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By Lynce AJ

A method has been developed for the prediction 'of 'the- . performance of a multi-stage grinding=cyclone classification circuit of any degree of complexity on any ore for a wide range `of operating conditions, The-.method involves ;the. s` inu ation b'f the circuit on a digital computer by means of. matheinatical' models ":bf the"' individual units:, the. development of which is- also discussed'., At present, in order to establish 'the!'" charac'teristtics of they ¦ore- and the machines. in mathematical terms;. it is necessary to know'the performance of a , simpl,.e. ; system on tri.e ore - for! one known ,,feed rate and.fe.ed s,l-zing, analysis. ' ,Fiiither work on :the- separate identification 'of the terms defining the characteristics of the ore and the machines may permit the method to be, applied directly to the cj.4ta,derived from small scale tests on ores,

Jan 1, 1964

Ventilation characteristics of a three h -nc longwall development panel in a 1/100th tale hydraulic model using dispersion mechanics are the first applications of its Find in ventilation. Dispersion mechanics gives additional and important ventilation parameters such as degree of mixing, bypassing, -ecirculation etc. These are not obtainable the traditional pressure-volume methods. Experimentally, the model work investigates entilation characteristics of different stopping layouts, including leaky stopping,, cut-throughs and return roadway, brattice tyre ventilation and the effects of flow rate reduction on air distribution in the headings. Additionally, a model of methane generation at the face provides results used to calculate the dispersion characteristics in the return airways. It is concluded that the model resui,s -trongly suggest that dispersion mechanics could be applied to mine ventilation surveys to provide quantitative flow pattern data and details of effective dispersion '?_C!,r riro ò `b' eritilat.ing air.

Jan 1, 1983

By Ryan CG, Both RA, Mernagh TP, Large RR, Hunns SR, Gemmell JB

The Hellyer and Mt. Chalmers deposits are mound-style volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposits in Australia. Textural, petrographic and microthermometric investigations of fluid inclusions in the Hellyer stringer system indicate that Type I, primary, liquid-vapour inclusions are 10-15 pm in size, and yield homogenisation temperatures of 170-220¦C in early 2A veins, 165-322¦C in main-stage 2B veins and 190-256¦C in late-stage 2C veins. These data suggest a waxing and waning thermal history. However, the average salinity remained between 8-11 NaCl equiv. wt % in all Stage 2 veins. At Mt. Chalmers, Type I inclusions up to 20 ¦m are found in quartz from the mineralised zone, and these inclusions yielded homogenisation temperatures of 160-268¦C and salinities of 5-8 NaCl equiv. wt %. Laser Raman spectroscopic (LRS) analysis indicates the presence of CO2 (

Jan 1, 1995

By S H. Marshall, H Hutcheson

Conventional batch cell and FASTFLOT pilot plant studies of reverse flotation of coarse marcasite and pyrite (100 - 400 μm) to reduce the sulphidic sulphur content of a rutile concentrate, were undertaken. The batch cell experiments found no significant improvement in sulphur removal with acid wash and copper activation of marcasite and pyrite. Batch cell trials also identified potential difficulties of conventional mechanical cell plants operated at 40 per cent w/w solids. The FASTFLOT 250 B-2 pilot plant trials indicated that with a 0.6 - 0.7 per cent w/w feed sulphur content, target product grade can be met on a routine basis by a three-stage FASTFLOT plant floating coarse marcasite and pyrite. The trials found that 150 g/t PAX dosage and 15 minutes conditioning time are adequate reagentisation for 40 per cent w/w solids feed to the FASTFLOT plant.

Jan 1, 1998

By Wiechers HNS

In China the hydrogeological type of solid mineral deposits can be divided into A. Mineral deposits with fissure water; B. Mineral deposits with pore water; and C. Mineral deposits with karst water. The hydrogeological conditions of mineral deposits with fissure water are relatively simple with the exception of a few cases. Mineral deposits with pore water are few but great amounts of ground water can be encountered in the mine accompanied by floating sand or slope failure during the exploitation. Mineral deposits with karst water are complex in their hydrogeological conditions. Enormous inrushes occur frequently in the mines of north China; Karst collapses are a serious matter in the mines of the south; Subterranean river and conduit systems are often encountered in the southwest. This paper will give full discussion on these features and put forward a way of combating and controlling the groundwater problem in accordance with type and feature.

