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By N Anderson

With traditional grade control processes, geological models are created by geologists at the completion of the data collection stage and wireframe construction is closed off at a set date to allow for time to complete the estimation process. Any issues identified at earlier stages or the addition of new data requires the estimation process to be started again. Alternative interpretations are explored only if time allows and often in a limited fashion. An alternative workflow has been developed at the Waihi Underground Gold Mine utilising Leapfrog Edge and Seequent Central. Geological and grade control models are created, dynamically linked, and saved as separate branches. A project geologist is able to work on the grade control model and a mine geologist on the geological model simultaneously. This allows for a non-linear modelling workflow with continual review and feedback. The introduction of new data can occur right up to the model due date, with data collection, validation, alternate interpretation, and review happening incrementally. Models are categorised and stored in Seequent Central according to project status. An approved version of the geological model and grade control estimate are uploaded at the time of release and transparently capture all data used at a point in time, as well as the review process. Dynamically updating models for grade control has reduced turnaround time while increasing accuracy and quality. Estimates of individual domains are vastly improved from being able to rapidly evaluate the effects of model parameter changes in real time and 3D. Development and stope design directly benefit from these streamlined processes, with higher quality, timely production occurring as a result.

Mar 22, 2022

By H Benzer

Grinding clinker to finished cement consumes more energy than any other comminution process. World production of cement in 2009 was 2840 million tonnes and the energy required for comminution was 40-60 kWh/tonne depending on the clinker characteristics and the fineness of the finished cement. Machines used include single and multi compartment ball mills, HPGRs, vertical roller mills, centrifugal air separators, V separators, screens and crushers. The circuit most commonly used consists of a closed circuit HPGR followed by a single compartment ball mill and an air separator, and in operation the variables are adjusted to obtain maximum throughput with no loss of quality of the separator fines.A common objective in cement plants is to reduce energy consumption without affecting the particle size in the finished cement and simulation is used as one procedure to achieve this. Models are now available for all the machines commonly used in clinker circuits and circuit optimisation studies using simulation have been carried out in many plants leading to decrease in energy consumption per tonne of cement. In this paper the models used will be discussed briefly and several case studies will be reviewed which will highlight the effect of change in ball size in a two compartment mill, the role of the HPGR in an HPGR – ball mill – air separator circuit, and the use of a high intensity vibrating mill for producing finished cement with high additive ratio.

Aug 8, 2011

By C Mpodozis

Central Andean (22¦S to 34¦S latitude) Miocene giant ore deposits share common features that reveal their origin. Tectonic and magmatic features include a relation to a shallow subduction zone, an association with the waning or initiation of a magmatic episode, emplacement at the time of uplift associated with crustal thickening and formation at times of major magmatic changes along the Andean margin. Rare Earth Element (REE) signatures in magmas erupted near the time of mineralisation indicate a progressive change from equilibration at depth with a hydrous, intermediate-pressure amphibole-bearing mineral residue to equilibration with an anhydrous high-pressure garnet-bearing assemblage. These features point to a common history. First, a relatively shallow subduction zone leads to hydration of a cool mantle wedge providing a source of fluids which builds up over at least several million years. Arc magmas formed at this time equilibrate with a hornblende-bearing residual mineralogy. Second, a compressive tectonic regime leads to crustal shortening and thickening that facilitates entrapment of arc magmas in the crust. Eventually, the magma-weakened crust yields to horizontal compression causing rapid crustal thickening. Fluids required for mineralisation are liberated as amphibole-bearing assemblages break down to garnet-bearing ones and over pressured fluids are released from plutons. Mineralisation subsequently ceases in the region unless continued dehydration of the slab and mechanical thinning of the continental lithosphere causes the previous conditions to repeat. The type of mineral deposit generated depends on the pre-existing continental lithosphere and the distance from the trench.

Jan 1, 1999

By Bruington T, Perkins J, Hutton R

Natural resource developments are among the largest and most challenging projects taking place in the world. They involve capital intensive investment with long lead times and the management of geological, market, technical, operational and financial issues. A clear strategy is required to manage these projects and this strategy is underpinned by a development Philosophy.

