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By Rob D. Morrison

The paper point out the opportunities for improved performance from Mine to Product using a range of technologies developed at the JKMRC. There are several underlying themes: Readily available computing power makes possible instrument like SPLIT, JKFrothCam and the JK/FEI Mineral Liberation Analyser, a large research project is underway applying acoustic monitoring techniques to large mills with the object being to more accurately monitor total mill load and ball load on-line. Taking advantage of these opportunities will require detailed ore characterization, good models and accurate measurement of mine and plant performance.

Sep 13, 2001

By P G. Gaylard

P754 has been an unusual project in that its main aim was to develop a code of practice for metal accounting with the following key objectives:Development leading to an agreed industry standard at corporate governance level Significant improvement of the credibility of metal accounting from deposit to saleable product Development of guidelines for data collection, data analysis, reporting and audit A data analysis toolbox which provides go/no go testing for metal balance data Promotion of industry adoption of these guidelines to improve transparency and financial credibility. Over time, these guidelines may evolve into a code and eventually into a standard Develop and train engineers to become expert in metal balancing and reporting. Papers like this one and the workshop which follows this conference are part of promoting the code for adoption by industry. Developing a code of practice has traditionally been the provenance of professional bodies associated with particular industries û often on a voluntary basis. Given todayÆs industry pressures, it was felt that funding key input might accelerate the development process as well as offer opportunities to research some of the problems and to train some post graduate students in a difficult discipline. In fact, the project has brought together six industry sponsors from a wide range of process types, three research providers, and funded students in South Africa and Australia. The project has also attracted input from the financial community. A textbook to support the application of the code has also been written. The industry sponsors have made the Code and Guidelines available on request to help to facilitate its use by the mineral industry beyond the sponsor group. The Code and Guidelines have already been translated into Spanish and Portuguese which suggests that industry acceptance may happen quite quickly. The main thrust of the code is to integrate commercial and technical performance to a much higher degree. The Check in-Check out (CI-CO) method has been chosen as the vehicle for this combined approach. The mass and metal values used for CI-CO are 'absolute' and provide the basis of financial transfers. The CI-CO process occurs at each transfer of custody - whether between divisions within a company, or between companies. This approach means that measurement of mass and metal flows becomes the critical element of the process and that a quantitative knowledge of measurement accuracy and precision is also essential. This knowledge allows technical differentiation between differences which are within the expected margin of variation and those which must be formally identified as discrepancies and subject to a process of investigation and sign off. Hence, the application of the code for most companies should be more evolutionary than revolutionary, but with substantially more emphasis on measurement and definition of measurement error. Where this can be achieved, it should bring the mineral industry more into line with other industries competing for investment funds, community acceptance and future employees.

Jan 1, 2008

By J. E. De Waele, J. J. Lee, M. J. Mulheron, Luke R. Deamer

There is increasing demand for geotechnical contractors to commit to carbon reduction, net zero or science based targets. A lot of focus has therefore been placed on using low carbon materials and low emission rigs. However, whilst these are ways to help reduce carbon, there is a need to look beyond just substituting materials and fuels to meet net zero. Using the IEMA carbon hierarchy, there is a need to first look at eliminating and reducing emissions, before considering substitute materials. For example, in geotechnical designs, this may mean considering using ground improvement or reducing the number of piles, before considering using low carbon cements. Equally, for remaining emissions, this hierarchy means considering carbon negative products to offset emissions, such as ground source heat pumps. This hierarchy can also be applied throughout geotechnical contractor organisations. For example, considering video conferencing for meetings, before considering public transport or using an electric vehicle. This article explores the carbon hierarchy and how it can be applied to all areas of a geotechnical contractor’s business. Only through embedding this hierarchy across the business can geotechnical contractors achieve the step change required to meet net zero.

