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Written contribution by J.F. Curtist The paper is an interesting exercise in the application of mathematics to a theoretical situation presumed to oc¬cur underground. However, some of the assumptions on which the calculations are based are unlikely to occur in any actual mining situation. Assumptions made in the paper Objections to these assumptions are noted seriatim. (1) `it is assumed that any loading-rate effect will be small and can be ignored' (p. 3). A loading rate of the order of 50 kN-12 per cent of the maximum load-is customary to prevent the props being dislodged by the blast. (2) `it is unlikely that all the props will be installed with their full stroke available, but for the purpose of this analysis, it is assumed that this is the case' (p. 3). A more reasonable assumption would be that, with the most careful selection of prop length and the most rigid control of stope width, the available stroke length would on average be reduced by the order of 70 mm on installation-20 per cent of full stroke. (3) `each support unit supports a block of 3,3 m2 bound¬ed by vertical fractures with zero cohesion that are parallel and at right-angles to the stope face respec¬tively' (p. 5). Joughin and Jager have shown this to be an unwar¬ranted assumption in respect of the positioning, the direction, and the dip of the fractures present in a stope in rockburst conditions. If, as assumed, there was `zero cohesion' between such blocks, the removal of a hydraulic prop in row 3 supporting such a block would ensure that it fell out before a profile prop could be installed in the same position. (4) `the height of each of these blocks is 3,0 m, the volume of each block is 9,9M3, the mass of each block is 27 225 kg' (p. 5). The concept of individual props being affected by dis¬crete blocks of known and uniform dimensions of relatively low ground velocities (less than or equal to 2,16 m/s) acting in line with the axis of the prop is one that lends itself to neat mathematical calcula¬tions. It does not, however, bear much similarity to the actual conditions that are exposed underground in excavations where rockbursts occur. Ortlepp and co-workers concluded that `the impulse of the shockwave can cause the displacement of the

Jan 1, 1991

By J. Levin

Bond's Standard Work Index (SWi) indicates the grindability of an ore, and his Operating Work Index (OWI) indicates the performance of a grinding mil or circuit. The comparison of the two indices offers a measure of the efficiency of the grinding operation. Mil (or circuit) performance, particularly on the Witwatersrand, is often indicated by the index kilowatt -hours per tonne of minus 75 µm material produced (kWh/t minus 75µm or OE75)' The paper shows that a standard kWh/t minus 75 µm index (SE75) can be obtained from the standard Bond grindability test (which provides the SWi), and asks whether the two E75 indices can be used in the various ways in which the two Work Indices are used. For the answer, the paper presents averaged values for the standard grindability indices of the gold ores of the Witwatersrand, averaged values for the performance of grinding mils operating on those ores, and the results of laboratory grinding tests on a composite of several Witwatersrand ores. The particle-size indicator for the calculation of the Wi indices, the am size, is constant in its relation to the largest particles present, whereas the percentage minus 75 µm, the indicator of size for the E75 index, varies with the degree of grinding in its relation to the size of the largest particles. Because of this difference, the standard Work Index increases as the grind becomes finer, whereas the standard kWh/t minus 75 µ value decreases. The Wi and E75 indices nevertheless serve similar purposes when applied to moderately fine grinding-finer than 70 per cent minus 75 µm. Open circuit laboratory grinding tests revealed three stages in the grinding process, and credible values for the open circuit Work Index were obtained only from the second stage. The conversion of the open circuit Work Indices to the equivalent of close circuit indices by the application of Bonds open circuit inefficiency factor (a constant for grinds indicated by the d80 size) was of limited success; however, the development of a conversion factor related to particle-size should not be difficult. Initially difficulty was experienced in the calculation of the 0E75 indices from the results of the laboratory tests, but it was eventually considered that a constant value of the index derived from the results would be close to the true open-circuit index. The open-circuit grinding test could there fore be a convenient method for the detection of differences in the grindability of ores.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. N. Van der Merwe

Following the Coalbrook disaster in 1960, research into coal pillar strength resulted in the adoption of the concept of a safety factor for the design of stable pillars in South African coal mining. At the time when the original statistical analysis was performed by Salamon and Munro in the early 1960s, 27 cases of failed pillar workings were considered suitable for inclusion in the database of failed pillars. Pillar failure did not stop after the introduction of the safety factor formula by Salamon and Munro (1967). In the ensuing years, pillars that were created before the application of the formula deteriorated and later failed, as did ones that were created after the introduction of the formula. This means that over time, the database of failed pillar cases increased in size, allowing ever more reliable analyses to be performed. The number of failed cases in the database had grown from the original 27 in the 1960s to 86 by 2011. All the failed cases are contained in the updated database. The database of stable pillars, which is also used in the derivation of strength formulae, has now been extended from 125 to 337 cases. The new database of intact pillar cases is more complete as it bridges the time gap between the Salamon and Munro (1967) and the Van der Merwe (2006) databases. The original requirements for inclusion into the database were satisfied in the compilation of this latest collection. The characteristics of the original database of intact pillars did not change in a meaningful way. The mining depth and pillar dimensions of the new database are largely as they were in the original database. Time-related trends with regard to pillar dimensions and depth of mining could not be found, indicating that the geometrical parameters of coal mining in South Africa have not changed meaningfully in approximately a century of mining. The characteristics of cases in the updated database of failed pillars does not differ substantially from the one published by Van der Merwe (2006). The same difference between that database and the original Salamon and Munro database, namely that the average safety factor of the failed cases had increased dramatically, from 1.0 to 1.5, is still apparent. This may be due to the inclusion of more failures from specific areas that exhibit a disproportionate number of failures at higher safety factors. These areas are the Vaal Basin, Klip River, and Free State coalfields. The new database confirms yet again that there is no correlation between the safety factors of failed pillars and their time of failure. The safety factor on its own is thus not a reliable predictor of longterm stability of pillars. Keywords coal pillar, stable pillar cases, pillar collapse, pillar data base.

