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By D Giles, A C. Bailey

In the first 20 years of the 21st century, just over 20 per cent of Australian mineral exploration expenditure was dedicated to iron ore, totalling >A$8 billion and >30 million metres of drilling (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021). Improvements in the cost, efficiency, safety, reliability and data quality of drilling have the potential to deliver significant productivity improvements, increasing the probability of discovery and reducing the time from discovery to mining. Currently in its third year of research, Mineral Exploration Cooperative Research Centre (MinEx CRC) is focused on a new set of exploration tools and new ways to deploy those tools which recognise the fundamental importance of collecting quantity and quality data from the subsurface, to enable exploration success for all minerals, including iron ore. MinEx CRC is focused on developing more productive, safer and environmentally friendly drilling methods to discover and drill-out deposits. This includes pioneering work on Coil Tube (CT) drilling technology and innovations in Diamond and Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling techniques aimed at improved drilling optimisation and automation. In parallel, MinEx is developing new technologies for collecting data whilst drilling. This is being undertaken in four separate industry-led projects utilising geophysical, seismic, downhole analytical and 3-dimensional (3D) modelling improvements. A National Drilling Initiative (NDI) is also underway, with two drilling programs completed in 2020. The NDI is a world-first collaboration of Geological Surveys, researchers and industry, which undertakes drilling in under-explored areas of potential mineral wealth in Australia and provides a test-bed for new mineral exploration technologies.

Nov 8, 2021

By Max Friedemann, Alexandros Bousdekis, Anna Gustafson, Helmut Mischo, Håkan Schunnesson

Many devices used in mining are not monitored by sensors or do not have their own intelligence. By retrofitting sensors and real-time data processing, machines can be integrated into an existing digital infrastructure. Within the project Mine.io funded by the European Union a Sandvik DE110 exploration drill rig is being digitized using various AI algorithms at research and education Mine “Forschungs- und Lehrbergwerk Reiche Zeche (FLB)” of TU Freiberg. The aim is to increase the productivity of drilling with real-time evaluation of the current rock to be drilled and the current maintenance status of the drill rig. The drill rig is equipped with a speed sensor, pressure sensors in the hydraulics, 3-axis vibration sensor, borehole length measurement and temperature sensor. The sensors are additionally attached to the drilling rig and no structural changes on the drill rig are necessary. All data are processed real-time at a server structure outside of the mine using AI algorithms to analyze which rock (ore or host rock) is being drilled and to perform predictive maintenance. Processed Data are visualized for the operator to optimize the workflow and the productivity.

Feb 1, 2025

By Daniel Roy, Danielle Bouffard, Antoine Berton, Simon Gariépy

Commissioning a mineral processing plant has always been a challenging task. The process includes pre- operational verification, dry and wet commissioning, and a gradual ramp-up to full production, all of which must be executed within the shortest possible timeframe, requiring numerous highly interdependent tasks to be conducted concurrently. This phase is under scrutiny by shareholders, corporate management, and other stakeholders who are keen to see a return on investment as the operation starts yielding results. Despite extensive documentation in the literature highlighting its significance, the impact of the commissioning phase remains underestimated in contemporary mining projects. This paper provides an overview of the commissioning process and its associated challenges before focusing on a critical success factor: building a dedicated commissioning team with the required competencies and personality profiles. The roadmap to achieving an efficient plant start-up is outlined. Drawing on over 15 years of experience with more than 20 concentrator commissioning and start-ups, a general framework is presented to maximize success. This method emphasizes the crucial role of the operation and metallurgy team in supporting these projects. Finally, insights from Soutex’s involvement in multiple start-ups are shared, offering lessons learned that emphasize best practices and challenges encountered in expediting the ramp-up process while maintaining high Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards.

