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By U König

The use of high speed detectors made X-ray diffraction (XRD) an important tool for quality and process control in the mining industries. Besides knowledge about the mineralogy of a sample it provides useful information in terms of quantification of the crystalline phases and the amorphous content. Cluster analysis of XRD data can facilitate multi-dimensional mapping of ore deposits and drill cores, identifying regions of favourable mineral compositions. The studies of this paper demonstrate how XRD and data clustering can be used for grade control, process optimisation and quality control of iron ores and iron ore sinters. These new developments have an enormous potential as an inexpensive, reliable tool, useful in the characterisation of iron and sinter materials implemented in an industrial environment.

Jul 11, 2011

By Nakahiro Y, Wakamatsu T

In the present study, from experimental results, a new concept of possibility of flotation separation of quartz from feldspar is presented. The effect of the nonionic surfactant Brij 58 on the flotation behaviour of quartz and feldspar has been investigated. The effect of the surfactant adsorption at the solid-liquid interface was also studied. The results demonstrate that maximum flotability of quartz occurred at low concentration of surfactant. Feldspar is not collected by this surfactant. Flotation tests with feldspar that had previously been subjected to leaching by hydrochloric acid yielded similar flotation response as that of quartz. The effect of removal of alkali cations from feldspar surface on its flotability was investigated. The effects of inorganic and organic additives on the flotation recovery of quartz are discussed in terms of the slating-out or salting-in properties of these additives. KEYWORDS: Alkyl polyoxyethylene; feldspar; flotation; nonionic surfactant; quartz; salting-in; salting-out; separation; silanol groups.

Jan 1, 1993

By N Bianco, D Drinkwater

The professional skills shortage is intensifying, and commentators are predicting a shortfall in supply of qualified professionals for the mining industry, ranging from thousands to tens-of-thousands by 2020 (Tuckwell, 2011; Scoble, 2011; Laurence and Hebblewhite, 2011). Human resources are already stretched, and university graduates arriving in the workplace are often moved rapidly into management positions where there is limited scope to develop their engineering proficiency. This process may well be developing excellent young managers, but our industry is producing fewer excellent young engineers (Munro and Tilyard, 2009). Many believe that it is engineering excellence that is likely to be the key to our industryÆs success in the decade to come. An innovative in-house graduate development program has been created by specialists at the JK Centre in partnership with two mining companies. This program, known as MetSkill«, has been running throughout 2012. Groups of graduates have had to identify a process plant optimisation opportunity and embark on a structured program of data collection and analysis, facilitated by a æteaching teamÆ of researchers and consultants from the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) and JKTech. This group project culminates in a report-back session to senior company officials. Along the way, a series of short workshops and other activities provide opportunities to work on specialist skills, and support is also offered by senior technical specialists from the companies involved.This paper outlines key features of the MetSkill« program, along with a report-card on progress in 2012 and plans for further program development in 2013.CITATION:Drinkwater, D and Bianco, N, 2012. Developing minerals industry leaders by encouraging metallurgical excellence, in Proceedings 11th AusIMM Mill OperatorsÆ Conference, pp 287-290 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Oct 29, 2012

The OK orebody comprises a steep dipping narrow quartz reef averaging 0.4 m in width hosted in basalt and gabbro with porphyry bars cross-cutting through it. The following paper tracks the mining of this orebody, challenges encountered, measures undertaken to address these challenges and changes in mining conditions and methods as the mine matured in both depth and age. The initial mining method was narrow vein hand held shrink stoping accessed by shaft, that over the period of the mines life was superseded by gallery stoping, shrink stoping and ultimately mechanised narrow vein long hole sublevel open stoping. The reasoning behind the change in mining methods is detailed, including safety and cost benefits. The transition presented many challenges that were overcome, resulting in the successful development of a narrow vein long hole stoping method. The lessons learnt during the transition period and the practices and principles developed for successful mining of narrow vein orebodies using long-hole open stoping methods are summarised in this paper. The final section of the paper takes a retrospective view of how the knowledge gained through the mining of the OK orebody would be applied to a new mine containing an orebody of this type, with consideration given to the initial excavation design, equipment selection, mining sequence, geotechnical investigations and mining method used.

