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By R. J. Enkin

Modern mineral exploration depends on multidisciplinary 3-dimensional integration of geological and geophysical data. Identification of the geological sources of geophysical anomalies requires knowledge of the physical properties fingerprint of rock types, formations and their alteration products. Understanding how and why rock physical properties vary within the Earth's subsurface ensures that appropriate geophysical exploration methods can be chosen, and allows for more efficient and effective surveys to be designed. Physical properties knowledge is integral to geophysical modeling - measured data or values estimated based on geological understanding are used to produce realistic forward calculations and to constrain inversion models. Mira Geoscience and the Geological Survey of Canada, in collaboration with industry and academia, are building a Rock Properties Database System (rpds.mirageoscience.com). It compiles the most valuable physical properties for mineral exploration (density, porosity, magnetic susceptibility and remanence, electrical resistivity and chargeability) linked with location and lithological metadata. A critical knowledge gap, addressed in this study, concerns the dependence of physical properties on alteration and mineralization processes. We report on the results of a collaborative University of British Columbia - Geoscience British Columbia project, ?Integrated Geological & Geophysical Porphyry Models: Adding Value to Geoscience BC Geophysical Data?. As part of the QUEST and QUEST-West geophysical initiatives, Geoscience BC focused detailed geophysical surveys on a suite of six known porphyry deposits: Mount Milligan, Endako, Huckleberry, Bell, Granisle, and Morrison. Physical properties for a set of 269 samples of characteristic host rocks and their altered equivalents were measured. The causes of physical properties variations were investigated through their correlations with ore and alteration mineralogy determined from thin-section observations and X-ray diffraction analyses. Physical properties of variably altered host-rocks and intrusive rocks vary significantly between different BC porphyry deposits. No specific unifying geophysical model exists that can be uniformly applied during exploration. Knowledge of local background geology and local physical properties variations is necessary as host-rocks and intrusive rock compositions vary depending on magmatic affinities, and alteration styles will vary reflecting host-rock compositions, crustal depth and influence of meteoric water. A district-scale exploration strategy requires location of intrusive bodies, which are commonly magnetic, resistive and low in density. Correlations should not be expected between density and magnetic susceptibility, because alteration may lead to magnetite destruction or to secondary magnetite development. Deposit-scale ground geophysics might image potassic alteration zones that can be magnetic in both alkalic and calcalkalic systems. Low magnetic susceptibilities, resistivities and densities might aid in locating the typically more porous phyllic and argillic zones. All geophysical data must be interpreted with background knowledge of local rock types and in light of the expected deposit model and associated magmatic and hydrothermal processes. The most effective means to building physical properties knowledge prior to geophysical investigation remains collecting rock physical properties measurements. The cost of rock properties data collection is low, relative to the overall costs of running a mineral exploration program, and can provide an important framework for design of geophysical surveys, survey method selection, geophysical modelling, and data interpretation.

Aug 1, 2013

By K. Esmaieli

The Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) approach has the potential to capture the mechanical behavior of large rock samples. In order for the method to be used with confidence it is necessary to gain a good understanding of the factors that influences its analysis. This paper reports on a series of numerical experiments, based on field data from a large underground mine, to investigate the influence of intact rock mass strength of a constructed (SRM). A jointed rock mass defined by three fracture sets was simulated by a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model. The generated fracture network was subsequently embedded into six different intact rock samples, simulated by a bonded particle model in PFC3D, generating six SRM samples. Each intact rock sample was 7 m × 7 m × 14 m and assigned different mechanical properties. The first intact rock sample was assigned a uniaxial compressive strength of 205 MPa and an elastic modulus of 104 GPa with the UCS and elastic modulus values of the other samples downgraded by 10% until the weakest sample had a UCS value of 121 MPa and an elastic modulus value of 61 GPa. All SRM samples were loaded under uniaxial compression to obtain the complete stress strain curve. It was observed that the compressive strength of the rock mass samples decreased by 10% following the same trend as the rock material strength. However, the elastic modulus of the rock mass samples decreased non-linearly with reduction of the elastic modulus of the rock material. The Poisson's ratio of rock mass samples does not change with decrease of rock material properties. For the post-peak behaviour the results show that both the brittleness index and the residual strength of rock mass samples decreased as the rock material properties degrades.

