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Fluid circulation occurs in oceanic crust of all ages, at the seafloor spreading axis, on mid-ocean ridge flanks, in the ocean basins, and in subduction zones. In the first three settings the fluid originates as seawater. At the axis and on the ridge flanks, the circulating seawater produces a major chemical exchange between the oceans and the crust. Based on heat budget constraints, between 10 and 40% of the river flux of Mg can be taken up during high-temperature alteration of the basaltic crust along the mid-ocean ridge axis. Most of the hydrothermal -heat loss, however, occurs on the mid-ocean ridge flanks, where the temperatures are lower and the seawater flux correspondingly larger. The estimated heat loss on the flanks is so large that upwelling must occur over a large fraction (5-30%) of the seafloor less than 65 Ma in age, at seepage velocities on the order of 10 to 100 cm/yr. The circulating seawater need lose less than 1 to 2% of its Mg content in order to solve the Mg mass balance for the oceans. Fluids in subduction zones are commonly less saline than seawater and are rich in methane and other light hydrocarbons. These fluids may originate by dewatering of the downgoing slab. If so, they may close the geochemical cycle of H2O that began with hydration of the basaltic crust at the ridge axis.

Jan 1, 1990

By McGuckin P. H, Logan A. S

The BHP Minerals' Cannington silver-lead-zinc deposit is located approximately 190 km south-east of Mount Isa. The deposit, is hosted by Proterozoic rocks beneath a thin cover of younger sediments, and contains a total estimated resource of 45.3 million tonnes at 11.1 per cent lead, 4.4 per cent zinc and 500 g/t silver. The deposit is separated by faulting to form a shallow, lower grade Northern Zone and a deeper, higher grade Southern Zone (Roche, 1994). Contract development of an exploration decline to test mineralisation in the Southern Zone commenced with the excavation of a boxcut in August 1993. The complex variably deformed Proterozoic sequence interpreted from drill core and intersected in the exploration decline has required a high level of practical rock mechanics input to achieve: ò appropriate support designs, ò a high quality of installation, and ò required development advance schedules. The Norwegian Tunnelling Index (Q System) in conjunction with regular face mapping is used as an operating tool to assist in decision making for ground support. Line mapping, discontinuity analysis and wedge assessments are conducted routinely to optimise ground support requirements in the decline, intersections and all other underground excavations. Throughout the project, an emphasis has been placed on developing a strong working relationship with the contractor to achieve quality assurance program targets.

Jan 1, 1995

By T Vizcarra, G Sandoval, C L. Evans

One of the challenges in the development of mineral processing simulators is modelling the liberation characteristics of particles produced by comminution circuits. Understanding the mineral characteristics of these particles is one of the keys to predicting their behaviour in separation circuits. While more fundamental research seeks to model the non-random breakage of ores this work examines whether we can move forward now by using observed characteristics of ores to model the composition of particles generated in comminution processes. Several researchers have noted the similarity of the liberation characteristics for a selected size fraction of particulate material, whether the fraction comes from a coarse material, such as the product from a jaw crusher, or a more finely ground material, such as the product from a ball mill. In most cases these observations were reported as an aside and were not the main focus of the published work. This observed behaviour has the potential to be a useful tool for modelling the particle characteristics in mineral comminution and separation circuits, particularly as we move towards the development of multi-component models. However, before the behaviour can be used widely we need to understand which ore types follow the observed pattern and which do not. The current work examines a range of ores and identifies which exhibit the pattern of similarity of composition for particles in a given size class that has been produced as the result of a variety of breakage conditions. The impact of mineralogy and texture on the evolution of liberation characteristics for both valuable and gangue minerals is discussed.

Jan 1, 2008

Prefeasibility planning and cost estimation of conveyor systems has historically been undertaken by comparing fi xed plant transport requirements to that of similar systems in service. This paper describes the development of a prefeasibility conveyor technical design and cost estimation application using Microsoft Excel Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) platform. The application tool known as D-Convey (Dachshund Convey) was developed with the goal enabling the end user: to develop a technical model for conceptualised conveyor systems, to perform economic analysis on the developed technical model, and to conduct a comparative and risk analysis. An Excel VBA based platform was utilised to draw upon both the analytical and graphical capabilities of a spreadsheet. Some of the features of D-Convey system include a revolutionary dynamic graphical help system, known as the 'information pane' in lieu of traditional help fi les as well as the use of familiar graphical user interface elements such as the MS Offi ce 2007 task ribbon. The D-Convey system incorporates material database allowing for mass handling prefeasibility estimation in other industries; it has been validated at a local quarry.

