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By A. C. Lawrence, K. F. Mauer

Human factors in stope productivity -a field experiment by K. F. MAUER, M.A. (Visitor), and A. C. LAWRENCE, B.Econ., D.Com. (Member) An experiment in which three human variables were manipulated in eight stopes was conducted in a gold mine over a period of roughly six months. The three variables, which each had two levels, concerned the degree of movement from gangs, the quality of the Bantu production supervisors, and the extent to which gangs were composed of a single ethnic group (Malawians). Time was included as a variable with three levels in the analysis of the findings. On the average, stable gangs produced 12 per cent more than gangs with a high percentage of transfers, gangs with better production supervisors were more successful by nearly 9 per cent than those with poorer production supervisors, and homogeneous gangs were more productive than heterogeneous ones by as much as 15 per cent. In addition, it was found that a number of the variables exercised a joint influence on stope productivity and that the effects of the variables were accentuated by the len gth of time they had been in operation. V

Jan 10, 1973

By C. A. Green, M. A. T. Cocquerel, R. T. Gates

"Engineering studies by Selection Trust, Limited, initially in connection with the development of a copper and nickel deposit for Bamangwato Concessions, Limited, and subsequently for several other clients, have required a large number of metallurgical design calculations. The flash smelting process, developed by Outokumpu Oy in Finland, has been selected as the most suitable method for these projects and the computer programs described in this paper have been developed to facilitate the computation.The data required by the programs arc the chemical and mineralogical analyses of the concentrate, gangue and flux materials and the specification of possible fuels. The required grade of furnace matte is set as the main design parameter and the programs calculate detailed heat and material balances for the smelting process."

Jan 1, 2014

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's definition of a symposium as as 'a drinking party of merry fellows'. 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 E. J. Maunders

This paper describes briefly a computerised model of the South African electricity system which has been developed jointly by the Atomic Energy Board and the Electricity Supply Commission. The results of an analysis of this system have been subjected to a fairly extensive sensitivity analysis which reveals that up to the year 1990 between 680 and 700 million tons of coal will be required for electric power generation, together with between 7 000 and 10 000 tons of uranium. This result is fairly insensitive to data variations, but the prediction of a cumulative requirement up to the year 2000, of between 1 300 and 1 800 million tons of coal and 25000 to 70000 tons of uranium, proves to be very data-sensitive.

Darwin Conference, 1984. Parkville (Australia), The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 1984. $AI5,00 (surface mail). Reviewer: H.A. Simonsen The theme of the Darwin Conference was 'The Mineral Potential of Northern Australia and Changing Concepts of Development', and the fifty papers that were presented commemorate the 'coming of age' of the Northern Territory of Australia. Rockbursts and seismicity in mines, edited by N.c. Gay and E.H. Wainwright. Johannesburg, The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Symposium Series no. 6, 1984.363 pp. R75,OOexcl. GST, £50, OS$65. Reviewer: E. T. Brown Black sands, by lan Morley. St Lucia (Australia), University of Queensland Press, 1981. Reviewer: P.W.J. van Rensburg Gravity concentration technology, by R.O. Burt assisted by Chris Mills. London, Elsevier Science Publishers, 1984. Volume 5 in the series Developments in Mineral Processing. Reviewer: D.A. Viljoen

Jan 1, 1985

Dr J. P. Hugo, Pr. Eng., after obtaining a B.Sc. (Eng.) in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1948, gained about 9 months' practical experience in a British steelworks, followed by post-graduate studies at Sheffield University, leading to a Ph.D. (Metallurgy) in 1953. Mr G. Y. Nisbet, Pr. Eng., holds a B.sc. (Min.) from the University of the Witwatersrand (1948) and a P.M.D. from Harvard University, U.S.A. (1966). On graduating, he was awarded the Chamber of Mines' Gold Medal. Professor D. G. Krige, holds a D.Sc. (Eng.) from the University of the Witwatersrand (1963) and a D.Ing. (H.C.) from the University of Pretoria (1981). Dr P. T. Wedepohl holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) from the University of the Witwatersrand (1953) and a Ph.D. from the University of Reading, England (1958).

