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By B Patterson, Y Lanwin

Over the last decade the adoption of autonomous technology has proven its potential to fundamentally alter the mining industry, offering significant improvements in safety and productivity. Automation levels are now increasing exponentially across all parts of the supply chain from drilling, haulage, processing, rail and shipping to the maintenance of the above. However, the management of human error risk is also becoming increasingly complex as the disconnect between the people who operate and interact with mining equipment and those that design the autonomous systems grows in terms of skill and expertise. Furthermore, as comfort levels with automation increases amongst operators, complacency is increasing as the initial functional safety benefits have been realised. This paper introduces an innovative concept that unites two distinct fields, functional safety and behavioural economics, to address the complex issue of human error risk in autonomous mining operations. Functional safety, a well-established field in engineering involves identifying potential hazards, assessing risks and designing systems in a way that minimises the chances of accidents and limits their consequences. Meanwhile, behavioural economics takes a data centric approach to analysing the psychological aspects of human decision-making, acknowledging and seeking to understand the errors that can originate from cognitive biases and heuristics. This paper seeks to bridge these domains by emphasising that human error in autonomous mining is not solely a technical issue but is deeply influenced by human behaviour and decision-making processes. By incorporating insights from behavioural economics, we can better predict, prevent and manage human errors in the mining sector. By applying principles from both disciplines to a recent incident example we will explore how cognitive biases can impact peoples’ interactions with autonomous mining equipment. This interdisciplinary approach will not only enhance the design and implementation of functional safety measures in mining but also lead to the development of people centric solutions that consider the inherent fallibility of people. We will explore how human centred design can help bridge the gap between these two domains and apply systems thinking for a universal approach. Through an indepth case study analysis and empirical data, our research aims to provide actionable insights and practical recommendations for mining industry professionals, regulators and stakeholders involved in the safe integration of autonomous systems.

Apr 16, 2024

By Edmonds G. A

The power station went into operation in 1931, when the installed capacity was 12,500 kVA. with a loading of 4,000 kVA. In 1936 the loading increased to 6,750 kVA. which necessitated the addition of a third set which went into operation in 1937, the installed capacity at that date being 18,750 kvA. with a loading of 7,000 kVA. This remained fairly constant until 1945, when a gradual increase was noticed, the loading in 1952 being 10,598 kVA.With the addition of the copper plant, additional generating capacity was required and it was decided to raise the installed capacity by the addition of a fourth set to 34,375 kVA. with an expected loading, when producing copper, of 20,000 kViA.MAIN POWER PLANTThis consists of three GiE.e. alternators of 6,250 kVA. or 5,000 kW. at 0.8 P.F. rating and one G.E.C. alternator of 15,625 kVA. or 12,500 kW. at 0.8 P.F. rating, making a total generating capacity of 34,375 kVA.Each alternator is driven by Fraser and Chalmers turbines at 3,000 r.p.m.SYSTEMThe main 3 phase 3 wire 3,300 volt distribution system has the neutral point of alternators earthed through by one or two earthing resistors designed to limit earth fault current to 3,000 amp. for 20 seconds, in the case of the large machine, and to 1,100 amp. for 10 seconds, in the case of the smaller machines, or full load of either size machine at rated voltage.

Jan 1, 1953

This paper describes how Western Mining Corporation uses sophisticated diesel equipment in mining of shallow flat dipping narrow ore- bodies in the Otter Juan area. Though in most cases the stoping method chosen relies on hand held conventional equip- ment, the 'ore handling systems have been designed to allow for a relatively high degree of mechanization. The use of diesel loaders, trucks along with three boom jumbos is described. A single one in nine decline driven as the means of access to the various ore surfaces at Otter/Juan resulted in the first ore being produced first 15 weeks after the first round was fired in the Ore-Decline. Now, three years later, the.mine is in full production, and in 1971/72 produced 392,000 dry tonnes of high grade Nickel Ore.

Jan 1, 1973

The hydrological cycle in nature, with particular reference to Australia . 2. The definition of water pollution drawing on the experience of several major countries. 3. A description of the pollutants in water, and why they are pollutants. 4. The classification of waters as defined by major overseas countries. 5. The criteria and standards developed by major overseas countries for the classification of waters. 6. A brief- summary of the legislation adopted by overseas countries for the control of water pollution, and of the organisation and administration of controls. 7. A study of Australian legislation and administration of controls of water pollution. 8. General observations and conclusions.

