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By Hall S, Upton D

WMC Resources Ltd nickel operations have expanded significantly over the last three years. Production capacity has increased at mine/concentrate, smelting and refinery processes to such an extent that WMC now ranks within the top three or four producers of nickel metal in all forms. The stainless steel industry remains the dominant user of nickel. WMC's forecast is for stainless steel production to grow at 2.8 per cent per annum off of the 1995 peak, with much slower growth in the short-term as the stainless steel inventory overhang unwinds, followed by a return to higher trend growth rates. WMC's forecast for the long-term growth in demand for primary nickel is three per cent per annum off the 1995 peak; again, slower growth in the short-term before a return to higher long-term trend rates. This projection is towards the optimistic end of the range of industry experts. It equates to a requirement for new primary nickel of 25 000 to 30 000 tonnes of annual capacity each year.

Jan 1, 1996

The approvals process for a major cut-back is not a simple exercise when a mine is located alongside the community. Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) has been through an extensive process of government, JV owner and community consultation to ensure that necessary permitting processes and detailed studies have been completed to allow this six year extension to the open pit mine life to be achieved. With the Kalgoorlie Boulder community being on the doorstep of the mine, it is critical to ensure that the operation runs smoothly and complies to the license conditions to achieve the full value of the Golden Pike cut-back, and leave behind a sustainable legacy for the local community. This is an ABSTRACT ONLY no paper was prepared for this presentation.

Jun 1, 2010

New South Wales mining legislation reinforces a systematic approach to safety management. It is now a requirement of all mines in the coal, metalliferous and quarrying sectors in NSW to prepare a Mine Safety Management Plan. The paper briefly outlines work currently being undertaken by the Safety Operations Branch of the NSW Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). The DMR is working proactively with NSW mines in the preparation and implementation of effective Mine Safety Management Plans. There is a growing realisation that a systematic approach to safety management, underpinned by the process of hazard identification, has real potential to improve safety in the workplace. The paper briefly describes the framework used in a current æmines education programÆ and its æduty of careÆ foundation. Particular attention is paid to the role of mining operators in the implementation of Mine Safety Management Plans and their expected behaviour in demonstrating compliance. One challenge is convincing some mining operators that they must adopt new ways of working. Safety Operations officers are often reminded of the need to translate Mine Safety Management Plans into practical safety systems during audits and inspections of mines and through investigations into accidents and incidents. To have a real effect on the mineÆs safety performance, using these systems must be a normal way of going about a dayÆs work for all persons who work at the mine: not a safety manual collecting dust on the mine managerÆs bookshelf. Mine Safety Management Plans are important to mining operators. Not only will positive involvement in the development and use of safety systems ensure they meet their obligations under mining legislation, but it will also help prevent themselves or their workmates being injured or killed.

Jan 1, 2002

The Hall-Heroult process is likely to be the dominant method of aluminium production for the remainder of the century. The characteristics of the operation of a modern smelter are described and attention drawn to their disabilities which are due chiefly to the small production capacity of individual cells.The principal components of the Hall-Heroult cell- the electrolyte, the anode and the cathodes are discussed in order to identify the problems of scale-up. The factors influencing current efficiency and energy consumption are analysed and lead to the conclusion that the greatest potential for energy saving lies in reducing the anode to cathode distance (ACD).The most promising direction for major change is in the application of a new titanium diboride-carbon composite for coating of the surface of the cathode carbon. It improves the wetting of the carbon by aluminium and should permit the use of sloping cathodes and anodes. The deep metal pad would thereby be eliminated and, in the absence of magnetic perturbations, the ACD could be substantially decreased.

