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By M Hedley

Tracking plant and personnel in mining operations provides multiple potential benefits for a mine including improved safety, better monitoring of production, traffic control and, in the future, monitoring and control of autonomous vehicles. The main techniques currently proposed and used for wireless tracking are radio frequency identification (RFID), signal strength based techniques and time of arrival (TOA) based techniques. RFID provide poor accuracy in the complex radio propagation environment present in mines and does not provide continuous tracking and signal strength techniques. TOA based techniques are potentially the most accurate, however, most current equipment has not realised the potential of the technique. CSIRO has been developing the Wireless Ad hoc System for Positioning (WASP) system for wireless tracking in a range of challenging environments including underground mines and surface operations, where GPS reception is compromised by depth. The system utilises a number of ‘anchor nodes’ that are placed at fixed and known locations within the mine and tags attached to the plant or personnel to be tracked. The system provides an ad hoc data communication network, thus, wired data connections are not required to the anchor nodes. WASP uses transmissions in the 5.8 GHz ISM (instrumentation, scientific and medical) frequency spectrum to perform highly accurate ranging between nodes, hence tracking of tags. The localisation performance of the system depends upon the radio propagation environment, ranging down to 0.1 m in low multipath conditions. In this paper we describe the WASP system and provide results of testing in underground and surface operations showing the system achieving high ranging, hence localisation, accuracy.

Nov 22, 2011

By R. Bissonette, C. Sunderman, R. Jacksha

The ability of wireless systems—e.g., voice communication, proximity detection, tele-remote operation, telemetry, etc.—to function satisfactorily (coexist) in the presence of other wireless systems is critical to the safety and health of mine workers. The failure of wireless systems to coexist could result in the delay, corruption, or outright loss, of critical data, voice, or video information. However, no mining-sector-specific regulations, standards, or guidelines exist to ensure the safe coexistence of wireless systems. This paper introduces the concept of wireless coexistence, implications in the mining industry, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH’s) research approach to develop guidelines and recommendations to ensure safe wireless coexistence.

Feb 1, 2023

By Peter Metcalfe

"Wireless communication in the mineral processing environment is not as simple as it is in the home or office environment. The correct design of a wireless network in the mineral processing environment can offer a more flexible and lower cost installation than the transitional fiber networks. However with the flexibility of a wireless solution, also comes some limitations. By reviewing the plant requirements along with weighting the wireless benefits and limitations it is possible to design a network that combines the robustness of a wired solution with the mobility of a wireless solution. This paper addresses some wireless design considerations and it looks at some real life examples in the following areas: •,Meshed wireless network for high levels of redundancy •,Wireless instruments (such as HART, Modbus and others) •,Portable devices for mobile operators •,Network monitoring for plant personnel (it’s no longer just for IT people) INTRODUCTION Typical networks used in the mineral processing environment consist of a fiber network infrastructure with industrial switches used to connect the network devices. These fiber networks can be redundant or put into a ring topologies to offer a higher level of availability. Fiber networks have the benefits of: •,Immunity to noise from power and grounding issues •,Ability to span long distances (2km for multimode fiber and 20km for single mode fiber) •,Maintainable “off-the-shelf” technology Fiber networks however have some drawbacks, such as: •,Relativity high initial installation cost for cable trays, poles, trenches and pulling and termination of cable. •,Fixed geographic topology, adding future fiber drops may be challenging and expensive. •,Mobile users are not considered. Integrating a wireless network with a fiber network can offer the best of two worlds, a reliable high speed backbone for mission critical activities and a wireless network for remote applications and mobile users."

Jan 1, 2014

By Daniel Mallette, Richard Goodridge, C M. Lownds

Despite a world of mobile devices that has many of us taking the ability to communicate wirelessly for granted, an in-hole wireless initiation system was thought to be not viable. The known and common wireless communication techniques are not suited to this application. To overcome this, we have developed cutting edge technology to communicate to our initiating devices more than 1km through solid rock.