Jan 1, 1988

Exploration by Cyprus Minerals Australia Company (formerly Amoco Minerals) has successfully outlined significant Au-(Cu) mineralisation at Starra, 150 kilometres south-east of Mt. Isa. Mineralisation is stratabound and localized in deformed and metamorphosed ironstones (B.I.F?) and iron-oxide bearing schists of the mid-Proterozoic Staveley Formation. Over 90% of the presently outlined potential ore occurs in 4 discrete zones within a strike length of 3.5 kilometres. The inferred geological resource in these zones is approximately 6 million tonnes grading 5 grams per tonne gold and 2% copper. Roughly half of this is open-pittable, but more rigidly applied mining criteria will probably reduce the exploitable tonnage. Detailed infill drilling is in progress and a pre-feasibility study has commenced. The joint venture partners, Cyprus Minerals (75%) and Elders Resources (25%) expect to make a development decision by the end of this year.

Jan 1, 1986

In China the hydrogeological type of solid mineral deposits can be divided into A. Mineral deposits with fissure water; B. Mineral deposits with pore water; and C. Mineral deposits with karst water. The hydrogeological conditions of mineral deposits with fissure water are relatively simple with the exception of a few cases. Mineral deposits with pore water are few but great amounts of ground water can be encountered in the mine accompanied by floating sand or slope failure during the exploitation. Mineral deposits with karst water are complex in their hydrogeological conditions. Enormous inrushes occur frequently in the mines of north China; Karst collapses are a serious matter in the mines of the south; Subterranean river and conduit systems are often encountered in the southwest. This paper will give full discussion on these features and put forward a way of combating and controlling the groundwater problem in accordance with type and feature.

Jan 1, 1988

By S Lowjun, I Verster, C A. Thomas, E Forbes, K Runge, G V. Franks

Fine (<20 µm) valuable mineral particles are difficult to recover in conventional flotation circuits. (Trahar and Warren, 1976; Jameson, Nguyen and Ata, 2007; Kohmuench et al, 2018). This leads to a loss of valuable fine mineral particles to tailings. Recovering these particles would be of economic benefit. Novel reagents, including temperature responsive polymers, for example, are being developed to improve recovery of fine valuable mineral particles by froth flotation (Ng et al, 2018a, 2018b). The approach involves selectively aggregating the valuable fine particles and making these aggregates hydrophobic, resulting in hydrophobic aggregates of appropriate size (in order of 100 microns) being amenable to recovery by froth flotation. The polymers developed have been produced at laboratory scale but not a full scale yet. The exact cost of producing such novel polymers is currently unknown, but they are likely to be more expensive than conventional reagents.

Aug 24, 2022

By Kurzeme M, Willoughby D. R

The current approach to the design of fill, as a structural component in a mining system, is based on traditional usage, previous experience, empirical rules and preconceived ideas. This approach does not permit the relative economicsof the various possibilities to be evaluated, retards introduction of new materials or processes, and results in fragmented fill research effort.A rational approach to the design of fill is proposed as a means of overcoming these disadvantages.This is based on five components:(a) statement of functions of fill,(b) definition of modes of fill response,(c) criteria of satisfactory performance,(d) analysis of fill response,(e) specification of required fill properties and methods of obtaining them.An assessment of each component indicates that the adoption of this rational design approach will require research effort in categorising modes of fill response and in defining criteria of satisfactory performance.

Jan 1, 1973

By A D. T Goode

Data Metallogenica (DM) is unique as a global mineral sample collection and deposit database with over 70 000 rock samples and a wide range of descriptive, photographic and measurement data. Subscribers have access to approximately four gigabytes of on-line data with many examples included on the public pages. DM commenced its life on the Pacific rim in 1971 and much recent growth has focused on countries of the Pacific margin, particularly Australia, Fiji, Chile, Indonesia and Peru. Approximately 600 separate deposits and mineral occurrences in this region are represented in DM. The sets of rock samples have been photographed at high resolution and included on the web site, together with unpublished descriptions, deposit cross-sections, bibliographies, field and mine photographs, petrology and reflectance mineralogy. Figures and abstracts from PhD theses are a new addition and the donation of proprietary databases by companies and individuals is an encouraging trend. DM increasingly is being viewed as an acceptable and important repository for æfragileÆ and irreplaceable personal and company data, it is also being recognised in its true light as a high level information system, not solely a collection of rock samples. Data Metallogenica is a not-for-profit venture of AMIRA International that requires self-funding from December 2004. Growth and development must be funded entirely out of subscription and sponsorship revenues because no government subsidy is provided. The Pacific rim is in the mainstream of mining and exploration activities worldwide and those involved have much to gain from a dynamically sustaining DM. The home page at www.datametallogenica.com contains much example data and details of subscription and membership rates.