Nov 1, 2013

By Franz E. Pawlek

Synopsis This is a summary of investigations in the field of pressure leaching carried out at the Institute for Extractive Metallurgy of the Technical University of Berlin-West during the last seven years. The efficient dispersion of gas in a liquid and its dissolutions as well as the events at the phase boundary when leaching ZnS are reported. At the end two examples are given for the use of pressure leaching in the processing of smelter by-products. INTRODUCTION About 20 years ago, experiments were independently started in Canada and in Berlin on the subject of dissolving sulfidic ores without preliminary treatment by means of leaching under increased oxygen pressure. In Canada ammoniacal solutions were mainly employed, and F. A. Forward and his co-workers were successful in applying this process on a large industrial scale1, 2. This process is used in Fort Saskatchewan to produce about 15,000 tons of Ni per year. In Berlin, investigations were started on leaching with acid solutions3, 4. This process had also been used on a large industrial scale in the D.S.A., but the choice of unfavourable working conditions led to great difficulties, and to giving up this process for industrial use. Later on in Berlin work was carried out especially on the kinetics of pressure leaching 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and its applications to the processing of smelter by-products, in particular of mattes and speisses10, 11, 12, 13, 14. The dissolution of ores and by-products can be subdivided into four steps: 1. the efficient dispersion of the gas, so that its dissolution occurs over as great a surface area as possible, since only the dissolved oxygen reacts with the solid, 2. the suspension of the solid, so that the entire surface can take part in the reaction, 3. the phase boundary reaction, 4. the removal of the reaction products. The first two steps belong to the field of process engineering and will be discussed from this point of view. The aim of these experiments15 was to find out first of all the limits of efficiency of self-sucking stirrers in solutions of low viscosity with regard to the mass transfer. In addition, the effect of ultrasonics in the same reaction system was studied. The experiments were carried out in a lucite container as shown in Fig. 1. Four baffles of 0.1 d width were in the stirring vessel. The height of these baffles was adjustable. For every experiment one litre of liquid was used. An infinitely variable direct current motor, which was fixed with a hollow shaft, served as the driving power for the stirrer.

By H. J. R. Way

Dr H. J. R. Way: In his reply to my queries Mr Bath still adheres to his statement that it may be possible to replace the estimated R200 million reduction in gold revenue in 1980 by exports of ferro-chromium, and apparently based his conclusion on a growth rate in demand for corrosion resistant steels of 10 per cent per annum in the next few years. As I pointed out at the previous discussion at Middelburg this would entail a production of about one million tons of ferro-chromium in 1980. Exact statistics of South African ferro-chromium production are not available, a fact which is very much to be regretted. But statistics of exports of ferro-chromium are available from "Foreign Trade Statistics" of the Customs and Excise. These show that South Africa exported 99,580 short tons in 1967. The quantity of ferro-chromium consumed in South Africa in 1967 was fairly small and we can therefore assume that the production was 99,580 tons. For this amount to grow to 1,000,000 tons in 1980 would require a growth rate of 19.4 per cent per annum. At 10 per cent this would grow to 344,000 tons and at 7 per cent 240,000 tons. The following growth rates in the form of average trends are pertinent: STEEL - Per annum World steel ingot production - 1957-67 – 6.8 per cent Free-world ingot production - 1957-67 – 6.0 per cent Consumptions of crude steel by four major Free-world Consumers - 1957-67 - 5.6 per cent CHROMITE World production - 1952-67 - 2.5 per cent South African total sales - 1948-67 – 5.4 per cent South African exports - 1948-67 – 3.9 per cent United States consumption, very irregular, but - 1962-67 – 6.5 per cent FERRO-CHROMIUM - Per annum United States consumption - 1952-67 - 6.5 per cent South African exports - 1957-62 - 25.2 per cent South African exports - 1962-66 - 41.9 per cent South African exports - 1966-68 - 21.2 per cent These figures show that exports of ferro-chromium have been growing at a very high rate varying from 21.2 per cent to 41.9 per cent since 1957, but in view of the market situation it seems somewhat doubtful if that high rate can be maintained up to 1980. Of our 1966 exports U.S.A. took 63 per cent which was 53 per cent of their total imports. Their average consumption is trending at a growth rate of 6.5 per cent per annum from 1952-67, but the growth from 1964-66 was 5- 2 per cent and 1966-67, -12 per cent!

Mar 1, 1968

A banquet, attended by 467 members and visitors, was held at the Wanderers Club, Johannesburg, at 8 p.m. on Friday, 21st March, 1969, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Institute. Introduction of Dr Carel de Wet R. C. J. Goode (President) Dames en here: Ons het 'n aantal vooraanstaande gaste in ons midde vanaand en mnr Maxwell sal u later meer van hulle vertel. Dit is my aangename plig om u voor te stel aan sy Edele, die Minister van Mynwese, van Beplanning, en van Gesondheid, Dr de Wet en sy gade, mev de Wet. Sy Edele Dr de Wet het geen bekendstelling nodig nie-alhoewel hy ons minister vir slegs die afgelope twee jaar is, het hy reeds talle funksies van ons Mynbedryf bygewoon en het baie vriende gemaak onder ons. Hy het homself baie bemind onder ons gemaak toe hy Wes-Driefontein onlangs besoek het om hulle ondersteuning en aanmoediging aan te bied in hulle uur van nood. The Honourable Dr de Wet was born in the Free State. He is a grandson of that very famous general Christiaan de Wet, who caused so much pain to the British forces and for so many months so successfully eluded them in the Transvaal and Orange Free State. He was educated at both the Pretoria and Witwatersrand Universities. He first practised medicine at Boksburg and then moved to Vanderbijlpark, so you see he has an early association with gold mining on the Witwatersrand, and in moving to the Vereeniging-Vanderbijlpark district he became closely involved in our coal mining and metallurgical industries. South Africa's first steel was poured from a l0-ton open hearth furnace belonging to the Union Steel Corporation in Vereeniging in 1913. Dr de Wet has been mayor of Vanderbijlpark and for several years has been their member of parliament. More recently, the Honourable Dr de Wet has filled with great honour that most important office of Ambassador for the Republic of South Africa in London. At present he wears two hats, in that he is Minister of Planning and of Health, but more important is his cloak, that of Minister of Mines, which I trust offers him the greatest comfort. To fulfill these three arduous tasks must demand of him a terrific devotion to duty, and in doing this he carries on that loyal tradition of service to his fatherland so evident in his grandfather. Dames en here, dit is vir my 'n groot genoeë om Sy Edele Dr de Wette vra om 'n heildronk in te stel op die Instituut vir Mynwese en Metallurgie. Toast to the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Dr the Honourable C. de Wet (Minister of Mines): Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr President you have introduced me gracefully to this distinguished company and I am appreciative of your remarks. I am fully conscious of the responsibilities that devolve upon me as Minister of Mines in a country where mining makes so vital a contribution to economic progress and development and has, in fact, laid much of the foundation on which our present proud edifice is built. The achievements of the mining and metallurgical industry in its diversified activities arouse feelings equivalent to paternal pride, but let me speedily add that in considering any family relationship that may exist, the Minister of Mines should not be regarded in the role either of a fairy godmother or an indulgent father.