Feb 1, 2025

By William H. Langer

I spent 41 years as a geologist with the US Geological Survey (USGS) conducting geologic studies and preparing peer reviewed maps and reports describing the results of those studies. Since retiring from the USGS in 2011, I have been a consultant specializing in aggregates and other industrial minerals. Consequently, I have had the opportunity and pleasure to apply the information contained in those kinds of geologic maps and reports to real-life situations. About half of my consulting is performing due diligence for mineral resource evaluations of one type or another where resource information has been provided by the property owner. Many of those jobs necessitate that I conduct desktop studies followed by field work. I then use my information to review and comment on the written reports of others; reports variably referred to as geologic reports, resource studies, reserve analyses, and so forth. While there are many well written reports addressing geologic resource issues, I was surprised to see that there are also a significant number of so-called geologic reports that only pay cursory attention to geology. Unfortunately, that lack of rigorous geologic investigation commonly leads to erroneous conclusions. This paper addresses three such reports covering concrete sand, metallurgical gravel, and proppants (frac sand). Although all three examples are located in the Gulf Coastal Plain Province, I do not reveal the exact location of any of the properties for purposes of confidentiality. Furthermore, I have generalized the site descriptions and illustrations. However, all the descriptions faithfully define the geologic situation.

Feb 1, 2024

By Ross K. Digby

The Victorian Tunnelling Centre (VTC) has evolved its purpose from purely training workers, to a tunnelling industry education city. The VTC has now focused its activities on the areas of technology; education and training; applied research; and career education. were identied as the hus around which activities would e conducted to create a tunnelling industry education city. The VTC provides ustralias tunnelling industry with an education facility that not only provides laour training, ut enales the industry to come together to meet, participate in product launches, undertake research, work with new technologies and promote tunnelling careers.

Jun 23, 2024

By Henry G. Granger

A RESIDENCE of 14 years in the Republic of Colombia, spent in almost continuous traveling and prospecting-trips, has given me an intimate knowledge of the resources of that wonderful country. The man who best knows Colombia is unquestionably General Rafael Reyes, President of the Republic for the past three years, and with seven years more to serve in his present term. Such is the strength of his personality and the wisdom of his policies that his term of office will no doubt endure as long as he is willing to serve. The vastly improved economic situation and the brilliant outlook for Colombia are so directly due to the influence of President Reyes that a few lines concerning him. will not be amiss, if they serve towards a better understanding of his personality. Born of a distinguished ancestry in the mountains of Boyaca, he is now 57 years old, just the age of his friend Porfirio Diaz when be began the work which has placed Mexico in the rank of great modern nations. It was Reyes who came to Washington to protest against the action of the government of the United States of America in reference to the establishment of the Republic of Panama, and, without entering into a discussion of this affair, it can be fairly said that there was not an American in Colombia whose feelings of justice were. not outraged at the government action and subsequent refusal to submit the matter to the impartial judgment of the' Hague. President Reyes is an accomplished linguist, speaking English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian. He has a remarkably. powerful voice, which can readily be heard by a large assemblage. His height is about 6 ft., and his weight exceeds 200 lb. He has clear gray eyes. Reyes was the leader of those who favored the approval of

Sep 1, 1908

By Cesar Carrasco, Heath Arvidson, Mark Forster

Block models built to represent the geology and rock characteristics of mineral deposits represent huge complex data sets, which form the basis of strategic and business planning, and public reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Recent advances in cloud computing and database technology developed for the Internet of Things offer a different way of working with these critical data sets. Enabling a cloud based, open data structure with high performance data analytics capability presents a compelling improvement in governance and a democratization of ore body knowledge that can lead to automation use cases that support the digitalization of mining.

