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By D. Fenn, A. du Kanda, D. Dukhan

"SynopsisGibb Consulting Services was contracted by Eskom Line Engineering Services to conduct an investigation to determine the absolute displacement to date and infer the current rate of displacement of unsurveyed colliery backfill.At the test site, where a 400 kV power line is to be constructed, neither the surface nor the backfill material had been monitored and it was not possible to state whether the surface will be subject to future settlement that may compromise surface infrastructure. Therefore indirect methods of estimating current and future displacements needed to be found to act as a proxy for a comprehensive long-term settlement monitoring exercise and provide a reasonable estimate for the settlement that has occurred in the decades of mining.The innovative solution was to recover essentially undisturbed core from backfill using a sonic drill rig and use the measured dry density values from the samples as a proxy for the rate and absolute displacement in the backfill.The success in obtaining an essentially undisturbed backfill core and the clear relationship of the backfill density with age and depth allowed the conclusion to be issued that the power line infrastructure can be constructed over the backfill; with a warning that once the water table recovers after mining ceases some collapse settlement may occur.With this method, the amount of settlement can be predicted and, if proven conclusively, provides a way to confidently release huge areas of currently waste ground for future surface infrastructural development.IntroductionIn coal mining, it is normal mining practice to backfill the newly mined-out voids with the excavated waste rock and soils. As there is no requirement for the mining companies to uniformly compact the spoil or accurately monitor surface or inter-backfill displacement, these backfilled voids are prone to differential compaction and consolidation settlement. They are therefore avoided as sites for future surface infrastructure work, especially for linear structures such as roads, railways, and power lines."

Jan 1, 2015

MFIRE is a computer simulation program that performs normal ventilation network planning calculations, and dynamic transient state simulation of ventilation networks under a variety of conditions. The program is useful for the analysis of ventilation networks under thermal and mechanical influence. MFIRE simulates a mine's ventilation system and its response to altered ventilation parameters, external influences such as temperatures, and internal influences such as fires. Extensive output enables detailed quantitative analysis of the effects of the proposed alteration to the ventilation system Network simulation using digital computers has become widespread throughout the mining industry in recent years. However, as the sophistication of the simulator increases (MFIRE, for example), the complexity of input data requirements and interpretations of results requires more skill and knowledge from the users. Perhaps the most difficult part of using MFIRE is to construct the data set describing the mine's physical layout and its ventilation properties. The initial attempts to get the data set running often reveal unknown or ignored aspects of the mine's ventilation. MFIRE was written in Fortran 77 and compiled with Microway1 Fortran for the Intel 80386 based computers with a 80387 math co-processor. The source code is portable and available for users who wish to modify the source code to operate on other computers. This user manual describes the development of MFIRE, the input format and requirements, the output, common errors, fire parameters, and examples MFIRE application. Valuable reference material is included in the appendices. Knowledgeable users may skip directly to the PROGRAM INSTALLATION AND OPERATION section to begin using MFIRE immediately.

Jan 1, 1995

By Rayleen Riske

Why do we look for better reconciliation when times get tough? Why wait? Mine reconciliation should be a priority throughout the good times too. In fact, with good reconciliation, those good times are going to be even better and will help pave the way to success through those preventable bad times. Reconciliation throughout the entire mining value chain requires the capture, validation, and analysis of copious amounts of data. This task can be daunting for a team in a small mine, let alone reconciling across a suite of large mines. This paper will outline the different ways we can reconcile across the value chain, why we should reconcile over differing periods of time and how Snowden?s solution to proving reconciliation can be a simpler, reliable and transparent process. Snowden?s Reconcilor is proving to be a valuable tool on any mining scale, by capturing, validating, sorting and reporting data for timely decision making by the site geologist through to corporate management. By instigating vigorous reconciliation, you are setting your mine up for the future. Not only will you have the means to analyse your current processes and measures, but you will have the opportunity to identify and improve your mine?s performance from the resource model through to the final product.