Jan 1, 1998

The 1999 edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Identified Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the æJORC CodeÆ) became effective in September 1999 and is the latest revision of a Code which was originally issued in 1989, but which has an ancestry dating back to the first JORC report released in 1972. The modifications introduced in 1999, which are briefly discussed in this paper, substantially improved the document, but did not materially alter the fundamentals of the Code, these being the Mineral Resource/Ore Reserve classification framework and terminology, and the requirements and guidelines for public reporting of Resources and Reserves. Codes or guides similar to the JORC Code exist or are under development in other countries, including the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa. It is pleasing to note that the 1999 JORC Code has been used as a model by these countries in developing their latest standards, and has been a major influence in the formulating of international reporting standards. The JORC Code is primarily a document covering the reporting of the results of mining companiesÆ activities to the public. However, mining geologists are interested in practical assistance and guidance in carrying out their duties. The JORC Code provides this in four ways. It establishes a framework within which those preparing and publicly reporting Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates must operate, by setting standards for the classification and reporting of Resources and Reserves and for qualifications of Competent Persons. It establishes the division of responsibility between the companyÆs Board of Directors and Competent Persons with respect to the preparation and reporting of Resources and Reserves, and empowers Competent Persons to materially influence how their Resource/Reserve estimates are reported to the public. It provides an extensive, detailed and practical check list of criteria to be taken into account in the preparation of Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates. Finally, it provides a strong measure of due diligence protection in the event of litigation if it is followed with diligence and honesty.

Jan 1, 2000

The development and distribution of gold placers in Otago û Southland is related primarily to the evolution and architecture of three distinctly different drainage networks that developed during and since Gondwana breakup: +        Late-Gondwana û Pre-marine; +        Middle Tertiary Post-marine; and +        Modern. Late Gondwana û Pre-marine drainage was dominantly recti-linear and controlled by normal faults and sedimentary basins formed before or during Gondwana breakup. Placers formed dominantly in 2nd order transverse drainages with primary sources in their catchments. This drainage network was progressively destroyed by inundation and burial by marine strata during Late Cretaceous û Middle Tertiary marine transgression that ultimately covered most of New Zealand. Middle Tertiary Post-marine drainage evolved on and incised the newly emergent low-relief landscape during regional marine regression driven by development of the present plate boundary through South Island. Most of Central Otago was drained into Southland and to the southern coast via a large braided river system with an extensive network of tributaries in its Central Otago reach. East Otago was drained by several smaller systems. Placers formed dominantly in proximal and medial reaches of 1st and 2nd order drainages with primary or pre-existing placers in their catchments. This drainage network was destroyed by inundation and burial of the Central Otago reach of the major system by lacustrine strata following tectonic damning of its middle reach by range uplift and development of a lake complex that covered >5000km2 of Central Otago. The Modern drainage network evolved from the Middle Tertiary network through complex response, firstly to uplift of NW-trending and NE-trending ranges throughout the region since the Late Miocene, and secondly to the effects of major Pleistocene glacial advances in West Otago. Placers formed in alluvial fans at range margins, proximal and medial pre-glacial fluvial systems and glacial outwash sequences. Evolution of each of these drainage networks has been accompanied by widespread sedimentary recycling of alluvial gold from older to younger placers, augmented locally by input of first-cycle gold derived from erosion of primary sources in the repeatedly exhumed basement rocks.

Jan 1, 2006

By J Hadjigeorgiou

Narrow vein mining, as most types of mining, faces important geotechnical challenges. The specificity of geotechnical challenges in narrow vein mines stems from the nature of the deposits, which are often inclined, discordant and found within fractured rock or faults or in shear zones within country rock. This complicates the construction of representative geomechanical models and limits the applicability of several engineering design tools. Furthermore, in certain cases, the severity of encountered geotechnical problems is considerably greater in narrow vein than in wider orebodies. This paper provides an overview of geotechnical and other challenges in narrow vein mines with a focus on how these are currently addressed. Of particular concern is the use of manual labour working close to the mining face where there is greater exposure to geomechanical hazards. This review concludes with a particular emphasis on understanding the limitations of commonly used engineering tools and techniques to address geotechnical problems in narrow vein mines.CITATION:Hadjigeorgiou, J, 2012. Geotechnical challenges in narrow vein mining, in Proceedings Narrow Vein Mining 2012 , pp 15-22 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Mar 26, 2012