Jun 25, 2023

By Connor Langford, Murray Gant, Ken Massé

For public organizations, preparing accurate project cost estimates is a critical component in capital project planning. Project delivery methods provide a structured approach to moving projects through the design and construction lifecycle, and typically use cost estimates as key inputs at each stage to determine if the project will advance. As design stages can occur years or even decades before construction contracts are awarded, estimates need to make reasonable assumptions about how the work may be executed (means and methods) as well as potential future market trends so that appropriate values for material pricing, labour costs, escalation, and owner’s costs can be included. This process is challenging enough during stable markets, as historic trends can often be misleading and require a suitable understanding of economic factors to use appropriately. When you mix in the market volatility that has been observed since 2020, developing accurate project cost estimates becomes even more challenging. In cases such as this, having a structured approach to cost estimating that includes an adequate risk-based reserves cannot be overstated as it provides the basis for ongoing project decisions. This paper explores some of the historic and more recent market trends that have impacted key aspects of project cost estimates for capital project planning. It also provides recommendations on how to develop cost estimates for infrastructure projects, with examples from Metro Vancouver, which plans for and delivers regional-scale services to 2.6 million residents. A brief commentary on the use of escalation clauses in contracts is also presented.

Jun 13, 2023

By S Ravn

Under platform exhaust (UPE) systems are often designed into metro stations as a means of removing heat generated by trains as they come to a halt in the platform. These systems are designed to extract heat from the brakes and brake resistors directly at the source in order to capture as much heat as possible before it can enter the public areas of the station, or contribute to the temperature build-up in the tunnels. Due to space requirements for the associated duct and air handling units, the UPE plays a significant role in the geometric design of the platform and station as a whole.In recent years questions have arisen as to the effectiveness of UPE systems. However, very little data is available for designers to use when making important decisions on the station designs for new metro systems. This is important as significant savings could be achieved by omitting or re-designing these systems for new build stations; not only due to the capital costs of space provision for the duct itself but also due to the associated operation and maintenance cost of the UPE system.This paper will present recent measurements of the UPE system of the Copenhagen metro together with one-dimensional (1D) simulations, looking at typical dispersion of heat into the station plenum box and air exchange through draught relief shafts as the train enters the station in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the UPE system. The aim of this paper is to disseminate the results of measurements and analysis to increase awareness of the issue and to provide discussion relevant to designers in their evaluation of heat removal systems in new build station designs.

Mar 8, 2011

By R Forster

Direct ship iron ore (DSO) operations at Extension Hill in Western Australia’s Midwest region have commenced, with fi rst product railed to the port of Geraldton in July 2011. Reserves are 14.8 million tonnes (Mt) of haematite-goethite ore overlying an Archaean BIF-hosted larger magnetite deposit which Mount Gibson Iron Limited (MGI) sold to other parties in 2006.Some unique geological aspects of the deposit shape DSO mining and processing operations. Owner-operator selective mining, blending, crushing and screening on site will produce three million tonnes per year (Mt/a) of Lump and Fines product to be trucked 86 km to Perenjori, railed 232 km to Geraldton, and loaded aboard Panamax-sized ships through the dedicated iron ore shiploader at the Geraldton Port Authority’s Berth 5 facility.The statutory approvals process for this project formally began in 2004, dominating delays in a predevelopment phase which extended over a longer period than the likely life of DSO operations. The lack of transparency, uncertainties and costs inherent in state government processes have influenced decisions made by MGI while assessing other development opportunities in Western Australia. Potential for additional Reserves exists at Extension Hill, however MGI’s ability to extend the mine life will hinge on statutory approval to explore for and evaluate other DSO resources on surrounding granted mining leases.The nature of the resource and use of existing infrastructure for product transport have enabled MGI to keep operating costs and capital intensity of this project relatively low. A tenacious development approach by MGI and robust project economics have fi nally enabled this site to take its place as a revenue earner beside the company’s other DSO operations at Tallering Peak and Koolan Island.

Jul 11, 2011

By Resta S. A

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd - Ranger Mine is located about 255 kilometres east of Darwin in the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory. The Ranger project is surrounded by Kakadu National Park which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. . Ranger Mine operates the largest uranium mine and processing plant in Australia. It is designed to produce 3000 tonnes of uranium oxide per year, but presently is producing a little less than one half that figure due to the depressed uranium market. The safety performance of the employees and Ranger as a whole continues to improve. The lost time injuries (LTI) have significantly reduced from 74 in 1985 to five in 1994. The total days lost due to LTIs have gone from 1543 to 14. These significant improvements have reflected directly on workers' compensation premiums in which a four-fold reduction has occurred. It is estimated that the actual monetary saving to the company is about $1.3 million per year and directly reports to the profit of the company. There is also an obvious and significant reduction in the less quantifiable costs such as the suffering of the injured employees and cost to society. The paper will review the various initiatives introduced and assess their effectiveness. Performance improvement is primarily dependent on the commitment, introduction of various initiatives and the subsequent change in workplace culture.

