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By S H. Begg

There is strong evidence that many major oil and gas (O&G) projects are plagued by large cost and schedule overruns, or significant underperformance in productivity. Similar evidence exists for large mining projects. This paper claims that uncertainty is the underlying reason why projects fail to deliver the metrics used to justify their investment, or to deliver the economic value possible if alternative decisions had been made.Most technical and economic analyses are performed to reduce uncertainty to help make decisions. Decision-making is about ranking alternatives and choosing the best; rarely are precise predictions required, if this is even possible. Better uncertainty assessment is one of the keys to better decisions, thus better business outcomes. To get better decisions it is suggested that the focus or reward/penalty incentives be shifted away from the quality of outcomes to the quality of decisions. High-quality decisions are those that are generated from the skilled use of the tools, methodologies and processes from the discipline of decision analysis.Uncertainty is quantified by probability, which is a degree of belief in the truth/falsity of some proposition about a quantity relevant to a decision, such as volume of in-place resource, future price or action of a competitor. The probability a person ascribes to a proposition depends upon their information set; hence probability is subjective – it is not an inherent attribute of the quantity of interest or the physical system.The above simple observations have profound implications for modelling approaches, how they deal with uncertainty, the use of data to help assess uncertainty and the reliability of information provided by subject-matter experts. The limited circumstances under which frequency data (from spatial or temporal variables) can be used to assign probabilities is also reviewed.People, in general, are subject to a range of biases and cognitive errors. Research with O&G subject-matter experts shows that their expertise offers little or no protection from making errors in probability assessments and other judgements.CITATION:Begg, S H, 2016. Decisions, decisions – uncertainty, variability, modelling and psychology, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 9–18 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

By K. G. Philo, R. C. W. Webber-Youngman

mining, where data-driven decision making optimizes resource extraction, enhances safety, and ensures sustainability. The adoption of digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things has amplified the importance of digital information. However, the integrity and security of this information are paramount, leading to the exploration of blockchain technology as a potential solution for secure digital value exchange in mining. This research examines blockchain's capabilities, drawing insights from its applications in sectors like banking, government, healthcare, and entertainment, and evaluates their relevance to mining's core value chain processes. The study identifies blockchain's distributed ledger technology, cryptographic security, and decentralization as unique advantages that can revolutionize mining by enhancing transaction speed, reducing costs, and improving supply chain transparency and compliance with sustainability standards. Blockchain's transparent and auditable records can enhance business transparency, fostering trust among stakeholders, including investors and regulatory bodies. The technology's consensus mechanisms and smart contracts further promote trust in collaborative ventures. This research provides a foundational understanding for decision-makers in the mining industry to evaluate blockchain's feasibility and potential return on investment, guiding strategic planning and resource allocation for blockchain applications. By leveraging blockchain, mining companies can optimize operations, improve sustainability practices, and establish a robust foundation for future growth, positioning blockchain as a transformative technology in the sector

Jul 10, 2024

By G. S. Scott

Safety problems in the mining and allied industries have led the Bureau of Mines to investigate over a period of years; the flammability (explosibility) of many types of combustible atmospheres principally at ordinary pressure; the results of these investigations have been made available as a bulletin. However, more recently, the demand for information on the flammability of gaseous mixtures at high and low pressures has increased greatly. In particular, the rapid development of high-altitude aviation has brought demands for information on the flammable (or explosive) characteristics of certain gases and liquids at low pressures. The present report gives the results of about 900 tests made to determine the flammability of the lighter paraffin hydrocarbons mixed with air and nitrogen at pressures of 400 200, 100 and 70 ram. Hg. The gases tested include natural gas, methane, ethane, propane normal butane and isobutane. The minimum pressures at which these gases are capable of propagating flame whorl individually mixed with air also were investigated.