Jan 1, 2016

By Jeremy G. Berg, James B. Mulligan

"There is a very small fraction of wireless experts in the world with experience in underground installations and an even smaller fraction that have experience specific to building mine shafts. This is why in 2009, Redpath created its own system to meet the demands specific to shaft construction. Today, after a dozen shaft installations and several design iterations, Redpath has the expertise and experience required to implement a proper wireless system in any shaft configuration.This document will explain multiple proven wireless communication designs optimized for shaft construction and suitable for permanent use. This includes line of sight installations up to 1200m, short range mesh networks, and the latest patent pending Integrated Leaky Feeder Mesh Network. Additionally, this document will explore the lessons that Redpath learned in its effort to interconnect the people and tools needed to build a mine shaft.INTRODUCTIONAfter a decade of research, several design iterations and a dozen application examples, Redpath has resolved two wireless network architectures to best serve mine shaft construction projects.The long range line-of-sight (LOS) wireless network is the most cost effective and easiest to install, but requires an unobstructed line of sight between the working area and the shaft collar. As such, long range LOS is best suited for ventilation shafts or during the first phase of shaft sinking, before the shaft is equipped.Alternatively, a mesh network uses radios installed at pre-determined intervals in the shaft and on each conveyance. A wireless mesh uses antennas to bridge intervals between shaft radios, whereas Redpath’s integrated leaky feeder mesh network (patent pending) bridges these intervals with radiating cable, commonly referred to as a “leaky feeder” cable. Both of these mesh configurations can provide continuous reception for hoist conveyances travelling in shafts without line-of-sight, making them ideal for shaft equipping and even permanent installations in both mine shafts and lateral drifts.BACKGROUNDHoist operators receive operating commands using what are commonly referred to as “bell signals.” These instructions are delivered in a series of coded pulses on a spring returned pull cord or push button that is typically hardwired back to the hoist operator’s control room from one of many locations in the mine shaft. During the construction phase of a traditional mine shaft, a worker riding inside the sinking bucket would have to reach out to a pull cord installed on the shaft wall to send a stop command to the hoist operator. Today, Redpath’s modern shaft sinking projects use fully enclosed personnel carriers to protect the workers riding inside, specifically preventing workers from reaching out into the shaft while the hoist is in motion. The enforcement of this safety feature on all shaft projects in 2008 forced the engineering group at Redpath to find a suitable wireless solution for hoist communication to facilitate shaft construction.THE IDEAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR MINE SHAFT CONSTRUCTIONIdeally, the shaft communication system should not transform the tools to which the miners have grown accustomed. It should support the push-to-talk functionality of traditional VHF handsets and the standard belling system that has been used for decades. Additionally, it should be able to support a vendor independent framework upon which new devices and features can be added. The following paragraphs summarize some of the important requirements Redpath has identified.Support for voice transmission: Low latency is critical to prevent jitter during voice transmissions. The system must be compatible with commercially available mobile handsets and support several simultaneous conversations with the ability to broadcast a voice message to all users on a select channel using a “push-to- talk” microphone and loudspeaker.Transmission of PLC data: Low latency is required to"

Jan 1, 2019

Agenda ?Trends in Wireless Technology ?Success and Opportunities ?Improving plants efficiency ?Improving plants reliability ?Improving plants safety and security ?Wireless Ecosystem ?Lessons Learnt / Recommendations Why Wireless? ?Lower cost (no wiring cost) ?Flexibility (no wire) ?Standards-compliant wireless devices major factor enabling growth:?Standard WLAN (IEEE 802.11)?Wireless field I/Os (IEEE 802.11, ISA100.11 and WirelessHART) ??Wireless adoption will become a milestone that will rival the introduction of Fieldbus and the distributed control system (DCS) in its importance.? ARC Advisory Group

