Search Documents

It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to make a closing address to this Congress particularly as it is here in Brisbane. The main duty of the International Mine Ventilation Congress Committee and in particular the chairman is to ensure that these conferences are held every four to five years in suitable locations. My main role over the last four years has been to promote holding this Congress in Australia and it was a great relief when the Queensland team and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy accepted the challenge in November 1986.

Jan 1, 1988

By I Gipps

Each of us has a vision of what the future mine will be and, generally, these visions have many similarities and some differences. One of the major discrepancies in visions of the future mine is not the ultimate goal but the path to achieve it. Many of the future concepts require a radical re-thinking of how things are and will be done yet. So how do we reach this visionary future mine? We need a path that satisfies both our future aspirations of a high tech gee-whiz operated from our iPads and the unfortunately mundane approach that says ‘we must know the method works, ie nothing new’.This paper explores how, within a research based organisation, we firstly set our ultimate goal and then divide the path into realistic technology development chunks that would appeal to mining companies to progress within their organisational constraints. Through examples, such as, automated LHDs, communications systems, surveying and localisation, rock cutting and geological sensing, we illustrate how this path will get us from the here and now to the out there future.This paper also demonstrates CSIRO’s short, medium and long-term research in many of the areas needed to create the Future Mine: mining methods, automation and remote control, mine communications, mapping and mission planning, geological sensing and, importantly, human-system integration, which examines how to effectively present data as information to operators and supervisors in an intelligent and useful manner.

Nov 22, 2011

By Boyack DJ

DEFINING AN ECONOMIC TARGETExploration usually begins with the corporate goal of finding a minimum tonnage and grade of a selected mineral. Sometimes this is expressed more simply as a minimum quantity of contained metal without any indication of the desired grade or implied profitability. Such a goal is useful in the selection of exploration areas and the planning of initial drilling programs. However, it should be reviewed as soon as significant mineralisation has been identified. To make rational decisions about exploration expenditure, the potential return from a deposit must be estimated from the outset and re-esti-mated frequently.The potential return will depend on:1. The proportion of mineral which can be economically recovered from the deposit by mining (the mining recovery).2. The quantity of valuable constituent that can be recovered after dilution with waste rock during mining and losses due to incomplete metallurgical recovery.3. Expectations of price and markets.4. Capital and operating costs applying to the selected mining and processing methods, and to transportation and marketing. Increasingly, environmental costs and constraints must also be considered.

Jan 1, 1990

By D Smith, A Ramdhani, J Francke

Ground penetrating radar (GPR), a well-established geophysical technique generally used for shallow civil engineering applications, has, in the last decade, found increasing acceptance as a complementary tool in mineral resource evaluations. As new sites are trialled with the method, a greater understanding is being garnered regarding the most suitable environments for long-range radar. Although successful projects have been conducted worldwide for mineral sands, iron ore and alluvial projects – tropical weathering environments have produced some of the most impressive results. Specifically, tropical nickel laterites have shown to be, with some notable exceptions, ideal GPR environments.Such high-resolution remote sensing has particular relevance to bulk commodities or those which possess significant rheological variation within geological units, and has led to some innovative downstream uses within exploration, project development and the larger mining industry. In this paper, we examine the application of long-range GPR in Indonesian nickel laterite deposits in general, to highlight some of these novel applications with particular reference to resource modelling, mine geology and operational economic implications.CITATION:Francke, J, Smith, D and Ramdhani, A, 2014. Ground penetrating radar to enhance the exploration-to-mining value chain, in Proceedings Ninth International Mining Geology Conference 2014 , pp 175–182 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 18, 2014

Mine scheduling is a process which represents what happens in a mine over time. An optimised plan involves selecting the best workable plan which meets a stated objective. This paper discusses some of the theory and philosophy behind mine scheduling and explains how scheduling is a step in the total iterative mine planning process. Several schedules may be necessary before arriving at a mine plan which can be considered optimal. A description of broadbrush and detailed scheduling is given and the features of computer assisted scheduling are also described. The use of mathematical modelling techniques in conjunction with scheduling to optimise the mine plan is explained. The need to incorporate these techniques to optimise the whole mining system rather than only a part, is emphasised.

