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By I T. Tshabalala

In typical conventional narrow vein stoping operations, the use of temporary support components to offer some support to workers, whilst the permanent and generally more elaborate support system gets installed or constructed, still results in injuries to people. The authors wishes to explore the probability and practicality of making use of new generation support products to make the support operations safer as well as enhance productivity in the stope face. This paper will examine the use of Autorock Drills as a means to drill roof support holes and install appropriate support components into these holes, as well as the application of ?Thin Spray Liners?, commonly called TSL?s as an additional means of creating a safer operating environment. The installation of netting as a means of roof protection and other support aspects such as cemented roof-bolts will also be explored. These proposed items are envisaged to improve the safety of our people and reduce production down time and increase production and productivity.

Jan 1, 2008

By A. Peake

Background The CSIR Division of Mining Technology assumed responsibility for the operations of the Hoist Rope and Mechanical Test Laboratories at Cottesloe in April 1999. The laboratories were previously the responsibility of the CSIR’s Division of Manufacturing and Materials Technology, before which they fell under the National Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (also of CSIR). As the focus of this conference is on safety in mines research institutes, it was thought appropriate that this paper should review some of the activities at Cottesloe and its role in supporting mine safety strategies.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. Muralha

The paper presents the limit equilibrium equations for the analysis of toppling blocks on a rock slope. The safety conditions are assessed by a numeric procedure implemented in an Excel worksheet. The UDEC numerical program was exploited to validate the procedure. A probabilistic model considering the spacing variability of the discontinuities was developed to define the most relevant parameters in this kind of problems. La communication presente les equations d’équilibre limite pour l’analyse de blocs rocheux sur une pente. Les conditions de securité sont évaluées par une procédure numérique en Excel. Le logiciel UDEC a été exploité pour valider cette procedure. Un modèle probabilistique a été developpé pour définir les plus importants paramètres dans ces problèmes. Das Referat stellt die Grenzgleichgewichtsgleichungen für die Analyse von umstrürzenden Blök-ken auf eines Felshang vor. Die Sicherheitsbedingungen werden durch ein numerisches Verfahren mit Excel beurteilt. Um die Gültigkeit des Verfahrens festzustellen, wurde das Programm UDEC benutzt. Ein die Klufabstandsvariabilität berücksichtigendes probabilistisches Modell wurde entwickelt, um die wichtigsten Parameter dieser Probleme zu bestimmen.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. Yavuz

Equipment selection in mining operations is an important issue, and also difficult to solve in multiple criteria environments. The paper in question has aimed to develop computer software for solving equipment selection problems in mining. In their paper, Basçetin et al. have analysed two case study problems related to open pit and underground mining method selection. By using Yager?s method1, the authors have selected 18 different criteria in the first case study and 21 criteria in the second case study. However, as emphasized by Ozdemir2, in pair wise comparison matrices the appropriate number of criteria should be seven as the maximum, from the point view of validation, consistency and redundancy. In cases where there are more than seven criteria to be handled, it is suggested that the criteria should be clustered and then the maximum number of clusters and subcriteria of every cluster should be limited to seven4.

Jan 1, 2007

By Simon Mundike, Muwindwa Lipalile

A scraper based block cave method has been successfully applied to extract the Lower Ore Body at Nchanga since the 1950?s. Since inception, scraper drifts and service ways have been supported using steel arch sets fabricated to a specific design from high strength manganese steel To reduce costs and to improve productivity, trials commenced in 2002 using fibre reinforced shotcrete as an alternative support method. One of the areas; the 2420 8E 1C trial drift was subjected to abutment loading for several months prior to undercutting and cave mining. Shotcrete installed exhibited minor cracking shortly after application but very little deterioration thereafter. Following the success of the trial, the application of fibre reinforced shotcrete was extended to other drifts. This paper describes the application of fibre reinforced shotcrete at Nchanga and outlines design and quality assurance methods employed.

Jan 1, 2005

By Y. -J. Park, K. -H. You, Y. -T. Choi, Lee. H. -W.

