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By Dorricott M. G

This paper reviews the present status of mining engineering education in Australia, outlines the main objectives of current programs, and looks at some of the difficulties that need to be overcome to maintain and improve current standards.A case is made for greater co-ordination and co-operation between the institutions themselves, and between industry and the professional bodies to ensure the highest standards are achieved in the most efficient way.

Jan 1, 1992

By Graham M

Longwall mining has been the dominant global coal mining method for decades. However, not until 1994 did longwall mining surpass continuous miner room and pillar extraction tonnage in the United States. This significant event, occurring in the most cost driven market in the world, confirms the efficiency and effectiveness of longwall mining.

Jan 1, 1998

A method is proposed for the analysis of tin in cassiterite ores. Tin is volatilised by heating with ammonium iodide. The tin iodide so formed is extracted with hydrochloric acid and the concentration is measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy using an air-hydrogen flame.It is considered that a more efficient extraction of tin and faster reproducible results are obtained than by any other known method.

Jan 1, 1967

By Aspinall T. O

This paper discusses the identification and assessment of risk for mining developments particularly for open pit mining. A distinction between sensitivity studies and risk analysis is developed, demonstrating the importance of geological and mining engineering judgement -as applied by experienced practitioners to the analysis and assessment of risk in such projects. Technical and financial risk analysis are discussed under: ò mineral resources and ore reserves; ò mining and processing methods; ò project construction; ò financing; and ò costs and commodity pricing predictions.

Jan 1, 1994

An attempt was made to determine the lateral extent of analcite in the Newcastle Coal Measure sediments of the Sydney Basin. From an examination of the cores of eleven bores it was concluded that the mineral is concentrated in the western sector of the original Newcastle Basin and this presumably was the region of greatest sodium concentration and aridity. The distribution of the analcite is such that it appears to have little correlative value.

Jan 1, 1967

Heavy media separation serves to upgrade mill feed and reduce unit operating costs, allowing ores to be mined which could other wise be uneconomic. At the Aberfoyle mine at Rossarden in north-east Tasmania, a simple heavy media operation using a converted Akins screw classifier as a separating vessel, removes barren quartz from mineralised material. At the Cleveland mine at Luina on the west coast of Tasmania a more complex ore mix requires a versatile operation combining hydro-dynamic and static separation equipment to provide an efficient beneficiation circuit. The two operations are briefly described with a background of basic heavy media separ- ation practice.

Jan 1, 1978

By Turner W. G, Trundle R. S, Medland D. G

Contracting has evolved from basically a tradesman providing a service for an `employer' to a multi disciplined organisation providing an all compassing service for a client.Having commenced its activities as Thiess Bros Pty Ltd, providing simple earthmoving services in rural Queensland, Thiess Contractors Pty Ltd which provides a wide range of services for Governments and Industry is used as an example of an experienced multi-disciplined Contractor.

Jan 1, 1992

Activated carbon is ideally suited to treating low grade ores and tailings by the carbon-in-pulp process and is rapidly replacing the use of zinc for recovering gold from cyanide leach solutions. Coarse carbon particles derived from coconut shell adsorb up to 30,000 ppm Au as a gold cyanide complex and can leave barren solutions containing

Jan 1, 1982

The impact of computers on the mining industry has increased for the past twenty years in most parts of the world. The application of computers in the mining industry has been demonstrated in areas such as geological data analysis, ore reserve estimation, mine planning, and manpower training. There is also a general concern in this country regarding the computing background of graduating mining engineers from the Australian higher institutions of learning. This paper describes specific steps which have been taken at the Department of Civil and Mining Engineering, The University of Wollongong to provide adequate computing background to mining engineering graduates. Specific topics discussed include hardware and software available to students and how "computers" have been integrated into the mining engineering course.

Jan 1, 1986

By Hongzhen Yu, Xiaoping Ma, Jiansheng Qian

The paper introduces the design of an Intelligent Managerial Attendance Machine (IMAM) for coal mines. In the system, data communication is carried by Optical fiber communication, including industrial control computer on the ground and the car

Jan 1, 1998

In recent years rehabilitation of mine sites has become a principal focus of mining legislation in Victoria. In previous eras, managed rehabilitation commenced, if at all, towards the end of mining operations. Planning for rehabilitation works now commences before an exploration licence is granted.The paper gives a brief overview of the requirements for rehabilitation under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1990, Extractive Industries Act 1966, and related environmental planning legislation including rehabilitation bonds and enforcement provisions.A brief review of the current taxation provisions is also included.