May 1, 2009

The Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research has been developing models of wireless signal propagation in underground coal mines since 2007. The current mine propagation modeling software, named COMMS, is able to locate potential broadcast points for underground wireless mesh systems and estimate their coverage. COMMS utilizes programmed routines to calculate necessary values to both quantitatively and qualitatively solve and analyze predicted coverage areas. The program approximates the spatial relationships that are encountered, such as ventilation regulators, belts and other obstructions. Using this model for propagation allows the optimal communications node locations to be calculated, by using lessons learned from current installations and experience with the new technology. In addition, the optimization can be calculated by checking all possible combinations of broadcast locations. This paper compares these optimization calculation methods. The ability to solve a mine?s communication network provides a pre-installation mine network design map, creates coverage maps of the mine and allows planning for future communication activities

Jan 1, 2011

By Larry G. Stolarczyk

Jan 1, 1980

By Gary Anderson

??Privately Held Corporation ??Incorporated in Delaware, May of 2002 ??HQ in Malvern, PA (just outside Philly) ??Approx 40 employees ?9 Field Engineers ?MSHA Certified ?10 Development/NOC Engineers ?Site Survey/Site Design ?RF Engineers ??Standards Based ?IEEE 802.11 ??Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) ?Gateworks, Ubiquity, Atheros, Linux Based ??Technology was developed and inspired by the lack of communications during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001

May 1, 2009

By Raphael Victor

The construction and modification of tunnels brings a requirement for precise measurement of convergence and divergence to safeguard the structure, maintain safety and provide the assurance needed to maintain efficient progress. Established methods include manual measurement using tape extensometers and automated methods using photogrammetry and automated total stations. Drawbacks include the need for frequent access, power supply, cabling, and cost. The paper describes how the development of reliable optical displacement sensors (ODS) has changed the landscape. ODS sensors are connected to a long-range wireless mesh communications network via a solar-powered gateway outside the tunnel, with data instantly transmitted to the internet. A sensor and its reflector target can be installed in 20 minutes and is maintenance free for a decade. Tunnel movement is measured to sub-millimeter precision with repeatability of ±0.15 mm. Integration of a triaxial tilt sensor allows slope distance to be converted to horizontal and vertical changes and allows rotational movement to be determined. Applications include new-build and long-term structural health monitoring. Case studies will be given, including the refurbishment of rail tunnels in Spain where the ODS measured movement during track lowering in a situation where no other automated system was considered viable.

Jun 13, 2023

By Jason N. Scott

It is now possible using low-cost wireless technology and rugged hand-held devices to record data on site electronically and for that data to be instantly available to others. This could potentially eliminate many problems that traditionally lead to remedial work, such as poor communication and the late detection of non­conformances. However, determining how best to implement such a system and integrate it with the rest of the business process is far from simple. This paper looks at Stent's experience of these issues by way of a case study of the SHERPA system. This is a wireless site data collection system developed for use with rotary bored piling.

Jan 1, 2006

By S Steffen, S Talu, J Poulsen, G Watt, A van As, J S. Ooi

The economic success of cave mining projects is significantly influenced by the secondary fragmentation size distribution of the caved orebody and making the fragmented ore available for extraction. If the cave does not propagate as predicted, it may lead to stalled cave growth and/or localised preferential caving. This can cause significant ore loss and the inclusion of excessive waste in draw columns, both of which damage the economic value of the project. Uncontrolled caving can have severe consequences for the safety and economics of mines. Such safety risks include air blasts due to the formation of excessive air gaps and damage to infrastructure due to surface subsidence. Monitoring the cave-back delivers critical feedback that is required to exert control over its propagation and reduce the likelihood of adverse consequences. Current methods for monitoring cave propagation include access through open holes, microseismic monitoring systems, time domain reflectometers and extensometers. All of these monitoring systems rely on stable holes for installation and ongoing data collection. However, cables in holes often get sheared due to ground movement in the seismogenic zone well ahead of the cave front, rendering the systems useless. To resolve this issue, Elexon Mining, with the support of Rio Tinto, developed the Networked Smart Marker system, which is based on Elexon’s Smart Marker technology. This system provides a more robust and versatile alternative to other cave monitoring systems as the data is transmitted wirelessly through rock, and thus is not vulnerable to hole shearing/dislocation experienced with current cave monitoring systems. Installations at the Argyle block cave have proven that the Networked Smart Maker system can continue to provide information on the cave-back’s location long after all conventional monitoring systems have failed. This paper summarises the findings from these installations and highlights the benefits for all geotechnical monitoring systems reliant on the stability of drill holes to remain functional.CITATION:Steffen, S, Poulsen, J, Van As, A, Talu, S, Watt, G and Ooi, J S, 2016. Wireless system for monitoring cave-back propagation, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 251–256 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