Jan 1, 1984

By A. Muller

The magnesia-carbon refractories used in the ConArc process experience severe wear as a result of the varying slag composition during the blowing phase. This work determines the basicity range in which minimum as well as maximum refractory wear was experienced by the magnesia-carbon refractories during service. In order to determine an optimum slag composition, the crucible test in an induction furnace was used. The magnesia-carbon refractory bricks were cut into cylindrical crucibles to which a synthetic slag in the form of pellets was added. The basicity (B2) of the slag was varied from 0.5 to 3. Tests were done at 1 600°C for one hour. Apart from the crucible test in an induction furnace, visual inspection and SEM analysis were also done to investigate the corrosion mechanism. FACTSage® predictions about the interaction between refractories and slag were also done. These predictions were compared to the actual results attained. It was found that the extent of corrosion by slag attack decreases as the basicity increases. The most severe corrosion of the MgO-C refractories occurred at a basicity of 0.5 whereas the optimum basicity is above 2.0. SEM analysis indicated severe slag attack at the lower basicities with no visible refractory-slag interaction at higher basicities. TheFACTSage® predictions supported most of the actual findings. Keywords Magnesia-carbon, ConArc, blowing phase, slag resistance, induction furnace, crucibles.

Jan 1, 2011

By A. Singh, K. Bisaka, G. Marape, T. Mokgomola

This paper investigated the pre-concentration amenability of sovite (carbonatite) ore to enhance the grade of rare earth elements (REE) bearing minerals by rejecting calcite, and to improve total rare earth elements (TREE) recovery using gravity and magnetic separation. A high proportion of calcite affects downstream processes like leaching due to high acid consumption. Multiple flowsheets combining gravity and magnetic separation were employed to target > 60% TREEs recovery to the final concentrate and > 60% calcite rejection to the tailings. Head analysis of the feed showed the sample’s main constituents as Fe (15.61%), Ca (16.04%), SiO2 (7.13%), and lastly TREEs (1.12%). Mineralogy liberation data at 2mm top size indicated poor liberation of TREEs, with the majority of minerals displaying < 30% mass greater than 80% liberated. Grain size distribution data showed that the majority of REE minerals are fine grained and report to the < 20 μm size class. Calcite liberation mineralogy showed < 60% mass greater than 80% liberation.A combination of a single-stage shaking table with a wet high intensity magnetic separator at a magnetic intensity of 7520 G was found to be the optimum flowsheet. For a shaking table feed with P80 of 150 μm followed by tails regrind to P80 of 45 μm as feed to wet high intensity magnetic separator, the overall mass balance results showed that 60.5% TREEs are recovered to the concentrate while 63.0% calcite is rejected to the tails. However, due to the fine-grained nature of This paper investigated the pre-concentration amenability of sovite (carbonatite) ore to enhance the grade of rare earth elements (REE) bearing minerals by rejecting calcite, and to improve total rare earth elements (TREE) recovery using gravity and magnetic separation. A high proportion of calcite affects downstream processes like leaching due to high acid consumption. Multiple flowsheets combining gravity and magnetic separation were employed to target > 60% TREEs recovery to the final concentrate and > 60% calcite rejection to the tailings. Head analysis of the feed showed the sample’s main constituents as Fe (15.61%), Ca (16.04%), SiO2 (7.13%), and lastly TREEs (1.12%). Mineralogy liberation data at 2mm top size indicated poor liberation of TREEs, with the majority of minerals displaying < 30% mass greater than 80% liberated. Grain size distribution data showed that the majority of REE minerals are fine grained and report to the < 20 μm size class. Calcite liberation mineralogy showed < 60% mass greater than 80% liberation.A combination of a single-stage shaking table with a wet high intensity magnetic separator at a magnetic intensity of 7520 G was found to be the optimum flowsheet. For a shaking table feed with P80 of 150 μm followed by tails regrind to P80 of 45 μm as feed to wet high intensity magnetic separator, the overall mass balance results showed that 60.5% TREEs are recovered to the concentrate while 63.0% calcite is rejected to the tails. However, due to the fine-grained nature of TREEs, no flowsheet improved their grade.

Nov 6, 2024

By R. C. Nkhoma, K. A. Annan, S. Ngomane

The effects of welding current, electrode force, and welding time in a resistance spot weld were studied to investigate the effectiveness of welded joints between a thin EN10130: DC04 material and a thicker 817M40 part, through analysis of the microstructural and mechanical properties. All welded specimens were subjected to tensile testing at room temperature (25°C) and sub-zero temperature (–46°C) to test the strength of the welded joints. No full button failure was observed at either room temperature or sub-zero temperature after optimization of the weldng parameters. The fusion zone was observed to consist mainly of martensitic phase, due to rapid quenching, while the HAZ was composed of clusters of martensite in a ferrite and bainite matrix. The base 817M40 metal remained fully ferritic after welding. The hardness was found to increase with increasing welding current. An increase in nugget size, indicating good fusion of the weld, was observed with an increase in the welding current.