Many large caverns are being constructed in great depths in Korea mainly for the storage of oil and LPG. These caverns are mostly located near the port where rock conditions are reasonably good. In some instances, the horizontal stress is very high and endangers the stability of the cavern. The purpose of this study is to assess the stability of large caverns excavated in a rock mass with high horizontal stress where Ko value is close to 3. Result shows that stress exerted in the shotcrete at crown exceeds allowable value when the 3rd bench is excavated. Also found is the tensile failure of shotcrete near the boundaries between benches. In Korea werden viele grosse Kaverne fuer Aufbewahrung vom Oel und Fluessiggas in grosser Tiefe gebaut. Am Meisten befinden sich diese Kaverne in der Naehe von Haefen, wo der Fels gute Verhaeltnisse zum Bauen einer Kaverne besitzt. In einigen Faellen ist die Horizontalspannung sehr gross und dadurch wird die Stabilitaet vom Kaverne gefaerdet. Der Zweck dieser Arbeit ist die Stabilitaet des im Fels gebauten grossen Kavernes mit hoher Horiaontalspannung zu schuetzen, wo Ko-Wert sich auf 3 naehrt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Spannung im Spritzbeton an der Krone den zulaessigen Wert ueberschreitet, wenn das dritte Bank ausgegraben wird. Im Bereich des Spritzbetons zwischen Baenke wurde das Zugversagen festgestellt. Des larges cavités nombreuses sont en train d’être construites en grand profondeur en Corée prin-cipalement pour le stocage du pétrole et LPG. Ces cavités sont pour la plupart situées près de la porte oú les conditions des roches sont résonablement bons. En quelques cas, la contrainte hori-zontale est trés haute et met en danger la stabilité de la cavité. L’objet de cet étude est d’estimer la stabilité des large cavités excavées dans une masse de roche ayant une haute contrainte horizontale oú la valeur de Ko est proche à 3. Le résultat montre que la contrainte exercée dans le shotcrete à la couronne dépasse la valeur admissible quand le troisième banc est excavé. En plus une faillite en tension du shotcrete près de la frontière entre des bancs est trouvée.

Jan 1, 2003

By B. S. Spottiswoode

Lack of visibility makes it difficult for continuous miner (CM) operators to judge the desired sump depth. The resulting inaccuracies have proven to lead to significant production losses. This problem of measuring the depth of sump has been addressed in the past and a few measurement techniques have evolved. Despite various attempts, a suitable commercial depth of sump sensor does not yet exist. A system using the Doppler effect has been patented, developed and successfully tested. The method is non-intrusive and involves a beam of microwaves being projected obliquely at the roof. The received signal is analysed with respect to the transmitted signal, yielding the desired measure of displacement. Surface tests have revealed an accuracy of a few centimetres. Underground simulation tests on a load haulage dump (LHD) machine have verified the repeatability under the harsh conditions of interest. The system is presently being installed on a CM where it is to undergo a long-term performance evaluation. This paper presents the theory behind such a system, the hardware developed, the signal processing requirements and an analysis of the test results.

Sep 1, 2001

By HORNICKA OSTRAVA

The Czechoslovak Scientific-Technical Institute has arranged the international conference 'Hornicka Ostrava' for four or five days at the end of October, 1969, as part of the preparation for the international 'Miners' Congress' on deep coalextraction in 1970. The keynote of the conference is 'New Techniques in coal mining,' and will be covered by five groups dealing mainly with: 1. New trends in the opening of mines, optimal parameters, projections, equipment, utilization of computers for economic analyses, etc. 2. Increase in efficiency of coal extraction in deep mines, technology, concentration, pressure control, optimization of material and coal transport. 3. Modernization of devices for increased safety and working conditions, new trends in explosives, new techniques for reducing environmental diseases. 4. Innovations in deep level coal extraction, mechanization, rationalization, automation, etc. 5. Other topics about modern techniques in mining. Address your enquiries to: Ing. Karel Kalas (Secretary of the Conference), Dum Techniky Cs YTS, Ostrava 1, Jesenkiho 7-9, Czechoslovakia.

