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By A. Atta-Quayson

Since 2012, Ghana has been implementing local procurement regulations in the mining sector to broaden and deepen linkages between mining and other sectors of the economy. The regulations have been implemented in collaboration with the mining industry. This paper offers an in-depth analysis of how the local procurement regulations and related initiatives have been implemented so far. Primary data gathered with semi-structured interviews and secondary sources of data indicate a steady improvement in both in-country procurement and local manufacturing of inputs for the mining industry. There are, however, some challenges relating to tariff structure and support (financial and technical) for local suppliers and manufacturers to meet high standards and demands of the mining industry. This calls for a well-thought-out strategy and programme of activities to sustain and improve on progress made.

Feb 2, 2022

By P. Smit

Health hazards of South African . mIne water by P. SMIT, M.B., Ch.B., D.T.M.H., D.P.H. (Visitor) The water supply in South African mines is not as good as most mining engineers would like to believe, nor is sufficient care taken to ensure the safe dispensing, transportation, and consumption of water. As long as cases of dysentery and typhoid continue to occur in large numbers, it can be assumed only that the water supplies are not safe, or that the water-dispensing methods are poor. A dual water supply is a real health hazard. The ideal water supply is a single safe source for human consumption and industrial use.

Jan 4, 1977

By R. C. Urquhart, W. P. Channon, D. D. Howat

Discussion: The mode of current transfer between electrode and slag in the submBerged-arc furnace by w. P. CHANNON, R. C. URQUHART, and D. D. HOWAT J. MEINTJES I have read the paper with much interest, and I should like to make a few observations. (I) The experimental work deals with resistance heating by an electrode immersed in a slag... AUTHORS' REPLY We thank Mr Meintjes for his critical analysis and helpful comments arising out of his study of our paper. Possibly we should emphasize at the outset that our experiments all related to the conditions in which the lower portion of the electrode was immersed in molten slag. We believe, however,

Jan 12, 1974

By H. Mulder, M. C. Bekker

The objective of this paper is to describe the research followed in creating a generalized, readiness assessment tool for mining projects. We start by highlighting the need for the assessment tool and then progress towards explaining the methodology followed during the study. The selection and finalization of the list of elements, sections, and categories that make up the unweighted values are described, followed by a summary of the weighting process applied. The outcome of this process is a weighted readiness assessment tool for mining project studies. The main benefits of the tool are that it will guide decision-makers and project managers through the definition phases of the project and improve the likelihood of project success.

Jul 2, 2022

By Z. Hou

ABSTRACT: Short-term strength, damage and healing boundaries for rock salt are experimentally determined and integrated into the Hou/Lux-MDS damage-healing model. This model can be used to describe the mechanical behaviour of rock salt during a damaging process (under high stress to strength ratios) as well as during a healing process (under very low stress to strength ratios with high confining pressure). The development of the damage and the stress to strength ratio in the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) of a storage cavern under a minimum internal pressure as well as the development of the healing of damage and the stress to strength ratio under a subsequent maximum internal pressure are investigated project-related. The results of the investigation make it possible to shift the permissible minimum pressure boundary down, allowing the optimisation of decisive economic characteristics of storage caverns. RÉSUMÉ: Le comportement court terme, l’endommagement et les conditions de colmatage pour le sel gemme ont été étudiés expérimentalement et intégrés dans le model endommagement-colmatage Hou/Lux-MDS. Ce modèle permet de décrire le comportement mécanique de sel gemme pendant le processus d’endommagement (sous fort rapport contrainte-résistance) et le comportement du processus de colmatage sous très faible rapport contrainte-résistance avec forte pression de confinement. Le développement d’endommagement et le rapport de contrainte-résistance dans une zone d’endommagée (EDZ) d’une cavité de stockage avec un maximum de pression de soutènement ont été étudiés. Les résultats de cette étude permettent de conclure qu’il est possible de baisser la pression de soutènement, et par conséquent d’optimiser les caractéristiques économiques décisives des cavité de stockage. ZUSAMENFASSUNG: Für Steinsalz werden Festigkeits-, Schädigungs- und Verheilungsgrenze experimentell ermittelt und in das Schädigungs-Verheilungs-Modell Hou/Lux-MDS integriert. Damit kann das mechanische Verhalten von Steinsalz sowohl bei einem Schädigungsprozess (mit hohen Ausnutzungsgraden) wie auch bei einem Verheilungsprozess (mit niedrigen Ausnutzungsgraden) beschrieben werden. Projektbezogen werden die Schädigungs- und Ausnutzungsgradentwicklung in der Auflockerungszone einer Speicherkaverne unter einem minimalen Innendruck sowie die Verheilungs- und Ausnutzungsgradentwicklung unter einem anschließenden maximalen Innendruck untersucht. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse erlauben, die zulässige Minimaldruckgrenze nach unten zu verschieben, so dass entscheidende wirtschaftliche Kenngrößen von Speicherkavernen optimiert werden können.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. Petersen, M. Reuter, E. Asselin, M. Becker, N. Uys