May 1, 2010

By C. E. Baltzer

This is the fourth in a series of coal technology reviews being prepared. in accordance with a recommendation voted by the Coal Division C.I.M. in session at the Jubilee Meeting, Vancouver, 1948, that the Department of Mines and Resources be requested to arrange for publication by the proper Government authority of a Quarterly Review of Coal Technology for distribution among those concerned in the production and use of coal in Canada. Copies of the first review, which appeared in the November, 1948, BULLETIN, pp. 612-614, of the second review in the June, 1949, BULLETIN, pp. 272-275, and of the third review in April, 1950, BUL-LETIN, pp. 1,9?3-196 (also, respectively, in Transactions, Vol. LI, 1948, pp. 262-264 Vol. LU, 1949, pp. 117-120, and Vol: LIU, 1950, pp. 133-136), were distributed by the Dominion Coal Board and are still available on request. In this review, the first in the series in the field of combustion, development and trends during the period approximately from World War II to the present time are described and therefore the presentation is general. Later reviews will particularize developments in relation to the range of coals available in Canada.-ED. INTRODUCTION THE utilization of coal in heat and power producing equipment has become of paramount importance to the coal industry in maintaining stable and profitable markets. In the past, the chief concern was with mining, transportation, and overall supply problems, but modern conditions demand interest in and knowledge of all phases of the product, from coal in situ to its ultimate disappearance in the form of products of combustion. Even the last mentoined factor has caused complications, as is shown by current widespread activity in the field of smoke abatement

Jan 1, 1951

By V. Galla

Waste rock facilities (WRF) generally have a large footprint depending on the strip ratio the mine plan provides. Considerable planning is involved during the initial phase of the mine plan regarding the location of the WRF. As the mining operations are commenced the locations of the WRF change accordingly with the variations in the mine plan involving feedback and support from local communities and stakeholders. Waste rock facilities management becomes challenging when the area available for placement is limited due to terrain topography, environmental and permitting constraints. Risks associated in the design of waste rock facilities constitute particle size of rock, chemistry associated with the rock for reactivity and stability of the over all facility. This paper will provide some insights on designing, scheduling and managing a WRF. Emphasis on geotechnical, geophysics and geochemistry aspects of waste rock with reference to design, construction process and scheduling of WRF are also presented. Design improvements in the reclamation slope of WRF for erosion control will be discussed. Continuous improvement (CI) methodology will be introduced in the process of WRF operations. Current practices and future recommendations towards sustainability and consistency in operating WRF will be discussed in conclusion.

Jan 1, 2011

By R. Benito

This paper describes the development of a life of mine schedule (LOM) for one of the world?s largest known sedimentary Copper-Cobalt districts located in the Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A particular feature of the Tenke Fungurume LOM schedule is the considerable number of pits/phases for scheduling, each competing to provide the best ore available to a capacity constrained process facility. This paper discusses the main scheduling objectives and constraints, data pre-processing as a scheduling aid, the mine scheduling approach, and results and conclusions.

Jan 1, 2011

By Lester M. Adams

In 1980, the Bureau of Mines surveyed a group of mine seals in Randolph County, WV, to evaluate their effectiveness for reducing toxic pollutants in mine water discharges. The survey focused on 11 block wet mine seals, but mine seals of several other types were also examined. The seals were installed in 1966 and 1967 in abandoned drift portals by the Federal Water Quality Administration (FWQA), a predecessor of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in cooperation with the Bureau of Mines and other Federal and State agencies, in a project known as Elkins Mine Drainage Pollution Control Demonstration Project. The seals were designed to prevent air from entering the mine portals while allowing mine water to flow out. It was believed that by preventing air from entering inactive or abandoned mines, the formation of toxic pollutants and acid mine drainage (AMD) could be reduced. Evaluation of the seals was based on water flow measurements, water analyses, and visual observations. The Bureau's 1980 data were compared with past data collected by the EPA. Several leaks and failures were observed in the clay seals, as evidenced by apparent blowouts and the absence of vegetation where the mine water surfaced. Analyses of the 1980 data indicated some improvement in the quality of water discharged from many of the wet air seals.