By C Vejrazka1

The occurrence of airblasts is one of the principal mining hazards in caving operations between the time of cave establishment and breakthrough of the cave to surface. As such, it needs to be managed continuously and risk assessments need to be reviewed on a regular basis for applicability to changing conditions. The likelihood of an airblast occurring is based on a range of geotechnical factors over some of which engineers on-site only have limited control. However, the impact of an airblast to the underground mine, if it does occur, can be managed by following established safety guidelines for the production from the cave.This paper outlines how the Caving Airblast Simulation Tool in Ventsim was used to determine a risk management strategy for a sublevel and a block cave at a mining operation in Australia. The block cave has a footprint of 14 500 m2 with the extraction level located 1250 m below surface while the sublevel cave currently has a footprint of around 18 000 m2 operating between 660 m and 800 m below surface. Both caves are currently in their early operational periods. The risk analysis provided valuable information for the production planning of the caves including confirmation of extraction ratios for the block cave undercut, locations of airblast walls and maximum allowable air gaps for different muck pile heights to ensure safe operation is achieved.

Oct 12, 2022

By X Zheng, P Manton

Pebble recycle crushing circuit performance at Telfer has historically fallen significantly short of the design product P80 of 12 mm. An investigation was undertaken to evaluate the current pebble crusher circuit performance, quantify the optimum performance achievable with the existing circuit and examine the impact of pebble crusher performance on the overall grinding circuit throughput. The primary objective of this investigation was to develop an operating strategy that could consistently deliver the finest possible pebble crusher product to maximise the overall plant throughput.The pebble crusher specific energy (Wc) was proposed as a key control variable for pebble crusher operation based on the results of plant survey work. Over the range of pebble crusher specific energies encountered at Telfer, a strong linear relationship was found to exist between Wc and the crusher product size. This direct linear relationship between specific energy and crusher product size remained constant regardless of how the change in specific energy was generated, ie through changes to the crusher closed side setting (CSS), feed rate, liner profile or moisture content. Key findings for the Telfer pebble crushing circuit were: each 0.1 kWh/t change in Wc resulted in a 4.9 per cent to 6.0 per cent change in plant throughput, each 1 mm change in pebble crusher CSS resulted in a 2.2 per cent to 2.6 per cent change in plant throughput, and 0.57 tonne of new feed was displaced for each tonne of crushed pebbles recycled to the semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill. The presence of an existing 3000 tonne pebble stockpile between the SAG mill and pebble crushers provides an opportunity to manipulate the feed rate to the pebble crushers independently of the SAG mill pebble production rate. This flexibility, along with excess pebble crushing capacity, enables the pebble crusher specific energy to be maximised the majority of the time. Pebble crusher specific energy has subsequently been incorporated as an online crusher control measure to assist in maximising plant throughput.

Jan 1, 2009

By B Maybee, L Fava, D Millar

In the context of a case study for an underground gold mine, the value generated by a schedule optimisation tool (SOT) is assessed. SOT is a software tool for underground mine planning that maximises the net present value (NPV) of a development and production schedule. A baseline study measures the NPV of a schedule generated by SOT from a sequence prepared by the site mine planners. Operational resource constraints and precedence constraints are adhered to by the schedule and NPV is evaluated with a financial model including revenues, costs and discount rate, as specified by the mine planner.The case study has several facets in addition to the baselining component. Scenarios were conducted that examined the degree of constraint on operational resources, the projected gold price and unit costs. Life-of-mine schedules subject to optimisation using SOT allowed for equitable comparisons.Haulage was identified as a dominant constraint for the mine. It was one of six operational resources that were used to constrain the optimisation of the mine schedule, with alternative levels for some of these constraints being identified so that their effects on the NPV could be studied. Alternative price projections for gold and different cost projections were identified and their effects on the optimised schedule examined. Price and cost scenarios that brought additional economic material into the schedule at various times in the mine life were considered in comparison to a scenario that assumed no additional economic material would become available.This case study illustrated that the use of a schedule optimisation tool to optimise mine schedules provides mine planners with an ability to perform a wide variety of analyses in a relatively short period of time. Such tools thereby support strategic decision-making that can add significant value to an orebody.The case study demonstrates that by fixing the set of development and production activities to be carried out before optimising the life-of-mine schedule, the mine planners can inadvertently set up a situation where the NPV would be progressively eroded in the last several years of the mine life. This clearly illustrates the need for schedule optimisation to be integrated with life-of-mine planning.CITATION:Fava, L, Maybee, B and Millar, D, 2012. Decision support for an underground gold mining operation - A case study using the schedule optimisation tool, in Proceedings Project Evaluation 2012 , pp 41-48 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 24, 2012