By N. A. Sithole, S. A. C. Hockaday, P. J. A. Bezuidenhout

The Northern Cape Province in South Africa has high levels of annual direct normal solar irradiance and reserves of zinc (Zn) ores. The question arises as to the benefits of integrating renewable solar energy into the beneficiation routes of these reserves. The paper evaluates a novel flowsheet for the production and beneficiation of Zn in this region, maximising localised solar energy as a source for both electricity and process heat. Solar variability is discussed and the cost and benefits of thermal storage in the flowsheets are evaluated by its influence on the levelised costs of electricity and process energy over the project life-time at a possible implementation site. The results of the developed scoping model showed that solar photovoltaic integration to provide electricity for electrowinning without battery storage can lead to more than 10% cost saving on electricity over the lifetime of the project. Additional savings potential was identified when battery storage was included to enable the solar PV system to supply electricity during peak tariff periods. The solar thermal case showed the most promise with savings of 70% on heating costs for casting, while solar PV electricity without storage resulted in a 16% cost saving on heating for casting over the lifetime of the project. Solar PV electricity generation resulted in the avoidance of more than 20% of CO2 emissions from grid electricity use. Solar thermal heating can avoid up to 80% of the CO2 emissions associated with grid electricity use for remelting of Zn cathodes for casting. The CO2 emissions are indirect and not subject to South African carbon tax. Keywords: Solar process energy, zinc beneficiation, flowsheet evaluation

Jan 1, 2020

By W. Zhu

ABSTRACT: This paper presents further developments of the principle of Construction Process Mechanics of rockmasses, The principle of loading variations analyses in space-time is systematically described. To demonstrate the applicability of the theory and method, the effect of the construction process of two practical engineering cases are analysed. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Das Mechaniksprinzip vom Konstruktionsprozess des Massenfels wird in diesem Aufsatz weiter Entwickelt.. Das Prinzip von Variationsladungsanalyse mit dem Zeit-Raumseffekt wird systematisch erklaert. Um die Anwendungsmoeglichkeit der Theorie und der Methode zu anschaulich darstellen, das Mechanikseffekt des Konstruktionsprozess wird fuer zwei praktische Anwendungsbeispielen zergliedert. : RESUME: Dans ce papier le development se fait pour principles de la mechanique de process de construction . Le principle de variable analyse considerant effet de temps et de Space est present ´e . Pour demonstrer l´appilicabilite de le theorie et la methode , l´èffect de processe de construction pour ce deax examples sont analysés .

Jan 1, 2003

By G. Akdogan, I. J. Geldenhuys, Q. G. Reynolds

Efficient recovery of titanium from titaniferous magnetite ores continues to be a promising, yet unrealised opportunity, despite significant occurrences of titaniferous magnetite deposits worldwide and the existence of established industrial-scale practices. Current smelting processes only recover iron and vanadium, while the titanium is discarded in the waste slag. These slags are stockpiled and present massive environmental challenges, while still containing value as residual iron, vanadium and titanium. The complex mineralisation of these deposits does not allow for a significant opportunity to separate the titanium and magnetite minerals through normal physical upgrading processes. An upgrading process is therefore required to derive economic value. An efficient process technology could create an opportunity to unlock all three valuable commodities. South Africa’s Bushveld Complex, the largest known deposit of its kind in the world, is known for the high vanadium content but is also associated with relatively high concentrations of titaniferous magnetite. The quality of the Bushveld Complex was one of the drivers for the establishment of the Highveld Steel and Vanadium Company in the mid-1960s. The unfortunate demise of Highveld Steel and Vanadium created an opportunity to review current practices and evaluate the best available process for this complex ore in the context of the three elements of interest. Past and current processes, the nature of these deposits and the potential to recover titanium are assessed to highlight the potential of fluxless smelting of titaniferous magnetite to produce a titania-rich slag as feedstock to the pigment, titanium metal industry in conjunction with recovery of iron and vanadium. Ilmenite smelting practices are proposed as a suitable alternative to achieve the goal, namely sustainable processing. Keywords: Titaniferous magnetite, titanomagnetite, smelting, titania slags, comprehensive processing

Jan 1, 2020

By C. E. More

Some observations on 'ancient' mining at Phalaborwa C. E. MORE. B.A. (Pretoria) (Visitor) A brief account is given of historical references to the Phalaborwa area, the first being to the mountain of copper and iron sought by Francois de Cuiper in 1725. These are followed by a description of several finds in the area, which are related to finds described in the literature and to Bantu tradition on the subject. Phalaborwa is one of the earliest known mining sites in the Republic of South Africa, Loolekop having been a mining centre, as shown by carbon-14 dating, since 770 A.D.