In order to meet society’s ever-increasing demand for metals and address the numerous technical, economic and environmental challenges within the current mining context, a holistic approach to process design, which is grounded in mineralogy, is needed. This would ensure that the impact of varying process mineralogy (and associated chemistry) on technical considerations and the associated economic implications and environmental consequences are taken into account upfront. This investigation focuses on the commodity zinc due to its strategic value coupled with limited resource availability and the wide variety of substantially different process technologies in existence. As the most commonly processed zinc ores contain zinc sulphides, the mineralogy/chemistry of these ores and their associated process routes will be discussed. The findings have been generated through the analysis of two case studies, Teck’s Trail Operations (British Columbia, Canada) and Hudbay Minerals’ Flin Flon Operations (Manitoba, Canada). The flotation of zinc sulphide ores to produce concentrates with varying mineralogy, represents the starting point for both case studies. The hydrometallurgical process routes for the further refining of zinc and other valuable metals include roast-leach-electrowinning (RLE), and zinc pressure leaching (ZPL). The effect of process route choices on primary metal recovery (Zn), coproduction of other base metals (Cu, Pb), potential for other valuable metal production (Ag, Au) including less well known, but increasingly important trace elements (In, Ge), and the production of other by-products (H2SO4, S0) are discussed. The economic and environmental implications of these aspects will also be considered. It is concluded that a quantitative modelling approach must be taken where waste management is integrated into process system design and simulation as a key unit operation. Keywords: Zinc Sulphide Processing; Design Decisions; Mineralogy

Jan 1, 2020

By R. Tabanrad

This article examines the stability analysis of intake tunnels of Karun III dam & power plant. The tunnels have been excavated with a 3-dimensional and fairly complicated geometry in Pabdeh weak formation rocks at Zagros region. Due to the particular excavation geometry and inapplicability of plane-strain status, the stability of these excavations has been analyzed using both the 3D elastic software Examine 3D and the 2D non-elastic software UDEC simultaneously. The geomechanical parameters have been estimated by back analyzing the measured displacements from instruments, which were installed in the tunnels, and the parameters have been used in non-elastic numerical model. The results of the analysis show that the strains occurred in surrounding rock mass are less than the allowable failure strain and that the tunnels are stable. In addition, considering the results of non-elastic 2D analysis, the areas with unstable potentiality were identified and after the instability occurred at the areas predicted by the model , it was stopped up to the allowable strain limit through installing additional support . Bei diesem Artikel handelt es sich um eine Analyse der Festigkeit der Eingangstunnel des Damms und Elektrizitätswerks “Karoon III”.Die Tunnel haben drei Dimensionen und eine sehr schwierige Form und sind in brüchigen Felsen in “Pabedeh ,in Zagrossgebirge”eingebohrt.Aufgrund besonderer Form der Bohrung wurde ihre Festigkeit durch elastische dreidimensionale Soft-ware analysiert,die gleichzeitig die drei-und zweidimensionale unelastische Soft-ware UDEC benutzt hat.Die geometrische Parameter sind mit Ausnützung der Analyse berechneter eingesetzter Versorgungen,die in Tunnel aufgebaut sind,bewertet.Und diese Parameter sind in Zahlen-Analyse benutzt.Die Ergebnisse dieser Analyse zeigen,dass die Drücke an Felsen weniger als problematischer Grad der Drücke sind und die Tunnel fest sind.Ausserdem wurde mit einem Einblick auf die Ergebnisse der unelastischen zweidimensionale Analyse die eventuellen unfesten Teile bestimmt.Nach entstandener Unfestigkeit an diesen Teilen wurde die problematischeDrücke für Aufbau mehrere Anlagen gestoppt. Cet article examine l'analyse de la stabilité de tunnels de la prise de Karoun barrage III et centrale électrique. Les tunnels ont été excavés avec une 3 dimensionnel et compliqué géométrie dans Pabedeh que la formation faible balance à région Zagros équitablement. Dû à la géométrie de l'excavation particulière et inapplicabilite de statut de tension plane, la stabilité de ces excavations a été analysée en utilisant les deux le 3D logiciel élastique Examen 3D et le 2D logiciel non - élastique UDEC simultanément. Les paramètres du geomechanical ont été estimés en analysant le déplacement mesuré d'instruments qui ont été installés dans les tunnels et les paramètres en arrière a été utilisé dans les modèles numériques non - élastique. Les résultats de l'analyse montrent que les tensions se sont produites dans masse du roc environnante est plus petit que la tension de l'échec admissible et que les tunnels sont stables. De plus, les régions avec potentialité instable ont été identifiées étant donné les résultats de 2D analyse non - élastique, et après que l'instabilité se soit produite aux régions prédites par le modèle, il a été arrêté jusqu'à la limite de la tension admissible à travers installer du support supplémentaire.

