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By B Roberts

The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) is responsible for several sets of legislation, which, among other things, regulate the storage, handling and transport of dangerous goods as well as every aspect of the life cycle of explosives in order to prevent explosions, fires and spillages. The legislation with particular relevance to explosives includes: The Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act 1961; the act deals with the storage, manufacture, sale, import, authorisation and use of explosives. It is primarily framed for use of explosives and fireworks in the general community but also has relevance for storage on mine sites. The Dangerous Goods (Transport) Act 1998; this act regulates the transport of explosives on public roads, but not on mine sites. The Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 (MSI Act); this act and supporting regulations deal with the full spectrum of occupational health and safety in the mining industry. There is a substantial section in the regulations dealing with the use of explosives at a mine site.DoIR has identified the need for security upgrades of the Government Explosives Reserves, the need to tighten security measures at mine sites, the need for improved security checking for licensed shotfirers and the need to restrict the availability of explosives to authorised people who have had appropriate security checks. It is also clear that we need restrictions on the sale and use of ammonium nitrate (AN). A number of additional security measures are being proposed and all proposals are being refined by ongoing industry consultations. These will be adopted into new explosives regulations in association with the new Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2002 (DGS Act). Government finalised the act in June 2004. The act remains dormant until new explosives and dangerous goods regulations have been prepared. When the DGS Act and a suite of regulations are proclaimed as a package, sometime between December 2004 and April 2005, the old legislation consisting of the current two acts, will be automatically repealed. It is also proposed that all explosive regulation, including those under the MSI Act will be consolidated in one place under the DGS Act for user friendliness.

Jan 1, 2004

Portable crushing at Duval Corporation's Sierrita open pit mine has proven both the economics and operability of large, hardrock, portable systems. In-house expertise was utilized to create a system incorporating both operational and maintenance features requested by operating personnel. The monitor/control system involves over 400 channels of information and is based on a DEC 1SI 11/2 microprocessor communicating with seven microprocessor-based data acquisition systems over a 4-wire, multidrop link. The year and one-half successful operation affirms the design philosophy and the hardware/software implementation.

Jan 1, 1985

Magnetic methods have for a long time been used in the search for iron ore. In fact the first recorded geophysical prospecting was the use of a magnetic compass to locate iron ore in the Kuruna region in Sweden as early as 1640.The largest magnetic anomaly discovered, about 700,000 gamma-s, is in this region.The enormous deposits in Russia in the Kursk region, where the ore consists largely of magnetite, were discovered by magnetic methods. Heiland estimates the proved reserves at 290,000 million tons and the additional potential deposits at twice this amount.These magnetite ores Show extremely high magnetic anomalies and consequently very insensitive instruments could be used to survey them. The first aerial magnetic surveys were carried out in this area in 1928.Large areas of the iron ore producing regions in Norway, Sweden and the United States have been covered by magnetic surveys in the past 30 years, much of the work being started after the first World War.In every major iron ore producing country, except Australia, extensive magnetic surveys have been, or are, carried out with the purpose of extending the reserves of ore. Australia is indeed fortunate that the depletion of iron ore reserves and the location of new deposits has not become an urgent problem. Nevertheless, some minor reconnaissance work has already been carried out in Australia, and the Commonwealth Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics is contemplating a more extended aerial magnetometer survey in the Middleback Ranges area. The work so far done in the Middleback Ranges country consists of a ground magnetic survey of a few small...

Jan 1, 1951

By L MacDonald, D Molver, D Pepper

Increasing contamination/impurity levels (including arsenic, antimony, mercury etc.) of concentrates is an issue of global commercial and health / environmental significance. With increasing environmental pressures at smelters, penalties for contaminants in concentrates continue to rise, accompanied by lower reject limits. There is a strong incentive for miners to investigate alternative means to remove contaminants in order to increase the value of complex ores and concentrates. This paper discusses the global problem of contamination in complex ores and concentrates, how the Toowong Process technology is a potential solution to this problem, and the opportunities this technology brings to the business of dealing with deleterious elements. CITATION: MacDonald, L, Molver, D and Pepper, D, 2018. The Toowong process for treatment of complex ores, in Proceedings Complex Orebodies Conference 2018, pp 119–121 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 21, 2018

By G D. Carman

White Rock is a reduced tungsten-tin skarn deposit near Rye Park, New South Wales. This abstract summarises the depositÆs mining and exploration history, and current exploration by Paradigm Metals Ltd targeting an economic resource at the deposit. An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation.

