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The treatment of beach sands in'' the Bunbury/Capel' area for the extraction of ilmenite is a very recent development in the mining industry in'J7estern Australia. Nevertheless since the commencement of production in 1956, ilmenite has become the sixth most important mineral produced. The increasing world recognition of W.A. as a major' Iiroducer of ilmenite is due primarily ' to its low chromic oxide. ; (Cr203 content,, 0,03% to 0.04%, combined with a medium to high grade TiO2 content, 54% - 6 , supported by large reserves, a'. stable government with close access to good shipping facilities.. Ilmenite is produced from-these deposits at low-costs, enabling the industry to compete on world markets despite high rates for sea freights because of the distance from.major markets.

Jan 1, 1964

By Choulaj D

Mining and petroleum continue to be the two most vita components of our nation's development, says Sir Julius Char in the Australian Journal of Mining (Nov-Dec 1996). In fact the} account for 71.6% of export earnings, and 21.2% of Gros; Domestic Product in Papua New Guinea. The Misima and Porger, Mines, along with the Kutubu oil project, have essentially rescues PNG's economic viability since the loss of income from Panguna Though the industry cannot create employment in the manner o. intensive industries such as agriculture, it does provid( opportunities to local communities in terms of jobs, financia compensation, and infrastructure. Many ventures take many years and enormous capital investment to set up. There are three phases: exploration, feasibility, an( operations. The operations phase sees a massive development o infrastructure, or the actual `building' of the mine. For mining companies to commit to such lengthy time frames and high level: of investment, without returns, requires confidence and a degree of commitment from government on a number of levels - legislative stability, monitoring social development, and the provision o social infrastructure.

Jan 1, 1997

By Sturgul J. R

The South Middleback Ranges (SMR) operation involves the develop- ment of iron ore resources at the Iron Duke mine in the South Middle- back Ranges to replace the Iron Baron mine whose reserves are nearing depletion. The Iron Duke mine will be developed by contract to the stage where it can continue operation at full production when Iron Baron is closed. As part of the mine planning of the operation a GPSS computer simulation model was written to determine equipment requirements. The model simulated the operation of the mine with trucks transporting ore and waste to the appropriate destinations and producing a blended product in the stockpiles. A loader and two trucks would transport ore from the stockpiles to the crusher for one shift per day. The simulation shut the operation down at crib, morning tea, shift change and weekends, and also on the third shift each day. It also modelled operating delays. The results gave equipment operating hours and total output of each material type. The model was modified to produce different outputs from the mine and could be used to determine the most productive shift arrangement.

Jan 1, 1989

By Marton A

The Readymix Group have a Quarry Improvement Program - 'Building in Quality (BIQ) which has many parallels to the ICI Explosives' total quality management - 'Quality Improvement Program' (QIP). Both companies have for some time recognised that the 'do it right first time' principle means less wasted effort and materials, that efficiency breeds profitability and so actively promote the quality culture. To install the principles and generate the culture requires considerable commitment and effort from the top down and invariably spreads to the suppliers and sub-contractors. Understanding the component processes involved with the quarry operation, analysis of those processes and gaining a breakdown of the cost of non conformance then allows the astute quarry operator to make the necessary changes to improve the process to realise profits. This paper outlines the steps in such a process and the profitable outcomes of the commitment to continuous improvement at the Nickol Bay Quarry.

Jan 1, 1994

By Fulton E, Ring RJ, Waters DJ

Laboratory leach tests of Nabarlek uranium ore carried out by the Australian Atomic Energy Commission to compare the effectiveness of Caro's Acid1 (permonosulphuric acid) as an alternative oxident to pyrolusite indicated reduced acid consumption in leaching and lime savings in neutralisation of tailings liquors when using Caro's Acid. Interox Chemicals Pty. Ltd. arranged a plant trial for Caro's Acid at Queensland Mines Nabarlek Plant. The trial confirmed that significant savings in acid and lime can be achieved under plant conditions. Plant operations also demonstrated improved redox potential control was possible using Caro's Acid.

