Search Documents

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

As a result of the rapid economic growth in Japan, environmental problems have become a national concern in the latter half of the In 1967, the Basic Lair for Environmental Pollution Control was enacted as a fundamental ::olicy in this field. This lair provided compre- hensive guidelines for the action to be taken pollution prevention. The biggest problem n air pollution of those days was that of the sulphur dioxide content of the atmosphere. Based upon the law, the smelters in Japan have struggled hard to solve this difficult problem. Consequently, the ambient SO2 level has been lowered gradually year by year. At present, the ambient SO2 level is nearly equal to that in the atmospheric background. Furthermore, the fixation ratio of sulphur in Japanese copper smelters has attained up to 99.5 per cent.

Jan 1, 1980

Tunnels are being built around the world using TBMs and prefabricated segments or in situ concrete as linings. Clients demand high quality of these linings to guarantee a long-term stability and density of the tunnels. This paper describes the development and the use of segmental lining systems, including joints, important design criteria, installation procedures, possible mistakes and consequences, repair works and final results for different sites in Europe and around the world. The experience on these sites shows that damages may occur, if some essential aspects are not considered. These aspects include:parameters of the TBMs and back-up equipment such as fixation of jacking rams, movement of the back-up on the lining or ring reformer;parameters of the segments such as quality of moulds, quantity of reinforcement or structure of the joints; andparameters of the tunnel drive such as advance rate, ring-gap grouting or experience of the tunnel crew.All these aspects have to be considered very carefully in detail to get a good lining accepted in total.

Jan 1, 1999

By T Y. Dube

In this paper current net present value (NPV) based mine valuation techniques that take into account market and private risk are discussed and analysed. Potential pitfalls that arise from the application of a portfolio, market or commodity based risk metric to a mining project are identified. An alternative non-simulative framework for quantifying and factoring market and private risk in NPV calculations is proposed and then applied to a hypothetical case study in an attempt to overcome identified pitfalls. Mathematical proof that a static discounted cash flow (DCF) calculation can underestimate or overestimate mine NPV is presented, the conditions for each are outlined and the degree of underestimation defined.CITATION:Dube, T Y, 2012. How the use of market-based risk metrics can undervalue good mining projects and overvalue poor ones, in Proceedings Project Evaluation 2012 , pp 29-34 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 24, 2012

By Esaki M, Nishimura K

This paper describes the results of the field application tests at Miike Colliery on the integrated automatization of the longwall mining system for medium thick coal seam. The purpose of the research is to develop an automatic longwall mining system which can be controlled accurately from outside of the face, and the ultimate goal is an eliminate of men from the face. Presently, the field test is being conducted in Yotsuyama mine following to a success in the performance test on surface. Remote Batch Control System for shield supports has been adapted to operate all supports from the control panel located at the entrance of the face. Remote monitoring and control system of the drum shearer has also been tested. The system makes it possible to operate the shearer either at the main gate or full automatic. Productivity and safety will be substantially improved as those systems enable to eliminate all workers from the face under the severe working conditions with high ground pressure and hot and humid atmosphere due to increasing mining depth. So far, we have been satisfied with the results of the field test and those system will be an effective countermeasure to operate the face with a high risk of rock-burst.

Jan 1, 1987

By M Z. Abzalov

Drilling mineral sand deposits has specific challenges, which are different from drilling hard rock deposits: Drilled sequences are represented by non-consolidated free-flowing sands to semi-consolidated clayey sands and indurated layers. Valuable heavy minerals (ilmenite, rutile, zircon, leucoxene) have an average density of 4.6 g/cm3, which is significantly heavier than the hosting sand matrix; mainly represented by quartz (density = 2.6 g/cm3). The large difference in the mineral densities can result in sample segregation in the drilling rods and capturing devices causing biased composition of the recovered samples. The drilled strata can contain beds of consolidated sediments, hard pan lenses and concretions. Therefore, chosen drilling equipment should be flexible and permit a switch from drilling the free-flowing sands to hard rock drilling. Thickness of the sand hosted mineralisation varies from several metres to more than 170 m. Mineralisation is distributed above and below the water table. Evaluation of the mineral sands deposits is based on hundreds of drill holes and many thousands of samples, therefore drilling methods should be fast and cost effective. The drilling methods commonly used for mineral sand deposit evaluation, include aircore, triple tube diamond and sonic; including its variants, such as vibrocore drilling technique. The ability of the studied drilling techniques to properly address the above listed challenges in mineral sand deposits, whilst maximising the quality of the obtained samples has been compared in three deposits: Corridor Sands (Mozambique), Richards Bay (Republic of South Africa) and Fort-Dauphin (Madagascar).This study has shown that aircore samples tend to be negatively grade biased, underestimating the heavy minerals content, in particular when drilled intervals are located below the water table. Triple tube diamond core method can produce non-biased samples. However, results can be marred by incorrectly chosen drilling mud. Sonic drilling is a relatively new technique based on a high frequency vibratory technology. It is the only production drilling technique that allows a continuous relatively undisturbed sample of unlithified sands to be obtained. The main limitations of this technology preventing its wider use for developing mineral sand resources are the relatively high drilling costs, in particular when the depth of drilling exceeds 100 m, and speed of drilling advance.

