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By B. Steyn

AngloGold Ashanti?s Obuasi Mine, in Ashanti Province, Ghana, operates a plant utilizing bacterial oxidation technology. The mineralization consists predominately of arsenopyrite with gold associated in the sulphides. The plant was commissioned in 1994, at that time was the largest BIOX® plant in the world, and has been operated by AngloGold Ashanti since 2004. The constraints identified in the plantwere the flotation capacity, BIOX® feed size and disruptions to the BIOX® process. This paper focuses on the practical steps that were followed in order to increase the recovery of the plant. The original plant design was based on a head grade of 10 g/t and an overall recovery of 86.5%. In 2007 the plant was operating at an overall recovery of 79.2% at a head grade of 5.6 g/t and this has improved to 80.6% at a head grade of 5.8 g/t during the last quarter of 2008. Additional improvement to 81.5% are expected by the end of April 2009. Improvements that have been implemented include: ?Replacement of the regrind mill ?Installation of additional float capacity ?Installation of a scavenging circuit ?Installation of a complete water treatment plant. In addition we have focused on the effect of the water circuit on the BIOX® process and the steps involved in correcting this problem. The water circuit was originally designed as an open circuit and through environmental considerations the circuit was closed towards the end of 2007. The bacteria in the BIOX® are particularly sensitive to cyanide and cannot tolerate levels above 0.05ppm (free cyanide), this required extensive modifications to the water circuit. The plant improvement project is ongoing and the current scope of work should be complete by the end of April 2009. Further research and development work is being planned, which includes a ?white rot bacteria? that can consume the preg-robbing carbon and oxidize the sulphide in a single pass.

Jan 1, 2009

By E. L. Thyse, P. Bepswa

The Western Cape Mineral Processing Facility (WCMPF) is a collaborative educational initiative between the Department of Process Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch and the Chemical Engineering Departments at the University of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The primary objective of the WCMPF is to facilitate the education, development and graduation of suitably qualified engineering graduates and diplomats for the mining and mineral processing industries. In recent years the WCMPF has embarked on a number of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of mineral processing education which include, more importantly the introduction of novel ?end to end? or ?integrated? practicals. The practicals are developed around a specific mineral theme or route, which more than often includes the development of several new pilot plant practicals demonstrating key unit operations or processes in the selected mineral theme or route. The most recent mineral processing pilot plant practical programme is developed around the beneficiation of heavy mineral sands. The programme consist of the following developed pilotplant practicals: the online electrostatic separation of free flowing mineral sands using a Roche Mining Carrara high tension roll separator incorporating a Blue Cube Systems MQi in-line mineral quantifier; the production of titania-rich slag and pig iron from the smelting of ilmenite and anthracite in a 60 kW direct current (DC) plasma arc furnace as well as the mineralogical characterization of the feed and products; the continuous closed-circuit ball milling and screen classification of titania-rich slag. This paper illustrates the important role of a well-designed heavy mineral sands beneficiation pilot plant practical programme in facilitating the education and development of suitably qualified personnel for the mining and mineral process industries.

