Search Documents

By A. L. Hinde, P. J. D. Lloyd, A. R. Atkins, J. G. MacKay

The control of milling circuits by A. R. ATKINS, M.Se. (Elee. Eng.) (Visitor), A. L. HINDE, S.Se., Ph.D. (London) (Visitor), P. J. D. LLOYD, S.Se. (Chem. Eng.), Ph.D. (Cape) (Fellow) and J. G. MACKA Y, S.Se. (Chem. Eng.) (Visitor). The general behaviour of mills is described in an attempt to find a control philosophy that will permit milling circuits to produce a constant particle size. Although the experimental work has been confined to a single section of the milling circuit of one mine, it is felt that the findings are applicable to other milling circuits.

Jan 6, 1974

By E. Van Der Lingen

This paper provides a review on coloured gold, platinum, andpalladium intermetallic compounds, and discusses the models thatwere developed to obtain these materials. These compounds have acrystal structure of high symmetry, such as the CaF2or CsClstructures, ensuring distinct electron band structures. Variousexamples of coloured gold, platinum, and palladium intermetalliccompounds are provided. More in-depth discussion is provided on thepurple gold (AuAl2) and yellow platinum-aluminium (PtAl2)compounds with CaF2structure, as well as the purplish-pinkpalladium-indium (PdIn) compound with CsCl structure. Precious metal intermetallic compounds are used in jewellery andprovide a new dimension to design. Some of these compounds havealso found use as barrier coatings on turbine blades for jet engines,and more recently, research has been conducted into their potentialuse as catalysts, electro-catalysts, sensors, capacitors, and fordecorative coatings.

Jan 1, 2014

By A. Golder, S. P. Dandapat, I. Roy

One of the consequences of large-scale opencast mining for coal is the disposal of an enormous volume of overburden material that needs to be removed. With the enlargement of opencast mines and associated high stripping ratios, the volume of overburden extraction is rising. Overburden from the initial mine cut has to be necessarily dumped outside the mining area until enough void is created inside the mine for back-filling operations. The quantity of overburden placed outside the mining area normally varies from 10% to 30% of the total overburden removal. The stability of these dumps placed outside the mining area is of prime importance from the point of view of smooth operations of the mines and safety of persons in and around the dumping area. Owing to increasing pressure on land use, mine operators do not have any other option other than to place the waste dumps very near to the surface edge of the pit, which may lead to failure of the topsoil benches of the working pit. This study identified major controlling parameters that influence a stable but economic combination of height and slope angle of external dumps located close to the edge of an open coal pit.

Nov 27, 2024

By I. Soto, E. Córdova, A. Anani

The new caving megaprojects that are planned to go into production in the next decade have scheduled horizontal developments at very high rates, which are difficult to achieve. Research has been conducted that seeks to model the construction times for underground developments to determine the feasibility of achieving the planned rates. However, these previous attempts do not consider all the operational aspects that make up the mine development cycle. Here, we present a discrete event simulation (DES) model that individualizes each unit operation of the development cycle to determine the construction rates that new projects will be able to attain. The developed model was applied to the New Mine Level (NML) of the El Teniente Division (DET). The results indicate that it would be impractical to achieve the advance rates scheduled in the original plans if the unit operations of the mine continue to be executed using the status quo. The metres developed after six years in the sections analysed can be significantly improved by changing the maintenance strategy for the equipment (457 metres increase), orepass availability (194 metres increase), and the initial planning sequence (1 598 metres increase). It is recommended that the mine implements a flexible maintenance strategy, defines a strategy to ensure and increase orepass availability to contractors, and makes use of current simulation tools for a more robust development sequence planning.

