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By C. R. Speers

The induced elastic stresses in the sidewalls of gold-mining tunnels at a depth of 4000 m in the Witwatersrand exceed the peak compressive strength of even the best-quality quartzite rocks. Laboratory tests measuring post-yield stress versus strain response show that brittle fracture occurs, followed by a loss in strength associated with strain-softening behaviour. Numerical modeling based on an assumed Mohr-Coulomb criterion fitted to the test results shows that large ongoing deformations of the sidewall occur, leading to total tunnel failure without adequate support. A methodology is presented to enable a quick assessment to be made of support requirements in terms of ground characteristic curves for numerically derived pressure versus displacement. From these curves, estimates can be made of the force levels for cable bolting and of the thickness and strength requirements for shotcrete linings. As an example of its application, the methodology is used in a comparison of the relative stability efficiencies of a square-shaped tunnel and a horizontal ellipse-shaped tunnel.

Jan 1, 1996

By F. L. D. Cloete

The Relix process is based on direct contact between an ion-exchange resin and undiluted pulp, thus avoiding prior solid-liquid separation. The resin particles float near the surface of the pulp, forming an inverted fluidized bed with the pulp flowing downwards. The basic idea was demonstrated on a full-scale pachuca tank at Stilfontein Gold Mine in 1970, followed by a small-scale demonstration run in a laboratory at the National Institute for Metallurgy. A pilot plant based on a throughput of 60 tons of ore per day was subsequently operated at West Driefontein Gold Mine for several periods over two years. Although the plant proved operable from a mechanical point of view, the metallurgical performance was not up to expectation. The basic cause of the poor metallurgical performace was shown to be backmixing of both the resin and the pulp between stages. The values obtained for resin losses were inconclusive. Further development of resin-in-pulp processes for the recovery of uranium should be focused on the performance of various techniques for the screening of resin from pulp.

Jan 1, 1981

By T. B. S. Giddy

The advantages to be gained from the use of a high-density ion-exchange resin in a uranium recovery circuit are shown. It is concluded that, in existing fluidized-bed plants, the throughput of solution can be increased by up to 40 per cent at the same uranium recovery. Alternatively, the values in the barren solution can be improved at the same flow-rate of solution.

Jan 1, 1980

By R. G. B. Pickering

Conventional mining is an excellent match of mining method and equipment. The result is guaranteed performance. Change in the form of different technology requires change in mining method until the best match is achieved. This paper covers the development of technology and mining method that has occurred in the last five years to arrive at the objective of successful mechanized mining in narrow reef platinum deposits of the Bushveld Complex.

Jan 1, 2004

By G. J. McDougall

After defining activated carbon, the author describes its structure and outlines the physical characteristics distinguishing one type of activated carbon from another. The adsorptive properties of these carbons, the raw materials used, and the manufacturing processes-chemical activation, and physical or thermal activation-are outlined. The high-temperature thermal route (which is the most important for the products employed in gold recovery) using coconut shells or coal as the raw material is then discussed In some detail.

Jan 1, 1991

By G. G. Stanley

Mechanisms in the autogenous mill and their mathematical representation by G. G. STANLEY, B.Sc. (Eng.) (Wits.), M.E. (Queensland), Ph.D., (Fellow) The special characteristics of the autogenous mill are stated, and a suitable type of model for the mill is presented. Details of the test plant and experimental techniques for obtaining the data for model development are next given. followed by a discussion of the methods developed for the computation of the model parameters, namely the appearance matrix, the abrasion and crushing breakage-rate functions, and the discharge-rate function. Examples of results obtained with the model are given, and finally there is a brief account of confirmatory work on a fullscale autogeneous mill.

Jan 11, 1974

By J. Zwartendyk, A. Azis

Optimizing the public gains from the exploitation of mineral resources By Dr A. AZIS and Dr J. ZWARTENDYK Every nation must decide how it should exploit its mineral resources so as to contribute most to its national objectives. It is argued that the present value of the future corporate income tax flow derived.from mineral exploitation may serve as a useful indicator in moving toward a taxation policy that would contribute optimally toward the greatest public benefit. The future stream of corporate income taxes depends largely on the mineral endowment, consisting of deposits now being mined, known unmined deposits, and unknown deposits. Unknown deposits may be estimated by geological inference. Both known and unknown deposits can be categorized according to grade and size, and divided into economic and uneconomic deposits on the basis of certain prices, costs, rate of return and taxation levels. Computer simulations can be run of discounted cash flow models at various taxation levels to showthe impact of taxation changes on future tax revenues.

