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By Harrison AT, Smart RM

Backfill systems using unconventional cementitious hinders have been successfully used in relatively deep and hard rock tabular mines for longwall, scattered stoping and shaft pillar removals. Two unconventional cementitious systems are discussed: 1. A ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) with an activator containing lime. This has been used with a total tailings 'stable' slurry at a relatively low dosage of less than seven per cent, by mass, based on dry solids. The room and pillar stopes supported with this fill were up to 20 in high and the tailings were relatively high in pyrite. .\ GGBS binder plus a silicate based activator and gelling agent that virtually eliminated all water drainage (and hence post filling shnnkage). The system used a slurry, but the addition of the ;iutivator created a final placed product that had the behaviour of a paste. The system has been successfully used for almost ten years in the following applications: ò sloping widths (mining heights) above 1.6 in; and ò shaft pillar removals in seismically active areas at the end of the life of the shafts. \This paper discusses the technical merits and costs of the systems and compares them to other fill systems (including true paste systems).

Jan 1, 1998

ILZRO sights are locked securely on the targets of the expanded applications and ever-improving quality in the major market for zinc-coated steel. A wide range of ILZRO-sponsored research projects examine issues of formability, paintability, and corrosion resistance for traditional hot-dip galvanising, electrogalvanising, and ILZRO's own proprietary zinc coating, Galfan. Recent research has focussed on the on the interaction between Galfan and different substrate steels to determine optimum combinations for different applications. ILZRO enjoys an evolving role in providing the connection between research laboratories and marketing divisions through supporting research and services for the Galfan Technical Resource Centreò(GTRC) and the recently formed North American Galfan Development Authority (NAGDA). GTRC has just produced a new problem-solving manual that provides a comprehensive source of hands-on solutions for the many Galfan licensees throughout the world, and should contribute substantially to the reputation of Galfan as a consistently top-quality steel-coating product. Meanwhile, NAGDA is advancing the market with new advertising for Galfan based on superior corrosion-resistant qualities proven through ILZRO-sponsored research. Practical manufacturing issues remain at the forefront of ILZRO priorities, with research emphasis on cutting and welding zinc-coated steel to provide direct assistance towards improved product quality and a more secure market. Moving to the arena of die casting, when the specifier looks to zinc to fill a design need, ILZRO-sponsored research projects provide comprehensive documentation on metallurgical characteristics for every zinc alloy under almost any imaginable application. On-going ILZRO-sponsored research is integrating this wealth of data with sophisticated computer programs that model die-casting designs with ever-increasing accuracy, as other ILZRO projects lay the market groundwork for zinc in applications ranging from vibration damping to electromagnetic shielding.

Jan 1, 1993

The treatment of mixed lead carbonate and lead sulphide concentrates at Mount Isa presents a problem which is unique ,in the lead smelting world; a problem whose solution is far from simple, and is not yet complete. Two years of study under plant conditions have definitely proved, however, that a most satisfactory sinter can be made in a single-pass roast.The object of this paper is to present a brief record of the development of the single-pass roast and a resume of current practice in the smelting plant. The sintering operation is discussed in greater detail, as it is upon this phase of the work that every item in the smelter operating programme depends.The smelter, to-day, presents a very much simplified layout, equipped for economical, straightforward operation, requiring, however, very careful and constant supervision, due to the extreme delicacy of the sintering operation and to the rapid and wide variati9n in the nature of the concentrates which are to be handled.

Jan 1, 1933

By S Hapugoda, J R. Manuel, M P. Ma, L Lu

Iron ore sinter quality depends heavily on the mineralogy, textures and physical structure of the sinter, which is formed upon solidification of the primary sinter melt. The interactions of the initial sinter melt with its surrounding materials will impact on the properties of the primary sinter melt and consequently the solidified structure of the sinter. By using a high-temperature visualisation system, in situ studies have been conducted on the effects of melt compositions (Al2O3, SiO2 and MgO) on the interfacial phenomena of the sinter melt on a natural iron ore substrate. It was found that the melt composition significantly influenced the wettability between the sinter melt and the iron ore substrate. The interactions between the sinter melt and the natural iron ore substrate were also examined. Such interactions can lead to further changes of sinter melt composition and hence the sinter melt properties that, in turn, further affect the wetting behaviour of the sinter melt.CITATION:Ma, M P, Lu, L, Hapugoda, S and Manuel, J R, 2013. Effects of melt composition on the interactions of sinter melt on a natural iron ore substrate, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013 , pp 431-440 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 12, 2013