Jan 1, 1991

Gentlemen, you heard the good Doctor has commissioned me to make a'summary of the proceedings to date and also to close the said proceedings. It seems that over the years the business of making a summary alternates between'Mr. Pearce and myself, also I,think that w~oever is around onthe day in question 'obtains the task and apparently I drew it this, year. It is hoped you will be patient as previous experience in this capacity'indicates that the best way to proceed is to have a brief summary on each paper and then do a summary of summa~ies. This makes the approacha little cumbersome but it is felt to be fair to each author and it brings'back to the audience some recollections of what transpired at the time and they can make their own decisions, which may not necessarily agree with those of the 'sum'marisor.

Jan 1, 1983

By W Pytel

A special model of vertically loaded pillar behaviour is introduced to the general, multi-plate based, floor-pillar-roof system interaction analogue. This permitted analysing room-and-pillar mine systems in any geological conditions, including the effect of pillar elastic-plastic behaviour with strain softening. In the model, pillar instability is one of the important phenomenon, which may be expected to occur, and which the operator has to be prepared for. Thus the entire systemÆs safety is determined mainly by strong roof strata behaviour and therefore they have to be examined in actual stress-strain conditions utilising the appropriate strength theories. It was assumed that the so-called safety margin, representing the relation between load intensity and material strength, might serve as the basic indicator of possible roof instability development. Therefore, the safety margin may be estimated by comparing the actually computed components of stress-strain tensor with ultimate values characteristic for a given material determined in laboratory. In order to illustrate the effect of technological pillar size on roof strata stability, two different mining systems (methods of mining) in one of the æPolkowice-SieroszowiceÆ Mine districts was modelled using the finite element method formulated in three dimensions, assuming different materials within different rock mass strata, as well as a number of horizontal planes of discontinuity within the model.

Jan 1, 2003

The story of the rise, progress, and development of our modern railway system is a long but an exceedingly interesting one. The phases it has passed through, the discussions that have arisen from time to time on the most economic modes of construction and working, and the final result these various discussions have led to, are full of importance and interest to the engineer. It is not my intention to deal historically with the subject. I desire simply to speak to the requirements of the hour in Australia. It will not be disputed, I think, that these colonies have reached a point in railway construction and management when, if additional lines to any extent are still to be built, a different principle must be adopted. There are yet large tracts and areas of country to be tapped by the rail and the locomotive, which for years to come must remain untouched if the same expensive gauges and modes of construction are continued. We have yet to see clearly the necessity of introducing a system of light lines that will pay their own way and at the same time augment the traffic of our main lines. This question really no longer remains an unsolved problem. It lies, in a few words, in the acceptance of the, narrowest gauge and the simplest mode of construction that can constitute a pacticable railway. I fear it is hopeless to suggest that private companies should be legally permitted to construct such lines. It seems as if it were next to impossible to move official authorities to enter upon the construction of lines on this principle. It is, all the same an undoubted fact that if private companies could obtain Acts of Parliament, that in several of the colonies a new impetus would be given to railway construction.I may point out that not only has the principle of narrow gauge light railways been adopted in India but private companies are obtaining power to build them. Outside of :England many narrow gauge lines have been made, and in France, Denmark, Italy, and Sweden they have been highly successful.

By M Revell

The paste fill system at BHP CanningtonÆs underground silver-lead-zinc mine is described. The first of its type in Australia, the paste fill system has been operational since December 1997. Key technical and operational learnings since the first underground stope was filled are presented. Issues addressed include plant performance, pipe wear and failure, automatic control, rheology and in situ performance.