Oct 1, 2022

By S. F. Böde, K. Böde

This paper focuses on developing a comprehensive and pragmatic information technology (IT) strategy for low-margin construction activities. This forms part of the realignment of the general business strategy, and refocusing the operational model. The main elements of the IT strategy formation are analysis of the current IT environment in terms of software and hardware, carrying out a gap analysis, and developing individual functional digitalisation strategies in construction execution based on Building Information Modelling (BIM), business administration processes, communication, business intelligence (BI) and reporting, and data security. Further, substantial emphasis is given to the sustainable strategy implementation in terms of hardware and software readjustments, their integration, user training, and defining the way forward.

Sep 1, 2021

By O. K. H. Sheff

An editorial in the April 1990 edition of Mining Magazine is worth a wider audience in South Africa, particularly as the SAIMM enters its own centenary decade and the process of change in the minerals industry world-wide makes increasing demands on the professionalism of its leaders. The editorial considers the changing status of engineers, who up to the 1880s had been held in high regard by society. Alumina and bauxite Economists forecast a slower economic growth rate in 1990, but expect continued increase in demand for aluminum at a 3 per cent annual rate during the decade. Structural and numerical analysis Struceng & Femcad (structural analysis and finiteelement method) is a conference and exhibition that is to be held in Grenoble (France) on 17th and 18th October, 1990. It is sponsored by the Institute for Industrial Technology Transfer (ITT-International).

Jan 1, 1990

By J. O. Claassen

"Homogeneous populations are required to perform descriptive, probabilistic, and inference statistics and to support stable, predictable mining operations. The geological and downstream processing environments are, however, highly heterogeneous. The complex nature of mining environments requires means to identify and define multipopulation environments that could affect the performance of mining value chains. A study performed at several operating mines suggests that the impact of heterogeneous or variable geological, mining, and plant processing environments on overall mining value chain performance may not be a key focus area at these operations. This was illustrated through the use of basic and spatial statistics, which included the log-probability plot, a modified range equation, and chronovariography. The findings reflect high relative variability in the geological and processing environments studied and mining operators’ inability to effectively deal with the sources and consequences of variability. The study suggests that a focus on heterogeneity in complex mining operations may significantly enhance overall mining performance. IntroductionHeterogeneity and why it mattersHeterogeneity refers to a state or quality of being variable/diverse and comprising different non-compatible elements or parts. In statistical terms a heterogeneous population can refer to a population comprising different non-compatible sub-populations or a multipopulation environment. The latter is commonly found in natural environments such as geological environments (Bardossy and Fodor, 2001). The inherent heterogeneity of complex geological environments is also referred to as spatial heterogeneity. Heterogeneity or variability, however, also occurs over time at mining operations. A case in point is variable ore composition on a conveyance system feeding a processing plant or product stockpile.Heterogeneity associated with the mining environment can significantly influence key aspects of day-to-day mining operations such as sampling, the use of descriptive, probabilistic, and inference calculations, and an operation’s ability to manage and control the mining value chain as a whole."

Jan 1, 2016

By J. Arzuúa, U. Castro-Filgueira, L. R. Alejano, F. Malan

"Pillar design for underground mining is typically done using empirical formulae or numerical modelling. Practical experience and recent literature, nevertheless, illustrate the shortcomings of these design approaches. Ongoing monitoring of pillars is therefore recommended to minimize the risk associated with these designs.In a mine where a large number of pillars are cut, different pillar strengths can be expected owing to variations in rock mass strength from area to area. This problem is compounded by the fact that in mining environments the pillars are not always cut according to the prescribed dimensions. Although the original design using either empirical methods or modelling may predict stable pillars, unstable pillars will be encountered in reality. Very conservative designs with large factors of safety may circumvent this problem, but this approach is uneconomical.A possible solution to localized stability problems may be to enhance the strength of a few unstable pillars. It may even be hypothesized that reinforcing a few critical pillars may prevent ‘pillar runs’ on a much larger scale. Rockbolting, strapping of pillars, and pillar shotcreting have occasionally been used in the past as possible solutions. It appears that these have not been successful in all cases and large collapses have occurred in spite of the pillar remedial work.The authors investigated the strapping of pillars by conducting laboratory tests on cabled rock specimens. The results were qualitatively compared to actual attempts of pillar reinforcement available in the literature, as well as additional observations in an old haematite roomand- pillar mine in Spain. Based on these results, the value of steel cabling and mesh wrapped around pillars to improve stability is demonstrated. Some cases where this approach will not be successful are also discussed."