Jan 1, 1987

The products required by customers today have become far more complex and consequently more demanding to handle. And thereÆs the dilemma. Nowadays, people tend to stick to a trade for just a few years instead of for a lifetime, and this means that the customerÆs employees cannot be expected to get more than general knowledge of how to handle modern mining and construction equipment. To meet this challenge, major steps are being taken by suppliers to make their æmusclesÆ more user-friendly. Also the supplier is assuming a larger share of responsibility for the product including operators training, supply maintenance services and, in many cases, performance guarantees. In other words, the supplier is today supplying a function or an activity rather than just muscles. Some of the new generation drill rigs have been on the market for a few years and reliable experience has been collected and is addressed in this paper. Some of the information is well supported by figures while others are just statements from users of the rigs.

Jan 1, 2005

By Browne TJ

On 13 October 1993, a shallow earthquake registering 7.1 on the Richter Scale occurred near Tauta in the Finisterre Range of Papua New Guinea (PNG) killing 37 people. The aftershock series lasted three months and resulted in considerable landslide damage that destroyed villages, food gardens and airstrips, and blocked rivers causing catastrophic flooding. These effects have irrevocably altered the form of many of the valleys and rivers draining into the Markham and Ramu valleys.The earthquake occurred in a pilot study area for a landslide hazard mapping project being carried out by the PNG Geological Survey that commen-ced in April 1993. Comparisons made between areas identified as unstable during the study with those damaged by the earthquakes show good correlation.It is concluded that aerial photograph and Landsat TM imagery interpretation can be used with a high degree of confidence to identify potential landslide hazards in mount-ainous terrain. Landslide hazard maps are promoted as a tool for use in the route planning of roads and powerline corridors, as well as for identifying vulnerable communities.

Jan 1, 1994

By E Baafi, G Brassington

Coal mining operations can impact on various types of surface infrastructure or natural features, including cliff-lines, steep slopes and natural watercourses. Longwall mining leads to a subsidence depression due to the changing geometry of the mined out area. The current regulatory process for managing subsidence in New South Wales (NSW) involves the preparation of a Subsidence Management Plan (SMP). This paper demonstrates the use of a Weights of Evidence (WofE) technique applied within a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) environment to predict potential areas for rockfalls along cliff-lines in the NSW Southern Coalfield. The WofE is a ædata-drivenÆ method that can be used to predict subsidence impacts prior to mining. The WofE method was applied to ten known rockfalls along the Cataract River to evaluate the reduced impact of not mining within 50 m of cliff-lines along the Nepean River. There is significant reduction of probabilities of rockfall occurrence when mining is avoided within 50 m of cliffs.

Jan 1, 2006

By S Chaudari, T Ren, T Harvey

Management of respirable dust on longwall face remains a challenging issue for mine operators, particularly for the new generation of thick seam longwalls. A fundamental understanding of the airflow behaviour around the shearer is critical for dealing with the dust control issue on longwall faces. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling techniques have been used in this study to conduct a detailed investigation of the air and respirable dust flow patterns around the longwall shearer. Three CFD models have been developed to represent different longwall cutting heights. The results of these modelling studies tallied well with field measured airflow data from different mines. The validated thick seam longwall face model was then used for detailed parametric studies to simulate the effect of various parameters and dust control concepts. The dust control options investigated include various spray configurations, shearer clearer, modified cutting sequences and shearer scrubbers of various capacities to minimise the respirable dust migration towards the walkway area of the longwall face. This paper presents a summary of the results of these CFD modelling investigations.