Jan 1, 2007

Colloquium and General Meeting were held at Kelvin House on 19th May, 1971, the theme being 'Modern trends in coal mining practice.' Mr V. C. Robinson (President) was in the Chair. The Colloquium was attended by 205 delegates and was opened by the President at 9 a.m. OBITUARY The President: 'It is my sad duty to announce the death of C. C. Cullen, Fellow, who joined the Institute in 1946 and passed away on 15th March, 1971. As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased and in sympathy with the bereaved I would ask you all to rise and observe a few moments silence'. ELECTION OF SCRUTINEERS The President: 'In terms of Clause 9.4 of the By-Laws I now call for the nomination of seven Corporate Members to act as scrutineers of the ballot for Council'. Messrs V. C. Robinson, Prof D. D. Howat, Dr J P Hugo, D. G. Maxwell, J. K. E. Douglas, R. J. Adamson and P. Lambooy were nominated by P. W. J. van Rensburg and seconded by P. A. von Wietligh. The President: 'Are there any further nominations? If not I declare these gentlemen elected.' MEMBERSHIP The President: 'I have much pleasure in announcing that the names of candidates, having been published in accordance with By-Law 5.2.2, Council has elected them to membership of the Institute in the following grades: Members: Douglas Edward King, Bryan Rudolph Scott, James Gregor Phimister, Anthony David Walters. Graduates: Cornelius Johann Muller, Marthinus Stephanus Mulder. Associates: John George Everson, Colin Robert Llewellyn Davies. Students: Francois George Enslin Beetge, Ewald Boshoff, Christiaan J. Cloete, Christopher John Davies, Cameron George Elvin, Kenneth Eric Field, Johannes Louis Fourie, Hans Gert Gastrow, Peter John Ledger, James Robert William Lindsay, Kynaston Lloyd McDonald, Richard Peter Mohring, Arthur Leslie Painting, Matthias Arthur Pascall, Ian Neil Sinclair, Donald Allan James Ross-Watt. MEMBERS TRANSFERRED TO A HIGHER GRADE From Member to Fellow: Peter Norman Roberts. From Associate to Graduate: Alfred Eric WaIter Fletcher. From Student to Graduate: Wilfried Pierre de Villiers, Edward Emile Eichenberger, William Alan Nairn, Lodewyk Johannes de Jager, Colin Henry Obray, John Grenig Rees. COLLOQUIUM The President opened the proceedings and introduced Mr N. W. S. Schumann as the overall chairman for the day. The following papers and contributions were presented: FIRST SESSION: Chairman R. C. J. GOODE. Paper: 'Problems encountered in the operation of a new colliery' by P. M. C. Wilson and A. A. Oakes. Contributors: D. J. Moloney, G. R. Canny, I. G. Evans, R. B. MacGillivray, Dr F. G. J. de Jager, M. J. Deats, and N. Zolezzi. R. B. MacGillivray Mr President and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate the authors on presenting a most interesting paper on a very important subject. After several attempts at finding suitable reserves to extend the life of Welgedacht Exploration Company's Utrecht Colliery a block of coal rights was acquired south west of the town of Utrecht. A study of these reserves showed that they would enable a satisfactory return on capital invested to be achieved. It was decided therefore to open up what is now called the Zimbutu section of Welgedacht Exploration Company, to produce 41 000 metric tons of coal per month. The decision to open this section was taken in August, 1968 and due to certain allocation requirements it was necessary to bring it into production by the 1st of January, 1970. Fortunately a fair amount of statistical data had been collected prior to August, 1968 from the old Utrecht Colliery in anticipation of opening a mine and a fairly detailed rechnical report had been prepared. As a result the dead line was only missed by four days. Main features of the Design A feasibility study was carried out on three possible shaft positions and the final position was selected from these three on economic grounds. As the coal seam at the selected shaft position was only 21 metres below the surface it was decided to sink two twin incline shafts to enable rapid establishment of through ventilation and alternative hauling arrangements for quick development. This also allowed the final vertical ventilation shaft to be placed at some distance away to avoid the nuisance of fan noise. Second outlet requirements are also very well met by these twin inclines. Again on the basis of economics and also due to the uncertainty of roof conditions it was decided to use hand loading methods underground. However, to allow for future possible conversion to mechanised loading, should this become economical through rising wages, a conveyor belt was installed in the hauling shaft. This conveyor belt is fed from an endless rope haulage in the east companion by means of tipplers, a bin and a feeder. The main development heading was left clear for the future installation of a conveyor belt which would afford easy conversion to mechanisation.