The theme of the conference this year is diversification. One way to diversify is through acquisition. The principle underlying the winner's curse is that in competitive bidding situations where the value of the asset bid for is uncertain the winning bid will overstate the true value of the asset. The successful bidder is blessed with the winner's curse. What this paper will explore is to what extent this is true; how acquirers can avoid being blessed with the winners curse; and show how joint venture deal structures are used within the mining industry to avoid the winners curse.

Jan 1, 1996

This paper considers three aspects of cemented fill practice and research in Mount Isa. Firstly, an account is given of the use of Portland cemented hydraulic fill, considering mainly the role and specifications of the fill used but including brief description of fill preparation and placement. Data resulting from a Portland cemented hydraulic fill sampling, curing and cesting campaign covering about 18 months of operating practice are presented, analysed and discussed. These yield information indicating the mode of operation of a fully-automated fill preparation station, as well as a means of comparing field and laboratory strength results. A technique with potential for use as a fill quality control without actual strength testing is also described. Results of a fill research programme conducted by the author in Mount Isa since early 1968 are presented, involving both Portland cemented hydraulic fill and altei._acive, cheaper, additives for cementing hydraulic Fill.

Jan 1, 1980

The Mount Morgan eopper-gold orebody is contained within a series of Mid-Devonian volcanics which occurs as a roof pendant within Permian granite. The ore minerals comprise pyrite, chalcopyrite, and local aggregations of magnetite and pyrrhotite. Silver-rich gold (electrum) is disseminated through the ore usually in ultrafine to sub-microscopic dimensions. Accessory minerals include marcasite, digenite, chalcocite, covellite, sphalerite, bismuthinite, molybdenite, calaverite, petzite, and cassiterite.Very minor accessories include cubanite, tetrahedrite, galena, arsenopyrite, hematiIe, goethite, and rutile. The gangue minerals are quartz, predominantly, with minor amounts of chlorite and sericite.Study of microtextures of a representative suite of specimens from Mount Morgan does not reveal any criteria indicative of metasomatic replacement but does show, in the case of pyrite, evidence strongly suggestive of annealing recrystallization. Other textures in pyrite indicate porphyroblastic growth of the iron sulphide.It is inferred that the Mount Morgan orebody is genetically related to the volcanic rocks and was later contact metamorphosed by the intrusive granite or by the series of intermediate to basic dykes that transect inmine area. On this basis the Mount Morgan orebody would be a contact metamorphosed volcanic hydrothermal deposit emplaced, according to recent studies, along a pipe-like zone of brecciation.

Jan 1, 1967

By G W. Wilson

Net solar radiation is one of the key factors affecting evaporation from soil covers on waste rock dumps. While net solar radiation is normally taken as a uniform parameter over a site for modelling purposes, there can be significant variation in the radiation actually received on various portions of the dump. These variations are a function of the difference in the cover slope and direction of exposure. A predictive model has been developed to calculate the actual radiation received on the dump surfaces, based on the net radiation data measured at a weather station on a horizontal surface. The model has been designed for application at any mine site in the world, and can be used in conjunction with evaporative flux models to help estimate the effect of three-dimensional variations in the cover surface exposure. The waste rock dump at Equity Silver site (located in British Columbia, Canada) has a barrier-type soil cover system to limit oxygen entry and water infiltration. This cover has been monitored for the past nine years. The new net solar radiation model has been applied to this site and the predicted net radiation was compared to the values of actual net radiation measured on the site. The predicted variations in net radiation over the three-dimensional surface of the waste rock dump have been applied to calculate spatial variations in potential and actual evaporation (or evapotranspiration) from the site. Preliminary analyses indicate actual evaporation from a site at this latitude could vary by a factor of two for exposed versus shaded slopes. The implications of these variations for the site are considered.

