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After considerable input from the mining industry, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) finalised National Instrument 43-101: Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. This Instrument, which became law across Canada on 1 February 2001, applies to all technical public disclosure on mineral projects and requires all technical disclosure to be based on the work of a æqualified personÆ (QP). While the QP is quite similar to the Competent Person in Australia there are important differences when it comes to all disclosure. This paper will summarise the main areas in which the Instrument introduces major changes to Canadian disclosure standards on mineral projects including the role and responsibility of the qualified person; the increased requirements to file technical reports; the incorporation by reference of the October 2000 CIM definitions of resources and reserves and additional rules governing written disclosure of scientific and technical information. In October 2001, eight months after the implementation of NI 43-101, the CSA compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and CSA responses to assist mining industry participants and their advisors in understanding and applying NI-43-101. This document has been well received by industry. The CSA plans to update the FAQs when further guidance is requested. Two industry committees have been established to provide the CSA with technical advice on the application of NI 43-101. As recommended by the Ontario Securities Commission/Toronto Stock Exchange Mining Standards Task Force, the CSA has established an external industry advisory committee û the Mining Technical Advisory and Monitoring Committee (MTAMC) û to monitor the application of NI 43-101 and advise the CSA on industry and professional developments. The role of the CSA-Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Working Committee on Reserves and Resources is to ensure that the future changes and updates to the CIM Standards can be efficiently and effectively incorporated in NI 43-101. During this first year, the Canadian securities regulators have seen an improvement in the quality of disclosure on mineral projects, which will increase investor confidence in the industry.

Jan 1, 2002

By L Dubron

This study details a mineralogical and textural characterisation of West African iron ores with an emphasis on their behaviour during mineral processing. By means of both qualitative and quantitative characterisation, a simulation of the beneficiation process applied to these iron ores is performed. A series of different analytical tools are used, including:X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for qualitative mineralogical analysis;• qualitative optical microscopy (phase identifi cation, description of micro-textures) and (semi)• quantitative optical microscopy (counting of particles, phases and textural types); and• chemical analysis.All the information provided by these analytical methods are combined into a quantitative mineralogical and textural analysis, here called ‘modal analysis’, which enables us to simulate the capability of West African iron ores to be benefi ciated by magnetic and gravimetric separation techniques.On one hand, both qualitative XRD and optical microscopy have revealed the presence of the following mineralogical phases: magnetite, haematite, goethite and quartz. On the other hand, the chemical analyses provide us with quantitative inputs expressed as oxides. We have converted the oxides into mineralogical contents expressed as magnetite, haematite, goethite and quartz. In this way, we build a simple quantitative mineralogical analysis.Beside this, the semi-quantitative approach of the characterisation by optical microscopy also provides us with a liberation study, enabling us to split the gangue-bearing content between two types of particles:1. liberated gangue-bearing particles, and2. composite particles composed by both iron (oxhydr) oxides and gangue-bearing minerals.We have assumed that we could anticipate the behaviour of these two kinds of particles through a mineral process, by simulating the removal of at least the liberated particles of gangue. Optical microscopy also revealed a trend in the weathering profi le of the Tokadeh ore horizon with a decrease from bottom to top of magnetite and an increase of both goethite and martite showing a higher level of oxidation and hydration in the upper ore horizon.We have applied this removal extent upon the quartz content of the mineralogical quantitative analysis and we have re-calculated the quantitative mineralogical analysis considering the expected decrease in the quartz content. Finally, by converting the re-calculated (oxhydr) oxides contents into iron grades and summing them, we do obtain a fi nal simulated iron grade for the upgraded products.

Jul 11, 2011

By M Boon, M Franklin

This paper outlines the journey of cultural maturation and management system development at the Mt Rawdon (MRO) gold mine from its acquisition by Evolution Mining Limited (Evolution) in late 2011 to 2016.Evolution embarked upon a series of projects that aimed to improve the operational consistency and implementation of change on-site, while leveraging off the existing strengths of the operation. This document describes the gaps that were identified, the processes used to close them, and the resulting cultural change and production outcomes, with a specific focus on how to optimise the culture at any mining operation.MRO had a history of four owners in less than three years when it became a key asset of Evolution. The site leadership team (SLT) decided to influence the culture at MRO by reviewing and upgrading the existing management processes.The first priority was to improve transparency and collaboration at the SLT level, followed by improving competency in project management. The next phase was to strengthen the internal communication using a deliberately designed network of meetings, communication screens and other initiatives. Once there was some traction, the focus moved toward increasing production volume and decreasing cost per unit by improving short-term planning and execution capability. Together with other initiatives, this resulted in improved collaboration between all functions, which in turn netted over 37 per cent mining production uplift.Following solid success, a process of prioritisation and alignment management was implemented. This supported the ‘Mine to Mill one operation’ ideal and allowed the SLT to decide month-by-month what actions were to be prioritised. These priorities incorporated production realities and longer term imperatives of the balanced business plan.Much of this work was completed during a period of declining gold prices and a relentlessly strong Australian dollar, making it difficult to justify spending money on improvement projects. This work proved critical for the operation’s long-term survival.CITATION:Boon, M and Franklin, M, 2016. Improving consistency of delivery at Mt Rawdon Operation, in Proceedings International Mine Management Conference, pp 305-320 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jun 22, 2016

