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By C Augustin, M Hahn, K Nienhaus

Operators of mining machinery like haul trucks or excavators have very limited information about the exact distance to other equipment as well as to the natural boundaries like berms, walls and structures such as crushers. The industry is seeking solutions to provide safety and positioning. The authors have developed a solution approach which is being used in several installations. This solution consists of three parts: first robust and compact two-dimensional (2D) radar scanners that provide range and angular information of the environment especially under difficult conditions like dust, rain, snow and fog; second an intelligent data processing framework flexible enough to adopt to different machines and operation modes like speed, inclination, visibility, tire friction, GPS position, orientation and acceleration; and third a high quality and easy to use interface giving highly condensed data to the operator, not blinding the operator at night and being sunlight readable. The truth of present proximity detection sensors is that they not only have a high false alarm rate but furthermore cover only a fraction of the possible scenarios. This makes them unsuitable for stand-alone collision avoidance systems. On the other side, mine dispatch systems only deliver database and GPS information, but no information regarding the real environment. The indurad company and its Australian partner CTS (http://www.cts.com.au) addressed these aspects by developing smart productivity enhancement driver assistance tools like lane and crusher dumping assistance.An innovative driver assistance tool developed in cooperation with the coal shearer manufacturer Eickhoff and the RWTH Aachen University has been awarded with the annual research award of its customer RAG, being the largest German hard coal producer, as well as with the bauma Innovation Award in 2010.

Sep 26, 2011

By C Hedemann, N Silveste, H Davis, C J. Moran

For nearly two decades water scientists have been debating the need to use appropriate models for the questions being asked and the data available. This paper puts forward a rationale for a hierarchical framework for water balance modelling as it applies to mine sites. The hierarchy is based on the complexity of models and their data requirements. Scientific models are the most complex and require the most data; next is engineering models, then systems models and the simplest representations are given by conceptual models. A position is put forward that systems models have a range of uses that the others do not provide. A systems model, called SiteMiser, is described and its calibration illustrated. The model is applied to seven coal mines from the Northern Bowen Basin in Central Queensland. Currently, there is little relationship between total water use and coal production. This relationship is not any stronger when fresh (raw) water is compared to reused water. Leading practice water use levels are simulated for all sites. The simulation results demonstrate that there is considerable opportunity to reduce water consumption and, in particular, to import less fresh (raw) water to the sites.

Jan 1, 2006

By E S. Weiss, S P. Harteis

The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has conducted full-scale explosion experiments, to evaluate the strength characteristics of various seal designs, used for safely isolating worked-out areas in underground coal mines. Large-scale explosion tests conducted within the multiple entry section of PRLÆs Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM) is currently the only accepted test method used by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), for deeming a seal design suitable for use in American mines. These explosion tests are labour intensive, expensive to conduct, and can interfere with other critical underground safety and health research programs conducted by NIOSH. The PRL has developed an alternative seal evaluation method, based on a hydrostatic pressure loading concept, that can facilitate the in situ testing of seals in an operating mine. Two chambers within LLEM and one within PRLÆs Safety Research Coal Mine (SRCM) were used for hydrostatic pressure loading various seal designs. The results from these chamber tests compare favourably with those from the large-scale explosion tests in the multiple entries. In addition to testing seal designs at the required 20 psi static pressure level, the chamber test approach also allows for the determination of the sealÆs ultimate design strength. Size-scaling relationships for predicting the strength of seal designs as a function of entry size are also presented.