By Ed Schodowski

Wireless technology is a hot topic for anyone involved in the design, operation, maintenance or upgrading of mines or mineral processing plants because wireless technologies overcome barriers that have prevented many useful data inputs. Wireless communications can contribute to worker safety, satisfy environmental concerns, support plant security, track human and physical assets, and improve equipment maintenance. The cost structure of wireless is compelling and users can realize savings ? up to 90 percent less installed cost than wired instruments ? since wireless technology eliminates the need for expenses associated with cabling, engineering, construction and documentation. Many applications previously considered too expensive have become economically feasible with wireless. Two examples are continuous monitoring of safety showers to notify operators when one has been activated, and monitoring effluents to ensure environmental regulations are being met. In many cases, wireless transmitters can be installed where wired devices were too expensive to justify, or were not feasible due to physical or technical barriers. Examples include monitoring temperature measurements inside a rotating reactor or monitoring process variables in a tough, corrosive environment too challenging for a wired solution. Wireless also gives operating personnel mobility with the ability to communicate from remote or hard-to-reach zones. According to a recent Venture Development Corp. survey covering radio frequency (RF) of microwave industrial monitoring and control products, these features are contributing to the expected nationwide growth rate for industrial wireless applications of 19 percent annually from 2007 to 2012 (Taylor, 2008). At the same time, mineral producers have many questions about wireless systems including their applicability, reliability and security in this industry. Just what can wireless do? Is it secure and reliable? Can these instruments stand up to the rigors of the industry? Can wire-less technology provide the flexibility needed for mining applications?

Jan 1, 2009

By Douglas R. Schmitt

In general, knowledge of the state of stress within the Antarctic lithosphere remains largely unconstrained due in part to Antarctica?s inaccessibility and because of the paucity of seismic focal mechanism solutions. As such, an important component of the ANDRILL project was to acquire new information on the stress directions and magnitudes within the upper crust. Extensive fracture mapping of the core and oriented ultrasonic televiewer logging were carried out to provide strong constraints on both stress orientations and the faulting regime. The first hydraulic fracturing stress determinations in Antarctica were also carried out to provide complimentary stress magnitudes. These measurements were accomplished using a wire-line transported hydraulic fracturing system consisting, essentially, of two synthetic polymer packers that were inflated to isolate the 1-m long pressurization interval. The tests were conducted at the end of the drilling and logging in a ~130-m section specially drilled below 1000 mbsf (nearly 1500 m from the rig floor) for hydraulic fractures. This zone was drilled primarily through competent, dense, and low permeability diamicts. The core fracture and televiewer logging information was used to site twenty separate measurements. Classic hydraulic fracturing pressurization records with unambiguous breakdown and fracture closure pressures were obtained in about half of the measurements. The remaining tests provided fracture propagation and closure pressures that are consistent with the classic breakdown curves, but they did not include a clear breakdown pressure and are indicative of the reopening of either natural or drilling induced fractures in the wellbore wall. The preliminary analysis of the results are in generally good agreement with the stress directions indicated by the core fracture logging and the stress regime suggested by the character of the drilling induced core fractures.

Jun 1, 2012

PIP is regularly engaged in businesses where Greenfield Capital Projects are under- delivering on the expected business case. In most of these projects, we can identify that rigorous review has been carried out on the design and financial cost elements and substantial reporting is maintained to Boards on progress versus plan of project completion and cost. However, in all sites of this nature that we have worked at, the planning, design and execution of the operational elements or æwiringÆ of the organisation have fallen short and resulted in significant extra cost or opportunity cost (lost tonnage or quality) during start-up. When compared to the amount of planning and resources that have been poured into the capital side, the ledger on the æwiringÆ side is typically fairly sparse. This presentation outlines the importance of running a disciplined, rigorous process to prepare the human and wiring side of a start-up to ensure rapid start-ups and put the site on the pathway to high performance. It gives an outline of the rigorous process PIP has used with projects to ensure excellent start-ups.