Dec 6, 2010

In the early 1950's, it was forecast that there would be, worldwide, a need for approximately sixty computers! Included in that estimate was provision for a considerable amount of geoscience modelling. Since 1950, the role and concept of the computer has changed. With that change has come alteration and adaptation within industry in order to better utilise the services and tools that computers can provide. For example the science of statistics prior to the computer was regarded as an intractible speciality. Computers have allowed the exploitation and further generation of statistical theory. In turn, as the science of statistics has become practical and relevant, the mineral geologist has moved from being essentially "a-numeric" to "non-numeric" to highly skilled in the application and use of very sophisticated statistical concepts. The modern computer provides the opportunity to perform many of the old practices more conveniently and/or economically and, perhaps more importantly, for exploration it provides- an enormous range of activities which previously would have been impossible. Such new activities allow for imaginative and creative application and extension of basic theory into practical situations, which when used by well trained, able people can open up new avenues of exploration. However, the use of such tools by poorly trained or incompetent people can lead to errors potentially as great as any success derived from the same tools. This paper reviews some applications of the computer to exploration, and attempts to discuss likely future developments.

Jan 1, 1987

ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE (MR. C. H. MARTIN) IN PRESENTING THE CERTIFICATE TO SIR MAURICE MAWBY, C.B.E.Members of The Institute, distinguished guests of which there are many, ladies and gentlemen, you are welcome. And might I add a special welcome to Lady Mawby and Lady Fisher and to Sir George's only son, Peter, who with his wife, Betty and one of Sir George's three daughters, Helen, are present this evening, and also to Sir Maurice's son, Colin, and Colin's wife, Jay, also in our company.The family presence must surely be a great source of pleasure and satisfaction to all those so intimately concerned.It is hardly necessary for me to state the sole and only reason for our presence here tonight, which is to confer on Sir George Fisher and Sir Maurice Mawby Honorary Membership of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and at the same time to acknowledge two people who have rendered great service to the mining industry, albeit tinged with sadness to all of us in the knowledge that from now on their influence may diminish. It is now my pleasure to introduce, although that is hardly necessary, Sir Maurice Mawby, the second member of the duo we honour here this evening, and whose contribution to the mining industry is also beyond assessment.

Jan 1, 1976

By Kurzeme M, Willoughby D. R

Current research at the CSIRO, Division of Applied Geomechanics, into the mode of response of fill as a structural component has been based on model tests for prediction of behaviour and field observation of critical parameters. The procedure is summarised in four stages: (a) define the specific fill function (b) postulate the mode of failure (c) use models to quantify the conditions (d) monitor critical parameters to check or update the analysis in (c). The above procedure is used to postulate the failure modes of each of the possible func- tions performed by fill materials. Analytical techniques, or lines of investigation, are described for each of these modes and specific reference is made, where, possible, to an exis- ting mine environment.

Jan 1, 1973

Recent and on-going studies on the leaching of gold, the properties and activity of carbon, developments in the elution of gold from carbon, and methods of recovering gold from solution are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on Australian contributions, and their impact on gold metallurgy. Consideration is given to the future development of selective solvent extractants, ion exchange resins or alternative reagents for cyanide.

Jan 1, 1987

By Cameron A

In recent years there have been significant developments in the tech- nology available for blast monitoring, analysis and simulation. Progress in these areas has been achieved through research conducted by explo- sives manufacturers and independent research groups from universities and mining companies. Miners are increasingly keen to exploit this tech- nology to help them design blasts which make optimum use of explo- sives to produce easily excavated muckpiles for the minimum possible cost. The art of blast design in the future will increasingly depend on an adequate understanding of the nature of the rock mass, the perfor- mance of explosives and the characteristics required of the muckpile to suit the chosen excavation machinery. Despite recent advances in blast simulation and the prediction of blasting performance, the best way to determine how a particular explosive will function relative to other explosives is to conduct properly designed and monitored field trials. This paper discusses recent work at Mount Thorley Colliery which demonstrates that field blasting trials can be monitored and analysed to provide quantitative data on the relative performance of bulk explosives. Techniques used in the trials included the sampling and analysis of explo- sives, insitu measurement of VOD, monitoring of near and far field vibra- tions, high speed and still photography and survey measurement of muckpiles. These techniques provided data for the analysis of throw, swell, fragmentation and burden movement together with data on the consistency and robustness of different explosive products. The blasting trials allowed both the shock and heave energy of various explosives to be observed in the field and led to the derivation of design rules for the use of differ- ent explosives at the mine.

