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In recent years new instrumentation and digital technology have Wrote possible a new facet of goo-physics: broadband seismology. From digitally record-ing networks and arrays. broadband scistnograrns of body waves that are flat to displacement and veloc-ity in at least the frequency range from 0.01 to 5.0 liz can now be routinely obtained for most carthquakes of magnitude greater than about 5.5. In contrast to data from conventional narrowband seismographs, broad-band body waves have sufficient spectral information to nvest,igate the many frequency-dependent eflects that may arise from source finiteness and from wave prop-agat ion phenomenon. Besides the usual parameters of depth. moment and focal mechanism, broadband data have sufficient spectral information to provide estimates of radiated energy, associated stresses and the frequency dependence of source parameters. Moreover. teleseis-mically recorded broadband data and near-field strong motion accelerograms overlap in the frequency band be-tween about 0.1-2.0 Hz. Thus. v it h broadband data it is possible to connect far field and near field data in order to make estimates of acceleration for almost any seismically active region of the circum-Pacific.

Jan 1, 1990

By S Kost, R Nievergelt, F Cortes

In recent years, the use of steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) for segmental tunnel linings has become increasingly popular due to numerous advantages including durability, resistance to spalling, reduced cracking at corners and edges and significant cost-saving potential. One of the key parameters for measuring the performance of SFRC is the residual (post crack) flexural strength. A problem often faced in design and quality control of SFRC is the high variability of results obtained by standard beam test methods, with reported coefficients of variability (CoV) in the order of 25 per cent. The high test variability results in a relatively low permissible design strength relative to the average flexural strength of the material and commonly leads to non-conformances with respect to residual flexural strength during production testing.This paper presents the implementation of an alternative testing method using large round determinate panels (RDPs) for quality control testing of the SFRC used in the segmental lining of the City East Cable Tunnel (CECT) in Sydney. The alternative RDP test method was found to correlate well with standard beam tests and significantly reduce the variability of test results, minimising the risk of outlying residual flexural strength results, with zero non-compliant test results reported during the production period.This successful implementation of an alternative test for post-crack flexural strength with lower variability in results constitutes a relevant precedent to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach which contributes to the development of more cost-effective concrete mixes and minimises the risk for non-compliant results and the contractual disputes that commonly arise from these.CITATION:Cortes, F, Nievergelt, R and Kost, S, 2014. Development of a segmental lining specification for steel fibre reinforced concrete flexural strength testing using round panel tests, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 461–468 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

Mount Isa Mines Limited has been mining copper ore for 50 years. In recent years, this production has been entirely by open stoping methods with cemented backfill, mostly in the large 1100 orebody.This has been the major ore source for 20 years, with smaller amounts coming from the 400, 500, 650 and 1900 orebodies. At present, the 1100 orebody is the only source, and this situation will continue until the deep 3000 and 3500 orebodies begin producing in late 1992/93. Production rates have increased to almost 6 Mt/yr, and are planned to rise to 7 Mt/yr by 1995/96. In the future, there will be a move towards variations of the open stoping system as production moves to more lensy zones of the southern 1100 orebody and to the deeper 3000 and 3500 orebodies. This paper describes current operations in the 1100 Orebody, with some indications of future directions.

Jan 1, 1993

The Lane Cove Tunnel (LCT) is an important infrastructure link in New South Wales (NSW) and runs from the end of the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon at its eastern extremity, to the end of the M2 at North Ryde at its western extremity.  The LCT is 3.6 km long and generally consists of twin two/three lane unidirectional tunnels running largely under Epping Road from just east of Mowbray Road, west to the western end of the Gore Hill Freeway. The tunnel opened in early 2007. The presentation will provide a summary of the traffic and emission modelling performed for selected representative surface road sections in the vicinity of the Lane Cove Tunnel. An assessment of the predicted impact of vehicle emissions on ambient air quality in the corridor as a result of changed traffic conditions due to the tunnel opening will be presented. The traffic modelling and emission calculations were undertaken for the following two scenarios: Year 2006 û Lane Cove Tunnel no-build option, and Year 2006 û Lane Cove Tunnel build option. Vehicle emission calculations for the four main pollutants from vehicles: CO, VOC, NOx and PM10 on the surface roads in the vicinity of the Lane Cove Tunnel were performed using the predicted daily traffic for the two cases (no-build and build). The analyses indicated that the vehicle emissions for all pollutants are expected to significantly reduce in the corridor with the building of the Lane Cove Tunnel, including the areas in the vicinity of all tunnel portals, when compared to vehicle emissions for the no-build case.  As a result of the decreased vehicle emissions on the surface roads, the study concluded that the actual ambient air quality is expected to improve in the corridor including the tunnel portal areas after the Lane Cove Tunnel opening.

