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In a state-of-the-an review of predictive methods for longwall support load calculation, special respect is paid to those techniques which enable actual roof conditions and local lithology of strata to be involved. Principal systems of roof examination include the borehole perforation test and seismic velocity measurements. Roof strata stability is related to caveability classifications and roof inclination due to subsidence. The critical analysis of both load resistance prediction methods and roof stability classifications shows that each has its own value of reliability level. The present research opportunities analysed underline the significance of developing fully reliable prediction techniques as needed by the coal industry.

Jan 1, 1991

By J Williams

The recent drought has highlighted the finite nature of AustraliaÆs divertible water resources. According to AustraliaÆs recently completed National Land and Water Resources Audit, development of water resources in southern Australia has reached or exceeded sustainable extraction limits. Similarly, 161 out of 538 groundwater management units are either totally allocated or already over allocated. Whilst mining only uses about three per cent of diverted water resources, water scarcity may be a major factor that determines whether potential mines can be developed in the future. Furthermore, the development of extraction and processing facilities that limit water use and maximise the re-use the waste water streams will be even more fundamental features of the mining industry in the 21st century than they are at present. There are encouraging examples where innovative water re-use technologies are significantly reducing the water used per unit of mined product. Whilst mining in the areas of Australia draining to the tropical seas may be less constrained by a current lack of water (60 per cent of divertible water resources drain into the Timor Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria and north east Coral Sea), it is highly probable that there will be increasing demand for these waters from the irrigation industry, whilst pressure will also be applied to ensure that environmental flows that benefit the coastal fishing and prawn industries are maintained. In the Great Artesian Basin, current research is demonstrating that the groundwaters are being recharged at rates considerably lower than current extraction. Whilst some other groundwater basins in arid and semi-arid Australia have currently untapped resources, these water are often relatively saline and/or may be intimately linked with key ecosystems in discharge areas. This paper presents an overview of the current state of our water resources and examines some of the key water use issues including allocation, use and reuse, environmental flows and competing demands on the resource that will ensure that water issues remain high on the policy agenda for mining, irrigation and other water users.

Jan 1, 2003

By R Grogan

The Ungay-Malabago polymetallic deposit, currently owned by Lafayette Mining, is located on the eastern end of the island of Rapu-Rapu which lies east of the city of Legazpi in the Philippines. The island is sparsely populated and has largely been deforested by extensive logging some 30-40 years ago.The deposit is situated on a plateau some 200 m asl and lies about one kilometre inland from the coast. The site topography is difficult with minimal flat areas for plant facilities. The region around Legazpi is subject to volcanic activity and though the island is not affected it is in a seismic zone. There is no other mining or other industrial activity on the island, the local inhabitants being engaged in subsistence farming and fishing. These activities place a high level of responsibility on the mine operator with regard to the environment and the provision of employment and training to the local inhabitants. Although no previous mining was carried out at Ungay, shallow pit mining for high-grade direct smeltable copper ore has occurred during the mid-1900s in an area, known as Hixbar, some 2 km west of the deposit This area is currently being explored by Lafayette.

Jan 1, 2002

By Jia X

Three-dimensional microscopic modelling techniques involving specific calculations based on direct computation of the Brownian, van der Waals, Born, electrical double layer repulsion, bulk, hydrodynamic and external forces (gravity, magnetic etc) acting on and between each particle in a mineral dispersion are now feasible using advanced computer processor architectures. This contribution surveys the hardware requirements, the advantages and limitations of the approach for enabling prediction of dispersion behaviour a priori. The notion of developing a generic particle simulator, akin to the use of molecular modelling in the area of drug design, based on inputting process-relevant data (solution chemistry, mineral solids properties, hydrodynamics etc) is discussed. The methodology is illustrated with application examples involving: predictions of coagulation of mineral fines; shape and size of magnetically-flocculated hematite; and the kinetics of fouling of membrane surfaces and walls.