Jan 1, 2000

By Baoqi S, Zhengbing C, Wenguang L

A new flotation method is introduced for separating zircon from rutile and other Ti-bearing minerals at normal temperature, using a mixture of cationic and anionic collectors without any acid, alkali or fluoride as regulators. By combining the method with gravity concentration and magnetic separation to process the seabeach placer, the technological flowsheet can be simplified and the pollution of environment and the corrosion of acids, alkalis and fluorides on equipment can be removed.

Jan 1, 1993

Electronic detonators bring a fundamental and radical change to the potential of rockbreaking operations. The immense technical challenge of safely merging electronic systems with explosives has been largely overcome, but a surprisingly difficult obstacle has been to convert users to the much more capable electronic systems, in routine as opposed to exotic applications. Unit cost is probably the main point of resistance. For years papers have confirmed significant improvements in blasting results, feeding through to enhanced bottom line value for the whole operation: much reduced environmental impact, and improved control over fragmentation, muckpile shape and overbreak. In Africa, a number of operations have been employing the technology for sufficient time to see enduring improvements in throughput, control and cost structure, and these improvements have fed through to the planning process: both the cost and the benefits are part of the plan. This has essentially rendered very unattractive the option of reverting to pyrotechnic systems and incurring the penalties previously unseen but now understood to be avoidable. Examples given are of improved throughput at opencast and underground mines, and greatly extended life at an urban quarry. The general experience of management in implementing the technology is that it over-delivers: adopted to solve one particular problem, significant other issues are also addressed. These extra benefits were quite logical, but not at all obvious prior to implementation. Exploring this reality is essential for harvesting the benefits of the technology sooner rather than later.

Jan 1, 2004

In order to achieve optimum results for money spent in construction of new projects there is a need for mining developers to pay greater attention to cost control. Control is achieved by establishing a frame of reference, a method of checking and a means of remedial action. The frame of reference is a well coded set of budget estimates which graduate into definitive estimates as design is completed, backed up by drawings, specifications and bills of quantities. The method of checking is provided by cost engineering and quantity surveying input, at both feasibility study and design and documentation stages. Remedial action follows if the checking process reveals a need. In large complex projects where construction completion time is often of prime importance, control of costs can sometimes be relegated to second place. To avoid this it may be necessary to include specialists in cost control in project management teams. Quantity surveyors are trained specifically in construction economics and can provide develop- ers and project engineers with valuable support at all stages of construction.

Jan 1, 1983

By P McCarthy

The relatively new field of geo-metallurgy promises to improve the predictability of mill feed quality and enhance processing outcomes. However, it is subject to the same limitations as the prediction of grade using geostatistics and has additional limitations due to the spatial distribution of the variations being measured and the sample sizes required. Schedules based on geo-metallurgical models will, in turn, be subject to variations arising from geological control and practical mining constraints.This paper discusses the key drivers of variations in mill feed quality and quantity from a mining perspective. It concludes that geo-metallurgical modelling addresses only one aspect of the problem. A case study is provided to illustrate poor predictability of metallurgical performance even with very detailed geological data.

Aug 8, 2011

By L Alem

In the field of mineral extraction, complex technologies are being introduced in mines, operators/technicians rely on assistance from an expert (or more) in order to keep their machines functioning. Personnel with such expertise, however, are not always physically on-site. There is a growing need for innovative technological solutions to support effective delivery, just in time, of remote guidance between an offsite expert and an on-site maintenance operator. To meet this need, we have, as part of our Human System Integration project within the CSIRO’s Minerals Down Under (MDU), Transforming the Future Mine theme, explored the usefulness of a number of emerging technologies including: augmented reality, wearable systems and touch table interfaces. This paper presents ReMoTe, an augmented realty system for remote guiding using a touch table interface for the expert station and a combination of augmented reality and a wearable system at the operator end. In designing this system we were interested in exploring the extent to which it can increase the productivity and safety of maintenance personnel. This paper also presents Mobile ReMote, our recent development of a fully mobile remote guiding system. In Mobile ReMote, both the expert and the operator are using a near eye display and wearing a light computer in a back pack. The expert is able to guide the operator using his/her hands on the virtual display, while the operator is able to see the instructions on the rear eye display. Workers in the mining industry are highly mobile, a mobile expert and operator station will meet this need.