Jan 1, 2008

By D Kent, R Paine

"Automated mining systems are increasingly being seen as a key requirement for a productive mining operation in the future. The importance of an integrated communication network infrastructure to support such systems is growing.This paper outlines the introduction of automated mining systems in large conventional mines as well as their growing role in block cave mines currently operating or being developed. The paper will then focus on a case study of how the communication infrastructure is fundamental to the operation of such systems and explain why the resultant communication networks require much more than just increased bandwidth (data capacity) to properly support the automation system within the overall mine operation.Mining operations already embarking down this road are discovering that the required network must be based on a true enterprise level architecture to not only enable the mine’s current plans for remote and automated mining, but also provide a scalable and integrated platform for future developments and requirements. The emerging issues for the communication network to truly support automation systems include: increased complexities of operating and maintaining multiple networks integration issues with disparate systems problems with reporting particularly as demands for corporate reporting and compatibility with enterprise systems become the norm ongoing management challenges, which will only increase with the proliferation of new technologies.The paper will explore how certain mining operations are addressing this by adopting a long-term strategy for automation deployment, which includes laying the necessary foundation architecture to meet their current requirements, while supporting their future visions for the fully automated mine.CITATION:Paine, R and Kent, D, 2014. Developing the foundation communication infrastructure to support remote and automated mining initiatives in underground mines, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference 2014, pp 151–158 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 24, 2014

By G Love, S Maher

In Victoria’s onshore Gippsland Basin, geology is driving brown coal developments, and geologists are key decision-makers. Prompted by volatile energy prices and the likelihood of a carbon constrained future, significant work has been carried out on the next generation of technologies to be applied to this giant resource. These include new-generation gasification technologies, coal conversion processes yielding products as diverse as diesel and fertiliser, drying technologies producing thermal and metallurgical coals and in situ conversion processes. However, coals aren’t coals, and brown coal available for new projects will have different quality parameters and mining economics from that currently mined.New projects are likely to be developed on coals with moisture contents averaging 60 per cent and corresponding low energy values. Whilst ash values will be low, averaging just 5 per cent (dry basis), this will at times approach 10 per cent, which is a level that would challenge the installed-generation technologies. Sulfur values will average 0.4 per cent (dry basis), but at times exceed 0.6 per cent, requiring technologies that address the potential for sulfur dioxide emissions. Whilst localised high levels of the fluxes iron (>1 per cent dry basis) and sodium (>0.3 per cent dry basis) would increase fouling of installed technologies, they may be suitable for selected next-generation technologies.Project viability for this next generation of technologies will be strongly influenced by mining cost, and geologists are playing a role in identifying higher-value coal. At its simplest, this is being achieved for open cut mines through regional, vertical strip ratio assessments, which are considered a first-order proxy for mining cost. Follow up assessments are incorporating mining and processing cost, coal quality penalties and product revenues. At a regional scale, it is informing the likely location and relative timing of future mine developments, as well as thinking around rehabilitation strategies, infrastructure and land-use planning.For deeper coal, factors like macro permeability, the ability to isolate seams from aquifers, groundwater chemistry, pressure temperature conditions, connection with groundwater recharge and in situ biota are being used as vectors to in situ coal conversion opportunities.Matching coal to the next generation of technologies has benefited from regional-scale geological studies of coal quality and mining economics, and has benefited from early engagement between geologists, technology developers and project proponents.CITATION:Maher, S and Love, G, 2014. Matching brown coal to the next generation of Latrobe Valley projects, in Proceedings Ninth International Mining Geology Conference 2014 , pp 77–84 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 18, 2014