Jan 1, 2004

By B King

A large number of mineral deposits contain regions in which it is economically beneficial to extract ore both via open pit and underground mining techniques. Current industry practice lacks an effective means to establish the extent of the open pit and underground mining areas for an individual deposit. We present a mixed integer programming model for scheduling both the open pit and underground mine that can be used to create a holistic extraction sequence for a specific deposit. The model considers both spatial and temporal elements of the open pit and underground mines in order to maximise the net present value of the entire deposit, while adhering to its production, processing and block sequencing constraints. By doing so, we can schedule the open pit and underground in concert.CITATION:King, B, 2014. Modelling open pit and underground production scheduling in concert, in Proceedings Orebody Modelling and Strategic Mine Planning Symposium 2014 , pp 369–374 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 24, 2014

By J J. Jiang, B G. Bow

Atlas Iron Limited’s (Atlas) Abydos Mine has developed its Scarborough open pit proximal to a rock shelter that has been assessed as a significant Aboriginal heritage site by the Traditional Owners of the land. The rock shelter, named Yurlu Kankala, is located to the north-west of the pit with a stand-off distance of 35 m. Within Atlas’ Native Title Agreement with the Traditional Owners, and approvals from the Western Australian Department of Aboriginal Affairs, commitments have been made to conduct mining in a way that avoids or at least minimises disturbance and damage to the rock shelter. This complies with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) and respects the heritage and culture of the Traditional Owners.CITATION:Bow, B G and Jiang, J J, 2018. Iron ore mining in proximity to a significant Aboriginal heritage rock shelter, Pilbara Region, Western Australia, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 2–5 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

By B Murphy, J L. Heath

Installation of flotation equipment is a lengthy and intricate process involving conceptual design, detailed design and layout, equipment installation, equipment commissioning and handover prior to the plant commencing operation. During these steps, mistakes are often made that lead to increased costs and/or schedule delays in bringing the new equipment online.This paper presents a series of recommendations for the installation and commissioning of flotation equipment to minimise mistakes and ensure that plant production commences efficiently with a minimum of resources. The advice herein is based on lessons learnt from recent flotation equipment commissioning. It is intended as resource material for flotation plant designers, construction contractors, metallurgists and operators, and is applicable to both new and existing plants.CITATION:Heath, J L, Murphy, B and Bourke, P, 2014. Effectively installing and commissioning flotation equipment, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 399–404 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 1, 2014

By S D. Fox, P B. Swart

Statistics showing that mine rehabilitation is falling behind rates of disturbance continue to be reported in the media. Unfortunately, most reported statistics do not account for the large growth-cycle that mining in Australia experiences, where there are typically significant new disturbances with large portions of these areas not being available for rehabilitation for a number of years. Many commentators assert that better planning is required to ensure that rehabilitation will be able to achieve a safe, stable, non-polluting landform that meets the agreed post-mining landuse.This paper focusses on the revegetation aspects of mine rehabilitation and in particular the matters that need to be addressed in the planning stage so that revegetation success is ultimately able to be demonstrated to regulators and other stakeholders.CITATION:Fox, S D and Swart, P B, 2018. Planning revegetation for relinquishment, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 113–115 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

By B Chapman, R Nievergelt, J Hill

A major component of Sydney’s new South West Rail Link project is the Hume Highway Underpass (HHU), an 80 m long twin track mined tunnel excavated at a depth of just 5 m below the pavement of the Hume Highway; one of Australia’s busiest road corridors.In order to ensure a safe and efficient construction of the underpass without disruption to the Hume Highway traffic, design of the HHU required specific focus on the prediction and control of ground movements. This paper describes the design and construction solutions adopted in response to these challenging constraints. The paper also provides discussion on the observed behaviour of the underpass during construction and the results of a back analysis that was undertaken during construction.CITATION:Hill, J, Nievergelt, R and Chapman, B, 2014. Design and construction of Sydney’s South West Rail Link Hume Highway Underpass, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 375–386 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By L B. Zhou, Q Wang