By N. R. Shoko, J. Chirasha

Refractory design remains the most fundamental factor in furnace construction. Refractory design details and proven technology consideration is of paramount importance to come up with an optimum furnace life and to maintain productivity in the life span of the furnace lining. The failure to produce a technically or operationally durable refractory design lining could give rise to pre-mature deterioration of the refractory lining and furnace shell. The premature failure of the furnace lining will lead to extensive heat losses, furnace bath shift, change in taphole orientation and alteration of the Pitch Circle Diameter. A combination of these were experienced at Zimbabwe Alloys? new high carbon ferrochrome furnace. The Zimbabwe Alloys experience has shown an excellent furnace performance in the first two years of operation although signs of an anomaly showed within the first six months of the new furnace. Production slowed down due to induced problems from refractory failure causing furnace distortions impacting on the availability of the furnace and smelting capacity. This paper presents the lessons learnt, measures taken to deal with the premature failure and constraints within which the situation was managed.

Jan 1, 2007

The theory of geostatistics covers a branch of .applied statistics aimed at a mathematical description and analysis of geological observations. Geostatistics can be used in pure geology (for example, for the analysis of trace elements in a metamorphic rock), in mineral exploration (for example, for the analysis of geochemical exploration data), as well as in mine valuation. This book is intended to provide a practical introduction to the theory of geostatistical methods of mineral evaluation. Over the years, various mathematical models have been developed to represent the distribution of values in mineral deposits. The simpler models are based on the assumption that the values are randomly distributed. Classical statistical methods, based on this assumption of the random distribution of values, are used to analyse mineral deposits to which these models apply or are assumed to apply. In all mineral deposits, however, one recognizes the presence of areas where the values are higher or lower than elsewhere. Also, the values of two samples in a mineral deposit are more likely to be similar if the samples are taken close together than if they are taken far apart. This indicates that there exists a degree of correlation between sample values, and that this correlation is a function of the distance between the samples. Models have been developed which take this correlation into consideration, with the degree of correlation between sample values being usually measured by the semivariogram function. In these models the fact that two samples taken next to each other will most probably not have the same value, must also be considered; even for very short distances the correlations are usually not perfect and a purely random component is present in the value distribution. The mathematical models will therefore assume the presence of two sources of variability in the values: a correlated component and a random component. Finally, one must consider the particular and very common case of mineral deposits in which the values present a systematic variation in space. This variation is usually referred to as a drift, or a trend. For example, the grade of an ore body may increase with depth of the ore, or it may decrease when one moves away from a central volcanic pipe. The earlier models did not give a satisfactory representation of drifts, and more complex models have been developed, in which three sources of variation are represented. These models are made up of: a deterministic component, a correlated component, and a random component. The deterministic component is used as a model of the drift. The correlated component explains regular changes in values which are not represented by the drift. The random component represents variations which cannot be explained by any of the above factors. The simpler models, based on the assumption of a single random component, will be described first (Chapter 2). The models based on the hypothesis of the superimposition of a correlated component on a random component, will then be analysed in detail. These models are most commonly used in the analysis of mineral deposits (Chapters 3-1 I). Finally, how to deal with the presence of a drift will be briefly described (Chapter 12). This book has been written essentially for students in mining engineering and for mining engineers who are interested in the background to the theory of geostatistics as well as its practical applications. The assumption is made that the reader has an elementary knowledge of statistics. Some knowledge of linear algebra is useful in part of Chapter 9, and is necessary to read Chapter 12. A proof is given of all the equations related to geostatistics, and which are not usually found in elementary textbooks on statistics. Understanding of these proofs is not necessary for practical application of the theory, and the reader may wish to skip them on a first reading, concentrating attention on the numerous simple practical examples given. Although the theoretical geostatistician will not find much new material in this publication, it is anticipated that he will develop some interest in the practical approach chosen to prove the various geostatistical equations. Many people and institutions contributed to the preparation and completion of this work. I am much indebted to Dr D. G. Krige and the Anglo Transvaal Consolidated In- vestment Company Limited, who gave me the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time working on geostatistical problems, both theoretical and practical, during the time that I was in their employment. Dr Krige contributed greatly in developing my interest in studying both the theory and practice of geostatistics, always insisting that a correct balance be kept between theory and practice. I am grateful to Professor H. M. Wells and the Mining Department of the University of the Witwatersrand for inviting me to give lectures in a post- graduate course on geostatistics. The notes 1 prepared for that course became the foundation of the present work. I am also indebted to the Centre de Geostatistique of the École des Mines de Paris, where I received my first formal education in geostatistics during a summer course given by Charles Huijbregts, after many years of my lonely plodding through the published literature. Many graphs in the present volume are reproduced with the permission of the Centre de Geostatistique. The Department of Metallurgical and Mineral Engineering of the University of Wisconsin-Madison has also contributed in making this work possible, by allowing me to spend a considerable amount of time and resources in the writing, typing, and correcting of successive drafts. I am thankful to Lynn D. Kendall, who typed the entire manuscript under constant pressure.