By M. Gomo, L. S. Mokhahlane

"Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an unconventional mining method that converts coal in situ into a fuel gas that can be used for electricity generation. Residue products from UCG have the potential to leach into surrounding groundwaters. The geochemistry and leaching dynamics of these products are explored in this study. The products include char, ash, and the heat-affected zone in the surrounding rocks. Core samples from the pilot plant at Majuba are the first ever to be recovered from a UCG cavity in Africa, and they give key insights into the geochemistry of the gasification zone. Mineralogical and chemical analyses were performed on the samples, and acid-base accounting (ABA) was used to predict the acid-producing capacity of the gasification zone, particularly for char samples. Some of the char contained pyrite, although not all samples were acid-producing as determined by the ABA analysis. The ABA results showed that some of the unburned coal has moderate levels of sulphur, which could be the driving medium for acidic conditions. The ABA analysis indicated that water in contact with the gasification zone would eventually have a pH lower than 7, which could lead to acid rock drainage. These results form part of a preliminary investigation into the geochemistry of the reaction zone, post gasification. IntroductionUnderground coal gasification (UCG) is an unconventional mining method that converts coal in situ into a fuel gas that can be used for industrial purposes, including electricity generation. The gasification process leads to the formation of a cavity composed of char, rubble, and void space (Bhutto, Bazmi, and Zahedi, 2013). Residue products from UCG have the potential to leach into groundwater. These products include char (devolatilized coal), which can generate acid rock drainage (ARD). ARD is caused by the oxidation of sulphide minerals, which acidifies the leachate, thus increasing the solubility of some environmentally toxic metals (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn, etc.) (Bouzahzah et al., 2015).The main source of ARD is oxidation of sulphide-bearing minerals due to interactions with oxygen, water, and microorganisms (Simate and Ndlovu, 2014; Kefeni, Msagati, and Mamba, 2017; Bouzahzah et al., 2015). Although ARD occurs naturally, it can be enhanced by mining activities that escalate exposure of sulphide minerals to water, air, and bacteria (Simate and Ndlovu, 2014). At the Majuba pilot plant, the unburned coal remaining in the cavity has been in contact with groundwater since the gasifier was shut down in 2013. It is possible that in a commercial UCG plant, most of the coal will be consumed and no unburnt coal will be left in the cavity. Most of the sulphur will be converted to H2S during the gasification process and transported with the syngas to surface, where it can be removed and captured as elemental sulphur."

Oct 1, 2018

By I. M. Macleod

An adaptive steady-state on-line optimizing regulator is proposed as an integrated approach to the control of autogenous run-of-mine milling circuits. This optimizing regulator continuously estimates an internal model of the controlled process, and, based on this, determines mill fresh solids feed rate, mill water flow rate and sump water addition flow rate such that a circuit performance objective is optimized. The dual -requirement of controlling both the mill pulp load and the load of particles of grinding media size is thus directly and simultaneously addressed. The concept and theory underlying the operation of the adaptive optimizing regulator are discussed.

Jan 1, 1987

By M. Hao, S. Hu, X. Lyu, M. Lian, C. Anning, G. Yao, Z. Wang

The results revealed that the pozzolanic activity of the gold mine tailings and their main mineral phases improved by mechanical activation. Under the same activation conditions, the activated mica powders possessed the highest pozzolanic activity index, followed by the activated feldspar, and the activated quartz exhibited the lowest pozzolanic activity index. The addition of calcium oxide promoted the formation of amorphous C–(A)–S–H gel for all paste samples, and stratlingite and hydrotalcite were observed in calcium oxide activated mica paste. The addition of natural anhydrite promoted the formation of ettringite for the pastes of calcium oxide activated aluminosilicates materials (gold mine tailings, mica, and feldspar). Furthermore, the pozzolanic activity indexes of the mechanically activated gold mine tailings and their main mineral phases were tested to be qualified for use as supplementary cementitious material in cement. This paper provided an innovative approach for recycling gold mine tailings as supplementary cementitious materials in cement, which would be environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Keywords: Mechanical activation, gold mine tailings, supplementary cementitious material, hydration properties, pozzolanic activity

Jan 1, 2020

By A. C. Lawrence, K. F. Mauer

Human factors in stope productivity -a field experiment by K. F. MAUER, M.A. (Visitor), and A. C. LAWRENCE, B.Econ., D.Com. (Member) An experiment in which three human variables were manipulated in eight stopes was conducted in a gold mine over a period of roughly six months. The three variables, which each had two levels, concerned the degree of movement from gangs, the quality of the Bantu production supervisors, and the extent to which gangs were composed of a single ethnic group (Malawians). Time was included as a variable with three levels in the analysis of the findings. On the average, stable gangs produced 12 per cent more than gangs with a high percentage of transfers, gangs with better production supervisors were more successful by nearly 9 per cent than those with poorer production supervisors, and homogeneous gangs were more productive than heterogeneous ones by as much as 15 per cent. In addition, it was found that a number of the variables exercised a joint influence on stope productivity and that the effects of the variables were accentuated by the len gth of time they had been in operation. V