Jan 1, 1984

By E. Dzingayi

Keywords: Pyrometallurgy, furnace, Bindura, nickel The smelter at Bindura Nickel Corporation processes concentrates from its own mines and other external sources. Concentrates are dried, smelted, and converted to a desulphurised matte (leach alloy) for further processing at the refinery. The smelter comprises a drying plant, submerged arc electric furnace, electrostatic precipitator, and three Peirce-Smith type converters capable of treating 150 000 tonnes of concentrates per year. Concentrates are dried in a rotary coal-fired kiln, blended with fluxes, and smelted in a six-in-line submerged-arc 15MW electric furnace. Slag is tapped and granulated for disposal, and matte is tapped at regular intervals for blowing in Peirce-Smith converters. The paper details the 37-year history of the smelter, including furnace rebuilds and operating parameters as they have evolved in response to changing feed compositions. Special challenges, particularly relating to the treatment of high talc concentrates, are also described.

Jan 1, 2006

By H. R. Babitzke

The purpose of this investigation was to develop an alloy of columbium for use at high temperatures and for nuclear applications. The properties of possible alloys were determined, and the more promising ones were selected for further improvement. Criteria for selection were machinability, hardness, workability, tensile strength, and oxidation resistance. Thirteen 100-gram ingots, ranging from 100 percent columbium to 100 percent vanadium, were prepared and subjected to various tests. Also included for comparison were zirconium and the zirconium alloy, zircaloy-2. Test results showed that a columbium alloy, containing 10 atomic percent vanadium merits further development. Besides being workable at room temperature, the columbium-10 atomic percent vanadium alloy has oxidation resistance superior to the other alloys of the series and is also superior to zirconium or zircaloy-2. The latter two materials have comparable neutron-absorption cross sections. The strength and hardness values of the alloys tested were found to increase with increasing vanadium content, reaching a maximum at 50 atomic percent vanadium and decreasing with further increase in vanadium. This behavior is typical of binary alloys wherein each element will retain any proportion of the other in solid solution. INTRODUCTION There is an increasing need for alloys for service at high temperatures. Since current world reserves of columbium metal approximate 1,500,000 tons (1),4 this metal is now readily available. Columbium can ties; be considered a practical base material for high-temperature alloys required in nuclear reactors and in aircraft and space vehicles. General requirements chosen are: (1) Workability, (2) satisfactory mechanical properties at temperatures approaching 1,000° C., and (3) resistance to oxidation at such temperatures.

Jan 1, 1962

By N. T. Lowe

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL), investigated a means to evaluate the potential impact of surface conditions above underground mines on emergency response activities. Recent events have highlighted the need to conduct critical emergency operations on the surface above underground work areas. Accessibility and usability of the surface, such as the ability to drill holes or deploy seismic monitoring or through the earth communications systems, are an important consideration for emergency response planning. This paper identifies critical surface conditions such as: surface waters, valley fill, highways, railroads and significant structures that must be considered in emergency response planning and in the conduct of emergency operations as they relate specifically to the seismic detection of trapped underground miners. Results of case studies indicate a need to consider the impact surface conditions may have on emergency response capabilities.

Jan 1, 2009

By Takashi Saito

Since early 1970?s skirt suction foundations (skirted foundation / bucket foundation) have been used as support for large fixed substructures or anchors for floating structures in offshore hydrocarbon development projects. In recent years skirt suction foundations are recognized as one of the solutions in foundations applicable to bridge substructures installed in waters, because skirt foundations have a wide variety of functions such as control of settlement during service life, less impact to environments during operation at installation site. This paper introduces general features of skirt suction foundations, and then discusses design practice of them for the application to bridge substructures, with reference to experiments in both laboratory and field.