Jan 1, 1993

By K Kellett, A V. Metzner

From its discovery in 1845 ion exchange has continually improved technically to an extent where it is now in wide use commercially in many industries including mining and environmental. Purity Systems Inc. (PSI) has made advances in the development of metals capture materials such that metals recovery using the PSI patented technology is now a viable economic process for many previously rejected applications. PSI, in conjunction with Ammtec Limited, have developed cost effective advanced processes and systems.The presentation will introduce the chemistry behind the materials and its relevance to the chelation and ion exchange methods. The applicability of the PSI resin technology to copper, cobalt and nickel recovery and the engineered systems options available will be discussed as well as piloting at Titan Resources NL Radio Hill mine at Karratha in Western Australia.

Jan 1, 2002

Iron from the blast furnace constitutes the starting point in steel production and any increase that can be made in iron production will bring about important repercussions in a long line of processes. Coke constitutes a major item in furnace operation and consumption at the Port Kembla Works of Australian Iron & Steel Ltd. has been approximately 1,850 lb. per ton of iron produced on ore practice, or 3,000 tons per day.For many years coke quality has been subject to much criticism by furnace operators throughout the world, sometimes with little real grounds. Whatever the merits of previous arguments, and they were no doubt two-sided, the development of bigger furnaces has focused attention on coke strength. At the same time a decrease in the quantity of good quality coking coals available to many plants has stimulated research in this field.Extensive coke research has been carried out overseas, and in Australia the.B.H.P. Organization is now actively doing likewise in its Central Research Laboratories at Shortland near Newcastle, N.S.W., and works research groups at Newcastle and Port Kembla Steelworks. Similar work has been initiated in the beehive coking industry. Such work is in its infancy and this paper will outline the direction of the activities at Port Kembla rather than propound specific solutions.At Port Kembla good quality coking coals are readily available from the IIIawarra coalfield. The seams generally mined for coking are Bulli and Wongawilli and to a much smaller extent Tongarra. Characteristics of these coals appear in Table 1.

Jan 1, 1958

Minerals similar to the indicator minerals used in kimberlite exploration are widespread in the Cainozoic alkali basalts of north Queensland. Magnesian ilmenite, pyrope garnet, chrome diopside, chrome spinel, phlogopite and zircon were recovered from most of the localities examined. The occurrence of these minerals creates significant problems when indicator minerals are used for diamond exploration. Basaltic ilmenite is visually similar to kimberlitic ilmenite. Untransported grains are rounded and have pitted surfaces. Basaltic ilmenite grains often have exsolution lamellae and reaction rims of titanomagnetite. Although kimberlitic and basaltic ilmenite are chemically similar, basaltic ilmenite grains are usually less magnesian than their kimberlitic counterparts. Basaltic ilmenite contains very little Cr203. Pyrope garnet occurs as megacrysts and in a variety of xenolith lithologies in north Queensland basalts. Most basaltic garnet is Cr-poor and comparable with kimberlitic garnet from Groups 3 and 5 of Dawson and Stephens (1975). Wine-purple, chrome-bearing garnet is common in kimberlite but rare in basalt.

Jan 1, 1984

By M Noy, P Hawkes

Improvements in the drill and blast process can impact on loader performance in a number of ways. The main effects being improved loading cycle times, less non-productive cycles such as oversize removal, clean-up and face raking and better bucket fill factors. The impact of improved loading cycle times on the overall cost and productivity of the load and haul cycle is very much dependent on the loader truck match and the management of the haul fleet. Previous work has shown that a 20 per cent improvement in dig cycle times may only lead to three per cent or less improvement in the overall productivity of the load and haul process. However, improving the mass loaded per pass by five per cent will lead to a five per cent improvement in productivity for any given haul fleet situation, assuming sufficient truck capacity. Work by Orica Explosives at Lab ChrysotileÆs Thetford Mine, Quebec, Canada showed a relationship between muckpile fragmentation and truck payload. With this in mind, work was carried out to determine the effect differing muckpile fragmentation distributions can have on excavator bucket fill factors. This work was performed in the laboratory to a 1:100 scale. Nine different distributions were used. These were characterised by the Rosin Rammler parameters, xc the characteristic size, and n, the uniformity index. The values of xc and n used were modelled on those previously measured at a Sydney quarry. For the range of distributions measured, it was found that the fill factors were lowest at a low characteristic size and a high uniformity index and highest at a high characteristic size and a low uniformity index. In other words the best fill factors were achieved with a more dispersed muckpile distribution with a larger characteristic size. The difference in fill factors was 16 per cent indicating that controlling the drill and blast process to produce a specific muckpile distribution can have a significant impact on the overall cost-efficiency and productivity of the load and haul process. Field measurement by Orica Explosives at a quarry in Canada supports this conclusion showing improvements of up to seven per cent in average bucket load by either increasing the characteristic size or decreasing the uniformity index of the muckpile.