Jan 1, 1974

By X. B. Zhao, J. G. Cai

When stress wave propagates through fractured rock masses, the wave will be slowed and attenuated due to the presence of these fractures. If the amplitude of stress wave is large enough to mobilize nonlinear deformation of these fractures, they will present different effects on one-dimensional P-wave propagation compared with those of linear deformational fractures. The static BB model is adopted to describe the nonlinear deformational behavior. Method of characteristics combined with displacement discontinuity theory is used to build analytical solutions of wave particle velocities and wave stresses. These equations are numerically solved with sufficient accuracy.

Jan 1, 2003

Professor R.P. King holds a Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering, which he obtained at the University of Manchester in 1963. After that he lectured in the Departments of Chemical Engineering at the Universities of the Witwatersrand and Natal. From 1968 to 1973, he was Leader of the Chemical Engineering Research Group of the National Institute for Metallurgy at the latter University. Mr C.E. Fivaz, Pr. Eng., is Chief Consulting Metallurgist of Rand Mines (Mining & Services) Limited, and is responsible for the metallurgical activities of the Gold and Uranium Division and the Coal and Base Minerals Division of the Group.

Jan 1, 1984

By G. Wu, S. Liu

In view of the singleness of traditional methods about international petroleum (Brant) price forecast, ten main factors that affect international petroleum price are fully analysed. Based on time series method and multivariate linear regression method, the simulation model with the theory and idea of system simulation is firstly established. And this forecasting system realizes visual operation under the environment of MATLAB/SIMULINK. So this article tries a new way for further exploring petroleum price’s running law and guiding its forecasting practice. Keywords: Petroleum price forecast, system simulation, residual error, physical flows information flows

Jan 1, 2003

By T. Z. Mugodi, D. R. Fleming

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is defined as ‘The goods and services that support the electronic display, processing, storage and transmission of information’. Early in 2002 the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) commissioned a study into the diffusion and adoption of ICT in eight sectors of the economy. The platinum mining Sector was one of these. The key findings presented in this paper are based on the platinum sector component of that study. The paper examines the theoretical basis behind technology transfer and innovation diffusion and presents the results of an ICT diffusion survey carried out in the South African platinum mining sector. ICT is shown as the modern day technological tool which is an accelerator of economic development. The current state of ICT diffusion in the platinum mining sector is defined and projections for the near future are given. Recommendations which will ensure smooth and full adoption are presented and justified.

Jan 1, 2003

By D. F. Malan, P. M. Couto

We propose a layout design for the UG2 Reef where weak geological alteration layers are present. The collapse of the Everest platinum mine in South Africa indicated that these layers substantially weaken the pillars. The popular Hedley and Grant pillar strength formula cannot be used where these alteration layers are present. Underground investigations at Everest mine and numerical modelling of the layout were conducted using the TEXAN code and a limit equilibrium model. Simulations of a collapsed area and an intact area allowed for a preliminary calibration of the model. This was subsequently used to explore modified layouts for these ground conditions. An alternative is to compartmentalize the blocks of ore using barrier pillars. The numerical modelling predicted that the barrier pillars appear to remain stable even in the case of large-scale collapses, provided their width exceeds 25 m. Main access routes into the mine can be protected by a double row of pillars at least 15 m wide to provide a safe travelling way. As a cautionary note, these conclusions are based on the model calibration and this needs to be refined in future. Calibration of the limit equilibrium model remains a challenge owing to the large number of parameters involved.

