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Estimation of operating costs in the nickel production industry requires a detailed analysis of material flows from mine to smelter to refinery. Despite the small number of nickel producers compared to other base metals, the existence of two very different ore types (sulphide and laterite) and a wide variety of mining and processing technologies make the identification of these flows of critical importance if an accurate global picture is to be obtained. Smelting and refining processes in nickel metallurgy have evolved with a high degree of adaptation to specific operating conditions in different locations. Overall costs are calculated by combining individual cost elements for each unit in production chains from mine to saleable metal product. The average cost of western world primary nickel production in 1995 was US$2.07/lb ($4560/tonne). Average operating costs remained virtually unchanged in the three years to 1995 after an 8.5 per cent fall in 1993, but a 3.9 per cent increase to $2.15/lb is expected for 1996. A major factor in this rise results from the lower prices of copper and cobalt this year, reducing the by-product credits available to major producers.

Jan 1, 1996

By M Monaghan, B S. Gregory

The Geita Gold Mine is located 80 km southwest of the town of Mwanza in the north-west of Tanzania and is 100 per cent owned by AngloGold Ashanti Limited. Open pit mining commenced at Geita in 2000. In 2011, the operation produced 494 000 oz at a cash cost of US$536/oz. This is a significant improvement from 2008, when 264 000 oz were produced at a cash cost of US$742/oz.A period of relatively poor operating performance at Geita was recorded over the period from 2006 to 2009. A period known at Geita as æthe turnaroundÆ commenced in 2009, and has been remarkable to say the least. Over the last couple of years the mine has embarked on a journey, which saw various interventions and initiatives. Among the key initiatives were Project ONE (which focuses on business process framework, systems for people and safety transformation), asset integrity, fatigue management and contract mining of satellite pits.Since the commencement of the turnaround at Geita, gold production has matched market guidance. The mine has returned to positive cash flow on the basis of strong performance on cash management, improved production and increased gold price.This paper explains some of the details of the mine operationsÆ improvements, how they were implemented, their relative contributions to improved mining performance and the path ahead to best practice. Observations will be made about some improvement rules that can be applied generally in open pit mining.CITATION:Gregory, B S and Monaghan, M, 2012. The path to best practice at Geita Gold Mine, in Proceedings Eighth Open Pit OperatorsÆ Conference , pp 41-48 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 18, 2012

THE alkaline method for the estimation of zinc cannot, in the writer's opinion, be relied. upon to within very narrow limits between two assayers on unknown quantities of zinc. The end point is not decisive enough, and allows the personal factor toenter largely into the assay. The following investigation was undertaken to see how accurate the acid method is on Broken Hill concentrates and ores, and what should be the limit between the results of two assayers. The method adopted is as follows:Weigh sufficient amount of ore to give titration (between 20 and 50 cc.), place in tall 400 cc. beaker, cover, add 7 cc. nitric acid and heat till brown fumes cease to be evolved. Wash dock glass into assay, add potassium chlorate, evaporate to dryness on a slow fire with the beaker uncovered. When no smell of chlorine or nitric acid is observed, remove and cool. Add 100 cc. boiling water, then 7 grm. ammonium chloride, W cc. ammonia (.880 sp. gr.), boil for five minutes, filter, wash...

Jan 1, 1911

By S Dorrington, J Olsen, N Kinkaid

Several studies have been conducted on the economic analysis of mining near-Earth asteroids for resources for use in Earth orbit. While these studies use detailed economic figures of merit, they often use many invalid assumptions in the trajectory design. Factors such as the energy and propellant requirements are estimated with analytic methods, however, the stay-time at the asteroid and the spacing of repeated launch opportunities are not taken into account. The work outlined in this paper attempts to combine detailed trajectory design methods with newly defined economic figures of merit to improve the economic assessment of asteroid mining missions. The study focuses on asteroid 2014 EK24, a near-Earth asteroid with very Earth-similar orbital properties.CITATION:Dorrington, S, Kinkaid, N and Olsen, J, 2015. Trajectory design and economic analysis of asteroid mining missions to asteroid 2014 EK24, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 281–288 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

Gold mineralization belt of eastern China in the adjacent part of the northwestern Pacific rim is orientated NE to NNE and as-sociated with Mesozoic faults and igneous intrusives and Mesozoic to Cenozoic volcanism and subvolcanism extending more than 3000 km in length and 300 to 800 kni in width affected by the movement from the Pacific Plate subducted against the Asian Plate.The relative movement between the Pacific and the Asian plates give rise to two types of fracture zones, the tensional ones providing the space for the formation of fissure-filling type of auriferous quartz veins and the shear zones providing the space for the formation of hydrothermal replacement type of gold de-posits in Shandong Peninsula. The fissure filling type of quartz vein, is represented by Linglong gold deposit which is hosted in Mesozoic Linglong Granite and consists of hundreds of quartz veins filling fractures trending NE to NNE and the hydrothermal replacement type is represented by Sanshandao gold deposit which is hosted in crushed and hydrothermally altered Mesozoic Linglong Granite in contact with Archaean metamorphic complex of Jiaodong Group along a Mesozoic upthust fault zone trending NE.