Jan 1, 1997

By A Satyanaga, H Rahardjo, K G. Mercer

The soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) is one of the most essential soil properties in unsaturated soil mechanics. The water flow and storage characteristics of an unsaturated soil are closely related to the amount of water contained in the pores and the negative pore-water pressure in the soil. These are both in turn, related to the particle-size distribution and the plasticity of the soil. The SWCC is obtained by laboratory testing which is difficult to perform, costly and time consuming. There is a significant advantage in establishing typical SWCC envelopes for different soil types from a geotechnical design and analysis viewpoint. This paper presents some of the research work undertaken by UWA and NTU to develop SWCC envelopes for soil types classified in terms of the ASTM D2487 Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). This was done by establishing a large database of soils from across the world, classifying them according to ASTM D2487 and undertaking SWCC testing for each soil. This paper presents the SWCC test results from a selection of three of the most common soil classifications encountered in geotechnical engineering practise.CITATION:Mercer, K G, Rahardjo, H and Satyanaga, A, 2018. The development of soil water characteristic curves for soil types classified according to the USCS, in Proceedings Mine Waste and Tailings Stewardship Conference 2018, pp 263–273 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 23, 2018

By R L. Brathwaite

The rocks of New Zealand can be grouped into three main elements: the Early to Mid Paleozoic Western Province, Late Paleozoic to Early Cretaceous Eastern Province, and several overlying Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic sedimentary basins. The Western and Eastern provinces were formed on or near the margin of Gondwanaland, whereas the Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic sedimentary basins developed after the separation of New Zealand from Gondwanaland in the Late Cretaceous.   The Early to Mid Paleozoic Western Province rocks are exposed in Nelson, Westland and Fiordland and include metamorphosed sandstone, mudstone, limestone, and volcanic rocks, intruded by granite batholiths and maficultramafic igneous complexes. The main associated mineral deposits are gold-quartz lodes hosted by Paleozoic greywacke and argillite. Other type of deposits present include: volcanogenic massive sulphide lead-zinc; vein and greisen tungsten and tin; and magmatic nickel-copper sulphide, platinum group element, and magnetiteilmenite deposits. Granite stocks and batholiths, intruded during the Cretaceous, have associated porphyry molybdenum deposits.   The Late Paleozoic to Early Cretaceous Eastern Province includes the greywacke rocks forming the axial ranges of the North and South islands, and a belt of schists in Marlborough, the Southern Alps and Otago. The schists host many shear-zone related, gold-quartz lodes and, in the Southern Alps, lenses of serpentinite with talcmagnesite and nephrite jade. Volcanogenic massive sulphide copper deposits and volcanogenic manganesechert deposits, occur in both the schist and greywacke, and a belt of Permian age ultramafic rocks (Dun Mountain Ophiolite) has associated copper, chromite and chrysotile asbestos deposits.   The Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic rocks are found in a number of sedimentary basins onshore and offshore of the North and South Islands. Many of these basins developed during the rifting of New Zealand from Gondwanaland in the Late Cretaceous. They contain New Zealand's economic petroleum, coal and limestone deposits. Uplift and erosion of the mountain ranges shed gold into rich placer deposits in the South Island.   From the Miocene, volcanic rocks feature prominently on the eastern South Island (e.g. Banks Peninsula southeast of Christchurch and the Otago Peninsula northeast of Dunedin) and northern North Island (Northland and Hauraki), and volcanism continues today in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The North Island volcanic rocks have associated epithermal mineralisation, mainly gold and silver, but also copper, lead, zinc, mercury, and antimony, as well as deposits of sulphur, perlite, pumice and zeolite. Porphyry copper style mineralisation is associated with subvolcanic intrusive rocks. Erosion of the volcanic rocks has shed titanomagnetite onto the west coast of the North Island forming significant coastal placer deposits. Similarly, erosion of the Alpine schists in the South Island has resulted in placer ilmenite deposits on the coast of Westland.

