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Mineral Processing Education in China

Sep 13, 2010

By J Robertson, D Williams, H D. Plewes

The co-mixing of tailings and waste rock involves the intimate blending of tailings and waste rock to create a new material (Co-Mix) with superior physical and hydraulic properties. The new material has a low hydraulic conductivity, low compressibility, high water retaining capacity and high shear strength. Co-mixed tailings and waste rock restrict oxygen entry and water seepage to minimise acid generation and metal leaching. When compacted, Co-Mix materials have low volume change characteristics with respect to total stress and matric suction together with high shear strength. Co-mixed tailings and waste rock may be used to construct cover systems, internal barriers and seals, confinement structures or a full depth waste repository. The theoretical properties of Co-Mix blends are investigated. The results of a laboratory program to characterise the physical and hydraulic properties of co-mixed tailings and waste rock are presented. Various ratios of tailings were blended with different waste rock materials. Hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted at confining pressures ranging between 0 and 400 kPa. The saturated hydraulic conductivity for the Co-Mix materials was found to vary between 4 + 10-5 m/s and 5 + 10-9 m/s depending on blend ratio, waste rock type and confining pressure. These results together with other physical properties show excellent hydraulic and strength characteristics can be achieved for Co-Mix materials.

Jan 1, 2003

The development and distribution of gold placers in Otago û Southland is related primarily to the evolution and architecture of three distinctly different drainage networks that developed during and since Gondwana breakup: +        Late-Gondwana û Pre-marine; +        Middle Tertiary Post-marine; and +        Modern. Late Gondwana û Pre-marine drainage was dominantly recti-linear and controlled by normal faults and sedimentary basins formed before or during Gondwana breakup. Placers formed dominantly in 2nd order transverse drainages with primary sources in their catchments. This drainage network was progressively destroyed by inundation and burial by marine strata during Late Cretaceous û Middle Tertiary marine transgression that ultimately covered most of New Zealand. Middle Tertiary Post-marine drainage evolved on and incised the newly emergent low-relief landscape during regional marine regression driven by development of the present plate boundary through South Island. Most of Central Otago was drained into Southland and to the southern coast via a large braided river system with an extensive network of tributaries in its Central Otago reach. East Otago was drained by several smaller systems. Placers formed dominantly in proximal and medial reaches of 1st and 2nd order drainages with primary or pre-existing placers in their catchments. This drainage network was destroyed by inundation and burial of the Central Otago reach of the major system by lacustrine strata following tectonic damning of its middle reach by range uplift and development of a lake complex that covered >5000km2 of Central Otago. The Modern drainage network evolved from the Middle Tertiary network through complex response, firstly to uplift of NW-trending and NE-trending ranges throughout the region since the Late Miocene, and secondly to the effects of major Pleistocene glacial advances in West Otago. Placers formed in alluvial fans at range margins, proximal and medial pre-glacial fluvial systems and glacial outwash sequences. Evolution of each of these drainage networks has been accompanied by widespread sedimentary recycling of alluvial gold from older to younger placers, augmented locally by input of first-cycle gold derived from erosion of primary sources in the repeatedly exhumed basement rocks.

Jan 1, 2006

The current quantity of rejects from coal beneficiation in Australia represents 20 to 25% of raw black coal production. Approximately 80% of the rejects are derived from coarse processing for particles in the 200mm to 0.5mm size range. The safe and enviornmentally acceptable storage of coarse coal rejects is of interest to coal mining companies. Additional public benefit would be derived from the utilisation of a waste product as a source of fill material for civil and mining engineering applications. BHP Engineering has taken a leading role in the design for storage and utilisation of coarse rejects from two mines associated with the Broken Hill Proprietary Conipany Ltd. The tailings dam at Stockton Borehole Colliery (N.S.W.) is to be raised and a study by BHP Engineering has shown that coarse rejects are suitable for the formation of the supporting embankment surrounding a compacted clay core. Transportation and storage of coarse rejects at the Thiess Dampier Mitsui Riverside Mine (Moranbah, Qld) is achieved by a conveyor leading directly from the coal preparation plant to a discharge stacker on the crest of the rejects stockpile. Production of coarse rejects was higher than anticipated for the initial dump design. BHP Engineering has completed a review of dump design with emphasis on safe operating conditions for the conveyors and stacker system. Data on the geotechnical properties of coarse rejects from Australian coal mines are presented. Coarse coal rejects are a material which should not be considered as waste, but as a potentially valuable resource for many future applications. Appropriate engineering design for the storage and utilisation of coarse rejects would result in an improved environment and economic benefits for the Community.

