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The New South Wales Department of Mineral Resources has, since 1974, administered the Derelict Mines Rehabilitation Program (DMRP) to reduce the environmental impacts of abandoned and orphan mine sites. The application of the DMRP is presented in case studies of sites from the South Maitland Coalfield featuring residual drainage of acidic and saline water in a semi urban and rural community setting. The acidity here is typically derived from iron oxidation in shallow underground coal mine workings and in surface emplacements of coal washery reject materials. This paper presents summary information on AMD investigation, monitoring and rehabilitation. The experiences of community expectation, stakeholder consultation and peer review are discussed.

Jan 1, 2003

IN preparing a sample of refined lead for analysis, it is necessary to exercise great care to avoid contaminatien, as the amounts of the various impurities present in market lead are very small. The lead is cut into convenient-sized pieces, which are flattened out with a hammer, so that, on putting tbe lead through the rolls, strips of about one inch in width and Ij32iu. in thickness are obtained. The hammer, anvil, and rolls should be carefully cleaned before use. The strips oflead are cut up into pieces of about one inch square. If the lead is roIled out very thin and cut up into small pieces there is considerable risk of the acid acting too violently and causing loss through frothing over. A blank assay on all the reagents used should becarried right through, along with the actual analysis of the lead. This is of the greatest importance, particularly with regard to the determination of such impurities as iron, sulphur, arsenic, and antimony.METHOD OF ANALYSISThe method of analysis is as follows: Take two lots of 600 gIm. each, place in a large beaker, add 2000 cc. distilled water and 750 cc. concentrated HNOs. Cover with a clock glass and warm on a hot asbestos plate until all action ceases. (If any white precipitate forms, filter off and examine for Sn and Sb.) Add 420 cc. H2S04 (1-1), and stir well while adding the acid: Allow PbS04 to settle, pour off the clear liquid into a 12-in. porcelain evaporating dish, and start evaporating down, the dish being placed directly on an 8-in. ring gas burner. Wash the precipitate three times by decantation using approximately 1200 cc. hot water for each washing, and stir well...

Jan 1, 1922

In attempting to vegetate pnob!em sites some basic pn.i,ne%ptes, namely the phys.ica.e and chemi.ca2 pnope/ti;es og the problem mateni.al and the selection oU hu.itab.2e p!antts {cor pnopagati.on, have to be considered. Pnobtem sites such as tai ing dams, mined-out atteas, and areas which have been genehaUy advehse2y a46eeted by mining activities, are not only o~ten located in a divehs.ity o4 climatic regions, but they also usuaUy dL64en substantially in theAjt .int' Lns c phys.ica2 and chem.i cat pnopen t i.es . To estabP.ish vegetation on such sites 6requent2y requites: .%) The ame Lonaton oU adverse {yaetors in onde t to exeate a hoot env.utonment suitable Uon "satis1actony" plant growth. .%i) These.2eationo4 plant species suited to the improved Hoot env.utonment, and eompat%b&e with the e2imate o{y the site, and the ultimate Land use o4 the site. iii) The estabL shment o{y a Laboratory and p-LLot scale testing programme to aeeomptizh the above.

Jan 1, 1976

By S Sabanov

Supplementary sampling of particulate mass concentration, the number concentration and the average particle diameter of nanoparticles using a TSI Dust-Trak DRX Aerosol Monitor, Naneos Partector 2 has been conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate suitability of the instrument for long-term monitoring of diesel particulate matter (DPM) at conditions of polymetallic mines. Sampling was conducted in an area of the active ore heading, requiring the use of a diesel-powered face haul-age loader R1700 and a mine truck Caterpillar AD-45. The sampling was done for 126 minutes at a distance of 30 metres from the mine face. Results of this field work can be used to expand the sampling program to other mines. Expected outcomes of this study are to develop costeffective DPM control strategies, improve mine ventilation, and protect mineworkers’ health.

