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By V. O. Tenorio, K. P. Hague

Mines are constantly trying to improve production processes by optimizing work cycles, reducing operational delays, minimizing costs, controlling equipment utilization, and preventing occupational hazards. Currently, advances in digital mining technologies within the concepts of 5G and Industrial Touch Internet are allowing better control and monitoring of underground mining equipment, with centralized control systems that unify data analysis for proper decision making. A wireless 5G-based platform for controlling and monitoring systems for underground mine operations can be designed over a comprehensive layout in where bandwidth selection, sensor location, Wi-Fi repeaters and power distribution are put together to build a successful supervisory system. In order to confirm the validation of these concepts, a case study is proposed for a medium-sized underground mine with a multi-level network which includes tablets managed by production supervisors, along with other data collection devices installed in semi-autonomous mining equipment, collecting, and distributing data in near-real time, with interconnection to support and services areas on the surface.

Mar 2, 2022

By S. S. Szoke

The concrete masonry industry, represented by the National Concrete Masonry Association has significantly expanded its markets since the industry's inception. The concrete masonry industry has developed and refined concrete masonry units by producing a variety of quality products on automated machines. In the sixties, architectural concrete masonry units gained popularity. In the seventies, the concrete paver market expanded. In the eighties, segmental retaining wall units became popular. The industry continues to research and develop new products and applications for concrete masonry to satisfy the needs of designers, specifiers, installers and owners. Both existing and innovative technologies in the concrete masonry industry are discussed.

Jan 1, 1993

By J. Perlacia, J. M. Eguiluz

"INTRODUCTION The Bulk Handling Technology has suffered an important development in the recent years, allowing the use of conveyor belts in the most important and critical applications. As a consequence of this, the reliability and lasting performance of the conveyor belt components is becoming more and more significant, thus the implementation of preventive maintenance programs is a must. The rollers are one of the consumables in the conveyor belts, which have to be changed once arrived to the end of life. The actual ways of detecting this moment always require intensive use of labour and they are not very accurate. Indeed, if the rollers get broken before replacement, the consequences could be very important, generating additional costs and operational losses. The R&D Department of ULMA Conveyor Components, has been working since early 2012 on the development of Monitored Rollers along with a Management Software to provide users the capacity to Manage and Monitor the rollers from its desk, getting continuous online information on the internal temperature of the bearings, on the working status of the rollers as well as the identification of the rollers close to their end of life so that they could be changed during the next maintenance stop of the conveyor belt. In short, a system of Preventive Maintenance for Conveyor Belt Rollers BACKGROUND AND CURRENT STATE The malfunction of a single roller in certain conveyor belts can suppose the standstill of the whole installation until its replacement, due to the risk of greater and more expensive failures like the rip of the belt. In the case of a bulk handling installation where a continuous supply of material is necessary, a bare stop of one hour could entail huge economical losses. What’s more, many conveyor belts are several kilometers length or the access to some parts of them is very complicated. Due to these difficulties the inspection and maintenance operations can become expensive and hard going, with staff going over the whole area checking the correct condition of the conveyor and rollers, which means a dangerous activity. In addition, it’s quite common to find rollers working in very harsh conditions, completely exposed to the elements or working in corrosive closed environments like underground mines. These tough working conditions together with the very demanding features of Bulk Handling sector (high loads, speed, dangerous materials etc.) can bring the unexpected failure of a roller, even being designed to support them. Thus, to have the working conditions of the rollers real time is clearly required, in order to achieve an actual predictive maintenance of the system and avoid fatal failures. Nowadays the most common procedures to identify a broken roller is to hear how it sounds or use thermo-graphic cameras to measure their internal temperature, both of them implying workers inspecting the whole length of the conveyor while the conveyor is running. This means intense use of workmanship and operational safety level reduction."

Jan 1, 2018

By José Mujica, Mónica Campos, María Fe Campos

The extraction and processing of metals and other minerals have played an important role in economic, political and social development worldwide, from the early stages of prehistory to the present day (Gosner, 2020). Mining has been a fundamental part of human civilization, providing the raw materials necessary for technological, infrastructure and industrial advances. As society progresses, the importance of mining continues to grow, supporting the development of everything from the smallest electronic devices to the tallest skyscrapers (Escamilla, 2024). The economy of a nation is connected to its extractive industries (Moreira and McMahon, 2014), which have seen dramatic growth in recent years (Pietrobelli et al., 2018). In a context of increasing demand for natural resources, driven by the development of emerging technologies, the expansion of infrastructure and the foundation of engineering achievements for the coming decades (Minerals Education Coalition, 2024), mining should focus efforts on global development, requiring a comprehensive approach to sustainability that addresses the planet’s needs and protects the well-being, primarily, of the communities and environments where mining operations take place (Figari, 2024). In these areas, diversity and inclusion should be promoted, thus fostering equitable and sustainable development. The sustainable development goals (SDGs), also known as the global goals, could serve as a key framework for fostering a strong social management culture in mining. The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 (United Nations Development Programme, n.d.). Companies have compelling reasons to align their actions with the SDGs, as their long-term success depends on healthy communities. This is a major challenge that requires collaborative efforts (Singh and Rahman, 2021). As Fraser (2021) mentions, achieving more sustainable outcomes may involve mining companies and communities working together collaboratively. This article proposes an innovative approach: Inclusive mining for sustainable development, which aims not only to maximize economic profitability but also to promote social and environmental well-being by integrating the UN’s SDGs, primar)ily focused on diversity and inclusion. This can be achieved through the implementation of a key value-added initiative for mining companies: the creation and operation of a corporate volunteering program aimed at developing and executing inclusive practices to promote gender equality, the inclusion of local communities and indigenous peoples, and accessibility for people with disabilities. This proposal will educate employees and stakeholders about sustainability and promote concrete actions through corporate volunteering to strengthen the mining company’s commitment to community development, improve social relations and advance toward achieving the UN’s SDGs, establishing the company as a global change agent.