The industrial relations handbook, by A. Pons. Juta (P.O. Box 14373, Kenwyn 7790). 1989. "'"250 pp. Looseleaf binder. R180 + GST. Industrial laser materials processing. World Business Publications Ltd (4th Floor, Britannia House, 960 High Road, London N12 9RY, England). 1989. 180 pp. £310. Mining 1990. Longmans, Financial Times International Year Books, 1989. 592 pp. £90.00. Innovations in materials processing using aqueous, co/oid and surface chemistry, by F.M. Doyle, S. Raghavan, P. Somasundaran, and G.W. Waren (eds.). 300 pp. $125. Light metals 1989, by P.G. Camp bel (ed.). No. of pp. not available. $150. Process control and automation in extractive metalurgy, by R. Partelpoeg and D.C. Himmesoete. 225 $98. Process mineralogy VIl, by D.J. Carson and A.H. Vassiliou (eds.). 4oopp. $150. Super plasticity and super plastic forming, by C.H. Hamilton and N.E. Paton (eds.). 700 pp. $140. Supera/oys 1988, by S. Reichman, D. Duhl, G. Maurer, S. Antolovich, and C. Lund (eds.). 880pp. $99. Surface modification technologies, by T.S. Sudarshan and D.G. Bhat (eds.). 305 pp. $49. World survey of nonferous smelters, by J .C. Taylor and H.R. Traulsen (eds.). 365 pp. $90. Second Parsons International Turbine Conference. London, The Institute of Metals, 1989.270pp. £40. Mineral processing in the United Kingdom. London, Institution of Mining and Metalurgy, 1989. £25. Today's technology for the mining and metalurgical industries. London, Institution of Mining and Metalurgy, 1989. 623 pp. £60. 1989/1990 E&MJ international directory of mining. Chicago, Mining Information Services (P .0. Box 6500, Chicago, IL 60680, USA). 620 pp. US$95. Advances in project scheduling, edited by R. Stowinski and J. Weglarz. Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1989. 540 pp. Dfl. 270. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Molten Slags and Fluxes. London, Institute of Metals, 1989. 335 pp. £38. Brochure on industrial screens. Obtainable from Philippe Lavernhe, Johnson Filtration Systems S.A., Z.I. Availes-en-Chatelerault, 86538 Naintre, France. 16 pp. Free. Numerical techniques, edited by P. Spiling. London, The Institute of Metals, 1989. 226 pp. £25. Phase diagrams of ternary iron aloys, Part 2, by V. Raghavan. New Delhi, Indian Institute of Metals, 1988. 360 pp. £95 (from the Institute of Metals, London). cas publications These publications are available from the Centre for Resource Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada. Economic aspects of gold exploration: How much is too much, by B.W. Mackenzie and M. Dogget. 30 pp. $10.00. Mineral exploration and mine development potential in Ontario: Economic guidelines for government policy, by B.W. Mackenzie, M. Bilodeau, and M. Dogget. 180 pp. $25.00. Economic potential of base metal and gold mining in Newfoundland: Assessing the impact of regional developmentpolicy options, by B.W. Mackenzie, M. Bilodeau, and M. Dogget. 188 pp. $25.00. Publications of the AusIMM The folowing publications are available from The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metalurgy, P. O. Box 122, Parkvile, Vic 3052, Australia. Prepayment is required with al orders. The AusIMM 1989 Annual Conference 1989. $A 50. Mineral fuel alternatives and the greenhouse efect. July 1989. A$ 35. NQ gold '89. Apr. 1989. $A 50. Second Large Open Pit Mining Conference. Apr. 1989. $A 50. Explo '88. Nov. 1988. $A45. Mineral deposits of New Zealand, edited by Dr D. Kear. Monograph 13. 244 pp. $A 60. Field geologists' manual, compiled by D.A. Berkman. 3rd edition. 1989. : 350pp. $A45. The rocks speak. Essays in geology-some personal responses of a wiling listener, by Haddon F. King. 300pp. $A45.