Jan 1, 1978

The need to estimate the block size distribution of a jointed rock mass is of great importance in the design of blasting rounds to attain a pre- established fragmentation. Other Geomechanics topics, such as ,hydraulic behavior of rock-masses, as well as the determination of their strength properties, also require the accurate prediction of a rock-mass composition in terms of block size taking in due account the three dimensional interference of joints and other geologic discontinuities. In this paper, a method for computing the block size analysis of a jointed rock mass is described, using as input the common geologic data (dip and strike) of fracture planes existing in a rock bench prior to blasting.

Jan 1, 1977

Eleven years ago I addressed delegates to the Whyalla Meeting of this Institute on the subjects 'Oil in Australia?' -- a title which was followed by a large question mark.My purpose at that time, which was before Rough Range, was to interest members of this Institute in the possibility of oil in this country because I considered that exploration for mineralwealth was our concern.I doubt if I made much impression.but.I recall that the Chairman at that Meeting, Mr Ian McLennan, asked me pointedly to name the areas I-would select and I nominated the Northwest of Western Australia,'Gippsland and the Roma District

Jan 1, 1962

The introduction of large diameter drill holes and mass firings in underground metalliferous mines has led to an increase in the number of reported sulfide dust explosions in Australia and overseas. Adaptation of the coal mining technique of using limestone to inhibit or prevent dust explosions has not been entirely successful as the development and inhibition of a sulfide dust explosion is somewhat different from that of a coal dust explosion. Tests were carried out on two pyritic ore samples, sulfur contents of 41 and 36 per cent, in 8 and 20 litre explosion chambers to evaluate the effect of the addition of limestone on the maximum explosive pressures developed and rates of pressure rise. Significant values were obtained in both chambers with dusts containing 60 per cent ore and 40 per cent limestone. The percentages of limestone required to inhibit the pyritic dusts were considerably higher than those values generally accepted by the mining industry and the current methods used to inhibit sulfide dust explosions should be re-evaluated.

Jan 1, 1986

By G McLeay, T Moran

Long Shaft has traditionally been seen as one of the most challenging mines in the Kambalda area with operations having been suspended by the previous owners in 1999. When mining recommenced in October 2002, the current owners (Lightning Nickel) decided that a different approach was required for mining operations in such an aggressive geotechnical environment. This paper describes how Lightning Nickel has successfully and safely operated the Long Shaft complex on a traditional mining approach, which encompasses the key learnings of the previous owners.

Jan 1, 2005

Whilst employed by Dyno Nobel as the Technical Services Engineer û Brisbane, I was asked, as part of a contractual agreement, to look at optimising PioneerÆs blasting process to provide the most effective rock to the new crushing and screening plant. This paper details the preliminary blast designs and practices that have been in use at the quarry and the initial changes made to these designs, and the effect they have had on the excavation and crusher performance.

Jan 1, 1999

This paper deals with a few aspects of town planning and town management which affect human relationships within that town. Its scope is limited to the consideration of towns forming an adjunct to a mining operation, and particularly considers these aspects at the Hamersley Iron Pty. Limited, town of Parabur doo, Western Australia. Planning and standards of a new town and amenities are-discussed and related through living comfort to an effect on human relation- ships. Town administration and the promotion of many forms of social activities are dealt with in detail to illustrate the importance of quickly forming a cohesive community from a large number of newly arriving individuals. The results achieved by the planning and administration at Paraburdoo are highlighted by involving many residents by way of answers to a questionnaire.

Jan 1, 1973

By I Levy

At our Monkland Mine at Gympie, we operate a deep, narrow vein gold mine using hand held equipment, rail mounted haulage and narrow shafts. This is in many respects the old-fashioned way and is well suited most of the orebody geometry exposed to-date. We have also commenced some long hole stoping and we use alimaks for some jobs. The heart of our particular mining style is the employment and retention of experienced miners with remuneration based on productivity. We do our planning/monitoring/supervision down to the level of daily individual productivity. In focussing on cycles per se, we have chosen not to talk about drill and blast cycles or cycles for mine development, stope preparation or drawdown and haulage. Instead we have stepped right back from the operation as presently run and have adopted a very broad view of the mining cycle. We will in this presentation intertwine the ebb and flow of, exploration, project sponsorship, development, production and cash returns to owners. The time line considered spans both history and predicted future.