Jan 1, 2013

By C Simpson, J Market

The process of sampling blasthole cones utilising personnel to manually shovel material into sample bags is a long-standing industry accepted process. However, this method has several drawbacks, including the safety issues around having personnel performing manual sampling in a harsh environment and the variability involved in getting a human to repeatedly get a ‘shovel full of dirt’, and make it always representative. Geophysical blasthole sampling, or utilising a Downhole Assaying Tool (DHAT) has been tested and has now begun implementation at many iron ore sites throughout the Pilbara region, Western Australia. This method uses a geophysical tool to capture data within blastholes, and together with a semi-autonomous logging platform to minimise risks around manual handling, delivers a multielement proxy-assay which can be utilised by the mine geology team to accurately domain the orebodies. Logistically, the combination of a specially designed tool and semi-autonomous truck are the way forward for a safer and more data-robust blasthole sampling practice. The method utilises a neutrongenerating geophysical tool and linked elemental spectroscopy sensor, which measures the response of the material surrounding an open hole. This delivers results at submetre intervals. These results are then utilised, similar to blasthole sample results, to map out areas within the blast pattern that are ‘ore’, ‘waste’, or ‘other suitable grade’. This paper outlines a project that has been in ‘proof of concept’ at selected Fortescue sites over the last few years with testing of these tools carried out on reverse circulation (RC), diamond drill and blastholes. The method is now being implemented at operational hematite mine sites. Fundamentally, the method adds more than enough value to justify its implementation. The aim is that these learnings will enable the greater industry to adapt, implement and improve their mining practices. Ultimately, the outcome will be greater value in mining for the industry by having a larger volume of good quality data to make reliable decisions on material movements, minimising ore-loss and dilution, and maximising the value of our current and future orebodies.

Nov 8, 2021

At the Orieco mine quartz veins carrying sulphides were localized in parts of an extensive fault zone in the Mathinna Beds during late Middle Palaeozoic mineralization.These deposits were subsequently exposed, and oxidation of the sulphides by percolating groundwaters resulted in the formation of gossans at the surface, and replacement close to the permanent water table of the more soluble sulphides by copper sulphides (chalcocite, coveIlite). A restricted zone containing copper oxides (cuprite, tenorite), copper carbonates (malachite, azurite), iron arsenates (scorodite, pharmacosiderite) and possibly rare copper sulphates occurred above the water table.The renewed oxidation of these deposits following mine development has been facilitated by the ready circulation of air and water combined with the formation of large free surfaces ideal for evaporation of aqueous solutions. Under these new conditions of high initial sulphate concentration, low pH, and relatively high Eh, the previously formed mineral assemblage is unstable and numerous Cu (Fe,Zn)-sulphates and Fe (Cu,Pb)-arsenates are presently forming in fractures in the fault zone and on the adit and stope surfaces for some considerable distance from the Sulphide-rich ore shoots. The observed spatial sequence of the major sulphates with respect to the sulphide-rich zones (Le. chalcanthite-antleritebrochantite and langite) is consistent with decreasing sulphate concentration and increasing pH away from the oxidizing sulphides.

Jan 1, 1970

By Keith A. Heasley

The LaModel program has been used successfully in the United States for many years to design pillars to ensure global stability of pillar recovery operations. However, the recent Crandall Canyon Mine collapse showed that further research was required to improve the design of pillar recovery under deep cover. Toward this end, a new calibration procedure was implemented in LaModel. This calibration procedure prescribes techniques for calibrating the critical LaModel input parameters based on empirical abutment loading and pillar strength, as utilized in the time-tested ALPS and ARMPS programs. The calibration procedure is intended to help guide a novice modeler in choosing calibrated input parameters that produce a standard model that fits within the verification database. However, the rigid parameter specification incorporated in the calibration procedure also removes most of the flexibility in LaModel for specific calibration to the unique conditions at a given mine site. In this paper, a number of the LaModel input parameters are varied outside the bounds of the suggested calibration and the effects on the model results are analyzed. Ultimately, it is shown how the LaModel user might vary certain input parameters to adjust the model to site-specific conditions, while still maintaining the general accuracy and philosophy of the recommended calibration.