Jan 10, 1973

Mr R.D. Beck attended Felsted School in Essex (England) and the Royal School of Mines, University of London, where he ob¬tained the degree of B.Sc.(Eng.), A.R.S.M. in mineral technology in 1969. His other qualifications include Pr.Eng. (1976), C.Eng (1975), and M.I.M.M. (1975). He joined Gold Fields of South Africa in December 1969, and worked at Doornfontein Gold Mine, Greenside Colliery, West Driefontein Gold Mine, Zwartkloof Fluorspar, Gold Fields Laboratories, Gold Fields Head Office, Libanon Gold Mine, and Kloof Gold Mine before being appointed Plant Superintendent at East Driefontein Gold Mine in January 1973. In June 1976, he was transferred to Head Office as Group Metallurgist, followed, in November 1978, by his secondment to Black Mountain Mineral Development Company as Plant Superintendent, to take on-site responsibilities for staff training, plant commissioning, and start up. On his return to Head Office in July 1980 as Assistant Consulting Metallurgist, he was responsible for Black Mountain and new metallurgical projects. Then, in January 1984, he was appointed General Manager of the Zinc Corporation of South Africa Limited. He became a member of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in 1973.

Jan 1, 1985

By B. Aydin, A. S. Aloglu, S. Kahraman, E. Saygin

"The coal strength parameter is used in operations such as the selection and design of mechanical excavators and coal crushing/grinding equipment. However, coring or cutting prismatic specimens from coal for the standard strength tests is difficult, and sometimes not possible. For this reason a method for the indirect determination of coal strength from easy tests would be useful. In this study, the predictability of coal strength from the needle penetration test was investigated. This is a very easy and practical test method. Point load and needle penetration index (NPI) tests were carried out on coal specimens from Çayirhan coalfield in Turkey. The point load indexes were converted to the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) values by using the general conversion factor. The UCS and NPI values were evaluated using regression analysis. A strong linear relationship was found between the two parameters. The conversion factor for the UCS-NPI ratio is 0.35 for the tested coal samples. It is concluded that the UCS of coal can be predicted from the NPI.IntroductionKnowledge of coal strength is important for the selection and design of mechanical excavators and coal crushing and grinding equipment. Uniaxial compressive strength of coal is used in designing pillar dimensions in room and pillar mining. Coals always contain bedding planes and cleats; they are also brittle and fragile. Therefore, coring or cutting prismatic specimens from coal for the standard strength tests is difficult, and sometimes not possible. For this reason, a method for the estimation of coal strength from easy tests would be useful.The needle penetration test is a nondestructive index test that is applicable both in the field and the laboratory and does not require any special sample preparation. The test has been used for the estimation of physical and mechanical properties of weak or soft rocks (Okada et al., 1985; Yamaguchi et al., 1997; Takahashi, Noto, and Yokokawa, 1988; Uchida et al., 2004; Aydan et al., 2006; Aydan, Watanabe, and Tokashiki, 2008; Aydan, 2012; Erguler and Ulusay, 2007; Park, Obara, and Kan, 2011; Ulusay and Erguler, 2012; Aydan and Ulusay, 2013; Aydan. Sato, and Yagi, 2014). This study investigates the predictability of coal strength from the needle penetration test."

Jan 1, 2017

The treatment of gold-plant tailings with ferrous sulphate to remove the cyanide is currently in use, on several gold plants. In some cases there is scope for optimization the process. The present work provides a detailed study of the reaction between cyanide and ferrous sulphate. Optimal conditions for the removal of total cyande required a ph of 5,.5 to 6,5 and an Fe:CN molar ratio of 0,5. Ferrocyanide ion is shown to be unstable In aqueous acidic solution, with rapid oxidation to ferricyanide, (Fe(CN) 6 ), and formation .of Fe(CN)5H2O3- at pH values below 4, The precipitate from the reaction between cyanide and ferrous sulphate consists mainly 01 Insoluble Prussian blue, Fe4[Fe(CNI&!.3,and IS shown to be unstable in the presence of alkaline solution, since it decomposes rapidly at pH values above 7 to form ferrocyanide, (Fe(CN)6 ), in solution and various insoluble iron oxides,