Oct 1, 2021

By V. N. Medvedev, A. M. Bryukhanov

Stationary mine air control equipment enables monitoring of CH4 concentration only in sensor locations. CMC-4 individual indicator built into a caplight has been developed in Ukraine, extending CH4 monitoring to manned job sites. Major technical characteristics of the indicator are demonstrated. It features two operation thresholds: 1st threshold 1.0 to 2.0% vol. 2nd threshold 1.5 to 2.5% vol. Basic absolute accuracy ± 0.2% Caplight battery is a common power supply for the lamp and CH4 indicator, providing at least 10 hours of the system non-stop operation. Average pre-failure life is at least 10,000 hrs. It features: an explosion proof design and intrinsically safe test circuit; a small-sized sensor as an integral part of the caplight; a hybrid microcircuit to facilitate functioning of methane monitoring unit. The CMC-4 indicator weight is the weight of the caplight itself and equals 2.4 kg. A two-threshold design makes possible to distinguish between methane sources: slow accumulation due to diffusion or sudden rushes due to a gas-dynamic event. CMC-4 indicators in addition to stationary equipment minimize the risk of CH4 explosion underground determined as a product of accident intensity by calculated time interval.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. Hewer

Transition metals have been widely used in medicine throughout history. The medicinal use of metals extends back to the earliest recorded history when the Chinese used gold as treatment for a variety of ailments. The ancient Egyptians used copper to sterilize water and mercury was reportedly used by Hippocrates in 400BC. Thereafter, numerous other metals have been used as treatment throughout the centuries. For example, zinc sulphate was used as an emetic in the 17th century and zinc oxide was used to treat epilepsy in the 18th century. This use of metals, and numerous other instances, which have been well described in Sneader 2008,1 make for interesting reading but largely occurred prior to the advent of rigorous scientific method. Therefore, although there are exemptions, most therapeutic applications of metals prior to the modern age lack scientific grounding and have been found to be mostly ineffective. Of more relevance are metal-based medicines approved by regulatory bodies (i.e. Food and Drug Administration; FDA) that are in current use as therapeutic drugs. There are presently a large number of metal-based drugs that are approved for use by the FDA ranging from over the counter medicines, such as bismuth subsalicylate for gastrointestinal problems, to prescription drugs such as lithium carbonate for the treatment of manic depression. The list of metal-based medicines approved by the FDA not only incorporates base metals but also includes precious metals. Platinum complexes have been found to be potently active against several different types of cancers while gold complexes have shown application as treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With the well-established foundation that exists for metal-based medicines, it is imperative to continue exploration into new therapeutic areas. The precious metals; gold, ruthenium and platinum, continue to attract scientific interest in the field of biomedicine and have been widely researched. Scientific studies conducted on gold complexes have demonstrated the potential of this metal for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, cancer and malaria. These diseases are also specific health concerns for developing nations; countries where disease has devastating impact. Within South Africa alone, an estimated 5.7 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS,2 approximately 7 000 new cases of malaria are reported annually, and it is projected that 1 in 4 persons will develop cancer. Continuous development of therapeutic drugs to combat these diseases is therefore apriority, and the exploration of gold-based compounds for this purpose is warranted.

Jan 1, 2009

By R. J. Davidson

The mechanism of gold adsorption on activated charcoal by R. J. DAVIDSON: M.Se., Ph.D. (Rhodes) (Visitor) The adsorption of gold onto activated charcoal is most dependent on the concentration and character of the &apos;spectator&apos; cations present in the adsorption medium. In the presence of calcium ions, gold is adsorbed as the calcium aurocyanide complex. The degree to which the aurocyanide complexes are adsorbed follows the series Ca> Mt:> H> Li> Na> K, calcium aurocyanide being the most stable complex and potassium aurocyanide the least firmly bound. If a loaded charcoal, where the gold is present as the calcium complex, is treated initially with either sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate solutions, the gold can subsequently be eluted from the charcoal with hot deionized water as either the sodium or the potassium complex respectively. The elution of gold with deionized water appears to be most attractive practically and economically, and has several potential applications in the recovery of gold from dilute solutions.

Jan 10, 1974

By D. J. Bosman

The impoved densification of sludge from neutralized acid mine drainage. by D. J. BOSMAN, B.Sc., (Member) The paper describes an investigation aimed at finding a solution to the accumulation of acid mine drainage in the old workings at Coronation Collieries, Kromdraai. The problem involved the neutralization of the acid in the water, without the large volumes of sludge and the large amounts of dissolved solids that usually result from neutralization. Pilot-plant work on the site using a limeneutralization process developed at Bethlehem Steel Corporation (U.S.A.) showed this to be a feasible method. A sludge of 22 per cent density was obtained under optimum operating parameters. The amount of suspended solids in the overflow water was very high, but this does not give rise to concern because the full-scale plant at Kromdraai will practise secondary sedimentation by running the thickener overflow through large dams with a theoretical retention time of 25 days. An analysis of the theory underlying the process is also made.

