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By Harraway DH, Tanner AC

The various circuits tried!at Mount.Isa Mines during the period 1959-1963 to improve the differential%f lotation of galena and sphalerite are reported. The benefits and disadvantages of 'the various circuits are discussed. An analysis of ore charao-beris;ics.and their effect on flotation is followed by the d~soription,of a proposed".cirouit in the process of install-ation.

Jan 1, 1963

By Masters I. M, Ozberk E, Chalkley M. E

The integration of iron rejection as hematite with the Sherritt two-stage zinc pressure leach process has been investigated on the laboratory scale. The two-stage pressure leach process is applicable for a greenfield zinc plant, or for replacement of the conventional roast-leach circuit in an existing zinc plant. An excess of zinc concentrate is used to accomplish acid neutralisation in the first stage of pressure leaching, and the residual concentrate in the first stage residue is treated with an excess of acid solution in the second stage of pressure leaching to yield high zinc extraction. Integration of hematite precipitation with this process allows for the potential sale of the iron residue, greatly decreasing the residue disposal problem. Two flowsheets containing the desirable features of both of these processes are described in this paper, along with laboratory Results.

Jan 1, 1993

Modern mining and coal cleaning techniques lead to the generation of large quantities of fines which give rise to problems in their storage, handling, transportation and further processing. Pelletisation, a method of particle agglomeration, can alleviate such problems. This paper provides a brief overview of the principles of pelletisation and a survey of the coal pelletisation literature. Then it reports results from an experimental investigation of the effect of surface active reagents on coal pelletisation. Finally the paper is concluded with a few remarks on applying the results from the experimental study to practical coal agglomeration.

Jan 1, 2000

By Dixon CA

In the early 1970s, Jim Walter Resources, Inc. (JWR) embarked on a coal mine expansion program that was unparalleled in the history of the United States. With a small nucleus of people then operating two rapidly depleting captive mines, action was initiated to develop four of the deepest mines in the United States. Because of the depth of these mines, operational and technical problems were anticipated. However, because of the high quality of the coal (Blue Creek Seam), the financial risks involved were acceptable. The total investment to get the expansion program completed (to get the new mines to full capacity) would represent an investment of over US$ 500 million.By the end of the decade of the 1970s, the Company had grown to 2100 employees who were producing 1640,000 tonne of saleable coal per year, a productivity rate of 3.9 tonne per man-shift. This productivity rate was not sufficient to maintain a profitable, viable organisation. Therefore, if the operations were going to survive, it would be necessary to improve productivity tremendously, a task which would tax the resources and imagination of all employees.

Jan 1, 1991

The New South Wales Department of Mineral Resources has, since 1974, administered the Derelict Mines Rehabilitation Program (DMRP) to reduce the environmental impacts of abandoned and orphan mine sites. The application of the DMRP is presented in case studies of sites from the South Maitland Coalfield featuring residual drainage of acidic and saline water in a semi urban and rural community setting. The acidity here is typically derived from iron oxidation in shallow underground coal mine workings and in surface emplacements of coal washery reject materials. This paper presents summary information on AMD investigation, monitoring and rehabilitation. The experiences of community expectation, stakeholder consultation and peer review are discussed.

Jan 1, 2003

Studies of the morphology of seamounts within the Hawaiian, Line Islands, Gilbert and Phoenix Seamount groups indicate that the morphology and size distribution of seamounts vary significantly from one seamount group to another. The Line Islands group appears to be the most complicated of all the groups studied thus far. This group is complicated by reactivation of volcanism, which has superimposed volcanics on sedimentary rocks. These seamounts display abundant volcanic features on their summits. Seamounts within the Hawaiian seamount chain display a marked absence of volcanic features due to the . presence of thick carbonate caps. Reef platforms and sealevel benches are very common on these seamounts but are absent from seamounts in most other seamount chains in the central Pacific. Slope angles vary regionally between seamount groups. The minimum slopes are found on Necker Ridge in the central Pacific basin. The maximum slopes are found on ridge-crest seamounts. Roughness increases proportionally with mean slope angle.

Jan 1, 1987

Much of New Zealand is comparatively young geologically in the sense that it has only recently been uplifted. In many places young marine sediments are to be found at high altitudes, as evidenced by the existence in the North Island of Pliocene shell limestones which form prominent escarpments at altitudes of about 3000 ft. inthe central part of the Island, and remnants of the same formation found on the summits of the northern Ruahin.e Range at altitudes greater than 4000 ft.

Jan 1, 1962

By Smith I. K

A Data Acquisition System with a capacity to monitor 2000 analog instruments has been installed at the mines operated by the Zinc Lorporation, Limited and New broken hill Consolidated Limited (ZC/LVbHC), New South Wales, Australia. Since commissioning in March, 1982, the system has proved its value in providing up-to-date information to both Rock Mechanics and Mining personnel. The paper describes the function of the major software and hardware components of the system, and identifies the advantages that an on-line monitoring system provides in the day-to-day operation of a large underground mine.