Jan 1, 1978

By Peter N. Calder, Alan Bauer

The complexity of modem open pit load-haul-dump systems is described, and the need for realistic working models is pointed out. Both standard and probabilistic simulation procedures are discussed, probabilistic simulation being indicated as the more powerful and practical technique. Acquisition of the necessary pit operating data required for simulator construction and general modelling procedures are described. Finally, results from a typical open pit simulator are used to indicate the scope of the technique.

Jan 1, 2014

By T. A. Silva, A. C. Bragança

Lime has been added to the iron ore slurry transported by the Samarco pipeline since its operation start-up in 1977.Initially, internal corrosion was the main concern therefore the reagent was used only for pH correction. Over the last ten years, though, transport of more complex slurries demanded a significantly higher dosage of lime to guarantee adequate rheology control. Several other reagents have been tested for the same purpose yet none has proven to be as effective regarding technical performance, environmental impact and cost. However, an alternative was sought so that the slurry rheology could still be controlled in case lime addition became impracticable. The objective of this paper is to present a technical solution for this matter, which takes into account environmental aspects. It consists of adding soda for pH correction and an organic coagulant as a rheology modifier. The latter is a quaternary ammonium salt which affected the slurry transport properties in the same manner as lime when tested in a laboratory. It showed no plug formation and allowed solid particles to settle, forming a loose sediment after rest. These results indicate a low probability of plug occurrence in the pipeline and the formation of a readily reslurryable sediment upon shutdown of the pumping system. Industrial tests should be performed in order to validate the laboratory results.

Jan 1, 2007

On Friday, 18th April, 1986, Stefen Kenneth de Kok passed away peacefully at his home in Johannesburg after a short illness. New President of FSPE Mr R.G. (Bob) St Leger took office as President of The Federation of Societies of Professional Engineers on 1st July, 1986.

Jan 1, 1986

By J. A. Drummond

The duties and efficiencies of a number of main and auxiliary fans were determined by standard and thermal methods. Some observations on the effect of water and dirt accumulation on fan performance were made.

By N. Gibson

The application of oxygen in a copper smelter by N. GIBSON* (Visitor) This paper describes how the problem of increasing the capacity of the Rokana copper smelter was handled, and how oxygen was found to be technically and economically the best solution. The first phase of its implementation is outlined.

Jan 3, 1974

By G. E. Blight

The mining industry is making increasing use of pumped tailings fills. The properties that affect the performance of tailings fills are described by means of typical examples. They are the particle-size grading for maximum density, the water content for pumpability, settlement after placing, compression and drainage under stress, shear strength, and resistance to shock loading.

Jan 1, 1979

By H. J. de Klerk

The metallurgical phenomena in the design and manufacture of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels are reviewed, and some aspects of the production of Supraform TM (thermo-mechanically processed) steel are discussed. . The weldability of Supraform TM is related to changes in the microstructure of its heat-affected zone.

Jan 1, 1984

VISIT TO HENDRINA POWER STATION AND OPTIMUM COLLIERY A visit to Hendrina Power Station and the Optimum Colliery, contractually committed to supply the coal for the power station, took place on the 20th September, 1972. INTERNATIONAL IRON AND STEEL CONGRESS This congress will be held in Dlisseldorf from May 23rd to 30th, 1974. The main theme is "Metallurgical Technology of Iron and Steplml1king".

By P. C. Seligmann

The theory of firing of electric detonators is developed insofar as it affects the design of blasting circuits. Practical values for the firing conditions suited to detonators of local manufacture are tabulated. The design principles of blasting circuits are outlined. This information can be used by mine management to ensure that electric blasting will be done efficiently and economically.

Jan 1, 1979

The South African Institute for Mining and Metallurgy celebrated its 95th anniversary with a banquet at The Carlton on Friday, 2nd June, 1989. This event was attended by 600 people, including the Presidents of AS&TS, constituent societies, and other kindred bodies, together with members and their guests. The guest speaker was Mr Muray Hofmeyr, Chairman of the Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Company Limited, who gave an interesting and thought-provoking talk entitled 'Will we still be the best in the year 2001'

Jan 1, 1989

By E. H. van Niekerk

The production of high-strength Iow-alloy (HSLA) steels containing either niobium or vanadium as the principal micro-alloying element is discussed, including recent developments in steelmaking practice that have had a great effect on the development of HSLA steels; strengthening mechanisms, as well as the principles of thermomechanical treatment during controlled rolling on a hot-strip mill; and the results of production heats with various amounts of micro-alloying elements.

Jan 1, 1984