Jan 1, 2005

By F T. Suorineni

Empirical methods are deeply rooted in geomechanics. This is a consequence of the recognised complexity of the nature of the rock mass. The usual assumptions of material continuity, homogeneity, isotropicity and linear elasticity often assumed for soil, concrete and steel are difficult to justify in a rock mass except for mathematical convenience. These assumptions form the bases for most mechanistic, analytical and numerical methods in geomechanics. Believers in empirical methods argue that the complexity of the rock mass and its interaction with structures developed in it is adequately accounted for in empirical methods, which compensate for our ignorance.Franklin (1993) defines empirical design as quantified judgement based on experience. He further states that empirical methods often prove ‘closer’ to the ‘truth’ than the apparently more precise predictions of theoretical analysis, adding that based on real data empirical methods provide a standard against which theoretical predictions are measured and can be judged. This paper takes a critical look at the common empirical methods in geomechanics – rock mass classification systems (Bieniawski, 1973; Barton, Lien and Lunde, 1974; Hoek, 1994a), Laubscher block caving design rules (Laubscher, 1994), the stability graph (Mathews et al, 1981), pillar design equations (Salamon and Munro, 1967; Hedley and Grant, 1972; and their derivatives), pillar design chart (Lunder and Pakalnis, 1997) and failure criteria (Hoek and Brown, 1980; and its derivatives). The common thread in the application of these methods is that in most cases they are often applied blindly without an understanding of the underlying assumptions and database limits. This paper emphasises that users of these methods need to know the underlying assumptions, database limits and inherent hidden risks that are often unmentionable for their satisfactory use. Finally, suggestions are provided for the efficient use of empirical methods and how they can be improved.CITATION:Suorineni, F T, 2014. Reflections on empirical methods in geomechanics – the unmentionables and hidden risks, in Proceedings AusRock 2014: Third Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference , pp 143–156 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 5, 2014

By M Pomery

BHP’s Western Australian Iron Ore Operations (WAIO) move approximately 250 million tons of ore per annum. The magnitude of the constant changes to the terrain models along with the diverse output and presentation requirements of numerous stakeholders presents significant challenges for the geospatial team. This paper describes how the WAIO Survey team use a combination of technology and optimised workflows to capture, ingest, publish and access large data sets for diverse stakeholder requirements. Machine learning for processing of data and the use of web based systems to track and prioritise task allocation of resources will be discussed in detail, in addition to the changes to the traditional roles of surveyors from the use of automation and mobile technology.

Sep 18, 2023

By F D. I Hodgson

Twenty-seven observation test pits were excavated at four different spoils dumps at three collieries in the Witbank Coalfield. The holes were dug into the upper three metres of the spoils to ascertain if any weathering profiles, variation with age or influence of topsoil covering could be gauged. Samples from these holes were also subjected to laboratory testing (ABA, humidity cells and mineralogy on several selected samples). The test pits showed that there was a good correlation between in situ paste pH-values and ABA results for samples taken from the pits. At all the collieries, no correlation between age of spoils and in situ acidity could conclusively be drawn. The depth of soil cover also appears to be a minor consideration in determining the eventual acidity of the spoil. In the pits where acidity was found, the weathering was evident when contrasted to areas still buffered. It is unclear if the weathering leads to the acidity or vice versa, as the soil covering appeared to be similar. The spoils proved to be extremely variable with regard to particle size and material on a micro and macro scale. Evidence from most of the holes suggested that there was enough water contained in the fine material in the spoils to support the initiation of acid generation. Conclusions from this investigation are that the mineralogy of the spoils is the most important factor in determining the eventual occurrence of acidic hotspots, and that prior characterisation and selective handling will provide the best management practice for these spoils.

Jan 1, 2003

By R Ibarra, H Solis, G Teowee, B E. Papillon

The authors have previously described a piezoelectric-based system to measure the dynamic pressure during actual detonation in the field. This technique is used in a water hammer test set-up where a donor detonator is fired first, with the pressure sensor and an acceptor electronic detonator placed underwater in a water tank, and maintained at a fixed distance away from the donor detonator. The functioning and timing of the acceptor detonator are captured using a customised microcontroller board called the water hammer timer. Using such water hammer testing, the effect of dynamic pressure was studied as a function of the magnitude of pressure during the electronic timing countdown. Data obtained indicate there is no significant impact in the timing of the electronic detonators in contrast to what has been reported in non-electric detonators.CITATION:Teowee, G, Solis, H, Papillon, B E and Ibarra, R, 2015. Effect of dynamic pressure on electronic detonator timing, in Proceedings 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, pp 575–578 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 24, 2015