Jan 1, 1999

By Sullivan T. D, Lohe E. M

Geological structure is one of the main controls on ground conditions within mining. It has a significant impact on the mining conditions and productivity of coal mines within the Sydney - Bowen Basin. The three main types of faults common to this region, normal, reverse and strike-slip systems, each present distinct challenges to mining. These systems effect a wide range of geotechnical and mining conditions within the mines. These include coal quality, strata stability, goat and caving behaviour, productivity and maintenance schedules of mining equipment, mine design and mine-site stress fields. A better understanding of the regional, local and mine-scale structural setting, timing relationships of structural events and the mechanisms of fault formation will greatly aid industry's push for greater productivity and competitiveness.

Jan 1, 1991

By Sullivan TD, Redman PG

AND INTRODUCTION The Lochiel coal deposit, a large Tertiary soft brown coal deposit in the mid north of South Australia, is currently being investigated by the Electricity Trust of South Australia (ETSA) as a potential source of fuel for a base load power station. Feasibility studies indicated that the proposed dragline method of overburden removal was viable but economically sensitive to both highwail and dump batter angles. The unusual properties of the unconsolidated overburden sediments and the groundwater regime posed a number of intimately related hydrogeological and geotechnical questions which were addressed before and during the excavation of a trial pit. All strata at Lochiel are of soil strength, and artesian aquifers occur above and below the coal. From the initial evaluation of the deposit a number of hydrogeological questions were defined. These related to the rate at which the pore pressure in the silts is reduced by dewatering, the extent of the reduction in pore pressure due to prestripping, and the feasibility of dewatering and depressurising carbonaceous silty sand sequences. The site of the trial pit was selected to answer these and other questions from the basis of a detailed geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical understanding. The trial pit dewatering system simulated a full scale mine dewatering system and included ten pumped wells, twenty drainage wells, and nearly 400 monitoring instruments. It operated from September 1986 to June 1987. The excavation was carried out between February and May 1987.

Jan 1, 1988

By N Harries

The management of risks associated with slope instability is an essential process in the safe and economic operation of open cut mines. The æslope stability radarÆ (SSR) has been developed to better manage those risks. The SSR can remotely scan a rock slope to continuously measure any movement of the face. The system can detect and alert users of wall movements with submillimetre precision. The high level of movement precision and broad area coverage of the rock face can allow for a better understanding of the geomechanics of slope deformation, including magnitude of potential failures and additional warning time of impending instability. Additionally, radar waves adequately penetrate through rain, dust and smoke to give reliable measurements, 24 hours a day. SSR systems have been deployed in many mines in Australia, Indonesia, Africa, Chile and the United States. Greater than 100 rock falls and waste dump failures (from several tonnes to millions of tonnes) have been monitored, and on every occasion precursor æwarningÆ movements were recorded by the SSR. This technology enables a radical change in the management of risks in open cut mining. This paper presents recent case studies of how the SSR technology has provided safety and productivity benefits to large open cut metalliferous mines.