By H Utama, R Heryadi

PT Indo Muro Kencana (PT IMK) is a surface gold and silver mine located in Mt. Muro area, Central Kalimantan province, Indonesia. The mining operations of multiple open pits using combination of excavator and haul truck is operated. This operation is performed in two shifts in a day. The articulated dump truck (ADT) with capacity of 40 t and 60 t deliver ore to the mineral processing plant and discard waste material to the waste dump area. Overall, PT IMK’s mining operation department is consisting of two sections, namely mining operation section and drill and blast section. Firstly, mine operation section is responsible to manage loading, hauling, pit service (mine dewatering, earthwork, road maintenance) and mine operation engineering. Secondly, drill and blast section is in charge to manage drilling and blasting (blast engineering, blasting operation, explosive permit and magazine or explosive storage). Additionally, conventional blasting method (ore-waste blasting) with non-electric initiation system is used and sleep blasting is undertaken as bulk explosive is buried for maximum two days. The first purpose of this paper is to elucidate about role of mining engineer in mining operation department (mining operation engineer and D&B engineer). At this point, mining operation engineering practice (fleet management system, production control and mining manpower management) and also blasting daily practice will be elucidated. Daily blasting practice is consisting of surface blast design, explosive engineering, sleep blast practice and the concept of scaled depth of burial to ensure a safe work environment in blasting activity. Next, the second purpose of this paper is to explore workforce evolution and future skills for mining engineer in surface mining operation. Furthermore, strategy to advance future skills such as mining continuous improvement program, training and skills development for mining engineer (mining operation engineer and D&B engineer) in order to develop their skills is also discussed. It is expected that in the future, these future mining leaders will become new mining leader, for instance mining superintendents, D&B superintendents and mining managers. In conclusion, it is clear that awareness about workforce evolution, professional development, training, skills development, mining economics awareness and mining continuous improvement program are essentially required as professional development for mining engineer (mining operation engineer and D&B engineer), in order to be commercially competitive in their future career and in order to be adapted with future workforce evolution in mining.

Sep 1, 2024

Historically BHP Billiton Alliance Coal Operations Pty Ltd (BMA) have generated resource models from widely spaced data points (drill holes). The accuracy of these models has been influenced by the degree of local structural disturbance of the coal seams and by the choice of interpolators used in the modelling process. In some circumstances unacceptable vertical errors of up to 10 m have been observed whilst mining. New terrestrial photogrammetry or laser imaging technology now allow the 150 or so kilometres of exposed highwalls in BMA to be rapidly, accurately and safely mapped and the three-dimensional images economically incorporated into resource models, reconciliation grade control models, drill and blast designs and for pit stability analysis.

Jan 1, 2005

The Tailings Leach Plant at Chingola employs a Leach/Solvent Extraction/Electro- winning process and contains the largest solvent extraction plant in the world, with design liquor flow rates of 55 m3/min. A pilot plant constructed to provide design data also indi- cated areas of uncertain operating and control performance and led to a decision to model the whole circuit to determine the overall dynamic behaviour and basic operating characteristics. Details of the plant flowsheet are given and the basic physical and chemical' equations required for the simulation defined. Each unit operation is considered separately and details of the mathematical models used for their simulation presented.

Jan 1, 1977

By Moffatt G

Approval to operate Longwall No. 7 at Appin Colliery in 1979 was granted pursuant not only to the usual statutory provisions, but also that an adequate means of drainage of methane gas be incorporated. A methane drainage plant was subsequently designed and constructed some two km from the pit top at the site of the Colliery main upcast and down cast shafts. Modern plants of this nature are completely automated using programmable controllers and computers to provide control and management reporting functions. Complex mechanical systems are installed to extract the gas and in handling and storage processes. Gas utilisation plants exist which can generate power from methane. These plants are further enhanced by harnessing waste heat produced in the generation process. The installation, automation control and monitoring of these plants incorporates many facets of engineering from high voltage power supply and computer technology to complex gas handling procedures used in gas compression storage.and generation of electric power.