By J O. Okonkwo

AngloGold operates various gold mines in South Africa, the largest of which are situated in the North West province. The impact of AngloGold Vaal River mining operations on the environment and, specifically, on aquifers and groundwater is assessed. The location of such aquifers and plumes is determined by remote-sensing and ground-sensing operations, followed up with the correct placement of monitoring boreholes from which information such as water rest levels, chemistry and geological data is gathered. This study utilises an integrated approach consisting of the following mutually reinforcing phases: Phase 1: Airborne multi spectral scanning; Phase 2: Airborne thermal remote sensing; Phase 3: Ground resistivity survey; Phase 4: Borehole placement; and Phase 5: Sampling and monitoring. The integration of the investigation tools and phases in use at AngloGold Vaal River has been found to be very useful in determining the exact sources of contamination, the direction of flow of such contamination, the positioning of interceptive measures and the analysis of such contamination. This adopted approach will enable the development of flow transport models that will further enhance our knowledge of contaminants in aquifers at the mine and enable management to conduct educated interventions.

Jan 1, 2003

By Tonks E. E

The earliest discovery and mining of coal in the northern area of the Greta Coal Measures at Anvil Creek in 1862 was by William Farthing, however, some official records attribute the discovery to Thomas Frost in 1864. Frost's discovery was examined by William Keen, government examiner of coalfields, and further prospecting was carried out. This was followed by the pioneering work of C S Wilkinson, government geologist in 1884. Subsequently in 1886 C S Wilkinson entrusted a detailed survey of the coalfield to the then geological surveyor, T W Edgeworth David.The outcrop of the Greta Coal Measures around the Lochinvar dome was mapped by Edgeworth David and as soon as he reported his discovery, the Department of Mines reserved in the interests of coal mining an area of 23700 acres, which extended between what became the South Greta and Abermain No I Collieries.

Jan 1, 1993

By W Newton, J Price

This paper outlines the design, justification and performance of a gravity circuit upgrade at the Marvel Loch treatment plant. The design of the upgrade was simple but effective. The key components of the upgrade were the addition of a sluice and a second Knelson Concentrator. The sluice was installed as a pre-concentration step. The upgrade also included the purchase of a Mineral Cone to treat the increased quantity of gravity concentrate. The cost was low because of the use of mostly second-hand equipment. The result was that for a cost of $75 000 the gravity recovery doubled and the overall recovery increased by over one per cent. This paper shows that you do not need to spend millions of dollars to be innovative and successful.

Jan 1, 2000

By Y Bissiri

The ever increasing demand for metals and minerals is putting significant pressure on current mining companies to find more ore. As these companies explore and mine, the future appears to be to go deeper and deeper underground. With depth, however, comes ever increasing costs as infrastructure such as hoisting, ventilation, the movement of workers and materials increase in size and scope. Further, the actual rock mass becomes prone to destruction through rock bursts and the heat generated becomes a major issue resulting in extreme expenditures in cooling plants and some of the biggest air movers in the world. All these issues result in dramatic changes in both capital and operating costs, subsequently making cut-off grades rise. As this trend continues there is an economic limit to how deep one can go, resulting therefore in a severe shortage of accessible ore deposits to mine. This paper discusses the need for larger marine robotics technology and presents the state-of-the-art in current research in underwater tele-autonomy, specifically the development of high bandwidth optical communication networks critical to any future activities (mining, construction, etc) underwater. An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation.

Jan 1, 2008

Separating Particles by Horizontal Deflection in a Paramagnetic Fluid This paper describes the horizontal deflection behavior of particles in paramagnetic fluids under a high-gradient superconducting magnetic field. Movements of single particle were observed experimentally and indicated that they could be deflected to different positions. Based on these results, the behavior of groups of particles from ore samples was examined in the superconducting magnetic. It was found that these particles could be deflected and settled at a certain position due to the combination of gravity and magneto-Archimedes forces as well as a lateral buoyancy (displacement) force. Mineral particles with different susceptibilities and/or densities could be deflected to different positions, thus producing groupings of similar types of particles. The work described here, although in its infancy, could form the basis of new approach to separating particles based on a combination of susceptibility and density.  