Aug 1, 2013

Building block cave operations involves significant commitments to capital and time before arriving at completion or full scale production. The focus of the mine planners is habitually to minimize the upfront capital and achieve target development rates and construction dates. However, management of the construction of block cave projects requires understanding of the strategic/tactical decisions that the project planners can take to increase the value of the project and cope with schedule risks. As block cave projects involve development of vertical and lateral access to the underground footprint and ore body, more attention to uncertainties is required as most of those projects need to confront delays leading to a decrease in value. The standard process of development and construction scheduling is often not planned with provisions to realise uncertainties in the construction phase. Uncertainties and risks such as poor ground conditions and equipment breakdowns are the primary reasons for schedule slippage. As a result most of these projects experience delays. In order to mitigate risk to the project schedule, we centre our attention on increasing the value of the project by spending more money upfront and improving the schedule rather than focus on minimizing the upfront capital. Scenario-based simulations along with project appraisal methods hold great promise to address those challenges and enable mine planners to make better decision and enhancing project value. This paper will present a hybrid simulation based approach to model the process of development and construction based on discrete event (DES) and continuous based simulations (CBS). Such simulations will be conducted for scheduling multiple development headings (Apex, undercut, extraction, and haulage levels). Two scenarios are utilized to investigate the impact of risks on schedule and how flexibility in construction can be incorporated to minimize delays: (1) The bench mark scenario is created based on actual data from an existing case study. (2) The flexible scenario is an alternative way to use primary production infrastructure (Ore Handling System) including conveyer drifts, conveyer belt, and a gyratory crusher in the construction process and that requires the system to be in place before starting lateral development in the footprint. As a result, a truck-load system versus a conveying system will be studied to observe the gain in construction speed and to estimate the premium cost for mucking rock from headings and drawbells and transporting it to surface. Such strategic flexibility would be part of the original budget to make the tactical flexibility available during construction. Continuous cash flow models are used to evaluate and compare the scenarios. This study is an example of how new techniques in planning can be used to support decision-making processes in block cave design.

Aug 1, 2013

By P. Morissette

Passive monitoring of support performance during rockbursts was conducted at three deep underground mines. A comprehensive database was constructed of 172 seismic events and the associated damage to support systems at 266 mine locations from January 2000 to September 2012. The majority of pertinent information was obtained through seismic system records and on-site field assessments. This work assesses the quality of collected information and evaluates the dynamic-load demand on support systems in seismically active mines.

Aug 1, 2013

By K. Stankiewicz

Projects as regards state-of-the-art mechatronic systems aiming at increase of safety in the mining industry and at improvement of coal production technologies, which have been completed at the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology, are presented. These projects cover automation, monitoring and visualization systems, systems for implementation of artificial intelligence techniques, and database recording systems. iRIS system for electronic marking, identification, and recording of components of powered roof supports, which was implemented in 31 Polish mining enterprises, is presented as an example of the work directly associated with an increase of operational safety. Specialists from KOMAG, ELSTA, Ltd., and Silesian University of Technology in Poland, have developed flexible, configurable, and scalable system for data management, which refers to all fixed assets of mining enterprises, meeting the requirements of users as regards marking and identification of fixed assets. The system for control of roadheaders using intelligent algorithms, based on artificial intelligence techniques is also the example of innovative actions. This system aims at increasing the safety and effectiveness of teamwork due to a possibility of remote, semiautonomous operation. Introduction of artificial intelligence technology enables adaptation of roadheader mining system to the present mining-and-geological conditions. Moreover, work aiming at implementation of state-of-the-art system for control of mine jig?s beneficiation node, integrating machines and equipment in one system, is carried out as regards automation, information integration, and visualization in coal beneficiation process. Work on recovery and conversion of thermal energy, which is a by-product during operation of machines and equipment, especially mine diesel drives, is presented. Systems for energy recuperation are more and more important due to the necessity of continuous increase of power production efficiency.

