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A series of numerical experiments were performed in order to define the fracture strength of schistose rock during crushing. Fracture strength was shown to decrease as the fabric aligned with the principal axis of loading. One of three types of characteristic stress-strain behaviour are defined by the orientation of the fabric with respect to the applied stress.

Jan 1, 1993

By Hammond J. R, Ward T. A

The Tom Price orebody, in the Hamersley Ranges of North West of Western Australia, is mined by Hamersley Iron Pty. Limited. The orebody is a folded sequence of hematite and shale bands capped with goethite, with a con- sequential variable iron content. The overall grade is below that required to yield spec- ification product, necessitating selective mining, 'Zone Plans' based on geological structure have been developed to yield forward information on material types and grades. Short and medium term mine plans - the initial stage of quality control - are based upon these 'zone plans'. Blasts are laid out to break to the grade boundaries, thus minimising dilution, and the samples taken from the blasthole cuttings provide blast grades. Blending of shovel out- put from different blasts forms the operational basis of grade control. Shales, being more friable than hematite, produce fines that are lower in iron grade than lump. Quality control in the mine centres around maintaining the target fines grade, compensation being applied in the mine if the fines grade lies outside the target range.

Jan 1, 1973

By Zhansen P

This paper describes the test re- sults which give a complete proccess of failure of concrete lining embedded in sand medium under load, including the order of appearance of crack along the lining up to failure. nor each crack appearance corresponding calculation being made to assess the redistribution of moment and thrust force in critical section including crown section, section making 45¦ with the vertical etc. De- flection at the above stated critical sections are also measured at each stage of loading. The pressure along the top hori- zontal surface of embedded lining and the vertical sides are measured by pres -sure gauges embedded in sand medium. fhe test results show a complete figure of rupture characteristics of concrete lining embedded in soft ground which approximates alluvial deposite often occur in metro construction at cities near the river side. These test results have been taken as a reference in assessing the action behavior of concrete lining in certain cities in China.

Jan 1, 1987

By Callaghan R. P

Underground production from the low grade copper orebodies at Mount Lyell in recent years has involved surface subsidence of open cut areas. Relevant structural and lithological features of the geological environment are des- cribed. The highly mechanised underground mining system involves sublevel caving and sub- level open stoping with associated hangingwall cave. Monitoring of subsidence and caving has been made by regular visual inspection and measurement of crack development, and by sur- face profile surveys. These simple techniques have proved adequate in assuring management that ground movement is proceeding normally and safely.

Jan 1, 1980

By Corbett GJ

Magmatic-related low sulphidation hydrothermal ore systems at plate margins exhibit distinct spatial and temporal zonations which can be used to aid mineral exploration and development. Low sulphidation systems at all crustal levels exhibit the same paragenetic sequence of events: early breccia formation, followed by quartz - secondary feldspar - sericite/illite veining, then mineralisation, and final argillic overprint. This sequence of events is interpreted to reflect the initial emplacement of melts at high crustal levels, and the progressive cooling of that melt and release of magmatic constituents into a circulating hydrothermal system.

Jan 1, 1995

The Lower Proterozoic metasediments of the Pine Creek Geosyncline form a chrono- stratigraphic sequence of mainly greenschist- and amphibolite-grade shallow-marine to supratidal pelites, psammites, carbonate rocks, and volcaniclastics which in places rests unconformably on Archaean basement. Granite and later dolerite intrude the sequence, and are associated with the major orogenic 1800-m.y. event which regionally metamorphosed the sediments. Most mineralisation is stratabound, and can be related at least partly to volcanic activity. Uranium mineralisation is mainly confined to particular carbonate-rich horizons near basement. Other metals are mainly in small hydrothermal deposits near intrusive granite. Specialist studies indicate that uranium was leached from its source rock, and probably carried as carbonate complexes in highly saline fluids at between 100 and 3500 C. Precipitation took place by redox reactions in breccia zones in carbonate rocks; these zones were formed by carbonate solution or diapiric movement of evaporites which preceded the carbonate. Extensive chloritisation in the ore zones suggests metasomatism by Fe- and Mg-rich fluids which may have evolved during dewatering of the evaporites. The main mineralising event took place after the 1800 m.y. metamorphism, and was probably