The present discussion focuses on the developmental directions of eco-restoration of acid mine waste rock dump, by using acid mine waste rock of Shuilong Mountain as an example. Based on the analysis of site factors, the current slope ecological restoration technologies of domestic and international and local practices have been integrated into the eco-restoration of acid mine waste rock in Shuilong Mountain. A set of suitable slope Eco-restoration technologies have been formulated locally for acid mine waste rock of Shuilong Mountain, which include establishing green barrier, implementing ecology buffer zones, selecting suitable plant species and combined seeding and tube-stock planting. It aims to restore the plant ecosystem to a near natural state, in couple with slope stabilisation and soil remediation.CITATION :Wang, Q and Zhou, L B, 2012. Projection of ecological restoration of acid mine waste rock of Shuilong Mountain at Dexing Copper Mine, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2012 , pp 305-308 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 10, 2012

By Elford H. S, Hughes J. F

The object of this paper is to bring before Members of the lnstitute the very important and much discussed question of scientifically prospecting for ores, oil, coal, etc.The paper is divided into three sections:SECTION l - Description of Geophysical Prospecting methods.(1) Sound-Vibration.(2) Magnetic.(3) Gravitometric.(4) Electrical.(a) Equipotential.(b) Electro-magnetic.(c) Schlumberger.(d) General.SECTION II - General discussion of Cicophysical Prospecting.SECTION III - Appendices.(1) Systematic summary of methods of survey.(2) Table of electrical conductivities.(3) Bibliography.SECTION I - DESCRIPTION O:F GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING METHODS.(1) SOUND-VIBRATION.THE transmission of sound waves or vibrations underground will depend on at least three factors: (a) Type of Rock. - Hard, dense rocks wiII transmit sound waves much more quickly than softer, more porous rocks. In the former the speed may be eight times that of the latter.(2) Uniformity of Rock. - Any variation in the texture, hardness, etc, wiII have an effect on and direction of transmission of the waves.

Jan 1, 1927

Increasing demands on quality of metallurgical grade alumina and for lower production costs led to the development of a new fluid bed calcining process. The process, jointly developed in Germany by Vereinigte Aluminium Werke A.G. and Lurgi Gesellschaften m.b.H., takes advantage of modern chemical engineering methods such as counter-current flow of combustion air and solids, direct heat-exchange between combustion air and fine solids and near stoichiometric combustion of oil in a fluid bed. Using a two-stage Venturi-type suspension preheater for heat-recovery from combustion flue- gases, the circulating fluid bed technique with internal oil combustion at 2.2000 F for the calcining step and &apos;a five-stage fluidized bed cooler for heat recovery from calcines, the process gives an outstanding heat- efficiency. In a first industrial plant for 560 sh. t. alumina per day heat consumption figures of less than 1.400 BTU/lb A12O3 were achieved.

Jan 1, 1971

By H Ramandi, H Masoumi, I Canbulat, B Hebblewhite, J Oh, S Saydam, W Timms, S Mo

This paper reviews the floor heave mechanisms in underground coal mine roadways. Previous studies have reported three main failure mechanisms: bearing capacity failure, buckling and swelling. The buckling failure has been observed where immediate floor strata are relatively strong and thinly bedded. On the contrary, the weak floor strata have been associated with both the bearing capacity failure and swelling mechanisms. The bearing capacity floor failures are likely to induce other types of instability such as pillar punching, tensile failure of pillar, roof fall and subsidence as well as floor heave. Despite a considerable amount of research, predicting the magnitude, location and timing of floor deformation is challenging with current state of knowledge. CITATION:Mo, S, Ramandi, H, Oh, J, Masoumi, H, Timms, W, Canbulat, I, Hebblewhite, B and Saydam, S, 2018. A review of floor heave mechanisms in underground coal mine roadways, in Proceedings The Fourth Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference (AusRock), pp 196–206 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 30, 2018

By Morinaga K

The optical basicity (A, Pb2+ as probe ion) of various oxide glass systems has been measured to establish the new basicity scale of slag melts. Best conditions of glassy fragments to measure A were as follow, (1) 1 ti 4 x 10-2 wt% Pb content, (2) 0.2 mm in thickness, (ii) enough annealing (about 10 hr) at a temperature 200¦C below Tg., and (4) polishing a surface well. the variation of A with composition was correlated to that of relative oxygen activity of slag melts. The estimation of basicity of slag melts from it could be valid. The A of opaque and coloured quenched slags could not be measured. An approximately linear relationship, however, exsisted between the isomer shifts (b) of Fe3+ ion in slag derived from the Mossbauer effect and A. Therefore, -4 of various metallurgical slag could be estimated from this relationship. These results can be expected to establish the new basicity scale of slag melts as the Louis basicity.

Jan 1, 1980