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A schematic overview of the variables which interact to determine ore reserves precedes consideration, in this context, of some recent views on the concept of a 'production cycle'. Political and governmental action, for whatever motives, is a greater obstacle to future mineral supply than technical problems.

Jan 1, 1979

By T Brown

Australia is now committed to the most significant period of infrastructure investment since the 1960s and the current climate of project finance and public private partnership (PPP) model uncertainty means it is imperative that the affordability and certainty in delivery of infrastructure projects is maximised.In light of the current and forecast levels of infrastructure investment it is worth drawing comparison with a similar period of Australian expansion when the nation’s first railways were constructed. Similarly to over a century ago, we are following a trend in rapid development and are already reaping the inefficiencies that could be avoided with broader technical planning and improved client coordination.The original rail networks were developed by the individual states before they combined to form a Federation of states in 1901. As a result of the adoption of different gauges by 1917 a passenger wanting to travel by train from Brisbane to Perth had to change trains six times.Similarly in 2011, there is little parity between Australian states on the quality requirements (performance specifications) for road tunnels. Differences between states start most significantly with the size of the specified traffic envelopes, thus the size of tunnel required. Where ambiguity and differences exist in project documentation, performance specifi cations (PS) and broad technical requirements for road tunnel projects, any associated risk in interpretation ultimately ends up being incorporated in the bidder’s (constructor’s) final sell price.Whilst not nearly as inconvenient as having to change train at each state border, and largely unnoticed by the general tax paying motorist, this paper examines examples of apparent minor differences in Australia’s recently constructed road tunnels to highlight the differences in road tunnel specifications.The paper identifies how these small differences manifest themselves in major price penalties between projects and further, highlights the need for further specification review, refinement and standardisation across road tunnel jurisdictions to increase road tunnel affordability.

Mar 8, 2011

Access to secure and reliable water resources is fundamental to the minerals industry. In recognition of that requirement, and cognisant of extensive contemporary public water debate and reform initiatives in Australia, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) approached the Ministerial Council on Mineral and Petroleum Resources (MCMPR) proposing the establishment of a Joint Working Group to prepare a framework of strategic principles to ensure responsible water management at a site and corporate level, manage risks and identify opportunities. The Framework provides high-level guidance on issues that should be addressed in water decision making across Australia in relation to mining and associated processing operations. It identifies principles and objectives for adoption in four areas, viz: valuing water, strategic water planning, implementation, and engaging stakeholders. Given the high level nature of the Framework, and its national application, it does not seek to replicate detailed guidelines already widely available in each state and territory on operational water management practices and associated regulatory issues at mine sites. The Framework includes a series of case studies from across Australia that demonstrate where strategic thinking, wise water management and close consultation with stakeholders has delivered better water use, more profitable operations and excellent community/stakeholder relationships. The Framework was formally launched on behalf of MCMPR by the Western Australian Minister for Resources at the MCAÆs Sustainable Development Conference in Perth in October 2006. No full paper available for this extended abstract

Jan 1, 2006

A method is proposed for the determination of antimony in ores. Antimony is volatilized as antimony iodide by heating with ammonium iodide at a controlled temperature.The fusion mixture is extracted with hydrochloric acid and the antimony content is measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using an air/ acetylene flame. The time taken for analysis when comparedwith existing fusion and separation procedures is considerably reduced. Cations and anions likely to be present in antimony ores were also studied for possible interference effects but were not found to interfere.