Jan 1, 1971

By C L. McIntosh

The west coast of New Zealand’s south island is host to a large number of placer goldfields that stretch from the Westport area in the north to Gillespies Beach in the south and inland to the foothills of the Southern Alps. This area is host to a large number of alluvial, glacial and strand line deposits ageing in range from Recent to Tertiary. In recent years exploration models have been developed for off shore placer deposits on the continental shelf.Gold mining on the west coast has exploited placer gold resources from the 1860s to present, and with the recent surge in the gold price the industry is currently undergoing a resurgence. The current increase in mining is dominated by small-scale mechanical operations usually involving one to two people at each site; a few larger operations also exist such as the Grey River Dredge.Mining methods range from using floating bucket dredges to small diggers. Some of the mining technologies used are similar to those employed during the great gold rushes of the 19th century. Exploration and grade control techniques can be very rudimentary often relying on previous sampling programs or wide spaced bulk sample drill holes. Some bulk sample drilling is used on the larger operations as a form of grade control, most of the small operations tend not to use any ore control sampling prior to mining. Extraction techniques relying on simple gravity based designs with riffle tables or spirals are the most commonly used. Environmental standards are very high within New Zealand and require operators to return mined areas to preagreed to landforms. The high rainfall experienced on the west coast causes challenges to operators in regard to water quality. Technical issues combined with often limited capital provide for challenges to the operations.

Aug 22, 2011

Problems caused by water discharge from surface mine ventilation shafts can be significant and are usually unforseen. The discharged water is often hyper-saline or acidic and can cause environmental degradation over a wide radius. It can also lead to recurring power pole fires and primary fan breakdowns. A range of solutions to the water discharge problem has been implemented in many Australian mines. In most cases the solutions have been ad hoc, with the overall cost and effectiveness varying tremendously. This paper reviews and contrasts the practicality and effectiveness of the various available remedial options.

Jan 1, 2002

Many mining companies, by their remoteness of location from source of power, have to generate their own power and must experience the same problem that had to be met when deciding to increase the capacity of the power station. At present the Company is treating approximately 54,000 tons of ore mined per month, and the present shift average load. is approximately 8,500 kW. at 0.8 power factor, generated at the power plant, the observed peak load being 10,500 kW.It is proposed to increase the tonnage of ore treated to include 36,000 tons of copper ore, in addition to the present 54,000 tons of lead ore. The average load is estimated to be approximately' 16,000 kW. with a peak load of 17,500 kW. The estimate provides for power of 1,000 kW. to be supplied to the north end leases in the next 12 months, also for increased ventilation in the mines.There are installed in the main power station three turbo alternator sets each of 5,000 kW.; normally two sets are run in parallel and one set is a standby unit. A 12,500 kW. set is being installed and proposed loading with the increased tonnage will require the 12,500 kW. set and one 5,000 kW. set, or alternatively, the three 5,000 kW. sets When the 12,500 kW. set is down for service. When the original plant was installed some 25 years ago, the switches selected and installed in the main 3,300 V. power plant switchboard were rated at 150 MVA and the substation distributing centres located at the surface of the mine, in the mill, and in the smelter, were purchased as having a rupturing capacity of 100 MVA, and the stator...

Jan 1, 1953

By Evans R, McCallum P

Modem blast initiation systems allow users many options for connection and application in the field, and have resulted in more innovative and complex uses of sequencing to influence blast outcomes. However, no tool existed which allowed the blaster to easily and quickly assess the effect of different options. The original requirement was for a computer program which allowed the easy input of blast patterns and the associated initiation sequence, and then permitted the evaluation of different options with respect to established criteria such as the number of holes per delay and angle of initiation. The implementation of this goal saw the development of the SHOTPIan blast sequence design software, with particular emphasis on an easy-to-use menu driven interface and visualisation of the blast sequence. Extensive trialling during development saw the incorporation of additional features requested by industry such as the ability to import from established mine design software packages, and further features such as the calculation of burden relief times. Case studies of the use of the program are provided, where the rapid evaluation of a number of options has enabled blast results to be optimised. Examples are also given of cases involving two-path initiation

Jan 1, 1995

By Hall C. E, Chrisholm J. M

Resource calculations for shear hosted deposits of any type are difficult regardless of which calculation technique is used. One of the main problems is the determination of the geometry of the mineralisation. Once this has been elucidated then the appropriate resource calculation methodology can be employed with a search distance and orientation that is relevant.

