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Economic recovery of valuable natural resources is enhanced through an integrated approach to establishing and operating the mine.Gordonstone has a unique and valuable high quality coal and the basic aim for the mine is to satisfy customers through high standards of safety, productivity and reliability and genuine regard for its people.Gordonstone defined its main resources available for recovery of its natural resource and has designed and built facilities which display technical and engineering excellence.But to build a world class mine Gordonstone recognised the need to take a large- step beyond relying on technical excellence. In designing Gordonstone mine all aspects of coal mining were treated as part of an integrated process.This paper will explain the route Gordonstone has taken and will continue to take into the future in using an integrated approach to mining.

Jan 1, 1993

Some only types of bank finance are appropriate for mining development, with conventional fixed rate finance having significant limitations of flexibility. New, innovative and flexible instruments have recently been utilised within project financing packages. A strictly limited number of specialist project finance banks exists, with the necessary specialist personnel able to address project cost-competitiveness, cost and commodity forecasting, joint venture negotiations, and completion and sales undertakings. Different techniques of internal bank appraisal are applied, with the usual equity investment project valuation criteria being seldom useful for loan assessment purposes. Company attention paid to the preparation of a sensitively structured bankable presentation can prove most effective for securing development project finance. Substantial scope is possible for savings of time and money.

Jan 1, 1983

By G Lane, S Morrell

The design of the 12 m diameter SAG mill installed at the Cadia Hill Mine in New South Wales followed after two years of extensive laboratory and pilot plant testwork. The testwork showed the Cadia ores to be hard and competent necessitating the use of both a variable speed SAG mill drive and pebble crushing. The grinding power requirements for the SAG mill was based on engineering in-house grinding software, pilot plant data and simulations using JK SimMet software. Surveys of the SAG mill operation during the first four weeks showed the feed size distribution, transfer size and pebble rate to be lower or less than those for which it was designed. To compensate for the lower pebble rate, the SAG ball load was increased. This resulted in the total comminution circuit power being some 0.5 kWh/t higher than predicted. The JK SimMet SAG model has been modified to take account of these variations.

Jan 1, 2000

Modern, research-based approaches to mineral exploration are essential to the future maintenance of the mineral industry. These need to fully utilise the rapidly expanding growth of understanding of the evolution of the earth's crust, and be properly integrated with advances in understanding of chemical and physical processes involved in ore formation. BMR has a major role to play in supporting the growth and utilisation of this research base, as well as maintaining the national geological and geophysical bases which are essential both to tactical and strategic interests of Australia and of its mineral industry. The objective development of data-process modelling is one target of such strategic research based on a more integrated approach to research by BMR, mineral companies, CSIRO and the universities with emphasis given to promoting positive feedback during research activities. Examples of the success of strategic research in Australia and overseas are noted in the Text.

Jan 1, 1986

As part of the response to the increased demand for products such as iron ore, coal and gold many resource companies have identified the need to develop strategies focused on attracting high demand professionals and retaining current employees in the business. Recent graduates are entering a time where they can expect high starting salaries, attractive benefits and lifestyle options. At the same time high work expectations and large demands on both personal and professional development will also be the norm. Some of the challenges faced may include high demands on performance, working with limited resources, long hours, and tackling unfamiliar areas of work with little guidance. However, managing your career and these challenges effectively can give you valuable experience in a short amount of time. By offering situations from my relatively short, yet active, career in the mining industry during these boom times I will raise some key points on how to best leverage your commodity and make the most of a bullish market.

Jan 1, 2006

This paper explores options worthy of consideration in the management of S02 produced from the gold roasting operations at Kalgoorlie. Some of the options have relevance to other sources of SO2 in the region, eminating from nickel smelting operations. The paper considers the following options: 1. Capture of SO2 within the roaster where sulphur-containing reaction products are mixed with the calcine. 2. Processes in which the sulphur-containing products are bled separately from the stack for further treatment or for dumping as a waste. These include: Seawater-based scrubbing of SO2; Sulphuric acid manufacture as a feedstock for fertiliser production or for leaching of bauxite; its use as Caro's acid: and the production of value-added sulphur-containing reagents eg liquid S02 and sulphonic acid.