Jan 1, 1987

By E A. Agorhom, M Beyuo, C Owusu, I Quaicoe

Understanding the mineralogy and liberation of gold particles in an ore is key to the development and optimisation of gold processing operations, being cyanidation or gravity separation. This can be achieved through basic historic geological information, gold deportment studies, chemical speciation and metallurgical test works. The present study assessed the nature of the occurrence of gold particles (mineralogical composition, liberation, associations and surface chemistry) and its effect on the process route (cyanidation and gravity separation) of a typical paleo placer gold ore deposit within the Tarkwaian Rock system. The investigative approach used involved chemical assay, quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD) and quantitative evaluation of minerals using scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN). The ore samples (A, B, C, D, E, F) used were obtained from six active pits of a gold mine working on this orebody. The results of the mineralogical analysis revealed that the ore is highly oxidised and comprised quartz (>80 per cent) and Muscovite mica (>6 per cent) as the major mineral phases in all the samples. Trace amounts of hematite, kaolinite and todorokite were also identified in all the samples. The chemical analysis showed presence of gold (Au) in all the samples with samples B (3.62 g/t) and C (3.96 g/t) containing the highest concentrations. Trace amounts of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), sulfur (S), aluminium (Al), arsenic (As) were also detected in all the ores. The QEMSCAN mineralogical liberation and gold association results revealed that the gold grains were relatively coarser in all samples (P80 > 80 µm Au in size) except F (P80 < 32 µm Au in size). Gold grains were highly liberated especially in sample B with the majority of the locked gold grains forming complex associations. All the samples responded well to cyanidation and gravity separation except samples C and F, respectively.

Aug 24, 2022

Gold mineralisation at the Kerimenge-Lemenge prospects is a classical example of myltiple, overprinting events, associated with intrusive-related hydrothermal systems. Repeated emplacement of high level dacitic porphyry bodies (Edie Porphyry; 2.4 - 3.8 Ma) was accompanied by a phreatomagmatic eruption which formed a diatreme-maar complex. Later hydrothermal fluids utilised permeable fault zones and diatreme contacts. Mineralisation took place during two main events. Stage I consists of early quartz - illite/sericite - carbonate phase with associated pyrite-arsenopyrite mineralisation. This phase is zoned from quartz - sericite-pyrite/arsenopyrite in the south at depth, to dominantly manganocarbonate - illitic clay - arsenopyrite- pyrite_s significant base metals in the north and at shallow levels. The majority of known gold (18.1 Mt @ 2.0 g/t Au) at Kerimenge is associated with Stage I activity. The gold occurs primary within the lattice of the sulphides and is metallurgically refractory. Fluid inclusion studies indicate early boiling and progressive cooling and dilution of hydrothermal fluids during the evolution of the Stage I event. Near paleosurface condensation of gases, which evolved off the boiling system at depth, produced abundant low pH bicarbonate fluids. During the waning phases of Stage I activity, these bicarbonate condensate fluids descended down permeable structures and formed banded manganocarbonate veins. High grade non-refractory gold mineralisation during Stage II event is restricted to favourable structures at relatively shallow levels and in the northern regions of the prospect area. Gold in this event exhibits a distinctive Au - Ag - Te -Cu geochemical signature, and is associated with hessite - tennantite - chalcopyrite mineralisation within quartz veining. Alteration and fluid inclusion studies indicate that this style of mineralisation is a result of the quenching of pulses of hot, late magmatic mineralised fluids by the cold condensate waters.