Jan 1, 1990

By S Davidge, J Pile, R Schumann, E Kepe, W Stewart, M Ridd, B Rathi

Geographical constraints, including steep terrain and high rainfall, at the Ok Tedi copper-gold mine in PNG’s Western Province present Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) with significant challenges in mine waste management. Waste management includes discharge of tailings into the local river system and storage of waste rock from the mine pit in waste rock dumps which erode into the river system. Copper bearing skarn mineralisation is associated with a massive sulfide (mainly pyrite) deposit. Consequently, waste rock and tailings can contain significant amounts of pyrite. Without appropriate management, these waste streams represent a risk of producing acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD) when discharged to the river system. Throughout the life of the project, OTML have developed evolving strategies to manage mine wastes and mitigate AMD.

Aug 2, 2023

Traditional techniques for extracting pillars in thick underground coal seams in India are reviewed. Problems encountered are principally control of roof strata and low recovery. Recently developed mechanized methods and projected newer techniques are discussed.

Jan 1, 1986

This paper is intended to continue the subject in the light of recent work, from where it was left at the conclusion of the discussion on the excellent paper by the late Mr. Noel Haszard. The position then obtaining is briefly summarised below:-The points which received general agreement at that time were:-'(1) That the gold occurs, probably in an elemental form, in a state of very fine division in the pyrite.(2) That the aim in roasting of Kalgoorlie flotation concentrates should be to obtain the maximum porosity possible. The gold tellurides were amenable to treatment with either a' solution of high lime and cyanide strength combined with fine grinding, or bybromocyanidation without re-grinding.(3) That a low roasting temperature is essential during the elimination of the first atom of sulphur, if the final calcine is to give a good extraction by cyanidation.(4) Even with the best temperature conditions of roasting then determined, and after a period of cyanidation of the calcines until no further extraction was obtainable, the lowest calcine residues obtainable were equivalent to approximately 1·8 dwts. per long ton, based on an original concentrate of pure pyrite.There was some division of opinion at the time as to whether the temperature of the later stages of roasting was significant, and also as to the reason why the initial roasting temperatures had so marked an effect.

Jan 1, 1939

By V Pere

A geotechnical data management system has been developed to manage drillhole and mapping data generated from in house and consultant administered field programs. This system comprises a data collection interface with integrated validation, processing and reporting functionality. Development of the database required careful consideration of how and what geotechnical information is gathered in the field, a clear understanding of the interdependency of the parameters, and the outputs required to support geotechnical design.The acQuire Geoscientific Information Management System was selected as the preferred software to support the process because of its ability to easily manage data from capture in the field through to quality reviews and ultimately into reports. Initially only geotechnical logging of diamond core was considered, subsequently the system has been expanded to support additional geotechnical data sources such as laboratory test results, traverse and window mapping data. This paper focuses on the core logging data acquisition, validation, analysis and presentation of data.The acQuire Geoscientific Information Management System has proven to be a robust platform for the capture, interrogation, and reporting of geotechnical data. Data entry objects have been created to manage seven different areas of geotechnical data collection ranging from core logging to mapping to automated reports for falls of ground.

Aug 22, 2011

By O C. Aitken

Mining project developers are committed to taking on all the challenges and obligations of financial risk management. It is interesting that our current models of project finance have not changed markedly in principle for some 700 years, yet the rules which prepare the way for effective project assessment and subsequent loan management still do not seem to be well understood by project or corporate developers. Probability and gravity fill the opposing trays of the golden balance of financial risk. Understanding the relationship between these opposing, but intimately related elements is critically important for successful risk management. It is important to move beyond the qualitative approach and use quantitative methodologies to measure the financial impact of the occurrence of each major risk. We live in a world where the only constant is change and thus it is not surprising that a bankerÆs life is still governed by assessing, measuring and pricing risk. Banks are attracted to funding well managed companies with strong cash flow projects. But we are more risk averse compared with the credit appetites of late last century. This attitudinal shift has resulted in tougher term sheets for the early 21st century, encompassing more conditions, warranties, undertakings and stronger cash sweep provisions. Banks require well balanced portfolios to achieve an acceptable spread of risk, thus there is a more restricted market for small company lending than that available to large multi-project corporate entities with less concentrated risk profiles. Because of this focus, junior company debt finance remains comparatively expensive and especially so for more challenging geographical and political environments.