Oct 5, 2011

Young professionals are riding the current wave of high demand for their services and relatively little competition for placements. The attraction and retention of quality incumbents has therefore become a significant strategic issue for companies in our industry. Money is important, but poorly structured career development and lack of learning opportunities can discourage the highest paid professionals from being enthusiastic and striving for excellence. This will inevitably lead to the search for a new position. Important factors at play include the young professionalÆs lack of understanding of career pathways and poor quality, or lack of, structured on-the-job training and professional development. Too often young and not so young professionals are faced with the reality that fabulous looking (and paying) jobs can be quickly reduced to the monotony of repetitive tasks in an isolating environment. While it is the responsibility of the incumbent to manage their own career and professional development, without experience, how is anyone meant to understand the importance of their roles and the options for career development? Mentoring is therefore essential to the strategic plans of every organisation and the strategic plans of every professional. Mentors will accelerate learning, guide decision making and develop both competency and confidence as they share their experience, both technical and regarding the machinations of a particular discipline, within our industry. Mentors need not be from the same organisation as the mentee and in some cases this may be a distinct advantage. This paper discusses mentoring as an opportunity for young professionals and mentors to initiate and maintain a supportive relationship, the responsibility of management to get mentoring right and the responsibility of young professionals to demand the opportunity for professional development through mentoring.

Jan 1, 2006

As partition curves are widely employed to characterize screening efficiency which, by definition, should include a time parameter, it is shown, perhaps for the first time, that time is already included in the partition curves and how. Laboratory and plant results are used to show how screening efficiency depends on feed composition, near-mesh and oversize material and screen motion, and how these factors may combine to give an erroneous result that two identically efficient screens are different and two screens of different efficiency are identical. Reasons are given which show why a renewed interest in screening would benefit not only screen engineers and operators but also those concerned in formulating standard specifications of screen analysis methods.

Jan 1, 1984

By B J. Hutchison, S Gannon, J Chambers, D Oko-oboh

The Kanmantoo copper mine is located in the Adelaide Hills area of South Australia and is owned and operated by Hillgrove Resources (HGO). The mine is a drill and blast, truck and shovel operation mining sulfide (chalcopyrite) ore located in chloritised andalusite biotite schist. The initial Kanmantoo open pit operation occurred in the 1970s, before falling copper prices closed the mine. In 2010 the mine was reopened by HGO and the Kavanagh cutback of the Kanmantoo pit was undertaken. The Spitfire, Nugent and Emily Star satellite pits were also mined through to 2015 before the latest steep wall Giant pit design was developed to take mining out to 2019.There are no major fault structures and only two significant shear zone structures exposed in the open pit walls. The main Garnet Andalusite Biotite Schist (GABS) unit is quite competent so the pit designs have therefore mainly been controlled by four distinct joint sets. This paper is a case study on the influence of the joint regime on the wall stability of the main GABS unit and how a better understanding of the joint regime and the use of rock reinforcement has allowed the steep wall design to be adopted.The paper also describes the remote geotechnical mapping and slope monitoring techniques used to manage the rockfall risks associated with the steep walled slope design.CITATION:Hutchison, B J, Chambers, J, Gannon, S and Oko-oboh, D, 2017. Case study of joint structure and the design and performance of open pit walls at the Kanmantoo copper mine, in Proceedings Tenth International Mining Geology Conference 2017, pp 355–364 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 20, 2017