Jan 4, 1974

By J. Zwartendyk, A. Azis

Optimizing the public gains from the exploitation of mineral resources By Dr A. AZIS and Dr J. ZWARTENDYK Every nation must decide how it should exploit its mineral resources so as to contribute most to its national objectives. It is argued that the present value of the future corporate income tax flow derived.from mineral exploitation may serve as a useful indicator in moving toward a taxation policy that would contribute optimally toward the greatest public benefit. The future stream of corporate income taxes depends largely on the mineral endowment, consisting of deposits now being mined, known unmined deposits, and unknown deposits. Unknown deposits may be estimated by geological inference. Both known and unknown deposits can be categorized according to grade and size, and divided into economic and uneconomic deposits on the basis of certain prices, costs, rate of return and taxation levels. Computer simulations can be run of discounted cash flow models at various taxation levels to showthe impact of taxation changes on future tax revenues.

By A. J. Van Rensburg, N. B. Strydom, C. H. Van Graan

The design, construction, and use of a practical ice-jacket for miners by N. B. STRYDOM, Ph.D. (Illinois) (Fellow), D. MITCHELL, Ph.D. (Rand) (Member), A. J. VAN RENSBURG, M.Sc (Poteh) (Visitor), and C. H. VAN GRAAN, M.Sc (Pretoria) (Visitor) Microclimate suits have been shown to be very effective in decreasing physiological strain in hot, wet environments, thus enabling men to work without risk in areas that would normally carry a high risk of heat stroke. In this paper, some design considerations in the development of the frozen jacket are described. Water complied with most of the desirable properties required of a coolant material for use In a microclimate suit. The Human Sciences Laboratory has developed a jacket in which ice is used as the coolant and which is designed according to the most acceptable anthropometrical characteristics. The jacket consists of an inner poncho-type waistcoat containing 28 water compartments. Over this is worn an insulating jacket, which minimizes warming of the coolant by the environment. Suitable refrigeration units have been developed to freeze the jackets underground. Laboratory tests have shown that these jackets are effective for about 2,5 hours, Irrespective of the wet-bulb environment, when men are working at a moderate rate. Jackets should, however, be used only in environments in which the wet-bulb temperature is in the range of 32,S0 to 35,S °C.

Jan 9, 1974

By P. D. K. Robinson

In the second of a series of five colloquia with the theme Rescue 91 ..Survival Initiatives for the Mining Industry, the emphasis was placed on the harnessing of improved technology for the benefit of all the industry. The Colloquium was held at Mintek, Randburg, and attracted some 150 delegates and speakers from a cross-section of the industry. Eight papers were presented, and panel discussions were held to round off the morning and afternoon sessions. The purpose of the Colloquium was to allow mines and other groups to put forward innovative schemes in the management of technology that could be shared by everyone in their determination to ensure the survival of the gold-mining industry in the current difficult times. PAPERS The papers presented were as follows: The introduction of detachable bits at Cooke No. 1 Shaft, by C.A.F. Sweet of Randfontein Estates Survival through cost-saving measures in the engineering field, by E.J. Jurgensen of Freddies Survival through innovation, action, and a positive vision for the future, by G.C.V. Wade of Vaal Reefs Measuring misaligned guides, by H. Sperling of CSIR Rock-crushing innovations, by E. Trueman of Nordberg Improved explosives technology-has it been worth the effort? by RA. Lindsay of Sasol Cost savings through corrosion monitoring, by M. Tullmin of CSIR Enhanced efficiencies through technical developments in the survey departments, by D. Maree of Beatrix.

Jan 1, 1992

By W. F. Nothard, J. R. C. Hill

The Rhodesian approach to the vegetating of slimes dams by J. R. C. HILL, B.Sc.(Agric.) (Visitor) and W. F. NOTHARD (Visitor) To prevent environmental pollution from mine dumps, it is necessary to stabilize them either mechanically or biologically. In the long term biological stabilization is more attractive because of its permanent nature. Initially, the basis of stabilization is in the correct siting and construction of the dump. The main toxic factors influencing plant growth on Rhodesian mine dumps are arsenic, antimony, copper, nickel, a high ratio of magnesium to calcium, excessive soluble salts, high pH, and Iow macronutrient content. Root-growth studies in culture solution and pot experiments are used to supplement information on the suitability of plant material obtained from replicated field trials on mine dumps. In addition to the selection of plants for toxic tolerance, it is advisable to provide multiple-layer protection with trees, shrubs, and grasses. Further, a range of different plant species gives greater biological stability. Protection must be provided for young plants against wind erosion and the abrasive effects of windblown sand. Planted wind breaks are preferred to mechanical forms; windrows of garden refuse make good wind breaks and at the same time introduce organic material to the dump and provide a good environment for seedling establishment. The use of artificial fertilizers and sewage effluent is recommended to hasten the development of a complete and protective plant cover.