Jan 1, 2012

William Frederick McBryde Broun, a graduate of the Royal School of Mines, was employed on the staff of the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company for some years prior to 1912, and will perhaps be remembered by some of those who attended the Mount Morgan meeting of the Institute in 1910, as an Associate Member present on that occasion. He severed his connection with the Mount Morgan Company in 1912, and was returning to England via the East Indies, when he contracted typhoid atSingapore and died at Colombo.Years later some old papers were being turned out in the office where he had worked, when a set of M.S. notes in his unmistakeable handwriting came to light. On examination these appeared to be the rough draft of a paper he must have beenpreparing for the local branch of the Institute, which he had not been able to complete. The notes were very rough. Apparently it was the author's intention to fill in numerous gaps with extracts from sundry published articles on Cornish mining; theextracts were missing and only the written portions linking them together were there. They give a sketch of Cornish mining practice which those who wish may supplement (as the author would have done) from Le Neve Foster and other well-knownsources. The fragmental notes which have been pieced together as carefully as possible by Mr B G Patterson, Hon Secretary Mount Morgan Branch; are as follows :-The first mine the author worked at was Carn Brea, in 1904."This is one of the largest tin mines in Cornwall, and belongs to the Carn Brea and Tincroft Mining Co, which also owns Cooks Kitchen. The mine was started in 1832, but had been in a bad way for several years previously, and had just begun to recover...

Jan 1, 1919

By F. K. Mulenga, M. Lusambo

"Geometallurgical models are a strategic tool used primarily in planning, diagnosis, and process optimisation. This paper discusses the development of a predictive model for flotation recovery at Kansanshi concentrator in Zambia as a function of key operational parameters. Daily data for milling and flotation from the circuit processing the copper sulphide ore was analysed. This data, recorded over a period of one year of production, was collected from diverse sensors measuring semi-autogenous milling and flotation parameters. Statistical analysis showed that copper head grade, acid-insoluble, and acid-soluble copper, SAG mill throughput, ball mill load, and tonnage of feed material to the SAG mill in the -125 +63 mm size fraction contributed to the prediction power of the proposed empirical model by as much as 90%. Finally, a proposal was made for the development of a simulation model under MODSIM®, a flexible tool for mineral processing applications. This was to test the limitations of the empirical model for future refinement. IntroductionKansanshi is the largest copper mine in Africa and the world’s eighth largest copper producer, with a total of 253 272 t of copper produced in 2016 (Newall, 2017). It is located approximately 10 km north of Solwezi, the capital and administrative headquarters of the North Western Province, Republic of Zambia. The ore deposit consists predominantly of chalcopyrite and malachite with variable amounts of chalcocite, bornite, chrysocolla, and azurite. Because of the varying proportions of sulphide and oxide copper minerals, the ore is classified into three distinct categories: sulphide, mixed, and oxide ores. As such, three separate processing circuits are used to mill the ore down to a standard targeted grind size of 80% passing 150 µm before froth flotation and leaching.A lot of research and development has been done to improve the performance of the sulphide ore circuit at Kansanshi. Despite the research efforts and subsequent operation, the sulphide ore circuit did not attain the target recovery and grade for 2016, primarily because of the complexity of the orebody.The constant drive to achieve the set production target of recovery and concentration grade after froth flotation motivated the development of a tool for the prediction of recovery. The anticipated benefit is not only to enable the plant to apply corrective actions when needed, but also to make a tool available for the quick assessment of the plant performance of the. For that purpose, data spanning June 2016 to May 2017 was analysed, cleaned up and curvefitted to an empirical model. In doing so, key parameters were determined and calibrated to represent the behaviour of the plant."