Jan 1, 1982

By P York

The study commenced in October 2012, to understand the basic ecology of the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and to confirm whether the species utilise previously mined land on the Mt Owen mine site that was rehabilitated in 1996 to 2011, as part of their home range. The spotted-tailed quoll is a widely distributed marsupial carnivore that is listed as rare or threatened in every state in which it occurs. The species is a forest-dependent marsupial carnivore that occupies a wide range of habitat types (Long and Nelson, 2004).The first part of the study involved trapping a spotted-tailed quoll and fitting the individual with a combined global positioning system / ultra high frequency (GPS/UHF) radio-transmitter collar (Telemetry Solution – Quantum 4000E). The benefit of the GPS/UHF collar is that it records locations (or fixes) at intervals programmed by the user. The UHF component allows the researcher to locate the individual at a frequent interval, and the Quantum 4000E also has a remote download function, enabling the GPS data stored in the collar to be wirelessly transmitted between the collar and researcher. The benefit of this new technology is that the animal does not need to be repeatedly captured to retrieve the GPS data.Daytime searches are also undertaken using the UHF receiver to locate the individual and locations of daytime denning and latrine sites. The location of each den site is recorded using a hand-held GPS. Data downloaded from the GPS collar is then imported and mapped using computer software program ARCGIS (geographic information system), to overlay the data points onto aerial photography.Results demonstrate that threatened species will utilise rehabilitation areas post mining. The data presented will be used to develop a greater understanding of threatened species ecology in and around rehabilitated areas, which will assist in the planning and design of native forest rehabilitation areas.CITATION:York, P, 2014. Mt Owen Mine spotted-tailed quoll study, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2014 , pp 591–596 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 16, 2014

GRD Macraes Limited, owners and operators of the Macraes and Reefton Gold Project in New Zealand, have taken up the challenge of sustainably producing in excess of 300 000 ounces per annum within five years.GRD Macraes is well on target to achieve the forecast of 170 000 oz at a cash cost of A$310/oz for the 2002 financial year, with our Reefton operation set to add about 70 000 û 80 000 ounces per annum from late 2003.At the end of 2001 GRD Macraes Limited had resources of 5.5 million oz with reserves at 2.8 million oz.

Jan 1, 2002

By J Finlay, P Betts, D Milton, H Williams

The aim of this paper is to present an innovative method to help delineate potential target volumes for haematite-goethite mineralisation as opposed to more magnetic ores. This is achieved through interpretation and modelling (2.5D and 3D inversions) of ground magnetics and gravity surveys over the Koolanooka South prospect in Western Australia. The targets are assumed to be dense and weakly magnetic and hosted within banded iron formation (BIF) horizons. Geophysical interpretation (2D map) was performed using a variety of processed magnetic and gravity images (Betts et al, 2007) to determine the distribution of lithologies, to understand the structural architecture and to map out any anomalous areas of excess density (possibly indicating goethite alteration). The created geological map is used to build geological cross-sections (geometrically consistent) that were modelled (in 2.5 D) against both potential field datasets. The crosssections are consequently used as the framework to build a 3D geological model. The model defines 3D volumes of rocks including several BIF horizons. The distribution of densities and magnetic susceptibilities of the BIFs is inverted within the GOCAD«-VPmg environment to reduce the misfit between the response of the model and the observed gravity and magnetics. By combining the results of both petrophysical property distribution it is possible to map out (using classical GIS type queries in 3D) volumes of higher density and lower magnetic susceptibility.

Jan 1, 2009

In Australia 'there are hidden deposits of gold, copper, tin, lead and zinc which can be found by drilling at reasonable expense in view of the imp9rtance of the objectives. Exploration of the prospects in mind would mean about a million feet of drilling. The purpose of this paper is to outline, in a technical way, some of the geological thinking that has been given to this matter. To do this, it is necessary to unify the wider ranging thoughts into some sort of coherent perspective and also into some sort of logical sequence. This will be done by treating first the geological subject material which is in fact, at the foundation of the exploratory scheme. With this base, the argument will be continued through a sequence of prospect thinking and brought to a conclusion in regard to the practical employment of geology in the drilling planning. In this knitting together of ideas, the discussion will be given substance by welding into the argument the reasoning that has been applied to the Cobar prospect. The New Occidental Gold-Mines are operating three mines at Cobar, and the writer is indebted to the Company for allowing the reference to be made. It is intended, as opportunity permits, to furnish further examples in later publications.FOUNDATION OF EXPLORATIONThe deposits under consideration are derived from igneous rocks, chiefly granite or porphyry. In and following the emplacement of the intrusives, the rocks have been...