By D Craw, P V. Angus

Gold mineralisation at Macraes occurs as late quartz-carbonate veins within a body of sheared and hydrothermally altered Otago Schist, the Intrashear Schist. The alteration is characterised by the presence of rutile and the absence of epidote and titanite, indicative of an alteration fluid containing >10 mol per cent CO2. In areas of high strain, a fabric of black microshears develops, gradational to mylonitic cataclasite in the high strain zone adjacent to the hanging wall of the duplex shear zone. The microshears contain hydrothermal graphite, inferred to have been deposited from a methane-rich fluid. The mylonitic cataclasite is characterised by abundant pyrite, the absence of albite and extreme grain size reduction. Gold recovery in the CIL processing plant at Macraes can drop to 50 per cent or lower for some unfavourable ore types. Preg-robbing by a component in the ore, possibly graphite, was suspected as the cause. Mylonitic cataclasite was identified as the lithology responsible for the poor recoveries, with the capacity to bind about 30 ppm of gold in the leach tanks. A program of detailed geochemistry and quantitative grain-size measurement using Coulter analysis was undertaken to identify specific mineralogical factors associated with preg-robbing. The results indicate that pyrite, graphite, and extreme grain-size reduction are the factors associated with highly preg-robbing ores at Macraes. The evolution of the mylonitic cataclasite is accompanied by strong potassium enrichment, as muscovite, and depletion in sodium as albite is removed. This suggests that a simple powder XRD ratio of the albite to illite peaks would suffice to distinguish the preg-robbing ore for grade-control purposes.

Jan 1, 1999

By T A. Short, P L. Brown

Kestrel Mine co-disposes around 1.5 Mt of fine (2SO4/t and to date around 9 Mt has been deposited. The mine plans to co-dispose of approximately 39 Mt of material, creating a dump with a maximum height of 35 m and a disturbance footprint of 260 ha. Benign materials suitable for rehabilitation are severely limited and no successful rehabilitation strategy has yet been demonstrated. A rigorous measurement and modelling program is resolving outstanding issues associated with acid rock drainage (ARD). The objective of the program is to develop and validate a strategy for dump rehabilitation that will control ARD and allow for mine closure. The strategy includes using a soil cover to reduce water flux into the dump to control the overall oxidation rate and to control effluent release. Monitoring of the oxygen distribution and water flux in the uncovered material commenced in February 2001 and monitoring in waste under a trial cover commenced in February 2002. Carbonaceous and sulfidic oxidation rates have been measured. Initial modelling indicates that the carbonaceous material has the general effect of slowing the rate of pyrite oxidation, lowering the maximum sulfate production rate and extending the time to oxidise all the sulfides. The combined approach of measurement and modelling provides a sound basis for assessing the performance of the trial cover and predicting the long-term quality and quantity of effluent at the base of the rehabilitated waste dump.

Jan 1, 2003

By J Rowland

"This paper was primarily put together in order to demonstrate what are believed to be acceptablestandards, in relation to ventilation surveys and the subsequent model assembly process. Thiswas brought about by the fact that in many parts of the world it is regarded as acceptable to carryout ventilation surveys and then build and supply the client with a æstick fi gureÆ type ventilationmodel. Such stick models have arguably litt le use and a very short life span in the real world and isalmost impossible for site staff to maintain. Thankfully most underground coal mines in Australia strive to maintain a true replica model of their ventilation circuits and to keep them in a relatively good state. Given that these mines own and maintain the models, it is often seen as necessary to update or rebuild them. The level of survey detail required to do so is totally dependent on the end use of the data and the criticality of the accuracy of the data set, to the ongoing safety and viability of the business. Mine technical personnel should think clearly about the use and importance of the ventilation survey and subsequent report outputs required that will help them bett er understand their mines and bett er prepare them to manage their ventilation circuits, on an ongoing basis. This paper provides some guidance for Australian ventilation engineers so they may plan and execute this work æin houseÆ, should they rightly choose to do so. To this end, methods of data collection and circuit analysis required for surveys of a high order of accuracy are detailed. Also, some of the issues which are important when formulating a strategy to carry out the appropriate ventilation survey for the required purpose are summarised. As well, the major details that should be furnished within any survey and some survey/report outputs and/or omissions, which are clearly not acceptable, are highlighted."