Jan 1, 1992

By B. M. Wainstein

An extension of lognormal theory and its application to risk analysis models for new mining ventures by B. M. WAINSTEIN*, B.Sc., M.B.A. (Witwatersrand) (Visitor) The lognormal distribution, which remains the most popular distribution model for ore values, is investigated. The T-distribution, an integral part of this theory, is dependent on the sample size, n, and the unknown population parameter, o2, which cannot be integrated out. Hence, o2constitutes a nuisance parameter. In this study, the robustness of the T-distribution to changes in o2 is examined. It is found that the T-distribution is robust for 0,1 <= o2 >= 2,5, a domain covering most practical applications of the lognormal theory. By the use of o2 = 0,7, multiplier factors, which facilitate the computation of the confidence limits, are derived for a comprehensive set of confidence levels.

Jan 4, 1975

By P. He

Abstract This paper introduces the test results of dark-gray calcium-shale, discusses the infection of strength characteristic and deformation characteristic due to the angle between structural planes. Keywords calcium-shale, failure form, strength, deformation characteristic, structural planes. Zusammenfassung: basier auf der Anwendung von Problematik des Felsenbauprojektes und Beschaffenheit Felsen unter Beaugnshme auf den Zustand des Druckes von einzeler Welle legt dieser Text dar, wie der Winkel der Schichtstrukturflaeche des schwarzgrau kalziumhaltigen Schieferblocks auf die Zerstoerungs-, Intensitaets- und Deformationseigenschaften einwirkt. Schluesselwoerter: schwarzgrau kalziumhaltigen Schiefer, Zerstoerungseigenschften, Intensitaetseigenschften, Deformationseigenschaften, Flaeche dar Schichtstruktur. Résumé – En fonction de la configuration du massif rocheux sous l’état de la contrainte de pression axiale simple et de la pratique de l’ingénierie de roches, le présent article fait la déscription concernant l’influence de l’inclinaison ? de la couche de structure stratifiée du bloc de schiste calcaire gris noir sur ses caractéristiques de destruction, sa spécificité de résistance ainsi que sa nature de déformation. Mot clés – Schiste calcaire gris noir, Caractéristiques de destruction, Spécificité de résistance, Nature de déformation, Couche de structure stratifiée

Jan 1, 2003

By L. Bloch

Most mine safety initiatives in South Africa are doomed to limited success because of one simple fact: they are a-historical and un-cultural and do not deal with the serious ?legacy issues? that still negatively impact on safety, production, and relationships. We in the SA mining industry continually use imported, foreign safety concepts and systems that will not work fully in a South African context. ?The 4th Wave: Culture-Based Behavioural Safety?, as developed by Lance Bloch, an international award-winning clinical psychologist with 12 years? experience in the mining industry - focused mostly on Platinum - is making waves. He has been very successful in creating people-centred, empowered, high-performance safety cultures wherever he has worked. Not only does the 4th Wave transform the corporate culture of a mine, improving safety and production and building an environment of Ubuntu, but it also uses people?s cultures as a means of winning hearts and minds in the battle for safe production. Powerful relationships are built through engagement at all levels, leading to all being focused on the best needs of the company and its constituents as a whole. The programmes are no less than nation-building - something most necessary in the industry, with the pressures from community, unions, the DMR, and politicians. This presentation will describe and discuss the 4th Wave as an advance on previous safety technology and programmes, as particularly relevant to platinum mining in South Africa today.

Jan 1, 2012

By J. Lux, B. Clermont

Magotteaux, with the co-operation of Anglo Platinum, has erected a fully instrumented pilot plant at Frank concentrator, which is being used to study the influence of a variety of grinding parameters. This paper will discuss only the influence of mill speed and pulp density on secondary stage grinding. A Ø0.82 x1 m open circuit mill was used with reclaimed Merensky tailings as feed. The conclusions apply to this pilot plant but further investigation needs to be done to verify whether the same trends will be applicable to a large industrial-scale mill.