Jan 1, 2003

"Chairman: Prof A. E. H. BLEKSLEY Rapporteur: Prof J. ELBRONDPanel Members: Prof J. C. Griffiths, Prof T. E. Hawkins, Mr A. C. Langton, Mr M. Splaine, Mr A. WeissThe reasons for failure of computer applications in the mineral industry and the direction of future developments.The Chairman opened the discussion by elaborating on the disappointment felt by some authorities with the lack of progress in the application of computers in the mineral industry during the last ten years, and posed the question to the panel : 'Do you agree that the computer age has not come up to expectations?'Mr Langton said that although there seemed to be a tremendous amount of brainpower applied to the theoretical side, he thought that the production men had not got all the help from computers that could have been given to them. The computer, said Prof Griffiths, is as yet a new tool which should not be used to do old things in old ways. To learn to use the computer will take time. After all, he said, it had taken 400 years after the introduction of the printing press to achieve general literacy, and perhaps it will take 40 years after the introduction of the computer to achieve `numeracy'.In Mr Weiss' view, the reason for the feeling of disappoint¬ment lay in the focussing of attention on the computer. The blame, if any, lay with the people surrounding the computer, that is, the analysts and programmers, to whom the emphasis should be shifted.Prof Hawkins said that he thought that some applications of the computer in the mineral industry had been successful, such as, for example, the compilation of payrolls. Reasons for failures in other areas were to be sought in the fact that the people connected with computers had failed to realise that they were merely part of a system. They had not understood the power structure of the organization which their work tended to change, and were therefore not prepared for the inevitable conflict with the production men.In Mr Splaine's view the production man had not received the assistance he could have had from the computer people because he may possibly not have allowed this to happen.Prof Bleksley concluded from these opinions that the promise which computers had ton years ago had not been fulfilled and added that the opinions expressed by the panel had intruded on his next question which was: 'Is the reason for this that people are involved?Prof Hawkins elaborated on his previous theme, namely, that of computer people in relation to management. Com-puter people, he said, were trying to impose change on management but were not prepared to share the responsibility for these changes. In fact, they wanted their work to be distinct and separate, and, as far as management was concerned, changes would be made when management believed that these would be less agonizing than no change at all."

Jan 1, 2014

By C. Hartford, T. Holmes

Bulk-solids handling systems are often the most over-looked component and thereby weakest links in a processing plant’s value chain. Since their performance can dictate that of the entire operation, they actually deserve special attention. When designing a liquid handling plant, density and viscosity are well known and commonly used as design parameters. Bulk solids however, differ. While the design process is similar, the relevant parameters in handling bulk solids are instead friction, cohesive strength, compressibility, and permeability. These then vary depending on the mineralogy, particle size distribution and shape, moisture content, storage time-at-rest, temperature, and consolidation pressure. With so many variables, it becomes important to characterize each individual bulk solid across the full range of representative process conditions within the handling system, plant wide – or if you are not very lucky, suffer the consequences of poor material flow. Measuring flow properties and applying them correctly in bulk solid handling system design reduces project risk, saves significant capital, and drastically increases throughput, especially when done in the early stages of a project. Keywords: Flow Properties, Bulk Solids, Process Conditions, System Design

