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By E Philippa, J Vitanza, C Hawtin, B Miller

B Miller , E Philippa , C Hawtin and J Vitanza

Mar 22, 2022

By A Hughes, J Agius, T Ferguson, A Parbhakar-Fox, D Lester, L M. Jackson

Management of historic tailings is a major challenge facing the mining industry and its regulators. However, through improved mineralogical and chemical characterisation of such materials the opportunity to develop better rehabilitation strategies arises. Microanalytical techniques including microscopy, mineral liberation analysis and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) allow for improved tailings characterisation – but the challenge posed by these techniques is how to use them effectively. Additionally, data sets collected by such techniques must be properly integrated, only then can they assist in the identification of the most appropriate rehabilitation strategies. A study conducted at the Old Tailings Dam (OTD) located at the Savage River Mine, Tasmania allowed for the integrated use of several microanalytical techniques to help evaluate the benefits of a shallow water cover as a potential rehabilitation strategy. Samples (n = 144) from 14 trenches and 11 boring cores (2 m maximum depth) were collected across the OTD. These were subjected to routine acid-base accounting, with a subset subjected to detailed mineralogy using a modified sulfide alteration index (SAI), X-ray diffractometry and mineral liberation analysis (MLA). In addition, representative samples (n = 6) from across the OTD were subjected to laser-ablation ICPMS to characterise the pyrite chemistry. Our results showed that tailings in the northern area submerged under a natural water cover were relatively unoxidised from approximately 1 m depth, with SAI values of 1 to 2. Tailings from the subaerial southern portion were extensively oxidised to approximately 35 cm depth (SAI = maximum 5.8), with fresher materials observed underneath (SAI = 5 to 5.8). Pyrite from across the OTD is enriched in Co, Cu and Ni. Through the integrated application of microanalytical tools, we determined that establishing a water cover of at least 1.5 m depth across the OTD is a suitable rehabilitation option for this historic site. However, consideration for the reprocessing of these tailings to extract Co should be further investigated.CITATION:Jackson, L M, Parbhakar-Fox, A, Hughes, A, Agius, J, Ferguson, T and Lester, D, 2015. Microanalytical evaluations of the savage river old tailings dam, north-?west Tasmania, in Proceedings Tailings and Mine Waste Management for the 21st Century , pp 111–124 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 27, 2015

By M Stephens, T A. Sutra

Currently, there are several open pit mines with production rates of about 200 000 tpd of ore that are reaching the end of their economic lives. In most cases, the remaining orebody extends to depths greater than 300 m below the pit limit, leaving hundreds of millions of tons of reserves that can only be recovered by means of an underground mining method. One such method used for mass production is block caving. This paper presents a ventilation system for a four-zone block cave mine operation developed on a footprint 1000 m wide and 1200 m long. The system is designed for a mine with a nominal production rate of 120 000 tpd of ore using diesel powered units on the production and reduction levels. It discusses the air quantity requirements for the worst case scenario, which is anticipated to occur five years after the mine has reached its full production capacity. Finally, it summarises the results of computer modelling exercises that were carried out to determine an economic ventilation infrastructure that includes shafts, drifts, main fans, and ventilation control devices.