Jan 1, 1972

By S Khosrowshahi, A Weeks, W J. Shaw

"To provide an indication of expected performance of the mine and mill, feasibility studies should include an assessment of the expected day-to-day variability in process plant feed. Attempts to do this based on conventional resource models will be flawed as such studies fail to consider and account for the in-built smoothing (averaging) of input data.This can lead to one of two situations: an expensive, over-engineered process plant that can cope with every possible situation, or operational strategies that fail to manage the natural variability within the orebody and the impact of day-to-day operational decision-making.In both cases the value of the project diminishes through excessive capital costs or reduced throughput or recovery during operations.Unlike conventional estimation techniques, the geostatistical method of conditional simulation can reproduce the inherent variability of the deposit. Once a valid model has been developed, it is possible to analyse the model using a transfer function that simulates the proposed mining processes and provides a representation of the likely variation of mill feed characteristics at any time scale.The case study demonstrates how the proposed mining strategy would result in mill feed being considerably more variable than expected, resulting in poor recovery, low throughput and potential breaches of environmental conditions. Mitigation measures included budgeting for additional mining equipment to enable greater flexibility during mining and revised stockpiling and crusher feed strategies.Awareness of the benefits of modelling the variability of geometallurgical parameters will increase the use of this approach in producing more realistic financial models of expected mine performance at the design stage.CITATION:Shaw, W J, Khosrowshahi, S and Weeks, A, 2013. Modelling geometallurgical variability - a case study in managing risk, in Proceedings The Second AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2013, pp 247-252 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Sep 29, 2013

Consideration of the questions: (i) is it feasible to study groups of processes in a generalised way? (ii) to what extent does purpose affect the form of a process model? (iii) are there any significant, novel investig- ations which can be made by computer simulation? (iv) what long-term developments are desirable in extractive metallurgy? has led to some new broad objectives for research in hydrometallurgical process engineering. Propositions for grouping processes, developing models for different specific purposes, using a systems engineering approach and developing high technology processes are discussed, and the role of computer simulation indicated by reference to particular projects.

Jan 1, 1984

The competitiveness and future growth of the Australian mineral resources industry face a number of challenges. The paper addresses key factors likely to influence the attainment of high performance and continuous improvement including organisational leadership, management/employee relations, technology, safety, health and the environment. Business practices such as benchmarking, Total Quality Management and re-engineering to achieve process and performance improvements are commented on. Future success for the industry will largely hinge on global business skills, a sustained focus on Quality principles and achieving performance through people.

Jan 1, 1997

Although this is a symposium on "The Occurrence, Preparation and Use of Australian Black Coal", I do not think that, in these days, any of the main energy resources can be considered only in terms of country of origin or only by itself in isolation from other energy resources. Accordingly, I propose to comment on solid fuels generally in the world energy scene, and make some brief references to Australian solid fuels, and to some other matters in the latter part of this paper. In this address I am drawing heavily on the 1974 survey of energy resources published just recently by the World Energy Conference. I do this for a number of reasons. Firstly, the survey is the latest and most comprehensive publication of its kind; secondly, it is the result of several years' work by a panel of eminent people, from all the energy industries and from some 16 widely spread countries; thirdly, substantial assistance was given by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in its compilation; and, finally, to let all know of the existence of the book, as I believe it to be a source document for all those interested in world energy resources. The United Nations "J" series of statistical papers provide important information on the annual production and consumption of and trade in the various forms of energy. In their respective areas, these two publications are primary information sources. Our present sources of energy throughout the world are fossil fuel deposits (coal, oil, gas), nuclear materials, water, geothermal, solar and tidal - but we are at present heavily dependent upon the natural stores of non-renewable fossil energy resources. Fig. 1 shows the changing use of energy resources in the present century. A comparison between 1900 and 1973 shows clearly the shift which has taken place.

Jan 1, 1975

By M Freeman

Significant improvements in the metallurgical performance at Pasminco Rosebery Mine have occurred over the last two years. Lead and silver recoveries have increased by more than ten per cent, lead concentrate grades are four per cent higher, zinc recoveries are up 1.5 per cent, and zinc concentrate grades have increased by two per cent. These impressive results have not occurred through the application of some new wonder reagent, but through the application of some fundamental metallurgical principals. The basic premise applied during this study was that to make an effective separation you must first achieve liberation. Therefore, the laboratory and plant studies examined the liberation characteristics within the lead circuit, and the impact of regrinding. The work demonstrated clearly that galena/sphalerite liberation was poor, and significantly impaired plant performance. Further, it was suggested that the application of lead regrinding of the lead scavenger concentrate and the lead first cleaner tailing would not only benefit lead metallurgy, but also improve sphalerite flotation. A similar approach was then applied to the zinc circuit. From these studies, solutions applying simple circuit changes utilising existing equipment were proposed and implemented. Further to the improvements in galena/sphalerite liberation, significant improvements in concentrate quality were achieved by reducing variation within the process. The implementation of changes in work practices negotiated in the Enterprise Agreement, employee contributions and specialist training also made a significant contribution to the unprecedented improvement in the lead and zinc flotation circuit performance. The results of these plant changes are discussed, along with the suggested scope for further improvement.