Oct 12, 2022

By Lawson F

Chrome chemicals are commercially produced by the alkali roasting of the chrome-bearing ore chromite with sodium carbonate. In order to ascertain the influence on the extent of reaction of the replacement of Mg(II) for Fe(II) in the chromite spinel structure and the presence of acidic oxides in the gangue material, a series of roasting experiments was conducted using chromite materials from a number of different locations. The roast feeds and products were chemically analysed and the major compounds identified using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope techniques.Mg(II) replacement for Fe(II) in the chromite structure does not appear to restrict the amount of "available" chromium for reaction.Under the test conditions, namely an atmosphere of pure oxygen, finely ground chrome-bearing material, a roast temperature of 950°C and the stoichiometric amount of sodium carbonate to react with the chromite, the yield of water-soluble sodium chromate was able to be expressed as %yield = 104.5 -1.58 × %AI2O3 - 2.23 × %SiO2 for chromite samples containing alumina in the range 7.8 to 27.8 per cent and silica in the range 2.9 to 7.4 per cent.

Jan 1, 1984

By Showers JAF

The Western Mining Corporation mining lease on the Bendigo Goldfield measures 5krri x 18km with more than 20 anticlinal folds parallelling th long north-south boundaries. Numerous closely spaced shafts and extensive underground workings on the reef lines along the folds flooded with groundwater following the progressive abandonment of the field. Preliminary water sampling and assessment demonstrated that a major dewatering programme and acceptable disposal methods were necessary to dewater interconnected old workings in areas of interest prior to any underground work taking place. A field wide geohydolic investigation was undertaken to establish geohydraulic parameters, groundwater recharge rates and water qualities. Data from the field investigation together with estimates of the volume geometry of the submerged workings as obtained from old mine plans, production history, and limited pump testing results were used with an appropriate analytical model to obtain estimates of water discharge rates required to reach various dewatering targets. Water disposal options were limited by relatively high salinities, arsenic levels, contained hydrogen sulphide, and the mine locations within the urban areas surrounding Bendigo. Direct disposal to the surface drainage system could not be considered, treatment to acceptable discharge standards was not economically feasible, and it was necessary to adopt a strategy of collection, containment, and evaporation.

Jan 1, 1988

By Y Peng, D J. Bradshaw, G Long

As copper reserves deepen, they are becoming increasingly less pure. Penalty elements such as arsenic, antimony and bismuth are occurring in increasing concentrations. Environmental issues with smelters are leading to increases in penalty rates for these elements such that some concentrates may become difficult to sell. Arsenic concentration in Rosebery copper concentrates during 2010 varied between 3000 and 8500 ppm. Arsenic levels above 5000 ppm can preclude import to some customer countries. Optical mineralogy has indicated that arsenic in Rosebery copper concentrates is most commonly associated with tennantite (Cu12As4S13) in solid solution with tetrahedrite (Cu12As4S13). In addition, silver reports to concentrate as freibergite (Cu12As4S13 ). A reduction in arsenic content will therefore lead to a concurrent reduction in the silver content.A literature review by Long, Peng and Bradshaw (2012) indicated that arsenic bearing minerals could be removed using potential controlled flotation. Some success in reducing the amount of arsenic had also been reported using either roasting or chemical depression using reagents such as lime and cyanide. Due to the location of the Rosebery concentrator adjacent to world heritage listed temperate rainforest, the use of a roaster or cyanide was immediately discounted. Lime is already used as a reagent in the Rosebery flow sheet, so could be considered as a potential arsenic depressant.In order to determine a method of separating out the high arsenic bearing minerals, two series of flotation tests were conducted. The first series investigated the effect of pulp potential on the recovery of copper, silver and arsenic minerals; a second series investigated the effect of pH, froth depth and regrind.CITATION:Long, G, Peng, Y and Bradshaw, D J, 2012. Production of a low arsenic copper concentrate at MMG Rosebery, in Proceedings 11th AusIMM Mill OperatorsÆ Conference, pp 347-354 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Oct 29, 2012

By K L. Silversides, A Chlingaryan, A Melkumyan

Multiple data sources can be fused to improve boundary modelling in stratified deposits such as the banded iron formation (BIF) hosted deposits in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia. Accurate boundaries are essential to produce high quality geological models. Initial models are based on the widely spaced exploration hole data. This creates a high level of uncertainty in areas between the holes, with different interpretations of the boundary equally probable. Including directional information collected in these holes in the models can reduce the number of possibilities. Including data collected during mining, such as blastholes and bench measurements, can further guide the model. This research demonstrates a Gaussian Processes based method of fusing these disparate data sources to better inform the boundaries. Our results demonstrate that when only exploration points are used the model creates a smooth boundary with minimal variation between the holes. Each additional data source refined the model and added additional detail to the boundary. For the blast data, the new detail projects down to the bench below the current bench to allow for a better prediction before mining commences on that bench.