May 1, 2022

By Luiz Guilherme Isfer Maciel, Marilena Cardu, Fernando Golin, Jacopo Seccatore

"This study applies the concept of the difficulty of tunnelling by drilling an blasting (D&B) to selectedcases from the Brazilian tunnelling industry. The difficulty of tunnelling has been defined in previouswork as the difference of specific drilling (SD) from industrial average trend: easier when SD is lowerthan average, more difficult when SD is higher than average. Results show how tunnels in Brazil tend tobe unrealistically more difficult to excavate when compared to similar excavations in similar geologies elsewhere in the world. It is thoroughly discussed the reason for such anomaly (up to +90% SD compared to industrial average). One reason could be the lack of options amongst explosive products on the brazilian market. Only ANFO and explosive emulsions are available in Brazil. Lacking high VOD(Velocity of Detonation) products might result in reducing the maximum allowable burden amongstproduction holes, therefore increasing SD. Another reason could be found in the tunnel designers’tendency of choosing D&B as excavation method for weak rock masses that would benefit from mechanical excavation. The reason to this tendency can be partly found in the lack of availability of mechanical excavation machines in the brazilian market. Blasting in weak rock masses requires more careful smooth blasting, hence a closer spacing amongst contour holes to avoid costly overbreak: this increases SD. A third reason could be found in the lack of skill amongst the local workforce. When dealing with unskilled workers the blast designers naturally tend to avoid highly optimized blasts thatrequire very skilled workforce to be realized on field. The designer in this case tends to leave the blastdesign simpler but more robust, at the cost of higher specific drilling and specific charge. The conclusions suggest that this unrealistic difficulty when compared to world average could be a simptom of the so-called “Brazilian cost” within the tunnelling industry."

Jan 1, 2017

By D Tanzil, H Jones

Every mine will close! Charting a profitable course through mine operations to acceptable mine completion requires that risk and opportunity management planning of the mine life begin as early as possible in the life cycle. Management targets and metrics are required to identify and navigate the course to successful mine completion based on economic, social and environmental criteria. This paper outlines the application of The Metrics NavigatorÖ principles to the life cycle of a mine site. In general, metrics are required to make key strategic ideas apparent, transforming those ideas into a manageable set of quantitative measures that guide communication and decision making. For example, the chemical industry has established metrics that focus on the life cycle impacts of its products and eco-efficiency of their processes. Other industry sectors have focused attention on workplace and community well-being outcomes. These management metrics are necessarily organisation-specific, aligned to stakeholdersÆ expectations and the strategic outcomes sought, as well as the cause-and-effect relationships underlying key issues. Recently, the Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI), a consortium of multi-national companies, developed The Metrics NavigatorÖ. The guidance document provides a structured process for assessing and developing metrics for key environmental, social, and economic issues based on business and stakeholder perspectives. It incorporates best practices learned from the chemical and other industry sectors and has since been applied to develop metrics that guide life cycle strategies. The paper examines how the life cycle of a mine site could benefit from experiences in other industry sectors where sustainability metrics have guided strategy. It considers the potential application of The Metrics NavigatorÖ process to the life cycle of a hypothetical Australian mine site using the processes that have been successful in other industry sectors.

Jan 1, 2009

By Q. Feng

"Efforts have been tried to apply the mixture of mine tailings and fly ash as construction materials. Through the present investigation, a protocol to make construction materials using the mixture of mine tailings and fly ash has been set up. The experiment results of the present work also help set up the working conditions such as activation temperature and time, the concentration of NaOH, the addition of Ca(OH)2, forming pressure, mine tailing to fly ash weight ratio, curing temperature and curing time. The findings of the present work provide a novel method for the geopolymerization of the mixture of mine tailings and fly ash as construction materials, such as bricks for construction and road pavement. INTRODUCTION In mining activity, after the valuable materials are extracted from ores, millions of tons of solid rejects, i.e., mine tailings, are stored in the tailings dam, which occupies a huge area of land and leads to high monetary, environmental and ecological costs. For example, the impoundment of mine tailings can bring with serious environmental problems such as mine dust and tailing dam failure. On the other hand, the making of general construction material results in a lot of greenhouse gas emission. Therefore, it is of great interest to utilize mine tailings, for which a lot of energy has been consumed during the comminution process, as construction materials using the novel geopolymerization technique. (Xu and van Deventer, 2000, 2002a, 2002b; Pacheco-Torgal et al., 2007, 2008; Zhang et al., 2011; Ahmari et al., 2012) Fly ash is another industrial waste which needs to be carefully impounded because of its potential impact on environment. Many efforts have been tried to utilize fly ash as construction materials because it is a silica/alumina rich aluminosilicate source. In addition, the facts that fly ash is quite reactive to alkali and its particle size is usually very small (< 50 microns) make the specific material an ideal source for the geopolymerization process to make construction materials. Geopolymerization is a process of obtaining a polymeric structure from aluminosilicate by dissolving aluminosilicate sources in a strong alkali (NaOH) solution at an elevated temperature. After being cured at an elevated temperature for a specific time, the geopolymerization product shows a greatly increased compressive strength. Therefore, the product can be used as construction material such as bricks and road pavement. It provides a very promising method to apply aluminosilicate sources such as mine tailings and fly ash as construction materials."

