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By Gillies A. D S

Technology transfer is a vital requirement for increasing national capability of coal mine production in Indonesia. The term can cover the introduction of new equipment, facilities and processes and approaches to training and education. Constraints on technology transfer within the Indonesian coal mining industry are reviewed. The contributions that foreign companies working within the industry can make are discussed. It is concluded that the development of major Indonesian coal mines needs input of advanced foreign technology. The foreign mining companies are investing significant capital in operations and are permitted to import outside expertise due to some lack of national skills. Expatriate employees are expensive and have a direct effect on profitability. The success of any replacement program of foreign employees is dependent on technology transfer. There are statutory Indonesian Government directions to reduce dependency on foreign expertise over time.

Jan 1, 1995

Fluid bed sulphation roasting of bismuth concentrates began at Warrego in 1980 in con- junction with the recommissioning of the Tennant Creek Smelter. This process, develop- ed by Peko Mines, is used to separate copper and bismuth by converting copper minerals to a water or weak acid soluble form and then leaching. Pilot scale testwork conducted at the Australian Mineral Development Laboratories (AMDEL) and by Dorr Oliver Pty Ltd in the USA indicated that close control of bed teaper- atures and exhaust gas composition was required to ensure high levels of soluble copper. After overcoming some initial problems, the plant now achieves typically 89 percent copper extraction. Plant capacity is 2.7 tonnes/h by design but in practice this is limited by feed analysis, air requirements, cyclone operation and calcine particle size Consideration.

Jan 1, 1984

THE Taranaki oil-field is situated on the western side of the North Island of New Zealand, at about its widest part, and may be said to be the most compact and fertile part of the Dominion, for, with the exception of the. upper half of Mount Egmont and of the ranges adjoining, which absorb 36,000 acres, the whole of the area, miuus what is taken up by the rivers land streams-is suitable for settlement, and certainly two-thirds is good land. The gross area oE the district is 2,417,299 acres.The principle rivers are the Wanganui, Mokau, Waitara, Patea, and Waiwakaiho. Mount Egmont, which is 8260 ft. high, used to be called Taranaki, and from it the district takes its name (the Maori meaning of which is "sloping peak ").

Jan 1, 1911

By Tonkin D. A

Poor performance in the several stages of the magnetite recovery circuit, coupled with poor desliming through inefficient and over- loaded desliming screens, led to excessive magnetite consumption. An accurate and reliable sampling programme was established covering all outlets of the plant. Emphasis was placed on frequency of increments in an endeavour to detect extreme conditions of short duration. Systematic checking of the entry points to these outlets than identified those sections of the recovery circuit at fault, namely magnetite recovery separators and the heavy media cyclone product rinsing screens. More product rinsing water was provided, and modifications to the rinsing screens improved the efficiency of these units. Consistency of operation through automatic control of level eliminated the sudden massive losses in the magnetic separators. Load on the recovery circuit was then reduced by improvements to the raw coal desliming screens. A 50 per cent reduction in magnetite consumption was achieved.

Jan 1, 1974

By Mason P, Waller C

The Phase I electrowinning system at KCGM's Fimiston Operation utilised the well proven technology of electrowinning precious metal values onto steel wool followed by calcining and direct smelting to bullion. The above process, while reliable and successful, was to some extent labour intensive. The Williams Mine in Ontario, Canada had published conditions under which precious metal values are electrowon onto woven stainless steel and directly removed using high pressure sprays. The current paper describes the testwork which was carried out to check the applicability of the Williams criteria to KCGM eluates arising from the elution of highly loaded carbon from the calcine circuit and lowly loaded carbon from the float tails circuit. Information is also given on the commissioning and operational experience which occurred.

Jan 1, 1996

The concentrated efforts now being directed towards the development and application of monitoring and control techniques have now resulted in their widespread use in UK mines together with evidence of benefits resulting from their application. There is little doubt that the longwall method of producing deep mined coal will continue but will be made more reliable and efficient with the aid of control technology. The major fields of research and development work are concerned with planning and design of mines and mining equipment; management and engineering information; and automation of coalface, tunnelling and transport systems. The principal achievements now in widespread use are: the standard computer system MINOS, widely applied to mine transport, coalfaces and mine environment; extensive use of machine condition monitoring leading to condition-based maintenance; underground automation of conveyor systems and guidance systems for ranging drum shearers and boom-type roadheaders are being widely introduced.

