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By Tyler Rockley, J. P. Remi Proulx, Ruilin Yang

A highwall blast vibration project was carried out to quantify the level of blast vibrations produced from a trim blast in soft rock and a combined production and trim blast in hard rock. Combining production and trim blasts could be performed without exceeding the mine’s vibration limits.

Feb 1, 2020

By Adrianus Halim, Jenni Hooli, Bartłomiej Skawina, Fredrik Sundqvist

Transitioning from diesel-powered loading and hauling machinery to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) responds to the need for deepening underground mines as regulations become tighter. When using BEVs, exhaust gases and diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions can be eliminated, and the energy required for the machines is used more effectively. Unlike their diesel counterparts, which are refueled, BEV loading and hauling machines — specifically, load haul dump (LHD) machines — can use battery swapping. This brings additional aspects to the operation that need to be considered, which have not yet been studied extensively. This study used discrete event simulation (DES) to analyze how the different numbers of BEV LHDs affect queueing and productivity when using different numbers of batteries and different swapping times in an underground block cave mine. The results identified the formation of working groups, where the machines swapped their batteries concurrently within each group, and their relation to the queueing time. Additionally, the minimum number of batteries per machine was identified to maximize productivity while minimizing queueing time. This study demonstrates DES as a powerful tool to assess and analyze conceptual systems and identify their underlying structures, which can enhance the deployment of BEV LHDs in underground block cave mine operations.

Apr 1, 2025

By S. Isaac

The networks of interdependencies between elements in building projects, referred to as the project topology, are often complex and difficult for project teams to comprehend. It is hypothesized that a graphbased model of the project topology can be based on existing data in Building Information Models (BIM), facilitating the application of graph-theoretic algorithms to analyze this topology. The objective of this study is to propose an outline for the synthesis of BIM and graph theory. This synthesis is expected to contribute to the development of new tools for representing, managing and analyzing the design of building projects.

Aug 1, 2013

By Gerald H. Luttrell

The determination of mass balances is the first step in analyzing the performance of processing circuits. Although conceptually very simple, the mathematics associated with mass balances can be cumbersome when conflicting data sets and/or complex circuits are evaluated. Fortunately, many of the spreadsheet programs available today include powerful search routines which can be adapted to solve common mass balance problems. To demonstrate these capabilities, a generalized mass balance program has been developed using the Microsoft Excel? spreadsheet. Compared to commercial programs, the spreadsheet format is user-friendly, more versatile and easier to customize. This paper reviews the mass balance problem and describes how spreadsheet tools can be used to reconcile conflicting data.

Jan 1, 1996

By James A. Schneider

The successful installation of long piles driven into very dense sands relies on the occurrence of the reduction in local friction with increased pile embedment, a phenomenon known as ?friction fatigue?. The underlying mechanisms controlling friction fatigue are poorly understood, with some design methods including an adjustment for the influence of pile diameter while others do not. This paper back calculates the installation resistance of 0.356m to 2m (14in to 78in) diameter open ended piles driven into very dense sands using wave equation analyses. Cone penetration test data are used to link soil properties to installation resistance. The study illustrates consistent interpretation of a variety of case histories of open ended piles driven in very dense sands using newly developed analysis techniques and normalized parameters. Results provide information on methods for incorporating friction fatigue into drivability studies as well as a discussion of mechanisms related to pipe pile installation resistance in sandy soils.

Jan 1, 2010

"In an environment of rising energy prices and mining at greater depths, cost-efficient loading and hauling equipment is essential. Conducted at an underground mining operation, this study analyzes the energy consumption and gas emissions of diesel and electric load-haul-dump machines (LHDs) with similar bucket capacities. Based on energy prices from the first quarter of 2014, results of discrete event simulation show that energy costs for diesel and electric LHDs are US$0.24/t and US$0.07/t, respectively. Also, diesel LHDs emit 2.68 kg CO2 per litre of diesel fuel, whereas using electric machines reduces the need for ventilation to mitigate engine heat and emissions and reduces energy costs.RÉSUMÉ Dans un contexte de croissance des prix de l’énergie et d’exploitation minière à des profondeurs de plus en plus grandes, il est essentiel d’avoir des équipements de chargement et de transport les plus rentables possible. La présente étude, effectuée dans une mine souterraine, analyse la consommation énergétique et les émissions de gaz de chargeuses-navettes (LHD) au diésel et à l’électricité ayant des capacités de godet similaires. En se basant sur les prix courants de l’énergie, les résultats d’une simulation d’événements discrets montrent que les coûts énergétiques pour les LHD au diésel et à l’électricité sont respectivement de 0,24 $US/t et de 0,07 $US/t. De plus, les LHD au diésel émettent 2,68 kg CO2 par litre de combustible diésel alors que les machines utilisant l’électricité réduisent le besoin de ventilation pour atténuer la chaleur des moteurs et les émissions en plus de réduire les coûts énergétiques."