Jan 1, 2017

By P. C. Pistorius, M. P. Maphutha, J. D. Steenkamp

Advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) are sophisticated materials being developed by the steel industry to mitigate challenges related to the performance of motor vehicles. To meet the requirements of AHSS, the ferromanganese alloys (FeMn) utilized in the production of the steel are required to contain acceptable levels of unwanted impurities, i.e. P, S, N, H, and C. The focus of the current study was to investigate dephosphorization of ferromanganese to produce a low-P alloy that could be effectively utilized in the production of AHSS. The study involved conducting laboratory-scale testwork to study the efficiency of CaO-based slag systems to dephosphorize FeMn alloys. The addition of Na2O, CaF2, and BaO to MnO-CaO-SiO2 slag was considered. The test work was carried out in a 25 kW induction furnace at temperatures of 1350°C, 1400°C, and 1450°C. The P partition coefficient (Lp) remained small at <1, which is an indication that dephosphorization had not been achieved. The baseline slag, comprising 40%CaO-40%SiO2-20%MnO, reported higher Lp values. Addition of Na2O and CaF2 did not show any further benefit. Substituting half of the CaO by BaO, resulted in similar Lp values to those of the baseline slag under conditions of 1350°C and 1450°C at 30 minutes. In summary, based on the Lp values obtained, the conditions investigated with the CaO-based slags appeared to have been unfavourable for dephosphorization of FeMn alloys, as most of this impurity element remained in the alloy.

Sep 1, 2021

By D. K. Chibwe, P. Taskinen

"Typical operation of industrial Peirce-Smith converters (PSCs) used in copper smelting results in several common phenomena such as excessive splashing, slopping, tuyere blockage, and low converter campaign life due to high tuyere line refractory erosion. These phenomena give rise to an inefficient operation from both a process and an energy perspective.This investigation presents numerical and physical models of flow patterns, mixing, solid-liquid mass transfer, and slag-matte phase distribution in a slice model of an industrial PSC. For physical simulations, a 0.2-scale cold model was developed. Water, kerosene, air, and sintered benzoic acid compacts were used to simulate matte, slag, injected gas, and solid additions into the PSC. The two- and three-dimensional numerical simulations of the three-phase system were carried out using volume of fluid (VOF) and realizable k- e (RKE) turbulence models to account for the multiphase and turbulence nature of the flow respectively. These models were implemented using the commercial computational fluid dynamics numerical code FLUENT.Both numerical and physical simulations were able to predict, in agreement, the mixing and dispersion characteristics of the system in relation to various blowing conditions employed in the investigation. Measurement of mass transfer characteristics conclusively indicated that fluid flow in the PSC is stratified. Both blowing configuration and volume of slag in the converters were found to have significant effects on mixing propagation, wave formation, and splashing.The splashing and wave motion in these converters are known to cause losses of metal/matte and potential production time due to the requirement for intermittent cleaning of the converter mouth, resulting in reduced process throughput. To prevent these losses and hence to increase process efficiency, we propose a combined blowing configuration using top lance and lateral nozzles. The numerical simulations were conducted on combined, as well as lateral, blowing conditions. In comparison, the recent results of the combined blowing concept were found to be encouraging."