Jan 1, 1992

By Koch DFA

An electrochemical study of the dissolution of gold in aerated cyanide solution has shown that the dissolution rate is determined b the nature of the surface. A passive film (probably a basic cyanide formed at .o.6 V vs a saturated calomel electrode inhibits both the ca.thodi reduction of oxygen. Some aspects of these retction mechcnisms are discussed together with the-"activating" effect of Thpllium.

Jan 1, 1964

By Lu Fujun, Chen Xuewei

This paper will analyse the cause-effect relationship of the main factors influencing the production of the fully-mechanised coalface by mainly using the basic system dynamics theory. On the basics of the analysis, the simulated model of the sy

Jan 1, 1998

By Coskun B

The classification of selective mining units (SMU's) and the assignment of grades to those classified SMU's are very important in open pit mining, especially for precious metal mining. During ore control planning, the classification of mineral

Jan 1, 1998

Sasol Roche Blasting Services (SRBS) and its former owners have been in the process of developing and utilising low-density explosives over the last ten years. Many blasts have been fired in varying strata types in a number of mining operations. This has led to a good understanding of the product and the best methods to exploit its characteristics when designing blasts. Unlike some other low-density products, SoftLOAD« is a homogeneous mix that is easily handled and able to be loaded at high load rates. This paper discusses the physics of SoftLOAD« low-density explosives and how through correct utilisation, blasting outcomes can be significantly improved. It also touches on the various side benefits that can provide the blast designer with a more controlled blast.

Jan 1, 2004

By D R. van der Meulen, P Ande, D J. Lunt

Pressure hydrometallurgy is becoming an increasingly common unit operation in the treatment of gold and base metal ores and concentrates. The design of an adequate and appropriate pilot-scale testwork program is, therefore, essential in order to minimise the risks associated with developing a project in which autoclaves form a key part of the operation. This paper identifies the approaches that have been taken in the piloting of oxidative and pressure acid leach operations. Particular emphasis is placed on the determination of scale-up ratios between the pilot and commercial plants and the pilot-plant run durations. The issues, both metallurgical and project-specific, that can impact these key parameters are reviewed.

Jan 1, 2004

The role of marketing in the development of a new project will be affected by political, commercial and technical pressures. Marketing success will be determined by the ability to predict and react to tomorrow's environment. In the Australian coal industry there is an emerging transition from production to marketing orientation. As a result, greater technical awareness of customer needs will be required. In particular, the industrial product nature of coal markets will need to be recognised. Greater attention will also need to be paid to product options and quality in mine planning. Marketing personnel will become more involved at every phase of the development of a new mine.

Jan 1, 1983

Gold mining commenced at Telfer in Western Australia in 1977. Ore mining was carried out by owner equipment and personnel with waste stripping by a contractor. Initial ore reserves were in predominantly high grade, geologically simple reef structures. A mining method was developed using dozers to selectively mine the ore bearing horizons with a minimum of dilution. As the mine has developed the simple, high grade ore reserves have been progressively replaced by more geologically complex, lower grade reserves. In turn, mining methods have evolved to extract this ore by the most appropriate methods. On-going attention to ore mining practices will ensure that project profitability and viable mine life are optimised.

Jan 1, 1986

The procedures for an audit and review process upon which continuous improvement programs may be based are described. The case for regular audits of mining operations to establish performance trends is advanced. Analysis of performance data using the parameters of the capacity equation used in conjunction with learning curves is described. The extrapolation of learning curves in performance target setting, operating and capital cost budgeting is advocated.

Jan 1, 1992

Supergene enrichment of ilmenite occurs through a complex series of reactions with initial oxidation and hydration followed by leaching and dehydration. Lateritization appears to be associated with the early phase of the supergene process and if ilmenite grains are encased in iron oxides no further alteration proceeds.

Jan 1, 1986