Jan 1, 1997

By M L. Muller, A R. O’Donnell

The Mount Isa Mines (MIM) Copper Concentrator has an extensive history of reagent trials, with different reagents coming in and out of favour over the years. The research and use of carbon depressants is particularly prevalent, as carbonaceous pyrite is a major source of concentrate dilution. Years of research led to the use of naphthalene sulphonate due to its excellent carbon depression properties. However, due to rising reagent costs carbon depression ceased in the late 1990s. This led to the loss of knowledge about the use and value of naphthalene sulphonate. Cyanide is used at the Copper Concentrator for the sole purpose of pyrite depression and over the years multiple projects have been devoted to finding alternatives to it. In 2012 the neighbouring MIM Lead-Zinc Concentrator replaced cyanide with naphthalene sulphonate which resulted in cost savings and the elimination of a hazardous reagent. In 2013, plant trials were conducted at the Copper Concentrator in hopes to replicate the outcomes obtained at the Lead-Zinc Concentrator. The results of the trials conducted at the Copper Concentrator showed that naphthalene sulphonate could not replace cyanide and this work was set aside to pursue more promising projects. Further research conducted in 2014 found that mineralogy and a better understanding of the depressing mechanism of naphthalene sulphonate held the key to improved pyrite depression at the Copper Concentrator. The findings showed that Mount Isa copper ore contains two forms of pyrite; euhedral pyrite (cubic pyrite) and framboidal pyrite (carbon rimmed spheres of pyrite), both of which require different reagents to sufficiently depress them. Naphthalene sulphonate was found to be an excellent carbon depressant, suitable for depressing graphite and framboidal pyrite, whilst cyanide specifically targets euhedral pyrite.In 2015 laboratory test work was conducted to examine the use of naphthalene sulphonate in conjunction with cyanide to selectively target both forms of pyrite. This work led to a full plant trial, the results of which showed a significant increase in plant performance, with higher copper concentrate grades and recoveries being achieved. This paper aims to focus on the benefits and importance of understanding past work and linking a detailed knowledge of feed mineralogy to reagent selection for improved plant outcomes.CITATION:O’Donnell, A R and Muller, M L, 2018. Selectively targeting hydrophobic gangue minerals at the Mount Isa Mines Copper Concentrator, in Proceedings 14th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2018, pp 413–421 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 29, 2018

By Stephenson D. B, Burgess J, Burgess F. L, Marshall S. H

A new high intensity flotation process 'FASTFLOT' is explained and its theoretical advantages compared with other flotation systems are discussed. The results of initial FASTFLOT testing on the zinc roughing circuit at Pasminco Mining, Broken Hill South concentrator are presented and compared to recent plant data. The comparison suggests that on roughing duties, the FASTFLOT process yields superior concentrate grade while requiring less than one third the residence time of a conventional mechanical cell plant. Strategies for FASTFLOT deployment are also presented.

Jan 1, 1994

WMC Limited, owner/operator of Olympic Dam, the worldÆs largest underground uranium mine and the fourth largest underground copper mine has now completed an expansion that has been classed as a benchmark in the mining industry. To achieve a production increase from 3.4 to 9.25 Mtpa from an underground mining operation in two years was a major challenge, it was essential to review the overall materials handling system from æthe face to the stockpileÆ. The challenge was two-fold:How to deliver 30 000 tonne of ore per day to the processing plant, from a single underground mine? To provide the processing plant with a consistent metallurgical feed. This paper traces the transformation from the old to the new materials handling system at Olympic Dam.

Jan 1, 2000

By M Sykes

Gold was initially discovered at Ballarat in 1851. After initial alluvial mining, underground quartz mining commenced in 1853, continuing until 1918. The historic miners were considered to be capable of mining anywhere in the world after overcoming the difficult conditions within the Ballarat goldfields. Whilst mining has changed dramatically since the early 1900s the challenges with underground mining at Ballarat have not. Modern pumping systems cope with the moderate water inflows. However, modern machinery and efficient mining methods influence opening sizes and extraction techniques. In some cases modern techniques have accentuated the challenging ground conditions and complex orebodies that were faced by the historic miners. As the Ballarat East project has progressed towards production, technical challenges relating to geomechanics and mine planning are being resolved resourcefully.