Jan 1, 1990

1. Mining directory The mining directory, 1990. Mines and mining equipment companies worldwide. Don Nelson Publications Limited (P.O. Box 193, Barnet, Herts EN4 BLP, England).2. Mintek reports The following reports are available from Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg, 2125 South Africa. They are available at R25 (plus R3,25 GST) per copy to South African addressees, and US$25 per copy (including airmail postage) to addressees elsewhere. There is also an annual-subscription scheme for reports - R400 locally (plus R52 GST) and US$400 (including airmail postage) abroad. The subscription covers al the unrestricted reports published between 1st April and 31st March of successive years, which usualy amount to between 20 and 30. Report M392 Computer programs for optimization by the modified simplex method, by G.L. Moore. Sep. 1989. 25 pp. R25 + R3,25 GST in South Africa; US $25 elsewhere. Report M393 The preparation and certification of fourteen South African silicate rocks for use as reference materials, by E.J. Ring. Sep. 1989.21 pp. R25 + R3,25 GST in South Africa; US $25 elsewhere. Report M395 The separation of trace elements in high-purity rhodium and iridium materials, by R.V.D. Robet and S.M. Graham. Nov. 1989. 10 pp. R25 + R3,25 GST in South Africa; US $25 elsewhere. 3. Publications from Trans Tech The publications listed in this section are available at the prices given from Trans Tech Publications, P .0. Box 1254, D-3392 Clausthal-Zelerfeld, West Germany. Handling of bulk solids. Theory and practice, by P.A. Shamlou. 1988. 200 pp., US$ 59.50. Acoustic emission lmicroseismic activity in geologic structures and materials, by H.R. Hardy and F.W'. Leighton. Vol. I: 1977, 490 pp., US$45.00. Vol. 11: 1980, 500 pp., US$45.00. Vol. Il: 1983, 680pp., US$6O.00. Vol. IV: 1989, 720pp., US$ 75.00. Open pit mine design models. An introduction with FORTRANI77 programs, by E. Alaphia Wright. Early 1990, approx. 200pp., US$75.00. Bucket wheel excavator, by W. Durst and W. Vogt. 988, 450pp., US$118.00. Continuois-surjace mining, by T.S. Golosinski and F.G. Boehm (eds.). 1987, 720pp., US$128.00. Mining-science and technology. 1987, 1430pages, US$ 118.00. Practical handbook for underground rock mechanics, by T.R. Stacey and C.H. Page. 1986, 150pp., US$ 38.00. Professional users handbook for rock bolting, by B. Stilborg. 1986, 150pp., US$38.00. The lighting of underground mines, by D.A. Troter. 1982, 220pp., US$48.00. Elements of hydraulic coal mine design, by M.L. Jeremic. 1982, 16Opp., US$38.00. Continuum theory of rock mechanics, by Cs. Assonyi and R. Richter. 1979, 365 pp., US$ 58.00. Shear and bond in reinforced concrete, by G. Florin.1980, 86 pp., US$ 24.00. Theory and design of surface structures: slabs and plates, by G. Florin. 1980, 222 pp., US$ 24.00. Mineral processing laboratory manual, by A.-Z. Abouzeid. January 1990, approx. 200pp., US$48.00. Weighing and proportioning of bulk solids, by Hendrik Colijn. 2nd ed. 1983, 4OOpp., US$60.00. Solid-liquid flow. Slurry pipeline transportation, E.J. Wasp et al. 1977, 240pp. US$ 58.00. Optimum pipe size selection, by C.B. Nolte. 1978, 304 pp., US$ 60.00.Field instrumentation in geotechnical engineering, T.H. Hanna. 1985, 854pp., US$98.00. The 1990 yearbook and directory. Powder and bulk solids handling and processing. 1989/90, approx. 300 pp., US$ 124.00.

Jan 1, 1990

Council and Standing Committees, 1975-1976 President: Dr R. E. Robinson. Vice-Presidents: Dr M. D. G. Salamon and P. A. von Wielligh. Honorary Treasurer: J. K. E. Douglas. Immediate Past President: Prof. R. P. Plewman. Members of Council: Dr M. G. Atmore, J. D. Austin, C. T. Fenton, J. A. Holmes, P. Holz, Dr P. R. Jochens, Prof. R. P. King, Dr D. G. Krige, Dr D. I. Legge, D. G. Malan, C. T. Shaw, D. A. Viljoen, R. A. von Maltitz, H. M. Wells. Chairman, Witbank-Middelburg Branch: E. J. Jackson. Chairman, Orange Free State Branch : G. J. C. Young. Past Presidents Serving on Council: R. J. Adamson, H. Britten, H. E. Cross, J. K. E. Douglas, R. C. J. Goode, Prof. D. D. Howat, Dr J. P. Hugo, D. M. Jamieson, D. G. Maxwell, Dr J. T. McIntyre, V. C. Robinson, P. W. J. van Rensburg. Seven Council meetings and five Executive Committee meetings were held during the year, and the standing and sub-committees held fifty-five meetings. Standing Committee Chairmen Membership, P. A. von Wielligh ; Technical Programme-Metallurgy, D. A. Viljoen; Technical Programme-Mining, D. G. Malan; Vacation School-Metallurgy, Dr P. R. Jochens ; Vacation School-Mining, H. M. Wells; Awards, Dr R. E. Robinson; Excursions, Dr D. I. Legge; Adjudicating, Dr R. E. Robinson; Constitution, Rules and Policy, Prof. R. P. Plowman; Mines and Works, C. T. Shaw; Education, Prof. R. P. Plewman; Foundry Colloquia, Prof. D. D. Howat. Representatives on Other Bodies Associated Scientific and Technical Societies: Members : Dr R. E. Robinson and Prof. R. P. Plewman. Alternates : P. A. von Wielligh and Dr M. D. G. Salamon. Federation of Societies of Professional Engineers: Members : J. K. E. Douglas and Prof. R. P. Plewman. Alternates: Dr R. E. Robinson and Dr M. D. G. Salamon. FSPE Technicians Committee: Member: D. M. Jamieson. FSPE Rationalziation Committee: Member: Dr M. D. G. Salamon. South African Council for Professional Engineers (Institute Nominees) Member : R. C. J. Goode. Alternate: G. H. Grange. South African National Committee on Tunnelling: Member : D. G. Malan. Alternate: Prof. R. P. Plewman. Engineers' Liaison Committee (Pretoria) Member : Dr J. P. Hugo. Alternate : P. W. J. van Rensburg. Government Certificate of Competency Liaison Committee: Member: Prof. R. P. Plowman. Alternate: D. M. Jamieson. James Moir Memorial Lectures: Member : Prof. D. D. Howat. World Mining Congress-National Committee: Members : Dr M. D. G. Salamon, Prof. R. P. Plewman, and H. M. Wells. I.F.A.C. Symposium: Member: P. W. J. van Rensburg (Chairman-Organising Committee). Alternate : Dr J. P. Hugo. I. U.P.A.C. Symposium: Member: Dr P. R. Jochens. Membership Nine Fellows, twenty Members, six Associate Members, thirteen Graduates, nine Associates, twenty-nine Students, and ten Company Affiliates were elected during the year. One Fellow was elected to Honorary Life Fellowship, eight Members and one Graduate were transferred to Fellows, twelve Graduates and two Students were transferred to Members, three Students were transferred to Graduates, and one Student was transferred to the grade of Associate. Six Fellows, two Members, and two Associates were admitted to retired membership. Nine Fellows, fifteen Members, three Graduates, one Associate, two Students, and one Company Affiliate resigned. A statement of membership as at June 30th, 1976, and the end of the previous year is shown in the following tabulation. 30th June, - 30th June, 1975 1976 Honorary Life Fellows 16 - 17 Honorary Fellows 8 - 8 Life Fellows 171 - 171 Fellows 549 - 547 Members 523 - 517 Associate Members 15 - 21 Graduates 132 - 123 Associates 209 - 205 Students 173 - 179 Company Affiliates 71 - 80 1866 -1878 Obituaries Your Council records with deep regret the death during the year of the following members: P. A. Creewell, Life Fellow; A. S. Davis, J. S. Hay, P. 0. Lange, N.