Jan 1, 2004

By Mark Dangerfield

[Power-Point Presentation]

Jan 1, 2005

1. Mining directory The mining directory, 1990. Mines and mining equipment companies worldwide. Don Nelson Publications Limited (P.O. Box 193, Barnet, Herts EN4 BLP, England).2. Mintek reports The following reports are available from Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg, 2125 South Africa. They are available at R25 (plus R3,25 GST) per copy to South African addressees, and US$25 per copy (including airmail postage) to addressees elsewhere. There is also an annual-subscription scheme for reports - R400 locally (plus R52 GST) and US$400 (including airmail postage) abroad. The subscription covers al the unrestricted reports published between 1st April and 31st March of successive years, which usualy amount to between 20 and 30. Report M392 Computer programs for optimization by the modified simplex method, by G.L. Moore. Sep. 1989. 25 pp. R25 + R3,25 GST in South Africa; US $25 elsewhere. Report M393 The preparation and certification of fourteen South African silicate rocks for use as reference materials, by E.J. Ring. Sep. 1989.21 pp. R25 + R3,25 GST in South Africa; US $25 elsewhere. Report M395 The separation of trace elements in high-purity rhodium and iridium materials, by R.V.D. Robet and S.M. Graham. Nov. 1989. 10 pp. R25 + R3,25 GST in South Africa; US $25 elsewhere. 3. Publications from Trans Tech The publications listed in this section are available at the prices given from Trans Tech Publications, P .0. Box 1254, D-3392 Clausthal-Zelerfeld, West Germany. Handling of bulk solids. Theory and practice, by P.A. Shamlou. 1988. 200 pp., US$ 59.50. Acoustic emission lmicroseismic activity in geologic structures and materials, by H.R. Hardy and F.W&apos;. Leighton. Vol. I: 1977, 490 pp., US$45.00. Vol. 11: 1980, 500 pp., US$45.00. Vol. Il: 1983, 680pp., US$6O.00. Vol. IV: 1989, 720pp., US$ 75.00. Open pit mine design models. An introduction with FORTRANI77 programs, by E. Alaphia Wright. Early 1990, approx. 200pp., US$75.00. Bucket wheel excavator, by W. Durst and W. Vogt. 988, 450pp., US$118.00. Continuois-surjace mining, by T.S. Golosinski and F.G. Boehm (eds.). 1987, 720pp., US$128.00. Mining-science and technology. 1987, 1430pages, US$ 118.00. Practical handbook for underground rock mechanics, by T.R. Stacey and C.H. Page. 1986, 150pp., US$ 38.00. Professional users handbook for rock bolting, by B. Stilborg. 1986, 150pp., US$38.00. The lighting of underground mines, by D.A. Troter. 1982, 220pp., US$48.00. Elements of hydraulic coal mine design, by M.L. Jeremic. 1982, 16Opp., US$38.00. Continuum theory of rock mechanics, by Cs. Assonyi and R. Richter. 1979, 365 pp., US$ 58.00. Shear and bond in reinforced concrete, by G. Florin.1980, 86 pp., US$ 24.00. Theory and design of surface structures: slabs and plates, by G. Florin. 1980, 222 pp., US$ 24.00. Mineral processing laboratory manual, by A.-Z. Abouzeid. January 1990, approx. 200pp., US$48.00. Weighing and proportioning of bulk solids, by Hendrik Colijn. 2nd ed. 1983, 4OOpp., US$60.00. Solid-liquid flow. Slurry pipeline transportation, E.J. Wasp et al. 1977, 240pp. US$ 58.00. Optimum pipe size selection, by C.B. Nolte. 1978, 304 pp., US$ 60.00.Field instrumentation in geotechnical engineering, T.H. Hanna. 1985, 854pp., US$98.00. The 1990 yearbook and directory. Powder and bulk solids handling and processing. 1989/90, approx. 300 pp., US$ 124.00.