Jan 1, 2008

By B Besa, E K. Chanda

It has long been recognised that narrow vein mining needs innovative approaches to mine access and mining methods in order to improve the economics of this vital part of the mining industry. The mining equipment used currently requires large openings in narrow vein-type deposits making mining operations uneconomical. In view of this and other shortcomings of the current mining practices, a study was initiated to investigate the potential of using low profile electric loader with mounted conveyor in conjunction with the electric monorail haulage system (EMTS) to load and haul the blasted material, particularly in decline development and main haulages. Computer simulation based on the General Purpose Simulation System/Henrikson (GPSS/H) is used to model the system and evaluate its performance. The results are compared with those for conventional mining using trucks and loaders. The EMTS provides competitive haulage rates in substantially smaller excavations than is currently achievable. According to simulation results, the electric loader in conjunction with the EMTS had the same number of blasts as the conventional system and hence the same advance rate of 3.33 m per 12 hour shift. Furthermore, the total drill-blast-load-haul cycle time was less than the conventional system by one hour.CITATION:Besa, B and Chanda, E K, 2012. Evaluation of low profile electric loader in conjunction with electric monorail haulage system in narrow vein mining, in Proceedings Narrow Vein Mining 2012 , pp 221-228 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Mar 26, 2012

By R Paterson, A Christensen

The routine use of gravity gradiometry for the detection of orebodies with no outcrop is now being undertaken. The commodities and orebody styles range from banded iron ore formations to volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) style polymetallic deposits. This recent innovation of flying gravity gradiometry was pioneered by BHP Billiton and Lockheed Martin with the Falcon technology (Lee, 2001), and now two additional systems, also using Lockheed Martin instruments, are deployed. In South Africa, magnetic gradiometry is being developed and deployed with the same objectives in mind. In this case, a system from Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) is being used. The detectable wavelengths from such systems have decreased to less than 200 m in the last year, and it is expected in 2011 that wavelengths to less than 100 m, with anomaly signal strengths of less than 2 Eotvos for gravity gradiometry will be viable. The key to these advances lies in the improvements of processing software and geological modelling. In particular, methods using all the tensor components are starting to be routinely deployed to filter, level and grid the observed signal. These methods do, however, require full insight and understanding of the reference coordinate systems used by the various instrument designers and survey operators. The digital terrain models need also to be observed to an accuracy of better than 20 m cell sizes, using such techniques as Lidar. Then the terrain effects can be modelled. The topographic surface represents the largest and most proximal density contrast encountered in an airborne survey. Hence terrain effects can have significant impact on airborne gravity gradiometry data. A decorrelation of the terrain effect with the observed signal requires a method of best fitting with a regional surface density. A novel technique has been developed for this purpose. This technique uses a tensor algebra to estimate a density between 1 - 4 g/cc that explains the average observed signal. Armed with this result, the anomalous buried bodies can be revealed by subtraction.

Sep 26, 2011

By Moxon N. T

The detonation pressure of ANFO can be significantly reduced by the addition of low density materials such as polystyrene, bagasse, swadust or perlite. Laboratory and field test results have shown that homogene- ous mixtures of these low density explosives can be produced in a bowl truck and loaded into a blasthole without segregation. The detonation pressure of the mixture can be altered to be more compatible with the material in which it is being used by varying the quantity of low density additive incorporated into the mixture. Field results have shown that these low density explosives can lead to significant cost savings without com- promising fragmentation or production.

Jan 1, 1989

By H Zhai, C Zhang, I Canbulat, K Yui

Sedimentary rock is a lithology that is commonly encountered in mining practices. Their properties, especially the resistance against weathering, are often of critical importance to long-term engineering stability due to their ubiquitous existence on the earth’s crust. The weathering of rocks is a complex process that involves physical degradation, chemical and biological erosions. In this study, the impact of physical weathering on four common sedimentary rocks, namely sandstone, siltstone, limestone and shale, are simulated in the laboratoryoratory environment taking into consideration the impact of preservation condition, temperature and time. In order to optimise the design of the experiment, Taguchi’s design of experiment method is implemented based on the L16 orthogonal array and selected simulation conditions. The weight and dimension variation, fracture intensity, slake durability, and uniaxial strengths of specimens are then tested to quantify the impact of weathering under various conditions. The results indicate that weathering significantly influences the strength of shale, siltstone and limestone but not sandstone. The impact of weathering on dimension variation is insignificant. For soft rocks, most physical weathering took place after second cycle of simulation, resulting in strength reduction up to 100 per cent (disintegration) but generally in a range from 28 per cent to 32 per cent. Additionally, time is the most important factor contributing to the physical weathering of weak rocks, followed by residual, preservation conditions and temperature. Last but not least, some shales, depending on the content of clay minerals, tend to develop significant fracturing or even disintegrate under the influence of weathering.