Aug 1, 2013

The Nak?azdli First Nation and the municipality of Fort St. James are located in the Stuart Lake/Nak?al Bun area and are not unfamiliar to mining. These northern British Columbian communities have been associated with the historic Pinchi Lake Mercury mine and today are closely linked with British Columbia?s newest mine, the Mt. Milligan mine. Prior to the construction of Mt. Milligan, community health and social service providers were concerned about potential impacts that would occur from new mineral development activities. This concern has led to a partnership between the above communities and researchers with expertise in the area of mining and health. This paper describes: the current mining and health environment with a focus on British Columbia; mining trends in the Stuart Lake/Nak?al Bun area; the current community-based health research project funded by the Vancouver Foundation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and; a suite of community-based health recommendations to mining companies on key issues to consider when developing projects near municipalities and Aboriginal communities in Canada, based upon one of the newest mines under development in Canada.

Aug 1, 2013

By F. Vahdatikhaki

Simulation techniques have offered significant boosts toward a cost-and-time-optimized planning of construction projects by enabling project managers to effectively comprehend the behavior of projects. Using historic data from projects of like nature, simulation considers uncertainties involved in a project through accommodating the stochastic modeling parameters. However, the heavy reliance on the statistical data and not taking into account the context-specific features of the project cause the degradation in the realism and accuracy of the simulation models. Similarly, the extent to which a historic pattern could be retrofitted to new projects will decrease in line with the growing uniqueness of the projects and the novelty of construction methods. Furthermore, the existing real-time simulation frameworks are not capable of distinguishing the transient environmental changes, with minimal long-term impacts on the productivity, from the influential changes that will greatly impact an operation. In addition, existing simulation tools are devoid of location awareness, resulting in the inability to consider safety threats in their representation of the project. To address these issues, this research proposes a framework based on the integration of new tracking technologies used in Automated Machine Guidance (AMG) with simulation-driven 4D modeling methods. The proposed framework automates the adjustment of the simulation model based on the updated data from the site, and thus transforms simulation from a predictive tool used at the planning phase to a proactive monitoring platform usable throughout the planning and construction phases. A prototype is developed to test and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Aug 1, 2013

By V. Budinsky

In recent years the global mining industry has addressed its social and environmental responsibilities and numerous factors have contributed to this. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important part of mining company strategy for practical implementation of the goals of sustainability, transparency, accountablity and good relationships with stakeholders:- investors, employees and communities. A key stakeholder for all mining companies is the local community which is affected by the mining operations. Companies must identify the emerging social and environmental trends, study the interests and concerns of various communities, address their needs and maintain a positive relationship. The CSR programmes of Czech coal mining companies are focused on surrounding community initiatives and sustainable responsible business. Mining in the Czech Republic is subject to strict rules and regulations and supervised by the State Mining Authority. Mining projects undergo rigorous approval procedures which encompass all operational measures at the different planning levels ? such as public participation in the authorisation process for mining projects, the application of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, environmental sustainability programmes, innovative solutions and flexible options offered by the mining company. One very important part is the preparation of the mining-technology preconditions and developing the integrated planning process in which all socially and politically relevant subjects in the mining operation surroundings are included. In an in-depth debate, all stakeholders may jointly develop the concept, in accordance with democratic principles. The optimally conducted dialogue process needs broad communication bases, including setting up theme-related joint taskforces, together with good moderation and the highly qualified support of technical experts. Using a case study of Severoceske doly a.s. Chomutov (SD Company) and the Czech Coal Group ? Czech leaders in the extraction of brown coal, this paper aims to examine the community development approaches and the CSR effectiveness of large scale mining companies. This paper brings a review of CSR and other such voluntary initiatives in the mining industry's proactive steps to contribute to societal well-being in a meaningful way. Key studies are provided by the projects ? Region with Better Perspective?, ?Stop Dust for Healthy Brezno Village?, ?Clever Heads for the North? and ?Coal Safari?. CSR issues are managed throughout all stages of the mine operation and beyond, long after the mine closes (e.g. post-closure programmes of new landscape, alternatives for reclamation including generation of lakes in former surface mines, conceptualization of industrial heritage). Communities need to be given the opportunity to help themselves through participation in CSR projects rather than being recipients of financial gifts from the company. A fair balancing of interests is the basis of any successful cooperation.