Jan 1, 2005

By A Singh, C Da Corte

Banded Iron Formations or more commonly known as BIF are sedimentary rock formations with alternating silica-rich layers and iron-rich layers that are typically composed of iron oxides (hematite and magnetite), iron-rich carbonates, and/or iron-rich silicates. Considering the depletion of highgrade iron ore reserves in South Africa, there is a need to maximise resource utilisation through the exploitation of sterile resources in particular BIF material which makes up greater than 65 per cent of current reserves. BIF, like most resources, is non-renewable and the deposition of BIF is thought to have come about by the reaction of Fe2+ ions in the ocean water with dissolved oxygen billions of years ago. BIF ore derived from the Limpopo region in South Africa (SA) located in the Penge Iron Formation is according to Cairncross, Kramers and Villa (2018) equivalent to that contained within the Asbestos Hills Iron Formation of the Transvaal Supergroup in the Northern Cape, SA. Considering that these are one of the largest iron ore deposits in SA, the case study involved mineralogical characterisation followed by beneficiation of BIF from these two regions to ascertain the comparability. Coarse and fines gravity separation comprising of Heavy Liquid Separation/Dense Media Separation on the +1.18 mm size fraction and shaking table on the -1.18 mm size fraction was conducted to ascertain whether an on-grade product or blended feedstock could be produced. The Limpopo mixed and Northern Cape conglomerate BIF samples achieved similar overall responses due to the conglomerate sample containing 15.3 per cent additional -1.18 mm fines. A combined coarse and fines product grading at 60 per cent Fe could be achieved at a yield and recovery of 43.9– 53.0 per cent and 62.2–63.8 per cent respectively. Increasing the grade to 63 per cent Fe reduces the overall recovery by 13.3 per cent. At the higher target grade, the contaminant specifications could be achieved for both samples. The Northern Cape laminated BIF sample is the most promising of the three samples studied. At the two iron target grades overall yields and iron recoveries of 72.9–65.4 per cent and 85.2– 80.2 per cent was achieved. In both instances the silica grade exceeded the product specification, however if the silica content is the driver the target iron grade should increase to 63.32 per cent. This will result in a minimal decrease in recovery of 0.4 per cent. The promising results of this study indicate that coarse beneficiation of BIF material is possible. These ore types could be blended with superior grade products to improve overall yields and recoveries or sold directly at a 63 per cent Fe product grade whilst sacrificing 0.4–13.3 per cent recovery.

Nov 8, 2021

By J M. F Clout

The Roy Hill Project is an independent integrated port, rail and mine development in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The bankable feasibility study for the project was completed in January 2011 by Roy Hill Holdings Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. The Project will deliver 55 Mt/a of premium quality iron ore to a rapidly growing market with a mine life of over 27 years. This study is based on exploiting a 1.2 Bt bedded resource of microplaty haematite-rich Marra Mamba, from which 562 Mt of reserves has been delineated to date. A further 1.1 Bt resource of detritals and low grade bedded is proposed to be mined once the bedded high grade resource is depleted. Roy Hill lump and fi ne ore products will compete strongly with other Pilbara products. As a low cost producer, Roy Hill is on track to capture four per cent of the global seaborne traded iron ore market. The project decision to proceed is targeted for Q2 2011 to enable first ore on ship by Q2 2014.

Jul 11, 2011

By A B. Richards

A brick veneer house located on a open-pit coal mine lease has been subject to ground vibration levels of up to 222 mm/s, and air vibration levels of up to 145 dBL. The dynamic response of the structure was measured with accelerometers, geophones, and strain gauges as part of a project investigating the response of brick veneer houses to blasting. This paper outlines the project, and provides information on brickwork strength, foundation investigations, and observations on damage due to blasting. Correlations have been made between crack behaviour and factors such as blast vibration levels and rainfall.

Jan 1, 2001

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

For over 50 years R W Miller & Co Pty Ltd operated old coal properties abandoned by former owners as uneconomic, some of which dated back to the last century. The companyÆs ability to survive with what were relatively poor quality coal resources required a small efficient management organisation. In 1970 R W Miller was involved in negotiations with other coal companies through coal sales contracts to develop private coal areas under the provisions of the old Coal Mining Act (1906) and these efforts led to the development of Lemington colliery. At the same time development of the Ironbark colliery holding near Newcastle commenced. In 1971, R W Miller approached the New South Wales Government for a resource replacement area to prospect for coal in the Upper Hunter Valley. Authorisation No 33 was finally granted on 30 September 1975, but the company found the area was inaccessible as most of the surface was owned by the Australian Army. Later R W Miller was granted Authorisation 66 of 2167.5 hectares at Mount Thorley near Singleton on 1 November 1976. The development of this coal mining project coincided with the second OPEC oil crisis in 1978 and a short-term boom for coal resources and the unrealistic expectations generated by the boom. This paper gives a broad outline of the development of the Mount Thorley project between 1976 to 1986 including the feasibility study and the many governmental and industrial delays that resulted in a three-year time overrun in the project development period.