Jan 1, 2004

Mining has long been an important activity for the people of Australia. The Aboriginals used rocks and minerals in their culture many thousand years before European settlement. It was not until 1840 that silver-lead ore was discovered in the Mount Lofty Ranges, and developed as Australia's first metalliferous mine.

Jan 1, 1995

By Rogers R, Kinnane T

In a typical open cast mining operation, investigation of how existing truck performance compares with the highest achievable truck performance is largely neglected. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a computerised system that will provide a systematic method for comparing existing truck operational performance to the highest performance considered achievable. Through analyses of existing versus achievable performances, various inefficiencies associated with truck operations can be identified. These inefficiencies could occur due to machine configurations, haul route design and conditions or operator skill level. Remedial action should then be taken in a timely fashion to better manage these factors and to ensure the fleet is always operating at its peak efficiency.

Jan 1, 1994

The sucessful use of sewage sludge in land rehabilitation has been established and there is an abundance of overseas information on sludge reuse. Unfortunately Australia is behind Europe and North America in establishing sludge reuse policies and regulations. In Victoria the EPA has no publicised regulations and no communicated policy for sludge reuse. In the absence of sound regulations the onus is firmly on the operators of sewage treatment works to ensure land application of sludge is safe for the environment.

Jan 1, 1992

By P D. Munro

"This is a reprise of the paper ‘Back to the Future – Why Change Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Progress’ presented to the Tenth Mill Operators’ Conference in 2009. It was observed that the ‘boom and bust’ cycles of the industry, together with trends in tertiary education and the effects of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) operations raised serious questions about the sustainability of human capital in the mineral processing sector.In 2016 we find ourselves in a ‘bust’ after enjoying a decade of the longest commodity price ‘boom’ in a century. In the ‘boom’ did we:make any technological breakthroughs?put measures in place to improve our human capital, especially in the area of ‘professional formation’?The paper makes observations on the current performance of mineral processing engineers and the organisational milieu in which they operate. It questions whether mineral processing engineers are actually ‘adding value’ at some sites given their organisational and operational practices.Some technical trends are examined and what it might mean for mineral processing engineers.Given the above and demographic trends for mineral industry professionals, changes to the seemingly current laissez-faire model of professional development are proposed.Citation:Munro, P D, 2016. Back to the Future - Still on the Dark Side, in Proceedings 13th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2016, pp 341–348 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Oct 10, 2016

BHP Billiton Olympic Dam produces copper cathode, uranium oxide concentrate and refined gold and silver. The operation is comprised of an underground Mine and Processing Plant and is located 560 km north of Adelaide. Water for the operation is sourced from two wellfields located 120 and 200 km from the operation in the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) at a rate of approximately 36 ML/d. Regulatory drawdown limits were established to protect regional GAB springs and are monitored at compliance bores. Drawdown was predicted in the æOlympic Dam Environmental Impact StudyÆ (Kinhill, 1997); however, pumping at higher volumes may have the potential for increased drawdown resulting in a trend towards the compliance limits. In recent years increased usage of water in the Concentrator and Hydromet sections of the Processing Plant has caused excess process water reporting to the Tailings Retention System (TRS). This has resulted in excessive amounts of liquor ponding on the tailings cells with a potential impact being contamination due to seepage of liquor to groundwater. Effective management of water by the operation is necessary to both reduce GAB drawdown and reduce the amount of liquor on the tailings cells. A site working-group has been established to investigate and pursue opportunities to improve the water use efficiency of the operation. This paper will highlight the issue of water management at Olympic Dam and discuss the various options currently being investigated to improve management of this important resource.

Jan 1, 2006

Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (B.O.S.) commenced in Australia in December, 1962. Two 200-ton furnaces were installed initially at Newcastle with a 50-ton furnace coupled to a continuous casting machine added in 1967. In 1965, two 100-ton furnaces were installed at Whyalla plant and two 225-ton furnaces are nearing com- pletion at Port Kembla to commence oper- ations in 1972. Plant layouts in each centre differ due to changing circumstance and increasing knowledge of the B.O.S. process since 1962. Raw materials are a most important factor for good operation of the process. Most materials come from within Australia but some are imported. General operating practices are similar in each plant, although treatment of fume at Port Kembla will be by the OG (Oxygen Converter Gas Recovery) Process as against electrostatic precipitators in Newcastle and Whyalla. Special alloy steels as well as plain carbon steels can be made by the B.O.S. process. Production potential of the process in Australia has yet to be fully utilised with 45 per cent of steel production coming from B.O.S. In 1971.