Jan 1, 2005

By K D. Tuckwell

The Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan, has nominated ‘maximising our advantages’ from ‘Mining Boom Mark II’ as the focus of the 2011/2012 Australian Budget. Australia therefore requires a bolder and better integrated economic reform agenda if it is to convert current strong demand for mineral commodities into lasting prosperity that benefits all Australians. Lasting prosperity, well past 2012, will only be achieved if Australia can effectively reverse a decade-long deterioration in the minerals industry productivity performance due largely to capacity constraints that inhibit growth. This requires improving the efficiency of energy networks, transport infrastructure, water markets, health and education services, access to skilled people and by streamlining costly, inefficient project approvals’ processes. The common thread that holds this economic fabric together is the importance of having the right people using the most appropriate technology within the correct policy framework.In December 2010, employment in the minerals sector stood at 187 200; 21 per cent higher than one year earlier, 15 per cent higher than the industry employment peak prior to the global financial crisis in 2008 and 14 per cent greater than anticipated by industry modelling published in 2008. Managers and professionals make up approximately 15 per cent of the total workforce, yet minerals-related higher education programs (mining engineering, metallurgy and geoscience) continue to be chronically underfunded, requiring direct industry subsidies of more than $25 M over the last decade. Also, the publicly-funded Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector continues to fail the industry in the delivery of quality training programs. Importantly, the industry is a key driver of economic activity in regional and remote Australia and is the largest source of private sector employment for Indigenous Australians who comprise up to a quarter of employees in certain locations.This presentation looks at what our industry and country need to achieve to ensure we have the right people for the challenges ahead. **This is an abstract only. No paper was provided for this abstract.**

Nov 22, 2011

By J M. Parr, C J. Yeats

Discovered in 1991 by combined plume detection and bottom-tow photography (Binns and Scott, 1993) and for some years thereafter the highest tenor mineral occurrence known on the ocean floor, the PACMANUS hydrothermal field has since been surveyed and sampled in great detail by CSIRO and international research agencies (Binns et al, 1995; Auzende, Urabe and Scientific Party, 1996; Binns et al, 2002; Tivey et al, 2006). Since 2005 commercial surveys employing deep-tow geophysical packages and remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) have been conducted by Nautilus Minerals Inc and partners within Papua New Guinea-granted offshore exploration licenses (Nautilus Minerals Inc, 2008). Two academic drilling programs have been conducted, one under the international Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) directed at deep structure (Shipboard Scientific Party, 2002; Binns, Barriga and Miller, 2007), and one using a 5 m capable seafloor diamond drill to investigate the immediate subsurface at one site (Petersen et al, 2005). An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation.

Jan 1, 2008

The Warraua and Mount Poole Inliers form part of a discontinuous series of basement complexes in the northwestern corner of New South Wales. The Inliers comprise mainly clastic sediments of low metamorphic grade (Wonominta Beds) and minor sills, dykes and intrusives, particularly within the Mount Poole lnJier. The Warratta rnlier has received attention due to the occurrence of auriferous quartz-veins where reef mining activities havetaken place.The deformational history of the Warratta and Mount Poole Inljers is characterised by a continuous subhorizontally WSW-ENE directed compression. Deformation was associated with the development of NNW-trending and steeply west-dipping major faults, which bound or biscct the inliers. Chevron folds and a penetrative axial planar cleavage characterise the deformational architecture and document crustal shorterung of at least 40 per cent. In zones adjacent to the major faults and within pelitic and semi-pelitic uruts, a multiple deformational evolution becomes apparent, comprising two events (D1 and D2). Deformational structures considered significant in this study were the result of D1. Tight, northeast-vergent fold patterns FI' and associated axjal plane cleavage SI' and reverse dip-slip movements at major faults indicate early northeast-directed thrusting during D1. This was followed by dextral strike-slip deformation displayed by tight, recumbent folds, en-echelon fold patterns (F2'), a northeast trending crenulation cleavage (52'), and two sets of second order faults, the latter showing high angular relationship to the major faults. A final stage of the deformational history (D2) is represented by WSW-ENE trending kink folds (F2).Auriferous quartz veins, predominantly occurring within pelitic and semi-pelitic units, were generated syntectorucally during the early deformational event (D1) in the course of commencing development of cleavage (S2'). Vein textures point towards vein formation by repeated hydrauJjc fracturing and fracture healing (crack-seal process), and by simple accretionary vein growth. Folded pelite-dominated horizons, considered as low permeability units, are suggested preferential sites where migrating metamorphic Ouids pooled and were trapped, causing high fluid pressure.Hydraulic fracturing and vein precipitation was controlled by lithology and structural constraints such as cleavage.K-Ar dates of approximately 440 Ma (Benambran Orogeny) marking the peak of metamorphism, and coinciding with the development of cleavage S1', also indicate the time of auriferous quartz-vein formation. A period of deformation of at least 30 Ma is proposed for the development of cleavage S1', as constrained by K-Ar dating and the intrusion of a syntectonic granitoid, the Tibooburra Granodiorite.