Jan 1, 1998

By P Andersson, P Marklund

Evaluation of different techniques for bottom fill stabilisation showed that frozen fill was the most economical method. In order to test the method a full-scale field test was performed in the Rehnstr÷m mine. The test was instrumented with temperature gauges and extensometers. Before the field test, frozen fill was tested at the laboratory. The mechanical properties of the frozen fill were determined by uniaxial compression and creep tests. A deformation model for the frozen fill was set up. Calculation procedure for design of spacing between the freezing tubes, time for freezing and calculation of the necessary capacity of the refrigeration plant was developed. These procedures were calibrated against the field test. The results of these investigations allow the following conclusions: From a mechanical point of view, frozen fill has excellent properties as a structural member and it also has excellent properties to support itself and the fill above. Methods for the thermal and mechanical design of freeze stabilisation have been developed and found adequate. The need to place the freezing tubes several years in advance of the future sill pillar mining, requires careful long-term planning and accurate documentation.

Jan 1, 1998

By J Zanganeh, M Ajrash, B Moghtaderi

Application of thermal oxidation is considered a promising technique in reducing fugitive methane gas from ventilation air methane (VAM). A typical thermal oxidiser operates with diluted methane and converts it to less potent greenhouse gases. However, having a thermal oxidiser in the vicinity of the coalmine exhaust shaft is a major safety concern as its high operation temperature increases the likelihood of accidental fire and explosion. The aim of this study is to investigate the application and effectiveness of side venting technique in reduction of deflagration consequences caused by methane gas. To address this importance a series of experiments were conducted on a detonation tube designed and fabricated as part of larger scale VAM Abatement safety project. The experimental work was carried out into two stages: examine the flame and explosion properties in a large-scale detonation tube to get reliable data; and then design and employ a venting system into the detonation tube to verify the effectiveness and performance of the venting against the flame and explosion.Results corresponding to this study show that the side vent duct with venting coefficient magnitude of 37 had a significant influence on methane flame deflagration and the explosion characteristics. The maximum pressure rise at the detonation tube reduced approximately 20 per cent to 32 per cent by applying the side venting duct. Also, the data shows that the venting damped the pressure oscillation after the flame deflagration which eventually reduced the system instability. Finally, by applying the venting technique the expected level of damage due to the dynamic pressure reduced to the level of limited building damage.CITATION:Ajrash, M, Zanganeh, J and Moghtaderi, B, 2017. Application of side venting technique in mitigation of methane – air explosion and flame deflagration in ventilation air methane, in Proceedings Australian Mine Vent Conference 2017, pp 153–258 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 28, 2017

By P SSrkkS

Mining is commonly seen as a typical basic industry with rough and even dangerous working conditions, heavy environmental load, and a low level of high-technology and automation with much manual work and operations. A mining operation (open pit or underground) is a very complex one consisting of many manual, physical, mechanical and logistical operations with different human interfaces and decisions. For this reason it is a demanding and potential area for all applications of automation and information technology: controlling difficult non-linear, time varying multivariable processes and machines; solving of ergonomic safety and environmental problems; automation of logistical systems; applying robotics, mechatronics, and information handling, etc. In addition to that, big economic sums are involved with these operations. On the other hand, automation technology has developed towards intelligent and adaptive systems including some from the above mentioned fields of automation. Connecting them with modern information and communication technologies makes the idea of an intelligent and unmanned mine more and more feasible in the near future. This requires intensive co-operation and co-ordination between the mining industry and manufacturers of mining machinery. This has been successfully accomplished in the five-year Intelligent Mine research and development program as well as the three years of subsequent implementation of its results in Finland. The basic elements of an Intelligent MineTM concept are:mine-wide information and data acquisition system; high-speed two-directional mine-wide communication network for real-time monitoring and control; computerised information management, mine planning, control and maintenance systems; automated and tele-operated machinery and equipment which are connected to the information system; and links to the public information networks. The degree of automation of an intelligent mine depends on many technical and economical factors. The basic precondition for such an approach is that it will improve the total economy of the mine. This paper will describe the Intelligent Mine Technology Program with the results. Also the implementation which took place during starting of a new underground mine (Outokumpu Chrome Oy Kemi Mine) will be described.