Sep 13, 2010

By M Taylor

The Project Specification and Technical Requirements documents associated with several recent large road tunnel projects within Australia have specified the application of AS/IEC 61508 – FunctionalSafety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety Related Systems at very high performance levels for the various control and fire life safety systems associated with such facilities.This paper seeks to explore the implications of referencing this standard within the road tunnel services context in terms of practicality, complexity and cost, whilst providing some examples of how a high safety integrity level (SIL) level can theoretically be achieved given current hardware availability.

Mar 8, 2011

By E Giles

Pike River Coal Limited (PRCL) is opening a new underground coal mine in the Paparoa Ranges north-east of Greymouth. To access the coal reserves, PRCL have had to build a 13 km access road through regrowth and virgin forest, and appointed McConnell Dowell Constructors Limited, with URS New Zealand Limited as their consulting engineers, to construct the final access link: a 2.3 km long, 5.5 m wide and 4.5 m high incline tunnel. This paper discusses the logistical issues of construction in an isolated pristine forest in mountain land and how they were addressed. It provides an overview of the 90 per cent complete tunnel and how challenging rock conditions have been mastered. It outlines briefly the remaining work which is construction of pit bottom workings where the mine infrastructure will be housed and construction of a 110 m deep, 4.0 m diameter, vertical ventilation shaft.

Jan 1, 2008

By S Novak

A world-class example of sustainable development in practice, the Local Resource Development Initiative (LRDI) grew from agreements between the Ambatovy nickel mine developers and the Government of Madagascar. A program of training and community development, the LRDI aims to maximise local benefits by optimising the integration of local resources during the construction period of the mine. By local resources, we mean the local labour force as well as local goods and services. Begun in 2007, the foundation of the LRDI is to integrate local resources into the mining project and where gaps are identified, design and implement training, mentoring and other programs to fill those gaps. The principal accomplishments are: the establishment of training centres that trained over 4000 people in little over one year, 96 per cent of whom hired to work at the mine; a support program for local micro, small and medium enterprises that has led to the award of 65 contracts for goods and services with training and mentoring of over 100 local businesses; and a number of special projects that have, among other results, strengthened local agricultural development and created employment for young people. The LRDI provides unique insights into key indicators and lessons learned to strengthen the social and economic sustainability of mining projects in developing countries. The paper will discuss these in terms, among others, of: the importance to project success of upstream planning to address socio-economic issues; the role of civil society and other local partners to strengthen and expand sustainability outcomes, and to spur governments to demand that major projects promote economic and social sustainability; and the integration of mine sustainability with sustained regional social and economic development.

Jan 1, 2009

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

By P Hogan, M Wells

Reflectance spectroscopy has become an established technique for mineral exploration and ore characterisation. However, there are few reported cases where the technique has been applied to the Hamersley Province channel iron deposits (CID). The Bonnie Creek CID, located ÿ140 km north of Newman in Western Australia, represents one of a number of CIDs recently discovered in the Hamersley Province. Reflectance spectroscopic analysis using the CSIRO HyLoggerÖ automated scanning system, in conjunction with X-ray diffraction and compositional analysis, was used to characterise and map the ore and gangue mineralogy in CID drill core. Using CSIROÆs spectral mineral characterisation scripts, it was possible to map the downhole distribution of the Fe-oxide abundance, hematite:goethite ratio and the gibbsite and kaolinite abundance. Spectral estimates of kaolinite abundance were found to be closely related to loss on ignition measurements at 650¦C and the spectral kaolinite abundance index provided a reliable estimate of the total weight percentage Al2O3 content. In addition, downhole HyLoggerÖ scanning of diamond drill core reliably mapped the distribution of kaolinite as supported by coincidentally elevated contents of alumina and silica. Furthermore, spectrally-derived estimates of iron oxide abundance were well related to assayed Fe wt per cent contents and use of the spectral iron oxide mineral index mapped the distribution of the goethite:hematite ratio, and demonstrated that material logged as high-grade ore in the Bonnie Creek CID was predominantly goethite-rich.CITATION:Wells, M and Hogan, P, 2013. Bonnie Creek channel iron deposits ore mineralogy - insights using the HyLoggerÖ technology, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013 , pp 321-328 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 12, 2013