Jan 1, 1992

Opinions vary widely within the community on what are legitimate environmental social respon- sibilities. The extreme conservationists see the responsibility as the total preservation of the natural environment achieved by opposition to all forms of industrial development that would disturb it. The `growth-at-any-price men' consider it more important to stimulate economic growth, develop new industries, and maximize profit letting the environment take care of itself: within this wide spectrum of concern are the middle-of- the-road men, part of the vast majority, fully aware of the need to compromise to achieve a satisfactory economic growth rate whilst pre- serving to the greatest extent practicable the con- ditions upon which we depend for a balanced self-perpetuating existence. Environmental change is not new. It is the inevitable accompaniment of human activity. Plato wrote in the 5th Century B.C.* of the devastating changes wrought by man and his animals on the ancient world of the Mediter- ranean. Down through the ages rural development to *The Dialogues of Plato: `What are now her moun- tains were lofty, soil-clad hills; her so-called shingle plains of the present day were full of rich soil; and her mountains were heavily afforested-a fact of which there are still visible traces. There are moun- tains in Attica which can now keep nothing but bees, but which were clothed, not so very long ago, with fine trees producing timber suitable for roofing the largest buildings; and roofs hewn from the timber are still in existence. There were also many lofty cultivated trees, while the country produced bound- less pasture for cattle. The annual rainfall was not lost, as it is at present, through being allowed to flow over the denuded surface into the sea, but was received by the country, in all its abundance, into her bosom, where she stored it in her impervious potter's earth and so was able to discharge the drain- age of the heights into the hollows in the form of perennial springs and rivers throughout the land.' provide the necessities of life for expanding populations has required the destruction of vast areas of forest. Industrial activities over the last 200 years have discharged enormous quantities of solid wastes, liquid and gaseous effluents that were environmental pollutants of the worst kind. Urbanization has drawn people, their machines, and industries into vast concentrations aggregat- ing the environmentally bad effects of each to the extent that there is evidence that through thermal pollution these large urban industrial complexes nrp nffPrtina raainnnl rlimnta.c

Jan 1, 1978

By Mingmin Dou

The behaviour and deportment of indium during the precipitation of sodium jarosite from Fe2(S04)3 - Na2SO4 solutions were investigated. Indium is readily precipitated with sodium jarosite, and the extent of In precipitation increases as the In concentration of the solution increases. It was shown that In 3+ substitutes for Fe 3+ in the jarosite structure to form a nearly ideal solid solution series. On a molar basis, the precipitation of Fe is slightly favoured over that of In, and the difference is reduced as the pH increases. Sodium jarosite precipitation becomes kinetically rapid at temperatures >70¦C, but increasing temperatures in the range 70 to 150¦C affect neither the relative precipitation of In and Fe nor the composition of the jarosite product. Low Na2SO4 concentrations result in reduced product yields and jarosite precipitates in which H3O' > Na+. The hydronium-rich precipitates have reduced In contents. Increasing the ZnSO4 concentration of the solution slightly increases the quantity of jarosite formed and results in the incorporation of -0.3 per cent Zn in the jarosite structure. Otherwise, the presence of ZnSO4 has no significant effect on the composition of the jarosite. Seeding accelerates the rate of jarosite precipitation but has a negligible influence on the deportment of In. The jarosite precipitation reaction at 98¦C is relatively rapid and near-steady state conditions are achieved in - 6 h even in the absence of seed. The initially precipitated jarosite is slightly enriched in In with respect to Fe. The ferric ion concentration of the solution has a significant influence on both the amount of jarosite formed and its composition. In particular, the jarosites precipitated from dilute Fe3+ media have significantly enhanced In contents. Hence, it may be possible to recover - 25 per cent of the dissolved In, at the 1000 mg/L level, in a jarosite precipitate assaying - ten per cent In by the controlled oxidation-precipitation of sodium jarosite from a ferrous sulphate processing solution.

