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The crushing and concentration of ores, as Herbert Hoover commented in a footnote in De Re Metallica, stretches back at least 6000 years. During those years there have been continuing changes and improvements in mineral processing technology. It has expanded greatly in its ability to handle different types of minerals, and lower grade and more complex ores. Australia will be dependent on the mineral industry for the fore- seeable future and there will be continuing demands on the mill opera- tors to improve the technology with regard to efficiency, flexibility and costs. These demands will be met successfully in the future as they have been in the past. This Mill Operators' Conference is an important forum for assessing our present position and planning for the future.

Jan 1, 1988

By B Harvey

Achieving community and stakeholder endorsement during life-of-mine planning and implementation requires a business-connected approach, as opposed to charitable giving, disconnected offsets and environmental adventurism.CITATION:Harvey, B, 2014. Extractive companies, development and environmental agendas, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2014 , pp 19–22 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 16, 2014

Within the Mt Whaleback open cut mine the integrity of the final pit wall is achieved through careful rock slope design, use of rock reinforecement technology where marginal stability exists and use of controlled blasting techniques and excavation practices. By reducing the effective density of ANFO explosive within blastholes to around 0.2 glcm', and developing standard blast pattern designs for various rock types, blast damage to pit walls has been minimised. Accurate geological prediction is necessary for optimum blast design. Controlled blasting is undertaken where blasting occurs within 90 m of the designed final batter crest and hole by hole assessment of final limit blast patterns is undertaken before pattern charging. Shovels and trucks remove the bulk of blasted and dozed rock material, but due to the mine's variable pit wall slope configuration, bulldozer excavation of some critical design batters has been successfully Implemented.

Jan 1, 1986

By Fukuda M, Kurita K

A mathematical model for estimating the liquid level in the hearth is presented. The analytical result was checked on a cold two-dimensional model and an additional boundary condition for the fundamental equation resulted. The applicability of the resultant equation was investigated on a cold model and a regression equation obtained for the average liquid level for Kashima No. 1 BF. Comparison of calculated and observed results were in fairly good agreement. It is concluded that the liquid level in the commercial furnace can be calculated from the measured values of pressure in the bosh and operating conditions.

Jan 1, 1975

Risk management has become an essential tool for mining companies to ensure their projects are well-managed and profit expectations are achieved. Risk management has also become a mandatory corporate governance requirement in Australia for publicly listed companies and equally important to attract investors. This paper provides a brief overview of the essential tools needed to implement a practical risk management framework to comply with the internationally recognised ISO 31000:2009 risk management-principles and guidelines from the perspective of small or soon to be producing mining companies. To?successfully?deal with the unknown and to manage the opportunities and risks involved with a mining project requires a clear understanding of the basic risk management principles. These include how to develop a project risk register, how to develop a project risk treatment plan and how to manage and monitor project risks to take full advantage of the opportunities presented.The first step is to identify and fully appreciate the risks that face a mining project. There are many risk identification methods that can be used including checklists, brainstorming and hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies. These often lead to a telephone book full of risks which are near to impossible to manage. A risk library specifically designed?for mining?projects containing no more than 100 risks will cover the major showstoppers, is practical and can be readily implemented and successfully managed.A risk framework also needs to be established which is compatible with the companyÆs structure and objectives. Once each risk has been assessed in regard to consequence and likelihood and the risk control systems are in place they need to be assigned to the responsible manager. The extreme or high risks will require a risk treatment plan to be developed. Risks will change during the life cycle of a mining project. Hence, a reliable monitoring system is also required for compliance.CITATION:Jones, J A, 2012. Mine project risk management, in Proceedings Project Evaluation 2012 , pp 117-122 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 24, 2012

By Tonkin D. A

Poor performance in the several stages of the magnetite recovery circuit, coupled with poor desliming through inefficient and over- loaded desliming screens, led to excessive magnetite consumption. An accurate and reliable sampling programme was established covering all outlets of the plant. Emphasis was placed on frequency of increments in an endeavour to detect extreme conditions of short duration. Systematic checking of the entry points to these outlets than identified those sections of the recovery circuit at fault, namely magnetite recovery separators and the heavy media cyclone product rinsing screens. More product rinsing water was provided, and modifications to the rinsing screens improved the efficiency of these units. Consistency of operation through automatic control of level eliminated the sudden massive losses in the magnetic separators. Load on the recovery circuit was then reduced by improvements to the raw coal desliming screens. A 50 per cent reduction in magnetite consumption was achieved.