Jan 1, 2003

By B Olsson, C Glassock

Computer simulation modelling (discrete event) has been used at Olympic Dam (OD) to model the handling of ore from the point of extraction at the stope drawpoint through to the ore stockpile on the surface. Computer simulation is a well accepted tool for modelling the behaviour of such large and complex operating systems. It is a particularly useful technique in complex operations where there are multiple interactions between the inputs and outputs of various unit operations. In this instance it can be utilised during the early stages of a project, for example, as part of the business case definition phase or the early engineering phase. A well constructed and tested simulation model provides a sound base upon which informed business decisions can be made. Furthermore, the behaviour of the model with varying inputs can help build a solid understanding of how the asset behaves when varying inputs and constraints are imposed upon it and, as a result, the major points of leverage that designers and operations personnel have to affect the real world behaviour of those assets. Better decisions can be made when the right facts can be examined, various options explored and conclusions tested. Simulation modelling is one of the tools available to make this process work.

Jan 1, 2005

By J Zhang, L Klemettinen, A Jokilaakso, J Biswas, J Partinen, H O’Brien, A Klemettinen

Waste lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are important secondary sources of many valuable materials, including Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) defined by the European Union (EU): lithium, cobalt, manganese, and graphite. Additionally, LIBs typically contain nickel and copper, which are classified as Strategic Raw Materials for EU since 2023. In recent years, great effort has been made to develop efficient recycling processes for waste LIBs. Pyrometallurgical processes have been essential in industrial production of metals for many decades. These technologies are relatively mature, with high adaptability for different raw materials. Pyrometallurgical treatment in LIB recycling typically involves the use of smelting processes, in which waste batteries are heated above their melting points and metals are separated through a reduction reaction in the liquid phase. Through this recycling route, cobalt, copper, and nickel can be efficiently recovered in the form of a metal alloy, whereas lithium and manganese are lost in the slag phase. The goal of this work was to increase the recoveries of valuable battery metals through a combination of hydro- and pyrometallurgical unit operations. First, industrial Li-ion battery scrap underwent a selective sulfation roasting stage, where the aim was to transform LiCoO2 and Mn-oxides into Li, Co and Mn sulfates. After roasting, the battery scrap was leached in distilled water with a solid to liquid ratio of 100 g/L at 60°C and recovered 95 per cent of Li, 61 per cent of Mn and 35 per cent of Co. After leaching, the solid leach residue was mixed with industrial Ni-slag and biochar, followed by reduction at 1350°C in argon atmosphere. The high-temperature smelting experiments were conducted as a function of time (5–60 mins) to investigate the reduction behaviour of battery metals. The results show that Co and Ni from the slag and leach residue can be efficiently recovered in the slag cleaning stage.

Jun 19, 2024

By D Reid

The engineering properties of soils and tailings often exhibit significant anisotropy. One area where this has been well documents is undrained shear strength. Materials sheared in directions close to the principal stress direction in situ, i.e. triaxial compression, typically exhibit higher undrained strengths than those sheared in other directions such as simple shear. Importantly, along the most common critical failure surfaces relevant to tailings stability, whether primarily through tailings or a critical foundation layer, saturated materials are generally much closer to the simple shear loading direction than triaxial compression. Therefore, testing undrained shear strength of tailings or foundation soils in triaxial compression is likely to result in overestimation of the relevant strengths for design. Although these issues have repeatedly documented in the geotechnical literature for over three decades, they are not appreciated sufficiently across our industry. In an attempt to address and highlight these issues, a review is carried out of historical reference to the importance of simple shear loading. Attention is then drawn to the techniques applied in three recent post-failure investigations, where simple shear testing was applied. Finally, some relevant laboratory test results from a recent project in which the author was involved are outlined.CITATION:Reid, D, 2018. Importance of the simple shear loading direction to the stability of tailings storage facilities, in Proceedings Mine Waste and Tailings Stewardship Conference 2018, pp 274–284 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 23, 2018