By H Arvidson, V Chamberlain, R Marinho, B Parsons, T Rowl, M Noppé, M Mattera

With the introduction of CRIRSCO (2019) based mineral asset disclosure, Regulation S-K part 1300, 2019 (S-K1300) by the United States (US) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), applicable to companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange from 2021, Mineral Resource is now required to be reported Exclusive of Mineral Reserve, referred to here as ‘Exclusive Mineral Resource’ (EMR). EMR is equivalent to reporting Mineral Resource additional to Mineral Reserve, which has been permitted in jurisdictions outside the US for many years. Despite this, there are no practical guidelines in the literature or relevant reporting codes and rules for Competent/Qualified Persons to refer to, which creates a risk that disclosure of EMR estimates across the industry will be inconsistent and potentially ambiguous for analysts, investors, potential investors, and other stakeholders.With the introduction of CRIRSCO (2019) based mineral asset disclosure, Regulation S-K part 1300, 2019 (S-K1300) by the United States (US) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), applicable to companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange from 2021, Mineral Resource is now required to be reported Exclusive of Mineral Reserve, referred to here as ‘Exclusive Mineral Resource’ (EMR). EMR is equivalent to reporting Mineral Resource additional to Mineral Reserve, which has been permitted in jurisdictions outside the US for many years. Despite this, there are no practical guidelines in the literature or relevant reporting codes and rules for Competent/Qualified Persons to refer to, which creates a risk that disclosure of EMR estimates across the industry will be inconsistent and potentially ambiguous for analysts, investors, potential investors, and other stakeholders.

May 24, 2023

By J Jones, J Blunt

"The requirement for environmental approvals and associated environmental impact assessments (EIAs) is now commonly regarded as a key milestone and body of work during project development. EIAs can be undertaken at various phases during project development, generally either:\ during the scoping or prefeasibility studies, where limited project information is available and the mitigation and management measures of the EIA become a set of criteria and commitments that control project design during the feasibility study, as an iterative approach whereby mitigation and management measures are developed through an integrated process with the engineering team, and measures are included in the feasibility study cost model following the feasibility study, where detailed project design information is available, the cost model is complete, and the EIA is an assessment of a fixed project with limited opportunities for mitigation and management measures to be integrated into engineering design. This paper investigates the advantages of integrating EIA into life-of-mine planning during the feasibility study phase, using the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project (the Project) as a case study. The Tampakan Project is located in the Philippines on the southern island of Mindanao. The Project involves the proposed development of three main areas of infrastructure:a large-scale, open pit copper-gold mine and associated mine site infrastructure (including tailings and mine waste storages, fresh water dam, concentrator, etc) a power station, port and filter plant (PPFP), located approximately 60 km from the mine a pipeline and transmission line linking the mine and PPFP sites.Examples of engineering measures developed through an iterative process to mitigate and manage predicted environmental and social impacts include design of water management infrastructure, modification of the disturbance footprint (eg roads realigned to avoid critical habitat) and realignment of project infrastructure to minimise impacted water catchments.CITATION:Blunt, J and Jones, J, 2012. Integrating environmental impact assessment into life-of-mine planning, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2012 , pp 143-152 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jul 10, 2012

By D Tucker, K Harney

Hatch forecasts that an increasing share of seaborne traded iron ore will be ultrafine, being either concentrate or pellet feed. This provides several challenges for the iron and steel industries, but the principal concern is: how much ultrafine iron ore can be consumed on sinter strands and with a minimal effect on productivity?This paper will identify new supply by project through 2020. Demand will be estimated for sinter production and practical steps will be identified to increase ultrafine consumption in sinter strands. The long-term iron ore price will be forecast to balance supply and demand. The paper will conclude by assessing how the pricing of ultrafine ore will develop relative to the Chinese iron ore indices.CITATION:Tucker, D and Harney, K, 2015. Iron ore ultrafines challenges and opportunities, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2015, pp 501–504 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 13, 2015

By T J. Grandfield

Paste fill has been used successfully at Henty Gold Mine for the past five years. It has allowed 100 per cent extraction of the orebody, stabilised poor ground and enabled wide sections and offsets to be mined safely. However, there are a number of inefficiencies in the current paste fill system. These include the low output from the drum filter, the addition of aggregate to the paste to compensate and the trucking of paste from the plant to the portal. These inefficiencies have increased the operating cost of the paste fill system and caused a number of operational challenges such as blockages and increased pipe wear. These challenges have been partly overcome by taking ownership of the paste fill process, improved quality control and better communication. Henty is currently developing two new orebodies, the Mt Julia and the Darwin and has an opportunity to build an efficient paste fill operation. This is likely to be a high density paste system without aggregate, either located above the new orebodies or located at the plant and pumped to the new site.

