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During the course of an investigation into the fundamental chemistry of the cyanide process, it became evident that the usual method of determining protective alkalinity was not completely satisfactory. T.he routine method for the determination of protective alkali by first removing free cyanide by the addition of silver nitrate, followed by titration of alkali with dilute acid using. phenolphthalein as indicator, can be shown to give correct results only when the alkali is a strong base. For other sUbstances, the alkali so determined is not the protective alkali. In view of the complications associated with the presence of zinc in cyanide solutions the discussion will be restricted in the first place to solutions free from zinc. Until the chemistry of simple cyanide solutions is placed on a quantitative basis it will be difficult to elucidate the behaviour of complex mill solutions.By the use of physico-chemical theory, it is possible to treat certain aspects of 'the chemistry of cyanide solutions in a manner which not only illustrates the important variables involved, but which also shows the need for care in interpretIng results obtained by conventional methods.In the following, comparatively simple systems are discussed; the principles established should be of use in interpreting the behaviour of more complex solutions. The methods described are not intended for routine work, but may be regarded as supplementary to the usual analysis carried out for the control of plant solutions, or as alternatives to be used when the latter do not appear to be satisfactory.

Jan 1, 1948

By Lane D. P, Malone J. G

The slag fuming furnaces are the major bottleneck in the BHAS zinc production flowsheet. Intensification of the fuming process could significantly reduce this production restriction. Oxygen enrichment was proven to be a means of intensifying the fuming process. This procedure resulted in higher slag bath temperatures, and development work was undertaken towards obtaining accurate slag bath temperature measurement and control. Slag bath temperature measurement techniques were evaluated, with infra red optical pyrometry established as the system with the most potential for continuous temperature measurement and control. Oxygen enrichment resulted in a zinc production capacity increase of 1 000 tonnes per year. An oxygen enrichment technique was developed which both minimized the risk of furnace damage and made the most efficient use of the enrichment oxygen.

Jan 1, 1989

Although giant strides have been made in the Australian mineral industry over the past quarter of a century in terms of mineral discoveries, self-sufficiency of commodities, contributions to exports and other aspects, there are unhealthy signs emerging which require attention. For instance there are 20 out of 34 discoveries of base metals, uranium and nickel which for a number of reasons await development. Some of the reasons for the standstill in the mineral industry are partly economic, partly due to competing land use, uncertainty in applying or, recognising the principle of crown ownership of minerals, and to some extent lack of appreciation of two closely related exploration activities referred to as development exploration and assessment Exploration.

Jan 1, 1979

A laboratory investigation was carried out to obtain data on the explosive character- istics of selected coals mined in New South Wales. Seven coal seams were sampled and the volatile matter content of the coals tested varied between 28 and 37 percent. A mod- ified Hartmann apparatus with a volume of 1250 ml was used in the investigation. Dust clou' generation was produced by an air blast delivered radially through a mushroom type valve and the ignition source was a-continuous A.C. spark produced by a 20 000 V, 50 mA transformer. The coal dust parameters invest- igated were the maximum pressure developed, the average and maximum rates of pressure rise at dust concentrations between 200 and 1500 3 g/m.

Jan 1, 1981

The Transportable Moisture Limits, as ,measured by the procedures laid down in The IMCO Code of Safe Practices for Bulk Cargoes, determine the target moisture contents for the concentrates produced at the West Coast Mines of Electrolytic Zinc Company of Australasia Limited at Rosebery. Filtration of these concentrates gives moisture contents considered to be low in comparison with those achieved for similar sulphide concentrates, but which are very close to these Transportable Moisture Limits. The filtering techniques used are outlined and the problems associated with-maintaining concentrate moistures below the required limits, together with the methods used to solve these problems are discussed.

Jan 1, 1978

By Isokangas T. A

With some two-thirds of the production exported, coal mining prac- tices of the last few years in Australia have been much influenced by the decline in the price received. It became essential to improve efficiency and rationalise operations. Trends in underground practice vary. On the one hand many additional longwalls have been installed and most recently the results achieved by them have shown a significant up-turn; this may be correlated more with increases in equipment capacity than with utilisation which has altered little during the past six years. Varied constraints remain affecting cur- rent and future longwall operations. On the other hand a number of mines have been closed whilst others have sought to improve results by various installations including miniwalls, shortwalls, and use of continuous haulage and mobile breaker line sup- ports. All mines continue to review working practices.