Jan 1, 1998

By C R. Ure

To substantially reduce, if not eliminate, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from ironmaking it is necessary to convert from blast furnace (BF) ironmaking using coking coal as the reductant to direct reduction (DR) ironmaking using hydrogen (H₂) and green electricity. Currently, almost all natural gas (NG) based direct reduced iron (DRI) production utilises iron oxide pellets in shaft furnaces, as opposed to fines in fluidised beds. Also, these pellets are ordinarily produced from high-grade magnetite concentrate, rather than hematite and goethite with typically higher gangue contents. The use of high-grade magnetite concentrate is driven by the preference to melt DRI in conventional electric arc furnaces (EAFs), thereby avoiding the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) for making crude steel (CS). However, in replacing BF with DR ironmaking it is not economically feasible to source enough high-grade magnetite to replace the lower grade hematite and goethite currently consumed. That is not to say that hematite and goethite, or even low-grade magnetite, cannot be used in DR ironmaking. However, their higher gangue content, resulting in higher slag production, requires that the EAF producing CS be replaced with a submerged arc furnace (SAF) that will produce pig iron (PI) for the BOF as does the BF. Here, critical issues to be addressed are, what are the technicalities in replacing high-grade magnetite concentrate with hematite and goethite and NG with H₂ in DRI pellet production and melting? This paper summarises certain relevant published information on DRI pellet research, test work and production together with relevant information on Pilbara ores. It attempts to illustrate the inter- relationship of composition and processing conditions on DRI pellet properties. It is intended to serve as a rudimentary guide to understanding the complexities of formulation, testing, evaluation, production and goethite and offer insight into this challenge.

Sep 18, 2023

By A Sinuhaji, R Poedjono, G Flumerfelt

PT Freeport Indonesia is currently building the DOZ mine. It is a 25 000 tonne/day block caving operation which is scheduled to reach designed production levels by the fourth quarter of 2002. This paper describes some of the issues and challenges faced by the operation when introducing a new undercut method part way through the project. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed as well as the expected benefits of the new method.

Jan 1, 2002

By D Semini, B Newcombe

Base-metal sulfide refractory gold ores often contain a portion of ‘free’ gold that is amenable to recovery using gravity concentration methods, whilst the refractory portion of the gold is better recovered using flotation. The decision as to whether a plant treating a refractory gold ore should utilise gravity concentration or a flash flotation circuit (or a combination of both) within the grinding circuit is usually made at the design stage of flow sheet development. Very limited data is available in the published literature which provides an industrial scale comparison on which to base such a decision and conventional laboratory testing methods are often the only way of obtaining such data. The optimum processing route will also be mineralogy dependent.This paper presents the findings of operating a refractory gold plant with either flash flotation (normal operation) or a combination of flash and gravity recovery methods treating the cyclone underflow stream and will demonstrate the regions of the recovery profile that each contributes to. Size-by-assay analysis has been performed on a number of streams around the operating plant to gain an insight into the changes that occur when the gravity circuit is in operation in addition to the flash flotation circuit. A discussion around the implications to overall plant operation in combining the use of a batch process (gravity concentration) with a continuous process (flotation) is presented.CITATION:Newcombe, B and Semini, D, 2014. Interactions between flash flotation and gravity concentration – an industrial case study of a refractory gold concentrator, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 427–436 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 1, 2014