Jan 1, 1992

The exploration methods used by the British Coal Corporation in 1990 improve the geological reliability of underground coal production. Although some of the techniques in common use have been proved to be effective, their limitations are recognised and concentration has been on the increasing integration of direct and remote sensing techniques. Attention is focussed onto first seam workings in sections of at least 2 metres in the depth range of 400-1200 metres and covers both surface and underground exploration. The case studies of exploration techniques and their effect on mine design at several existing collieries are representative of a wide range of geological environments within the more productive British coalfields. Notwithstanding such improvements in exploration and geological reliability, further new exploration technology is currently being investigated or trialled by British Coal.

Jan 1, 1991

By S C. Dominy

The Minerals Education Australia program is offering a tertiary learning environment for the global mining industry. The Minerals Council of Australia has instigated this initiative, which is run by the Minerals Tertiary Education Council. The program is a pioneering partnership between the Australian minerals industry, Australian governments and key Australian universities. It is designed to deliver key undergraduate and postgraduate courses for tomorrowÆs minerals industry professionals in the fields of geoscience, mining and minerals engineering and metallurgy. The flagship course for geoscience professionals is the G3 Masters program. This is a coursework-based degree supported by the Minerals Tertiary Education Council, and a partnership between James Cook University, the University of Tasmania and the University of Western Australia. These partners represent the leading-edge providers of minerals geoscience education and R&D in Australia. The G3 program provides the full spectrum of post-graduate training skills in exploration, mining and economic geology topics.

Jan 1, 2003

Stereological transformation relies on knowledge of the textural characteristic that governs the relationship between the one-, two- and three-dimensional liberation spectrum. Transformation functions can be built from fractionation of real mineralogical particles. Alternatively, transformation functions can be built from simulated textures, geometrical textures or artificial textures. These transformation functions can be useful when the texture of an ore has not yet been characterised for the preliminary assessment of liberation. Recently, Lin et al (1995) developed a methodology for generating such an artificial texture. The artificial texture can be used to produce broken particles of known volumetric composition. Data from image analysis on several artificially generated samples is readily available, and can be used to build the associated stereological transformation function. In this work, the methodology for calculating the transformation function from LinÆs artificial texture is presented. The new texture is implemented for stereological transformation applications.

Jan 1, 2008

Modern off-highway trucks have evolved over 30 years from small 20 ton units to vehic- les with capacities of up to 170 tons. Diesel engines are used by all manufacturers while transmissions are either mechanical or electri- cal. Development over the years has kept pace with component availability from engine, trans- mission and tyre manufacturers.Computer simula- tion studies are recognised for purposes of vehicle evaluation and costing under various op- erating conditions. Several manufacturers are currently manufacturing or evaluating vehicles with capacities of up to 260 tons. This paper describes the essential facts associated with the operation of off-highway trucks of the rear dump type in the mining industry.

Jan 1, 1973

By Shanahorn C

During the last decade the proper training of operating and maintenance staff has been recognised as directly contributing to the successful startup and continuing operations of a metallurgical project. During this period Bechtel has assisted clients in the design, development and implementation of such training. The clients have been located in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Africa, China and North America. The programmes have addressed mobile and fixed plant operations and maintenance in coal, copper, gold, borax and other mining environments. The level of sophistication has varied from highly structured and documented instruction to less formal, yet controlled efforts to reorient and enhance the skills of experienced workers to training personnel with no previous work experience. Many lessons have been learned, some easier than others. This presentation will recount the elements of various projects which enhanced and detracted from the cost-effective achievement of the goals which training was

Jan 1, 1986

The number of employees required to operate a continuous operation was determined. The fixed and variable costs of the operation were separated, generally along the lines of labour and stores components. Proprietary `MicroPlanner' scheduling software was used to assess resource utilisation under the constraints generated by seven-day operation to determine the level of resources required and ensure that the maximum use was being made of all resources. The mine economic model was used to account for both the fixed and variable costs of the various task to determine the cost and net revenue of the various scenarios. The analysis indicated that mine output could be increased while reducing the unit production cost. Several eight- and 12-hour, seven-day rosters were sourced and ranked for their potential to improve production and communication, and for their effect on employee health and lifestyle.

Jan 1, 1995

Subsidence issues associated with historic mine workings have highlighted the need for enhanced geotechnical management of the Martha pit over the remaining life. In conjunction with a detailed analysis of pit slope issues a comprehensive geotechnical management plan has been developed at Martha and is being used as the basis for development of similar plans in other Newmont operations.   This paper covers the geotechnical issues facing the Martha operation and the development and application of the management plan.