By S W. Richards, J Buys

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. Magmatic arcs are prime targets for porphyry- and epithermal-style mineral deposits, although settings within continental arcs and/or tectonically-thickened crust generally tend to be more prospective than intra-oceanic arcs in extensional settings. In this paper, we report new geochemical and geochronological data on igneous rocks of the Western Belt of the Vanuatu intra-oceanic arc. Dating of igneous hornblende (Ar-Ar) and zircon (U-Pb) from the igneous rocks place their formation in the late Eocene to Miocene. In most respects, these are typical arc igneous rocks. However, they contain inherited zircon grains with significant age populations at ca 2.8–2.5 Ga, 2.0–1.8 Ga, 1.75–1.5 Ga, 850–700 Ma, 530–430 Ma and 330–220 Ma. This inheritance signature is unlike anything recognised from the oceanic realm of the south-west Pacific, but, in general, does match the age of the major crustal blocks of the Australian continent. An exception is the significant proportion (~20 per cent) of zircons of Rodinia breakup age (~800 Ma), which previously has not been found in eastern Australia or the south-west Pacific.We propose that part of the Vanuatu arc basement comprises a ribbon of continental material rifted from northern Australia prior to, or during, the Cretaceous. The presence of ancient continental material within the Vanuatu island arc may help reconcile the relatively large thickness and low density of the crust of Vanuatu, and may enhance the prospects for significant porphyry and epithermal ore deposits in the region.CITATION:Spandler, C, Buys, J, Holm, R J and Richards, S W, 2015. Remnants of ancient Australia in Vanuatu – implications for south-west Pacific tectonics and mineralisation potential, in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 183–188 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

This paper firstly reviews the requirements for container and hopper design for reliable discharge. Discussion is then directed to the evaluation of the consolidation stresses acting in both in both the cylinder and hopper sections during both initial and flow conditions. Here the vast difference, especially in vicinity of the bin outlet, between the initial or filling and flow conditions is highlighted. This vast difference has major design and operation implications. A further major implication is that all bulk solids must dilate to flow. The opportunity to simultaneously attain reliable discharge and partial moisture removal is also examined.The selection of design parameters to maximise the consolidation stresses in both the cylindrical and hopper sections is detailed. In regard to the latter, it is recommended fine coal bins be discharged using low friction lined transition hoppers with large outlet spans. Such outlets will discharge fine coal in a relatively compacted state. This compaction state should exhibit minimum water retention and short term moisture uptake.

Jan 1, 1998

The organisers of this function have suggested that this presentation should accomplish the following broad goals:set the technical tone for the conference to follow, implying some discussion of the æstate-of-the-artÆ of reserve estimation; and raise some current and common problems or deficiencies in our art in order to be thought provoking. As an engineer it is always easier to raise problems than to solve them with state-of-the-art. Consequently, I have had to limit the extensive list of problems that could have been discussed within this presentation. In regard to the state-of-the-art, this presentation will not be an esoteric discussion of the latest statistical estimation processes, although I intend to challenge those with skills in that area to address some of the thought provoking issues later on. The subtitle of the paper was established after reading an excerpt from æLife on the MississippiÆ by the American humorist Mark Twain in which Twain observed that the Mississippi River had become shorter during his working period on the River due to natural cut-offs and man made channels. Projecting into the future, he calculated that by now, Cairo, Missouri and New Orleans, Louisiana would become a single city with one mayor (the two cities are still separated by some 500 air miles). As a moral to this story Mark Twain observed that one can obtain: æwholesale returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of factÆ.

Jan 1, 2000

The hydraulic backfilling of mine tailings has proven very successful at the Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota. It allows greater versatility, selectivity and safety in mining. It has also minimized surface subsidence and underground rock movement. The tight filling also eliminates underground fires. This paper explains the hydraulic backfill method used and the problems encountered by so doing.

Jan 1, 1973

By K Katov, S T. Ciutina, J D. Pyke

The development and optimisation of mill discharge trommels, and specifically their screen panels, can be a neglected area in the complex operation of a minerals processing plant. Trommels are often seen as a ‘set and forget’ component of the circuit, even when significant improvements in design are possible. A redesigned trommel and panel arrangement has simplified and added flexibility to the plant shutdown schedule at Kirkland Lake Gold’s Fosterville Gold Mine in Central Victoria.Prior to the trommel redesign, the shutdown frequency was determined by the expected life of trommel panels at 14 weeks. Planning downtime around this item led to higher maintenance costs and wastage in other areas of the plant. This was particularly disruptive with respect to mill lining change-outs, which were forced out of sequence and often changed prematurely. Fosterville Gold engaged Metso Australia Limited to propose a new trommel design that would better suit the site. The new trommel was engineered to balance simplicity with performance, and incorporated the latest in Modular trommel design, modelling and Finite Elemental Analysis (FEA). Modular Panels and Spiral Segments achieve significantly longer life, and allow in-situ panel change outs, flexibility in spiral and dam positioning and an improvement in classification performance. Trommel panel life has significantly increased from 14 to 71 weeks in the trommel’s highest wearing zone. The new design has eliminated some risks to safety by reducing manual labour and lifting requirements during shutdowns. There is greater flexibility with respect to shutdown requirements. The site is no longer at the mercy of trommel panel lifespan, which allows for better optimisation of wear components in the circuit. CITATION:Pyke, J D, Katov, K and Ciutina, S T, 2018. Modular SAG mill discharge trommel for maintenance flexibility and performance, in Proceedings 14th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2018, pp 613–620 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 29, 2018