Jan 1, 1946

THE absence of any locality maps of the district of Morobe has been seriously felt by mining engineers engaged on the goldfields, and as it was evident at the beginning of operations that the administration would be unable to make good this deficiency, ascheme for making rapid traverses was worked out, and in all subsequent travelling the necessary records were kept for the construction of a reliable reconnaissance map of the Bulolo goldfield and its approaches (see Plate 1.). Since all the field work had tobe carried out without encroaching on primary duties, the compilation of sufficient data was a somewhat lengthy business. It was found that in this r;ough country a pedometer was useless, as it was impossible to calibrate it for the variation in length ofpace between climbing semi-precipices and walking over level country. Further, the native tracks "meander" so excessively that the only method of calculating air-line distance is by timing, and a knowledge of what the timing represents, and until a 10kg experience had been gained in the time taken to cover known distances in various types of-country, one could not feel competent to estimate sufficiently accurately. It was found that reliability could be attained only when walking at nearly top pace. Inregard to aeroplane traverses, results were reliable only when the air was fairly still.BEARINGSIn arriving at the bearing between main traverse points, the method used was to keep a "boy" about two chains- behind when marching and sight back on him, standing, at about two-chain intervals. These bearings were averaged into the field book at the end of the day, each line being averaged separately. As the roads became known, it was possible to get a considerable amount...

Jan 1, 1928

By T Raynlyn, R J. Holmes, J R. Manuel, A Poliakov, L Lu

The prediction of sintering performance of iron ore fines and the possibility of targeted optimisation of specific sinter properties are very important for both the iron ore industry and related research organisations. Physical pilot-scale sinter runs require large amounts of raw materials and are expensive, so it is critical to target large test work programs with many different sintering parameters effectively. To predict values for sintering performance parameters such as tumble index (TI), low temperature reduction disintegration index (RDI) and productivity, a comprehensive database of pilot-scale sintering experimental results has been established and empirical modeling conducted. Similarly to earlier work, physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the iron ores have been considered. However, in contrast to the previous work where only one textural parameter was taken into account, namely the proportion of dense haematite ore texture, the current model includes the abundances of several different textures which were combined into different textural factors corresponding to different sinter properties. Coefficients for the variables within specific regression equations can provide a better understanding of the effect of the variables on the corresponding sintering performance. The modelling results have also been used for predicting the sintering performance of mixtures that were not part of the database used for establishing the models. Comparison of experimental and modeling results for the verification test data is also reported in this paper.

Jan 1, 2009

By T Sua, B Wright

"BHP Billiton West Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) conducts an extensive geometallurgy program for its iron ore deposits in the Pilbara with the focus on determining the lump yield (the mass percentage of >6.3 mm rocks) and the lump and fines grade for iron ore products. The geometallurgy program provides accurate information to design engineers and technical marketing teams on the performance of different iron ore mineralogies for future deposits. Additionally geometallurgy results are being used to guide short-term production planning with their introduction into short-term geology models and grade control models. The data that underpins this knowledge is from dedicated geometallurgical programs, drilled using PQ (~83 mm) holes. These holes are crushed by intervals that are based on geological definition which provides an indicative lump yield and lump and fines grade. The lump is then subjected to standard dropping and tumbling test stages to produce a simulated lump and fines product. In the past, quality assurance, quality control holes were drilled using HQ (~64 mm) holes for geochemistry purposes. These holes were crushed to provide an indicative lump yield and lump and fines grade and then 100 per cent is sent for assay (with no dropping and tumbling). Utilising data from HQ holes can significantly increase the indicative geometallurgical data available. This paper compares the geometallurgical results from both PQ and HQ holes from a range of bedded iron deposits (Brockman and Marra Mamba). The PQ and HQ data are compared by orebody, stratigraphy and depth to exclude factors that are expected to influence geometallurgical results.CITATION:Wright, B, Sua, T, Robertson, B and Van Dijken, B, 2016. Comparison of Diamond Drill Size on Iron Ore Geometallurgical Results, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 161–166 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By L Richards, R L. Brathwaite, C Mazenga