Jan 1, 1997

By D Hatton, S Wilson, F Orrante, M Taghimohammadi, F van der Walt, N Arslan, M Westcott

"Cayeli Bakir Isletmeleri is an underground copper-zinc mine in turkey. The ore is highly variable with feed grades ranging from 1–4 per cent copper and 1–10 per cent zinc. Due to this variability, ore characterisation and blending strategies are crucial for performance optimisation.This paper presents a case study for a multidisciplinary approach to process optimisation, integrating Geometallurgical and advanced control methods to achieve optimised plant performance. The results from comprehensive metallurgical tests and surveys were used to develop a mathematical model utilising SGS’s Integrated Geometallurgical Simulator® (version number 2.5.24.0). The model was employed to determine the most appropriate operational settings required to ensure that optimised grades and recoveries are achieved for each ore type.SGS’s Modular Expert Technology (MET) expert system was then implemented to target these optimum operational ranges utilising online grade and froth velocity measurements. The successful conversion and deployment of the modelled process parameters into an expert system has resulted in significant improvements in overall recovery and circuit stability.Citation:Arslan, N, Westcott, M, van der Walt, F, Hatton, D, Taghimohammadi, M, Orrante, F and Wilson, S, 2016. A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Optimisation and Control of a Copper-zinc Grinding and Flotation Circuit, in Proceedings 13th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2016, pp 115–122 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Oct 10, 2016

By P Crittenden

Thiess Pty LtdÆs Australian Mining business unit used 7.6 PJ of energy in the 2007/2008 financial year. This represented more than 85 per cent of Thiess Pty LtdÆs total energy use and therefore meant that the Australian Mining business unit is required to conduct energy efficiency assessments and report publicly on the outcomes by December 2008 under the Federal GovernmentÆs Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) Act. Thiess Pty Ltd has a policy commitment to sustainable development throughout its operations. This includes minimisation of its carbon footprint and the Australian Mining business unit has a strong focus on efficiency in all of its operations. It approached the energy efficiency assessment as an opportunity to further improve and build on its energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction focus in the business. As a mine contractor, Thiess faced a number of challenges in designing an assessment process that would be both effective and efficient to deliver. For example, unlike most other companies involved in the Energy Efficiency Opportunities program, the energy use associated with the Australian Mining business unit is not fixed to any single geographic location in Australia. Mining vehicles are moved from site to site according to the specific requirements of mine owners and the timing associated with the commencement and completion of contracts. Thiess departed from a traditional æsite by siteÆ based assessment and designed a ærepresentative assessmentÆ approach that involved detailed investigation of data across all sites and a focused assessment on a single site.Data and analysis was an essential part of the assessment and indicators at company, mine and site level were essential in identifying opportunities and tracking progress. Forty-six potential energy saving opportunities were identified and four of these are currently being implemented. The projects being implemented are: payload management, automating mobile lighting equipment, plant idle time management, and turbo idle downtime. The potential savings from the four major projects that have been identified are approximately 150 800 GJ/annum, equivalent to 10 600 tonnes of CO2-e/annum with a simple payback period of less than two years. Beyond the fuel savings however, there are a number of other benefits from the assessment, including operational efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and even a potential reduction in the number of vehicles required to complete the work. The EEO assessment has significantly increased the importance and urgency of energy efficiency and facilitated the sharing of good practice across all Thiess operations. Not only have four projects been adopted for immediate implementation but a further pipeline of projects is available for future possible implementation. This case study describes: how Thiess conducted its assessment including the use of energy data and indicators, the opportunities identified that are currently being implemented, and the lessons learnt and how other organisations can use these to improve their approach to energy efficiency assessments. This case study is a more comprehensive version of a case study developed for the Commonwealth Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. The assessment results reported in this case study are drawn from the Thiess Energy Efficiency Opportunities Report 2008.