Jan 10, 1976

The Institute was founded in 1894 as the Chemical and Metallurgical Society of South Africa. In 1904 it was reconstituted as the Chemical Metallurgical and Mining Society of South Africa and in 1956 it became the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The objects of the Institute are to advance the science and practice of mining and metallurgy, to afford opportunities for the interchange and recording of knowledge of mining and metallurgy and to ensure high standards of professional conduct and competence. Membership benefits include monthly issues of the Journal of the Institute, monthly General Meetings at which papers are read, symposia, excursions to mining and industrial concerns and the use of club facilities at Kelvin House. Technical journals received on an exchange basis are available to members at the Johannesburg Public Library. The current membership of the Institute is over 1,600. Membership applications are accepted from suitably qualified persons and the requirements for entrance to the various grades of membership are summarised below. Fellows shall not be less than 30 years of age, shall be university graduates in pure or applied science or shall produce evidence to the satisfaction of the Council that they have successfully completed a co-ordinated course of study in pure or applied science of at least three years' duration at an approved university or institution deemed by the Council to be of equivalent status. Members shall have been employed in senior technical positions in important mining or metallurgical undertakings for at least five years or they shall have practised as mining or metallurgical consultants for at least five years. They shall be practising their profession at the time of application. Entrance fee RI0.00, Annual subscription RI7.00. Letters of designation: F.S.A.I.M.M. Members shall be not less than 25 years of age and shall be university graduates in pure or applied science, or shall have successfully completed co-ordinated courses of study in pure or applied science of at least three years' duration. They shall have been engaged in work of an approved technical character in the mining or metallurgical industries, of which not less than two years shall have been in positions of responsibility. A candidate shall be practising his profession at the time of his application. Entrance fee R8.00, Annual subscription RI5.00. Letters of designation: M.S.A.I.M.M. Associates shall be not less than twenty-five years of age, and shall have been engaged in positions of responsibility in, or associated with, the mining or metallurgical industries for periods of not less than three years. If, however, the candidate for admission to the higher grade of Associate, is at the time of his application, already a Student, he need satisfy the Council only that he is, at the time of his application, engaged in a position of responsibility in or associated with the mining or metallurgical industries. In all cases the applicants shall satisfy the Council that they are fit and proper persons to become Associates. Entrance fee R8.00, Annual subscription RI5.00. Graduates shall be not less than 21 years of age and shall be university graduates in pure or applied science, or have completed co-ordinated courses of study in pure or applied science of at least three years' duration at an approved university or institution. They shall not remain Graduate members after attaining the age of 30 years without the permission of Council. Entrance fee R2.00, Annual subscription R10.00. Students shall be persons not less than 18 years of age who are being educated or trained in a manner approved by the Council, to occupy a technical position in or associated with the mining or metallurgical industries and who, furthermore, shall not have attained the qualification required for a higher grade of membership. They may remain Students until they have obtained the necessary qualifications for transfer to a higher grade of membership, but not after the end of the Institute's financial year in which they attain the age of 28 (twenty-eight) years. They shall then transfer to a higher grade to retain membership of the Institute. The Council may relax the provisions of this clause in such cases as it considers appropriate. Entrance fee nil; Annual subscription R3.00. Other. The Council has the power to elect to the grade of Fellow or Member, candidates who may not fulfil all the requirements for entrance to these grades but whose status, professional achievements and practical experience in mining or metallurgy justify such election. Applications. Requests for membership application forms should be addressed on the attached form to the Secretary, South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, P.O. Box 61019, Marshalltown, Transvaal.