Jan 1, 2002

By D Timms

The Kempfield deposit is located in the Hill End Trough, one of several intracratonic basins developed during Silurian–Devonian time, in the eastern province of the Lachlan Orogen, Eastern Australia.The deposit contains an oxide resource of 5.8 Mt @ 58 g/t Ag and a sulfide resource of 14.4 Mt @ 45 g/t Ag, 1.7 per cent Zn and 0.6 per cent Pb, classified and reported in compliance with the JORC Code. The deposit has been previously explored by a number of companies, including INCO, Shell, Jones Mining, Golden Cross Resources and recently Argent Minerals Ltd (Argent). Argent is currently completing a definitive feasibility study with a view to mining the deposit.The deposit is hosted at the boundary between the Molong High to the west, comprising Ordovician sediments and volcanic rocks and the Hill End Trough to the east, interpreted as a back-arc basin containing Silurian sediments and siliceous-feldspathic volcanic rocks. The boundary between these two strato tectonic units is an imbricate thrust fault zone known as the Copperhannia Thrust.The Kempfield deposit is hosted in felsic volcanic rocks known as the Kangaloolah Volcanics. These have been in-faulted and folded into the Middle Ordovician meta-sediments of the Coombing Formation of metasediments along the Copperhannia Thrust. The Kangaloolah Volcanics belong to the Late Silurian Mumbil Group, comprising submarine carbonate-shale facies interspersed with extensive felsic volcanic piles, which grade conformably upwards into turbiditic sandstone and siltstone sequences (interpreted to represent a deeper depositional environment). These turbiditic rocks are known as the Campbells Formation, comprising siltstone, sandstone and andesitic tuff. The rocks at Kempfield are metamorphosed to lower greenschist facies, reflected through the different type of schists.Silver, gold, lead, zinc mineralisation is hosted in barite-rich horizons, near the boundary to quartz-phyric tuffaceous rocks in submarine, immature, reworked felsic ash tuffs. Barite appears to be hosted in greatest concentrations by the coarser grained volcanoclastic sandstones and grits, whilst intercalated siltstones are volumetrically minor and tend to return low barite and silver. Mineralisation is hosted in stratiform and probably stratabound barite-rich horizons. A northeast-trending, steeply dipping, metamorphic cleavage (S1) occurs throughout the project area.

Aug 22, 2011

The original and most basic relationship between mining company and explosive supplier was a simple one of consumer and product supplier. The divide between the two was quite clear-cut with neither taking much interest in the activities of the other. The explosive supplier had little understanding or share in the outcome, efficient rock breakage and therefore impact on mining and milling. Likewise, the mining company did not encourage the improvement or development of products. The transactions were limited to product and funds. This environment does not encourage any form of knowledge sharing, trust or optimisation of the mining process.Conversely, there are now a variety of relationships to the point that the mining company may simply be an asset manager whereby all æoperationalÆ aspects are contracted out. For the drill and blast aspect this takes the form of a æRock-On-GroundÆ contract whereby the explosives company takes on design, drill, load and fire responsibilities and is paid a rate per volume of broken rock. This removes the majority of risk to the mining company derived from having to produce broken rock and guarantees the cost of a portion of the overall unit cost of mining. The onus is now on the explosives supplier to break rock to a specification as efficiently as possible.There exist a number of variations between the æbasic supplyÆ and æRock-On-GroundÆ. These contracts may also include value sharing to encourage the explosive supplier to optimise the mining operation to maximise profit.This paper looks at some of the drivers for the change in explosive supplierûconsumer relationships and examines the æprosÆ and æconsÆ of a few of the options.

Jan 1, 2004

By R Wei, Y Peng, D Seaman

This study addresses a widespread problem confronting the mining industry: the deleterious effect of clay minerals in flotation. This problem is seemingly exacerbated by the presence of iron contamination from grinding media. The interaction of clay minerals and grinding media in copper and gold flotation was investigated in this study. A low-clay ore and a high-clay ore were obtained from Telfer to represent different contents of clay minerals, while stainless steel and mild steel grinding rods were used to produce different grinding chemistry, in particular, iron contamination. Flotation tests on an unsized and sized basis were conducted to reveal how clay minerals and grinding media affect copper and gold flotation. Iron contamination and the oxidation of copper minerals were quantified by ethylene diamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA) extraction. It is interesting to find that both clay minerals and iron contamination depressed the flotation primarily in fine particles smaller than 33 ¦m, and clay minerals played a dominant role. Although flotation of coarser particles greater than 33 ¦m was less affected by clay minerals and iron contamination, coarser grinding to increase P80 was not an effective way to improve copper and gold flotation for the high-clay ore. This study suggests that to improve copper and gold flotation from clay ores, clay dispersion in conjunction with the minimisation of iron contamination may be required.CITATION:Wei, R, Peng, Y and Seaman, D, 2013. The effect of grinding media on copper and gold flotation in the presence of clay minerals, in Proceedings World Gold 2013 , pp 283-288 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 26, 2013