Jan 1, 1974

Alkaline leaching with sodium carbonate solution adjusted to pH 9·5 to 10·0 preferentially dissolves thorium from a mixture of rare earth and thorium hydroxides. Rare earth sodium carbonates form in the alkaline leaching stage.These are converted to rare earth oxides for use as optical and ophthalmic polishing agents. Quadrivalent cerium is extracted under similar alkaline leaching conditions.INTRODUCTIONAustralia has made significant contributions to mineral chemistry and mineral dressing. As often happens with an industrially immature country, research investigations often outstrip the ability or desire of commerce to exploit them. It is wrong to think exclusively in terms of export of raw materials. Imagination assists in developing world trends. The chemical utilization of mineral sands has interested a group of investigators, chiefly at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (C.S.I.R.O.) and, more recently, in the mining industry itself. From an international point of view the highlight of this work was Newnham's (1960) process for the separation of hafnium from zirconium. Earlier work at C.S.I.R.O. investigated the chlorination of rutile, zircon, and monazite. Assuming that titanium tetrachloride would be available in large quantities in the post war years, extensive work was done by Kraitzer, McTaggart, and Winter (1948) on organic compounds of titanium. This work led to the development of heat resistant paints, plastic compositions, and improved organic protective coatings that predated overseas work by up to seven years. (Post, Shiihara and Schwartz, 1961; Anon, 1955). Contributions were made to the production of refractory hard metals (Kraitzer, 1949; Kraitzer and Newnham, 1956). Pilkington and Wylie (1947) and Urie (1947) investigated the production of rare earths from monazite by an acid process.

Jan 1, 1963

In an industry that is data-hungry and increasingly international in its outlook, the role of the New Zealand Government in facilitating exploration and mining activity here presents unique challenges. All things being equal, the Regime itself should result in æefficient outcomesÆ, however central to this rational economic tenet are the assumptions that the regime is in keeping with the times, other legislation works in tandem with it, and that those who administer the regime have the knowledge and experience to apply the rules wisely. Following the Crown Minerals review in late 2003, a shift in emphasis from Crown Minerals æmanaging the ActÆ towards proactively æmanaging the mineral estateÆ for greater benefit for all New Zealanders means that these assumptions are being increasingly challenged and addressed through a variety of initiatives. These include improved access to relevant data sets, minimisation of red tape and compliance costs, increasing emphasis on permit holder compliance with work programme obligations, changes to the Minerals Programme and regulations, closer collaboration with and representation to other government departments and councils, and additional recruitment of industry-experienced staff. This presentation will highlight aspects of these initiatives, and examine how they will collectively contribute to facilitating future exploration and mining activity in New Zealand.

Jan 1, 2004

The Olympic Dam mineral discovery by Western Mining Corporation (WMC) in South Australia has been shown to contain one of the world's largest known deposits of copper and uranium; gold and silver are also present. Development of the deposit jointly by WMC and the BP Group is awaiting commitment, with planning based on initial production of gold in 1987 and copper and uranium in 1988.

Jan 1, 1985

Importance of Strain to Fragment Strength in Blasting Induced Pre-Conditioning When a rock is blasted, cracks propagate through the rock causing the rock to fracture. This paper focuses on applying the results from a series of small scale blasting tests were designed to show the effect that varying blast variables such as explosive type and explosive energy have on the resulting strength of the post blast fragments. It was shown that the velocity of detonation of the explosive product affects the reduction of fragment strength. This has important implications for the downstream comminution process. The observations from these tests are then explained with reference to the principles of fracture mechanics. A simple but effective prediction of blast induced preconditioning is shown.