State ownership of minerals results in domestic legislation regulating mining operations. The mining industry today is dominated by a number of transnational companies, each subject to internal and external pressures for a more responsible approach to resource management. Thirty to 40 major companies are responsible for the bulk of the worldÆs mineral production with the balance coming from state-owned, second tier and junior companies and from artisanal miners.Mining companies operating within competitive commercial environments formerly focussed on mineral production. Companies worked to standards and expectations then current which largely failed to recognise the impact of mining activities on community interests. The mining industry acquired a reputation for arrogance, and for placing profitability ahead of issues considered equally or more important by local communities. Current perceptions continue to reflect disquiet about industry attitudes towards traditional land-owners and access to their lands, to environmental contamination, handling and storage of waste materials, utilisation of water and electricity, and to rehabilitation of worked out areas. Major international mining companies concerned at continuing criticism sponsored a series of initiatives with the objective of providing guidance on working harmoniously within the community. Industry commissioned studies, performed through the agency of disinterested parties, resulted in May 2002, in a Declaration being issued at an International Conference in Toronto. The Declaration was based on, but did not reflect all of the recommendations of the MMSD Report, æBreaking New GroundÆ.This paper considers whether benefits would result from the negotiation of a legally binding and enforceable international protocol encompassing the objectives of the MMSD report or the Toronto Declaration. It attempts to identify the problems associated with implementing and enforcing international mining law, should it be introduced. Aspects of mining operations having cover under customary international law are reviewed, as are rights, obligations and remedies for breaches of national mining law. Conclusions are drawn based on established procedures relating to implementing international agreements. The continuing ability of mining companies to operate within communities will result from each satisfying the communityÆs expectations rather than by complying with largely unenforceable legislation.

Jan 1, 2004

By J Mauk, R Ruddock

The Taharoa ironsand deposit is 1600 hectares in size and is located 144 km south of Auckland on the west coast of the North Island, New Zealand. The sand predominantly contains heavy mineral-rich sediments, quartz, and feldspars. One hundred and two samples were collected from all areas of the mine, from the stockpile, black sand areas, tailings and Te Akeake Sands. Samples were collected with the primary focus on the next predicted mining path and secondly on gaining a good geographic spread throughout the mine. All samples were analysed for the dry, wet and particle density, the porosity and the magnetic, non-magnetic and clay minerals content.Stockpile samples had an average magnetic mineral content of 92 percent. Dry, wet and particle density values for stockpile material exceed all values from untreated ironsand samples with average values of 2.8g/cm3, 2.9g/cm3 and 4.4g/cm3 respectively. Black sand samples from the mine came from various areas such as the central area, the forest, the southern area and the benches. All black sand samples are remarkably consistent, with dry and wet density values between 2.3 û 2.5g/cm3 and particle densities that range from 3.7 to 3.9g/cm3. The porosity values are comparable to all other areas of the mine (average 37 per cent). The tailings and Te Akeake Sands have different physical properties due to their different mineral contents. The dry, wet and particle densities are all lower than that of all other areas with averages of 2.1g/cm3, 2.2g/cm3 and 3.3g/cm3 respectively. These lower values reflect the lower magnetic mineral content (average 18 per cent) and the associated increase in non-magnetic mineral content (average 78 per cent).

Jan 1, 2002

By M Ahmed

Reliable face support pressure is necessary for shield driven tunnels in cohesionless soils to prevent excessive ground movements. This paper presents experimental work on stability of a tunnel face using transparent soil models aiming to obtain magnitude of tunnel face minimum supporting pressure, failure pattern and extension of failed zone. A model tunnel was preinstalled in transparent soil which was supported at the face by means of water pressure. Tests were performed by reducing supporting pressure until collapse occurred. Model tests were sliced optically with laser sheet and images were captured for every decrement in tunnel supporting pressure. Later, these images were analysed by digital image correlation (DIC) and vector fi elds of incremental displacements were obtained. Values of minimum support pressures were given for different cover/diameter (C/D) ratios. Geometry of the failure zones depicted for different (C/D) values and appeared to be of chimney shape with a limited extension front of the face. A minimum support pressure was achieved with support pressures as low as 10 ± 1 per cent of the effective vertical stress at the tunnel axis. The stability of the tunnel face was related to the coefficient of active earth pressure with C/D ratio having a small effect on the magnitude of required pressure at collapse. In general, results of the study were in agreement with current knowledge of full-scale situations.