Jan 1, 2016

By D. M. Abbott

The requirements of the International Mineral Property Valuation Standards Template (IMVAL Template) (includes Petroleum), 4th edition of April 14, 2021, are based on six principles: 2.1.1 competence, 2.1.2 materiality, 2.1.3 transparency, 2.1.4 objectivity, 2.1.5 independence, and 2.1.6 reasonableness. The IMVAL Template describes “reasonableness” as, “The Valuer must ensure the Reasonableness of the Valuation. Any Valuation, assumptions applied, and any method relied upon should be reasonable within the context of the purpose of the Valuation and the Basis of Value. A method applied to the subject Mineral Property should be within the expected capability and consideration of an assumed likely buyer or lessee of the property.” The IMVAL Template’s Guidance 3.6 on Reasonableness states, “The test of Reasonableness is to consider what appropriately qualified and experienced Valuers, acting reasonably, would conclude in the circumstances. The Valuer must form an opinion that is reasonable in the circumstances, that is, what a Valuer believes is rational and plausible in the circumstances and would be viewed as such if considered by other appropriately qualified and experienced Valuers with the same information and at the same time.” Finally, the IMVAL Template’s Definition 4.26 states Reasonableness “[m]eans that other qualified and experienced Valuers with access to the same information for the same Valuation Date and Basis of Value would consider the Valuer's estimate of Value to be within a reasonable range.”

Mar 2, 2022

By Charles Tkaczuk

In order to remain competitive the mining industry must keep up with changes in technology. Many innovative technologies from the mining perspective are commonplace in other industries. A ?Global? review of technologies will often reveal existing technologies that can be innovatively applied in the mining industry. Industries, which are rife with proven solutions include, medicine, biotechnology, security, manufacturing, telecommunications, etc. This paper addresses the communications aspect of mining where greater productivity, lower costs and the ability to quickly react to mining related events is obtained through an increase in remote monitoring and operating control. A review of the communications systems in place globally reveals technologies that, with minimal modification, can be immediately applied to the mining environment. We discuss the concept, advantages and implementation of existing communications technology from an industry that is not usually associated with the mining industry. This technology will form the basis of a solid platform on which can be built a state-of-the-art process monitoring, control, and communication system. This lays the groundwork for providing one solution to the underground mining industry?s most difficult problem, establishing a reliable, maintainable and cost-effective underground bi-directional wired/wireless data, video and analog communications system. We need look no further than our own doorsteps to find such a solution. The cable that you see coming from the simple green or brown box on the boulevard into your home contains hundreds of television broadcast channels, FM radio channels and data channels. And if you have a set-top box, you are in control of it all. The Cable Television Broadcast Distribution System suppliers of today are at the leading edge of converging all the different methods of communications onto a common carrier, coaxial cable or fibre optic cable. There is no fundamental difference between providing a reliable communications network to a city/neighbourhood/home/personal computer than there is to a mining operation/underground level/equipment or person. The principle is the same. Only the application is different. Realizing this, we can capitalize on the efforts of other industrial sectors, to solve our communications problem. Where else can you find a solution to a problem that is mature, having been developed with the input of thousands of engineers, and having hundreds of millions of dollars spent on research and development, manufacturing, distribution, global presence and engineering support?