Jan 1, 1979

By M Grigorescu, J H. Hodgkinson, H Alehossein

A new framework that collates and interprets pre-existing data to assess vulnerability and ultimately plan to avoid or minimise flood-related risk to infrastructure, people, downtime, environment and revenue has been developed. The æClimate Related Adaptation from Terrain Evaluation ResultsÆ (CRATER) method tested at a coal mine in Queensland, provides semi-quantitative information to assist decision makers when designating investment for minimising vulnerability of mining operations to climate. Here we present the processes involved in this three-step approach that uses pre-existing spatial data of the mine site and local knowledge to build a set of visual tools to assist decision-making. The first step of the process is performing multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) within a geographic information system (GIS) on ranked natural conditions at the mine, such as elevation, slope, drainage, soil and vegetation, which is performed to identify critical flood areas. Secondly, a fault-tree analysis identifies how impact can occur and what options there are for impact reduction. Finally, a resource assessment of the mineÆs capacity to adapt reduces the adaptation options to those most suited to the mine. The results are confidential, but for the purpose of introducing the methodology, we present simplified results, particularly of steps 2 and 3. CRATER can also be used for future æwhat-ifÆ flooding scenarios to identify the most suitable locations for roads, buildings or other critical infrastructure. The methodology is transferable to any mine, series of mines or locations along the mining value chain that have sufficient data, providing a practical decision-making tool to identify æno-regretsÆ actions that not only could reduce downtime after or during an event, but in some cases may enhance production between extreme events. We now plan to test this method at a broader scale, to encompass more than one mine in the analysis.CITATION:Hodgkinson, J H, Grigorescu, M and Alehossein, H, 2013. Climate Related Adaptation from Terrain Evaluation Results (CRATER) - interpretation of pre-existing data for mine site flood vulnerability and management, in Proceedings Water in Mining 2013 , pp 259-266 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 26, 2013

By Boyd G

This paper describes the planning, analysis, design and operational experience of highwall mining based on auger drilling techniques applied to thick coal seams exposed in an opencut highwall. Being the first time such technology has been used in Australia, a large commitment to technical design and logistics planning was given by Callide Coalfields Pty Ltd. This commitment included technical and operations management and supervision, mine services, and the retention of consultants to undertake geotechnical analysis, instrument preparation and instrument installation.

Jan 1, 1991

Formed in 1965 to investigate the bauxite deposits on the Gove Peninsula, in the Northern Territory of Australia, Nabalco Pty. Limited undertook to determine the feasibility of establishing a mining operation and alumina plant of at least 500 000 tonne/year capacity. The drilling programme undertaken and the analytical methods, assumptions and criteria used to define practicably extractable bauxite are described. The ore characteristics and the interpretation of results used to evaluate the reserves are detailed. The operating techniques developed in mining ten per cent of the reserves and variations experienced between indicated and actual mining are examined and discussed.

Jan 1, 1979

The Golden Plateau Mine is located at Cracow in central Queensland, 350 kilometres north west of Brisbane. The mine was operated by Golden Plateau NL as an underground mine from 1933 to 1976 with a total production of 18.5 tonnes of gold. Prod

Jan 1, 1994

By Tobin GJ

Testwork carried out in the cooling water circuit at the Yabulu treatment plant of the Greenvale Joint Venturers (Metals Exploration Queensland Pty. Ltd. and Freeport Queensland Nickel Incorporated) since 1980 has resulted in significant improvements to both fouling and corrosion control. At the same time corrosion inhibitor costs have been reduced.Acrylate-type silt dispersants were identified as the most effective means of sediment control in the circuit. An increase in the cathodic component of the corrosion inhibitor coupled with a relatively minor adjustment to water pH has yielded a two to three fold reduction in corrosion rate. It has been established that these lower corrosion rates can be sustained in the face of a 20% reduction in corrosion inhibitor addition rate. Further improvements are indicated with a change of raw water algicide.

Jan 1, 1985

LOCATIONThe property of the Mount Isa Mines Ltd. is situated in Western Queensland, 603 miles by rail west of Townsville, the nearest seaport. All supplies and the bullion are railed between Mt. Isa and Townsville. The climate is semiarid, and operations are conducted throughout the year without difficulty.WATER SUPPLYThe mill make-up water is obtained from the mine, and also from Rifle Creek reservoir, which is situated 20 miles from Mount Isa. The domestic supply of water is obtained from a series of bores on the company's leases.POWER SUPPLYElectric power at 3300 volts, 3-phase, 50 cycles, is supplied from the company's steam power plant, consisting of two units, each unit comprising one Babcock & Wilcox boiler, supplying steam at 300 lb. pressure per sq: in. to one 5000 kW. turbo-alternator. Pulverized coal is used as fuel, and power is being generated at a cost of 0.45d. per kilowatt hour. The coal used is supplied from the State Coal Mine, Bowen, costing 42/- per ton delivered at Mt. Isa.