By J Välivaara

The mining industry will face numerous challenges over the next 10–15 years as new deposits are likely to be more remote and lower grade and existing deposits will be mined deeper. As a result, mines and mining contractors operating in deep-mine conditions will need to focus on the quality of drilling and blasting to minimise unnecessary waste rock excavation to keep costs at an acceptable level. In addition, increased demand for improved safety and operator ergonomics will set greater demands on original equipment manufacturers of mining equipment. Finally, difficulties finding a skilled and experienced workforce, particularly in remote mine locations, have already negatively impacted mines’ ability to achieve high productivity and low operating costs.This paper introduces techniques and shares practical experiences in increasing productivity and reducing the costs of excavation in underground face drilling. The paper uses Sandvik’s new DD422i automated mining jumbo as an example of the type of equipment needed to deliver the features and corresponding benefits for future mine development. Case studies using this equipment are presented to illustrate the points made in this paper.CITATION:Välivaara, J, 2016. Automated drilling features for improving productivity and reducing costs in underground development, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 723–730 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

By G I. Lumley

‘Every mine is a pilot’ is an attitude which encourages the mining paradox of optimistic mine plans and equipment under performance; propped up by an environment lacking accountability. The premise that ‘every mine is a pilot’, appears to underlie the development and operating approach to most mines. It is the hypothesis of this paper that many mining companies, development teams and their managers largely ignore what is done elsewhere. Anecdotally, most planners don’t know whether the selected rates are high or low (rates based on theoretical models tend to be high – certainly higher than what most companies can achieve). Mines then consistently operate the equipment at rates well below targets; often more than 20 per cent below. Further to this paradox, mine performance data demonstrates the average mine is currently operating their equipment at levels of output not much more than half the output of those in the top ten per cent. On the whole mines don’t know the potential of their equipment and therefore don’t put appropriate plans in place to do better. After all, when ‘every mine is a pilot’ there is little reason to look to one’s peers for an indication of potential. This paper will outline why every mine is not a pilot and how mines do value some knowledge, but not as much as they should. This paper proposes a two-pronged approach to address this issue in the area of equipment performance. This approach is to:1. engage in better forecasting of equipment rates and better subsequent performance through benchmarking against industry standards2. provide conditions for more accountability.These parameters are linked and proper implementation of them will address the losses which many shareholders and financiers have incurred when investing in companies with unrealistic mining plans.CITATION:Lumley, G I, 2016. Is every mine a pilot? In Proceedings International Mine Management Conference, pp 75-88 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jun 22, 2016

By G J. Showers, P Botman, A G. Hunt

Iron Road Limited (Iron Road) is currently evaluating the feasibility of producing 21.5 Mt/a of high-grade (>66 per cent Fe) magnetite concentrate from a 3.7 Bt resource (JORC) located at Warramboo on the central Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Bulk concentrate can be produced via a conventional grind and low-intensity magnetic separation flow sheet. Due to the comparatively coarse magnetite liberation size (106 µm), consideration was given to enhancing both the grind economics and coarser product sizing via gravity separation.This paper outlines the test work, flow sheet design and engineering design of a gravity beneficiation circuit (GBC) conducted by Mineral Technologies for Iron Road. The resulting circuit optimisation necessitated mass balance simulation by Iron Road’s SysCAD model to quantify the resulting changes in mill recirculation load. This included the determination of project-critical grinding power and energy requirements with and without the GBC installed into the primary ball mill classification circuit. The outcome of this work was the design of a GBC, including spirals and up-current classification, which led to a substantial reduction (33 per cent) in ball mill recirculating load and power requirements, together with a favourable coarsening of final product size due to the relatively coarser gravity concentrate. This has led to a significant reduction in project design capital and operating costs. A further benefit of this approach is increased recovery of (paramagnetic) hematite and lesser titano-hematite via gravity separation compared to an all-magnetic separation approach.CITATION:Hunt, A G, Showers, G J and Botman, P, 2015. Test work and design of a gravity circuit for Iron Road’s Central Eyre Iron Project, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2015, pp 139–142 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 13, 2015