May 1, 2003

By Philip E. J. Green

Two of the cornerstones of total quality management, the use of statistical and problem solving tools, and the involvement of employees, are directly applicable to environmental protection. The reduction in variation decreases the chances of violations and mishaps. Involving employees in minimizing environmental impacts is critical. One mistake, even with the best technology, and your plant can be shut down, customers lost and fines and penalties imposed - your reputation and the environment damaged. Proven strategies for involving employees in environmental protection, and over-coming the frequently strong differences of opinions about what constitutes environmental protection, will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1992

By P. Oghazi

It is possible to have traceability in the mining industry, by parameters and signatures like particle mineralogy, mineral association, texture and mineral liberation. The study is on an apatite-iron ore deposit at Malmberget, Sweden, and characterizes an ore body both mineralogically and texturally in a quantitative manner by using analytical methods like optical microscopy, microprobe (EMPA) and an automatic SEM based system, Particle Texture Analysis (PTA). The mineralogy was evaluated by PTA and characterized by modal mineralogy, mineral liberation and mineral associations. Magnetite has a simple outline and straight grain boundaries and the gangue minerals have a finer particle size with a more complicated texture. The PTA analysis also shows that apatite is associated to magnetite as mixed particles, while smaller grains of magnetite are inclusions in feldspar. Result from particle texture analysis shows that there is a connection which link to the mine-to-mill context, and it may be used to create traceability. This link is not the associations of the main ore mineral magnetite, nor the modal mineralogy. Instead, it is the mineral associations of contaminating minerals (apatite and feldspar) that appear to be most promising since they survive from mine to mill. The modal mineralogy may be used to understand how contaminated minerals break into or out of particles size fraction during grinding.

Jan 1, 2010

By A. Sheikh, S. Hardcastle

"Various methods of leaching are being used by Denison Mines Ltd. Uranium Operations. This study was designed to investigate the flood leaching operation of two parallel inter-connected stopes contained by pressure bulkheads. The teaching muck piles, created from large scale uppers production blasts, are aerated by compressed air lines laid beneath the pile prior to blasting.A SFr, tracer gas, injection technique has been employed to determine the post-blast integrity of the single-ended air distribution system. SF6 was injected into the compressed air line feed to the stopes and collected at borehole exhausts from the stopes in grab-sampling bags. Analyses of the air samples were performed with a gas chromatograph.The system was designed to give a sufficiency of oxygen to sustain bacterial activities used to enhance the leaching recovery in the muck piles. The results obtained indicated that there is a minor anomaly in the distribution system that may not be critical to the operation. Compared to an idealized case, the over-all efficiency of aeration throughout the muck is estimated at over 85%."

Jan 1, 1988

By J. Fisher, M. Barish

Over the past several years, Somerset International has successfully installed over 20 patented Sub325® Fine Coal Recovery Systems in the United States, Australia, Canada and Russia. These installations recover between 5 TPH and 40 TPH for the host sites. In addition to the increased revenue from the direct recovery of a recirculating load (Screen Bowl “Insurance”, Direct Recovery vs. Indirect Recovery via Recycle, CPSA 2020), host sites have seen benefits ranging from improved operation of refuse equipment to a reduction in the solids content of the refuse streams. As Somerset has improved ultra-fine coal recovery through the introduction of Sub325® Effluent Flotation and, most recently, the Sub325® Effluent Settler™, the amount of coal that has been recovered from these systems has increased by up to as much as 25%. Many host sites have taken a sense of ownership in the Somerset system and consider it to be a critical circuit in the overall optimal performance of the plant. In the past year, Somerset has taken the initiative to expand upon the capabilities of the Sub325® Fine Coal Recovery System, primarily the Sub325® Solid Bowl Centrifuge, to include Refuse Tailings Dewatering to allow for co-mingled refuse disposal. As slurry ponds and boreholes are becoming difficult to impossible to permit and operate, there is a need for a reliable, low-maintenance, continuous operation that can produce a handleable refuse cake. Refuse tailings disposal applications are by no means limited to coal plants and impoundments. Somerset has successfully tested at iron ore and phosphate locations throughout the world and have begun commercial installations. The ability to dewater -325 mesh material, whether it be coal, coal refuse, iron ore tailings, or something else, is a vital piece of processing capability for the continued production of mining operations across the globe. This paper highlights the success that Somerset has had in the coal industry worldwide as well as the initial successes with phosphate, iron ore, and copper tailings (patent pending).