Jan 1, 2009

By A Sinuhaji, H Kalangi, T B. Setyoko

Ore fragmentation at the DOZ block cave mine is highly variable, both as a function of rock type and column height of draw. Initially, the mine was constructed and equipped with limited capability to handle drawpoint oversize material. Significant issues with drawpoint availability and achieving overall mine production targets resulted. A suite of secondary sizing tools was added to the mine equipment fleet over a one-year time frame. Although significant oversize continues to be experienced, use of the correct secondary breakage tool for each particular oversize or hang-up occurrence has resulted in increased drawpoint availability, production rate, draw compliance, and operator safety. Currently, a range of secondary breakage techniques is being utilised to size material for delivery to the primary crusher. Run-of-mine material (3) is directly mucked to ore passes fitted with grizzlys that have one-metre square openings. Ore containing small boulders (>1 m3, 3) is loader-trammed to ore passes fitted with rockbreakers. Medium-sized boulders (>2 m3) accessible from the drawpoint are drilled with Sandvik Tamrock Commando drills. Boulders hung-up within the drawbell are drilled and charged with a Sandvik Tamrock Secondary Breakage Unit. Compacted, fine-grained muck is blasted utilising 55 mm cartridge powder concussion bombs.

Jan 1, 2005

Study on Beneficiation Technology of a Refractory Fluorite Ore in North China

Sep 13, 2010

By Kasai H, Hibi T, Matsuishi S

Coal oil mixture (COM), a liquid fuel pro- duced by mixing together coal and heavy oil on the 50-50 basis, has been brought to a level of practical use in Japan, being actually employed by a oil fired system at Yokosuka Thermal Power Station of The Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. A COM Production Plant, built in Onahama which is located about 160 miles from Yokosuka, required COM to be transported by sea. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. therefore performed a series of studies to develop a spe- cialized COM carrier, the world&apos;s first of its kind. Long lasting high stability is of pri- mary importance to successful use of COM. Much have been done in the way of research on stability of COM in the static storage, and the mechanism of COM static: stability is almost completety known. On the other hand, the knowledge about the COM dynamic stability, such as the stability while being transported aboard the COM carrier at sea, is still limited at the moment. The motion of COM aboard the COM carrier and how COM would settle were studied by tests. A visualization test on the COM behavior under dynamic motion was also performed and the mechanism of COM dynamic stability was analysed. The tests showed that the ship rolling motion had @n effect of promoting the settling of coal content of COM in the cargo hold. And studies were also made to device a method for esti- mating the settling quantity of coal during sea Transportation.

Jan 1, 1987

The energy supply in the 21st century is still secured by coal. According to estimates of the International Energy Agency (IEA), coal will have the same importance as oil for the world-wide supply of energy until 2030. Coal is also an important element of EU policy, its future use is closely linked to effectively addressing the environmental challenges it poses. Hard and brown coal represent approximately 80 per cent of European Union (EU) reserves of fossil fuels and coal utilisation can co-exist with the development of power generation based on renewables. Europe is the world&apos;s third largest consumer of coal behind China and the United States.The Czech Republic is poor in energy resources except for coal. Brown coal is relatively abundant (mineable reserves estimated at 1800 Mt, output 48 Mt/a) and significant quantities of hard coal (mineable reserves 900 Mt, 13 Mt/a), much of it suitable for coke production, are also present.Severoceske Doly (SD Company), the biggest Czech coal mining company (22 Mt/a, 48.6 per cent Czech market share) and one of the biggest in Europe, reinforces despite the last deep crisis in the Czech and European economies its long-standing stable and strong market and financial position. From 2009, the SD Company co-owns, with partners, a brown-coal mining company MIBRAG (21 Mt/a). SD Company invests in large mining equipment (eg new giant spreaders and bucket-wheel excavators, extension of overland belt conveyors), rebuilds and upgrades mining and processing installations, auxiliary and other machinery. We should see the investment we make today in tomorrow&apos;s mining and reclamation as an opportunity and not as a burden. They enable to make our position more resistant in the longer term. Projects focused on the environment and operational safety went hand in hand with these efforts.R&D activities relate to technical innovations, improvements of mining equipment, research and evaluation of conditions for extracting coal seam and/or overburden and mitigation of environmental impacts, utilisation of coal in new products. The company spends considerable amounts on reclaiming affected land and creating a new post-mining landscape.Our dialogue with influential stakeholders in the region where we operate contributes to the long-term improvement in the quality of life of local residents. Such dialogue with communities in the last ten years has been instrumental for confidence building. SD Company helps to develop many projects of towns and villages in its vicinity. The stable and transparent relations with our neighbours are in accordance with our basic principles of corporate social responsibility.