By R van Wyk

In today’s mining environment the use of heavy mechanical devices and other high-tech electronic devices like two-way radios, cellular phones and even automated mining systems, form a vital part of the daily operations of a mining site. These human-made devices and some of the naturally occurring events, like lightning and gamma radiation, can have negative effects on electronic detonators and the associated control equipment.On larger mining operations the necessity to move the point of safety for blasting further away from the blast area, introduced remote firing via radio frequencies for electronic detonator systems. Other influences on electronic detonators can be abuse or ignorance. To ensure the safety of the end-user, an electronic detonator must be resistant to some common mistakes that users can make. One of main concerns here is resistance to static discharge or incorrect wiring. Despite the daily use of electronic detonator solutions, scepticism and concern still exists amongst those who believe the system raises the risk of a premature initiation of the blast through some form of interference trigger.This paper will help users understand how electronic detonators and the associated control equipment protects itself from external influences. Focus will be on protection schemes to counter static and over-voltage discharge and methods to ensure protection of secure wireless radio links and detonator communications. With well engineered communication systems and solid static and over-voltage protection, an electronic detonator system can be more reliable and safer than other detonator systems. The following main points will be discussed:what makes a detonator an electronic detonator,static electricity and over-voltage protection,the general influence of electromagnetic energy on the detonator,the influence of lightning on detonators,the protection of radio communication’s links as used by remote firing equipment, andthe safety protection features built into remote firing equipment.

Nov 8, 2011

By M I. Pownceby, A Guiraud, S Purohit

Sticking and breakage of iron ore pellets during high temperature reduction can result in several operational challenges during shaft furnace ironmaking. With the shift to H2-based DRI processes and decreasing iron ore quality, this issue becomes more prominent. It is therefore important to understand how the iron ore chemistry and mineralogy affects the sticking and breakage of pellets inside the shaft furnace. This study provides a review of the mechanisms that lead to sticking and breakage of pellets inside the shaft furnace. The sticking index of pellets is related to the rate of metallic iron production as well as the precipitation morphology of product iron. Sticking of pellets is also enhanced by the formation of low-melting slag phases. The breakage of pellets inside the shaft furnace is often associated with the mechanical load of burden and pellet swelling, which is caused due to iron whisker or protruded iron formation. This paper investigates how the composition of iron ore, particularly the presence of different impurity oxides such as SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO and alkali oxides in the pellets, influences the sticking and swelling indices. The effect of ore mineralogy on these adverse behaviours is also discussed.

Sep 18, 2023

By T Brown

Australia is now committed to the most significant period of infrastructure investment since the 1960s and the current climate of project finance and public private partnership (PPP) model uncertainty means it is imperative that the affordability and certainty in delivery of infrastructure projects is maximised.In light of the current and forecast levels of infrastructure investment it is worth drawing comparison with a similar period of Australian expansion when the nation’s first railways were constructed. Similarly to over a century ago, we are following a trend in rapid development and are already reaping the inefficiencies that could be avoided with broader technical planning and improved client coordination.The original rail networks were developed by the individual states before they combined to form a Federation of states in 1901. As a result of the adoption of different gauges by 1917 a passenger wanting to travel by train from Brisbane to Perth had to change trains six times.Similarly in 2011, there is little parity between Australian states on the quality requirements (performance specifications) for road tunnels. Differences between states start most significantly with the size of the specified traffic envelopes, thus the size of tunnel required. Where ambiguity and differences exist in project documentation, performance specifi cations (PS) and broad technical requirements for road tunnel projects, any associated risk in interpretation ultimately ends up being incorporated in the bidder’s (constructor’s) final sell price.Whilst not nearly as inconvenient as having to change train at each state border, and largely unnoticed by the general tax paying motorist, this paper examines examples of apparent minor differences in Australia’s recently constructed road tunnels to highlight the differences in road tunnel specifications.The paper identifies how these small differences manifest themselves in major price penalties between projects and further, highlights the need for further specification review, refinement and standardisation across road tunnel jurisdictions to increase road tunnel affordability.

Mar 8, 2011