Jan 1, 1983

By Butcher NM, Walker GS

Argyle Diamond Mines Pty. Limited (ADM), manager and operator of the Argyle Diamond Mines Joint Venture (ADMJV) will recruit approximately 400 employees during 1985 to operate the new large-scale, open-cut diamond mine and treatment plant being developed at Argyle, in the East Kimberley Region of Western Australia. These employees will live in Perth or environs and will commute to work at Argyle via chartered jet aircraft. On site, they will be accommodated in self-contained single person's quarters, with central messing and recreational facilities. Rostering systems have not been finalised, but it is likely employees will rotate through a cycle of 14 days at site and seven-days on leave in Perth. ADM spent three years evaluating residen- tial options before deciding to commute its workforce from Perth. Another 70 senior staff will reside in Kununurra (the nearest established town, 250 km from Argyle) and commute to the mine daily by air.

Jan 1, 1984

The purpose of this paper is to provide some practical commercial advice in relation to issues of access and trespass during exploration. It is not my intention to provide a detailed analysis of the applicable law because this is not the appropriate forum for latin maxims and turgid case studies. Instead I will explain the issues in sufficient detail to enable those who are not familiar,with the legal concepts to understand their obligations and responsibilities in relation to exploration activities. Take as an example a situation where a company (for the sake of attempted light relief, called Rogue Mining) holds an exploration tenement adjacent to one held by Lamb Exploration. In conducting aerial exploration activities over its own tenement Rogue overflies the tenement held by Lamb, doesn't turn off its equipment and accidentally collects data in respect of the adjacent land. In analysing that data it becomes apparent to Rogue that there is a substantial anomaly on the adjacent land of which Lamb is apparently unaware. Rogue subsequently negotiates to purchase an interest in Lamb's tenement.

Jan 1, 1995

By Gochin RJ

This paper focuses on measures of the economic significance of mineral exploitation and processing activities, such as beneficiation, refining and smelting. Empirical measures are suggested to quantify the relevance of the degree processing within a nation's mineral industry. The most useful, based on the input-output econometric framework, are used to establish the magnitude of links between the mineral industry and its satellite activities and for the appraisal of large, non-marginal projects. The input-output impact analysis is refined to allow for country specific behaviour and synthetic indices for the appraisal of investments in the mineral sector are developed. These indices are further improved with the introduction of shadow prices to incorporate socio-economic issues. They are useful to direct mineral policy decisions and several investments towards the most promising objectives for national goals. Finally traditional methods for the appraisal of small scale, marginal, mineral projects are assessed where local impact and regional development issues are more relevant than national ones.

Jan 1, 1993

By Van Rensburg C S J

The options that are open to engineers for cooling mines are limited and are primarily dependent upon the thermophysical properties of coolants. These properties are carefully analysed in the context of cooling mines and a comparison is drawn among Ammonia (R717), Monochlorodifluoromethane' (R22), Dichlorodifluoromethane (R12) and Water (R718). From this comparison the extent of Ammonia's superiority as refrigerant is Evident.

Jan 1, 1988

By D Stow, R Goodridge, K J. Molloy

A range of explosives has been specifically developed for soft ground blasting. These explosives can be used in both wet and dry blasting conditions, range in density from 0.3 - 1.2 g/cc and range in VoD from 2 - 4.5 km/s. This range of explosives has the potential to be tailored to ground type and is predicted to be suitable for a variety of applications which include: blasting in soft to medium overburden, coal blasting, wall control, and low vibration blasting. Trials have been conducted in several applications with encouraging results. Several cast/throw blasts have been conducted with these products partially replacing either ANFO or Heavy ANFO. The results from the blast have been equivalent in cast (per cent) and at reduced cost per unit volume. These products have also been used in presplit blasting and have again achieved equivalent or better results when compared to conventional presplit blasting at a lower cost per unit volume. This product has also been used in a vibration sensitive area replacing traditional explosive products, and generating excellent fragmentation and digging whilst maintaining vibration limits. This new range of products, NOVALITE, has shown great potential in many applications either reducing cost per unit volume, improving wall quality or improving productivity in environmentally sensitive areas.

Jan 1, 2001

This paper addresses; land use, rehabilitation and the State/Federal regulatory process, in light of Australia signing various international conventions and agreements in the area of environmental protection. The conventions on biological diversity, climate change and the implications of the Rio and Agenda 21 declarations are examined. The implementation of these initiatives through the Inter-Governmental Agreement on the Environment, and through legistlative mechanisms at Federal and State level is explored.Particular attention is given to the biodiversity strategy in context of the need to integrate economic aspirations and environmental concerns as a basis for sustsainable development. The paper concludes with a brief comparison of the major approval processes in each State, relating to mining environmental issues.