Jan 1, 2004

Some fundamental aspects of recent single-particle fracture studies are reviewed. Findings from this research shed new light on the utilisation of energy during comminution operations and provide useful pointers to new research directions that could lead to significantly better comminution machines. Two methods for quantitatively predicting mineral liberation during comminution are reviewed. These methods have been developed into useful practical procedures, but they are almost unknown in the mineral processing community. Their use should promote the consideration of mineral liberation as an important variable to be considered during the design and operating control of comminution circuits.

Jan 1, 1993

Regional problems, such as political risk and debt reschedulings, in Pacific Rim nations coupled with the price volatility of gold mean that multi-faceted financing packages are needed to offset the many risks inherent in a new gold mine development. The cross-border risks of getting money back out of a producing mine may require the involvement of export credit agencies, multilateral government banks, or political risk insurance. Variations on forward gold sales, gold loans, or offset structures can also enhance the flexibility and safety for the providers of both the debt and equity. The region will become as large a gold producer as South Africa by 1990. The large dollar amounts for both investment and revenues realised are of great significance to the economies of many of the Pacific Rim countries especially as a means to increase foreign exchange earnings.

Jan 1, 1987

By Hutchinson H

Froth flotation is applied to mineral sand concentrates in order to produce commercially viable xenotime concentrates. Experiments indicate that a xenotime product containing 38% Y203 at 47% recovery or 34% Y203 at 83% recovery can be obtained from a 27% Y203 feed. The process involves a primary stage of reverse flotation at which oxide and silicate gangue is floated, and secondary stage of direct flotation at which xenotime is floated. Of the various collectors screened an amphoteric compound was found to be effective at both stages. This was made possible by the addition of sodium silicate at the second stage, which acted as depressant for the remainder of the gangue. Similar studies on a low grade feed material were somewhat unsatisfactory as the grade achieved fell short of what was targeted.

Jan 1, 1990

By Anderson D

Investigation of a water inflow into Wongawilli Mine in the Southern Coalfield of New South Wales included algal analysis. The determination of algae in the water suggested an external water source. An alternative hypothesis proposed that algae are inherent in a coal mine environment. Investigations to determine the validity of these hypotheses and provide information on the viability and longevity of algae under adverse conditions were conducted in the mine and the laboratory. Results indicated that a mine environment is not natural to algae and is not conducive to their growth. These findings support the hypothesis of introduction of surface water to the mine workings. They indicate that, in the absence of other available techniques, algae can be an effective tracer for use in the determination of a water source.

Jan 1, 1988

By K Inoue

The pressure oxidation of molybdenite concentrates in acidic and alkaline media has been studied. The conditions of the selective oxidation of copper and iron sulphide minerals with a quantitative copper leaching by ferrous-ferric-sulphate solution have been found and explained from the point of view of electrochemical kinetics. The partly oxidised residue consisting of molybdenite and (hydro-) oxide of iron (III) was then decomposed by oxygen in alkaline media. Effects of the main parameters, such us oxygen pressure, leaching temperature, solid-liquid phase ratio, autoclave stirring speed as well as lixiviants nature on the molybdenite oxidation rate have been established.

Jan 1, 2000

This paper sets out a number of means by which professionals can reduce or eliminate the risk of professional liability whether as directors, employees, partners, independent consultants or contractors. A relationship between client and professional is commonly cited as an example of a fiduciary relationship: the professional "undertakes or agrees to act for or on behalf of or in the interests of' the client "in the exercise of a power or discretion which will affect the interests of that other person in a legal or practical sense."2 As a fiduciary, a professional must ensure that his or her exercise of power does not result in a position of ascendancy or undue influence over the client. Also, a professional must avoid situations where there is scope for even the perception of potential conflict between his or her professional duty to the client and his or her own Interest.

Jan 1, 1995

By Angove JE, Johnson GD

Sulphide concentrates are produced in a wide range of mineral processing operations. In the case of base metals they are further treated by smelting and/or hydrometallurgical techniques. In the case of refractory gold ores, sulphide concentrates containing gold are roasted or oxidised by various hydrometallurgical processes. This paper discusses the development of the Activox(R) Process which can provide an alternative method for treating sulphide concentrates. This process consists of fine or ultra-fine milling, followed by mild pressure oxidation to produce solutions of base metals or to liberate refractory gold. Base metal solutions (eg of nickel and cobalt) can be further processed by solvent extraction and electrowinning, while refractory gold can be recovered by cyanidation. The economics of the Activox(R) Process are often better than alternative oxidation techniques.

Jan 1, 1993