Jan 1, 2015

By W. J. Kennedy

Energy management in industry has recently achieved notice as a way to reduce costs without decreasing production. The same approach used in industry can be used in mining, even though the processes are different. This approach is based upon a three phase system of data collection, implementation, and monitoring, all aimed at gathering and evaluating information in such a way as to have a maximum impact on energy costs. This approach has these advantages: (1) attention is directed toward the part of each mining system where the most energy is used, (2) input is collected systematically from all persons involved in the operation of each system, and (3) a means of monitoring the progress toward established goals is created. The mining systems considered are truck haulage, conveyor haulage, blasting and crushing, and lighting. After describing the general procedure, the authors have described a specific method for improving the efficiency (and hence the energy consumption) of round-trip truck haul age systems.

Jan 1, 1982

By John R. Bartels

Remote operation of continuous mining machines has enhanced the health and safety of underground miners in many respects; however, numerous fatal and non-fatal continuous miner struck-by accidents have occurred. In an effort to prevent these injuries, NIOSH researchers at Pittsburgh Research Laboratory studied the workplace relationships between continuous miner operators and various tramming tasks of the equipment using motion capture data, operator response times, and field of view data to evaluate the factors influencing operator-machine struck-by events (contact with a solid object) in a virtual mine environment. It is not feasible (nor ethical) to use human subjects to directly evaluate factors that precipitate such injuries. However, use of motion analysis data and digital human models can facilitate analysis of struck-by accident risk by allowing investigators to manipulate factors that influence injury. Factors included in this study included machine speed, direction of escape, the direction the operator was facing relative to the machine, work posture, distance from machine, and operator anthropometry. Close proximity to the machine, high machine tramming speeds, a right-facing orientation and operator positioning near the tail all resulted in high risk of being struck.

Jan 1, 2008

By D. Cruden

DISCODAT is a system of computer programs written for CANMET, Canadian Department of Energy, Mines and resources, to be used in analyzing geological data for rock slope design. The programs were written in Fortran IV for an IBM 360/67 computer. A program conditions field data from field forms for storage in a line file. Data may be selectively retrieved from the line file by a general retrieval program which uses a variety of relational operators. The retrieved data may be displayed as structural diagrams or histograms produced on a line printer or in a number of maps produced on a drum plotter. There is a logical sequence which leads to the characterization of those elements of the subfabrics of a rock mass which may be kinematically active. Structural domains within the rock mass can also be outlined by a procedure described as areal analysis. Costs for a complete analysis are usually substantially less than $l/discontinuity.

Jan 1, 1978

By Atmesh K. Sinha

Death and injury rates in mining have been the highest of any industry; the injury severity rates in mines have also been the highest. Tentative figures reveal that 1971 was the best year yet for the bituminous coal indus¬try with the lowest number of fatal accidents. Nevertheless, 177 men were killed at a frequency rate of 0.76 per million man hours. Coal mine accident statistics have been described at various times as unacceptable and intolerable and recently resulted in the enactment of massive legislation. The 1969 Coal Mine Health and Safety Act was passed by Congress "to improve the working conditions and practices in coal mines and to prevent accidents and occupational diseases originating in the coal mining industry." The prevention of accidents in coal mines is the statutory responsibility of mining engineers and the moral responsibility of all who have any part to play in mining coal. The questions to be answered by these men may well be - What are the reasons for the high accident rate? Are the mines as safe as they can be? Are our mines sufficiently manned to insure proper supervision of production cycles and safety requirements? Are our plans for safety committees, safety campaigns, and safety inspections sufficient? Are they producing the results intended? If not, how can these be reorganized to have a greater impact? What is the real cost of an accident? What are the immediate and long-term plans for further improvements? These questions are in no way exhaustive, and the answers are not easy. There are many aspects of mine safety, and any one of them can be the subject of a lengthy discussion. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to limit the analysis to documented fatal electrical accidents in mines so that meaningful conclusions for improvement in electrical accident-experience statistics can be made. In doing this, it is also the intention to emphasize areas of missing information and propose a few suggestions for better hazard analysis.