Jan 1, 1988

Three transient phenomena have been observed and experienced in the operation of large solvent extraction mixer-settlers. These relate to the ability of the settler to discharge streams with low entrainments arising from different phase separation æproblemsÆ. The operation of large-scale laboratory and commercial solvent extraction settlers has been shown by a number of workers to be a dynamic process, especially at the feed end. Circulating flow patterns are common in all three organic, aqueous and emulsion phases. The circulating patterns in deep dispersion bands in long settlers are believed to form roll fronts that can travel down the settler length within the bounds of the dispersion band. Various physical models are proposed to illustrate the formation and movement of roll fronts within the dispersion band. Another transient phenomenon has been observed in commercial settlers operating without any dispersion band. Entrainment of the continuous phase in the advancing dispersed phase is at high and erratic levels. This supports the conventional separation model, which recommends the presence of a significant depth of dispersion band to æfilterÆ the secondary haze from the bulk separated phases. The third transient is the position and shape of the dispersion band within the settler. Large commercial settlers have been shown to exhibit high variability in both these aspects of the dispersion band. The elimination of all three transient phenomena in commercial settlers has been shown to be effective with an in-settler media of coarse size and moderate specific surface area. The effect of the media is two-fold: it dissipates both the circulating flows and the forward velocity of any roll fronts, and creates a stable deep dispersion band at the feed end that serves to trap secondary haze from the primary coalescence process. It is effective in treating both types of transients involving non-existent or excessive dispersion band depths. The media serves to enhance coalescence by providing a static surface of intermediate surface tension on which droplets can collapse. The random nature of the media also provides multiple stream splitting and re-combination, that presents further drop to drop and drop to media impingement, which in turn promotes coalescence.

Jan 1, 2000

By B Goebel, G Baker

The Australian Magnesium Corporation Limited (AMC) is constructing the worldÆs largest magnesium metal plant at Stanwell, 24 km west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland. The $1.3 billion, 97 000 tonne per year plant is scheduled to commence production in mid-2004. It will produce magnesium from magnesite using the innovative, locally developed AM Process Technology which enables magnesium to be produced at internationally competitive costs. The technology will enable the plant to have the lowest environmental impact of all the available magnesium production processes. The project will meet current world-best-practice environmental and emission standards while on a life cycle analysis, magnesium produced by the Stanwell plant will result in net reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions. Magnesium is the lightest of the structural metals. Its high strength to weight ratio and ease of casting and machinability makes it particularly suitable for the manufacture of light weight automotive components. Reducing the weight of motor vehicles through the use of light weight materials such as magnesium is the current primary means adopted by the automobile manufacturing industry to improve motor vehicle fuel efficiency and the lowering of emissions of greenhouse gases. The Australian Magnesium or AM process has been developed over the past decade by AMC in conjunction with the CSIRO to produce magnesium from magnesite mined at AMCÆs Kunwarara deposit. Over $200 million has been spent developing the AM process, designing, building and operating a demonstration plant at Gladstone and to complete an environmental impact statement and receive environmental approvals as well as funding for the commercial Stanwell Project. The paper outlines the development of the AM process technology, the operations of the Gladstone demonstration plant confirming the process technology, its operating costs and environmental performance. The paper covers the particular attention that was given to minimising the production of CHCÆs, the development of new cover gases for molten magnesium, the minimising of emissions of greenhouse gases and the life cycle analysis of magnesium as a replacement for steel and heavier metals in motor vehicles which confirmed its use resulted in a net reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions. The project received both Commonwealth and Queensland Government environmental approvals by August 2000.

Jan 1, 2002

The expense of mine environmental and planning process approvals is a fundamental and proper part of mine planning and feasibility costs. It is not a cost that should be the subject of challenge nor is it a cost that should be avoided. However the additional process approval costs incurred by bureaucratic delay, process duplication and administrative incompetence is a scandal and a deterrent to investment.

Jan 1, 1992

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

By G M. T, M Zh Bitimbayev, F K. Shadiyev

In the paper a complex problem was formulated for studying and establishing an effective and safe technology of selective underground leaching of useful components from polymetallic ores. Solving this problem will allow increasing technical and economic efficiency, technological and ecological safety of mining of useful minerals of polymetallic deposits.

Jan 1, 2003

According to the analysis of 126 mine gushing records and the relevant water supply and hydrogeologic condition, the gush can be classified into eight types;cave type,collapse -column. type, subterranean stream type, fault zone type, contact zone type, upper plate type, bottom heaving type and surface water invasion type. The formulae for counting the peak discharge of gushing point are further put forward in this paper.

Jan 1, 1988

Current NSW Government policy requires searching for more than just minerals during an exploration program û add endangered fauna and archaeological relics for a start.