Aug 1, 2013

By Hong-wei Ma

With social development and technological advancement, mine rescue robots used in complex environments have developed as a research hotspot. This paper reviews the progress of research on coal mine rescue robots, and key technologies of rescue robot design are put forward, such as mechanical structure, self-navigation and self-orientation, multi-sensor information fusion, multi-robot cooperation, and wireless communication technology.

Aug 1, 2013

By A. Ingelson

Conflict over mineral development and its impacts on indigenous peoples occurs in many countries around the world. Canada, Bolivia and Peru have experienced mine development for centuries in areas where indigenous communities have been and continue to be affected by the mining industry. On a global basis the mining industry continues to face the challenge of implementing meaningful consultation programs with indigenous peoples. Many governments around the world have adopted sustainable development as a policy and one important element of sustainable development is minimizing social conflict. John Moffet and Francois Bregha (Moffet & Bregha, 1996), in their analysis of the role of law reform in promoting sustainable development, noted that stakeholder participation can reduce this type of conflict. Social conflict can result in expensive litigation and costly project delays for mine developers. Meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples in areas where mine development is proposed can be a critical factor in securing a social licence to operate. A report released by the United Nations in 2005, outlined the elements of a concept called ?free, prior informed consent? (FPIC) that promotes more sustainable development. FPIC provides that mineral exploration and mining should not proceed unless the mining company has secured the consent of the relevant indigenous group(s). This paper employs a comparative approach to evaluate the extent to which three active mining nations, Canada, Bolivia and Peru, require consultation with indigenous residents and adhere to the principle of FPIC. The comparative approach assists in the identification of those consultation elements in the legal regimes of each country that can minimize social conflict in mineral exploration and mine development and therefore contribute to more sustainable development. First, we examine the legal requirements to consult with and accommodate indigenous communities in Canada, a country with a long history of mineral development over a large geographic area that has entrenched in its Constitution the protection of indigenous peoples? rights. We then turn to an analysis of Bolivia, one of the most indigenously conscious mining jurisdictions that has followed the Canadian lead in entrenching constitutional protection for indigenous peoples. Third, the approach to consultation with indigenous peoples in Peru, a nation that has not adopted the Canadian and Bolivian approaches to constitutional protection of indigenous peoples rights, is considered.

Aug 1, 2013

By R. Blazej

Machinery Systems Division (MSD) in the Institute of Mining Engineering at Wroclaw University of Technology specializes in belt conveying systems analyzing, calculating and design. Within the division operates the certified Laboratory of Belt Transportation (LTT) and Laboratory of Rollers. Since few years, a group of several people have begun work on developing a comprehensive system for the automatic evaluation of condition of conveyor belts working in the mines. Group uses both magnetic devices developed by specialized companies servicing belts and its own machine vision system developed for assessment of belts covers and edges during belt movement (up to 7 m / s) on the specially designed for this purpose the test conveyor. Recently they have got the research grant funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR) for development of the system for automatic diagnosing of conveyor belts? condition and aiding of rational belt management. On the basis of previously created diagnostic tool called ABCDE (Automatic Belt Condition Diagnostic Equipment) the five modules: vision-A magnetic-B, preventive-C, forecasting?D, and determining safety factor-E will be developed. They will automatically interpret data about conveyor belts? condition to indicate the extent and timing of repairs, to prevent failures and to select the optimum moments for their replacements. The system will use results of ongoing research & development and planned research concerning modeling of belt wear using evolutionary genetic algorithms. The reached stage of research can not yet allow to start the implementation work by potential users. It is therefore necessary to pursuit research in real scale, the development of new modules (C-E) and intensive testing of the system in working condition with system calibration to optimize the economic effects.