Jan 1, 2014

By H. M. Stewart, N. F. Dawson, J. P. Beukes, P. G. van Zyl, Q. P. Campbell, A. Jordaan, R. I. Glastonbury, L. N. Sadiki

"SynopsisThe physical properties of oxidative sintered pellets produced from typical South African UG2 ore are compared with the physical properties of pellets produced with conventional South African metallurgical-grade chromite ore (from the Lower Group 6 or the Middle Group 1 and 2 seams). A statistical evaluation of the cured (sintered) compressive strengths proved that pellets prepared from UG2 ore are likely to have the same, or better, compressive strength than pellets prepared from metallurgical-grade chromite ore. The cured abrasion strength of the UG2 pellets was also superior to that of the metallurgical-grade pellets. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) backscatter, secondary electron, and elemental X-ray mapping were used to determine the reasons for the general superior strength of the UG2 pellets. The case study UG2 ore also required 13 kWh/t less energy for milling to attain the required particle size distribution prior to pelletization, which can lead to substantial cost savings. Results presented in this paper can be utilized by ferrochromium (FeCr) producers to better quantify the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of UG2 ore for FeCr production.IntroductionChromite, a mineral of the spinel group, is the only commercially viable source of virgin chromium units. Geologically, commercial chromite deposits in the world are found in three forms, i.e. alluvial-, podiform-, and stratiform-type deposits (Murthy et al., 2011; Cramer et al., 2004). Alluvial deposits were formed by weathering of chromite-bearing rock with the subsequent release of chromite and gravity concentration by flowing water. However, these deposits are relatively small and of comparatively minor commercial interest. Podiform-type chromite deposits usually occur as irregularly shaped pods or lenses, and their distribution within a mineralized zone is usually relatively erratic and unpredictable, making the exploration of these deposits difficult and costly (Cramer et al., 2004). Stratiform-type chromite deposits occur as parallel seams in large, layered igneous rock complexes with more regular layering and lateral continuity (Cramer et al., 2004). The largest example of a stratiformtype chromite deposit is the Bushveld Complex (BC) in South Africa, which holds an estimated three-quarters of the world’s viable chromite ore resources (Cramer et al., 2004).Several chromite seams exist in the BC. The seams of economic interest are the Lower Group 6 (LG6), the Middle Group 1 and 2 (MG1 and 2), and the Upper Group 2 (UG2) seams (Cramer et al., 2004). The LG and MG seams are specifically exploited for their chromium content, while the UG2 seam is mined primarily as a source of platinum group minerals (PGMs) (Xiao and Laplante 2004). Extraction of the PGMs from the UG2 ore usually involves the liberation of the sulphide by milling and subsequent recovery of the PGM concentrate through flotation (Xiao and Laplante, 2004). Chromite in the PGM concentrate is undesirable; therefore, PGM recovery circuits are specifically designed to ensure maximum rejection of the chromite to the tailings stream. However, the chromite in the PGM tailings can potentially serve as feedstock for ferrochrome (FeCr) production, after beneficiation to increase the chromium content."

Jan 1, 2015

By J A. H Campbell

AK6 is a Cretaceous aged kimberlite located in the north-east of Botswana, close to Debswana&apos;s Drapa and Letlhakane Mines. It was discovered by Debswana in 1969, but was considered unattractive from an economic perspective. In 2003, Debot Prospecting Pty Ltd (&apos;Debot&apos;) re-assessed the area and with the advent of new prospecting technology, particularly large diameter drilling (&apos;LDD&apos;) and more detailed ground geophysical surveys found AK6 to be of interest. In 2005, the Boteti joint venture was formed between Debot and African Diamonds plc (&apos;AFD&apos;), which covered a number of Prospecting Licenses, including that which contained AK6.