Jan 1, 1933

By S K. Schwank

Trench cutter systems have been used in civil engineering for the least 30 years for the installation of deep cut-off walls, retaining walls and foundation systems. The systems are constantly advanced to achieve greater depth, penetrate through harder rocks a provide a bigger footprint of the cutter. The state-of-the-art equipment can reach down to 250 m vertical depth and penetrate all different types of soils and rocks up to 150 MPa unconfined compressive strength.In mining, especially in commodities with a high value and where the ore deposit has a small footprint, cutter mining with vertical attack from the existing ground level will be a new, cost-efficient approach where conventional open pit mining is not economically feasible due to a high stripping ratio. The same applies for open pit mines that have reached the end of their conventional mine life and where going underground is also uneconomical. The BAUER Cutter Mining System, which has been adapted to the special needs of mining, is a new technology that will allow mining at depths of up to 250 m.The same system can be also applied to ore dykes, be it vertical or slightly inclined, concentrating the excavation on the actual orebody and minimising the strip ratio and the contamination of ore. The system can be adapted to the dimension of the dykes or veins and to the rock conditions.BAUER’s latest approach is to use the vertical cutter mining technology for the extraction of sea floor massive sulfides from the seabed in deep ocean waters. Due to the compact footprint of the system and the vertical attack for mining, extraction of the ore can be concentrated on the hot spots, minimising the environmental impact on the sea floor both for mining and manoeuvring the remote-controlled mining tool.CITATION:Schwank, S K, 2015. Cutter mining – crossover technology from civil engineering to mining, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 95–100 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

Various aspects concerning gold are mentioned below. These have no common theme but suggest points of interest any one of which, if warranted, could lead to development later and elsewhere. 'High level' auriferous gravels The gold deposits of Victoria are commonly classified as being either primary or secondary. Most primary occurrences comprise gold present in quartz reefs, together with other lode-like occurrences in which gold is associated with various sulphides, with or without quartz. Secondary occurrences are derived by physical release of primary gold and subsequent concen- tration of it as a constituent of sediments. Secondary gold deposits may be themselves eroded so leading to third or even fourth generation gold.

Jan 1, 1982

This paper describes several sources of external dilution affecting the stope walls during underground sub-level and bench stoping. Factors which control ground behaviour such as the geometry of the openings, the influence of geological discontinuities, stress re-distribution and blasting practices are discussed. Crown stope instability due to stress concentrations induced by changes in the excavation geometry, is discussed and the most efficient ways to sequence blasting within a stope are analysed. Effects of undercutting by blasting, blast damage in the near field and cut-off slot blast designs are analysed. The influence of dynamic loading on the exposed walls as well as the practice of blasting fill passes within stope crowns are discussed.

Jan 1, 1995

The microstructures exhibited by ilmenite in its association with other oxide minerals have been the subject of a number of papers, the most comprehensive of which is that by Ramdohr. The following observations in some degree extend his conclusions. They are based upon a study of about sixty specimens of "massive" ilmenite and titaniferous ores from a number of wIdely 'scattered Australian localities. Specimens of this character proved much rarer than was expected. The collection was gathered together through the generous aid of the University Geological Departments, Geological Surveys, and Natural History Museums of the several States of the Commonwealth, all of which contributed such specimens of local origin, as they possessed. Special thanks are due to Dr. E. S. Simpson, of Western Australia, who made available several highly interesting specimens, together with his...

Jan 1, 1938

The Kidston breccia pipe is situated approximately 280 km west northwest of Townsville, north Queensland. It is currently Australia's largest gold producer with production varying between 8,000 and 16,000 tonnes of ore per day. Current reserves are estimated at 36.2 million tonnes averaging 1.74 C/t Au and 2.21 g/t Ag. Alluvial gold in the gullies surrounding the deposit was first discovered in the 1880's and between 1907 and 1948 small scale open cut and underground mining was undertaken. Advances in extractive metallurgy and an increase in the gold price were major factors influencing the recent exploration and development of large scale mining of the deposit by Placer Pacific and Kidston Gold Mines. The breccia pipe is trapezoid in shape with surface dimensions of 1100 m by 900 m. Clasts show only limited evidence of mixing during brecciation, with the pre-breccia stratigraphy still discernible on the basis of clast types. This lack of mixing together with the intimate association with intrusive activity, suggests that the brecia formed by collapse, probably associated with the escape of a large volume of irothermal fluid from a crystallising hatholith. Mineralisation and alteration are also sratially and temporally associated with rhyolite emplacement and brecciation. Pre-breccia mineralisation consists of laminated stockwork quartz veins associated with muscovite, quartz and orthoclase-epidote alteration. Stockwork veins contain either anomalous molybdenite or gold. Uneconomic early stage post-breccia mineralisation and alteration consists of cavity infill quartz-epidote and calcite associated with potassic and propylitic alteration respectively. Economic late stage post-breccia cavity infill and sheeted veining consists of quartz-carbonate-sulphide infill associated with phyllic alteration. The grade of gold mineralisation generally decreases downwards in the system with an increase in the amount of pyrrhotite relative to pyrite. Pre-breccia stockwork quartz veins mineralisation is genetically related to the