Mar 8, 2011

By G M. Mudd

Mine tailings represent one of the two largest sources of mine waste from the minerals industries (the other being waste rock). Given the problems of declining ore grades and growing production, tailings generation is increasing exponentially across the global mining industry. Common practice is for mines to build large containment dams to store tailings during operations, which are then rehabilitated following mine closure. At some sites, however, the controversial practices of riverine or marine dumping of tailings is still practiced. As recent tailings dam failures have shown, there are legitimate questions being raised about the long-term viability of leaving tailings above ground due to the risks of collapse and failure. At present, it is rare for mines to emplace tailings back into former mine voids following mine closure, most commonly into a former open pit mine void (although a fraction of the tailings may be used for underground mine backfill, this is minor in scale). The approach of in-pit tailings has numerous advantages, such as inherent physical stability, low to negligible acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD) risks, as well as allowing more productive use of formerly mined land. In tropical areas where surface repositories are prone to leakage with potential for AMD and widespread dispersal of radionuclides (in the case of uranium mining), in-pit management provides particularly strong advantages – thorough hydrogeological studies are required, however, to address residual groundwater contamination risks and to establish sound, long-term environmental monitoring regimes for groundwater quality and subsidence issues. This paper presents a study of in-pit tailings management and compares it with surface repositories established in a tropical climate. The comparisons lead to the conclusion that, at least under tropical conditions, in-pit tailings management should be considered as world’s best practice – especially for radioactive uranium tailings.

Aug 8, 2011

By D Cooke

In 2010, Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) was Australia’s largest gold producer, with total annual production of 788 000 ounces. Of the gold produced by KCGM in 2010, 95 per cent was extracted from the Fimiston open pit, also known as the Superpit. The Fimiston operation encompasses the historic Golden Mile, from which more than 55 million ounces of gold have been extracted from the world-class Fimiston lode style mineralisation.The operational performance of the KCGM Fimiston open pit was reviewed for the period between 2005 and 2010. Key performance metrics reviewed included mined tonnes and grade, cost per ounce of gold produced and the mine to mill reconciliation trends. The years 2007 and 2008 were characterised by a decline in performance against key performance metrics. The ore zones were diluted, with the excess tonnes mined resulting in lower grade and an increase in the cost per ounce. Poor reconciliation between ore mined, the ore reserve model and the grade control polygons was also observed.A series of improvement initiatives were implemented in late 2008. As a result of changes made to the grade control and mining practices, the site performance recovered. Unplanned dilution was reduced, which had a positive impact on mined grade. The lower tonnes combined with higher grade reduced the cost per ounce to below budgeted levels in 2009 and 2010, enhancing the profitability of the operation. The operational performance between 2005 and 2010 was compared to the turnover statistics for the KCGM geology department over the same period. Turnover accelerated between 2005 and 2007, peaking at an annualised rate of 43 per cent. With the onset of the Global Financial Crisis and the implementation of retention initiatives, turnover reduced significantly between 2008 and 2010. A strong consistent correlation was observed between the turnover trends in geology and the performance of the grade control function and resultant site metrics.The cost of turnover is known intuitively, however, rarely quantified. To evaluate the benefit of the improved performance, a detailed financial model was used to quantify the impact of the grade control function. In 2010, the headgrade exceeding budget by just four per cent contributed an additional A$24 M of value to KCGM. In contrast, if the 2008 performance had been replicated in 2010 (-9 per cent on headgrade), the result would have removed A$61 M in value from the business. The KCGM experience between 2005 and 2010 demonstrates the value of human capital in a mining operation and the importance of a high performing geology grade control team to the profitability of a mining operation.

Aug 22, 2011

By Green A. D M

The establishment of the Imperial Smelting Furnace at Sulphide Coporation Pty. Limited for the smelting of zinc and lead made it necessary to design and install sintering capacity to produce approximately 500 t.p.d. of zinc-lead sinter. The updraught sintering process installed is a recent development and the plant was designed with adequate flexibility and equipment to enable operating staff to investigate the process and achieve maximum production under optimum operating conditions.Sulphur dioxide gases from the sinter machine are passed to a contact acid plant for the manufacture of sulphuric acid.