Jan 1, 2010

By D. van der Westhuizen, H. Krieg, M. Kruger

In the field of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts, cobalt, platinum, and aluminium are the primary metal constituents of the conventionally used cobalt catalyst. While platinum recovery remains a focal point in this field, a recent endeavour by a South African company emerged, which aimed to recover cobalt and aluminium from spent Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts for potential use in the agricultural sector. This study aimed to optimally separate cobalt and aluminium from spent Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst for this purpose. It further leverages the OLI database to predict metal speciation during solvent extraction to aid with experimental planning. Shake-out tests were conducted to determine optimal separation. conditions, which were validated using three distinct methods: (i) evaluating the experimental error, (ii) comparing results with similar research, and (iii) validating results against the OLI database. The investigation revealed the pivotal role of the aqueous pH yielding effective separation at pH 3.13 ([H2SO4] = 2.5 × 10−4 M) when using 20 vol.% CYANEX 272 and 50 mol.% pre-neutralisation. Effective cobalt scrubbing was achieved with 50 g/L Al at pH 2.8, while successful stripping required 1 M H2SO4. Competitive interactions between complexing aluminium and cobalt species were observed when contacting with CYANEX 272 at a pH < 4. Equipment design analysis for a targeted separation efficiency of 87% dictated the necessity of two mixer stages and a settler measuring 1.5 m × 1.5 m × 6.0 m (height × width × length). This settler would ensure sufficient residence time for gravity separation at a flow rate of 10 m3/h.

May 27, 2025

By A. W. S. Schumann

A. W. S. Schumann The first reason for todays success lies in the very high standard which was set by our speakers today and I think that we owe a very special vote of thanks to Messrs P. M. C. Wilson, A. A. Oakes, M. J. Deats, A. C. Coetzee, R. E. Burnton and J. G. Ferguson. This, however, cannot account for the fact that there was a tremendous response even before anyone knew who was going to speak or what they were going to speak about. I suggest that the response was enthusiastic because people expected a more informal gathering with a greater opportunity for feedback, for an exchange of views and for questions and answers. The very popularity of the idea has defeated its own ends to some extent. This gathering is too big and many people must have been left with questions unanswered. Possibly one should arrange for a number of meeting places-there are many in the Chamber and the surrounding mining houses-and then have separate meetings in the morning with joint reporting session in the afternoon. Alternatively, we could have a symposium after the colloquium, using Webster&apos;s definition of a symposium as as &apos;a drinking party of merry fellows&apos;. We all know that it is easy to discuss mining into the small hours. Obviously one cannot summarise todays papers and discussions, but I would like to make a few comments on technical matters and after that I would like to speak for a moment about what I see as major trends or tendencies which arise from discussions of this nature. Regarding the question of placing a village on a mine or away from a mine, I would mention that there is quite a body of literature on the adverse sociological effects on the development of children in any community in which the great majority of parents share the same occupation. It is something to be avoided if possible. We discussed the concept of the moving stockpile. If this is proved to be successful, it could save a considerable amount of money for Escom who could then avoid the construction of very large and costly staithes which are now regarded as parts of power stations. One does not see why both a moving stockpile and a staith should be necessary. By the way, speaking of Escom, I see that Mr Bob Scott is here; he has stopped pulling my leg by saying that we sell stone to Escom; perhaps someone has told him that if this is true, it must be the cheapest stone you can buy in this country. My next point relates to the use of epidiascope. It struck me again that this instrument which provides a visual image to accompany your message, can be very effective if it is properly used. These papers speak of a great deal of hard work which went into their preparation, and one really feels that the authors should have taken a few minutes more to prepare their drawings specifically for the epidiascope. There should be nothing on the drawing which is not necessary to illustrate a particular point and there should be nothing on the drawing which is not visible from the back of the hall. In particular, if one cannot read the figures along the sides, then one