Dec 6, 2010

Stilfontein Gold Mine, located approximately 160 km west of Johannesburg, produced both gold and uranium from 1952 through to the early 1990s. On decommissioning the mine infrastructure, treatment plants, rock dumps and three tailings facilities were left to be rehabilitated at considerable cost to the mining company. The community that had grown up with the mine and had settled in the mine village were faced with deteriorating socio- economic conditions. &nbsp; Mine Waste Solutions (MWS), a company with a socio-economic Vision expressly created by DRD (Pty) Ltd and Fraser Alexander (Ltd) for the purpose, took over the mine surface infrastructure with the objective of closing it down in an economically sustainable manner by recovering materials, converting mine infrastructure to useful purposes and re-mining of the tailings to recover residual gold to finance the project. A business case was prepared and presented successfully to investors and bankers and the project was commenced in 2003. &nbsp; The paper covers the scope of the project and gives an account of the practical lessons that were learnt as the project developed over a period of five years. Key technical issues that are covered by the paper are the re-mining techniques that were deployed to clean up the old tailings dam footprints and the selection of the deposition site to minimise the incremental impact associated with the tailings and concurrent rehabilitation of the facility. In addition the paper will outline the positive benefits that were generated for the community and the improvement that was achieved in the physical environment. &nbsp; The paper illustrates clearly how a mine can be closed in a manner that produces benefits for the community, the environment and the investor.

Jun 1, 2010

It is possible to closely simulate the product sizing distribution from an industrial rod mill by the correct choice of parameters in laboratory batch milling. For laboratory batch rod milling, changes in per cent critical speed and per cent rod volume cause the product sizing distributions to move in parallel at a constant slope. For ball milling, larger sized media in batch milling grind more coarse material giving a closer simulation to the industrial rod mill product. Changing the feed size distribution by removal of coarse particles or addition of fine particles changes the product sizing distribution, but would not normally be practiced in laboratory testing. These data should be applicable to many instances where laboratory simulation of an industrial product size distribution is required.

Jan 1, 1998

The Lane Cove Tunnel (LCT) is an important infrastructure link in New South Wales (NSW) and runs from the end of the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon at its eastern extremity, to the end of the M2 at North Ryde at its western extremity.&nbsp; The LCT is 3.6 km long and generally consists of twin two/three lane unidirectional tunnels running largely under Epping Road from just east of Mowbray Road, west to the western end of the Gore Hill Freeway. The tunnel opened in early 2007. The presentation will provide a summary of the traffic and emission modelling performed for selected representative surface road sections in the vicinity of the Lane Cove Tunnel. An assessment of the predicted impact of vehicle emissions on ambient air quality in the corridor as a result of changed traffic conditions due to the tunnel opening will be presented. The traffic modelling and emission calculations were undertaken for the following two scenarios: Year 2006 û Lane Cove Tunnel no-build option, and Year 2006 û Lane Cove Tunnel build option. Vehicle emission calculations for the four main pollutants from vehicles: CO, VOC, NOx and PM10 on the surface roads in the vicinity of the Lane Cove Tunnel were performed using the predicted daily traffic for the two cases (no-build and build). The analyses indicated that the vehicle emissions for all pollutants are expected to significantly reduce in the corridor with the building of the Lane Cove Tunnel, including the areas in the vicinity of all tunnel portals, when compared to vehicle emissions for the no-build case.&nbsp; As a result of the decreased vehicle emissions on the surface roads, the study concluded that the actual ambient air quality is expected to improve in the corridor including the tunnel portal areas after the Lane Cove Tunnel opening.