Jan 1, 2008

By R B. Venugopal, P Staples

The selection of the mode of transport for moving bulk materials is never a simple task as there are various concerns/considerations applied to the selection of the most practical and cost-effective mode of transport to be used to move bulk materials. This paper examines various alternatives for moving ore from a mine at the top of a mountain to a process plant below (some 5000 m apart and a vertical drop of 650 m). The terrain of the mountain section of the route has added its own specific requirements, resulting in the final selection of a pipe conveyor for this application. The paper further addresses the final selection of hardware used in the implementation of the solution.

Jan 1, 2005

By A Gibbs

Culture and leadership go hand in hand, especially when it comes to investing in safety. But the reality is that most safety leaders haven’t been taught the fundamental soft skills needed to lead effectively. In fact, only one in four safety leaders demonstrate effective skills and behaviours. Furthermore, when compared to its peers in other high-risk industries, our research indicates mining has the most room for improvement when it comes to effective safety leadership. In this presentation safety culture, climate and leadership will be outlined. Additionally, research data collected from our clients, across a variety of industries, will be shared to inspire reflection on the value of safety leadership. Finally, strategies to empower leaders and increase safety leadership behaviours will be described.

May 5, 2022

By Gillies A. D S

The paper presents a review of research in the area of explosible coal dust with respect to safety in the underground mining environment. Research over the last several decades has concentrated on generating dust clouds in small scale laboratory explosion chambers to study flammability limits and the physical and chemical variables which affect explosion propensity. The validity of this approach is discussed and the results obtained for a range of coal types compared.

Jan 1, 1994

By M Bettison, R Wright, N Taylor

The primary mine planning focus during early study phases of future mining projects is Life of Asset ore production and grade quality, this will always be the situation. While waste schedule optimisation is generally considered in the latter study phases nearing execution for a limited number of schedule periods only and not a true optimisation considering all attributes such as waste destination location, design, cycle time and closure. This can be particularly applicable in large multi-pit bulk mining operations where one approach to meet Life of Asset ore tonnes and grade targets has been to maintain pit development flexibility resulting in large open pit areas and substantial expit Overburden Storage Area (OSA). The value opportunity is to develop a Life of Asset waste schedule source-to-destination optimisation prior to mine development considering all applicable attributes and routinely review throughout the Life of Asset taking account of improved ore and waste knowledge.CITATION:Taylor, N, Wright, R and Bettison, M, 2018. Utilising mine planning to deliver closure landforms through productive movement, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 96–99 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

By F Baars, M Zu, C A. RosiFre, L Lobato

A genetic model for the genesis of high-grade (>65 wt per cent Fe) Proterozoic, banded iron formation (BIF)-related iron deposits such as the Tom Price, Mount Whaleback deposits in the Hamersley Province (Australia), the N4E, N4W, N5 deposits at Carajßs (Brazil), the Aguas Claras, Conceitpo, and Casa de Pedra deposits in the Iron Quadrangle (Brazil), the Donkerpoort West, Kwagas East deposit in the Thabazimbi iron ore district (South Africa), or the Saksagan ore field at Krivoy Rog (Ukraine), needs to take into account the: timing of regional metamorphism with respect to the upgrade of BIF to high-grade iron ore; significance and relationship of the proto-ore to the hydrothermal alteration minerals and zonation and the process of iron enrichment; source and oxidation state of the hydrothermal fluids that caused the iron enrichment; types of geochemical processes that caused the hydrothermal alteration and iron enrichment; and significance of the widespread carbonatisation of the host rocks as a prerequisite for high-grade BIF-related iron mineralisation.We argue that a unifying model for high-grade BIF-related iron deposits cannot, presently, adequately explain the geological and geochemical characteristics observed in these deposits and, therefore, provide two end-member models that take into account the diversity of geological and geochemical ore deposit features. Our discrete model for the genesis of high-grade, BIF-related iron deposits is based on the interpreted tectonic setting, distinct hydrothermal fluid source of, and processes observed in, major BIF-related iron deposits. We divide two end-members: Proterozoic deep fault-magmatic (Carajßs) type, and Proterozoic rift-basin (Hamersley) type.Both end-members experienced varying degrees of deep weathering episodes that effected the hypogene enrichment and, ultimately, yielded the high-grade iron ore mined in many places today.