Nov 1, 2025

By G. R. Harrod

Effective mine operation demands that the right people have the right information at the right time. Caterpillar's Mining and Earthmoving Technology System (METS) meets this demand by providing "real-time" information transfer between the mine offices and machines equipped with the Caterpillar Computer Aided Earthmoving System (CAES). Transfers of mine plans from the mine planning software to CAES-equipped machines give operators access to current mine plans within minutes of their creation. Additionally, office personnel have access to a current digital terrain model (DTM) of the mine site as it is updated in "real-time" by CAES-equipped machines. METS provides mine personnel in operations, planning, and management the information they need when they need it.

Jan 1, 1998

By R. R. Smith

The meaning of the title, "Blank Piece of Paper," refers to the need for management to take a completely fresh viewpoint to the problems facing our industry. These problems are so severe and some so new that conventional thinking may not be adequate to resolve them. Innovation has to be a part of every company's approach to the solutions, our concept is to start with a "Blank Piece of Paper.' The objective of 'this paper is to outline steps which can be taken to improve the profitability of a mining business. This is not an examination of technical solutions to individual problems, but rather recommendations for overall change in management thinking. This philosophy is based on our actual, hands-on experience in major open pit operations worldwide over the past 25 years.

Jan 1, 1987

By J. R. Gaw

Recent events pertaining to U. S. energy needs and development of alternative energy fuel resources have made the American public more aware of past and present coal mining operations, and their impacts on the nation's economy and environment. This awareness has developed rapidly due to increased government involvement and consequent media coverage. This is true particularly in the Western states and in Texas. One of the consequences of this increased public awareness is public concern over the perceived and real consequences of mining operations. Emphasis has been placed on potential releases of toxic and hazardous substances, and possible carcinogens. The result of this public concern is a mounting effort at both state and Federal levels to promote stricter laws regulating the mining industry.

Jan 1, 1992

By D. L. Stevens

Following an in-depth scenario and strategic planning exercise in 1997, Noranda's mine production goal was set at 500,000 tonnes per year of both copper and zinc metal within five years. There had been no recent discoveries, reserves were shrinking and things had to be done differently and quickly. Change is now continual in our program but here is what we did first: Combined the exploration and business development groups Formed teams to search for and respond to opportunity Made our geologists more business minded and our engineers more optimistic Went global Set clear thresholds, farmed out the marginal properties, fast tracked the others Focused reconnaissance exploration where we had a clear competitive advantage Became a "flexible" partner to both juniors and seniors Is it working? A number of successes, near successes, and outright failures are discussed. The main result is a much higher rate of opportunity flux which is essential for success in the mining industry.

Jan 1, 1999

By L. Gutierrez, S. Gering, C. Calderon-Arteaga

"INTRODUCTION Drill and blast (DnB) represents the most important, and sometimes the most costly processes in a mine.. The cost of drilling and blasting operations greatly contributes to the “high cost trends of the overall mining operations” (Afum B. O. and Temeng V. A. 2015). The use of available information to improve the DnB processes can be the difference between a highly expensive process and an optimized one. Mining operations have access to several types of data sets and key information from a wide variety of different systems. This information is normally used to improve, evaluate and apply processes for drilling and blasting. This may include different types of data from the different stages of the process (before, during, and after the drilling and blasting operations), such as hole locations (planned and actual), penetration rates, drill operators, fragmentation (expected and resulting), explosive (design and usage), geology, vibration, and others. This information can be used on its own or combined for further analysis to reduce costs, improve safety, and evaluate results. Fortunately, due to advances in mining software, drill and blast engineers can exploit this data and create reports to evaluate results and improve the DnB process. However, as users start combining information from multiple datasets and establishing standard operating procedures for reporting this data across multiple sites, it becomes valuable to create auditable, automated, and sustainable processes for handling the information. In many cases the task of aggregating and standardizing the data formats has already been completed and is available to consumers via the Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW). A data warehouse team extracts data from the source systems and transforms it so that it is meaningful for decision support (Barbara H. Wixom, Hugh J. Watson, 2007). Our initial implementation plan for the DnB solution included using data stored at the sites; however we learned early on in the process that much of the work for aggregating and supplying the required data was already completed. The goal for this case study is two-fold: to show how information can be used to make decisions and improve processes, highlighting the value of using an EDW for managing Drill&Blast information; and to discuss how technical challenges encountered during the implementations were resolved. This paper is targeted at users that want to better manage their DnB data or try to set up standardized workflows for using this information. This case study will discuss the process of implementing a DnB workflow at multiple sites within Freeport McMoRan Inc (FMI) using both data at the sites and information available using the EDW. The paper will begin with an overview of the project. The discussion will then describe how DnB processes were used to set up daily workflows in order to provide information for evaluating process and making decisions. The final section will discuss some of the technical challenges and how they were solved, as well as possible next steps for further improving the workflow."