Aug 1, 2013

By Chen Feng

Compared to widespread successful deployment of robotic manipulators for repetitive and hazardous tasks in related industries such as manufacturing, the construction industry has achieved relatively limited benefits from robotics and soft automation. Unlike manufacturing, where robotic solutions benefit from the structured layout of the environment (e.g., factory assembly line), construction robots face unique challenges that arise from the rugged, dynamic, and unstructured environment of the work site, as well as the uncertainty and evolving sequence of occurring on-site events. This challenges any intended construction robots to not only replicate basic human motion, but also be capable of sensing and adapting to environmental changes, and making decisions based on the evolving state of the environment. Building upon recent advancements in robotic mapping, computer vision, and object recognition, the authors propose to introduce autonomous behavior at the basic task level for on-site construction robots to address these challenges in a flexible and extensible manner. This paper reports the outcome of the first phase of this research - a structured methodology for improved design and development of basic task automations - and focuses on algorithms developed for mobile robot navigation and relative pose estimation. The algorithms are implemented on a prototype mobile robotic platform, and evaluated in several experimental scenarios.

Aug 1, 2013

By A. L. Mackie

Arsenic is a highly toxic element and a known human carcinogen. It is often a contaminant in mine water discharges, particularly from gold mining and roasting operations, and has been found at concentrations as high as 4 g/L. Increasingly stringent controls on the concentration of arsenic allowed to be discharged into the environment cannot always be met by current treatment processes and thus enhanced technologies are required to achieve low treated effluent concentrations at reasonable costs. A novel two-step physicochemical treatment process was developed and tested at the bench-scale using synthetic mine water solutions (SMWs) in order to reduce arsenic concentrations in treated effluent to exceed current discharge regulations. The process includes chemical coagulation with ferric sulphate and ballasted flocculation for enhanced solid-liquid separation. The SMW contained 59 ± 2 mg/L arsenic with a slightly alkaline pH. The effect of arsenic speciation on the process was tested by using either arsenite, As(III), or arsenate, As(V), in the SMW solutions. Tests were performed at cold temperature (3 ± 1 °C) to ensure the process? efficacy year-round in northern climates. Arsenic in As(V) SMW solutions was removed to a final total concentration of 0.0054 ± 0.002 mg/L, almost half the current recommended allowable drinking water concentration of 0.010 mg/L. As(III) was removed to a concentration below the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations? (MMER) current limit of 0.50 mg/L, to 0.32 ± 0.06 mg/L, with double the coagulant dose used in Stage 1 for As(V) removal. Oxidant addition at a concentration of 5 mg KMnO4/L in Stage 2 resulted in final total arsenic concentrations of 0.017 ± 0.002 mg/L and pH adjustment with lime in Stage 2 resulted in 0.0415 ± 0.0007 mg As/L in treated As(III) SMW. Both of these modifications to the process reduced arsenic concentrations to below proposed new MMER limits (i.e., 0.10 mg/L). This two-stage treatment process was shown to reduce arsenic concentrations to well below current treatment guidelines while reducing or eliminating chemical oxidant demand.