Jan 1, 1994

By Karl Berger

The paper gives a comprehensive overview of the historical development of various metal rolling technologies and also describes the influence to industrial and socio-economic developments. The rolling of steel, in particular of rails, beams, rebar, strip and plate has enabled the large scale transport and travel, the building of bridges and buildings, the manufacturing of ships and cars. All this has changed the face of the world significantly. Further the paper approaches technological highlights in the design, manufacturing, drive and control of modern mills and the various types developed to create industrial economic units for the different markets and customers’ requirements. An outlook of future challenges is as well discussed in the paper. Various solution approaches for the rolling technologies, from continuous improvement of existing plants to more radical new concepts like endless rolling, near net-shape casting and rolling are approached. A positive conclusion is drawn that rolling technologies will remain a valuable area for engineers with scientific and economic challenges, but also a clear vision for positive contribution to further industrial and social development.

Jul 30, 2018

By Charles Catlett

(San Francisco Meeting, October, 1911.) WHILE the occurrence of phosphorus in coking-coal has assumed less importance with the development of the open-hearth method of steel-making, it may not be without interest to note the form in which phosphorus exists in one particular coal-seam. In the examination of what is known as the Big seam, which outcrops a few miles west of Columbiana, Ala., my attention was called to the distribution through the coal, in the form of minute veins and particles, of a resinous-looking substance. A small amount of this was selected, and was provisionally identified as evansite (Al6, P2 014. 18 Aq). Subsequently, through the courtesy of Dr. Sharshall Grasty of the Geological Department of the University of Virginia, I was able to secure an additional amount of material, which was purified down to about 0.3 g. This was examined by Prof. John J. Porter of the University of Cincinnati, and gave the following partial analysis

Nov 1, 1911

By AIME AIME

CONCIDENT with what promises to be a record-breaking year of activity in the world's greatest iron-ore district is the announcement of plans to hold the regional meeting of the American Institute of Mining & Metallurgical Engineers at Duluth, Aug. 12 to 15 in¬clusive. More than 25 open-pit mines will be in operation in Minnesota's great iron-ore district this year, affording to those attending the convention an unusual op¬portunity of viewing practically side by side the interesting activities of power-shovel operations, railway haulage, truck haulage, conveyor-belt haulage, tower-excavator operations, iron-ore concentration, and underground mining. The ore can be followed from the mines to washing and concentrating plants and to the docks and lake carriers on Lake Superior, where an average of one boat of 10,000 tons' capacity will be loaded and depart every 15 minutes, day and night, during the 1941 shipping season.

Jan 1, 1941

By Robert Hopler

RBH Note: in 1913 black powder was still dominant as a coal-mining explosive, but permissible explosives were making some slight headway. For example, in 1902 there were only 11,300 pounds of permissibles used in coal mining, but in 1913 the quantity was 21,801,285 pounds. However, there were 187,551,653 pounds of black powder used that year. It took many years before the use of black powder ended in coal mining. From the picture of the miner reparing his explosives it’s hard to tell what he’s using, but the fact that a wooden Du Pont powder box is shown, he’s probably not using black powder. That doesn’t mean he’s using a permissible, either, since that was not yet a requirement. It’s interesting that the miners have open flame cap lamps, and the miner is actually smoking a pipe while preparing his explosives.

