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By Graham M

Longwall mining has been the dominant global coal mining method for decades. However, not until 1994 did longwall mining surpass continuous miner room and pillar extraction tonnage in the United States. This significant event, occurring in the most cost driven market in the world, confirms the efficiency and effectiveness of longwall mining.

Jan 1, 1998

A considerable amount of psychological research has been conducted on human behaviour and its relationship to accidents. However, the research covers very wide fields and the findings drawn are so varied that at first sight they are confusing and there does not appear to be any major useful lead. I propose a discussion of a number of research findings to illustrate the variety and complexity of the human behaviour factors involved in considering safety. Such discuss- ion might point to some conclusions which could lead to an action programme to improve safety records.

Jan 1, 1975

The traditional form of project financing for resource related projects has involved project financings structured with either recourse to the project sponsor(s) or commercial banks accepting the project's risks, usually after project completion, subject to, inter alia, the nature of the project, geographical location, quality of the projected cash flows and commodity price outlook. However, the concept of commodity-linked borrowings hasadded a new dimension for borrowing opportunities for resource-oriented projects and or companies.

Jan 1, 1985

Aspects of sampling are becoming more complex, involving a correct statistical approach to collection as well as geological and possibly pedological control. Advanced chemical techniques and techniques of rapid analysis need to be understood. Results may require statistical analysis. The elementary aspects of sampling still need constant attention by those controlling a programme of sampling. No one person will have sufficient knowledge of statistics, geology, pedology and chemistry to be fully conversant with all the aspects of sampling but, by developing a correct approach, problems can be identified and solved.

Jan 1, 1976

By Goode A

Since 1985 there has been a revival in the alluvial gold mining industry in North Queensland. However, not all mines which have been established have been successful, some times due to a misconception that alluvial mines are quick to establish and easy to operate. A check list of factors which need to be considered when assessing alluvial mining projects in North Queensland is presented and their relative importance is briefly discussed.

Jan 1, 1989

Mining in the twenty-first century brings with it a new range of challenges, some unfamiliar to our industry. Skilled staff recruitment and retention is a significant issue. Equipment supply lead times are changing the risk profile under which we operate. And the new landscape of this century demands accountability at all levels while also requiring that we deliver more to our shareholders and our host communities. This paper draws on experiences in Waihi, addresses some of the challenges facing the modern mining industry and suggests some modest mitigation strategies.

Jan 1, 2007

The Greenvale Joint Venturers, Metals Exploration Queensland Pty. Ltd. and Freeport Queensland Nickel Incorporated, use ten Herreshoff roasters, for the reduction of ground lateritic nickel and cobalt containing ores.Initially the roasting section of the plant limited production, due to high down time.The use of technology developed and adapted over a number of years has achieved significant increase in on line time and a minimization of costs.

Jan 1, 1985

Successfully managing project development and construction has often been a challenge in the mining industry. This is reflected in the number of projects that have taken longer to build, exceeded their budgets and then struggled to achieve the performance targets so confidently predicted beforehand. This paper outlines the fundamental elements of project management necessary to deliver mining projects on time and on budget, and performing as originally intended. It looks at areas such as the study process, project planning, team selection and structure, project controls, types of contracts used and approaches to contract management.

Jan 1, 2006

Gold mining in Waihi spans three centuries and five generations. Following the discovery of gold in 1878 the Martha Mine was developed and the town of Waihi grew up around it. Now, five generations later, descendents of many of the original settler families continue to live and work in Waihi. Many have returned to mining, in jobs far removed from those of their parents or grandparents.   Members of three local families were interviewed on video. This paper is a summary of some of the major themes and gives some insight into the role gold mining played in the development of the region and its continued its importance today.

Jan 1, 2006

Operation of a pilot heavy medium separation plant allows flexibility of operation not normally possible in an operating plant. Much useful data can be obtained, although some limitations apply. Projects carried out at AMDEL have included HMC separations at 1.5 to 3.6 specific gravity, comparative operation of HMC and DWP separators and the use of fine feed and product screens. Investigations of this type have provided a considerable amount of information on HMS plant performance and characteristics under a wide range of operating conditions.