Jan 1, 1993

By J Schrank

Double-stack trains in the United States date back to the early 1980s, starting about the time deregulation of the rail industry occurred. Freight rail became increasingly more competitive to trucking and barge or ship, and led to major investments in railroad infrastructure. Since most railroad tunnels in the United States were constructed between 1880 and 1930, they were not built tall enough to accommodate modern double-stack intermodal railcars. Therefore, as double-stack trains became the norm, existing tunnels became bottlenecks, and railroads wanted the tunnels made larger without impacting traffic. This need to increase the clearance while not impacting rail traffic launched a very specialised industry: the design and construction of replacement lining systems in existing tunnels.Several large multitunnel railroad clearance improvement projects have been completed in the country in the last decade, and they have all been done under ‘live track’ conditions. Live track conditions consist of work windows, often anywhere from four to 12 hours, that are provided to the contractor to complete the construction work. By the end of each work window, the tunnel must be secured so that the railroad can run trains.In addition to improving the clearance, these projects provided the railroads with an opportunity to improve the general condition of the tunnels, including structural, seepage, drainage and icing conditions. This paper discusses the design considerations, tunnel assessments and construction methods used for these live track railroad tunnel projects. Seepage and drainage improvements that were incorporated into the clearance improvement projects are also discussed.CITATION:Schrank, J, 2014. Live track railroad tunnel repair and clearance improvement in the United States, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 619–628 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By W Y. Guo, L X. Chen, D X. Zhang

To obtain the rock type-I crack propagation process accurately, a novel fixture is used to make the prefabricated crack of rock propagation along the predetermined direction. In this study, the crack propagation process of rock is monitored with the digital image correlation method (DICM), and a mechanical model of crack directional propagation was established. The results show that the simple crack directional propagation device can effectively realise the stable propagation of type-I crack along the predetermined direction, the crack initiation angle is less than 10°, and the deviation between the peak strength of crack propagation calculated by a simplified mechanical model and the tensile strength of Brazilian splitting is 22.76 per cent and 7.53 per cent, respectively. According to the deformation field evolution law, crack propagation can be divided into three stages: microcrack development, main crack propagation, and main crack propagation. As for the rock type-I crack initiation and propagation mechanism, before reaching the peak strength, the prefabricated crack tip is subjected to maximum tensile stress; the elastic energy increases rapidly, and the dissipation energy increases slowly; after the peak strength, elastic energy exceeds its energy storage limit and released rapidly, and most of the input energy is converted into dissipation energy, which makes the crack propagation rapidly. The crack directional propagation device will be further optimised and improved, and it is expected to provide a new method for the study of crack propagation mechanism, rock failure precursor information and crack arrest principle, etc. It will also provide theoretical references for the optimisation of coal strata directional blasting, fracturing, fracture arrest, and other related technologies in geotechnical engineering.

Nov 29, 2022

By Anderson KG

Multi-seam mining under the western portion of Lake Macquarie NSW commenced in 1982. Up to three seams separated by partings ranging from 10 to 30 metres are mined simultaneously by Newcom Collieries. A feature of these workings is the minimal bedrock cover, which ranges from 130 metres down to only 40 metres. "Surface" subsidence control has an over-riding influence on the design of the workings. Subsidence considerations govern both the selection of the mining method and the dimensioning of the workings. To date, workings have been designed in accordance with the "Wardell Guidelines for Mining Under Tidal Waters". These guidelines are tabulated and evaluated in the light of advances in rock mechanics knowledge and local subsidence data collected since the Guidelines were formulated in 1974. The local and regional stability of shallow workings designed according to the Guidelines is evaluated.