Aug 1, 2013

By Helmut Ehnes

Over 330 million accidents at work happen world wide every year, only counting those leading to more than four days absence. More than 350,000 end fatal. Two million people more die every year due to work-related diseases. To sum this up: around 2.4 million people die every year because of work conditions. Among many risky industries, mining stands out. While mining represents just 1% of employees globally, it unfortunately represents 8% of all occupational fatalities. Mining operations go along with a variety of hazards. Not only in large operations, as they first come to mind, but also in the manifold small scale mines, with an estimated 13 million labourers worldwide exposed to substances such as dust, mercury and other chemicals, while also dealing with poor ventilation, inadequate space and overexertion. But is the number of severe accidents and diseases inevitable or can we change this situation? We can make mining sustainably safer, but we need a successful strategy to do so. A high potential lies in Vision Zero. Vision Zero is a prevention strategy for a safe future without fatal or serious occupational diseases, work accidents and traffic accidents. First defined as early as in the 19th century by Eleuthère Irénée du Pont, its very successful elements were adopted by many European countries first aiming at road safety, then extended to safety and health at work. Vision Zero?s holistic elements cover technology, workplaces, rules, and people as fields of action. By focussing on severe and fatal accidents, its application increases the level of safety and health overall.

Aug 1, 2013

Despite the fact that mined minerals and gemstones have allowed human beings to continuously improve their standard of living throughout the ages, mining has also been implicated in violent conflict for two principle reasons. The first is that mineral resources have been used or traded to conduct or finance violent conflict from small to large scales. The second is the substantial social, economic and environmental changes that occur in a community or a region as a result of mining activity which can either precipitate or re-awaken latent conflict. A modern complication of mining-related violent conflict is the trend for activists, international NGOs and intergovernmental organisations (e.g. the United Nations) to regard any human consequences of resource extraction in terms of Human Rights violations. Acknowledging but not labouring the Human Rights implications of mining-related violent conflict, this paper explores whether or not there is a relationship between the actual or perceived value of mineral resources and the level of violence that occurs in mining-related conflicts. Key to the investigation is a mapping exercise of mining related conflict from 2005 ? 2012: to see where mining related conflict is happening; to identify precipitant causes of mining related conflict; and, to discover what correlation ? if any ? there might be in the degree of violence and the value of the mineral(s) implicated. Findings of the analysis are presented in this conference paper.

Aug 1, 2013

By Fabio Mielli

In these times of increasing costs and diminished returns, energy consumption is one source of savings that remains relatively untapped in the mining sector. Typically, 15% to 40% of operational costs can be attributed to energy in mining operations. This ?process variable? is a complex, multi-faceted variable that involves government regulations, societal pressures, cost and competitiveness. A mining company able to successfully embrace an energy efficiency program is more often than not a successful mining company. Production optimization programs, relatively common today, provide increased production, increased availability of assets and, in many cases, improved quality. They generally ignore the energy question altogether. Production Energy Optimization combines reductions in energy consumption with production improvements to reduce the cost per unit of production while improving emissions reporting. An energy strategy in mining and mineral processing operations is a critical component of Production Energy Optimization. This strategy must support the financial and operational integrity of the business. Developing a successful energy strategy requires a well structured approach such as following: ??Understanding where energy is being used and why, ??Recommending and implementing energy conservation measures, ??Driving visibility to targets and results, ??Re-evaluating continuously. The objective of this paper is to help you better understand the process, tools and technologies that enable mining organizations today to address energy and sustainability issues more tactically and proactively.

Aug 1, 2013

By Frederick Bird

This paper is based upon a review of studies of mostly Canadian mining companies in Chile, northern Canada, Tanzania, Guatemala, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In spite of often well-meaning efforts most mining firms produce wealth in developing areas that largely benefit those immediately involved, sometimes neighboring communities, and often those in the governing strata. Typically mining takes place in enclaves and fosters enclave development, rather than the kind of inclusive wealth development favored by the recently UN published Inclusive Wealth Report. One way by which mining operations can foster more inclusive wealth development is to adopt much broader approaches towards the construction of the various physical and social infrastructures ? roads, water, electricity, health services, schools, security ? required for their own operations by collaborating with diverse regional, provincial, and/or national agencies and businesses to develop these infrastructures for larger populations and areas beyond the immediate sites where they are operating. Established mining firms can also foster more inclusive wealth development by establishing more formal, collaborative relationships with artisanal miners.