Jan 1, 1993

Papua New Guinea has a long history of mining, with gold being produced from deposits on islands in the south east of the country over a hundred years ago. Before the Second World War, the mining and dredging of gold made the Wau-Bulolo area a

Jan 1, 1994

By S J. Schafrik, M Long

There are several factors that are increasing the need for new graduates to be ready to design and manage more autonomous operations at mines. Autonomous controls and systems range from the start-up, control, and shutdown of processing plants to the autonomous operation of vehicles. These operations require the workers, engineers, and management to have additional skills for programming, debugging, tasking, and maintaining the equipment. The future survivability of many mining operations will be influenced by a company’s willingness and ability to understand, accept, and utilise this technology for safe and productive operations. This is an educational opportunity and challenge that needs to be addressed throughout the student’s experience, from first year to graduate level. This paper discusses the lessons learned from a decade of multidepartment effort at all student levels and many courses that are able to incorporate data science, controls, and autonomous design into the already topic-rich national curriculum. This approach also exposes other engineering disciplines to the mining industry which is a valuable recruiting tool for talent outside of the mining engineering departments.

Sep 1, 2024

The key issue which determines the use of imaging for explosives and mining research is the question - `What information will I gain by using imaging technology?' This paper will address that question from the point of view of a researcher and cameraman working in industrial imaging and photography. The paper will establish a common set of reference standards for high speed imaging and photography which researchers can apply when deciding which type of imaging technology is appropriate. It will present an overview of current image analysis technologies and practices in use across a range of appropriate scientific fields and draw lines of commonality of approach between these fields and the field of explosives and mining analysis and research. Further to this, the paper will examine the different technologies from an image quality reference point, ease of operation, cost, and reliability parameters. Finally this paper will present an argument for the hybridisation of established and new technologies which could provide a more beneficial approach to the use of imaging as a tool of research and analysis in the explosives and mining industries. This will include a novel approach to high speed filming and analysis in the field which should deliver high quality images in a time frame which is more appropriate to urgent action and solutions.

Jan 1, 1995

By G M. Taylor

The application of high technology to monitor and control fire life safety, critical functionality in tunnels and underground spaces generally has progressed at an ever accelerating rate over the past decade. Today these systems comprise some of the most complex and little understood aspects of the tunnel/underground facility construction industry, with this area being perceived as high risk comprising impenetrably complex ‘black box’ technology covered in blinking LEDs. This paper will seek to explode some urban myths and common misconceptions associated with such systems, providing its intended audience with a review of what all this technology comprises and where the real risks lie in its delivery lie.The author contends (and looks to support such contention via this paper) that by applying baseline project and risk management processes to the procurement of this widely misunderstood black box technology, the quality of the final outcome can be much improved, driving innovation, reducing both cost and significantly mitigating delivery risk.CITATION:Taylor, G M, 2014. Procuring control and intelligent traffic systems for major new build projects – avoiding pitfalls and maximising value, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 113–120 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By D Ray, D Brett

A clay-capping trial was established in 1996 on Magazine Dump at the Mt Lyell Copper Mine. The trial was initially constructed under the Mount Lyell Remediation Research and Demonstration Program, a co-operative venture between the State and Federal governments. The detailed engineering design for the clay cover included the following features; reshaping and compaction of dump batters, 5 m vertical bench interval, overall side-slopes of 2.5:1, emplacement of clay in four 150 mm lifts, compaction by a 10 t vibrating roller or ætrack rollingÆ on batters with density testing for quality control. A small section at the base of the dump ( The trial also generated certain unexpected findings. Field permeability tests on the cover yielded uncertain results and oxygen remains available throughout the dump. The flow data indicate that, while total outflow has decreased as a result of storm shedding, inputs from groundwater and batter infiltration are still significant. Outflow during the driest weeks of the year may have risen following capping. Detailed assessment of the data is hampered by insufficient pre-capping information; however, there is a possibility that conductivity flux emitted when flows in the receiving environment are at their annual minimum is unchanged or worse post-capping.