Jan 1, 1972

The need for formalised geotechnical reporting has not been fully explored at many operations. With the continuing need to provide safer and more efficient workplaces, the requirement for good geotechnical reporting systems (as with other reporting systems) has become of greater importance.Historically, the risk from rockfalls has been the largest cause of fatal injuries in the underground mining industry. The response of the ground to mining is generally poorly documented at many mines. At Olympic Dam, it was found that the existing corporate hazard and incident reporting (HIR) procedure did not record enough specifics about geotechnical issues. A separate and more specific geotechnical reporting process was set up to address this problem.This paper examines the role that geotechnical reporting plays at the WMC Resources Olympic Dam Mine; from reporting and rectifying day-to-day geotechnical issues that affect the operation to documenting and analysing longer term trends.

Jan 1, 2004

By S W. Houlding

The Certificate in Mining Studies program at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada is a collaborative initiative between mining schools and industry to provide accessible, cost-effective, accredited continuing education and training, designed to address the future needs of the global mining community. Content is provided by industry specialists and delivered through an integration of online learning, short courses and interactive webcasts. Accreditation is provided by a network of mining schools. In 2011, the program will deliver close to 100 short courses and interactive webcasts and provide 24/7 access to more than 130 online courses in six mining streams, to participants from as far afield as Tanzania, Argentina and Mongolia. The program is proving adaptable to corporate and mine site engineer-in-training and graduate-development programs, as well as providing accessible professional development opportunities for individuals. It also provides opportunities for cross-training from other disciplines and integration with mining school curricula.

Nov 22, 2011

The Pongkor Gold Mine employs 678 staff. The mine is owned by the Indonesian state company PT Antam Tbk and is located 100 kilometres south west of Jakarta, in Java, Indonesia. Mine and infrastructure development started in 1992 following intensive geological exploration over 15 years. First gold production was in June 1994. The mine comprises three main orebodies: Ciguha, which is nearly mined out, dips at 75¦ from surface to 150 m. Kubang Cicau, dipping at 80¦ from surface to 230 m, and averages 3.5 metres thick at a grade of 10 g/t Au and 128 g/t Ag; and Ciurug, dipping at 60¦ from surface to 300 m and averages eight metres thick at a grade of 14 g/t Au and 172 g/t Ag. Present global ore reserves are 4.6 million tons at a grade of 12.3 g/t Au and 133.6 g/t Ag. Exploration is continuing for new veins. Initial mining was by manual cut and hydraulic fill at Ciguha, followed by Kubang Cicau. In 1996, it was proposed to convert Ciurug to a mechanised cut and fill operation. Two single boom jumbos and three load-haul-dumps (LHDs) were purchased with the assistance of a gold loan from NM Rothschild and Sons. Implementation of this upgrade was delayed by both a national economic crisis and an invasion of the concession by illegal miners. It was not until May 1999 that raise bore vent rises and access drift infrastructure commenced. Major underground development started in 2000 and is continuing. Production cut and waste fill stoping started in July 2001. The change from manual to mechanised methods has required a total change in work practices and attitudes. However, the process has resulted in a production increase from 600 tpd to 1200 tpd. A three-month compliance test (a condition of the financing loan) was successfully completed, from July to September 2001, with an average production of 700 tpd at Ciurug and 500 tpd from Kubang Cicau.

Jan 1, 2002

In recent years, the. art of electric steelmaking has received a great deal of attention, and naturally, much controversy has existed from time to time regarding the relative merits of different practices and tywes of furnaces. Nevertheless, at the present time, the basic principles of the process are reasonably well established, and by far the greatest percentage of electric steel is a product of the basic lined, direct arc type furnace. Ferro alloy manufacture has demanded the development of furnaces having very different characteristics to those used for steel. Some special alloys, however, require conditions of manufacture which are more closely approached in the steel type furnace, and thus the latter has been adapted where necessary for the production of these alloys.One such alloy, low carbon ferro-manganese, is manufactured at Whyalla, South Australia, in a basic-lined, direct arc furnace, which is used alternatively for the production of alloy steels.BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ELECTRIC FURNACEThe principle of melting by electricity was first applied to the melting of iron in 1879 by William von Siemens, whose equipment consisted of a small crucible into which were introduced two carbon electrodes. Very little practical development took place in the next 20 years, although in 1890 a Frenchman named Heroult designed a direct arc furnace for the production of ferro alloys. At the beginning of the 20th century, several types of furnaces were patented for steel melting, the most important of these being the Heroult, using a direct arc, the...

Jan 1, 1951