Jan 1, 2000

By Loo R

The Paper discusses the size and extent of in-pit dust suppression problems created by iron ore mining in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Dust problems associated with drilling, loading, hauling and tipping are discussed indicating the large quantities of water which can be applied for dust control and attempts that have been made to rationalise this water usage to obtain maximum benefits from the applied water. The magnitude of the problem and the quantities of water involved can be appreciated when one realises that 275 000 tonnes of rock are moved on Mt. Whaleback each day and that there are 40 km of haulroad within the open pit. Initially dust suppression was limited to the spraying of haulroads by large water tankers. Now dust suppression is practiced during drilling and after blasting, wind blown dust is reduced by application, using water cannons,of large quantities of water to floor stocks prior to loading operations as well as by the installation of 16 km of automatically controlled fixed sprinkler reticulation on the main semi-permanent haulroads. The methods used to assess the water requirements for in-pit dust suppression are discussed and the extensive development testing used to evolve the present installations are 1. Environmental Superintendent Mt. Newman Mining Co. Pty. Ltd. Newman, W.A. 2. Chartered Consulting Engineer, Perth, W.A.

Jan 1, 1979

In contrast with mining in areas close to the main centres, mining in remote areas is characterised by comparatively high initial investment and relatively high running cost for the life of the mine. This is because of:the real cost of establishing and running the operation at a location distant from the necessary infrastructure; and the perceived risks priced into their costs by the multitude of suppliers involved in the project. Optimal co-operation between the mine and the supplier in developing the right rela tionship and the correct technical solution permit both cost elements to be reduced. This re duction may well mean the difference between success and failure. This paper examines the possibilities for optimising the contribution of the equipment supplier to the overall success of the process. Issues covered include the necessity to provide more than merely equipment fit for the purpose , but also the need to maximise the benefits of equipment ownership over the life of the mine. A simple method of determining the optimum timing for equipment replacement or rebuilding is proposed . Furthermore the maintenance contract (or performance agreement) is suggested as a means of leveraging the supplierÆs commitment to the mining operation. The specific examples are based on experience with mobile equipment but the methodology has relevance to other equipment and supplies.

Jan 1, 1998

Successful management is ultimately measured by return on shareholders' funds. This is the inescapable and inexorable discipline that ultimately rules every investment. Shareholders today are predominantly, and increasingly, the superannuation funds and insurance funds of almost all of us. We have already reached the situation in Australian investment history in which the best interests of employees can be very directly identified with the best interests of the owners of the capital invested.

Jan 1, 1992

Current NSW Government policy requires searching for more than just minerals during an exploration program û add endangered fauna and archaeological relics for a start.

Jan 1, 1995

A vigorous seismic and drilling programme has been conducted over.ar area of .59000 square miles in the Roma district during the last three years. The work is Mill' in progress and although many new geological concepts have been discovered, he subsurface geology is not yet finalised. D.atailed examination has shown many variations of .section, has established the general basement trends and sedimentary thicknesses, has shown that much more of the section is marine than previously thought ~nd has indicated that any reservoirs throughout the section could be potential oil ind/or gas producers if suitable traps are located.

Jan 1, 1962

By Szwedzicki T

In recent years substantial advances have been made in the field of geomechanics. Staff at the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) are keen to see that such advances continue and that the mining industry in Australia can take full advantage of such developments in a timely manner. WASM views mining geomechanics in its broadest sense, as being concerned with the characterisation of the physical properties and the behaviour of earth materials (soil, rock and water) and openings as mining proceeds. Aspects such as, soil and rock improvement techniques for difficult site conditions and the rock breaking processes, are also considered to be an integral part of mining geomechanics. This paper indicates the inter-relationships between the various areas within the field of geomechanics and the strong reliance of all of these areas on site specific engineering geology.