Jan 1, 1952

By Shelby Z. Palya

"The Bureau of Mines was established in the public interest to conduct inquiries and scientific and technologic investigations concerning mining and the preparation, treatment, and utilization of mining-substances; to promote health and safety, in the mineral industries; to conserve Material resources , and prevent their waste; to further economic development; to increase efficiency in the mining, metallurgical, quarrying, and other Mineral industries; and to inquire into the economic conditions affecting those industries. The organic act of the Bureau, as amended by Congress and approved February 25, 1913, made it the province and duty of the Bureau to ""disseminate information concerning these subjects in such manner as will best carry out the purposes of this Act.""In accordance with this directive, the Bureau reports the findings of its research and investigations in its own series of publications and also in articles that appear in scientific, technical, and trade journals; in proceedings of conventions and seminars; in reference books; and in other non-Bureau publications. The number of these reports, the wide range of subjects they cover, and the variety of mediums in which they appear make the kind of list and index presented in this special publication both necessary and valuable. This issue describes reports and articles published during the period January 1, 1975, to December 31, 1979. It supplements the 50-year list of Bureau publications issued from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 1960; 2 the 50-year list, of articles by Bureau authors published outside the Bureau from July 1, 1910, to January 1, 1960; 3 the 5-year lists of publications and articles, from January 1, 1960, to December 31, 1964,, from January 1, .1965, to December 31, 1969,5 'and from January '1, 1970, to December 31, 1974; and the annual ,lists of Bureau publications and articles from January, 1 to December 31, 1975,7 from January 1, to December 31, 1976,8 from January 1 to December 31, 1977, and from January 1 to December 31, 1978."

Jan 1, 1981

By M. Ataee-pour, S. E. Jalali

So far, a large number of algorithms have been developed for the optimization of pit limits, most of which follow deterministic rules. In this paper, a new algorithm is introduced, which follows a probabilistic logic using the Markov chain process. The algorithm is implemented on a transition matrix that corresponds to the 2D conventional economic block model of the mining area. The probability of mining a block is proportional to the desirability it may provide. Applying this algorithm, the probability of mining each block is obtained, and finally, the optimum pit limits are defined as the pit, which provides the highest probability of mining. In order to validate the proposed model, a numerical example is given and the results of the algorithm are compared to those of a dynamic programming algorithm. A 2D analysis of the problem is discussed in this paper. Although dealing with 3D problems requires larger size matrices, the optimization method is the same and the algorithm does not need any smoothing.

Jan 1, 2006

By S Worden, A Lee Zhi Yi, E Sellers, G Corder, A Littleboy

The global shift towards decarbonisation is driving competition for the extraction of critical minerals such as nickel, lithium, and copper. To meet this demand, new mines are being developed while mines approaching closure are being reimagined as sites of potential resources. This reimagining challenges how mine closure is being conceptualised. In the conventional case, when a mine reaches the end of its economic life, it is closed or put into care and maintenance until it transitions to the next land use, such as agriculture, native ecosystem corridors, solar farms or integrated eco – precincts (Murphy et al, 2019; Holcombe, 2020) (the authors acknowledge that unplanned mine closures have left a devastating legacy of contamination, safety and cultural heritage impacts). Extracting minerals from closed or closing mines will extend mine life and, therefore, delay relinquishment and transition. In this context, innovative technologies are needed to make mining economically viable. In the first year of her doctoral research on improving stakeholder engagement in mine transitions, Lee Zhi Yi has coined the term ‘mine life extension technologies’ (MLETs) to describe a class of technological solutions that optimise extraction of resources after a mine reaches the end of its economic life. Examples of MLETs include agromining (van der Ent et al, 2015), in situ recovery (Robinson and Kuhar, 2018), and reprocessing or reuse of tailings (Gou, Zhou and Then, 2019). MLET extraction offers several benefits compared with conventional mining processes, such as waste remediation, value recovery of minerals, a smaller footprint and less environmental impacts (Sellers, Picorelli and Salmi, 2022). What requires further investigation is the consequences of MLET implementation to host communities or community perspectives towards the proposed technology and subsequent delays in transition.