Mar 22, 2022

I've talked a number of times in the past year or so to audiences like today's about culture -about thinking of it, understanding it, respecting it. So, rather than talk just yet about your laws for mining on Aboriginal land and the successes some of us and some of you have been able to achieve, I'd like to first of all talk about cul- ture as I understand it. Anyone who proposes any kind of development on Aborigi- nal land needs to have some basic understanding of what we, the traditional owners of that land, are about. Without that under- standing, you will find difficulty in coming to terms with us. Many people have experienced this difficulty and, unless we can do something about it together, many more will continue to find it.

Jan 1, 1988

By D H MACKENZIE

In common with several great orebodies and mineral camps around the world Broken Hill has been the subject of state-of-the-art technical and scientific scrutiny during its long working life. During the early years geological interest in Broken Hill tended to be directed at the body for its intrinsic scientific worth, mainly on account of its large size, high grade and wealth of mineral species. For much of the last 60 years the interest has had a more applied motivation, namely, to assist the search for either repetitions in the Broken Hill field or analogues in other terrains. This paper looks at the major changes in geological concepts and exploration techniques applied at Broken Hill and attempts to assess their impact.

Jan 1, 1992

By B Ellis

Brunswick Mine is one of the largest underground zinc/lead mines in Canada, producing 3.4 million tones of ore annually. As mining activities advance to deeper levels, ground pressure also becomes greater. To cope with the highly stressed ground, the mine has taken some strategic measures to ensure the targeted production level. Such measures include the implementation of a pastefill system and transferring the mining method from primary/secondary stoping to pillarless pyramid stoping. With the pillarless mining method, stope sizes become smaller and the number of active stopes is also less than before. In addition, mining sequence and cycle time have to be strictly followed according to production schedule. The blasting project described in this paper tackles one of the steps in the mining cycle aimed at shortening the blasting cycle time in a stope. Furthermore, this project was conducted and managed with the Six Sigma initiative in Noranda which was implemented in the fall of 1999. Like a typical process review, the blasting operation was examined by breaking it down into many steps that can be quantified and measured. Each activity was then correlated with different factors associated with blast design as well as blast operations underground. It was found that the utilisation of voids plays a key role in the blasting cycle time. With improved void utilisation ratio, blasting cycle time has been reduced from an average of 12 shifts to ten shifts per stope. This improvement translates into approximately 180 000 tonnes of ore being blasted without any increase in manpower. This paper presents the technical aspects of the study, as well as some operational issues and improvements made during the project.

Jan 1, 2001

By R C. Morris

Secondary microplaty haematite in its variety of styles and generations is the defining component of the high-grade banded iron-formation (BIF)-hosted iron ores of the world that are dominated by martite (M; - haematite pseudomorphs after magnetite). The term microplaty haematite (mplH) was introduced during the CSIRO-AMIRA 1976-1994 iron ore program, and was used to differentiate the then main export martite-microplaty haematite (M-mpl H) ore types of Tom Price-Whaleback and Paraburdoo (Paleoproterozoic), from the newly exploited, more prolific supergene martite-goethite (M-G) ores (Mesozoic-Paleocene) of the Hamersley Province that are now the major Hamersley iron ore exports.Morris (1980, 1985) suggested that the most important genetic factor that distinguishes the two main ore types was regional metamorphism of Paleoproterozoic M-G ores at temperatures normally related to diagenesis (ca 80 - 100°C). As temperatures increased, mplH grew in goethite both spontaneously as well as by nucleating on martite and other pre-existing haematite. Because the conversion of goethite to haematite involves a ~27 per cent reduction in volume, the crystals probably grew within microvoids of their own creation, with iron transfer through water resulting from the process itself, a local hydrothermal process requiring no introduced hypogene fluids.Barley et al (1999) and Taylor et al (2001) concluded instead that oxidation of introduced siderite in hydrothermally metasomatised BIF ‘protore’ resulted in mplH + ankerite by reaction with heated meteoric fl uids. This postulated ‘protore’, still preserved locally at Mt Tom Price, was described during the CSIRO-AMIRA program as local post-ore BIF metasomatic residuals. These new hypogene-meteoric concepts for M-mpl H genesis have formed the basis for a range of varying local and international models that currently dominate the literature of iron ore.No valid petrographic data supporting the hypogene-supergene modelling was found but petrographic images of goethite-related mplH growth in a range of different environments are shown.