Jan 1, 2008

By A Fareth

Constructed between 1885 and 1891, the New Croton Aqueduct (NCA) in New York State is a 50 km long (31 mi) brick-lined tunnel conveying water from the Croton watershed north of New York City to distribution systems in the Bronx and Manhattan. Except at two siphons, the aqueduct operates as an open channel conduit from the New Croton Reservoir downstream 39 km (25 mi) to the Jerome Park Reservoir in the Bronx. The remaining 11 km (6 mi) is operated as a pressurised conduit and includes a major siphon, of circular cross-section, under the Harlem River. The aqueduct has a flow capacity of approximately 1100 million litres of water per day (13 m3/s or 290 million gallons per day) and supplies on average ten per cent of New York CityÆs drinking water. The CityÆs water supply system is operated and maintained by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). This paper covers the work done during the three main stages of the program to rehabilitate the entire NCA: inspections, design and rehabilitation. It also includes some of the more interesting structural findings of the original construction as well as documents and drawings from the NYCDEP archives. The rehabilitation program has been underway in phases since 1993, with inspections scheduled to minimise outages, allowing this strategic aqueduct to remain in service during critical seasonal periods. The open channel flow section of the aqueduct in the north is horseshoe shaped, with inside dimensions of 4.1 m (13.6 ft) in width and 4 m (13.5 ft) in height. The pressurised section is 3.7 m (12.3 ft) in diameter, and includes a 90 m (330 ft) deep siphon under the Harlem River. A total of 163 million bricks were used in the construction, enough to build a 48 km (30 mi) wall around Manhattan Island, 3 m (10 ft) thick and 15 m (50 ft) high.Between 1993 and 1997 a series of in-tunnel investigations were performed in the open channel portion of the NCA, consisting of field inspection, non-destructive geophysical testing, and coring of the brick liner. Between November 2004 and September 2005, a major inspection program was conducted to assess the condition of the 11 km (6 mi) long pressurised section and all shafts, headhouses and blow-off structures along the entire 50 km (31 mi) alignment. Inspection methods included using an underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with sonar and cameras to inspect the deep siphon, fibre optics examinations of probe holes drilled through and beyond the brick lining, and core holes and geophysical inspections to assess properties of the liner and behind-the-liner materials. A water pressure and test grouting program was conducted to assess methods and expected grout takes for the rehabilitation work in the pressurised sections. The rehabilitation program is anticipated to be completed in 2010.

Jan 1, 2008

Although AustraliaÆs coal mining industry is currently experiencing a pleasing period of price relief, long-term trends toward lower real prices will surely continue. Higher price levels attract expansion by existing operators and market entrance by new operators. History clearly demonstrates the relentless long-term march toward ever lower real prices. Therefore, the need for economic returns applies constant pressure to improve productivity. To be sustained, high productivity requires a systematic response based on a solid understanding of critical productivity determinants. The most powerful determinant of productivity is now widely understood to be workplace culture. Culture largely comprises a combination of behaviours, symbols and attitudes. This paper will examine and review scienceÆs latest discoveries in human behaviour. It will provide a proven, practical framework for understanding behaviour and applying this knowledge. Significantly, it will highlight why conventional approaches toward improving productivity often provide disappointing economic returns. The modern understanding of behaviour factors will cover coal face operations. More importantly, because executive and managerial levels in coal mining have significantly greater impact on industry and mine productivity the paper will concentrate on leadership. Particular emphasis will be placed on use of modern systems and in particular use of what are by far the most powerful drivers of behaviours û measurement, analysis and reporting systems. The paper and presentation will show how conventional systems rooted in antiquated American legislation from the early 1900s stifle productivity improvement and drive suboptimal and even counterproductive behaviours. These commonly used systems will be compared with accurate and effective modern methods for assessing performance to improve productivity. These principles are proven in all industries and effective application in mining will be highlighted. Actual results will be used to demonstrate practical approaches successfully applied in both metal and coal mining in Australia and overseas.