Jan 1, 2000

By I Mason, G Turner, J Hargreaves

One of the key objectives in production from any mine is the minimisation of ore loss and dilution. This can only be achieved when the distribution of ore within the mine is known. The distribution of ore is usually evaluated from a combination of drill hole information and underground mapping data. Three-dimensional models of the ore distribution are then constructed by interpolating grades, contact locations and confirming these estimates through mapping. While the interpolation procedure can incorporate an understanding of the local geological conditions, it is an approximation and thus susceptible to some degree of ore loss or dilution. Naturally, such problems increase in areas of sparse geologic information or greater geologic complexity. Borehole radar offers an approach to decrease the interpolative aspects of modelling by providing a continuous image of some ore contacts. Borehole radar works by building a two-dimensional image of an ore contact from radio waves bounced off the contact from closely spaced positions along a borehole. This image can be imported into Datamine (or a similar design package) and incorporated into geological models of a given ore block. The results of a trial survey from the Mariners nickel mine at Kambalda are presented to illustrate the improved level of detail and accuracy that can be achieved through the incorporation of borehole radar into orebody delineation practice. Once implemented on a large-scale this technique has the potential to greatly increase the cost-effectiveness of long hole stoping at Kambalda, through increased ore recovery and reduced dilution.

Jan 1, 2000

Outsourcing of mining operations and services is done for various reasons and there is no single model which fits all situations. Experienced contractors and mine owners have also developed, more often than not, jointly, numerous commercial arrangements and project delivery methods to suit their particular project. It is often the case that some mine owners who have not considered outsourcing to contractors do so because of a simple lack of understanding of the potential benefits. This paper will highlight the potential benefits and perceived disadvantages of outsourcing for mine owners and demonstrate how these issues have been addressed by the mining contracting community over recent times as well as demonstrate the evolution of current commercial arrangements in engaging mining contractors.

Jan 1, 2006

Qualitative measurement of respirable dust in metal mines is limited and an example of this is demonstrated at Northparkes Mine, where operational experience was sought for measuring dust standards and identifying exposure limits. However, relying on operational experience has limited value due to variation in observations from person to person and is based on visible dust (which is larger in size than respirable dust). However, with sophisticated dust measuring equipment, like the real-time aerosol monitor, dust concentrations can be accurately measured and recorded concisely. Research conducted as part of a collaborative agreement on behalf of Northparkes to launch an occupational dust monitoring program was implemented on the mine site. To form the basis of this research, it was hypothesised that no proper dust measuring testing at the mine site had been adequately identified. In addition, existing occupational hygiene monitoring programs did not adequately quantify employee exposures to these hazards. This project will outline the results of an occupational dust monitoring program, hence greatly improving the capacity to quantify the health risks posed to employees.

Jan 1, 2008

The methods employed in dressing 'the tin ore up to the required percentage of purity depend mainly on the type of ore crushed.These may be briefly divided into two distinct classes-viz., q, free: milling ore and a complex milling ore. In the former the ore is practically free from the common metallic sulphides, such as pyrites, mispickel, blende, galena, etc., and 1!' clean concentrate of 70 per cent metallic tin can be directly obtained in one continuous act of concentration; in the latter, however, in order to get a good extraction, it is only advisable to primarily concentrate up to 30 to 40 per cent. tin oxide, the rest being the sulphides of the metals. This concentrate is then roasted, re-ground, and re-concentrated up to 70 per cent. metallic tin on a separate set of tables.In the complex milling ore the tin is intermixed very closely with the sulphides, so that it becomes necessary to collect all the mineral present in order to obtain clean tailings. Stamp mills are the most popular machines for the primary crushing in the district, but whether they are invariably the best for the purpose is rather an open question. No doubt for some of the very tough chloritic ores they are the most efficient, but for a brittle quartzose ore, such as the free milling proposition usually is, the writer thinks Oornish rolls would well hold their own, especially when the tin occurs coarse, as is so often the case with this class of ore. Of course, the great drawback to stamps is the excessive quantity of tin slimed and slime tin is one of the problems of tin-dressing-while rolls give...

Jan 1, 1907

Arm Royalty systems of different types are used throughout Australia by both state and federal governments to raise revenue and thus facilitate in the proper distribution of mineral wealth. Royalty systems should be neutral and equitable but by their very nature these objectives are impossible to obtain. Because of the individual nature of mineral deposits, in particular variable cutoff grades and tonnages, governments should be aware of the possible trade off between short and long term gains of the particular royalty scheme introduced.

Jan 1, 1982