Jan 1, 1987

By J L. Stacey

The diverse priorities, drivers and concerns of multiple stakeholders in the minerals industry complicate the integration of sustainable development considerations into mine design, as well as operational and strategic decisions. The ability of the industry to address all role-playersÆ needs, or indeed, to achieve consensus among all role players on the plethora of sustainable development issues seems a noble yet unattainable goal. One of the difficulties in assessing the relative importance of sustainable development issues across many stakeholders is the inevitable lack of impartiality in valuing these issues. Starting from a premise that transparency and fairness of the process are absolute prerequisites for progress, but that consensus is not, an approach has been developed in which all stakeholders are asked to assess the importance of all other stakeholdersÆ priorities, excluding their own. The approach recognises that stakeholders have different levels of contribution, understanding, vested interests, and perceptions of legitimacy and entitlement, across the diversity of sustainable development issues and decision criteria. Using Triangular Value Analysis, the relative weightings of each of the stakeholderÆs priorities are determined through a regression-like technique. The uniqueness of this approach is the manner in which self-assessment bias and overemphasis of stakeholdersÆ own priorities are avoided. The methodology can be used for both internal and external stakeholders, and in conjunction with other group decision making techniques, such as the nominal group or Delphi techniques. This paper will illustrate how Triangular Value Analysis may be applied in the minerals industry to determine priorities in various decisions relating to potentially conflicting sustainable development priorities within the industry.

Jan 1, 2009

By i, A Shirbazo, S Saydam, S Ata, H L. Ram, B Li

The integration of internet technology into industrial sectors has significantly accelerated the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, transforming communication, data aggregation, and information distribution. The mining industry has embraced this evolution by deploying IoT devices and advanced technologies like autonomous robots and sensors to enhance operational safety. These sensors enable real-time data transmission and continuous monitoring of key parameters, providing decision-makers with timely insights. However, the interconnected nature of these devices has introduced complexities, resulting in inconsistencies across operations. Addressing these challenges, this research explores the application of modern digital principles to the mining industry through the Reference Architecture Model Industry 4.0 (RAMI 4.0). RAMI 4.0 offers a robust framework that integrates digital and physical systems, promoting data transparency, interoperability, and decentralised decision-making. This study aims to briefly introduced framework designed for the unique challenges of mining operations, leveraging the latest digital technologies. The lack of standardisation in the mining sector highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle issues such as interoperability, scalability, security, safety, and repeatability. Establishing standard procedures can ensure smooth interaction between connected devices, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency in the growing IoT ecosystem within the mining industry. Introducing a well-defined reference architecture like RAMI 4.0 can streamline management processes and improve operational efficiency in mining. By adopting this framework, the mining industry can effectively navigate the challenges of digital transformation, leading to a more connected and resilient future. The study concludes that RAMI 4.0, with its structured approach, can significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of mineral processing operations, fostering sustainable growth in a digitally driven industrial landscape.

Sep 1, 2024

Recovery of tin and copper from concen trates containing cassiterite, stannite and chalcopyrite was studied in laboratory-scale tests designed to simulate continuous operation of the matte fuming process in which tin is recovered as SnS fume while copper accumulates in the matte. Charges made up of 300g of mixtures of the concentrate and siliceous flux were added at a uniform rate in pelletized form to crucibles containing 300g of matte and 50g of slag (both of which were recovered from previous tests), while blowing through the matte with air or oxygen-nitrogen mixtures at a rate of 3 to 5 1/min. Accurate material balances enabled the effects of process operating conditions on tin recovery and sulfur utilization to be deter- mined. When operated correctly, the matte fuming process gave tin recoveries exceeding 90 percent in spite of wide variations in the copper content of the matte and in the operat- ing conditions. Deterioration of tin recovery was associated with undersaturation of the slag with respect to silica, and with high partial pressure of sulfur dioxide (greater than approx- imately 0.2) brought about by oxygen enrichment of the blowing air. The utilization of sulfur varied widely in low grade mattes. Copper in excess of approx- imately 10% promoted formation of SO2 by the commonly accepted reaction: FeS + 1-120 2= FeO + S02 while in copper-free and lower grade mattes a substantial fraction of the oxygen was consumed in the alternative reaction FeS + i 02 = FeO + z S2.

Jan 1, 1980