Jan 1, 2007

By R Pie, J Crusius, P Whittle, J J. McNee

The Main Zone and Waterline pit lakes at the Equity Silver Mine near Houston, BC (Canada) are the sites of an ongoing three-year government- and industry-funded research program. In order to assess the feasibility of various bio-remediation strategies, field-scale manipulations were conducted using enclosed mesocosms (limnocorrals). Two manipulation strategies were tested: addition of algal nutrients (phosphate and nitrate) to Main Zone Pit surface waters; and addition of algal nutrients (surface waters) and dissolved organic carbon (deep waters) to the Waterline Pit. Nutrient addition was conducted in order to stimulate algal production and enhance metal scavenging by biogenic particles, while dissolved organic carbon (ethanol) was added to increase oxygen demand and foster the development of sulfate reduction in pit bottom waters. Fertilisation resulted in rapid growth of natural phytoplankton populations in the surface waters of both pits. In the Main Zone Pit, the stimulation of algal growth resulted in the pronounced removal of both dissolved and total metals (Zn and Cu) from surface waters, with higher rates of metal removal being observed at higher nutrient additions. Metal removal could be attributed to the scavenging of dissolved metals by biogenic particles and subsequent particle settling. A similar pattern of removal from surface waters was observed in Waterline Pit (Zn and Cd). The addition of ethanol to deep waters in Waterline Pit was effective in promoting sulfate reduction in the lower layer. The development of reducing conditions resulted in near-quantitative removal of dissolved Zn and Cd, presumably as secondary metal sulfides. Iron, As and Ni profiles in Waterline Pit exhibited no evidence of removal from either surface waters or bottom waters. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the passive forms of bioremediation tested in these pit lakes may be effective for whole pit-lake remediation.

Jan 1, 2003

By Herbst JA

During the last decade, it has been established that conventional mineral-processing control strategies based on classical control theory result in significant increases in plant throughput and operating-cost saving. The proper education and training of personnel using dynamic simulators of the principal unit operations is vital for proper design and maintenance of control systems. Severe multivariable interactions and numerous constraints on both manipulated and state variables in grinding/classifica-tion and flotation systems can be studied using time domain analysis with proper dynamic simulators. Two interactive programs are described, and the basis of each simulator and its structure are discussed. Two examples concerned with choosing, tuning, and decoupl-ing of manipulated and controlled variables for a grinding/classification circuit (DYNA-MILL II) and for a rougher flotation circuit (DYNAFLOAT II) are presented. The way in which these dynamic simulators can be used for the design of model-based control strate-gies is also outlined. A brief description of the use of these dynamic simulators for screening alternative strategies and circuit optimization is given.

Jan 1, 1985

Modern technology and the need for published results have created the tendency for exploration to concentrate on drilling and assaying rather than building a broader geological understanding. Though grade is vitally important to a resource estimate, density and volume are also very important aspects that require equal consideration. Wet tropical nickel laterites are developed in humid environments over ultramafic bedrock where the nickel and cobalt are enriched to economic levels by weathering, leaching and supergene processes. These laterites often occur over rugged terrain at higher elevations where there is sufficient rain and stability for the long lateritisation process to occur. For nickel laterite profiles, the variable terrain and significant material type changes within the relatively thin profile make density and particularly volume estimation, just as significant as grade in resource estimation and assessment of resource risk. Drilling alone is generally not a cost-effective way to reduce the risk in laterite volume estimation to acceptable levels. Surface geological mapping, high resolution topographic data and other information such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) can be used very effectively to improve volume estimates. These data types are all differently structured, have different data density and quality and may potentially overlap. Integration of these disparate data types provide the most cost-effective approach to modelling wet tropical nickel laterite volumes and minimising risk. An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation.

Jan 1, 2008

By E de N, B H. Usher, F D. I Hodgson

Due to the haphazard application of static tests in South Africa, several methods and interpretations have been followed. This has resulted in confusion amongst practitioners and regulators in the use and validity of these methods. Research was done over a two-year period to define standardised methods and interpretation of results. This included laboratory testing and continuous consultation with all interested parties throughout the country. The research yielded a modified ABA, based on several existing methods. The methodology includes AP determination using hydrogen peroxide, and an analysis of the supernatant by ICP. This has the advantage of not only registering reactive sulfur, but also provides the NAG pH, that enhances the interpretation and QC of the tests. Analysis of the supernatant provides an indication of heavy metal solubilisation, should acid conditions arise. One hundred and seventeen samples were compared to Leco S analyses and provided a good correlation. The Leco values were slightly elevated due to the reporting of total S as opposed to æreactive SÆ. The NP method deviates from the usual methodology, in that H2SO4 is used (to provide a field analogy) and the fact that a 24-hour stabilisation period is allowed before back-titration. The latter modification appears to prevent psuedo-buffering by transient phases. These methods have also been tested for repeatability and prove to be robust. A very simple macro-driven spreadsheet, æABACUSÆ, was also developed. This spreadsheet allows the entry of basic data and provides a detailed interpretation and graphical display of typical ABA data. In cases where drill holes are used, the Pennsylvanian approach of volume calculation can also be done with ABACUS. The results of the research have been distributed to interested parties in South Africa and it is hoped that these methods and their application will find widespread acceptance.