Jan 1, 1995

The availability of three-dimensional computer hardware and software makes the solid modelling of geological entities a realistic and logical alternative to previous sectional and plan 'models'.The success of underground mining operations depends largely on the ability to accurately predict the three-dimensional location and grade of mineralisation in order to maximise the extraction of resources and minimise mining dilution. The integration of lithological, geotechnical and grade models into three-dimensional solid models provides an excellent basis for underground mine planning and operation

Jan 1, 1993

By U E. Sibilski

A pilot plant evaluation of the Savmin process, for the purification of mine water was commissioned by Anglogold and conducted at the Stilfontein Gold Mine, Margaret Shaft at Stilfontein in the North West province of South Africa. The purpose of the project was to obtain the operating conditions and operating costs, to produce different qualities of product water, as well as design parameters for upscaling to an industrial plant. The project was undertaken by AngloGold and Mintek of South Africa.

Jan 1, 2003

This paper provides an overview of current and future mine developments in the major island nations Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), New Zealand, and Fiji, and the French territory of New Caledonia. Many of the other 11 small island nations in the region, such as Vanuatu, Pulau and the Solomons have been the subject of considerable exploration orientated towards gold in the past few years but without any deposit found with confirmed economic viability.

Jan 1, 1990

There has been a significant increase in exploration and development of mineral wealth in South East Asia over the past five years. This paper describes the foreign investment laws in the region as they relate to the mining industry.

Jan 1, 1993

By Hryniewicz M

The paper presents a sound critical estimate of mathematical models presently used for the process of compaction of fine-grained materials. It shows the mathematical model of compaction developed by the authors, which was used to formulate the program of computer simulation of the process. The examples of computer simulation experiments of compaction of selected fine-grained materials regard the results of the experiments made by the authors on variability of external friction occuring in this process. Simulation examination presented in the paper crucially contributed towards the original method of selection of rational compaction technologies of fine-grained materials developed by the authors.

Jan 1, 1993

The issues which are the subject of this paper cover an extremely broad field. In themselves the components of the topic could be the theme, in considerably greater detail, of a two day seminar. Indeed a full course in an academic year would probably not do justice to the topic. I have therefore experienced considerable difficulty in condensing such a broad subject range down to a 30 minutes address and in doing so have tried to, hopefully, provide a little bit of everything for the wide range of professional interests and different levels of commercial, professional and legal expertise represented at this conference. Perhaps my address could best be described as a "bird's eye" view rather than a "worm's eye" view of the subject.

Jan 1, 1990

The title of my presentation is `Nursing One's Resources', words that fit a young organisation like Ross Mining and words we had to apply to reach our current level as a company. To get to where we are, we had to nurse, foster and treat carefully all our available resources in the widest sense of the word, namely: ò a stock or supply that can be drawn upon (funds, mineral resources, human resources); ò the means available to achieve an end; ò skills in devising expedients; and ò practical ingenuity. I do not claim that Ross Mining is now the perfect mining company. However, we have become a profitable, dividend- paying, gold mining and exploration company which is to our knowledge, currently the cheapest gold producer on the Australian continent. Nursing our resources got us where we are and will guide us in our future development. The words `nursing one's resources' are I feel particularly applicable to mining-as I like to argue that the extractive mining industry has a social responsibility to optimise the metal output and value from each orebody which is being exploited, and preferably leave no metal behind. Likewise, a modem company cannot survive into the future without maximising and optimising its human resource potential. In this presentation I would like to present a number of actual examples of nursing one's physical and human resources. Before I do that, I will give a brief background to Ross Mining. Ross Mining NL is a young Queensland-based company that gained its stock exchange listing in September 1987 and that poured its first gold in 1989 from its own developed Belyando Mine, located in Central Queensland. We have now reached the stage of a medium-size gold producer, producing approximately 70 000 ounces of gold per year, mainly from the Yandan Gold Mine, also in Central Queensland. Our production is set to increase to over 100 000 ounces in the near future. Recent increases in our resource base have secured us a future of ten to 15 years. As a young, newly listed company, we faced all the dangers that most new small floats do as a new entrant into an established industry. However, one advantage of being young and perhaps naive, is summed up by the following Zen Buddist saying: In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few. A mining company's main assets are the sum of its resource base and the skills and talents of its people. Attempting to optimise both the physical and human resources within the company has been to-date the key to our success. The first example I would like to present is linked to the exploitation of the Belyando Gold Mine in Central Queensland.

Jan 1, 1995