Jan 1, 2020

The Technical Programme Committee-Metals Technology of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, in association with its Vaal Triangle Branch, held a one-day colloquium on 18th April, 1989, the theme being 'Ferous Pyrometalurgy: A Challenge for South Africa'. The venue was the Auditorium 100 at the campus of the Vaal Triangle Technikon in Vanderbijlpark. Project and contract management A Project and Contract Management Conference is to be held on 19th and 20th September, 1989, at the C SIR, Pretoria. Powder metallurgy The PM 90 exhibition is to be held in Wembley, London, from 2nd to 6th July, 1990. The wide range of powders, processing machinery, and powder-metallurgy components at the exhibition will reflect the growth in this highly specialist industry. Castings and forgings Exhibition organizers, FMJ International Publications Ltd, are set to build upon the success of Castings & Forgings '88, which was held as a joint event with Pat- Cast '88. Castings & Forgings '89-with Pat-Cast '89- has already generated a high level of interest, which has been reflected in the demand for stands. Furnaces FURNACES '90, the eighth in this series of exhibitions for the thermal-processing industry, will be held in Solihul, West Midlands, England, on 6th and 7th March, 1990.

Jan 1, 1989

By D. Visser, P. D. Toens

The development of a continuous recording scintillation counter mounted on a cyclometer by P. D. Toens (Fellow) and D. Visser (Visitor) In order to facilitate ground radiometric surveys the Atomic Energy Board has developed a continuous recording device attached to a scintillation counter which is mounted on a cyclometer. Details concerning the construction are given.

By J. Hadjigeorgiou, G. Knox

Since their introduction in 2010, paddled energy-absorbing rockbolts have been widely used in seismically active hard rock mines. This paper provides new data and reviews previous work to quantify the performance of paddled energy-absorbing rockbolts under controlled laboratory conditions. Of significance is the realization that the typical split location in impact tests, at the centre between two paddle anchor points can at best provide an upper limit value. This inherent variability in performance under different testing configurations should be acknowledged and taken into consideration in the design of ground support in seismic conditions. This paper discusses the reduction in capacity of paddled rockbolts as a function of loading angle from a maximum value during axial tests (0° loading angle) to the lowest value during pure shear (loading angle of 90°). A significant reduction in displacement capacity is observed as the loading angle changes between axial (0°) and 40°. Beyond a 40° loading angle up to shear (90°) loading the reduction in displacement capacity is less significant. Due to the variances in the capacity observed through the variance of the testing configuration: loading mechanism, direction of loading, location / presence of a discontinuity, it must be recognized that results from laboratory-based testing are not independent of the testing configuration. This should be acknowledged when extrapolating anticipated performance in the field.

Oct 9, 2024

By R. Singh, A. K. Dhawan, M. Dixit, H. Dev

ABSTRACT: The modulus of deformation of rock mass is an important engineering parameter required for the design of foundation of hydraulic structure and to study the interaction of rock mass and the structure at the foundation support. Different equipment and techniques are used to arrive at the design modulus value. Since any error in the estimation of modulus values results in multiplication of its effects in the analysis, it is necessary to know about the reliability of testing equipment and procedures. In the present study modulus values obtained by different in-situ equipment at different project sites have been compared. KURZFASSUNG: Der Verformungsmodul von der Felsenmasse ist technisch ein wichtiger Parameter, den man zur Konstuktion des Grunds fuer die Hydro – Tektonik, benoetigt um auch die gegenseitige Beeinflussung der Felsenmasse und der Tektonik am Traggrund zu betrachten. Verschiedene Geraete und Methoden werden angewandt, um den Ausfuehrungsmodul -Wert zu erreichen. Es ist erforderlich, die Zuverlaessigkeit der Pruefeinrichtung sowie des Verfahrens zu kennen, da irgend ein Fehler in der Abschaetzung von Modulwerten in der Analyse zu einer Vervielfachung ihrer Einwirkung fuehrt. In der vorligenden Arbeit werden die Modulwerte gewonnen aus unterschiedlichen Einrichtungen an Ort und Stelle and verschiedenen Projekt -Stellen mit einander verglichen. SOMMAIRE: Le module de deformation d’une roche est un parametre important pour la conception et realisation des ouvrages hydrauliques ainsi que pour etudier l’interaction de la roche et de la structure d’appuis de base. De divers equipments et techniques sont employes pour determiner la valeur de ce module de conception. Puisque l’effet d’une erreur d’evaluation du module devient multiplie dans l’analyse, il est necessaire de savoir la fiabilite des equipments et des methods qu’on ulilise. Dans cette etude, on a compare les valeurs des modules obtenues en employant les equipments in-situ aux sites differents de projets.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. Asghari, R. Amiri, A. Haratian, M. Noue Parast, S. Haji