Jan 1, 2005

By M A. Noppé

"Investors and other stakeholders assessing the risk, opportunity and relative value associated with a resource project need to appreciate the project in its correct context. Errors, omissions, biased reporting or conflicting information in project reporting may lead to a misinterpretation of technical and financial results, resulting in biased estimates or assumptions on project value.This paper provides a simple ‘Resource Project Framework’ for presenting a project’s status that may be readily benchmarked against other similar projects and to illustrate the stages required to advance the project outcomes to higher levels of certainty. The framework draws on definitions and guidelines readily available in various resource industry reporting codes and public company reporting requirements.The framework assesses three key areas for placing a resource project in its correct relative context, namely:the project development stagethe confidence in the Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and/or Ore Reservesthe level of accuracy, precision and confidence in the technical and economic studies supporting the reported results or options for the project.The application of the Resource Project Framework is illustrated using two project examples, one from publicly reported company project releases and the other for two development projects.CITATION:Noppé, M A, 2016. A framework for presenting and benchmarking resource projects, in Proceedings Project Evaluation 2016, pp 260–274 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 8, 2016

By B Stewart

The SRS-1200 concept came about following the recommendations from the Board of Inquiry into the 1994 Moura No 2 mine disaster with the aim of having a system to remove personnel from an unsafe environment underground via a shaft where no other means of escape is possible. It is a mobile rescue unit that utilises a winding system to operate a man cage. It can descend the cage up to 1200 m into a vertical shaft. This operation is managed from the winder control compartment located on the non-driver side at the rear of the vehicle.

May 5, 2022

By Inoue T, Takahashi N

To construct the accessing railroad line to the northern portal of Seikan Undersea Tunnel, nine tunnels amounting 7.4km in their total length were excavated through soft mudstones of young- er tertiary era with use of smaller-sized mechanic al excavators. Rocks were classified in four classes to which the tunnel support was designed respectively. Of several combinations of driving equipments stu- died comparatively, the method using the mechani- cal excavators was estimated to be the best choi- ce. The efficiency of the excavator was traced in every construction section and the data colle- cted was reviewed numerically. The result showed that the efficiency of the excavator dropped wh- ere the rocks were as hard as over 200kg/crif for compressive strength. And a few technigues in tunnelling i.e. contr- olling dusts in shotcreting, lattice arch, evaluati- ng measured deformations were tested and review- ed too.

Jan 1, 1987

By Hosking IA, Mirkov P

Among the solutions currently being considered for improving traffic flow in Sydney are the construction of major road tunnels, principally the Eastern Distributor Tunnels, leading from the end of the Cahill Expressway to Drivers Triangle and South of Taylor Square and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, which incorporates sections of driven tunnel at the northern and southern sides of the harbour. The Eastern Distributor Tunnels, known as Stages 2 and 3 of the Eastern Distributor Scheme comprise: Stage 2 - A south bound two lane tunnel from north of William Street to Driver's Triangle. The southern end includes two Y junctions (locally 3 to 4 lane widths) with exits into South Dowling Street, Anzac Parade and Moore Park Road. Stage 3 - A north bound, two lane tunnel from Taylor Square to Palmer Street just north of William Street. Further details of the Eastern Distributor Tunnels are given in the paper by Baxter, Chappel and Fishburn (1986) which is included in this conference.

Jan 1, 1987

By D W. Stevens

Mechanical sampling provides a definitive value for the product sampled but the results are not instantaneous, meaning that decisions on process control can only be made hours after the sample is taken. Chemicals are added, tailings are sent to waste, stockyards are laid and the data for the decision-making is historical. Online analysers provide instantaneous information, allowing operators to make immediate and cost-saving decisions on the process. However, pending the specific online analysis application, there is a need for reference sampling for dynamic calibration/bias updating of the analysers so that they can deliver the desired precision and accuracy. What would be the economic justification for combining mechanical sampling with online analysis to reduce laboratory costs and provide immediate process control with certainty of accuracy? Approved sampling according to the Theory of Sampling, with immediate process control information.CITATION:Stevens, D W, 2014. Justification for integrating mechanical sampling with online analysis, in Proceedings Sampling 2014 , pp 135–138 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 29, 2014