Sep 13, 2010

Visual computing opens the design process to a wider audience and allows rapid communication of mine plans to all stakeholders. The integration of software and hardware technologies that take advantage of a graphical environment will continue to improve both long-term and short-term mine design (Figure 1). A good design must be adaptive to respond to decision changes as the mine develops and more information becomes available. The constraints on mine design predicate careful analysis in order to operate the mine as efficiently and safely as possible.Continuous improvement in mining is assured by developing innovative technologies that target mine survey, drill and blast, modelling, short-term design and pit and stope optimisers. The design life of a mine has to be sufficiently long to ensure the mine is commercially successful, justifying the high start-up capital costs. Being able to execute a plan so that it honours the design realises the rewards of computerised mine planning and the long-term investment in data acquisition.

Sep 26, 2011

Risk management for resources and reserves includes examining the fundamental processes of data collection, interpretation, modelling and estimation. Newmont Australia has developed a procedures manual to assist mine sites to build Resource block models, estimate Ore Reserves, validate the outcome and report the results. An audit scheme has been developed to compliment the procedures manual by assessing the degree of site compliance with recommended practice. A score of between one and five stars is awarded to each site depending on its performance in the audit. Audits are undertaken by a team of three Newmont personnel over a three to five day period at each site. Scores are ultimately compared between sites and reviewed annually. The objective of the program is to encourage continuous improvement in the modelling, estimation, validation and reporting practices used at sites and in advanced projects. The scheme provides a method of risk management for the companyÆs biggest asset û its Ore Reserves. Newmont Mining Corporation is preparing to use the audit scheme internationally in part to conform with recent legislation requiring US companies to demonstrate that management systems and procedures are in place to monitor and verify the companyÆs assets.

Jan 1, 2003

Australian contract mining as it is known today had its origins in the early-1980s. Before this time there were numerous examples of underground mine development, and specifically shaft sinking being carried out by contractors. However, these were typically international contracting companies who came to Australia for specific projects. Growth in the underground mining industry in the 1980s opened up the opportunity for contractors. Mine owners had a need for contractors who could bring technical and operational capabilities to a project combined with capital in the form of equipment. In the early years the contracting industry was dominated by smaller players who focussed on mine development. The relationship between mine owner and contractor was loose and typically contract documents were rarely referred to. Through the 1980s and 1990s the underground contracting industry in Australia grew to where today there are over 20 underground contracting companies operating in an industry with an estimated annual value in excess of $1 billion. Of these 20 companies approximately five dominate with annual turnovers exceeding $100 million. Underground contractors now provide all facets of underground mining including development and production. Over the last 20 years the underground contracting industry has been able to consistently lower costs to mine owners through a combination of:equipment productivity, labour productivity, and technical innovation.

Jan 1, 2002

For the mineral industry, sustainability seems to mean socially positive and ecologically neutral mineral extraction. Mines are financed and developed in response to demand for their products. The purpose of my paper is to indicate the potential dimension of demand. As part of an unrelated study which I undertook ten years ago, it became apparent that there is a persistent relationship within communities between infant mortality and mineral use; greater mineral use corresponds to a lower rate of infant mortality. This comes as no surprise; sufficient potable water, a reliable supply of food, hygienic waste disposal, hot water and refrigeration all improve the chances of survival of the more vulnerable members of any community. The predictable provision of these facilities requires the application of minerals. This relationship is supported by a table (Appendix 1) included in the UNICEF publication, æThe State of the WorldÆs Children 2001Æ. This table lists regional infant mortality rate (IMR) statistics from around the world, including a listing for æindustrialised countriesÆ. Such countries experience an IMR lower by an order of magnitude than any other region. æIndustrialisedÆ inevitably involves the use of metallic and energy minerals. The principal use of copper is in the generation and distribution of power; it is fundamental to any industrialisation. IMR is a valuable connection because it quantifies caring for the young, a vital strategic driver of human behaviour independent of time, place, fashion or economic circumstances. I have tabulated the population, IMR and the copper demand per head of population for countries containing over 99 per cent of the population of the world in the years 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1989, and 1999. These countries have been consolidated into four groups, Very High, High, Medium and Low rates of infant mortality (UNICEF has used this terminology; the Low group includes all the æindustrialised countriesÆ). The purpose of this consolidation was to reduce the volume of work, to dampen out the impact of regional wars and business cycles, and to dampen out the variable quality of information. Based on the pattern of the copper demand, population and IMR over the last 50 years, I have projected the likely copper demand in 50 years time. A dominant feature of my tabulation is the increase per decade in copper use per head and a corresponding reduction of the IMR. The word æuseÆ is preferred to æconsumptionÆ because it is estimated that over 80 per cent of all the copper ever mined is still in circulation There are two major influences at work; one is the absolute increase in population (UN estimates for 2050 are updated periodically) and the second is the movement of countries into a higher pattern of use and lower IMR. For example the Medium group in 1989 had an infant mortality rate approximating that of the Low group in 1960. With the population of the Medium group (which includes Russia and China) forecast to reach 2.6 billion in 2050, the world copper demand in that year will be significantly greater than the present figure. Nevertheless it will not be as great relatively as the increase of over 300 per cent in the last 50 years.