Jan 1, 2014

By V. C. Wansbrough

A LUCID, thorough and powerful review of the impact of your tax laws on mining operations has already been presented by Granville S. Borden*. He has brought into focus and relief the pressure-points at which the shoe pinches most, has suggested some remedial measures, and enunciated much sound doctrine about the interrelationship and interplay of taxation policy and mining activity. Under the heading "What Every Lawmaker Should Know", he laid down the fundamental proposition that "the magnitude of our mineral resources varies inversely with the magnitude of the taxes levied upon them." With this, as with his other major premises, all mining men must be in hearty concurrence. There can be no doubt that a flourishing and expansive future for the mining industry in this country, in Canada, or anywhere else will depend on the thoroughness with .which these fundamental propositions are grasped by legislators, by national policy-makers and by public opinion at large.

Jan 1, 1950

By S. B. Patton

A comprehensive approach to the development and organization of an expert system that is designed to assist electricians in diagnosing electrical faults m mining machinery is discussed. The system includes diagnostic, reference, and tutorial programs. The diagnostic portion of the system is based on a causal-reasoning approach which is used to establish a hierarchy of symptoms and the subsequent production rules for identifying component-level failures m the motor-control circuit of a shuttle car. With this approach, conclusions are developed directly from knowledge of the circuit and its behavior (in both working and failure modes) based on first principles, rather than the heuristics of a domain expert. The symptoms and their hierarchical structure an: formulated by creating "what-if" scenarios and performing a qualitative circuit analysis for each fault Techniques for incorporating interactive graphical displays of the circuit schematic into the diagnostic portion of the system are also presented. Supportive computer programs that provide' reference material and tutorials on the circuit are also described.

Jan 1, 1989

By A. R. Turner

AERIAL survey methods have made enormous technical advances and gained new recognition since World War II. Before enlarging on this statement and reviewing some of the uses of aerial survey in industrial development it is important to de-fine what is meant by "aerial survey". The subject will be discussed in the broadest sense and references will be made to the four sections that compose the overall field of surveying operations from the air. These are: 1. Aerial photography and photo-graphic mapping. 2. The use of airborne electronic instruments for geodetic distance measurement and the determination of ground elevations. 3. Airborne geophysical surveying. 4. The extraction of qualitative and quantitative information from aerial photographs through the processes of "reading", analysis and interpretation. Many sciences and techniques are combined in aerial survey operations. The tools of the business include aircraft, finely engineered cameras, elaborate film processing and printing equipment, ground survey instruments, precision stereo-plotting instruments, map -

Jan 1, 1961

We all live in professional silos û comfort zones, where we talk to like-minded people with the same training, experience and view of the world. We note in passing the existence of other disciplines, but they are tolerated rather than embraced. To the geologist, the metallurgist is a mad scientist conjuring gold out of some foul solution about which the less said the better. To the metallurgist, the geologist is a bearded, self-appointed sage who guesses what is under our feet by sniffing the air, and drives a Land Rover badly. As to the view of mining engineers held by both geologists and metallurgists, this is best left to the imagination. And of course we are all confused by the term æmetallurgistÆ. I am called a metallurgist though my skills are in mineral processing not metal processing, but I canÆt be called a mineralogist because that definition is already taken. *Please note that this is available as an extended abstract only*

Jan 1, 2005

By W. G. Davenport

Chapter 6 examined autotherrnal smelting of pure chalcopyrite concentrate with 50 mass% O2-50 mass% N2 blast. It showed that production of 1500 K products with this blast requires: 181 kg of pure oxygen 337 kg of air per tonne, of concentrate. It also showed that the grade of matte produced with this blast is 58% Cu. This chapter re-examines autotherrnal smelting by asking: (A) WHAT COMPOSITION BLAST (MASS% 02 -MASS% N2), 298 K, WILL AUTOTHERMALL Y PRODUCE 65% Cu MATTE 1500 K FROM PURE CHALCOPYRITE CONCENTRATE? (B) HOW MUCH PURE OXYGEN AND AIR WILL BE NEEDED? These are important questions for flash? smelting because furnace operators usually want to send specific composition matte to converting. This chapter shows how a specified matte can be produced autotherrnally with 298 K oxygen-air blast. Later chapters show how it can be done with hot blast, hydrocarbon combustion, different concentrates etc.

Jan 1, 2001