By S Tierney, D Cumming-Potvin, I Thin, Y Potvin, D Grant

The preliminary modifying factors for future stope design in the Southern Mine Area of Olympic Dam consisted of only a single, arbitrary value of Equivalent Linear Overbreak/Sloughing (ELOS). In order to improve this, a study was conducted which developed a more comprehensive methodology for assigning ELOS, Equivalent Linear Lost Ore (ELLO) and Equivalent Linear Fill Overbreak (ELFO) to individual stope faces based on geotechnical and mining parameters. The approach used was to look at the simple cases, which were classed as vertical stope walls in good ground (RQD 80-100%), divided into wall orientations (North, South, East, West). The stope walls were also split based on the blasting practice used (toeing, parallel or a combination of the two). The expected ELOS and ELLO from these ‘base cases’ are then modified by parameters which have historically been found to affect stope performance (Hydraulic Radius and Q’). The size of the effect found in the historical data determines the ELOS / ELLO applied. The methodology was summarised in an easy to use flow chart and was applied to all of the proposed stope shapes for the Southern Mine Area and summarised per mining block. This allowed each iteration of the mine plan to be assessed in terms of overbreak (both rock and vertical fill exposures) and underbreak.

Mar 15, 2021

By A Nigam, K Biswas, R Sarkar

Because of the problems with 1st and 2nd generations of Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS), a 3rd generation of AHSS steels has become prominent and these steels have properties in between the 1st and 2nd generations of AHSS. However, although the 3rd generation of AHSS is a promising candidate as a replacement for its predecessors, there remain some challenges in processing these steels which are essentially medium Mn (Mn content ~ 5–7 wt per cent) and high Al (Al content ~ 1– 3 wt per cent) steels. The use of conventional casting powders based on the CaO-SiO2 system is unsuitable for high and medium Mn/Al steels. This work investigates the development of CaO-Al2O3- based mold fluxes for casting third-generation AHSS steel. Mold fluxes, with otherwise similar compositions but different C/A ratios, are tested and their crystallisation behaviour is examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A calcium aluminate phase having a composition Ca12Al14O33 was found to be the main crystalline phase in the mold fluxes. A decrease in crystallisation temperature was observed as the CaO/Al2O3 ratio increased from 1.00 to 1.33. The effective crystallisation rate constant exhibited an increase with decreasing crystallisation temperature, indicating a potential influence of nucleation rate on the overall crystallisation rate and suggesting an anti-Arrhenius behaviour in the crystallisation process of these mold fluxes.

Aug 21, 2024

By D S. Perera, P Wal, D C. Southam, J L. Lowe

The Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing (CSRP) is undertaking a large research project involving partners from industry, universities and government, which aims to develop the necessary chemical and structural understanding of geopolymer materials made from waste products for them to be used to capture a significant market share of the concrete business for a given industrial region. We are investigating the suitability of a range of soluble silica-bearing waste streams for use as geopolymer concrete feedstocks. In order to utilise a variety of waste streams, either singly or blended, an understanding of the role of secondary metal ions (Fe, Ca, Mg, Ti, etc) in the geopolymerisation process is essential. A range of experimental and analytical techniques is therefore being used to better understand the structure-chemistry-property relationships of geopolymers. Currently, we are investigating geopolymers made from a variety of waste streams (fly ash, kaolinite, red mud, etc) available in the Kwinana Industrial Region, Western Australia. This paper will detail how the basic scientific research underpinning the project is vital if waste streams of varying composition are to be successfully used in a commercial concrete product and the regional synergies required to develop geopolymers from waste streams.

Jan 1, 2006

By R Goddard

An alternative stoping method has been adopted for narrow vein stoping at the Tasmania Mine in Northern Tasmania. Colloquially described as ‘Radial-in-Reef’ (RiR) stoping, the method employs the drilling of radial rings in the plane of the Reef from a drill stub located at the geographic centre of the proposed stope panel.Production from the Western Zone of the Tasmania Reef has been undertaken remotely from the Reef since 2007, after a detailed geotechnical engineering analysis indicated that the integrity of the sill drives could not guarantee an acceptable level of confidence should an anticipated seismic event occur within a radius of 10 m. The key tenet of the remote mining approach was the exclusion of personnel from sill drives once stoping had commenced. The remote mining method had to be ‘retrofitted’ to four existing stoping blocks totalling 11 sill drives which totalled 160 m vertically. The remote mining method proved to be complex, cumbersome and very expensive. However, the ore was extracted successfully.By early 2010, previously developed ore had largely been exhausted and the future development with an orebody open at depth presented the opportunity to review the current extraction method. However, the new extraction method needed to maintain the tenet of excluding personnel from sill drives of active stoping blocks, but seek opportunities to reduce the difficult and costly aspects of the previous method. The new ‘Radial-in-Reef’ stoping reduced the development requirement from six to two drives per ore block. Cost implications aside, the significant reduction in prestoping extraction ratio was expected to also reduce the likelihood of seismicity. Transverse production rings were designed to be drilled radially from a drill stub mined from a mid-stope footwall drive. Stopes totalling up to 7000 tonnes were planned be fired in a single electronic blast. Extraction was designed to take place from a basal sill drive under teleremote operation. At the time of writing, the method was under trial.