Jun 1, 2012

By A Mooney, J Marsden, H Grosser, G Dunstan

Carrapateena is a copper-gold deposit hosted in a brecciated granite complex, located 500km North of Adelaide, South Australia. The deposit is being mined using the Sub Level Caving (SLC) Mining method at a rate of 4.25 MTPA. The Carrapateena SLC construction was completed in Q4 2019, with ramp up to a mine production rate of 4.25 MTPA completed within 12 months; ~ 6 months earlier than originally planned (OZ Minerals, 2020b). Traditional SLC designs have had issues with safety interactions on production levels, namely at the perimeter drive, as well as presented challenges for the application of automation due to frequency of activity required to achieve ring turnover rates. Safety in design provides an opportunity to learn from experience at recent modern SLC operations and by considering hazards early in the design process minimise exposure and improve safety, productivity and automation of mining activity. This paper discusses the work carried out during the Carrapateena feasibility study and optimised during project execution; to update the SLC production level mine design, with a layout known as the Carrapateena Crows Foot Level Layout. This paper focuses on: • An introduction to the Carrapateena Operation and mine plan. • An overview and historical challenges of traditional level layout. • An introduction to the Carrapateena Crows Foot level layout, including production level design parameters as well as development metres and productivity comparisons. • Outlines the benefits of the Crows Foot design for safety in design of SLC operations. Provides a roadmap for improved production efficiency, level operational philosophy and the application of automation within the SLC.

Mar 15, 2021

By G R. Hancock, M J. Saynor, J B. C Lowry, K G. Evans, M Narayan

Tools such as landform evolution models (LEMs) provide a means of predicting how a landform may evolve over extended periods of time. Here, we utilise the CAESAR-Lisflood LEM to assess a proposed rehabilitated landform of the Ranger Uranium Mine in the Northern Territory of Australia (Figure 1). The environmental requirements for the closure of the mine state that the final landform must be able to physically isolate tailings material from the environment for a period of at least 10,000 years (Australian Government, 1999). However, uncertainty exists as to the reliability of model predictions representing thousands of years.In this study, we use model predictions from an undisturbed pre-mine landform to calibrate the parameters used in model simulations of a post-mining rehabilitated landform over a simulated period of 1,000 years. Specifically, we vary environmental conditions such as rainfall, presence/absence of vegetation and surface particle size characteristics in a series of model simulations to determine their impact on the respective landforms, to revise model input parameters as required. A simulated period of 1,000 years was used as it represents a period in which long term landform evolution patterns and trends may be established and identified. CITATION:Lowry, J B C, Narayan, M, Evans, K G, Saynor, M J and Hancock, G R, 2018. Using an undisturbed landform to calibrate long-term predictions of the evolution of a rehabilitated landform, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 133–137 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

It is possible to closely simulate the product sizing distribution from an industrial rod mill by the correct choice of parameters in laboratory batch milling. For laboratory batch rod milling, changes in per cent critical speed and per cent rod volume cause the product sizing distributions to move in parallel at a constant slope. For ball milling, larger sized media in batch milling grind more coarse material giving a closer simulation to the industrial rod mill product. Changing the feed size distribution by removal of coarse particles or addition of fine particles changes the product sizing distribution, but would not normally be practiced in laboratory testing. These data should be applicable to many instances where laboratory simulation of an industrial product size distribution is required.

Jan 1, 1998

By A Mehrani, F Zamani, A Dehghani

Vibrating screens play an important role in the dry classification circuit of Gol-e-Gohar iron ore processing plant. This circuit was designed to classify the autogenous mill discharge and produce a suitable feed, with K80 about 450 ¦m, for dry magnetic separators. Three parallel vibrating screens produce more than 50 per cent of the separatorÆs feed. The efficiency of the magnetic separator is greatly affected by feed size distribution. In this work, the JKSimMet 5.1 software was used as an analysing tool to assess the flow rates and USIM PAC3 software as the simulation tool to control and optimise the vibrating screens. Samples were collected and the circuit was mass balanced. Then the vibrating screen was simulated and adjustment parameters such as cut-point, bypass and imperfection factor were determined. The product streams of vibrating screens can also be predicted.