By A G. L Pratt, G F. Dunstan, A Leonforte

The selection of the material sizing and mine dewatering systems are important elements in the development of a large-scale, high tonnage (greater than 4 Mt/a) underground hard rock mine. The sizing system will influence the size and type of the ore haulage system and therefore how the underground project is developed. With more underground developments considering or implementing caving methods of mining, the selection of the material sizing systems is also influenced by the caving fragmentation. Traditionally, crusher systems are used for material sizing in large hard rock mines, with the crusher installation and its ancillary equipment representing a substantial capital investment. Underground cave mining type operations generally express themselves with large surface subsidence areas, which can lead to large inflows of water from major rain events or purging underground aquifer systems. To minimise disruption to mine production, the dewatering system needs to be sized, with consideration to both storage and pumping capacities. The balance between storage and pumping capacity is assessed to provide the optimal economic solution with the appropriate risk measures. This paper outlines a process for the selection of material sizing and dewatering systems for large-scale caving operations. This process is illustrated with information drawn from NewcrestÆs Ridgeway Deeps Block Cave project. The Ridgeway Deeps Block Cave is located directly beneath the existing Ridgeway Sublevel Cave Mine.

Jan 1, 2008

By R E. Hobbs, O Grabandt, C Das

Mine hoisting is carried out from depths of up to 4 km. At extreme depths, the ropes are so heavy that a large part of their capacity is employed in lifting themselves. Consequently, deep mines have an intermediate winding station. Even at lesser depths, the weight of steel wire rope reduces the possible payload. Of course, steel wire ropes have, over the years, demonstrated exceptional reliability and acceptable lifetimes. The use of steel is supported by well established operating rules and sound NDT methods. However, lightweight ropes made from synthetic fibres could be of great benefit to the industry, with the prospect of eliminating two-stage winding and substantially increasing the payload. Initial tests, in cycling over sheaves, have demonstrated that an aramid co-polymer fibre, Technora« is a potential candidate for this type of service. This paper presents results of testing carried out on aramid co-polymer and other synthetic fibre ropes. These results hold out the prospect of exceptionally long lives. Possible NDT methods are explored including optical fibres with optical time domain reflectometry or with Brillouin scattering, plus a method based on carbon fibre continuity. The introduction of aramid co-polymer ropes will require extensive testing and a program is proposed in the format of a Joint Industry Project.

Jan 1, 2005

By B Ascott, J Kennedy, A White

At mines with low tonnes per vertical metre, like the Jundee Mine in Western Australia, operated by Newmont Asia Pacific, high development rates across multiple mining areas are critical to achieving the delivery outlined, or promised, in the annual business plan. The challenge is to deliver the short-term requirements while keeping in balance with the long-term strategic direction. Newmont Jundee has developed a system called æMine Planning by QuartersÆ that integrates the planning process with the business process in one end-to-end continuum. Short-, medium- and long-term schedules are reviewed and updated by applying four integrated subprocesses, which capture new information as it becomes available. The four subprocesses are: resource development planning û evaluating mineral resource,reserve development planning û preliminary design for new reserves,mine operating planning û final mine design for reserves, andmine production planning û detailed plans for stoping a proved reserve. Commercial mine planning software is used in these subprocesses to facilitate the flow of information into a central storage æhubÆ for uploading into the rolling business plan. A regular and consistent quarterly review helps to identify and qualify areas of business risk at an early stage, allowing time to plan for contingency and minimise the impact of the risk.

Jan 1, 2008

By Stevens P

The Isa Mine of Mount Isa Mines Limited currently produces 5.4 million tonnes of copper ore and 3.3 million tonnes of silver, lead and zinc ore annually. Of this, 5.1 million tonnes of copper ore and 2.2 million tonnes of silver-lead-zinc ore is produced by sublevel open stoping. This paper summarises the capabilities, operating practices and problems encountered with current production drilling practices used to drill sublevel open stopes at Mount Isa.

Jan 1, 1982

By Sullivan BJK

The 1100 orebody is a massive copper sul- phide orebody which contains a major portion of the Isa Mine copper ore reserves of 130 million tonnes at 3.2%. The underground mining of a deposit as large as the 1100 orebody is technologically a complex operation as extraction strategies have to be evaluated with reference to 1. rock mechanics considerations, 2. safety and environmental standards, 3. production and operating require- ments and 4. metal recovery and costs. The mining philosophy in the orebody has undergone considerable change over the past five years as a result of experience and improved technology. At this stage, primary stopes are extracted by high rise sublevel open stoping and pillars by slot and mass blast drawn either under rock fill or as an open Stope.

Jan 1, 1978