Mar 21, 2011

Arrow Energy NL has been operating a number of coal seam gas wells in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. At the time of writing this paper, the region is enduring an extended drought period. The local aquifers are depleting and have not been significantly recharged in over a decade. The local communities (both rural and townships) are struggling to obtain water. Currently, coal seam gas (CSG) operators (under licence) draw water from the coal seams as part of the gas production process and the majority of operators choose to evaporate this water, as it is characteristically brackish to saline in quality and as such must be contained. Although the water produced from one CSG operator is not sufficient to drought-proof the greater area of the Darling Downs, there is potential to supply smaller local areas and contribute to the sustainability of these communities. This paper outlines the work completed by Arrow and its local community partners on the Darling Downs to date, and discusses the application of the produced formation water for:stock watering in feedlots, as a feedstock for coal washing, as a potable water supply for Dalby, as an agricultural water supply for cotton farming, and use as a medium for growing salt-water fin fish.

Jan 1, 2006

By E R. Ramanaidou, M A. Wells

Asian steel mills are demanding iron ore with specific chemical, mineralogical, metallurgical and environmental properties to warrant that the ore is of the greatest quality. As a result, a toolkit of analytical techniques becomes important. Hyperspectral analyses of iron ore cores and chips using a HyLogging™ system are now routinely undertaken by BHP Billiton Iron Ore in Western Australia for banded iron formation-hosted iron ores and channel iron deposits to better characterise their iron ores. Objective information can now be expanded by adding new sensors. The current HyLogging™ system provides point analysis reflectance spectra and a red–green–blue high-resolution image, while recent developments, such as hyperspectral imaging using the Corescan system, now provide full spectral image and surface topography. The addition of Raman spectroscopy provides the ability to detect and quantify quartz and magnetite (or maghemite) and cross validate hyperspectral information on hematite and goethite and aluminium substitution in the iron oxides. Micro-X-ray fluorescence mapping also adds chemical information appropriate for cross validation with the aforementioned methods. This paper demonstrates the value of combining these techniques for an optimum characterisation of iron ore.CITATION:Ramanaidou, E R and Wells, M A, 2015. A new toolkit for iron ore characterisation, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2015, pp 587–590 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 13, 2015

By D J. Gray

The 4 km long Huguenot Toll Tunnel in the Western Cape region of South Africa celebrated its tenth anniversary on 18 March 1998. At present a single (South) bore with bi-directional traffic flow is operational. The North bore was originally excavated but not lined and equipped.The tunnel is fitted with a semi-transverse ventilation system comprising 45/350 kW two speed fresh-air and 1 MW exhaust air fans at each of the portals. These provide ventilation through fresh and exhaust air ducts above the ceiling separated by movable partition doors. Secondary air ducts deliver air at low level. The fan control depends on the levels of CO pollution or visibility measured at six positions along the tunnel.The system performed well during initial tests and under conditions of low traffic volumes. As traffic volumes increased, and user complaints of bad air in the tunnel were received on several occasions, we realised that we had a problem. Tests confirmed that natural airflow within the tunnel induced by prevailing meteorological conditions outside the portals affected the performance of the ventilation system causing a plug of bad air to be trapped at varying positions along the operating tunnel.The control systems in the tunnel are presently being upgraded as described by Gray, Rieckert and Bullock (1998). As part of the retrofit we are implementing a new control strategy for the ventilation system which takes into account the external weather conditions. This paper discusses the 24 month long meteorological data gathering exercise, which is on-going, and explores the philosophies planned for controlling the ventilation system. The correlation between winds external to the tunnel and induced airflow inside the tunnel are examined. The effects of the weather induced airflow on the existing ventilation system are considered and proposals given for taking these effects into account in the new control strategy. These include the implementation of an expert system to predict ambient airflow from prevailing weather conditions, and the use of airflow measurements taken in the uncompleted North bore as a cross-check.The paper highlights the need to take cognisance of external weather conditions when designing tunnel ventilation systems.

Jan 1, 1999