Jan 1, 1972

By Rajaraman V. Ramani, K. Sinha Atmesh, Robert Stefanko

Use of electrical power in the bituminous mining industry has increased many fold during the last few decades. Rapid changes have also occurred in mine electrical power systems in order to meet the demands from highly mechanized mines. Fires, explosions, and deaths due to electrocutions are the primary hazards due to the underground use of electricity, although there has been a marked decrease in the fatality rate from electrical accidents. However, efforts to eliminate electrical hazards and to insure trained manpower for better distribution, utilization, and protection of the electrical systems cannot be relaxed. In this article, 200 fatal accidents that occurred during the period from 1955 to 1970 have been analyzed. Accident frequency has been correlated with the size of the mine and of the work force, and with age and work and task experience. A strong negative correlation has been established between task experience and accident frequency. Though the available data permitted only a limited analysis, need for improvements in electrical power technology and for better education and training has been identified and discussed. Missing information in accident statistics is outlined and suggestions for better hazard analysis are presented.

Jan 1, 1975

By E. Bane Kroeger

Plane failure in rock and soil slopes is usually caused by the intersection of a discontinuity plane with a slope face. Normally, these discontinuities are weaker than the surrounding intact rock and provide a surface along which movement can occur. The discontinuities are typically analyzed to determine the stability of a particular slope. One problem that arises when evaluating the stability of a planar feature is that the method for planar analysis is two-dimensional and has difficulty dealing with planes that are oblique to the slope face. Several researchers have stated in the past that planar failures are a special case of wedge failure. Wedge failures occur when two planar discontinuities intersect in an unfavorable manner. Sliding can occur along the intersection of the planes. Wedge failures are very common in rock slopes and can often be problematic. Wedge stability analysis methods are typically three-dimensional and can analyze planar features that are very oblique to the slope face. Wedge failure analysis can also be used to determine the stability of planar features with good success. One advantage to using wedge analysis over plane analysis is that a tension crack can be both non-vertical and oblique to the slope face in the wedge analysis. This allows the engineer to more closely match field conditions. It also negates the need for the engineer to have two separate software packages to analyze a single slope, saving both time and money.

Jan 1, 2002

By Matthew A. Baumann

Tooth-wear on mining shovels requires continuous monitoring. Worn teeth impede excavation performance, increase energy usage, and increase the risk of lost or broken teeth and adapters. A machine-vision-based automated tooth-wear monitoring system is presented. The system employs a rugged boom or stick-mounted camera to capture images of the shovel teeth. An onboard computer processes the images in real-time to determine the length of each tooth. The current wear state is available via a network-accessible log for on-demand status updates. By continuously recording tooth length changes over time, the logs can be used to estimate wear rates and patterns, permitting comparisons between different G.E.T. configurations, operator behaviour patterns, or material types. This detailed, quantitative data permits site-specific optimizations to wear packages and maintenance scheduling. Automating wear monitoring offers the crucial wear information necessary to minimize maintenance costs and reduce unscheduled downtime. A 37-day field trial in a copper-gold mine demonstrated the ability of the system to measure tooth lengths, compute wear rates, and detect differences in tooth wear based on their position on the bucket.

Nov 1, 2011

By W. B. Lambert

A common decision in openpit mining is to determine the extraction sequence of notional three-dimensional production blocks so as to maximize the net present value of the extracted orebody, while adhering to precedence and operational resource constraints. This openpit block sequencing (OPBS) problem is commonly formulated as an integer program, with binary variables representing if and when each block is extracted. In practical applications, the number of blocks can be large and the time horizon can be long; therefore, instances of this problem can be difficult to solve using the exact approach of optimization. The problem is even more challenging to solve when it includes explicit minimum operational resource constraints. Our maximum value feasible pit (MVFP) algorithm generates an initial integer feasible solution for OPBS problems, in which minimum operational resource constraints are strictly enforced. As an exact approach, we present a Tailored Lagrangian Relaxation (TLR), in which the selection of constraints to dualize is guided by information provided by the MVFP algorithm. We present results and graphics to demonstrate the utility of our techniques for instances containing up to 25,000 blocks and 10 time periods.