Jan 1, 2003

As Project Managers for the Blair Athol Coal Mine Project, CMPS selected a number of computer systems to assist in project control. The areas where computers were used were: 1) Planning & Scheduling 2) Procurement Reporting 3) Document Control 4) Accounting 5) Cost Control 6) Control of project management and engineering manhours The computer packages selected were generally effective in their own areas. During 1982, CMPS acquired an in-house project control package called GC/Cue. Project control systems for the project are progressively being set up on this system. The advantages of this type of system are: 1) Improved accessibility of information, due to on-line operation and the use of VDU's. 2) Improved turn around time for computer runs and production of reports. 3) Improved presentation and format of reports. 4) Lower costs.

Jan 1, 1983

That gold will dissolve in sodium hyposlphite solutions is known from the lixiviation of silver and gold ores.The gold will dissolve only in small quantities. According to Stetefeldt, if gold leaf is treated for a time with sodium hyposlllphite solutions of varying strengths solution takes place in every instance, the deviation in quantity being very slight.In order to form hyposulphite double-salts, the gold must become oxidised, the oxygen being derived from the air absorbed by the solution. Consequently, it is the quantity of free oxygen in the solution by, which the reaction is determined, as for one equivalent of gold dissolved one equivalent of caustic soda is set free.

Jan 1, 1901

By Waddell S

A new procedure has been developed for the direct determination of metals loaded on activated carbon. It involves preparation of a suspension of the powdered carbon in water, followed by direct sampling of the suspension with a micropipette,and analyses by atomic absorption spectroscopy using carbon rod atomization. Advantages of the method include the simplicity of sample preparation and the ability to provide a complete metal analysis in 1 - 2 hours. This enables carbon-in-pulp operators to respond quickly to changes in plant efficiency arising from carbon fouling. The successful application of the method has been demonstrated for gold, copper, nickel and iron. Other elements to be surveyed include calcium, magnesium and silicon.

Jan 1, 1984

By C Nucifora, M Landers, J Jones, G Maddocks, K Mandaran, A Forbes, W Wilson, S Newman

Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines Limited (MIM) operates the Mount Isa open cut and underground copper (Cu) and zinc-lead (Zn/Pb) mines near Mount Isa in Queensland, Australia. Tailings from processed Cu and Zn-Pb ore is contained in a 1,315 ha shallow (< 35 m deep) multi-cell valley fill tailings storage facility (TSF). Static geochemical testing conducted by MIM over the life of mine (LoM) verifies that the Cu, and Zn-Pb tailings has a wide range in sulfide content and diverse mineralogy with significant acid neutralising capacity (ANC) in some samples. The tailings are predominantly classified as potentially acid forming (PAF) using static analytical methods. Kinetic leach testing using free draining columns and humidity cell tests simulating tailings placed on the surface of the TSF suggest that the tailings samples are likely to remain non-acid forming (NAF) for 10 to 40 years under aerial exposure, and much longer than this under saturated conditions within the TSF. During this period of weathering, as ANC is depleted, the neutral pH drainage may contain elevated concentrations of some elements including sulfate, manganese and zinc. Only when the ANC is depleted would the tailings then begin to produce acid drainage. CITATION:Mandaran, K, Jones, J, Nucifora, C, Maddocks, G, Landers, M, Forbes, A, Wilson, W and Newman, S, 2018. Mount Isa Mines Rehabilitation Materials Sampling and Analysis program for closure planning, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 138–140 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

Contractors are used extensively in the development of underground mines in Australia. Often problems arise, some originating as far back as the feasibility stage of projects, through inexperience, lack of preparation and inflexibility by both parties.Guidelines are put forward for both principals and contractors which are seen as necessary to ensure that disputation is avoided and the full benefits of the use of contractors are obtained.

Jan 1, 1985