Underground mining of gold-silver bearing quartz lodes was carried out in the great mines at Martha Hill, Waihi over 70 years from 1882 until 1952. Shafts and stopes reached a total depth of 600 m on 16 levels, with workings extending laterally some 1.6 km, and as new reefs were discovered the workings extended beneath parts of the township. Over their long life the mines produced 1217 tonnes of gold-silver bullion from processing 12.2 million tonnes of mined ore. In the early-1980s drilling proved large reserves of gold and silver ore remaining in stock-work zones between the previously mined lodes. This led to a new era of mining at Waihi with the opening of the Martha Hill open pit in 1988. A series of three sink holes have formed above unfilled stopes of the Royal lode. In 1999 a sudden collapse crater 40 m in diameter occurred near an occupied part of Waihi, placing in danger several houses and a busy street. This crater formed close to a similar crater that occurred in 1961. The 1999 collapse resulted in subsurface investigations and risk assessment studies being commissioned by the local Hauraki District Council. However, a further 50 m diameter collapse crater in December 2001 formed in a residential area, swallowing and wrecking an occupied house, fortunately without injuring its five occupants. Two other houses were perched on the crater rim. The 2001 collapse led to an acceleration of the work being carried out by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd. (GNS) to identify the extent of the old underground workings at Waihi. For the risk assessment detailed rock mechanics analyses were made to consider the stability of the underground mine stopes, in terms of the stope back, hangingwall, footwall and crown pillar failure mechanisms, as well as void migration. The collapse crater areas were analysed using using several methods, including analysis to simulate the probability of void migration from unfilled stopes to the surface using the @Risk program. The analyses show that in the cases of the actual collapse craters, the voids have a high probability of migrating to the surface, thus providing a method of testing the void migration modelling. Modelling analysis applied to the remaining stopes of the old underground mines show there are further areas where void migration from unfilled stopes has a high, medium and low probability of reaching the surface as a collapse crater. The locations of these probabilistic hazard zones were outlined using the @Risk modelling and deterministically by using the dimensions of the historical collapses applied along the length of the stopes. Consideration of the æincubation periodÆ (the time interval between the cessation of mining and the occurrence of collapse) and comparisons with mine subsidence histories overseas, indicates that further collapses are likely to occur over the next 50 years. Risk assessment estimates made using property values and occupancy levels within the three hazard zones, were compared with Societal and Individual Risk criteria. Results indicate that safety within the high and medium zones may be unacceptable.

Jan 1, 2003

By Palmer C. G, Rowe P. G

Ore handling improvements at Mount Isa Mines Limited were necessary to keep abreast of technological advances in all phases of sublevel stoping practice.In the early 1930s an efficient ore handling system was in operation.However in 1936 excessive water encountered in deepening the hoisting shaft necessitated the sinking of a second hoisting shaft. Financial difficulties prevented abandoning the original shaft and surface ore handling and crushing facilities, so ore was transferred underground and underground crushing deferred. It was not until 1951 Jhat multilevel crushing permitted increased efficiency in the handling of ore from stopes. Ore was then hoisted in one shaft and transferred on the surface by conveyor belt to a new crushing plant.In 1956 a planned production increase from 5,000 to 11,000 tons per mining day made possible further improvements in ore handling. Larger equipment was installed and existing equipment modified to capacitate the handling of larger sized ore at increased daily tonnages.INTRODUCTIONThe intensive exploratory programme commenced in 1954 disclosed large reserves of both lead and copper ores and in 1956 an expansion programme was initiated to increase production from 5,000 to 11,000 tons per mining day. The increased tonnage would result in decreased costs per ton and further cost reductions would result from increased mechanisation underground. The combined effect would permit larger tonnages of lower grade ores to be included in ore reserves. To achieve both cost reduction and the scheduled production increase, improvement in ore handling was of vital importance.For efficient and low cost sublevel stoping it is necessary to maintain an economic balance between...

Jan 1, 1961

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