Jan 1, 2013

By S. D. Warriner

ONE of the most, if not the most, difficult of the problems associated with the mining and distri-bution of anthracite is to get clearly into the minds of the consumers and of the editorial and reporto-rial writers in the public press the relationship between the cost of production, the price at the mine and the price that the consumer pays for his coal, delivered in the cellar. One sees in his morning paper a statement to the .effect that out of the $12 or $13 per ton that his dealer charges him, the miner gets only $2 or even less, and he asks himself or the paper asks for him, "Who gets the difference?" Not infrequently the amount that the miner gets is given for run-of-mine bituminous coal while the price quoted is that of prepared anthra-cite, egg, stove, or chestnut, as the case may be, delivered to the bin of the consumer; and the difference stands out with all the more prominence; and it sticks in his memory with a persistency which no manner of explanation is able to efface. A recently published official report for the year. 1921 of one of the State Bureaus stated the total production of anthracite in net tons of 2000 lb., and included not only the output recovered by washeries from old culm banks and by dredges from creek and river channels, but also the colliery consumption;, i.e., the coal used by the companies in the operation of the collieries. This resulted in a total production of 90,509,075 net tons for which the labor cost was stated at $283,961,300, or $3.13 per net ton, equivalent to $3.50 per gross ton. This figure of $3.50 was immediately seized upon as representing the labor cost per gross ton of fresh-mined commercial coal. It is almost a hopeless task to try to correct such errors of statement in the first place, and, in the second place, to correct the misapprehen-sions that arise from them. As a matter of fact, the report was misleading in regard to the labor cost of the entire production shipped, as the coal used for colliery consumption should be deducted. Correctly stated, the report should have shown, calculated in terms of gross tons of 2240 lb., the legal weight in Pennsylvania, as follows: Gross production 80,607,359 tons Less colliery fuel 8,757,137 tons Commercial production 71,850,222 tons Total labor bill $283,961,300.00 Labor cost per ton...: 8 3.952 The foregoing figures" of tonnage are obtained from the State Department of Mines. Even these include the quantity recovered from calm, banks by washeries, and consequently the $3.95 arrived at as the average labor cost is somewhat less than that actually involved in the mining of fresh-mined coal. Unfortunately, the figures of washery production and the cost of producing it are not available.

Jan 7, 1922

By Richard A. Thomas, Liming Yuan, James H. Rowland III, DAVOOD BAHRAMI

To reduce the number of injuries resulting from fires on mobile, diesel-powered mine equipment, it is crucial to promptly suppress a fire once it is detected. The focus of this research was to determine the effectiveness of fire suppression agents. Large-scale tests were conducted using five different fire suppression systems based on: dry chemical, wet chemical, dual agent (dry and wet chemical), carbon dioxide, and water mist. Suppression nozzles were placed around the diesel engine where diesel fuel, engine motor oil, and hydraulic circulating oil spray fires were ignited. The results of this study can help mining companies and manufacturers by providing scientifically based data on the capabilities of the different fire suppression systems.

Feb 1, 2024

By J. Fox, C. Allen, A. Greth, K. Kocsis

"It is the duty of the mine operator to ensure the mine environment is healthy and safe for the mine workers. For deep and hot underground mines, this requires maintaining adequate working temperatures by means of mitigating the heat load generated by strata, auto-compression, mining equipment, explosives, ground water, and human metabolism. The heat load is best reduced by minimizing the amount of heat transferred to the mine air from these sources and through the use of efficient ventilation with effective cooling systems. The heat emitted by mining equipment and vehicles contribute a significant proportion to the combined heat load of an underground mine. This is especially a problem for diesel equipment due to the fact that besides heat, a large amount of water vapor is produced, which increases the humidity in the production workings. Diesel engines have proven advantageous in recent history due to their high power output and reliability. However, as mines continue to become more mechanized and deeper the climatic problems introduced by elevated heat generation will continue to rise. With that, the issue of heat generated by diesel equipment must be addressed. The economic alternative for diesel engine equipment fleets in underground mines is the electric engine. Technological advances in battery technology, increased mechanical output and improved reliability have made the electric engine significantly more competitive in comparison to diesel engines. Because electric engines do not utilize internal combustion, the heat produced by them is significantly less than of the diesel engines. Battery powered mining equipment likewise eliminate diesel particulate matter (DPM) produced by diesel engines. Utilizing battery electric equipment in underground mines provides many advantages, such as: (a) reduced heat load, (b) healthier and safer environment for the mine workers, and (c) reduced mine operating costs due to lower ventilation requirements. This paper will highlight the health and cost benefits of using battery/electric fleets versus diesel fleets in deep and hot underground mines. The study analyzes simulations produced from thermodynamic ventilation models. Early simulations show significant cost reductions in terms of net present value (NPV) when comparing the air volume requirements for battery/electric equipment versus diesel powered equipment for the same production rate. INTRODUCTION The competitiveness of the world mineral market demands that mine operators continue to increase production and decrease costs as commodity prices fluctuate in often unplanned directions. This has forced underground mines to operate at deeper depths and to become more mechanized to remain competitive. Because of these changes, ventilation challenges have continued to increase as the mines combat an enlarged influx of contaminants such as heat and diesel particulate matter (DPM)."