By Hill G

The Boddington Gold Mine (BGM) is managed by Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd (Worsley) and is located 110 km south-east of Perth, Western Australia. The gold mine, which has operated since mid-1987, was originally constructed to treat 3 Mtpa of gold bearing oxide ores, has subsequently been expanded to treat 7 Mtpa and is presently one of the largest gold producing operations in Australia.During 1990 a Supergene/Basement Plant was constructed to treat 250 000 tpa of copper supergene and hypogene ores and basement ores which contain significant gold grades and which are encountered at the lower levels of the existing oxide orebody. The SupergeneBasement Plant has the versatility to treat a wide range of ore types, producing both gold bullion and copper-gold concentrates. It is a stand-alone facility adjacent to the existing 7 Mtpa gold plant.

Jan 1, 1992

By P J. Cullen, B P. Banerjee, S Raval

Continuous monitoring of mining impacts on the surrounding environment is a necessary sustainability criterion. Traditional monitoring approaches such as in situ sampling and airborne and satellite-based remote sensing have several limitations. Over the past few decades, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have evolved into popular platforms for remote sensing. UAV-based remote sensing has been successfully applied in different sectors, including agriculture, forestry, urban environments and disaster management. However, the potential of UAVs for mine environmental monitoring has not yet been fully established. This paper envisages the use of UAVs and sensor systems to monitor the environment of future mines.CITATION:Banerjee, B P, Raval, S and Cullen, P J, 2015. Unmanned aerial vehicles for mine environment monitoring, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 137–144 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By R LEATHAM

Long hole drilling underground has come a long way since 'down the hole' surface drills were first taken underground. The underground miners have progressively developed the use of long hole stope drilling from the 'quarry blast' to a precise and selective removal of ore while leaving the remaining structure as undamaged as possible. To reach this position has involved the development of equipment and explosives to give the desired results. This paper reviews some aspects of long hole stope production drilling.

Jan 1, 1992

By Bassett N

The Eneabba deposit, located 280 km north of Perth, Western Australia, and 30 km inland (Fig. 1) is one of the most recently developed deposits of mineral sands in the world. The area has been in production since 1974, while the Associated Minerals Consolidated Limited (AMA) operation commenced production in 1976. Total ore reserves of close to 400 million tonnes contain about 40 million tonnes of heavy minerals (proved and probable).

Jan 1, 1979

By P J. Marsh, P J. Bartsch, N J. Semler

Iron Road Limited is currently studying the feasibility of producing 20 Mt/a of high-grade (67 per cent Fe) magnetite concentrate from a 2.6 Bt resource (JORC) located at Warramboo on the central Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Bulk concentrate has been tested at a relatively coarse grind size of -106 ¦m. The preliminary flow sheet has been confirmed based on initial mine plans and comprehensive metallurgical testing across the range of mineralisation. Extensive Davis tube testing to predict magnetite recoveries has been conducted over the resource, however this was completed at settings different to the optimised settings developed in the metallurgical test work program.This paper outlines the development of an ore treatment simulation in SysCAD which utilises the mine production plan, the Davis tube test data from the resource, data from metallurgical test work and process design criteria to predict magnetite concentrate deliveries. Mineralogical data, including QEMScan results and metallurgical assessments, were a fundamental basis of the process models which enable predictions of concentrate yield and quality. Power and water requirements are also calculated within the model. SysCAD dynamic simulation has been used to assist with the design of the process plant and downstream infrastructure. The simulation has been set-up to allow iterative integration and optimisation of the mine plan when it becomes available.CITATION:Semler, N J, Marsh, P J and Bartsch, P J, 2013. Iron RoadÆs prediction of magnetite concentrate production from the Central Eyre Iron Project, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013 , pp 539-546 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 12, 2013

The Bureau of Mineral Resources has been engaged in regional geological and geophysical field work in the Alligator River and Cobourg Peninsula area since 1971, following the discovery of major uranium deposits. Geophysical work commenced with a regional airborne magnetic and radiometric survey which was followed up by some helicopter and ground work in August 1973. The interpretation of the earlier radiometric work is presented in conjunction with the results obtained from the follow-up work. Analyses of 100 outcrop and drill core samples collected have provided basic information on the physical properties and concentrations of uranium and thorium in various rock types. The uranium determinations were made by X-ray fluorescence and delayed neutron analysis, good agreement being obtained between the two methods. X-ray fluorescence was the main analytical technique used because of its ability to produce both uranium and thorium determinations.

Jan 1, 1975