Nov 1, 2018

By Rob van Dorp

"AbstractThe Monitoring & Instrumentation Committee (MIC) of DFI Europe has the objective to support DFI members in concern of risk management of geotechnical matters, where monitoring and instrumentation have added value.Work of the CommitteeA study by the committee showed that there are already several existing (national) guidelines. They all have their strengths and limitations and their focus may vary a little per country due to local regulations and typical local building activities, but the main question remains what added value another new guideline would have. More likely it would add to the confusion instead of providing overview.Companies with larger experience in geotechnical monitoring (often larger consultancy firm, contractors or clients) are already quite familiar with its benefits do not really need a new guideline in how to design and effectively apply sophisticated geotechnical monitoring systems for special projects.Therefore the aim of the MIC is to focus a little more towards smaller organizations - that are less familiar with monitoring and instrumentation - and the more ‘regular’ type of project that they are mainly involved in. The MIC wants to create a tool which helps them to create risk awareness, to understand the benefits of geotechnical monitoring and to provide them information about how and where to find the right partners and equipment to setup and apply appropriate monitoring systems for their projects.Monitoring and instrumentation benefits are for example:• Risk control during construction stage;• Costs reduction in design and construction (taken limitation of geotechnical aspects into account).• Prevent of unnecessary delays in construction work• Increasing general awareness of geotechnical risks and possibilities of monitoring.The cost of monitoring compared to the cost of failure and/or the savings that can be achieved play a role in the work of the committee. DFI members benefit from the shared knowledge by the MIC on monitoring and instrumentation within their process of risk management."

Jan 1, 2014

By Floyd D. Varley

Outbursts, the sudden and violent out- pouring of material into mine openings, is a ground control problem increasingly encountered in the United States as deeper seams are developed. Outbursts, caused by several mechanisms, are the result of the loading of ground support systems be- yond their designed capacity to failure, manifested in a violent release of stored energy. There are several types of outbursts typical to deep underground coal mines. - Outbursts of the coal face due to the presence of pressure abutments in close proximity to the face. These outbursts are usually accompanied by liberation of large amounts of methane. - Instantaneous convergence of the ribs and floor due to overloading and failure of ribs which lengthens the beam of floor strata sometimes resulting in a chain reaction failure of the mine floor. - violent failure of the confined core of a pillar due to rapid loading beyond the yield point of the pillar.

Jan 1, 1986

IN dealing with this subject the intention is not to write a detailed description of the various methods in vogue on the Kalgoorlie field, but rather to give a brief outline of three of the methods which are most universally in force, and from which, ultimately, a few comparisons may be drawn. The three methods which the writer proposes embodying in this article are known as "The Rill," "The Flatback," and "The Shrinkage." For comparative purposes each method will be applied to a block of ore 500 feet in length, and opened up by levels 200 feet apart."The Rin" System. It is necessary in this system, for facilitating mullocking, to make connections between levels by rising and winzing at about every 100 feet or 150 feet along the orebody. After the leading stope is beaten off for the full length ofthe drive, the level is timbered. Single stulls are put in up to a width of fourteen feet. If the span is too great for stulls, set timbers or saddleback stuUs are used. Stulls are lagged over with 4-in gimlet poles, and wooden chutes are built at intervals of 50-feet. Ore passes are cribbed up through the filling directly above each chute, and are constructed of 7-in. round timber or 9 in x 3 in square timber, the passes measuring 4 ft x 4 ft in the clear.Occasionally a double pass may be carried up, one side serving as a travelling way. Stoping is commenced off the winzes, and rills are gradually formed, one on either end of each winze. The rills are generally at an angle of 37° off the horizontal, this allowing for the boring...

Jan 1, 1909

By K. E. Wood, K. J. DiRocco, L. A. Becker

The Russia Wharf segment of the Silver Line Phase II Project for the MBTA incorporated ground freezing and underpinning during New Austrian Tunneling Method(NATM) tunneling through timber pile foundations, urban fill, and abandoned wharf structures beneath two historic 7-story buildings with steel frames and masonry facades. During construction, the project team implemented an extensive program to monitor, evaluate, and mitigate the ground and building movements caused by the various construction activities. Mitigation included freeze cycling and building raising/lowering to compensate for ground movements and safely maintain the serviceability and occupancy of the buildings. In this paper, we present the history of the freeze, tunnel construction, and thaw-related movements that occurred and the building response that we observed.

Jan 1, 2005