Jan 1, 2018

By Karoly (Charles) Kocsis, August Greth, Jon Fox

"It is the duty of the mine operator to ensure the mine environment is healthy and safe for the mine workers. For deep and hot underground mines, this requires maintaining adequate working temperatures by means of mitigating the heat load generated by strata, auto-compression, mining equipment, explosives, ground water and human metabolism. The heat load is best reduced by minimizing the amount of heat transferred to the mine air from these sources and through the use of efficient ventilation with effective cooling systems. The heat emitted by mining equipment and vehicles contributes a significant proportion to the combined heat load of an underground mine. This is especially a problem for diesel equipment due to the fact that besides heat, a large amount of water vapor is produced, which increases the humidity in the production workings. Diesel engines have proven advantageous in recent history due to their high power output and reliability. However, as mines continue to become more mechanized and deeper the climatic problems introduced by elevated heat generation will continue to rise. With that, the issue of heat generated by diesel equipment must be addressed.The economic alternative for diesel engine equipment fleets in underground mines is the electric engine. Technological advances in battery technology, increased mechanical output and improved reliability have made the electric engine significantly more competitive in comparison to diesel engines. Because electric engines do not utilize internal combustion, the heat produced by them is significantly less than the diesel engines. Battery-powered mining equipment likewise eliminate diesel particulate matter (DPM) produced by diesel engines. Utilizing battery electric equipment in underground mines provides many advantages, such as: (a) reduced heat load, (b) healthier and safer environment for the mine workers and (c) reduced mine operating costs due to lower ventilation requirements"

Jan 8, 2018

There is wide agreement that sustainability has multiple dimensions, but substantially less agreement on the appropriate balance among those dimensions. This occurs because peoples’ vision of a sustainable future, their goals for sustainable development, and their objectives for resource management are reflections of their values, culture, and life experiences. Even assuming agreement about the objectives of sustainable resource management can be reached; there is still a need for policy and decision makers to choose from among alternative courses of action, each of which has its own set of impacts and outcomes. One of several tools used to compare the consequences of alternative actions is the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. This paper uses CGE modeling to demonstrate how policy decisions do not take place in a vacuum and how policy-makers must be aware that there are trade-offs involved in any decision.

Jan 1, 2005

By Murad Y. Abu-Farsakh

This paper presents the analyses of load-transfer (t-z) behavior of twelve prestressed concrete (PSC) instrumented test piles that were driven in different locations of Louisiana. The load transfer method is an efficient and practical tool for the analysis of single driven pile to predict the ultimate load. The test piles were instrumented with vibrating wire strain gauges in order to calculate the shear transfer for different soil layers during the static load test. The static load test was performed on all the test piles after 10 to 14 days of end of driving. Empirical load-transfer models were proposed previously by different researchers (Fleming 1992, Hirayama 1990, Krasinski 2012, Bohn et al. 2017) after analyzing the instrumented test pile results. For this study, load transfer of each soil layer was measured and compared with the previously developed existing model. The stiffness parameter (M) for the hyperbolic equation was calibrated in order to best match the measurements. The good agreement of the proposed curves was then confirmed by applying them to assess the overall load-settlement curve of other pile load test results available in the literature. INTRODUCTION The load transfer mechanism (stress-strain relationship) for an axially loaded pile usually comprises of three loading mechanisms: axial deformation in the pile (z), soil skin friction along the shaft (qs), and soil end-bearing (qb). The development of soil skin friction with axial deformation is referred as the t-z curve, and the development of soil end-bearing with axial deformation is referred as the q-z curve. Figure 1 presents the load transfer mechanisms in an axially loaded pile and the corresponding spring mass models for t-z and q-z curves (API, 2002). In order to construct the load transfer curve in clay under vertical load, the axial load transfer (t-z) curve and end-bearing load transfer (q-z) for that particular soil should be assessed separately. The axial load transfer (t-z) method is probably the most widely used technique to study the problem of single axially loaded piles. Therefore, the load transfer through the shaft of the pile and are getting more and more important compared to the only the pile capacity analyses. The load transferred from shaft to the surrounding clay soil is a function of the width of the pile and the surface roughness of the pile and clay properties. The development of a representative procedure allows the assessment of the t-z curve in soil (sand and/or clay) that leads to the prediction of a nonlinear vertical load-settlement response at the pile head.

Jan 1, 2018