Nov 29, 2022

By D Johansson, A Nordqvist, D Mihaylov, N Petropoulos, M Wimmer

The flowability of the caved rock masses in the sublevel caving (SLC) mining method is of great importance. During the blasting process of a SLC-ring, the caved rock mass in front of the ring is compacted. As a result of this compaction, the mechanical properties of the fractured rock masses change, for example void ratio, angle of internal friction and structure of the compacted material. The changed mechanical properties of caved rock mass and recent blasted material can influence the mobility of the material, which could result in blockage of the flow path of the material. The identification of the involved mechanisms in this process can be done after a series of tests in different scales. However, there is no available equipment for dynamic measurements during blasting, ie velocity and displacement of the burden and in the caved masses. This study focuses on the development and laboratory evaluation of a measuring system that can be installed in a borehole. The first trial was carried out in a pillar, where two blastholes had been drilled (9.5 m) parallel with the drift and two measuring holes (16.5 m) were perpendicular to the drift. Two measuring systems were installed in the measuring holes. Some preliminary tests were carried out to find suitable initiation procedures for the emulsion explosive. Applicability and robustness of the developed measuring system were also evaluated. In addition to these tests, an expandable cement mixture was developed to firmly anchor the measuring systems in the boreholes. The measuring system consists of an anchor, armoured cable in a pulling tube and a protective case. The anchor is equipped with uniaxial and triaxial accelerometers. A potentiometric measuring system for displacement up to 2 m is installed at the end of the pulling tube and connected to an extendable spiral cable. All sensors are connected to a data acquisition system (DAS). Both measuring systems have their own DAS to acquire data in case of failure of one of the systems. The measuring system was tested in laboratory conditions with impact velocity up to 10 m/s. It was proven to be functional and gave reliable results.CITATION:Petropoulos, N, Mihaylov, D, Johansson, D, Wimmer, M and Nordqvist, A, 2015. Design of equipment for dynamic burden measurements, in Proceedings 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, pp 493–500 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 24, 2015

By M Burdick, A Harding, M Krulc, M Chappell

Substantial schedule advantages can be made on projects if cross-passage construction can occur at the same time as tunnel boring machine (TBM) operation with little or no impact on TBM logistics. However, this approach can prove difficult to achieve with many of the more cost-effective means of supporting the segmental lining during cross-passage break-out. This paper discusses the constraints and shortcomings of conventional approaches, and describes how a cost-effective solution involving a shotcrete shell and opening constructed inside the segmental lining was designed and constructed to deliver cost and time savings on Seattle University Link contract U220.The paper explains the spatial and schedule constraints on the TBM tunnelling and cross-passage construction, and how a shotcrete solution was arrived at in preference to traditional approaches. As the solution was novel the design had to be robust, and the paper explains how this was achieved through a combination of 3D finite element modelling and closed form solutions. Following a description of the trials to verify that the structure could be demolished post-cross-passage completion, the paper describes how the shell solution was constructed, used and demolished safely to leave the lining surface in a clean and undamaged state fit for tunnel operation.CITATION:Harding, A, Chappell, M, Burdick, M and Krulc, M, 2014. Opening supports to segmental linings – a novel shotcrete support solution, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 267–274 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By R N. Humphries

The aim of this paper is to question the need to develop bespoke monitoring and assessment methodologies and criteria, thereby ‘reinventing the wheel’, when designing and assessing the success of important natural habitat and ecosystem restoration schemes at mine sites in the UK and Australia. It draws attention to the existence and applicability of the Phase I Habitat, National Vegetation Classification (NVC) and Condition Monitoring methods in the UK and similar approaches used in Australia. These are long accepted established methodologies and have published accounts for describing, assessing and managing natural vegetation communities, habitats and ecosystems. They are often used at the environmental impact stage, but seemingly rarely, if at all, in restoration design and management at mine closure. Their application to mine restoration and closure is illustrated and discussed by reference to a surface coalmine in South Wales, UK.It is concluded that the application of a combination of the Phase I Habitat, NVC and Condition Monitoring methods is highly relevant to the expectations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its implementation in the UK, and probably in Australia too. The methodology and criteria described could be incorporated into the guidance and specified in the mining permits so that there is clarity as to the expectations and requirements for monitoring and assessment for bond release. Their use could be of wider application where there is a requirement to assess the success of restored CBD assets and ecosystems.CITATION:Humphries, R N, 2014. Why reinvent the wheel when there are established methodologies to aid the design and assessment of restored natural ecosystems on mined land?, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2014 , pp 675–692 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 16, 2014