Jan 1, 2007

By JOHN G. RAYNER

An examination was made of the filtration characteristics of a haematite slurry using a range of polyacrylamide based flocculants in solutions containing up to 3 per cent sodium chloride. The polymers used were "high" and "Iow" molecular weight and had from 0 to 40 per cent charged groups.Increasing charge density tends to reduce the dose required to achieve optimum performance measured by filtration rate and by cake moisture. In general increased salt addition tends to increase the dosage required to achieve these optima. Both these observations result from the change in polymer extension and accord well with the bridging theory of flocculation.The dose required for optimal cake moisture is up to three times greater than that required for optimal filtration rate. This effect is reasonably consistent for all polymers studied and appears to be non-linearly dependent on salt concentration, with the difference being small at 0 and 3 per cent but quite significant at 1 per cent.

Jan 1, 1987

By J Ta’ala, M Handyside

Mechanical sampling from conveyors has historically been a staple in the iron ore industry when information related to chemistry, sizing and moisture is required. In order to comply with ISO 3082:2009, samples can be taken either on a mass or time basis provided no bias is introduced by periodical variation in quality or quantity. With the introduction of mechanical sample carousels, you also have the opportunity to collect samples on a mass or time basis. In order to optimise automatic sample stations in a changing production environment, BHP Billiton Iron Ore (BHPBIO) has developed a simulation model that enables the various combinations of mass–mass, mass–time, time–time and time–mass to be investigated.The sample station model can utilise actual (variable) feed rates to achieve high resolution and enables the simulation of sample size variation. Cutter speeds and other settings can then be adjusted to better optimise the performance of the sample station with regards to optimal sample size as well as ensuring the sample station is in compliance with ISO 3082. The model can also assist process engineers in adjusting settings to better optimise the sample station and reduce unwanted events such as blockages. The model can be easily modified to conform to various sample station designs. This paper demonstrates the use of the model and the benefits that can be achieved.CITATION:Handyside, M and Ta’ala, J, 2014. Simulating time versus mass basis?sampling, in Proceedings Sampling 2014 , pp 155–164 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 29, 2014

Solid Energy New Zealand Limited owns and operates the Ohai coal field (Wairaki Coal Mining Licence, CML) in western Southland. The Morley Stream passes directly through the middle of the CML and has required diversion in the past to enable open cast mining to proceed. Solid Energy is evaluating two new open cast pits at Ohai. Commissioning these new pits would necessitate further diversion of the Morley Stream. One of these potential new mines is adjacent to an abandoned State Coal Mines (State Coal) pit and there is an opportunity to substantially rehabilitate this old pit as a corollary to the new mine and the stream diversion project.   Past Morley Stream diversions were undertaken by State Coal and so they predated the Resource Management Act 1991 and the degree of community environmental awareness and involvement that has become the norm these days. Not surprisingly the design and construction of the historic stream diversions was based purely upon mining (operational) and engineering considerations. This led to the stream being diverted in a manner that achieved the clinical conveyance of design volumes of water from points A and B.   Solid Energy realised that the proposed new diversions need to adopt more holistic and environmentally sustainable design principles while also including appropriate mining and engineering constraints. This project involved the design of a 1.7 km diversion of the Morley Stream (median flow of about 1000 litres/second) that would enable progressive prestripping and development of the new mines and would also address final rehabilitation (of the stream), geotechnical risks, hydrological and ecological issues. To address all of these factors the project required a multidisciplinary approach. Moreover, it required a clear understanding of how the mining operational constraints could be integrated with the environmental considerations. A significant aspect of the project was how to take account of fishery instream habitat needs, the resource consent requirements and most of all, the involvement of key stakeholders such as the Fish & Game Council, Department of Conservation, the Iwi and local community in the design process. This was achieved through coordinated consultation and stakeholder involvement in a technical design workshop.

Jan 1, 2005