By C. J. Pretorius

More than 30 percent of the global demand for zircon (ZrSi04) is supplied by South Africa. A significant amount of the zircon is exported, and beneficiated products are then imported for industrial applications locally. Beneficiating the zircon locally could have a positive impact on the local market, since zircon is only one of many such cases. Ammonium acid fluoride serves as an alternative anhydrous fluorinating agent for zircon in the synthesis of several metal fluoridesl.2. It provides an effective dry fluorinating method and is easier to handle than hydrogen fluoride or fluorine gas. Zircon exposed to extreme plasma temperatures dissociates and becomes more reactive. The reaction of the plasma-dissociated zircon (Zr02?SiO2) with the ammonium acid fluoride (NH4F?XHF, where x= 1 to 5) forms two main intermediate compounds (NH4)3ZrFr(s) and (NH4) 2SiF6(s), the latter decomposing to form volatile products at relatively low temperatures, providing easy separation of the silicon and zirconium compounds. The ammonium zirconate compound decomposes to form zirconium tetrafluoride (ZrF4), which can be further manufactured into zirconium metal, to name but one product. Data on the kinetics of the reaction of ammonium acid fluoride with zircon and plasma-dissociated zircon, combined with the thermo-dynamic parameters of the reaction, is essential for the development of an industrial process for the production of a precursor for the manufacturing of zirconium metal, namely anhydrous ZrF4. Both the reaction kinetics and reaction parameters will be included in this study, as well as some proof that the reaction proceeds to ZrF4 on a small batch scale. If the exact reaction parameters can be pinned down, a wide spectrum of anhydrous metal fluorides can be synthesized through this fluorination route.

Jan 1, 2012

By R. G. Diale, H. R. Chauke, T. M. Ledwaba, P. E. Ngoepe

FeCo alloys play an important role in soft magnetic materials with a wide range of technological applications due to their high saturation magnetization and Curie temperature. However, these alloys have low ductility at room temperature. The ductility can be improved by the ternary addition of elements such as V. A density functional theory supercell approach was used to generate B2 Fe50Co50-xVx (0 ≤ x ≤ 50) structures and the properties were evaluated at different atomic percentage compositions to determine the ductility at room temperature. The structures were fully optimized to obtain better equilibrium ground-state properties such as lattice parameters and thermodynamic properties for both binary and ternary systems. The stability of Fe50Co50- xVx was evaluated from the heats of formation, elastic properties, and phonon dispersion curves. Furthermore, magnetic strength was evaluated from magnetic moments. It was found that all structures are thermodynamically stable due to the negative heats of formation. The calculated Pugh’s ratio and Poisson’s ratio confirm that alloying with V effectively improved the ductility. It was also found that Fe50Co50-xVx showed a positive shear modulus for the entire concentration range investigated, in agreement with phonon dispersion curves. The ternary addition of V to the FeCo system resulted in reduced magnetic strength due to a decrease in magnetic moments. These findings reveal that B2 FeCo-V alloys can be used as components and actuators for the automotive industry.

Jun 10, 2024

By and M. V Roper, H. N. Engelbrecht

Quality control interventions emanate from process upsets and trends that move product quality beyond the natural variation expected in a stable process. The ability to detect upset conditions and react in an effective manner protects both resource utilisation and compliance to specifications. Product quality control on coal processing plants traditionally relies on the reference (combined sampler and laboratory) system to measure product qualities. The introduction of online analyser (OA) technology, applied in different configurations, creates a second source of measurement information for control decision making. The case study was done on the primary sample stream of the final product stream at Exxaro’s GG7 and 8 plants, part of the Grootegeluk complex. It explores the OLA system’s ability to meet the OEM performance guarantee, perform equally to the reference system without analytical delay time, and assesses the effort to achieve this performance in a by-line analyser (BLA) configuration. In the paper, a conceptual comparison of the two measurement systems is done and the theoretical and practical comparison of measurement performance is discussed. Results demonstrate that the OA outperformed the OEM’s performance guarantee and achieved similar levels of performance to the reference system without the response delay. Keywords: Online analyser (OLA), by-line analyser (BLA), coal quality measurement, measurement performance