Aug 2, 2023

By Alfred Weiss

These volumes report on the study initiated by the U. S. Bureau of Mines to develop and apply a methodology to quantitatively assess the probability and potential benefits of technological innovation over the next twenty-five years. The potential was recognized for new technology to solve copper industry problems in the United States. Objectives of the study were to: (1) Develop a methodology to obtain the opinions of mineral experts about future events -their likelihood of occurrence, and, conditional on occurrence, when and to what extent they are likely to occur; (2) Identify, select, and describe potential technological innovations which would have significant impact on copper production; (3) Implement the methodology and obtain the opinions of the mineral experts regarding selected copper technologies; and (4) Analyze the expected future benefits of successful technological innovations :n the copper industry. Although individual technologies are continuously examined throughout the copper 'community', this study is the first known comprehensive forecast of future copper technology. This study is also believed to be unique 1n that it represents the consensus opinion of over sixty expert copper technologists on the expected use of innovative technology in the industry over the next 25 years. The report is contained in three volumes.

Jan 1, 1983

Jan 1, 1900

By Dave Kay, Young-Suk Song

To meet the needs of South Korea's rapidly expanding economy, a large number of infrastructure projects are under way to improve transportation efficiency within the nation. These projects include high-speed rail links between major population centres and improvements to the road network. Being densely populated and geographically mountainous, infrastructure development in Korea requires a significant amount of tunnelling. Owing to the predominantly hard granitic nature of rock, drill and blast is the preferred method of tunnel advance. The Korean tunneller, however, faces the same pressures as those of his international counterpart in that both cost and production targets need to be achieved while meeting expectations of both community and regulator.

Jan 1, 2005

By J. E. Hipp

Three electrostatic field sensing proximity warning devices were tested using full-scale cranes and power line systems, a scaled model facility, environmental testing facilities, and theoretical/numerical analysis. The design objective of each device is to assist in safe crane operation near overhead power lines. Several design deficiencies (varying from device to device) were observed, including inadequate overlap in sensitivity ranges, utilization of vacuum tubes and electro-mechanical parts, temperature sensitivity and inaudible alarms. In addition, the testing showed major device limitations including sensitivity to boom orientations and length, polarization dependent responses, and unreliable operation in the presence of multiple power line circuits. The multiple power line circuit problem is intrinsic to electrostatic sensing devices. The remaining deficiencies and limitations are correctable within a state-of-the-art design. This investigation is not intended to evaluate the safety aspects or policy of utilizing proximity warning devices. Rather, the purpose is to determine the performance characteristics of such devices in relation to the criteria specified in proposed MSHA regulation 77.805-4 (i. e., the devices must alarm at a distance of 10 feet from the power line).

Jan 1, 1980

By G. Lee, E. T. C. Spooner

"Molybdenum mineralization at Boss Mountain is hosted by the Triassic Takomkane quartz monzodiorite batholith and is associated with a Cretaceous monzogranite stock. Ore has been mined from a sheeted vein system that describes a partial annulus centred upon the apical region of the stock and from subvertical breccia pipes that emanate from the stock. Molybdenite precipitation is coincident with CO2 effervescence from a dilute (1.9 mole o/o NaC/ equivalent) hydrothermal fluid over a temperature range of 250°C to 370°C at a pressure of approximately 350 bars, interpreted to be greater than or equal to the lithostatic load and equivalent to a depth of 1.3 km or less.IntroductionThe chemical and thermal constraints on molybdenum transport and deposition to form molybdenum ore deposits are not well understood. To address this problem, the Boss Mountain mine in central British Columbia, operated by Noranda Mines Ltd., was chosen as a well-described (Soregaroli and Nelson, 1976), relatively small and simple example of a Cordilleran Mo~ deposit. It is situated on the northeast slope of Takornkane Mountain, 10 km west of the community of Hendrix Lake (N.T.S. 93A/2W; latitude 52°06'N, longtitude 120°56'W). Access is from 100 Mile House by nearly 90 km of road, the first 50 km of which are paved."