Jan 1, 1992

The development of the lower Hunter Valley, centred around Newcastle and its suburbs is closely linked to the mining of coal and the settlements which grew to house the colliery officials, the miners and their families. The Port of Newcastle expanded and developed as a port exporting coal to many ports of the world ranging from Hawaii and Brazil to Japan and Korea. The coal which passed through the Port of Newcastle, depend- ing on the historical period in question may have been mined in Newcastle itself, or one of the nearby colliery townships such as Lambton, Wallsend, Charlestown or Hamilton, or from one of the estuarine collieries located at Carrington or Stockton or from the West Wallsend area or from East Greta, Pelaw Main or Cess- nock located on the South Maitland (Greta) coal field or from the open cut and underground mines of the Singleton Coal District.

Jan 1, 1988

The cement industry requires large quan- tities of limestone, its main raw material. It is the major consumer of this mineral. Limestone is widely distributed throughout Australia but location in relation to major markets, and transport considerations render most deposits of no economic value. Of those which are sufficiently close to the major me- tropolitan markets many are rejected as being unsuitable on grounds of quality, inadequate size for major development, or other reasons such as environmental considerations. Detailed geological investigations are necessary, not only to prove raw material sources prior to establishment of a cement works but also to permit planned extraction programmes and satisfactory grade control during subsequent development. Conventional field techniques have generally proved adequate for raw material exploration. Data assessment and reserves estimation also are by conventional methods although the specific requirements of the industry relating to raw material and cement quality, the type of manufacturing process and fuel used are relevant. A number of case studies from different geological environ- ments are examined and comparisons made bet- ween the predictions of the exploration stage and subsequent experience in quarrying prac- Tice.

Jan 1, 1979

By Liu H, Chen S

Natroalunite is one of colouring minerals in kaolin. In this investigation, natroalunite, on which Ca(II) was adsorbed, was flocculated by HPAM and kaolin was depressed in suspension. The adsorption of Ca(II) on the natroalunite surface was studied by zeta-potential measurement and Auger Electron Spectroscopy analysis. Ca(II) was adsorbed more on the natroalunite surface than on the kaolin surface. The mechanism of Ca(II) adsorption was considered to be chemical adsorption on natroalunite and to be physical adsorption on kaolin. It has been found that Na6P6O18 and Na2Si04 can strongly affect Ca(II) adsorption on the surface of kaolin, but weakly on the surface of natroalunite. The effects of degree of hydrolysis and the molecular weight of HPAM, the effect of pH and the effect of Ca(II) have been studied. The kaolin ore, containing SO3 1.05 per cent has been processed with this method. The products only containing S03 0.36 per cent and the weight ratio of concentrate 52.27 per cent were Obtained.

Jan 1, 1993

By Peres EC

The flotability of monazite, zircon and rutile in the presence of sodium oleate, potassium octyl hydroxamate and a commercial hydroxamate was investigated through microflotation tests in a modified Hallimond tube. Zeta potential determinations in the absence/presence of collectors were performed in a microelectrophoretical cell. The microflotation testwork showed that, in general, the flotability characteristics of all three minerals are very similar. Commercial hydroxamate is, by far, a stronger collector than the pure potassium octyl hydroxamate. Electrokinetic studies indicated that the adsorption of collectors shifts the isoelectric point (IEP) of the minerals towards lower pH values. These collectors also are capable of changing the zeta potential values to more negative figures in the pH region above the isoelectric point. An increase of the conditioning temperature, generally, enhances the floatability of the three minerals. A depressant is required in order that selective flotation is feasible in the system monazite-zircon-ruffle. Sodium metasilicate is an efficient depressant for zircon and rutile and affects only slightly the flotability of Monazite.

Jan 1, 1993

Highwall mining commenced in the Appalachian region 50 years ago. With innovative equipment design introduced in more recent times, penetration distances over 300 m are now commonplace. It is only in the last three years that highwall mining has become part of the Australian coal industry. Geotechnical evaluation is an integral part of the Australian procedures, and although still being refined, has already proven its worth. Statutory guidelines have also been prepared for operations in Queensland. This paper explores trends in equipment design, geotechnical prediction, operating techniques and statutory requirements with regard to highwall mining Australia's coal deposits. A quick assessment guide to assist in the evaluation of potential sites is included.

Jan 1, 1992

By A B. Bell

The health and in some cases survival of mineral exploration and mining companies is, in today's markets, more dependant than ever on the effective use of information technology. The need for speedy collection, organisation, maintenance and distribution of corporate and project information is a phenomenon that will continue to strengthen with market thirst.Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a medium for storage, maintenance and retrieval of data, and Internet Mapping adds a technology for effective distribution of that data. Combining these technologies can return benefits both fiscally and technically by reducing costs of ownership in IT infrastructure and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of both internal and external information delivery.GIS and Internet Mapping technologies have reached a practical stanza in their evolution and will continue to develop as a key business tool in the natural resources sector.

Jan 1, 2002