Aug 1, 2013

The goal of this presentation is to firstly, review mine effluent permits in a number of regulatory jurisdictions; and secondly, to develop a strategy for incorporating the regulatory requirements into the environmental assessment (EA) process for new mine proposals. The focus was on the province of British Columbia (BC) and their recent initiative on the One Project, One Process initiative. This task was approached by reviewing mine effluent permits for various regulatory jurisdictions and comparing them to BC mine effluent permits. This comparison revealed a variety of approaches for designing mine effluent permits, but there is a common scientific approach, which supports the conclusion that the permitting of mine site discharges can be designed based on a scientific approach. This approach is expected to: (a) achieve sound environmental protection, (b) demonstrate the application of Best Achievable Technology, (c) incorporate sound sustainability approaches, (d) incorporate regulatory objectives, and (e) create efficiencies for the regulator and mining industry. There is an essential precursor to developing a sciencebased effluent permit for which the proponent must provide: (1) the necessary technical assessment information to demonstrate the mine effluent permit application will result in an environmentally protective effluent discharge, to the satisfaction of the permitting agency; (2) the necessary level of detail for essential mitigation pollution control works to demonstrate how they will be operated to achieve the necessary treatment goals; (3) the necessary level of detail for non-treatment mitigation (passive treatment, or passive pollution control); and (4) the necessary level of detail to demonstrate how pollutants will be prevented from being mobilized (or being generated) from ore and waste materials, or, if the pollutant originates from an added milling reagent, how the reagent will be reduced. While (active) mitigation pollution control equipment is more definable in an effluent permit, non-treatment mitigation is more nebulous in terms of defining in a mine effluent permit; it is therefore recommended that appropriate management plans be developed for essential mitigation pollution control and non-treatment mitigation (passive treatment) and submitted with the proponent?s EA/effluent permit application packages. Major deficits in adequate active and passive pollution control will inevitably lead to regulatory impediments to developing a permit and allowing a mine to be developed, although EA processes strive to preclude major permit information gaps; the onus is on the proponent to provide complete information in this area. Hence the importance of EA processes ensuring that the major technical information requirements for effluent permit development are included in the EA phase. Recently, this aspect of the mine EA process has taken on a new role under the political efforts of One Project, One Review Process (Canadian) and One Project, One Process (in BC). These initiatives translate, in part, to ?synchronous permitting? (in BC): effluent permitting, for example, may be initiated shortly after the proponent submits the EA application to Ministry of Environment.

Aug 1, 2013

By Marketa D. Evans

The mining industry has a significant opportunity to capitalize on its past learnings in order to build better social relationships. The industry?s relationship with society is both critical and under pressure. Rising levels of public opposition and social conflict are already having material impacts on operations around the world. Industry has an opportunity to shape the future direction of this social engagement, build public trust and proactively respond to a material risk to operations, but first it needs to better understand the nature of the challenges and the urgency of addressing them.

Aug 1, 2013

By H. H. Wang

Construction safety documents regulate significant safety actions and requirements by which construction workers or employees should abide in order to secure them from occupational hazard events. Therefore, facilitating faster identification of applicable safety requirements from the documents has become an important topic in the construction safety domain. To address the need in this regard, tools and techniques have been developed and research efforts have been made. One of the research efforts is to utilize ontology, a knowledge representation and reasoning approach, as the methodology to achieve the goal of identifying applicable safety requirements. In such ontology-based researches, the development and construction of the safety concept ontology is an essential task as the concepts and the relationships between the concepts both representing key safety knowledge need to be carefully identified. In this paper, the author focuses on the safety documents without predefined concept structure and aims to address the concept and relationship identification difficulties. Specifically, the author leverages the Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) methodology, a theory of data analysis that identifies conceptual structures among data sets, to mine and analyze the documents in order to discover safety concept structure and to further assist the development of the concept ontology for the construction safety documents. The author expects the application of FCA to construction safety domain can eventually benefit the ontology-based approaches for identification of applicable safety requirements.

Aug 1, 2013