Jan 1, 1986

By D J. Brake

In most underground mines, the ventilation system is a significant portion of the total mine capital and operating cost and the largest consumer of underground electrical power. The effectiveness of the ventilation system has a major bearing on the safety, health, comfort and morale of underground personnel, and has a critical role in meeting production targets and therefore business revenue. Perhaps the most important component of the primary ventilation system is the primary fan. Correct performance testing of the primary fan during the warranty period is important not only to ensure the mine has obtained the asset that it paid for and can therefore deliver on the fanÆs crucial safety and economic role in the future of the mine, and to provide a justification for releasing final performance warranty payments to the supplier, but also to provide a benchmark or baseline against which to assess future performance issues. As there are at least three potential international standards available to measure fan performance, there has been considerable confusion regarding which of these to use for testing primary mine fans, and also the correct allowances and tolerances to use. This paper provides guidance on which standards to use for different applications, how the standards should be interpreted, what allowances and tolerances are reasonable, and other important issues to be resolved with the fan supplier prior to making a contract award. The paper also discusses practical issues and methodology for in situ primary fan performance testing.CITATION:Brake, D J, 2013. Performance and acceptance testing of main mine ventilation fans, in Proceedings The Australian Mine Ventilation Conference , pp 141-148 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 1, 2013

Gravity concentration of tin at Renison Limited uses tables and spirals to treat the various coarser fractions produced from sulphide flotation tailing. An acceptable final tailing cannot be made from one pass over the tables and spirals and therefore the tailing from these separators is reground and combined with the sulphide flotation tailing as the feed to the classification section. The gravity section became increasingly overloaded in the years preceding 1976 due to efforts to maximize tin recovery to the gravity concentrate. In April, 1976, two 2DSV Reichert cone concentrators in series were installed to treat the table and spiral tail- ing stream, prior to regrind, to scavenge a small tonnage of hard, coarse low tin grade material for rejection to final tailing. Gravity section loadings were decreased markedly, allowing operator attention to be directed more to table performance than to spillage collection. An increase in mill throughput of approximately 15% was possible following the commissioning of the Reichert cones. The cones are currently operated to make the minimum tonnage of tailing consistent with reasonable- gravity section loadings.

Jan 1, 1978

In the last several years we have seen the demise of the Department of Mining and Metallurgy at the University of Melbourne, the removal of extraction metallurgy from the Department of Metallurgy and incorporation of it within a School of Mines at the University of New South Wales, and the joining of a small Department of Metallurgy with a Department of Chemical Engineering to form a Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Newcastle. Most of these changes have been forced by the logical application of the principles of accounting, the currency for such accounting being the Whole Student Unit (WSU). It is not my intent to address the problem of attracting young people into courses in metallurgy (including extraction metallurgy) which, at present, is the only way to introduce black ink into the WSU accounting ledger. Rather, I wish to express my disquiet over the trends, illustrated by some of the above occurrences, of separating out extractive metallurgy from METALLURGY by suggesting in broad terms how a course in metallurgy should be structured. I firmly believe that the mechanical metallurgist and materials engineer need an exposure to chemical and extractive metallurgy; similarly, the extractive and process metallurgist should, in my view, have a good grounding in the interrelationships between composition, structure, and properties, this topic being the core of the basic subject physical metallurgy.

Jan 1, 1987

The mining industry has expanded significantly in the Pacific Region over the past two decades through a mix of new developments and brownfields expansions of existing operations. Despite this overall success there are also a number of well publicised examples of less than successful minerals ventures. These problem developments highlight the fact that success cannot be taken for granted and that rigorous planning and attention to detail is essential. The dominant growth has come through expansion of existing businesses, notably alumina, iron ore and coal, achieved through both efficiency gains on existing plant and step change capacity additions such as new mines and/or expanded processing plant. This expansion has largely been linked to increased market opportunities. The major issues are the quality and extent of the host resource, achieving the market targets, and the efficiency of the expansion effort. There can be also a range of site specific issues which need to be addressed. The development of new greenfields operations is often more complex as it can bring a wide range of new issues. Depending on the nature of the development, and the companies involved, these can extend from initial financing through to obtaining a market position. Incorporating major new technology and/or establishing infrastructure and attracting staff to remote locations can also add significant challenges. This paper outlines many of the critical factors which need to be considered prior to proceeding with major expansions or greenfields developments. These will be linked to a number of developments in the region over the past decade.