Jan 1, 2020

By V. Jokovic

Hydrocyclones are the most commonly used classifiers in the mining industry. The reason for this is their low operating cost and a small footprint. Data from plant trials where screens replaced hydrocyclones indicated that lower bypass of fines and sharper separation could improve breakage rates, with a positive effect on flotation circuit performance throughput. Despite the importance of classification, hydrocyclones have not received as much attention as more expensive comminution units, and their technological progress has been incremental. Noticeable water split (Rf) reductions of a semi-inverted hydrocyclone have been reported in the past. According to theory, the hydrocyclone with reduced Rf will improve classification of fines. A classification study using semi-inverted hydrocyclones was conducted to determine if a hydrocyclone could be operated in a way that would minimise misclassified fines. The classification performance of a semi-inverted hydrocyclone will be presented in this paper and other potential applications will be discussed. Keywords: Semi-inverted hydrocyclone, water split, misclassification of fines

Jan 1, 2020

By D. H. Diering

Definition of mineral resources and reserves forms the basis for effective mine planning and reliable public reporting of mineral assets. Historically the mineral resource and reserves declaration process has been the domain of the geology and surveying disciplines, with the declaration of the reserves by the surveyor being based on the application of modifying factors to the declared resources available for mining. As part of an ongoing process to improve efficiency, reliability, and reproducibility of results, this approach has been revised and enhanced through the introduction of a revised process and reconciliation tools. The revised approach to reserve definition is based on the definition of scheduled resources, at an appropriate confidence estimate in the context of an approved business plan, over the anticipated life of the mineral asset being applied to define reserves. This planning and scheduling is developed, during the annual business planning process, by the mine planning department using tools such as CADSMine?. The scheduled area together with the application of revised modifying factors is tabulated in the BME (basic mine equation) and reflects the mine production plan over time. Simplification of the modifying factors to dilution and losses underpins the simple yet robust approach to improved definition of reserves in this process and in the basic resource to reserve equation (BR2RE). Dilution intrinsically affects grade but not metal content, whereas the losses reflect both the efficiency of mining and planning and are reflected in metal losses, area losses, or both. Reconciliation of the derived ?resource converted to reserve? area, (which is based on the business plan from CADSMine?), versus the ?resource available for mining?, (which is derived from Datamine?), underpins the robustness and auditability of the reserves declaration. This R&R accounting and reconciliation approach is transparent and facilitates interrogation of the logic and rationale of long-term business planning and project strategy. These numbers are processed and reported in the logic of the basic resource equation (BRE), which also addresses aspects such as white areas (future and historic), tail management, and partial extraction (non-scheduled pillars, etc.) in compliance with SAMREC definitions. Areas that do not have the necessary confidence and data support to be declared as resources find their space as pre-resource (outside the domain of public reporting), outlining existing potential for future extraction and reporting. Use of the BRE leads ultimately to a complete, refined accounting and reconciliation-oriented approach for all production entities. The revised resource and reserve process includes the discipline of mine planning as intrinsic to the definition and declaration of resources and reserves. Subsequent to the change in process, the resources and reserves have truly become the domain of the mineral resource management discipline. This paper defines the logic of the basic resource equations and outlines their application in the definition and reconciliation of mineral resources and reserves at Anglo American Platinum Limited.

Jan 1, 2012

By B. Amankwaa-Kyeremeh, W. Skinner, R. K. Asamoah, C. Greet

With the continuous increase in ore mineralogical complexity coupled with decreasing head grades, there is a need for mining industries to process large tonnages of material to meet global metal demands. Smarter, cheaper techniques are required to better map ore mineralogical variations proceeding to pre-concentration (flotation) stages for higher performance and metal recoveries. This paper is aimed at briefly reviewing previous studies on different selected ore mineralogy, with the focus on their pulp chemistry, to identify relationships which aid quicker flotation feed variation monitoring. Very little published work exists linking pulp chemistry parameters to flotation feed mineralogical variation. A successful application implies maximising grades at higher metal recoveries and reducing the cost of reagent for a better performing flotation circuit. Keywords: Mineralogical variation, flotation, pulp chemistry

Jan 1, 2020