Jan 12, 1973

A number of issues relating to the computational aspects of pillar design are addressed in this paper. The computation of average pillar stress values is important when attempting to establish criteria for pillar design and in the analysis of the stability of tabular pillar layouts. One of the default ?classic? numerical methods that are used to determine pillar stresses is the displacement discontinuity method. In many instances it is not clearly understood that this approach does suffer from some limitations, particularly in relation to the fact that in coarse element simulations, the simulated average pillar stress (APS) can depend on the chosen mesh size. The nature of this error is highlighted in this paper and some strategies are suggested to bound the magnitude of these errors. It is demonstrated as well that the popular linear stiffness approximation to pillar or seam compressibility does appear to allow reasonably accurate estimates of the average pillar stress when either the pillar height is varied or when the seam modulus differs from the host rock modulus. A practical implication of this study is that if the seam modulus is noticeably lower than that of the host rock, such as for coal seams, it is important to use a linear stiffness constitutive model for the pillars rather than a ?rigid? pillar assumption. This added complexity seems unnecessary, however, when simulating hard rock pillars in mines where the seam modulus is very similar to that of the surrounding rock.

Jan 1, 2011

By D. J. Stanton

The objective of this study was to develop, install, and test a small underground mobile refrigeration plant (MRP) to deal with some of the real problems associated with mine cooling in an operating mine. The requirement for cooling the underground environment is discussed with particular emphasis on the need for this method of cooling, with the concomitant benefits. The research investigated current methods of cooling and reasons for previous failures in MRP. Both static and dynamic simulations were conducted to increase the confidence level under operating conditions. Implementation and testing, resulted in ?lessons learnt? requiring modifications, which are documented. Actual results have been recorded. These results have proved that significant cooling via MRP is feasible. Main benefits include positional efficiency, cost per kilowatt of cooling and cooling opportunities for remote hot areas of a mine. Finally, a proven technology is now available for large-scale implementation in the mining industry. Now the ventilation engineer has another system of cooling, which can be utilized in the quest to create an occupational environment, which meets the physical and mental health requirements of the worker.

Jan 1, 2004

By C. Klutke

This paper outlines a simple methodology for mineral characterization, developed as part of the Australian Mineral Industry Research Association (AMIRA) managed research project P777 ?The Development of Heavy Suspension Techniques for High Density Separations (Replacement of Clerici?s Solution)?. The project was sponsored by De Beers, Rio Tinto and Iluka Resources. Heavy mineral characterization of samples arising from exploration, mining or metallurgical processes is frequently conducted using laboratory heavy liquid analysis. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of high density (?heavy?) liquids and these tend to be more toxic as their density increases. Low-toxicity inorganic solutions, based on tungsten compounds, have been developed that can be utilized at relative densities (RD) up to 3.0. Beyond this value organic liquids can be used; however, this presents significant health and safety hazards. Diiodomethane (methylene iodide) having a relative density of 3.31 is commonly used. Mixtures of thallium formate and thallium malonate were found in the early 1900s by Clerici to provide liquids having specific gravities between 4.0 and 5.0. For the characterization of the heavy components of mineral sand deposits (e.g. anatase RD 3.9, rutile RD 4.2, ilmenite RD 4.4?4.7 and zircon RD4.6?4.8) there is currently no heavy liquid alternative to Clerici?s solution. Clerici?s solution is highly toxic and testing is now conducted by few laboratories worldwide, with costs reflecting the chemical costs, infrastructure costs and health and safety regimes (e.g. blood testing of exposed staff). A simple laboratory technique of density fractionation has been developed, employing suspensions of fine tungsten carbide particles in lithium heteropolytungstates solutions, that can replace Clerici?s solution in the evaluation of fine mineral sands samples (e.g. -250 +150microns). The developing methodology that can achieve low-cost, low-toxic separations at relative densities above 4.0 is outlined and the comparison of results with Clerici?s solution presented. In addition, preliminary work on density fractionation of zircon samples is presented. Zircon fractionation relates to their inclusion, radionuclide content and metamictization.

Jan 1, 2007