Jan 1, 2006

By Jan Lückhoff

The introduction of the EAF Quantum furnace by Primetals Technologies represents an important milestone in the field of electric steelmaking during the last 15 years. In this process the latent and chemical heat of the off-gas generated during a melting process in an EAF is used to pre-heat scrap in an integrated shaft prior the melting of the scrap in the vessel. Combining proven own technologies, Primetals EAF Quantum enables nearly continuous process, cutting down idle times and enhancing availability for production. The essential benefits will be shown in this Paper.

Aug 16, 2017

By Goode A, Belby P, Wardell-Johnson M

Within a short time frame of just over two years Wirralie Gold Mine has been developed from a virgin geological discovery to an operating gold mine with a mine life of six years and a production rate of 50,000 oz per annum. Construction work on the 600,000 tpa single stage crushing, two stage milling CIP plant commenced in November 1987 and was completed some seven months later at an overall cost of $A25 million. Since commissioning in May 1988 the treatment plant has exceeded design tonnage, availability and recovery. A second expansion programme in January 1989 will increase plant capacity to one million tonnes per annum with associated bullion production of 80,000 ozs per annum.

Jan 1, 1989

Wartime geological studies by the U. S. Geological Survey and subsequent drilling carried on by the Bureau of Mines disclosed new ore in the Illinois-Wisconsin zinc field. As a result, several companies are carrying on drilling programs to locate and define new ore bodies. The Vinegar Hill company, which operates a custom mill to handle ores from various sources, now employs about fifty men in production at their Andrews mine. The ore is usually found in a 200-ft horizon below the surface. Water problems are not serious. Commercial-grade ore ranges up to 8 and 9 per-cent zinc and the cut off is approximately 41/2 percent.

Jan 1, 1948

Geological and Natural History Survey of Wisconsin, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis - E. F Bean, State Geologist. A complete list of publications of this Survey will be sent upon request Only a portion of the Bulletins and Maps fall within the scope of this directory, and most of them are available They are: Bulletin 4, Building and ornamental stones of Wisconsin (1898), $2 50, 6, Preliminary report on the copper-bearing rocks of Douglas County, and parts of Washburn and Bayfield counties (1901), 50 cents, 7, The clays and clay industries of Wisconsin (pt 1) (1901), 50 cents; 14, Report on lead and zinc deposits of Wisconsin (the report is out of print but the 18 maps which accompanied it can still be had) (1906), 20 cents (a series of six maps, supplementary to these (1909), may be had for 6 cents), 15, The clays of Wisconsin and their uses (1906), 50 cents; 16, The geology of north-central Wisconsin (1907), $2, 17, The abandoned shore lines of eastern Wisconsin (1907), 50 cents, 19, Zinc and lead deposits of the Upper Mississippi Valley (1907), 25 cents; 34, The limestone road materials of Wisconsin (1914), 50 cents, 35, Underground and surface water supplies of Wisconsin (1915), $150, 36, The physiography of Wisconsin (new edition now in press) (1916), $125, 41, A study of methods of mine assessments and valuation (1914), 50 cents; 44, Mineral land classification in parts of northwestern Wisconsin (1915), $5, 45, The peat resources of Wisconsin (1915), 50 cents, 46, Mineral

Jan 1, 1933

By P. D. Merica

MY remarks are addressed to the question whether a program of international mineral control can effectively serve as a means of maintaining world peace in the kind of world envisaged by the Atlantic Charter. They do not touch the quite different questions whether such control could be appropriately used for postwar punishment of Germany and Japan, or for other purposes. I assume also that the question relates, not to the transition period immediately following the war, but to the more normal years which we hope will succeed this. Finally, they deal primarily with metals and metallic minerals rather than with. oil or coal or other minerals, although they may be applicable also to these other nonmetallic materials.

Jan 1, 1944