Jan 1, 1985

A number of small copper deposits occur in the Pernatty Lagoon-Mt. Gunson area. Textural and mineralogical differences distinguished the lagoon sulphide deposits, which occur in a water filled basin of permeable bedrock immediately under the lagoon floor, from the largely oxidized deposits which occur in the low hills adjacent to the lagoon deposits.Groundwaters are carrying copper, and to a lesser extent zinc, downstream to the lagoon. Several species of sulphate-reducing bacteria are widespread in the groundwaters and lagoon muds.It is suggested that copper sulphides were first deposited at the same time as, or soon after, the host Proterozoic sediments, and that during the present cycle of erosion the lagoon deposits may have been enriched, or largely formed, by bacterial precipitation of copper sulphides from laterally migrating cupriferous groundwaters.

Jan 1, 1971

By Morgans DJ

The aim of this paper is to highlight the social aspects involved in the preparation of environmental impact studies (E.I.S.'s) for mining developments. In particular, the paper will reveal that the social information provided in such E.I.S.'s can achieve much more than simply satisfying government requirements. Such information can form the basis of a strategy to deal with the settlement of a mine workforce in either an existing or newly developed community. A strategy of this type can go a long way towards avoiding many of the social problems and related industrial disputes often created in such circumstances. It will also be of significant benefit to the mining company in negotiating its infrastructure package with the local authority.

Jan 1, 1987

By Rintoul AH

Studies of many types and purposes are being carried out constantly by mining, minerals processing and other operating companies. Frequently, the staff requirements and special skills lie outside the resources of the operating companies, and needs arise for external consult- ing services. We examine the natures of a range of studies, the factors that influence whether they be carried out in-house or externally and then discuss the manner of execution. Aspects of both good and bad practice are highlighted in order to arrive at the basic principles that give the most benefit from study work. While the bulk of the discussion relates specifically to the execution of external studies of process plant projects, many of the observations can be applied equally to the execution of studies by one department of a large organisation for another, and also to studies of capital projects other than those involving process plant facilities.

Jan 1, 1975

During 1979 the writer had the privilege of interviewing about 50 people with varying degrees of involvement in the industrial arena and all of them in one way and another, had a part to play in the huge and intricate saga of Australian employee relations. They fell into the following' categories Industrial Relations Officers/Managers Academics Politicians Union Officials Representatives of Employer Associations Senior Industrialists Commission Members (State and Federal) Sundry (Journalists, Government Officials). This paper seeks to give an account of their views on various aspects of industrial relations. The interviews conducted were all on a personal and confidential basis so it can be expected that sources will not be identified. Suffice it to say that this account represents, albeit in "potted" form, the opinions of some of the most experienced individuals in the country. It will be seen that in most of the vital areas there is a remarkable lack of consensus. It should be noted that this lack of consensus existed within each of the groups mentioned.

Jan 1, 1980

The paper reviews recent valuations of mineral properties, many of which are at an early stage of exploration. The various methods used are outlined. The problem of comparing, in terms of whether it is fair and reasonable, a highly subjective opinion of the present value of a portfolio of exploration tenements with a vendor consideration, the real value of which, in most cases, lies at some indeterminate time in the future because of the application by the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) of escrow conditions, is highlighted. Examples are given of some of the questionable logic used by consultants in handling this difficult issue. A proposal for revision to current flotation and listing practice which, the author believes, would circumvent the problem and at the same time provide better protection for the investing public is offered for Consideration.

Jan 1, 1994

The kinetics of chlorination of alumina and bauxite with CO/CI2 mixtures were studied in the range 300-1100°C. The temperature of prior calcination is critical in determining the reaction rates. An optimum chlorination temperature in the range 600°C-750°C was demonstrated such that there is no increase in reaction rates with increasing temperature. This lack of rate sensitivity to rising temperature is largely a function of the influence of gaseous diffusion gradients in the porous alumina together with a progressive decrease in surface area.

Jan 1, 1976

By Elpatyevskaya VP, Arzhanova VS

Main geochemical problems concerning the environment and mining industry interrelation are connected with the transformation of natural water chemistry by mining wastes. The investigation of many mines in Primorye, the southern part of the Russian Far East, showed that their mining waters have high concentrations of heavy metals and aluminium. Water acidity is primarily connected with the amount of acid-forming sulphide minerals in ores and also depends on the neutralising capacity of rocks. Considerable quantity of metals occur in the waters in dissolved form. Metal concentrations in mining waters exceeds the natural levels by 2-5 orders of magnitude and can't be reduced to the background levels even after multiple dilution. It is necessary to develop and put into practice new technologies so that to reduce the geochemical impact upon the environment.