Jan 1, 1990

By A. J. Van Rensburg, N. B. Strydom, C. H. Van Graan

The design, construction, and use of a practical ice-jacket for miners by N. B. STRYDOM, Ph.D. (Illinois) (Fellow), D. MITCHELL, Ph.D. (Rand) (Member), A. J. VAN RENSBURG, M.Sc (Poteh) (Visitor), and C. H. VAN GRAAN, M.Sc (Pretoria) (Visitor) Microclimate suits have been shown to be very effective in decreasing physiological strain in hot, wet environments, thus enabling men to work without risk in areas that would normally carry a high risk of heat stroke. In this paper, some design considerations in the development of the frozen jacket are described. Water complied with most of the desirable properties required of a coolant material for use In a microclimate suit. The Human Sciences Laboratory has developed a jacket in which ice is used as the coolant and which is designed according to the most acceptable anthropometrical characteristics. The jacket consists of an inner poncho-type waistcoat containing 28 water compartments. Over this is worn an insulating jacket, which minimizes warming of the coolant by the environment. Suitable refrigeration units have been developed to freeze the jackets underground. Laboratory tests have shown that these jackets are effective for about 2,5 hours, Irrespective of the wet-bulb environment, when men are working at a moderate rate. Jackets should, however, be used only in environments in which the wet-bulb temperature is in the range of 32,S0 to 35,S °C.

Jan 9, 1974

By T. Field, N. D. Nxumalo

Since the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886, mining has been at the centre of South Africa’s development. Although mining continues to contribute significantly to the country’s economy, it is a temporary land-use activity, and mine closure is inevitable. This paper reviews mine closure planning at Tshikondeni coal mine, which commenced in 2014 with the initiation of mine closure. The review presents the mine closure processes undertaken at the Tshikondeni coal mine as regulated by South Africa’s principal mining legislation, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002, and other relevant regulatory frameworks. To compile this review: (1) A desktop study was conducted; (2) empirical data was collected through one-on-one interviews with research participants at Tshikondeni coal mine; and 3) physical observations were made of the rehabilitation at various mine operations within the Tshikondeni coal mine complex. Research participants consisted of mine officials from different departments, i.e., human resources, and environmental, social, and business strategy, who were directly involved with the Tshikondeni coal mine closure. A questionnaire with semi-structured questions was developed. It was utilised to acquire a better understanding of mine closure planning at Tshikondeni coal mine and identify mine closure processes that aim to achieve post-mining land uses and align with Tshikondeni coal mine’s post-closure strategy, namely the Tshikondeni Legacy Project, with a post-closure strategy that has the potential to transition a mining economy to an eco-tourism economy that can preserve livelihoods and selfreliant communities.

Dec 15, 2025

By D. F. Malan, U. Du Preez, P. S. Heyns

South Africa has two main platinum reef deposits, namely the Merensky reef and the UG2 reef. These reefs are currently mined using traditional drilling and blasting methods. Mechanized cutting could potentially enable continuous mining, which would offer significant advantages. This would require thorough understanding of the cutability of the rock. To explore this, a linear cutting machine was developed to conduct laboratory scale cutting tests. This work describes the development and commissioning of the cutting machine using sandstone, as well as subsequent characterization tests on UG2 reef samples. UG2 reef has large variability in strength on a millimeter scale. This introduces uncertainty in the test results due to added variance from one cut to the next for the same UG2 reef sample. Another problem is the variability in rock properties of the UG2 reef, when testing samples from different mines. The cutting tests led to fine fragmentation, which is known to be a significant problem for cleaning operations in underground stopes and warrants further research. A finite element method simulation of the rock cutting was conducted using ANSYS LS-DYNA and the continuous surface cap model to simulate rock cutting in the UG2 reef. It was found that it is possible to use LS-DYNA with the continuous surface cap model to model rock cutting of UG2 reef and get acceptable results, but the user must calibrate the model parameters using the experimental results. Therefore, the model is only fit for one set of cutting parameters and further work is required to generalize results.

Nov 27, 2024

By Johanna van Deventer, Sean Scott, Rene du Preez, Steven R. Izatt

In order to meet the stringent specifications associated with the production of LME Grade A cobalt cathode, producers need to ensure that a number of impurities, including Cd, are removed from the advance electrolyte to ppb levels (~0.1 mg/L). Conventional options include ion exchange using amino methyl phosphonic acid resin and solvent extraction using D2EHPA. More recently a Cd-selective resin, employing Molecular Recognition Technology (MRT), became available from IBC Technologies, Inc. These three potential unit operations were evaluated in parallel at Mintek. MRT was identified as the most technically feasible option. Results obtained on a cobalt advance electrolyte, containing 55 g/L Co, 6 mg/L Cd and 60 g/L Na2SO4, are presented in this paper.

Jan 1, 2007