A Colloquium and General Meeting was held jointly with the Mine Ventilation Society of S.A. in Kelvin House, Johannesburg, on 17th November, 1971, the theme being "The Economics of Mine Ventilation". Professor D. Howat (President) was in the chair. The Colloquium was attended by 150 delegates and was opened by the President at 9.00 a.m. MEMBERSHIP The President: "I have much pleasure in announcing that the names of the candidates, having been published in accordance with By-Law 5.2.2, Council has elected them to membership of the Institute in the following Grades: Fellows: Frederich-Wilhelm Volk, Peter Bennet Columbine. Members: Allan Colin Lawrence, Karel Anton van Gessel, Christopher Robert Harrison, Christopher Michael George Wartley, Frank Heinrich Deist, Ralph Morris, Benjamin Johannes Nolte. Associates: Wolf gang Freidrich Gottsman. TRANSFERS From Member to Fellow: Hugh Edward Keith Alien. From Graduate to Member: Errol Vincent Bosman, Christopher Roderick Stewart Needes, Bernard Wessels Holthousen. From Student to Graduate: David Robert Fleming. I welcome the new members to the Institute and congratulate them on their election. CO-OPTION TO COUNCIL The President announced that at the Council meeting held on 5th October, 1971, it was agreed, in terms of Rule 3.9 to co-opt Dr T. B. Beeton to Council. COLLOQUIUM The President welcomed visitors and members. He stressed that the discussion would be informal and that any contributor requiring publication should submit his contribution in writing. He then thanked the authors for providing pre-prints of the papers. After the President had concluded his opening remarks, he asked Professor J. de V. Lambrechts to act as Colloquium Chairman for the day and he, in turn, introduced the three Session Chairmen namely, Dr A. Whillier (Chamber of Mines and President of the Mine Ventilation Society); Mr M. Barcza (Managing Director, Corner House Laboratories); and Mr L. W. P. v.d. Bosch (Chief Consulting Engineer, Union Corporation). The following papers were presented: "Fan efficiency investigation on mines of the Union Corporation, Ltd." by J. A. Drummond. Published in the Journal Feb. 1972. "The design of underground cooling towers" by A. Whilliel'. Published in the Journal, Oct. 1971. "Some aspects of the design of cooling plant installations" by R. Hemp. Published in the Journal, Nov. 1971. "The planning of ventilation and refrigeration requirements in deep mines" by D. F. H. Grave and R. M. Stroh. Published in the Journal, Dec. 1971. "Cooling power of underground environments" by D. Mitchell and A. Whillier. Published in the Journal, Oct. 1971. At the conclusion of the three technical sessions the Symposium Chairman commented as follows, indicating that he would prepare a written summing up at a later stage: "The tone of the colloquium has had a sincerely practical note about it. It would have been a pity if the ventilation experts talked only theory and little practice. This practical theme has, I am sure, made the colloquium interesting to both ventilation men and others whose daily tasks do not touch so closely on this fascinating subject. This practical theme was in evidence through all the papers and contributions. Some of you may have felt that there was not enough emphasis on the word 'economics' as advertised in the broad title of the colloquium. I do not think this was really a valid criticism because as someone said 'it all boils down to Rands in the end!' So whether it was a case of low fan efficiency, poor design of cooling towers, wrong planning or low human efficiency due to high heat stress. . . it all boils down to money saving and therefore economics, whenever improvements are forthcoming. The title of the colloquium was thus not misplaced. The views of senior mining men on the production side are appreciated. Let us say that this exchange of views between ventilation engineers and those who have to take the final decisions and spend the money, should prove to be most rewarding." Professor Lambrechts finally thanked the Session Chairmen and everybody who had helped to make the colloquium a success and the meeting closed at 4.0 p.m. In a subsequent written summing up, the Colloquium Chairman gave the following as his impressions of some of the highlights which emerged from the papers and discussion thereof: (The names indicate the authors only). Drummond: It was hinted that the time had arrived to consider the introduction of a South African fan test code which would be better suited to local conditions than the currently acknowledged B.S.S. code which, however, is seldom enforceable in practice. In this connection also, there was prominent reference to the thermodynamic approach of McPherson. Wide variations in the quality of maintenance of, and repair work on, fans were stressed. It was mooted that ventilation engineers responsible for estimating the basic duty specifications for large fans, frequently played safe by overestimating the pressure required, thus ensuring that there would not be a shortfall in air volume delivered. This usually meant reduced fan efficiency and it was suggested that decision makers seemed to lay more emphasis on volume of air delivered than on real eco-

The Annual General Meeting of the Institute was held in Kelvin House, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, 30th August, 1972. Professor D. D. Howat (President) was in the chair. There were also present sixty-two Fellows, twenty-four Members, two Associates, three Students and eighteen Visitors, making a total of one hundred and nine. The President declared the meeting open at 4.05 p.m. OBITUARIES The President: It is my sad duty to announce the death of six members of this Institute. The first of these is Dr A. J. Orenstein, Honorary Life Fellow, who joined the Institute in 1916 and died on Seventh July. Dr Orenstein became almost a legendary figure in Medicine as a result of his work in the control and elimination of malaria during the digging of the Panama Canal and I believe he was actually engaged working until four days before his death. The other members who have died are: F. Meyer, died on 8th June; S. D. Loxton, Fellow, died on 13th May; J. Innes, Fellow, died on l0th January, 1970; O. B. Prentis, a Member, died on 4th June, and J. Brits, Associate, died on 27th June. As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased and in sympathy with the bereaved may I ask you to rise and observe a few moments silence. MINUTES The President: 'The second item on the Agenda, the minutes of the meetings held on March 22nd and May 10th, 1972, as tabled. May I confirm these minutes'? Agreed. WELCOME TO VISITORS 'On behalf of the Council, may I say how delighted we are to have such a splendid gathering with us on this our Annual General Meeting. Dames en here vir die omvang van my Afrikaanse woordeskat verdien ek weinig lof, boonop is dit nog Afrikaans met 'n Skotse aksent, wat u asseblief moet verskoon. Tog wil ek se hoe dankbaar ons is dat sy Edele, die Minister van Mynwese, dr Koornhof en mev Koornhof vandag hier teenwoordig kan wees. In addition to our own newly appointed Minister of Mines, we are also honoured by the presence of the Minister of Mines of Rhodesia, Mr I. B. Dillon. I think not even our oldest members can recall an occasion on which two Ministers of Mines were present at a meeting of the Institute. It is a particular pleasure to welcome them this afternoon. I am happy to say that Minister Koornhof is an Honorary-Vice President of the Institute, and Minister Dillon is an Honorary Member. The presence of your goodselves, gentlemen, with us this afternoon, I am sure underlines the great significance which we believe both countries attach to the economic exploitation of the vast mineral resources of Southern Africa. For over 70 years, this Institute and its members have been making their contribution to this great task of mineral exploitation, and we feel that your presence with us today, is a token of the confidence of your governments in what this Institute and its members have been endeavouring to do. Also present with us today, is Mr R. C. J. Goode, President of the Chamber of Mines, and Honorary President of this Institute. I was going to say I welcome Mr Goode, but it is rather difficult to welcome a man to his own home, and this is the case with Mr Goode. He is a very distinguished and a very recent past president of this Institute and he remains now, as he has been for as long as I can remember, one of our most active and valuable members. This I think, ladies and gentlemen, is the second rather unique feature of this occasion this afternoon, because no one else can recollect an occasion on which the President of the Chamber of Mines was also a past president and an active member of our Institute. A special word of welcome, Mr Goode. Mr Tommy Gibbs, our Government Mining Engineer, is in a somewhat similar position as he is also a member and an old and valued friend of our Institute, - welcome to you, Mr Gibbs. Mention I think, must be made of the fact that we are very glad to have with us Dr A. J. A. Roux, President of the Atomic Energy Board, and Mr Stanley Craib, President of the Associated Scientific and Technical Societies. Then, within the great family of the A.S. and T.S., we have the presidents, or the vice-presidents of I believe 13 of the constituent societies. These gentlemen, like all the rest of us, have the rather tiring task of supporting and upholding their fellow presidents on occasions such as this. We particularly appreciate their presence this afternoon and the effort they have made to be with us. We are happy to have with us: Dr R. E. Robinson, Director-General, National Institute of Metallurgy, Mr E. Boden, Manager, Associated Scientific and Technical Societies, Dr H. G. Denkhaus, President, The S.A. Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Mr G. Goedhals, Vice-President, S.A. Institute of Electrical Engineers, Mr E. Dalton, President" S.A. Institute of Certificated