Jan 1, 2003

As the mining sector increasingly embraces the sustainability agenda, and implements thorough environmental reporting in support of its case for a continued æsocial licence to operateÆ, there is a need for ever-clearer metrics for key areas of impact. It is clear that natural waters are both the predominant pathway and main recipient of the environmental impacts of mining. A new approach to summarising the impacts of mining operations on water quantity and quality is proposed, adapted from an existing generic framework, which is increasingly used to quantify the æwater footprintsÆ of cities and nations. This includes both direct water use and ævirtual waterÆ use, implicit in goods and services used by the mine. In contrast to the existing formulation of æwater footprintÆ, it is here argued that it makes hydrological sense to express the water footprints of mines in areal terms, as equivalent catchment areas. It is also important in the mining sector to capture systematic changes in the scale of impact, which can be anticipated and predictively quantified over the full life cycle. This includes the essentially infinite post-closure phase, during which æremanent water consumptionÆ occurs, either through physical water loss (eg by evaporation from pit lakes) or by ongoing contamination of sizeable flows of natural waters. Methods for assessing the water footprints of mines are now available, and the time is increasingly ripe for them to be applied in earnest in environmental reporting. An example application to a mine in a humid subtropical area of South America is presented. In that case, the mine site itself extended over 106 ha, whereas the maximum water footprint exceeded this by a factor of 27. Although the water footprint can be expected to decline by a factor of ten immediately after closure, sustained evaporation from pit lakes and tailings dams with water covers will gradually increase the remanent water consumption rate, such that the final post-closure water footprint remains about 25 per cent of that encountered during the peak of mining.

Jan 1, 2006

By Langham B. M

A chemical study of the petrographic components of Greta (Maitland) coal, carried out by the Metropolitan Gas Co. (Melbourne), has revealed an anomaly in the composition of the durain which was thought to warrant petrological investigation.The original study, by the Metropolitan Gas Co., extended over eight shipments of coal received during the winter of 1943.The percentages of the several petrographic components were eslimated by careful handpicking of large samples of each shipment, and analyses were made of the handpicked components, which were also tested as to their gas-making and coking properties.The results are summarised in Tables 1 and 2. At first sight the components of the Greta coal bear a general resemblance in composition to those of other bituminous coals of similar rank, apart from a notable richness in volatiles, which is a distinctive feature of Greta coal. The durain has a typically higher ash content, and lower volatile content than the clarain (Table 1); and the coking behaviour of the four components is typical (Fig. 4).When, however, the analyses of Table 1 are re-calculated on a dry, ash-free basis, an anomaly appears: the clarain and the durain, on this 'pure coal' basis, have practically identical compositions, with the durain containing a slightly higher proportion of volatiles than the clarain (cf. Table 3); but the tar yield of these two components is very different (Table 1). Re-calculated on a dry, ash-free basis, the yield from the clarain is 18.9 gallons of tar per ton, while, that of the durain is 29.0 gallons per ton. The gas derived from the durain is correspondingly richer in illuminants (CH etc) and poorer in hydrogen than that from the clarain (Table 2), and is also notably richer in nitrogen.That the composition of the Greta durain is consistent is proved by the analyses of Table 3, in which the compositions of the respective durains and clarains of eight separate shipments of coal are compared. In most bituminous coals, the durain contains several per cent less volatile matter than the associated clarain, and high volatile content in a durain usually indicates a durain rich in spores.

Jan 1, 1947