Today the roller screen has a wide range of applications in the steel-making industry. It is used for screening of green pellets before using the kiln. Since the appropriate size of a green pellet is -16+9 mm, there are different gaps between rollers that make green pellets classified in three categories: -9 mm (undersize), -16+9 mm (onsize) and +16mm (oversize). The efficiency of a roller screen is specified according to the weight percent of undersize in onsize as a fine material, and weight percent of onsize in oversize (loss). This efficiency is influenced by different operational parameters such as roller diameter, roller speed, and roller gap, material type of rollers and inclination of roller screen. This study investigates the effect of different material types of rollers in efficiency of Ardakan roller screens, located in the Yazd province of Iran. The rollers of the existing roller screens in this pelletising plant are made of polyurethane which according to this investigation, has a maximum lifetime of about six months. Operating the polyurethane rollers beyond its lifetime generates serious problems such as high wear of rollers, and consequently, material buildup on the roller surface which then significantly decreases the roller screen efficiency. So, after examining different roller materials, stainless steel 304 with higher surface roughness to help pellets move properly on the roller screen surface was selected as a solution to this problem. The new roller screen was constructed by Fakoor Meghnatis Spadana (FMS) and replaced the previous one. In this way, the maximum capacity of the roller screen was increased about 17% and the roller screen efficiency was increased about 15%. Keywords: Roller screen, green pellets, efficiency, onsize, operational parameters

Jan 1, 2020

By J. A. L. Napier

Computer programs which rely on the assumption of linear, elastic rockmass behaviour have been used routinely for many years in the South African mining industry to determine the stresses arising in the vicinity of mining excavations. A description is given of the theoretical background and novel solution techniques used in the recently developed MINSIM-D boundary element program. Features of the program include the ability to analyse multiple interacting reef planes at arbitrary orientation to one another, slippage on fault planes and the effects of backfill placement in mined areas. Incremental mining sequences can be modelled, and digitizer and front-end routines have been written to assist in the capture of mining outlines and general problem specifications. A brief indication is given of design problems for which MINSIM-D is appropriate, as well as some future extensions of the system.

Jan 1, 1987

By J. van Deventer

Ion exchange is widely used in hydrometallurgical operations for the recovery and purification of valuable metals. Special chelating resins have a high affinity for specific elements, allowing the selective removal of low levels of impurities from a background of highly concentrated valuable metal. Solvent-impregnated resins have been added to this group more recently, expanding the treatment options. These products find application in the purification of cobalt-rich liquor prior to the production of high-purity metal or metal salts. Impurities in copper-cobalt circuits that are typically targeted by ion exchange include iron, uranium, copper, zinc, nickel, bismuth, and antimony. Ion-exchange resins can also be used to treat tailings, thereby recovering additional valuable metal and improving the Environmental and Social Governance credentials of the operation. This article takes a look at various applications of ion exchange in copper-cobalt operations

Jan 1, 2023

By C. Snyman, M. Le Roux, Q. P. Campbell, S. Engelbrecht

Due to the ultrafine particle size required for effective processing of chromite ores, dewatering of the concentrates presents a challenge. It is not uncommon for the ore to have elevated moisture contents even after dewatering, which must be reduced to required levels of between 8% and 10% by mass for further processing. Contact sorption drying has shown promise in test work on fine coal. This method was used to study the dewatering of chromite on a laboratory scale using 3 mm spherical activated alumina ceramic beads as a sorbent. Three different sorbent-to-chromite mass ratios, namely 0.5:1, 1:1, and 2:1, were tested with different process conditions, including dewatering in a stationary and a rotatingl bed. The experimental work showed that it was possible to achieve the target moistures in less than 10 minutes, irrespective of the sorbent-to-chromite ratio used. Ratios of 1:1 or higher, however, proved to be the best. The sorbent reusability at mass ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 were therefore tested. With a 1:1 mass ratio, the sorbents could be reused for three cycles, while with 2:1 ratio, the number of cycles increased to six. The sorbent-to-chromite mass ratio used had a significant influence on the required contact time and the reusability of the sorbents.