Jan 1, 2017

By Lennart Mukka

This paper describes the experiences from construction of a new ventilation system in LKABs Kiruna Mine in Sweden as well as the choice of the method for air flow regulation with concern of life cycle cost and the description of the foundation design. The evaluation of the performance test will be presented.

Jan 1, 1997

By D. Royston

A novel low-cost technology is described that treats excavation waters in estuarine environments where water coloration due to humic material is present, along with acidity, turbidity, sediment and salinity. The process treats all the components in the water to produce a clear (color-free) water stream that meets requirements for direct discharge to local estuarine waterways.

Jan 1, 2003

By W. J. Halvorsen

Means for minimizing the disadvantages of thermal drying are suggested. The other ap¬proach of substituting other techniques in place of thermal drying is also discussed. Recent devel¬opments in fine coal screening dry down to 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) and 2.0 mm (10 mesh) offer an econom¬ical means in certain cases.

Jan 1, 1988

By Garry W. Stevenson

Data from many case histories reporting tunnel boring machine penetration rates in rock with unconfined compressive strengths greater than 70 MPa (10,000psi) are summarized. The case history data are useful for comparing estimated penetration rates with historic performance in similar rock types, particularly in granitic and metamorphic rocks. TBM exhibit higher penetration rates in sedimentary rocks than in granitic and metamorphic rocks. Data for the two groups of rocks are summarized separately.

Jan 1, 1999

By Janusz Cygankiewicz, Marian Branny, Józef Wactawik

The paper presents mathematical model of concealed fire. We consider a porous medium (goaf, coal fissures) through which air flows. The set of equations is constituted by transient, two dimensional mass, momentum and energy balance equations with sources describing oxygen loss and heat generation caused by coal oxidation. Paper presents several examples illustrating the phenomenon of spontaneous heating in goaf areas behind longwall faces.

Jan 1, 1997

By Xingshen Wang, Xuefeng Liu

This paper introduces the methods of adjustment over air pressure, air quantity and the method of comprehensive adjustment over air resistance during a mine ventilation survey. The method of selection of weight value for the adjustment is discussed. Finally a calculating method in regard to saving computer memory units and speeding up calculating process is described.

Jan 1, 1989

By S. Yang

Based on an analysis of the features found in Chinese surface coal-mining areas, including areas that have already been developed and areas that are in the process of being developed, this paper discusses some rational coal-haulage systems. An optimal decision-making model, which includes a geological model, a mining model and an economic estima¬tion model, was developed for the selection of a coal-haulage system. A case study is presented.

Jan 1, 2000

By L. B. Hales

Color video or digital cameras have been installed over flotation cells to monitor color, bubble size, froth movement, and other characteristics. These systems are designed so that the camera provides flotation performance information just as any other sensor might. Factorial tests have been run to monitor and measure the variation in froth characteristics as a function of flotation control settings. Ultimately, it is envisioned that froth image sensors can be used to monitor and control the flotation performance as effectively and for less cost than current analytical systems.

Jan 1, 1999

By B. D. Nichols, R. Idzorek, W. S. Gregory

A numerical procedure to model flow networks using a node-based approach is discussed, and the analysis encompasses both steady-state and transient solutions. A family of computer codes has been developed using the node-based approach. This technique is illustrated by applying two of the computer codes to mine ventilation networks.

Jan 1, 1987

By K. N. Hebbar, R. G. Reddy

Spent potliners (SPL) were declared hazardous waste under RCRA (K088) in July, 1990. The glass formation characteristics of the SPL was studied. The SPL glassy matrix were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy. Results showed that SPL can be fixed in a glassy matrix with the addition of sand and limestone. The optimum amounts of additives were determined for obtaining the best glass formation characteristics.

Jan 1, 1995

By D. J. Shields

The Sustainable Minerals Roundtable was established in 1999 to develop a set of national level indicators to measure the contributions of mineral and energy systems to sustainable development in the USA. The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey are sponsors of the Sustainable Minerals Roundtable, with meetings convened by the University of Nevada, Reno. Eighteen meetings have been held in various regions of the United States to receive input from different communities of interest. Indicators are being prepared under four criteria: legal and institutional, productive capacity, environmental impact, and socio-economic. This paper reviews the process followed by the Sustainable Minerals Roundtable, and presents the priority indicators.

Jan 1, 2003