With the iron ore industry in Australia producing hundreds of millions of tonnes of ore per annum, the associated costs of these operations extend into the billions. It is no surprise in the current economic climate that more and more companies are looking into different ways of optimizing their costs to keep their sites operational. One way of improving operations is the use of electronic initiating systems like i-kon and Uni tronic detonators. These systems have been used around the world to improve current practices and optimize drill and blast costs. However, these systems have yet to make an impact upon the iron ore sector in Australia. Some of the potential improvements include:pattern expansion and a subsequent reduction in drilling and explosive costs;improved fragmentation and hence increased dig rates, thereby driving $/tonne down;embracing the 'mine-to-mill' concept by reducing the downstream costs of crushing and milling;improving the overall condition of pit walls and floors, leading to a safer working environment in which optimal haulage performance can be achieved; and improvements in vibration management around heritage sites and critical infrastructure, thereby saving the cost of relocation works. This paper introduces some of these concepts and the process of making the changes leading to potential savings from the improvements, using various examples as proof of the concepts.

Jan 1, 2009

By B Belle

In a deep, gassy predrained coalmine, ventilation and goaf drainage systems act as critical controls to manage longwall (LW) panel return gas levels. The goaf capture efficiency of most LW panels ranges from 45 to 85 per cent based on the gas domain at respective workings. Recent operational experiences have indicated that 50 m goaf hole spacing is optimal for management of high production retreat gassy LW panels, where the probability of goaf hole failures are frequent. Due to the horizontal stress direction geotechnical issues, goaf hole failure just behind the LW face is a recurring challenge resulting in significant and immediate increases in LW panel return gas levels. This paper presents a successful implementation of an innovative LW tailgate (TG) road cut through seal goaf fan/venturi system. The system incorporated a 17' (400 mm cased) hole drilled to 320 m deep in a perimeter roadway on a retreating LW TG road drawing the working seam horizon goaf gas behind the perimeter of seals. The surface goaf fan/venturi system was aimed to safely exhaust the LW deep goaf gas and thus withhold the goaf stream spillage to TG drive area and reduce the panel gas load by controlled operation of the system using continuous monitoring of CH4, CO and O2 levels. This control philosophy was made operational without impacting the use of the perimeter inbye ventilation shaft used for mine cooling and providing additional ventilation dilution capacity. The instantaneous reduction in TG gas levels of up to 0.3 per cent was observed even when the LW was 300 m away from the c/t seal goaf hole. Success of this concept TG seal goaf gas control system used even when the LW was 1300 m outbye has become an inventory of additional control for future deep and long LW blocks. This paper attempts to share the design process in addressing other risks and desired outcomes in managing the LW gas levels.CITATION:Belle, B, 2015. Innovative tailgate mobile goaf gas management in two gate road longwall panels – concept to implementation, in Proceedings The Australian Mine Ventilation Conference, pp 31–40 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 31, 2015

By A D. Campbell, G R. Power

The increasing availability of marker data in sublevel caving operations is changing the way draw can be managed to achieve positive recovery outcomes in these mines. This paper describes how marker data has been incorporated into flow simulations to help calibrate full mine ore recovery simulations for the forecasting and optimisation of recovery.Some flow modelling techniques do not use marker data, relying instead on the outcomes of physical and numerical experiments to guide assumptions about an idealised recovery flow shape. Other mines have access to marker trial data, but find it difficult to specifically link this marker trial information to their recovery models. This can make it difficult to create a link between the marker trial information and recovery forecasting and limits the potential value of the marker trials at the mine.In the simulations shown here, the marker rings are fully incorporated into the flow model, and can be tracked in the model. The model is compared against the real underground marker recovery information to give the user an indication of how accurately the flow settings in the model are reflecting the conditions in the experimental marker rings. An example of use of this system at an operational mine is included.CITATION:Power, G R and Campbell, A D, 2016. Modelling of real-time marker data to improve operational recovery in sublevel caving mines, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 105–110 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016