Jan 1, 1988

By Freeman NV

The concept of an in stream analysis probe was developed at The Zinc Corporation (now Z.C. Mines) in the late 1960's and commercialised quite rapidly, by Phillips and then AMDEL, as an alternative to the established centralised systems (Courier, etc.). The developments which have taken place since that time are reviewed and current procedures and performance are described. An audit of the system, recently undertaken by AMDEL, has highlighted areas where improvements can be made. In 1988 the ISA system will become an integral part of a substantially upgraded process control system.

Jan 1, 1988

By I M. Platten, S C. Dominy

The evaluation of historical goldfields is currently topical, reflecting a high gold price, improvements in knowledge and technology. and lack of greenfield sites. Many goldfields comprise narrow gold-quartz veins which are structurally complex with an irregular distribution of gold; variable geometry and architecture; and display late deformational effects. The study of historical mine records can be an important tool during early and advanced project evaluation since it contributes to understanding the orebody, exploration target size and setting expectations. The historic Engineer Mine property is located 32 km west of Atlin, British Columbia on the east side of Tagish Lake. The economically important Engineer and Double Decker veins belong to a NNE-SSW vein set. These are narrow, commonly <2 m dilational veins with a minor sinistral strike component and of an epithermal type. Documented ore production between 1910 - 1952 is recorded as approximately 14 263 t at 39.4 g/t Au and 19.5 g/t Ag (for 18 000 oz Au and 8950 oz Ag). The underground workings consist of about 5500 m of tunnels, shafts, raises and stopes over eight levels. The mine is currently being re-evaluated. In 2011, an Inferred Mineral Resource of 41 000 t at 19 g/t Au for 25 000 oz Au (at a 5 g/t Au cut-off) was defined from historical data supported by modern drilling into the Engineer and Double Decker veins. A surface and underground bulk sampling and milling program was undertaken in 2011.CITATION:Dominy, S C and Platten, I M, 2012. Application of historical data to estimate a mineral resource at the Engineer gold mine, British Columbia, Canada, in Proceedings Narrow Vein Mining 2012 , pp 81-100 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Mar 26, 2012

By D Craw

A glasshouse experiment was set up to investigate arsenic uptake in rye corn grown in different arsenic rich substrates. Sods of material were taken from various locations and planted with rye corn seeds. The plants grew for 13 weeks after which time the above ground biomass was harvested. Analysis of the rye corn plants showed a narrow range of arsenic concentrations, which did not reflect the arsenic contents of the soil. Comparison of the results from this study with previous work showed the glasshouse rye corn to have lower arsenic concentrations in above ground biomass than rye corn grown in field conditions. The environmental conditions present on the tailings and water-rock interactions were considered the main factors involved with the difference in arsenic uptake between field studies and the glasshouse study. This suggests that bioavailability processes are influenced by a variety of factors and cannot necessarily be predicted by the use of soil factors or glasshouse trials alone as is often done when planning phytoremediation work and mine shut down.

Jan 1, 2007

The Olympic Dam copper-uranium-gold-silver deposit, located 520 km NNW of Adelaide, S.A. was discovered by Western Mining Corporation Ltd in 1975, and is now being developed as a joint venture between WMC (5107o) and the BP Group (4907o). The discovery of this deposit resulted from the application of a conceptual model for the formation of sediment-hosted copper deposits. This model postulated that the oxidation of basaltic rocks could release significant amounts of copper into solution and that, under favourable conditions, these solutions might pass upwards along faults, and the copper be precipitated in reduced- facies sediments higher in the sequence. The Stuart Shelf province was chosen for exploration because geological interpretation suggested the presence of suitable basal- tic source rocks at depth, and favourable host sedimentary rocks in the overlying sequence. The Olympic Dam site was selected for drill-testing because of the presence of coincident gravity and aeromagnetic anomalies suggesting the presence of basalts and/or mineralisation at depth. This site also had a favourable tectonic signature, indicating the presence of deep crustal structures which might have allowed fluid migration.

Jan 1, 1988

By D Sidea

There has been increased focus in Australia on large diameter raise boring for ventilation shafts and orepass excavation in good quality, brittle, highly stressed rock. As mining in many parts of Australia progresses to deeper levels, more vertical openings are being excavated in highly stressed ground conditions. However, whilst shafts have been successfully raise bored in highly stressed rock, it is often at a significantly increased risk of loss or damage to inhole equipment. It is important for both mine owners and contractors to have an appreciation of these risks at the planning and tendering phases of raise boring contracts. This paper provides an understanding of the risks associated with large diameter raise boring and a review of methods to predict failure in highly stressed rock.