Jan 1, 1987

A computer programming language known as GPSS is described and possible applications for the mining engineer are presented. The language is continually being upgraded with improved versions appearing about every three years. The tremendous power of the language is considered by comparing it with standard engineering programming languages, such as Fortran or Basic. Sample problems that can be solved using the language are indicated. The advantages and disadvantages of the languages are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1987

The majority of coke in Australia is made in by-product slot ovens at steelworks in Port Kembla, Newcastle and Whyalla. Most of the coals for these plants come from New South Wales but a regular proportion of Queensland coals may be introduced. The plants and the coals are reviewed in the paper.

Jan 1, 1975

The results from three quick methods for the determination of W03 in scheelite ore samples, mill products and concentrates were compared with gravimetric results and tested with standard samples to establish which was the most reliable. Summaries of the methods, two X-Ray fluorescence and one colorimetric, are given. The best method was X-Ray fluorescence, with samples cast as glass discs.

Jan 1, 1988

By M A. Vinokurova, V M. Mullov

Due to treatment of refractory carbonaceous low-grade gold ores a new technology providing improved precious metal recovery is required. For this reason, a technology including gravity, flotation, recleaning of the flotation concentrate, intensive cyanidation of the gravity concentrate and carbon in leach (CIL)-process for intensive cyanidation tailings and the recleaned concentrate was developed. The proposed technology allows to decrease preg-robbing activities of concentrates treated by subsequent cyanidation. Total gold recovery by the proposed technology from the ore with a head grade of 0.8 g/t was 83.9 per cent. The gold loading onto the activated carbon from CIL process was 6.500 g/t.

Jan 1, 2007

The chief use of manganese ore is in the production of ferromanganese alloys for steelmaking. Manganese ores generally occur in tropical areas, which influences the type of treatment required. Present methods of treatment are relatively unsophist- icated but demands by customers for tighter specifications will necessitate the installation of gravity concentrator at many mines At present only limited tonnages of minus j in. product can be sold hence future development will centre around methods of producing an agglomerate satisfactory to the smelter.

Jan 1, 1969

A number of forecasting methods are available to mine management to help predict the most likely outcome of some particular event thus enabling management to make more cost effective decisions. Three general classes of models can be used to predict future events qualitative, structural and time series, the most effective method in most cases being time series. Time series methods can be applied to predict future events from a series of past observations. Various time series techniques are reviewed with a comparison of their relative advantages and disadvantages.

Jan 1, 1980

Selection of the mining method and most appropriate mine layout for deep open cut coal mines is discussed, giving particular attention to the types of mines expected to be developed in the future in Australia. Because of the more complex nature of these operations a large number of alternatives for mine design are available, and the constraints associated with these designs are discussed. Potential problems to be overcome are identified to allow setting of realistic targets for maximum output and build-up production rates.

Jan 1, 1981

Over the last five years the :forward momentum in the Australian resources sector has been dominated by gold production and exploration companies. While reporting of exploration results to shareholders and Stock Exchanges has generally been detailed and responsible, the standards of reporting ore reserves still leaves much to be desired in terms of contemporary investor expectations. Australian gold ore reserve reporting practices are critically examined and suggestions are made as to how gold mining companies can enhance stock market recognition by investors through more informative and useful Reporting.

Jan 1, 1987

Every year my consultancy business reviews over 100 mines worldwide, primarily focusing on property and business interruption risk. What we have found is that the most successful mines have: identified their principal risks and determined what controls are required to manage or eliminate these risks; and managements systems that underpin these risks and the business in general.

Jan 1, 2003

The development of metallurgical training is briefly reviewed. The reasons for the current trend for Metallurgy Schools to become Schools of Materials Engineering or Materials Science are mentioned as is the role of Departments of Chemical Engineering in the teaching of extraction metallurgy. Some problems on academic staff recruit- ment are highlighted and predictions concerning future difficulties in industry getting adequately trained professional staff are made. The need for a special effort to attract and retain the best undergraduate students is put Forward.

Jan 1, 1987