Jan 1, 1992

Access roads for haulage, construction or maintenance purposes are discussed with particular attention being given to the un- sealed "all weather" form of construction for Off-Highway applications. The service conditions experienced by the surfaces used in these roads is examined. These conditions are discussed in terms of the conventional engineering properties used for natural gravel material selection. Experience gained during the construction of a pipeline access track is used to illustratE material selection guidelines based on geological input and an understanding of good construction practices. TMITDnIll IrTT Ohl In many Australian situations off-highway haulage by wheel or track supported vehicles is carried on unsealed, gravel roads. Although the unsealed gravel road is the back-bone of the rural road network in Australia, in general, traffic loadings are relatively low compared to the off-highway unsealed haulage road. The cost of the haulage/access road construction component is one important factor in project planning which needs careful consideration. It is no longer acceptable that the initial rough exploration track be gradually upgraded so that it will eventually carry construction and maintenance traffic safely and efficiently. Fatal accidents and

Jan 1, 1982

By M W Kearns

The ERA - Ranger Mine ore processing operation consists of a sulphuric acid leach followed by counter current decantation and solvent extraction circuits. The most expensive unit processing operation at Ranger is the sulphuric acid leach. In 1992 and 1993 changes were made to the operation of the leach circuit. These changes have reduced power and reagent consumption in leach by 30 per cent and 20 per cent respectively with minimal effect on extraction efficiency. The first change was to operate the leach circuits at higher pHs than previously attempted. In addition a cap was placed on the amount of acid added to the leach circuit. Secondly, an on-line pH measurement system was installed and has reduced the variation with time of the leach circuit pHs. Finally, the number of leach vessels used was reduced from ten to seven. This action was undertaken after an examination of the uranium profile and the residence time in the leach circuit from previous years. This paper examines the above changes and assesses their effectiveness on plant performance and costs.

Jan 1, 1994

By E Villaescusa

This paper summarises research work carried out at the Western Australian School of Mines on mine backfill properties in the last few years. The fill properties presented relate to cemented aggregate fill and cemented tailings fill. Emphasis of these studies has been placed on the composition of backfill materials including aggregate particle size distribution, cement dosage and influence of cement admixtures. The unique features of the backfill research carried out at WASM during the last few years are the accomplishment of a study into the properties of large cemented rockfill samples by triaxial testing and the investigation of the properties of fill material made from highly saline ground water prevailing in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. Exploring different cost-effective binding agents for mine backfill was also carried out at WASM. Special effort has been put on the development of fill materials compatible with hydraulic and paste fills. During the process, specific methods and procedures for laboratory testing of backfill material have been formalised. The on-going backfill research on sample scaling is summarised and the future direction of WASMÆs backfill research focus is outlined.

Jan 1, 2000

For an exploration area with a predetermined grid of data points, a construction is given for elementary blocks which subdivide the entire area without omission or overlap, and with the property that each data point is situated at the centre of its corresponding block. The construction has a useful optimal property, and more importantly avoids an error which has been made recently in more than one publication.

Jan 1, 1985

By D Sinclair

Sustainability will become a more stringent issue in mine planning over the next 40 years. The evidence of this is apparent in State and Commonwealth government policies now emerging in respect to water, green house gases, waste and other process emissions. The mining industry has developed policies such as æEnduring ValueÆ, which go some way towards establishing a framework within which mining can continue to be an underpinning strength within the Australian economy. However, the demands of new policies are directed at extending sustainability in ways that will change the way in which projects are implemented. This paper examines the nature of new policies aimed at water, energy and emissions, considering examples of where mining practices have or may change in order to meet new objectives in resource efficiency. Important issues will, as always, be the international price competitiveness of the mineral resources being produced but, where this is now devolved around mining and processing costs, these costs may in the future be strongly correlated to the nature and cost of local energy resources compared with those in Australia, the ability to mitigate and minimise water resource use and environmental impacts deriving from emissions and the veracity of competitor nations in meeting the same standards of performance in resource efficiency usage and in emissions control. As these systems bed down internationally mining in Australia will need to concentrate, amongst other things, on finding higher grade orebodies and on better technologies to release the value of lower grade ores. For our mining industry to remain strong, greater expenditure will need to be focused on these objectives. Finally, it will be important for the industry to remain vigilant and proactive in directing government policy development to ensure that practical objectives in mining are not curtailed unnecessarily through ignorance of mining market precepts developed over the centuries of mining operations.

Jan 1, 2008