Nov 22, 2011

By N LaBranche

The resurgence of Silicosis and Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (CWP) in coalmines has placed the spotlight back on the management of worker exposure to particulate matter across all mining sectors (Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis Select Committee, 2017). There already exists a substantial body of knowledge on particulate matter and its impacts upon human health (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, 2018). The contribution of silica to respiratory disease is well known. However, it is also clear that there are major gaps in our understanding. In part, those gaps relate to the contribution to adverse health effects of mineralogical constituents in the dust (LaBranche et al, 2021a). It is also becoming evident that the size and shape of the particulate matter can affect its potential impact on human health. The University of Queensland has developed a methodology for characterising respirable and inhalable dust samples using scanning electron microscopy. Multiple samples from numerous mining operations have already been analysed using the UQ methodology. The process has been successful in showing the variety of mineralogical components and particle size distributions present in various areas of the mines.

May 5, 2022

By E Wargem

The optimum mining of an orebody in an underground mining operation is fundamental to the mine’s ability to operate both sustainably and efficiently. The effective mining of an open stope or a cave is largely reliant on the recovery of the initial void created by conventional drilling and blasting. These initial voids are known by various names such as a Longhole Rise, Slot or Winze and can be mined either as a downhole or as an uphole. Regardless of the underground mining method, the process of the design and implementation of this initial void is largely uniform across many operations with various patterns of slot or winze designs used across these different operations. Diligent design, implementation and review strategies in drilling and blasting of these will facilitate cost-effective mining with minimal disruption to mine schedules and production targets. When an operation struggles in opening the initial void in underground mine blasting, it has a negative impact on productivity, mineral recovery, and the overall economics of mining. Near field blast vibration monitoring is a vital tool to use in analysing slot blasts and will provide additional feedback into the reconciliation part of the drill and blast process. It is one that is often overlooked in the mining industry in many operations due to many factors such as lack of skilled personnel, or a lack of required resources. The data obtained from near field blast vibration monitoring can be used to provide additional feedback into blast reviews and help in any drill and blast optimisation projects. This paper highlights key aspects of underground drill and blast reviews and the use of near field blast vibration monitoring for post blast analysis and shares learnings from various projects that the authors have been involved in within Australia and abroad.

Mar 29, 2023

By Chaves AP, Delboni H. Jr

Thermal comminution is an industrial process specially suited to very abrasive material, when contamination with Fe from wearing parts of conventional crushing and grinding equipment must be avoided. It involves an initial step of heating the material to be comminuted, followed by sudden cooling (quenching) and finally by a conventional mechanical process to disassemble the particle aggregates. The thermal step is, in fact, a pre-fracturing process. The heating operation causes changes in phase of the minerals and changes in volume of these minerals and other substances included in pores and cracks. The cooling operation causes thermal shock reversions or the phase transformation and consequent generation of internal stresses, high enough to fracture the solid.

Jan 1, 1993

This paper describes the characteristics of blasting which set it apart from other methods of breaking rock. The mechanism of rock breakage and the influence of rock proper- ties are then discussed. The strain and fragmentation produced by a cylindrical charge does not change once the charge is longer than 16 blasthole diameters. The influence of bench geometry, charge length and drill diameter are then examined. It is shown that spherical charges have advantages over long slender cylindrical charges. By selection of the appropriate drill diameter, explosive and charge configuration the optimum blasting practice for a given rock to give suitable fragmentation and muckpile profile for sub- sequent handling can be found. The fragmentat- ion depends not only on rock and explosive properties but also on the pattern which dictates how effectively the cracking is utilised. The size distribution of the fragments is given by the Rosin - Rammler equation. Undesirable cracking of the rock in the final wall can be controlled by the careful design of blasts as they approach the final wall. Finally, it is concluded that because of the distance to which blasting can fracture and then displace rock it is suited for the breakage of large volumes of rock.