Jul 11, 2011

As the oxide reserves in an oxide/sulphide deposit are exhausted transition to the treatment of sulphides should be investigated in detail and well before processing the sulphide ore commences. The investigation should be broad based to consider all treatment options and not restricted entirely by the existing process plant treatment method. These options may include cyanidation, flotation, roasting, bacterial leaching or gravity treatment and are chosen on the basis of various testwork responses. Experiences in laboratory testing of sulphides and treatment of sulphides at various operations are discussed. This includes the treatment of copper/gold sulphides, CIP treatment of sulphides and treatment of marcasite ore in a conventional CIP circuit.

Jan 1, 1989

By Vink L, Johnson N. W, Mackenzie J, Young M. F, Johnston M, Landmark V

The influence of ore textures on metallurgical behaviour is poorly understood for most ores. An alternative method for characterising ore textures and for determining the resulting implications on ore processing has been developed for the Geor

Jan 1, 1998

By Hutton A. C

Quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses using the Rietveld method, a standardless technique for full XRD pattern fitting, showed the mineralogy of the eastern Queensland Tertiary lacustrine oil shale deposits is dominated by detrital cla

Jan 1, 1994

By Perring CS, Barnes SJ

The nickel exploration boom of the late-1960s and early-1970s led to the discovery of numerous komatiite-hosted nickel sulphide deposits, associated with variably serpentinised bodies of olivine-rich cumulates. Subsequent research has shown the importance of volcanological processes to understanding the genesis of these deposits. Crucial developments have come through consideration of the fluid dynamics of magmas and magma-crystal mixtures, through observation of the dynamics and geometry of modern day basaltic lava flows, through application of theory and experimentation on the kinetics of crystal growth from magmas, and most importantly from extensive detailed field mapping of komatiitic sequences in the Yilgarn Block and elsewhere. From these studies has emerged a new integrated view of the volcanological setting of komatiite-hosted deposits, and a recognition that a complete continuum of deposit types exists. Nevertheless, komatiite associated magmatic nickel deposits generally fall into two overall types based on the nature of the sulphide ore. In the first type the bulk of the ore is either massive Fe-Ni-Cu sulphide or a variable mixture of massive sulphide and an ore characterised by olivine crystals in a continuous matrix of sulphide occupying between 30 and 75 per cent by volume of the rock (called Matrix Ore). Nickel grades of massive sulphide ore range from 2 - 20 wt% and those of the matrix ore generally fall in the range 1 - 5 wt% (average 2.5 wt%) Ni/Cu ratios of the sulphide fraction are generally >10.

Jan 1, 1996

By J Ding, H J Peng, S B. Zhu, L Hou, J R. Zhang, S Y. Wu

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. Numerous Fe-Cu-Au-rare earth element (REE) deposits have been identified within the Palaeoproterozoic Dongchuan Group of the Kangdian region of SW China. Geochronologic and geochemical data of the dolerite dykes and other volcanic rocks reveal extensional activity occurred about 1.7 Ga called ‘Kunyang Rifting’. The Kangdian region underwent variable degrees of extension, meaning that breakup in the central part of this region occurred earlier than in the north. Research on microphysiography, isotopic geochemistry and inclusions of the Yinachang typical Fe-Cu-Au-REE deposits suggest that the dominant mineralisation fluid is high-temperature, high-salinity magma fluid, containing alkalic components, volatile phase and Cu-Au. Metasomatism and mixing between this magmatic fluid and carbonaceous wall rock and meteoric water caused the precipitation of Fe, REEs and Cu-Au. A chalcopyrite Re-Os age from the Yinachang deposit obtained during this study is some 50–100 million years younger than the timing of emplacement of the deeply sourced Haizi and Dongchuan dolerites. The Yinachang deposit is a typical iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG)-type deposit, and the presence of this and other deposits in the Kangdian region indicates that the region hosts an intraplate extension-related IOCG system within the western edge of the Yangtze Block, China.CITATION:Hou, L, Ding, J, Zhang, J R, Zhu, S B, Wu, S Y and Peng, H J, 2015. Proterozoic iron oxide-copper-gold mineralisation in the Kangdian Region, south-west Yangtze block, China – a case study on the Yinachang Fe-Cu-Au-rare earth element deposit , in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 255–264 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

