining competitiveness and operational efficiency. It highlights the limitations of traditional technology adoption models, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovations (DOI), and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which focus on individual factors and overlook the strategic and organizational roles of leadership. The study proposes the Ambidextrous Leadership-Technology Adoption (ALTA) model, which integrates leadership styles such as transformational, transactional, adaptive, and ambidextrous leadership into the technology adoption process. The model emphasizes the balance between exploration (fostering innovation) and exploitation (ensuring operational efficiency). The findings suggest that transformational leadership fosters innovation by encouraging risk-taking and creativity, while transactional leadership ensures efficient technology integration. The article also identifies key barriers to technology adoption, such as organizational resistance to change, which can be mitigated through adaptive leadership that addresses employee concerns. The research emphasizes the importance of a supportive organizational culture and cross-functional collaboration, which are essential for successful technology adoption. The study concludes by offering practical recommendations for leaders to foster a culture of innovation, manage resistance, and balance short-term efficiency with long-term technological advancement.

Nov 27, 2024

By E. Kuipa, J. N. Lekunze

The selection of an underground mining method stems from a multivariate analysis that considers geomechanical, geological, economic, and operational parameters. Even after identifying the most compatible method, there is no assurance that the mining company will achieve the best performance. The geological complexity of some deposits requires adaptations of methods described in the literature to obtain more selectivity and reduce mining waste. There are some studies on geometry of underground structures, but a methodology that describes an adaptation of a room-and-pillar mining method for ore bodies with down-dip varying from 20° to 25° is novel. The present work aimed to reduce dilution by adapting the traditional room-and-pillar mining method (TRP) to inclined ore boLittle attention has been paid to the rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines in South Africa after their lifespan. This paper aims to explore management gaps in legislation that have resulted in the non-rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines in South Africa. There is growing evidence that supports the distressing effects of mining on people living around these mines in the North West Province. This paper was motivated by the current socio-economic status quo of old mining towns, the influx of illegal miners (Zama Zamas), severe environmental damages, and the violence associated with derelict mines. Underpinning this research was an ecosystem approach and integrated resources management principles, which formed the foundation for the decision-making process.The researcher used a mixed-method approach and employed convergent techniques. A semi-structured instrument was used to collect data from 200 respondents. The results indicated that there is a dire need for community-based consultative processes, and an absence of clear guidelines for derelict and ownerless mines to pressure mine management to adhere to rehabilitation standards. Moreover, the mining charter is ambiguous regarding policy implementation, budgetary allocation, and duration of the rehabilitation of these mines. The paper concluded that management challenges associated with derelict mines can be reduced if all stakeholders follow the guidelines as outlined in the environmental legislative framework (NEMA) of South Africa while being open to innovations in line with international best practices. It also contributes towards the development of guidelines for the management and implementation of legislation related to derelict and ownerless mines in South Africa from a philosophical, theoretical, and policy perspectivedies. This new method is entitled short-hole room-and-pillar (SHRP). The equations that measure the dilution are defined according to the geometry of stopes and openings. The results comprise comparative analyses of the operational and planned dilutions to measure the performance of the SHRP method. The average operating dilution of the SHRP method was more than five times lower than the planned dilution according to the TRP method. Low operational dilution indicates high selectivity of the method and its potential to reduce underground mining tailings.

Oct 9, 2024