Jan 1, 1978

By K Osman, P Bennett

The mining of an underground orebody requires development both in waste and ore before stoping commences. Regardless of what metal is being extracted, the waste development is minimised to reduce the cost per unit of metal mined. At the Western Metals Zinc Kapok mine site, reducing the cost per tonne of lead and zinc mined is paramount. Decline waste development costs can be minimised by methods such as increased gradient or reduced drive size. Ore development will also involve some mining of waste. The degree to which waste mining can be minimised will depend on the thickness and dip of the orebody. The drive geometry will also determine the percentage of waste within the face. It is by mining methods such as resue mining that selective mining may be used to maximise the amount of metal mined and reduce waste dilution. Resue mining can be used around a set of selection criteria established by the mine site. These selection criteria will determine how resue mining can be applied to the mine site. Selection criteria include firing times, number of headings available, acceptance criteria for percentage lost metal, dilution and most importantly operator acceptance. The single pass or two pass resue mining method should be chosen depending on the site acceptance criteria and selection criteria. The Western Metals Zinc Kapok mine site has established a set of parameters which accept the two pass resue mining method for the mining of the ore drives. The blasting results from a single pass resue method were reviewed during more recent trials in a single heading. Through a comparison of results, the parameters allowed the decision to determine the applicability of resue mining and its current form to Kapok. This paper outlines the parameters set by the Kapok mine site, reviews these in relation to the two forms of resue mining and examines the criteria which make this mining method applicable for Western Metals Zinc.

Jan 1, 2002

By D Kentwell

IGO Ltd’s (IGO) Nova Operation (Nova) is 160 km east-north-east of the town of Norseman in Western Australia (WA). Discovered by Sirius Resources NL (Sirius) in 2012 and acquired by IGO in 2015, the Nova-Bollinger Deposit (Nova-Bollinger) occurs within the Fraser Zone of the AlbanyFraser Orogen. Nova-Bollinger is a complex nickel-copper-cobalt (Ni-Cu-Co) magmatic intrusive sulfide deposit, which is characterised by high-grade folded and undulating breccia lodes that host the bulk of the payable metals. Significant sulfide mineralisation is also found in several magmatic intrusive styles including net-textured, disseminated and blebby styles. A smaller but material volume of sulfides has also been remobilised into the deposit’s footwall rocks as ‘stringer’ bands in metasediments, or as discrete massive sulfide lenses. When interpolating Mineral Resource estimate (MRE) block grades in the presence of locally varying grade connectivity trends, such as folds or undulations, the sample search neighbourhood, which is used to identify the composites subset that is used for each block estimate, should be oriented to match the local trends. In theory, the most robust method of estimation where locally varying angles (LVAs) are applied to search neighbourhoods, are techniques where the composites and the blocks to be estimated are transformed to an unfolded coordinate system (UCS). However, UCS methods can be tedious to implement and require subjective decisions to be made that cannot always be fully defended. An alternative LVA method commonly used in the industry is dynamic anisotropy (DA), which is much simpler to implement and is often assumed (but not that often demonstrated) to result in similar results to UCS-style estimation. In 2018, Nova’s Mine Geology team (MGT) estimated the grades and density of the Nova-Bollinger MRE using the UCS approach. For the 2020 MRE update, Nova’s MGT tested and compared the USC grade interpolation method with the DA approach. As applied to the Nova-Bollinger’s 2020 MRE, the comparison, advantages and disadvantages of the two estimation methods are the subject of this paper

Mar 22, 2022