Jan 1, 2002

Topography, location of coal bearing land and existing built-up areas severely restrict locations for overburden disposal and dumping sites north of the Latrobe River clear of the coalfields are assumed until internal dumping areas can be established.

Jan 1, 1982

An assessment of methods currently available for the accurate determination of low concentrations of platinum in ores and mineral concentrates indicated that prior treatment of the sample by fire assay procedures is necessary. To enable rapid determinations to be carried out, instrumental methods applied to the metallic bead produced from the fire assay treatment have been evaluated, considering maximum flexibility for concentration variations, minimum chemical operations, and adequate sensitivity.Atomic absorption spectrometry proved suitable, giving solution determination limits of 0·4 p.p.m. Pt, 0·1 p.p.m. Pt, or 0·06 p.p.m. Pt under various extraction conditions using aqueous and organic agents. Thesedetermination limits related to 1 assay ton of sample (32·67 g) produced easily readable and accurate readings within the range of platinum contents (0·03-2·0 p.p.m.) of economic interest in deposit evaluation and prospecting. The technique shows promise of also being suitable for determination of palladium and gold.

Jan 1, 1970

Management of Mining Wastes in European Union and Developments in Turkey

Sep 13, 2010

Registrations for the Congress were 393 asdelegates and 200 as accompanying persons.The breakdown of registrations by countries isshown in Table 1.

Jan 1, 1986

The B.H.P Company has been using shortwall mining methods for the past six years in the Southern Field. several aspects this experience shortwall equipm H.P. Company has been using shortwall mining methods for the past Northern Collieries and for several years at Corrimal in the Various papers have described and assessed that work. There are of recent work which supplement prior publications. The summary of to date is a background to discussion of the role of self-advancing ent in support in pillar extraction.

Jan 1, 1974

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, or BMA, is AustraliaÆs largest coal miner and exporter, and is currently responsible for around a quarter of AustraliaÆs total annual coal exports. BMA and its predecessors have been part of the Queensland mining scene for around 40 years, developing world-class mines, a port, overseas markets, and an international reputation for quality and reliability. From its production base in QueenslandÆs Bowen Basin, BMA produces a broad suite of coals which are supplied to 73 customers in 24 countries. BMA was formed in June 2001 as a partnership between BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, under which the two companies share equal ownership and management of eight Central Queensland coal mines û Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Peak Downs, Saraji, Norwich Park, Gregory, Crinum and Blackwater û and the Hay Point coal export terminal near Mackay. This case study focuses on Peak Downs Mine, which was the second largest open cut mining operation to be developed in the northern Bowen Basin for the original CQCA Joint Venture. The first coal was mined in April 1972 and today, Peak Downs has a production capacity of over nine million tonnes of coking coal per annum. The mine is located 30 km south of Moranbah and 195 km south west of the Hay Point port facilities. Coal is mined by open cut mining methods using six draglines and two truck/shovel stripping fleets for overburden removal. Coal seams are mined using excavators and front-end loaders and 210 tonne capacity coal haulers.

Jan 1, 2007