Jan 1, 1964

As the title indicates the central themes discussed in this contribution are sustainable development, information systems, and extractive industry. More specifically, the objective is to present a prototype for the systematic generation of extractive industry (henceforth: EI) û specific sustainability information. The paper begins with the authorÆs viewpoints on the core notions of sustainability, and development, as well as their relationship to information. These set the stage for the introduction of the information system (IS), as well as the follow-up sustainability information system (SIS) extractive industry sustainability information system (EISIS) concepts and related discussions. The paper continues with a second part, in which, efforts to research and develop an EISIS prototype are described. First, the team is presented. Second, the systemÆs aim and target groups are briefly discussed. After, an articulated overarching EISIS conceptual model emphasising capital accumulation, and service flow concepts û is presented. This is followed by a detailed description of the assembled prototype with a focus on data and information generation. The formulation of data generation, storage and transmission processes, as well as its use in sustainability interpretation rules and their embedment in the conceptual model is made with respect to monetised stock and flow parameters, measured in the appropriate dimensions. In the third part, the author presents and discusses the results of a first round of prototype experimental development in three major EI firms. First, the system observation, and data analysis protocols are described. Second, a review of protocol implementation, and respective results, is made. Finally, the overall performance of the proposed prototype, and development process issues are discussed, before suggesting areas for improvement and future research. The paper ends with a conclusion in which the author provides a retrospective balance of the æknowledge creation projectÆ, as well as a prospective outlook for research in this field; before acknowledgements are made and references provided.

Jan 1, 2009

By D Will

RedrossThe Redross orebody averages 1 m wide, has a strike of 50 - 350 m, dips at 55° and has a basalt footwall and an ultramafic hanging wall. The most successful and innovative aspects of mining Redross were:•ore development innovations, 90 per cent of development was split fired with a shanty back profile to enable larger and more productive equipment to be used and resulted in higher development grades, improved project payback time and improved ore recovery;•hand held stoping using a multiple level, bottom up ‘V’ shaped hand held stoping method that allowed mining on multiple levels with hand held productivities between 50 and 90 tonnes per shift;•the use of 1 m cement pillars and 7 m high crown pillars were used to create multiple mining areas that enabled high overall production rates from hand held mining this orebody; and•the use of vertical cement pillars to enable hand held mining of adjacent stopes without leaving ore pillars.MarinersThe Mariners orebody averages 3 m wide, has a strike length of 50 - 250 m and dips at 50° with a basalt footwall and poor ultramafic hanging wall. The most successful innovative ideas of re-opening Mariners were:•Dewatering the existing mine workings utilising ‘oilfield’ technology by installing a long submersible pump in on existing pump rising main. This enabled the mine to be dewatered at rates up to 100l/ sec and helped overcome the 45 to 55 L/s inflows.•Overcoming the technical problems associated with Mining N07 ore blocks which had severely deteriorated from being underwater for five years by using reverse firing techniques to improve extraction rates and reduce dilution.•Mass firing a large mining block in the N08 with minimal void space because of deteriorating ground conditions.•Use of a longhole version of the Redross hand held mining method to achieve 100 per cent extraction of the N09 higher grade lenses.

Mar 21, 2011

By A Suokas

Boliden Tara Mines Ltd, located in County Meath Ireland, produce in excess of 2.5 million tonnes per annum of ore from the underground resource located 40 miles north west of Dublin. The zinc-lead ore is mined using long hole open stoping techniques, with ore treated on site. The operation is continually searching for new ways to improve productivities at the mine, and have employed a detailed data acquisition and reporting system on site to provide feedback around performance. One area where both Boliden Tara Mines Ltd and Orica Mining Services believed improvements could be made was in the application of bulk emulsion technology through an Orica supplied but Tara operated Maxipump Delivery System for all production and development blasting at the mine. Both parties committed to the evaluation of this technology at the mine, however the capital cost and technical and economic changes meant the project needed to be diligently investigated and any improvements documented. The first stage of this project was for Orica Mining Services personnel to visit the operation, and conduct a detailed analysis of the operationÆs performance over the past 12 months. The next step in moving forward was then to commission and utilise the customer operated emulsion system at the mine. This was then followed with the collation and analysis of data from the demonstration period to examine and document the benefits of the system. This paper is a summary of the observations made during the site inspection and the data analysed to date, and has been used in determining operational and financial improvements in the comparison between a Maxipump Emulsion Service and the current ANFO loading systems.

Jan 1, 2005