Jan 1, 1995

Open pit planning and scheduling play a significant role in establishing, maintaining and improving the economics of open pit mining ventures.The development of an open pit plan and schedule involves consideration of the following elements:ò the market for the mineral, ò the mineral deposit,ò the treatment process, ò the external factors,ò the mining method,ò the scale of operations, ò the open pit design,ò the open pit schedule,ò the calculation of economic performance, andò the implementation of the open pit plan and schedule.The above factors are described and discussed. Open pit planning and scheduling is the linkage which enables a mineral deposit amenable to open pit mining to meet a market requirement for the particular mineral. To effect this linkage the open pit planner should have a good detailed appreciation of both the mineral deposit and the market.

Jan 1, 1992

In presenting the paper, Mr. Davey quoted subsequent work which yielded k, at miscibility gap composition, of about 50.We can confirm the authors' findings for k j 300 for nearly pure tin to k 2 about 50 (average 47) from our own experience and from repeat experiments on materials described by the authors, at 1150°C.During laboratory-scale trials we also found confirmation of the authors' view that it is more difficult to reach equilibrium from the high-iron (in slag) side than from the low-iron (high-tin) side. Working from the high-iron side tends to yield results that point to a high k, leading to optimistic values of iron/tin ratio in final slags. In practice the smelting of a tin concentrate, unless it is exceptionally low in tin and high in iron, must yield initially a tin-rich slag and therefore equilibrium can only be reached from the "tinny" side.

Jan 1, 1967

Rehabilitation has been very effective in the short to medium term in providing a cost effective and reliable means of containing the side effects of land disturbance. However, there is still insufficient data to critically evaluate the sucess of rehabilitation in the long term. There is an urgent need to develop objective criteria to monitor the sucess of rehabilitation. The aim of rehabilitation in Australia has traditionally been to return disturbed land to natural vegetation compatible with the surrounding area. This objective has often been accepted instinctively without adequately addressing alternatives.

Jan 1, 1992

The current boom conditions in the Gold Mining Industry, open cut low grade gold mines have become the initial cash flow source for most companies. To achieve the required cash flow the head grade needs to be maintained at the required level. The methods of grade control to achieve .the planned head grade have evolved various systems, one of which is the Ditch Witch Trencher. The application of this machine has revolutionised open cut grade control and Geology and this paper records the various methodologies developed in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia.

Jan 1, 1987

The education system today is turning out potential Mine Managers and Superintendents for the coal industry who are lacking in adequate management knowledge. They are required by the Mining Act to be highly skilled operators who are operations and production oriented. This puts them in much the same category as airline pilots and ships' captains. The real need is for them to be management and profit orientated. Changes over the years in Managers' and Superintendents' roles are highlighted by identifying those professions and vocations with whom they must now work. Comparing classifications in the 1916 award and the current award, and making a comparison between management and mining degree courses, leads to the conclusion that separate degree courses are necessary for future Mine Managers and Mining Engineers. Mine management must become a profession in its own right if optimum profits are to be made from mining in the future.

Jan 1, 1980

By Orrock G, McKee DJ

Mathematical models of autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding mills have now reached a stage of development where they can be usefully applied to practical problems. In particular, the models are suitable for inclusion in simulations of grinding circuits to study the effects of cir- cuit changes, variations in ore type and changes in throughput. The paper describes a simulation study of the Elura grinding circuit where the empha- sis was on investigating methods of reducing product size from an autogenous mill-ball mill grinding circuit.

Jan 1, 1988

The sudden. explosion of relatively inexpensive digital process control computers has accelerated interest in the possibilities of economic savings by their use. In particular the metalliferous industries have shown that they are willing and capable 6f grasping this new technology and putting it to good use. These industries have a number of problems which need special attention. In many cases the process is difficult to measure and a reaction is often controlled by measuring a secondary effect, computing its relationship to the reaction and then applying the necessary corrective action. This creates problems in building the process model, designing the computer to process interface and in the subsequent system development. Environmentally the metalliferous industries create conditions which severely test sophisticated electronic equipment. Care taken in locating and housing this equipment is a major factor in ensuring reliability in Operation.

Jan 1, 1977