The success of any industry depends on the planned integration of the policies and resources of the key components of the Australian economic and political structure - government, industry management, education, research, and the human resources of the industry. The Australian Mineral Industry, like Australia itself, has grown and developed at a rate not foreseen by many of our founding fathers and early industry leaders. Hence, now, as we approach the 21st Century, we need to re-think our approach to the significant new problems that are beginning to face both government and the Mineral Industry. Government initiatives, government information and support services, industry re-structuring, and research and development support, need to be carefully re-evaluated, re-diredted,. and strengthened, so that government, the community, and the Mineral Industry produce and receive the optimum education and research strategies and services. The support of academics and researchers, the development of facilities, and the design of new Courses for the future successful and beneficial exploitation of minerals need particular consideration.

Jan 1, 1986

The Jundee gold mining operation is located in the Western Australian Yandal Greenstone belt. Jundee is a mature operation encompassing multiple and complex underground ore resources, dwindling open pit reserves, large surface stockpiles, small satellite resources and two near-mine but stand alone process plants. The imminent completion of continuous open pit mining and the associated drop-off in total mill feed precipitated a review of the strategic mine plan and development of options that would optimise the exploitation of the remaining mineral resources and the utilisation of the existing plant and infrastructure.An initial review of the strategic decisions to be made, available options as well as the quantity, complexity and co-dependency of the strategic variables quickly led to the conclusion that an Operations Research style modelling approach would be appropriate. An 'off-the-shelf' program engine by the name of WHATSBEST! (LINDO Systems Inc.) was chosen on the basis of price, reputation and ease of use. The model was formulated with the unknown variables (being the ore mining rates) expressed as a proportion of the maximum achievable ore mining rate from each source. Costs were defined as variable or fixed, with this definition being a key aspect of the modelling process. The critical application of the model was in determining the optimal extraction rate of ore, the destination (ie Jundee or Nimary mill) and the sequence of extraction of each ore source that maximized the cash flow of the operation. The program was designed to be able to quickly derive an optimal result from the many variables, replacing the previous laborious iterative process of arriving at an acceptable answer by means of several large and static spreadsheet models. This paper presents the process of selection, formulation, application and scope of operation of the turn-key linear and non-linear program strategic model now used as part of the Jundee Operation strategic decision making process.

Jan 1, 2002

By d&apos, Alton AJ, Rigden DT

Modern petroleum refining offers a complexity of environments, each requiring different metals for the satisfactory performance of-the various sections of the refinery, and this paper first outlines the varied enva.x¦on-ments thus met.It follows that the metal types in use will also vary to suit each particular environment, and the paper' consequently covers the use of ferrous-metals, ranging from plan carbon steels to the high alloy types and the non-ferrous metals, particularly copper and its alloys.The failures of some,of these metals and alloys are then illustrated by experiences it Kwinana. These failures are duo to (a) corrosion, (b) erosion, (c) faulty welding, and (d) mechanical defects,' of which the first is by far the most prevalent. The protective measures taken to prevent subsequent failures are then given under one or other of the following headings :(1) alterations in process conditions, (2) the use of alternative ,alloys,(3) suitable heat treatment, (4) redesign of the failed section, (5) cathodic protection, and (6) use of corrosion inhibitors.Reference is then made to the use of specialised metals and alloys.Metals, generally in the form of oxides or salts, are also used as catalysts in refining processes. Activated alumina is used, combined with silica .forScracking' of heavy oils, and as a support -for platinum, cobalt, molybdenum, nickel and similar metals, which catalyse hydro-genation and dehydrogenation-processes. .In the final formulation of petroleum products metallic compounds may be added. Reference is made to the large quantities of lead used by the petroleum industry and to the use of metallic soaps and detergents in the formulation of lubricating oils and greases.

Jan 1, 1962