Jan 1, 1995

By S Worden, P A. Kirsch, A Kirsch

Despite the current downturn, coal remains an important commodity in the Australian economy. Increasing coal resource development has resulted in increasing competition for land use in coal mining regions across the country with communities and other stakeholders becoming more adept at articulating their concerns regarding this competition in a range of traditional and social forms of media. In this environment, obtaining and maintaining a social licence to operate (SLO) is problematic and has been identified as the fourth greatest risk facing the international mining industry.This research presents the findings from a longitudinal study on how Australian newspapers frame the views of coal mining stakeholders across each stage of the coal mining life cycle. News stories from national, state and regional newspapers in 2000, 2006 and 2013 were analysed.Over the study period, there have been significant changes in the coal mining themes being covered by Australian newspapers, the number of stories being published, the number of newspapers covering coal mining stories, and the diversity of stakeholders being quoted. How do the dominant themes in media communication change over time? How do these changes impact mining across the life-of-mine?The research confirmed that Australian journalists use framing, priming, labels and bias to conceptualise and understand the events that they report, and that this behaviour has a profound effect on public opinion.CITATION:Worden, S, Kirsch, A and Kirsch, P A, ?2014. Moving beyond economic framing of the Australian coal industry, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2014 , pp 365–376 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 16, 2014

By J. E. Cleveland

The major health concern for uranium miners is the release of radon gas and the resultant ingrowth of the short lived daughters in the mine atmosphere. Present methods of control are the utilization of mine ventilation systems for dilution and control of ingrowth time to maintain working levels below those set by regulations. This study examined pressure cycling efforts on the radon emanation. The mechanical ventilation systems were altered to allow pressure changes throughout the mine to increase radon influx during the off shifts and thus deplete the sources of radon gas. Continuous radon working level and environmental monitors, developed by the Bureau of Mines, were employed to monitor radiation and physical parameters in the mine workings. The mine ventilation system was then varied to induce radon flows during off shifts, thus, depleting the radon sources during normal production shifts. Electro-static precipitators were also tested to determine radon daughter collection efficiencies. Both radon and radon daughter concentrations were monitored and evaluated. Major problems were found in the simple mechanical operation of cleaning these units.

Jan 1, 1982

This report summarizes the results of a research project entitled "Fatal Accident Data Base Development." This project is the last project under Contract No. S0110601. Volumes I and 1I, "Industrial Engineering Study of Hazards Associated with Underground Coat Mine Production," summarize the original industrial engineering project and the Fatal Accident Report Analysis project. These projects were completed and accepted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines on December 10, 1971. Both volumes of the report have been made available by the Bureau to the public through the U. S. Department of Commerce technical information service. Another project under the same con tract, entitled "Equipment Operations Safety Study, ' was completed in January 1972 and the report was accepted by the U. S. B. M. at that time. The analysis in this Natal Accident. Data Lose Development report is closely related to analysis in both of the earlier reports. The original project involved an industrial engineering and safety of production operations for a representative sample of underground bituminous coal mines. The contactor was required to make recommendations 'in work practices, mining methods, equipment, and safety practices which can effectively reduce the fatality rate from rib and roof falls.' (Longwall mining methods were excluded from the study.) Time study and work element analyses were performed in over 50 mines as part of the field data gathering effort. Another requirement of the study was to develop sets of multiflow. Process charts, which are diagrammatic illustrations of the time-related interaction of mining, cycle job elements.

Jan 1, 1972

By IPMI Educational and Scientific Foundation

It is with great pleasure that we announce the availability of this fourth issue of the IPMI Journal, a publication of the International Precious Metals Educational and Scientific Foundation. This digital peer reviewed publication has been created as a vehicle for the sharing of technical information related to the science and technology of precious metals. Since 1976, the International Precious Metals Institute has championed the exchange of information of critical importance to the precious metals scientific and commercial communities through its various communications vehicles. This has included instructional videos, annual conference symposia, special topic committee meetings, regional seminars, and professional and student achievement awards. Due to the breadth of important topics related to all aspects of precious metals, it has been the vision of the IPMI to provide a publication available to the general public that would become a key source of pertinent topics containing high quality publications by experts in their fields of study. Historically, the IPMI has attracted world renowned experts in many fields (including Nobel Laureates Henry Taube, Ei-ishi Negishi, Robert Grubs, Professor Ben Feringa, and David MacMillan) in the dissemination of discoveries, inventions, and industry proven practices. Such information has a total value greater than the sum of its parts as seemingly unrelated innovations from distinct focus areas can be adapted to solve problems. Because of this important characteristic of information exchange, we have decided to create a digital journal, available to the general public, that will not only communicate state of the art discoveries and sound practices, but will also review historical communications from the IPMI’s archives that have value and use even in today’s environment. On behalf of the members and leaders of the IPMI, we hope you will find value in this new publication.