By R. J. Durrheim, B. Manzunzu, V. Midzi

Selecting ground motion prediction models (GMPM) is crucial in assessing seismic hazard levels in a specific region. This study investigates the influence of ground motion model (GMM) selection on seismic hazard assessment in Johannesburg, South Africa. Most seismic events affecting Johannesburg are related to mining activities and water ingress into the underground mine voids. The most seismically active regions in South Africa include areas around Klerksdorp, Welkom, and Carletonville. These regions experience a significant number of earthquakes, with mining activities being a major factor contributing to seismic events. Ten ground motion prediction equations were selected from regions of similar tectonics setting and were assessed to see if they correspond to the available local data. Six of these were also compared to the ground motions produced by the earthquake of 14 August 2014, which occurred in the Orkney area, one of the mining areas in South Africa. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out to assess the influence of ground motion prediction equations (GMPE) on the seismic hazard of Johannesburg. The results indicate that the choice of GMPM significantly affects the estimation of seismic hazard levels in Johannesburg. Different GMM can lead to varying ground shaking intensity predictions, impacting risk assessments and engineering design considerations. The findings highlight the importance of carefully selecting appropriate GMM tailored to Johannesburg’s specific geological and tectonic characteristics. Understanding how different models perform in this region is essential for accurate seismic risk mitigation strategies.

Jan 12, 2025

By E. Bakhtavar, R. Mikaeil, D. Khademi

"Fuzzy-weighted integer goal programming has been developed and used to select the most suitable site to construct a central processing plant for several adjacent small-scale dimension stone quarries, based on the most effective criteria. In the first step of mathematical modelling, the most important goals and decision variables were defined. Accordingly, an objective function was used in the model for minimizing the sum of undesired fuzzy-weighted deviations. Fuzzy weights were determined by a matrix of pairwise comparisons of various expert judgments in this field and the fuzzy geometric mean. The goal and systemic constraints were also modelled. The most suitable site for the construction of the plant was selected after solving the mathematical model in the ExcelR Solver add-in. The selected site had various advantages over the other sites, such as the shortest average distance to the quarries, the shortest distance to power access and workforce, and the lowest land price. IntroductionSelection of the most suitable site of a plant is one of the most important considerations when constructing an industrial project. A suitable site has a significant effect on a company's competitiveness in the market. Selecting a desirable location for constructing plants such as mineral processing facilities is an essential part of the economic planning that will enable a company to meet the needs of related upstream and downstream operations. These units are considered to be best built near the relevant mining sites because of technical difficulties, the cost of transporting minerals, and the traffic hazard caused by the movement of trucks transporting materials. Two main types of research using multiattribute decision-making models have been reported for selection of a processing plant site (Safari et al. 2010, 2012). In that research, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach were applied to select the suitable locations for the mineral processing plants for phases 1 and 2 of Sangan iron ore mine."

Jan 1, 2017

By K. Kabezya

A study on slag dispersion in a model of bottom-blown bath smelting converter was undertaken at room temperature. The aim was to investigate the behaviour of the dispersed slag phase at various operating conditions with very high gas flow rates in low slag volume (10%) systems. For simulation purposes water, paraffin-oil, and air were used to represent the bulk steel, molten slag, and gases respectively in a one-fifth cold model of the commercial 100 t Creusot-Loire-Uddeholm (CLU) converter used in the manufacture of stainless steel in South Africa. Dimensional analysis was done to correlate mathematically the dispersed phase holdup with the operating conditions and the modified Froude number. The overall expression of the holdup revealed that the dispersed slag phase decreased with the vertical distance from the original interface between the liquid phases. The dispersed phase also decreased with the radial distance in the water plume zone toward the sidewall. The holdup was apparently much higher on the side of the reactor where there were no tuyeres. The modified Froude number ensured the correlation between the model and the prototype.

Jan 1, 2014

By P. G. H. Pistorius, D. S. Konadu, G. Lubbe

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether the composition of a shielded-metal arc-welding electrode coating affected the low-temperature impact toughness of austenitic stainless-steel weld metal. It is generally accepted that increases in the δ-ferrite and nitrogen contents result in a decrease in toughness at low temperatures. Weld metal from electrodes with a basic coating also generally exhibit better toughness than those from rutile (acidic) electrodes. An increase in basicity was expected to decrease the number and size of inclusions, which in turn provides a tougher weld metal. Three commonly available potassium–rutile E308L electrodes were used, complying with the E308L-16 and E308L-17 specifications. Analysis of the electrode coatings showed very similar chemistry and basicity. Significant differences in the inclusion contents of the weld metals were observed: the E308L-17 weld metal had a lower inclusion content (1.4% by volume) than the E308L-16 weld metal (3.7%). The former had higher impact toughness at all temperatures, despite a slightly higher nitrogen content. Regression analysis confirmed that the inclusion content had a significant effect on the impact toughness at all temperatures.