Oct 3, 2023

By D. J. Briggs

The use of backfill for regional and local support is receiving increasing attention in the South African mining industry. To ensure that fill materials meet the purposes for which they are intended, a test procedure to characterize the load-deformation characteristics for a particular fill was developed. The major variables identified as influencing the load-bearing proper- ties of backfill include particle size distribution, porosity, width-to-height ratio, strain rate, confinement, water content, and additives. The influence of these variables on the performance of backfill is described in relation to crushed waste, dewatered tailings and deslimed tailings. These investigations confirmed that no single test could be used to define the overall stress-strain behaviour of a selected fill. Nevertheless, resulting from this work, a preliminary standard test procedure for uncemented backfill materials, com- prising a suite of tests in unconfined and confined compression, has been formulated. This test procedure is a significant advance towards a more meaningful evaluation of fill materials. Test results will also provide numerical information for input use in computer programs for the design of mine layouts incorporating backfill.

Jan 1, 1988

COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEES - 1973-1974 Office Bearers: P. W. J. van Rensburg (President), Professor R. P. Plewman and Dr R. E. Robinson (Vice Presidents), J. K. E. Douglas (Honorary Treasurer), and Dr J. P. Hugo (Immediate Past President). Elected Members of Council: Dr M. G. Atmore, G. H. Grange, Dr P. R. Jochens, J. G. Kirchner, Dr D. I. Legge, W. W. Malan, Dr M. D. G. Salamon, L. W. P. van den Bosch, D. A. Viljoen, P. A. von Wielligh. Branch Chairmen: B. T. Hosking (Witbank-Middelburg Branch), E. T. Wilson (Orange Free State Branch). Past Presidents Serving on Council: R. J. Adamson, M. Barcza, H. Britten, H. E. Cross, Professor J. de V. Lambrechts, R. C. J. Goode, Professor D. D. Howat, D. M. Jamieson, D. G. Maxwell, Dr J. T. McIntyre, V. C. Robinson. Ten Council meetings were held during the year, with an average attendance of 19, and the standing committees held 30 meetings. COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Membership, Dr R. E. Robinson ; Metallurgical Colloquia, Dr R. E. Robinson ; Mining Colloquia, L. W. P. van den Bosch; Awards, P. W. J. van Rensburg; Excursions, P. A. von Wielligh; Dinner, G. H. Grange ; Constitution, Rules and Policy, Dr J. P. Hugo; Adjudicating, P. W. J. van Rensburg; Mines and Works, W. W. Malan; Education, Dr J. P. Hugo. REPRESENTATIVES ON OTHER BODIES Associated Scientific and Technical Societies: Members : V. C. Robinson and D. G. Maxwell Alternates : P. W. J. van Rensburg and Dr J. P. Hugo. Federation of Societies of Professional Engineers Members : J. K. E. Douglas and P. W. J. van Rensburg Alternates : Dr J. P. Hugo and G. H. Grange. South African Council for Professional Engineers Members : R. C. J. Goode and J. K. E. Douglas Alternates: G. H. Grange and Dr R. E. Robinson. Engineers' Liaison Committee (Pretoria): Member: Professor J. de V. Lambrechts Alternate : Dr J. P. Hugo. MEMBERSHIP Seventeen Fellows and Members, twenty-three Graduates, ten Associate Members, twenty-two Associates, thirty-four Students, and seven Company Affiliates were elected during the year. Eleven Fellows and four Members were admitted to retired membership. Five Fellows were elected to Honorary Life Membership. Four Members, two Graduates, and one Student were transferred to Fellows ; eleven Graduates and Students were transferred to Members ; eight Students to Graduates; and four Students to Associates. A statement of membership as at June 30th 1974 and the end of the previous year is given in the following tabulation 30th - 30th June, - June, 1973 - 1974 Honorary Life Fellows 4 - 9 Honorary Fellows 9 - 8 Life Fellows 177 - 170 Fellows 536 - 544 Members 487 - 512 Associate Members - - 10 Graduates 128 - 130 Associates 186 - 194 Students 183 - 173 Company Affiliates 64 - 70 1 774 - 1 820 OBITUARIES Your Council records with deep regret the death during the year of the following members : Dr P. N. Lategan and Dr O. A. Jackson, Honorary Life Fellows and Past Presidents; C. Airth, T. L. Blunt, J. B. Dennison, A. E. Frazer, C. L. Lamb, V. O. Reid, K. Richardson and D. G. Roberts, Life Fellows ; H. F. Allan, J. T. Beaumont, M. Eisenstein, J. C. Hall, C. F. Louw, H. H. McGregor, R. Murchison, and J. E. Williamson, Fellows; and R. B. Miles, Associate. FINANCE The annual accounts, which follow this report, reflect a healthy position and show that measures taken by Council over the last few years to boost income have been successful. A higher income was needed not only to meet rising costs but also so that the services provided by the Institute for its members could be expanded. This year's income of R55 025 showed a further increase compared with last year's figure of R48 307. Income from subscriptions was higher mainly owing to an increased number of Company Affiliates, and this is indicative of the support given by mining and metallurgical companies to the good work being done by the Institute. Further sales of publications of the symposia held over the last few years again made a useful contribution to income of R4560. The first Winter School held in 1973 yielded a surplus of R7495 after the expenses had been deducted from the income received from registration fees. The cost of administering the Institute increased by R2212 compared with the previous year. Included in this was a donation of R1000 to the A.S. & T.S. Trust Fund. The cost of publishing and printing the Journal increased by R2034, but advertising and extraneous sales of the Journal were higher, with the result that the net cost of the