Jan 1, 2005

By T Weldon

In the last 15 years, it has become increasingly popular to win gold and silver from carbon strip solutions with electrolytic æsludgeÆ cells. The precious metal sludges produced in the cells are washed to the cell bottom and pumped into filters. Most new operations are specifying sludging cells, and many older operations are being retrofitted with up-to-date electrolytic sludge cells and filters. The new sludging cells are generally more energy efficient than older cells, but more importantly, the cell operations to remove product are much less labour intensive, cleaner, and the operator need not have physical contact with the electrolytically produced metal. A case study of a major North American gold producer (50 000 kg/yr) that removed old style stainless steel wool cathode cells and installed new sludging cells and sludge filters is presented. The effect of various impurities is discussed.

Jan 1, 2005

By J Arif, J Proffett

Copper and gold mineralisation at Batu Hijau is directly related to quartz veining and wall rock alteration that developed in close spatial and temporal association with multiple tonalite porphyry intrusions. To its advantage with respect to the study and better understanding of the evolution of the porphyry system, Batu Hijau has comparatively minor late alteration and mineralisation overprints. This paper summarises results of detailed geological logging, petrographic studies and geochemical analyses of diamond drill cores from the deeper sections of the Batu Hijau porphyry system (ie its roots). An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation.

Jan 1, 2008

By I Arburthnot, N Lawler, C Loan

The function of a thickener is to optimise and accelerate the process of gravity sedimentation. The desired end product (be that maximised concentrated solids or clarified liquid) determines how the thickener is designed and operated.Significant internal research, together with extensive on-site piloting, by Outotec has resulted in the determination that the application of the appropriate amount and type of shear to hindered settling aggregates can result in a substantial change to the sedimentation process. A new patented technology, called shear enhanced thickening (SET), has been developed. SET results in considerable design implications for full-scale thickeners, including a substantial reduction in required footprint and/or significant increases in underflow density.The development of SET, combined with laboratory and pilot scale verification, will be discussed along with the introduction of this technology to a number of full-scale thickeners. The associated implications and benefits for industrial thickeners are outlined.CITATION:Loan, C, Lawler, N and Arburthnot, I, 2012. Industrial scale results from shear enhanced thickening technology, in Proceedings 11th AusIMM Mill OperatorsÆ Conference, pp 341-346 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Oct 29, 2012

The technology of coal preparation, while based on similar processes to those in common useage in the 1950s, has improved significantly over the past 15 years primarily due to advances in process control. This technology at least offers the potential for most coal preparation unit operations to be optimised to a considerable degree. However, to maximise the overall yield of an operation from pit to port, factors often outside of the control of the preparation plant operator have a dominant effect. Specific factors include an in depth knowledge of the feed characteristics of the various sources of coal, the detailed mine scheduling to provide an appropriate blend to the plant, and the interim handling and stockpiling processes between the mine face and the customer.This paper summarises the criteria for optimising the yield for a variety of mining, processing and stockpiling options, based on the principle of operating at constant incremental ash. Pragmatic operating assumptions such as extension of the principle to operating at a constant density for gravity operations will be discussed. A means of optimising the compromise between maintaining specification product ash to the customer and maximising yield by always washing at constant incremental ash, without the benefit of a homogenised feed, will also be Presented.

Jan 1, 1992

By Klinefelter G

The United States Steel Mining Co., Inc. recently experienced a major mine fire at the Cumberland Mine. This mine is located in Greene County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and is mining a high volatile bituminous coal seam (Pittsburgh Seam). The mine fire was success- fully controlled and extinguished without loss of life or serious injury to any miner or mine rescue personnel and finally reopened within 40 days of its inception.

Jan 1, 1988

By L Torckler, J Hobbins

Favona is a blind low-sulfidation epithermal vein deposit in the Waihi Vein System approximately two kilometres east of the world class Martha Hill deposit that has produced nearly 6.8 M oz Au to date. The Favona epithermal system has surface expression in variously altered and mineralised hydrothermal eruption breccias forming a series of low hills that are windows through post mineral dacites and ignimbrites. The tip line of the Favona vein is about 50 û 100 m below surface with a steeply east dipping principal vein structure carrying numerous hanging wall splays in the upper flatter section and thickening down dip where the vein steepens. Host rocks comprise feldspar phyric andesite flows with minor pyroclastics. Although Favona has a strike length in excess of 1000 m and vein widths up to 25 m over a vertical range in excess of 400 m it was only recently discovered after nearly thirty years of exploration by various companies involved in the Martha Hill joint venture that operates the Martha Mine. Since discovery in 2001 a feasibility study based on 27.5 km of diamond drilling in 83 holes has been completed reporting a reserve of 1 Mt @ 10 g/t Au against a resource of 1.8 Mt @ 10.3 g/t Au. Exploration is continuing with a further 20.5km of diamond drilling completed to date on nearby prospects.

Jan 1, 2004