Dec 1, 2020

By J. Keith Haddock

"Introduction The Luscar company, Forestburg Collieries Ltd., operates the Diplomat Mine located 14 km south of Forestburg, Alberta. Production is now at a declining rate from the 1 million tonnes achieved in 1978 as the reserves are being depleted. Three pits are operated at this prairie strip mine utilizing draglines and stripping shovels to uncover the coal. The coal is hauled to a tipple on site for shipment by rail or highway vehicles or is hauled directly to the adjacent Battle River Generating Station. Geology The mine is currently extracting the Battle River seam on the north side of the Battle River. This is the lower-most seam in the Horseshoe Canyon Formation and is the only one present in the area, the upper seams having been eroded by glaciation. The seam lies generally flat and varies from 2.0 to 5.0 metres thick. It lies under glacial till overburden varying in depth from 5.0 to 12.0 metres. The mineable coal extends from the side of the Battle River valley where it outcrops, to approximately 2.5 kilometres to the north. The mine is spread out over a distance of 8.0 kilometres in an east-west direction. Reserves and Coal Quality After over 30 years of mining at Diplomat, there are now less than 1 million tonnes of mineable reserves remaining on the property. With the commencement of coal production from the Paintearth Mine in 1981, supply to the Battle River Generating Station, formerly Diplomat's biggest customer, is being transferred to Paintearth. Rail shipments and domestic supply will continue until reserves are depleted. The coal has the following specifications:"

Jan 1, 1985

Another major aluminum company announced intentions to follow other domestic producers recent price actions by raising its unalloyed ingot quotes by 3¢ to 44¢ per pound, effective June 1, 1976. COBALT: All final data for 1975 are included in the table for cobalt on page 23. Demand in March increased significantly for the second month in a row, signaling a recovery from the previous year's relatively low demand levels. Imports of cobalt tripled in March over those of February. This should partially offset reduced sales of cobalt excesses from the National Stockpile. Import projections for the next several months have been lowered because transportation difficulties in Zaire are expected to result in reduced shipments.

Jan 1, 1976

By Nicholas P. Callas

This report presents research results obtained in the investigation of deviation control of boreholes in the rotary drilling process. The approach taken in this research is the passive method of placing stabilizers in the bottom-hole assembly to control deviation. Extensive use was made of the drill string mechanics theories of Lubinski and Woods. Analog, digital and hybrid solutions to variety of boundary value problems were investigated in order to determine the best models for bottom-hole assemblies. Field drilling data was analyzed and the results obtained from various models were compared to the actual drilling results. Various accomplishments of this work have been published in open energy industry literature, with more publications to follow.

Jan 1, 1981

By W. J. Atkinson

The first recorded discovery of diamonds in Australia was in 1851 in New South Wales. Subsequent prospecting has shown alluvial occurrences of diamond to be widespread through much of the Tasman fold belts of Eastern Australia. Production is estimated to be some 500,000 carats from several small alluvial fields. Despite extensive exploration, though, no primary rock source carrying significant diamond content has ever been confirmed in Eastern Australia. Conversely, diamond exploration of the older Western and Central Cratons of Australia during the past 30 years has discovered 12 fields containing 360 kimberlites, lamproites and lamprophyric volcanic pipes, dykes and other intrusives. Of those, 180 have been confirmed to be diamondiferous. Only one pipe, however, the 1200 Ma high-grade Argyle lamproite and associated nearby alluvials, has proved to be economically exploitable. Its current annual production is 40 million carats valued at about US$400 million. Production from the open pit will be sustainable until at least 2003.

Jan 1, 1995

"M bed, Matanuska valley, Alaska, coal carbonizingproperties B 510M spectral lines, low-energy, study RI 5538Mab shaft, Leadvile district, Colo., investigation RI .1518Maberry process, for aluminum chloride TP 321"

Jan 1, 1960