Jan 1, 2005

By J F. Colinet, G, J A. Zimmer, R J. Timko

It has long been known that ventilation is a cost-effective method to lower respirable dust concentrations in all types of mining applications. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has been working on a number of different research techniques that use ventilation as a critical component to lower respirable dust levels at surface and metal/non-metal operations in the United States. This article presents five such research efforts. The first research area discusses how improving the ventilation flow patterns in an iron ore mill facility lowered respirable dust concentrations by 31 per cent throughout the primary grinding area. The second research area examines how respirable dust levels were lowered at a dimensional stone shop by using air cleaning units suspended from the ceiling. A third area discusses how improvements in ventilation at underground limestone mines lowered respirable dust concentrations. The fourth area examines how improvements in dust filtration and pressurisation systems significantly impacted the air quality in enclosed cabs of surface mining equipment. The last area presents a newly developed clothes cleaning technique. This technique uses an air spray manifold to blow dust from a workerÆs clothing in an enclosed booth, which confines the dust for capture and removal by a baghouse dust collector. These research areas represent an array of different control technologies to lower respirable dust concentrations. Ventilation is an integral part of these control technologies.

Jan 1, 2005

By N Jeannee, L Rattmann, M W. N Buxton, A deJong, K Nienhaus, A Soares, P Graham, A Korre, J Benndorf, D Buttgereit

The flow of information, and consequently the decision-making along the chain of mining from exploration to beneficiation, typically occurs in a discontinuous fashion over long timespans. In addition, due to the uncertain nature of the knowledge about deposits and the inherent spatial distribution of material characteristics, actual production performance often deviates from expectations. Reconciliation exercises to adjust mineral resource and reserve models and planning assumptions are performed with timely lags of weeks, months or even years.The key concept of real-time mining promotes a change in paradigm from discontinuous intermittent process monitoring to a continuous process and quality management system in the resource extraction process. The framework includes a real-time feedback control loop that rapidly links online data acquired during extraction at the mining face, material handling and processing with a sequentially updatable resource model. This will allow near real-time optimisation of decisions related to long-term planning, short-term sequencing and production control.The proposed framework integrates the following building blocks in a holistic manner: automated sensor-based material characterisationonline machine performance measurementsunderground navigation and positioningunderground mining system simulation and optimisation of planning decisionsupdating techniques for resource/reserve models.This paper introduces the real-time mining concept and the building blocks and provides a review of the state-of-the-art. Technological readiness of necessary building blocks is assessed, and critical gaps for further technology development are identified. The value added is illustrated by means of a case study.CITATION:Benndorf, J, Buxton, M W N, Nienhaus, K, Rattmann, L, Korre, A, Soares, A, deJong, A, Jeannee, N, Graham, P, Buttgereit, D, Gehlen, S, Eijkelkamp, F, Mischo, H, Sandtke, M and Wilsnack, T, 2015. Real-time mining – moving towards continuous process management in mineral resource extraction, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 37–46 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By M S. Kizil, T OÆConnor

It is predicted that underground coal mines in the Bowen Basin will have a significant rise in heat problems as mines aim to increase production, depth of extraction and length of longwall panels. At an actual Bowen Basin mine, extended longwall panels greater than 4 km in length are planned to be mined at depths with a virgin rock temperature (VRT) of more than 40¦C. Research has been completed into the reasons for the substantial increase in temperature at the face for underground coal mines in the Bowen Basin. An analysis into heat loads produced at the Bowen Basin mine for the development and production phases shows a significant amount of additional cooling will be required to ensure safe working temperatures. All of the major sources of heat, which included both natural and mine induced heating, were considered for the analysis. Maximum heat loads were assessed, together with peak intake surface temperature to determine the maximum cooling capacity required at a Bowen Basin mine. These maximum heat loads were assessed for a specific longwall panel, Longwall A, which extends to over 4.1 km in length and at a maximum depth of over 330 m, resulting in a VRT above 40¦C. The cooling system positional efficiency was analysed, determining that underground cooling via an indirect heat exchanger was preferred to increasing the capacity of the current bulk air cooling (BAC) on the surface. A preliminary cost analysis was also detailed which compared the cost of additional BAC compared to implementing underground cooling.CITATION:OÆConnor, T, Kizil, M S and Belle, B, 2013. Required cooling system capacities for extended longwall panels at a Bowen Basin mine, in Proceedings The Australian Mine Ventilation Conference , pp 249-256 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 1, 2013