Jul 2, 2022

A decision by joint-venture partners Anglo American, Gencor, and the Industrial Development Corporation to proceed with the expansion of the Columbus Stainless Steel plant in Middelburg will contribute significantly towards the economic growth that South Africa needs so desperately. The expanded facility, expected to come on-line in 1995, will be the largest single-plant producer of stainless steel in the world, and the company will rank sixth overall in world production.

Jan 1, 1993

By M. Gomo, L. S. Mokhahlane

"Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an unconventional mining method that converts coal in situ into a fuel gas that can be used for electricity generation. Residue products from UCG have the potential to leach into surrounding groundwaters. The geochemistry and leaching dynamics of these products are explored in this study. The products include char, ash, and the heat-affected zone in the surrounding rocks. Core samples from the pilot plant at Majuba are the first ever to be recovered from a UCG cavity in Africa, and they give key insights into the geochemistry of the gasification zone. Mineralogical and chemical analyses were performed on the samples, and acid-base accounting (ABA) was used to predict the acid-producing capacity of the gasification zone, particularly for char samples. Some of the char contained pyrite, although not all samples were acid-producing as determined by the ABA analysis. The ABA results showed that some of the unburned coal has moderate levels of sulphur, which could be the driving medium for acidic conditions. The ABA analysis indicated that water in contact with the gasification zone would eventually have a pH lower than 7, which could lead to acid rock drainage. These results form part of a preliminary investigation into the geochemistry of the reaction zone, post gasification. IntroductionUnderground coal gasification (UCG) is an unconventional mining method that converts coal in situ into a fuel gas that can be used for industrial purposes, including electricity generation. The gasification process leads to the formation of a cavity composed of char, rubble, and void space (Bhutto, Bazmi, and Zahedi, 2013). Residue products from UCG have the potential to leach into groundwater. These products include char (devolatilized coal), which can generate acid rock drainage (ARD). ARD is caused by the oxidation of sulphide minerals, which acidifies the leachate, thus increasing the solubility of some environmentally toxic metals (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn, etc.) (Bouzahzah et al., 2015).The main source of ARD is oxidation of sulphide-bearing minerals due to interactions with oxygen, water, and microorganisms (Simate and Ndlovu, 2014; Kefeni, Msagati, and Mamba, 2017; Bouzahzah et al., 2015). Although ARD occurs naturally, it can be enhanced by mining activities that escalate exposure of sulphide minerals to water, air, and bacteria (Simate and Ndlovu, 2014). At the Majuba pilot plant, the unburned coal remaining in the cavity has been in contact with groundwater since the gasifier was shut down in 2013. It is possible that in a commercial UCG plant, most of the coal will be consumed and no unburnt coal will be left in the cavity. Most of the sulphur will be converted to H2S during the gasification process and transported with the syngas to surface, where it can be removed and captured as elemental sulphur."

Oct 1, 2018

By M. H. M. von Wielligh

"Brick manufacturers supply a variety of uniquely coloured facebricks to the building industry, which requires a high level of colour consistency in the products. Colour variation in bricks is influenced by the composition and consistency of the white clay raw material. By blending varieties of naturally occurring white clay the manufacturers produce a unique range of facebrick products. Homogeneity of the white clay raw materials mined at Lenasia is crucial for producing bricks of consistent colour. Geostatistical investigations of the major element distributions (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and K2O) and loss on ignition (LoI) were conducted. An analysis of the spatial continuity of these variables followed by ordinary kriging indicated that the upper white clay layer at Lenasia is richer in K2O and Fe2O3 than the lower layer. Consistency in the colour of facebricks depends critically on careful management of the variability in the K2O and Fe2O3 content of the clays. The geostatistical approach to understanding the distribution of elements in the clay allows miners to construct clay stockpiles of consistent quality for feeding the brick-making process. Geostatistical investigation of the chemical contents in other clay domains within the deposit is recommended, and could be extended to all facebrick manufacturers to assist in improving the colour consistency of their products. IntroductionMost clay in South Africa is used in the manufacturing of tiles, pipes, bricks, whiteware, refractories, and pottery. Bricks are manufactured from a wide variety of clay types, the behaviour of which during firing depends critically on the the clay mineralogy and chemical composition, but this relationship not well understood (Stein, 1982). The variety among clay deposits is related to the different processes of formation (Deer, Howie, and Zussman, 1992). The geochemical composition of the clay can vary between layers and within the same layer in an individual deposit (Lurie, 1984). The properties of clay minerals are determined by their structures and the different combinations of silicate layers, cations, and hydroxyl ions (Kingery, Bowen, and Uhlmann, 1976). South African clays can be classified as either kaolinite or montmorillonite and are seldom found in a pure form (Lurie, 1984). Different clay minerals affect the drying, forming, firing behaviour, colour, and quality of the brick product in different ways. Laboratory tests (full physical analysis) can indicate the suitability of a clay for the manufacture of ceramic products. The minerals most essential for the manufacturing of clay brick products are kaolinite, illite, and quartz (Stein, 1982)."

Jan 1, 2017

It is widely accepted that the type of grinding media has an impact on the grinding chemistry and subsequent flotation behaviour of the sulphide minerals being separated. There are countless laboratory investigations demonstrating that inert grinding media produces more oxidizing pulp potentials, reduced levels of grinding media corrosion products, and superior concentrate grades and valuable metal recoveries. However, taking these results to industrial scale has proved difficult. This paper provides details of the protocol developed and used during a high-chrome grinding media plant trial. It describes the test regime employed to measure changes in pulp chemistry as well as concentrate grades and recoveries to produce a statistically meaningful result. The work also highlighted the need for close cooperation between the metallurgists on site and the researchers conducting the trial. To demonstrate the protocol, data gathered during a plant trail in a PGM concentrate will be presented describing the changes in pulp chemistry and metallurgical response observed.

Jan 1, 2012