May 3, 2023

By Y. F. Bulgakov, Y. V. Melnikova, V. S. Zakharov

A new technology of atmosphere in inertization of fire section with the help of gazeous nitrogen is presented in the report. This technology is based on membrane air subdivision into two streams, concentrated with nitrogen (up to 99%) and with oxygen correspondently with subsequent giving them into the place of fire. This technology belongs to environmentally friendly ones and it has a great number of technical, mobile and economic advantages comparing with the rest of well-known methods of fire extinguishing. This technology application in Ukrainian coal mines allowed to reduce the member of isolated places of fire at the expense of their extinguishing efficiency.

Jan 1, 2003

By Frank Johnson

Between 2000 and 2006, platinum production from the South African mines expanded from 206 to 307 tonnes (DME, 2007). Most of this additional metal has come from traditional ?narrow? reef stoping, generally taken to mean stoping in working places with a mining height of less than 1,5 metres. It is well known that narrow-reef stoping presents safety, technological and ergonometric challenges (Pickering, 2007). In planning for the expansion, which is still continuing, the platinum mining industry realized that it could not simply continue with traditional methods of narrow-reef mining. Particular issues identified were: ? High labour-intensivity: caused by use of hand-held rock drilling machines, labour-intensive support installation and stope cleaning; ? Dependence on rock-drillers: this occupation is no longer an attractive one and there is a reducing flow of new recruits; ? Safety: most of the work is performed close to the new faces, where there is the greatest exposure to the hazards of falling rock.

Jan 1, 2008

By I. Hague

Support liners for underground applications include steel and timber sets, meshing and lacing, screen/mesh, shotcrete and thin support liners (superskins). Over the past few years, major advances have been made in the design and application of liners; especially shotcrete and thin support liners. For shotcrete in mines these advances include the common use of slick-lines to solve logistics problems, the design of alkali free accelerators, the use of synthetic fibres and the new generation application equipment. The field of thin support liners is a new one but advances have been dramatic. This paper discusses the progress made and the need for standardization in definitions and testing for thin support liners. It concludes that the newer technologies have a huge potential positive impact on the industries, from both safety and cost points of view. Le chemisage de soutènement pour extraction souterraine comprend des cadres d’acier ou de boisage, mailles et chapeau, cribles/mailles, béton projeté et des chemisages minces de soutènement (super-peaux). Dans les dernières années, des progrès considérables ont été fait dans la conception et application des chemisages, en particulier les chemisages de soutènement en béton projeté et les chemisages minces. Pour le béton projeté dans les mines, ces progrès comprennent l’utilisation courante de lignes de minerais broyés fin pour résoudre des problèmes de logistique, la création d’accélérateurs sans alcali, l’usage de fibres synthétiques et d’une nouvelle génération d’outillage. Le domaine des chemisages minces de soutènement est très récent mais les progrès ont été rapides. Cette étude présente les progrès accomplis et discute du besoin de standardisation dans les définitions et les tests pour chemisages minces de soutènement. La conclusion est que les technologies nouvelles présentent un énorme impact potentiel positif sur les industries, du point de vue à la fois de la sécurité et de la rentabilité. Unterstützungsverkleidungen für Untertaganwendungen inkludieren Flecht und Seilwerk, Gitter/Geflecht, Spritzbeton und dünne Unterstützungsverkleidungen (superskins). Während der letzten Jahre wurden grosse Fortschritte im Design und in der Anwendung der Verkleidungen gemacht; besonders bei Spritzbeton und dünnen Unterstützungsverkleidungen. In Bezug auf Spritzbeton in den Gruben schließen diese Fortschritte den allgemeinen Gebrauch von Rutschbahnen ein um Logistikprobleme zu lösen, das Design von alkalifreien Akzeleratoren, den Gebrauch von synthetischen Fasern und die neue Generation von Anwendungsausrüstung. Der Bereich der dünnen Unterstützungsverkleidungen ist neu, aber die Fortschritte sind drastisch gewesen. Diese Arbeit behandelt den erzielten Fortschritt, die Notwendigkeit der Normierung in den Definitionen und in der Prüfung dünner Unterstützungsverkleidungen. Sie kommt zum Schluß, daß die neueren Technologien, sowohl vom Gesichtspunkt der Sicherheit als auch der Kosten, eine sehr große potentielle positive Auswirkung auf die Industrien haben.

Jan 1, 2003