By L O. Filippov, I V. Filippova

Subsea massive sulfide deposits have particular mineralogical compositions and textural features differentiating them from onshore ore. When extracted from salty water and exposed to the air, massive sulfide samples strongly oxidise and soon become covered by thin layers of iron, copper and zinc-rich sulfates and oxides, as well as elemental sulfur. The textural properties vary according to the degree of maturity and the sample position within the hydrothermal deposit. Because of the variation of secondary mineralisation and porosity level, sea floor massive sulfides respond differently from terrestrial ore to processing methods. Froth flotation, commonly applied to separate all types of sulfides from the gangue minerals, is one possible treatment technique to process sea floor ore. Sulfide recovery rate is, in most cases, excellent (>90 per cent). However, separation of the various mineral phases is difficult to obtain even when applying known methods used for onshore ore. Moreover, the flotation behaviour decreases dramatically with time of conservation, even when the samples were stored in a confined environment. High pH range, which is a good way to depress pyrite and therefore to favour the flotation of copper and zinc sulfides, does not have the same effect on subsea ore. Consequently, careful flotation procedure should be elaborated to obtain efficient mineral separation for this specific marine ore.CITATION:Filippov, L O and Filippova, I V, 2015. Processing of subsea massive sulfide ores by flotation – similarity and features with terrestrial ores, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 239–244 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By R Cox, S Pandey

The coal seam gas (CSG) industry is expanding rapidly in the Surat and Bowen basins. CSG production involves pumping water from the coal seams to release the gas adsorbed to coal particles. The reduction in water pressure in the coal seams will cause some reductions in water pressure in overlying and underlying aquifers because there will always be some interconnectivity between the formations. The Surat Basin is a sub-basin of the Great Artesian Basin, which contains aquifers of high economic, environmental and cultural value. The Condamine Alluvium is also an important water resource, which overlies parts of the eastern margin of the Surat Basin.Under the Queensland (Qld) regulatory framework, an area of intensive CSG development involving multiple CSG operators can be declared to be a cumulative management area. For such areas the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment develops assessments of future impacts on aquifer water pressures and develops and manages arrangements. The results are published in underground water impact reports.The Surat underground water impact report (QWC, 2012) was approved in December 2012. This paper summarises the place of the report in the Queensland regulatory framework, the content of the report and progress in its implementation.CITATION:Cox, R and Pandey, S, 2013. Managing groundwater impacts in the Surat Basin, in Proceedings Water in Mining 2013 , pp 169-174 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 26, 2013

By R D. Morri, D J. Alexander

The design and optimisation of mineral flotation circuits is currently performed using a combination of laboratory, pilot plant and full scale testing. Owing to the variable nature of flotation circuits and the complex nature of the flotation process, it is difficult to interpret the data collected from flotation testwork. JKSimFloat is a computer modelling package which is being developed to interpret flotation testwork data collected at the various stages of the mining cycle. The parameters derived from the program can be used to assess potential circuit configurations in both the design of new flotation circuits and in the refinement of existing operations. The aim of this paper is to outline the modelling methodology used in JKSimFloat and to outline how it can be used effectively to model data collected from either the laboratory, the pilot plant or the existing flotation circuit. The use of flotation model parameters in circuit evaluation will be demonstrated via the use of a case study based on data collected from ComincoÆs Red Dog lead flotation circuit.

Jan 1, 1998

By R A. Pax

Electrostatic separation is a core requirement for the beneficiation of mineral sands suites to provide valuable product. Although the basis of electrostatic separation has been understood for some time, the details required to be able to calculate the metallurgical performance of a separator has not previously been achieved from a mechanistic perspective. Empirical models have had some success but require extensive test work. Traditionally, performance of an electrostatic separator is determined by careful experimental work using the target mineral suite. Although electrostatic separation was invented at the end of the 19th century, very little modification of the basic equipment occurred until relatively recently, with the addition of a plate electrode to aid separation. Previously, the author has presented results, calculated using finite element modelling (FEM), of the electric fields present in an electrostatic separator in various configurations. This paper will present some new mathematical modelling work, which uses the FEM determined electric field configurations but also incorporates some fundamental physical processes that provide insight as to the limitations and opportunities for this important separation technique.

Oct 5, 2011

By Baafi EY, Sun Y, Tague I

Field trials at three New South Wales and one Queensland coal mines were carried out to gather data on oxygen "run out" times of Self-Contained Self Rescuers (SCSRs), time taken to escape from the mine, distances travelled and the average heart rate of subjects wearing SCSRs. The study has led to a method of predicting the duration of oxygen supply from a SCSR as a function of the wearer's body weight, physical fitness and the prevailing environmental conditions. Escapeway design, planning for emergencies, familiarity with SCSRs and experiential escape training are critical to control panic and maximise the likelihood of survival of a person attempting to escape in an emergency involving fire or explosion.