Jan 10, 1974

By F. Petersen, W. van Dyk, J. Bonsu, A. Isafiade

"This paper aims to demonstrate how a systemic approach can be applied to the analysis of the causes of accidents in South African mines. The accident analysis framework used was developed previously by the authors from the combination of the Mark III version of the Swiss Cheese model, Incident Cause Analysis Method (ICAM), the Nertney Wheel model, and safety management principles. Data on 91 accidents occurring from 2010 to 2012 at the site of a platinum mine in South Africa were used to populate the newly developed framework. The results obtained show that while routine violations (45% of all accidents analysed) were the most common form of human error, problems in the physical environment of workers were the most common workplace factor (39.6% of all accidents analysed). Furthermore, inadequate leadership was found to be the most common systemic factor responsible for accidents (51.6% of all accidents analysed). Some workplace factors were more commonly associated with particular unsafe acts than others, and some systemic factors were more associated with particular workplace factors than others. The outcome of this study demonstrates that systemic factors, rather than human errors and violations, are the chief causes of accidents in the mining sector. IntroductionThe mining industry is a very important sector of the South African national economy. A major factor threatening the sustainability of this industry is mining accidents, which frequently result in injuries or deaths, destruction of property, and pollution of the environment. In the past, mining accidents have led to the shutdown and threat of shutdown of mines (Ryan, 2008; Mail and Guardian, 2011). The country stands the risk of incurring significant losses if the mining industry continues to experience shutdowns. In 2012, the mining sector accounted for R262.7 billion (equivalent to US$32.83 billion) representing 8.3% of GDP directly, on a nominal basis (Chamber of Mines of South Africa, 2013).Mining safety is a global concern and has attracted significant international attention. This has precipitated various studies into different aspects of mining. Unfortunately, human error has been blamed for the majority of these accidents. A study by the US Bureau of Mines found that human error is the cause of almost 85% of all accidents (Patterson and Shappell, 2008). In Australia, it is the cause of two out of every three occupational accidents (Patterson and Shappell, 2008). Various mining companies maintain that they run efficient systems, and hence the behavioural problems of workers are to blame for most accidents. An understanding of accident causality could be a major step in the quest to reduce accidents. Only with a good understanding of the accident process can effective remedies can be designed."

Jan 1, 2017