Jan 1, 2004

By Stevens LG, Mok JK

With the long lead time requirement for engineering and construction of mineral pro- cessing facilities and the costly financing arrangements necessary, effective project management is essential to the successful and timely start up of these major production units. An added complexity is the frequently remote location of such projects and the demands this imposes on efficient project staffing, scheduling, logistics and cost control. Parsons recent experience with major projects such as Greenvale in Queensland and La Caridad in the desert of Northern Mexico and at remote locations like Sar Cheshmeh in Iran are described. The applications being developed for improving project controls through the use of computer techniques such as MSCS-COPES, and readily accessible and versatile transportation means are reviewed.

Jan 1, 1981

By G Balog, T Ormerod, D Cox

This paper discusses the methods utilised by the technical team to identify and quantify the SLC risk factors, the modifications to mine design and scheduling, and the changes to the planned risk management practices. The paper also describes the future work currently planned by the OZ Minerals technical team to quantify the various risk factors in terms of space, time and magnitude. This may better inform the future mining practices within not only the Carrapateena province but also the wider Gawler Craton.

Mar 15, 2021

By S D. Golding

The current study integrates hydrogeochemical and stable isotope results to investigate the sources and evolution of acid mine drainage at the historic Mount Morgan gold mine in Queensland, including the controlling factors and mechanisms of sulfate formation. The open pit and seepage sumps contain acid-sulfate waters and show elevated Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn values. Samples collected from the Dee River bordering the mine site are less acidic, with lower concentrations of dissolved metals that gradually attenuate downstream from the mine. Concentrated acid mine waters has lead to formation of efflorescences consisting mainly of hydrous Fe-sulfates. The results of the ongoing isotope analyses on water samples show distinctive grouping of the data. The range of the sulfur isotope values for dissolved sulfate in samples from the open pit and sumps (d34S = 2.1 to 3.0 per mil) are similar to those of sulfides in the Main Pipe mineralisation (d34S = - 0.2 to 2.8 per mil). The lack of fractionation between sulfides and sulfate indicates that intermediate oxidation states of sulfur are not significant and makes this technique a useful tracer to identify the sources of sulfate. The Dee River samples, on the other hand, have heavier sulfur isotopes (d34S = 2.8 to 5.0 per mil). These samples may contain dissolved sulfate from æinternal sourcesÆ in the river basin, show local bacterial reduction or indicate a simple mixing trend. Further isotope analyses including oxygen isotopes of dissolved sulfates will enhance the interpretations.

Jan 1, 2003

'Industrial Minerals - their mining and use in New Zealand' is the theme of the 1978 Annual Conference of the New Zealand Branch of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. This paper describes the use of phosphate rock, sulphur and potassium chloride (potash) - three industrial minerals which have enabled the farmers of New Zealand to increase production to current levels. The growth of imports of these raw materials for the New Zealand fertiliser industry is well documented in NZ Fertiliser Statistics 1977. This is the most recent of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries annual publications on this Subject prepared from the detailed returns of fertiliser manufacture and sales from each fertiliser works. There are now 12 of these works in New Zealand one of the most recently established being in Whangarie where this conference is being held. Its capacity to manufacture superphosphate will shortly be 300 000 tonnes twice that when it opened late in 1964. New grinding and manufacturing equipment comes on stream early in 1979. This paper illustrates the interdependence of two primary industries, agriculture and mining. New Zealand's economy in the foreseeable future will be based on agriculture so that our standard of living is dependent on the overseas prices and freight costs of the bulk raw materials from which our fertilisers are made. For the year ended 31 March 1978 New Zealand's total exports were $3395 million, of this total $2413 million (71%) came from the products of pastoral agriculture (wheat, wool, dairy and other animal products), $291 million from forest products and $501 (15%) from manufactured exports. Approximately half of the pastoral receipts can be attributed to the fertilisers applied at a total cost of about $200 million including subsidy.

Jan 1, 1978