Jan 1, 1998

By D Duan

In this study, aimed at two kinds of ore (lump ore and iron ore fines) and four types of Australian iron ore resources (haematite iron ore, Mara Mamba iron ore, limonite iron ore, and mixed iron ore, such as Newman, MAC, Yandi and Pilbara iron ore), the physical and chemical properties and high-temperature properties were investigated in detail, to master their behaviour and effects in sintering, blast furnace, and non-blast furnace processes. Then, according to the individual properties of Australian iron ores, Chinese domestic iron ores and Brazilian iron ores, etc, the optimisation of ore-proportioning for sintering, blast furnace, and non-blast furnace processes was studied based on the interaction of the individual iron ores and their complementary properties, and the corresponding tests were carried out. The test work results indicated that this method not only improved the technical and economic indexes of sintering, blast furnace, and non-blast furnace processes, but also increased the addition of Australian iron ore. All of these provide the theoretical basis and technical support for highly effective use of Australian iron ore resources in iron and steel enterprises in China.

Jul 11, 2011

By Kuganathan K, Potvin Y

Enterprise Mine at Mount Isa is to expand ore production from the current 1.4 to 3.5 mtpa by mining the 3500 Orebody, from which production is scheduled to start in February 1998 making this the deepest underground mine in Australia with its lowest mining horizon at nearly 1.6 km below surface. The following fill requirements were defined for the 3500 Orebody during the feasibility study: 1. a minimum filling rate of 250 ma/h, 2. a curing time of 28 days, and 3. minimum free fill water. This paper mainly describes the investigation of high density and paste fills for the 3500 Orebody. The investigation covered all the key issues relating to fill option selection, including design criteria, material supply and demand assessment, drainage modelling, tailing dewatering method, mix design and a pump loop test. Results of the investigation indicate that both high density fill and paste fill are technically feasible. The investigation has led to the selection of a blended tailing paste for the 3500 Orebody as the paste option has significant advantages over high density fill in stope filling rates and fill reticulation. The blended tailing for paste fill is finer than Isa deslimed tailing but coarser than full plant tailing. The paste fill selected has minimum binder and tailing dewatering requirements while a relatively high filling rate is achieved.

Jan 1, 1998

By Pate W. T

This paper describes the development of a dynamic flowsheet simulator for comminution operations. Object oriented software design allows the handling of multiple ore types, blended into multicomponent feed streams. Software objects have been c

Jan 1, 1998

By E Niva

The IsaMillÖ is challenging the way that plants are designed and operated. This paper challenges existing designs of concentrator flow sheets, particularly focusing on magnetite circuits.   From what has started out as a small scale ultra fine grinding mill in the pharmaceutical and pigment industries, it has been redesigned and improved upon for mineral processing, and has been the mainstay of fine grinding applications for over ten years. These applications have required energy efficient grinding to succeed, and have been predominately in the base metals industry.   Further development of the IsaMillÖ has now resulted in the machines being able to treat larger tonnages, with higher capacity motors. This development, along with the introduction of purpose designed ceramic media, has allowed the mill to treat courser feed sizes. At the same time, the mill still offers highly efficient grinding, and has enabled it to be operated in coarser tertiary and secondary grinding applications.   The acceptance of the mill in coarser applications, predominately in base metals and PGM applications, has enabled the IsaMillÖ to be a serious contender for beneficiation in other minerals. One such application is the potential for IsaMillsÖ to be part of magnetite flow sheets, which are being considered in Australia to meet the growing iron demand of China. The high energy efficiency of the IsaMillÖ compared to conventional technologies, as well as the smaller infrastructure requirements, provides a great opportunity to reduce the power intensity of magnetite circuits.   This paper will examine the use of IsaMillÖ technology in conventional grinding applications, including recent testwork in a primary grinding base metal circuit, as well as testwork on magnetite ore comparing a lab scale IsaMillÖ with a lab scale Tower Mill.   The growing demand for minerals over the next decade, coupled with higher energy cost, will result in energy efficient technology, such as the IsaMillÖ, being included in standard circuit design.

Jan 1, 2008