Mar 2, 2022

By Y Lanwin

The Australian mining industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, is on a journey towards greater equity and inclusion. Th paper introduces a comprehensive exploration of how universal design principles, stemming from architectural roots, have evolved through automation and digital technology into the more encompassing frameworks of inclusive design and equitable design. The paper proposes a practical framework for those involved in work, facilities and equipment design in the mining industry to identify and assess for equity and inclusion. Universal Design emerged in the 1960s with a primary focus on architecture, aiming to create spaces accessible to people of all abilities. Its foundational principles sought to ensure equitable use, flexibility, simplicity, perceptibility, tolerance for error, low physical effort and optimal spatial considerations. Over time, these principles evolved and expanded beyond physical spaces, finding applications in various fields, including technology, education and transportation. In response to advancements in technology and a growing understanding of the multifaceted nature of diversity, Universal Design evolved into Inclusive Design. Inclusive Design goes further than mere accessibility, considering a broader spectrum of users with varying cognitive, sensory, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. It emphasises user centred design, customisation options, diverse user research and continuous iteration. Equitable Design emerged as a framework that addresses not only the diversity of needs but also systemic disparities. It emphasises fairness, justice and the elimination of structural inequities. Equitable Design encompasses accessibility and affordability, representation and diversity, ethical considerations and community engagement. This paper will explore the applications of these design principles through a series of case studies including village and on-site facilities, remote operations and office based work design and technology design. By applying these frameworks in a mining context, the paper proposes that mining companies and suppliers can improve diversity, equity and inclusion leading to safer, more engaged and productive workplaces.

Apr 16, 2024

By Robert McClure, Frederic Leclercq, Ricardo Chavez

With significant vibration control and fragmentation challenges facing them, the CBS quarry (department of the Nord) successfully integrated a technical partner and mine to mill optimisation to deal with a difficult environment. For the last three years, CBS has been conducting a global production monitoring program similar to the mine to mill concept used in the mining industry. This concept consists of optimising the drilling and blasting while monitoring the effects on the downstream chain (vibration control, loading, hauling, crushing, plant output). Blast optimization is ensured by systematic control of the blast geometry (volumes, patterns, bench and face anomalies, drill deviation) and by the use of constant specific energy blasting. Constant specific energy optimises the work of the explosive in a blasting operation and, when combined with a high accuracy programmable electronic blasting system, reduces the impact of blasting on the environment and enhances blast performance. These techniques ensure consistent blasting results and hence improved site productivity. The improvements achieved have been identified thanks to an effective system designed to monitor the key production parameters.

Jan 1, 2007

By E. Viljamaa

In this research, earlier developed information integration method and novel web technologies are applied to intensify infrastructure construction process control. The applied method uses semantic methods to integrate scattered information that is later on exploited by process management using state-of-the-art web technologies. The applied method and web technologies not only improve the process management situation awareness by integrated up-todate multi-source process data but also provide platform independent access and visualization tool for process data. Utilization of such technologies potentially lead on cost savings, make processes safer and also more environmentally friendly. The integration method also enables intelligent queries to the integrated data making possible to use machine based inferring to the data.

Aug 1, 2013

By Alejandro Berrios, Matheus DaSilva, Erick Siqueira

Vazante mine is an underground polymetallic mine that produces zinc, lead, and silver, which belongs to Nexa Resources in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The mine, a sublevel stope underground mine, mainly applies two subvariants: VRM – Vertical Retreat Mining and Open Stope. In a specific place of the mine, the geology allowed the design of a production stope with larger dimensions than the standard stopes, commonly called Super Stope. At this place, the plan was to apply both sublevel variants simultaneously. This mining block comprises rings in two different levels, with access by two ore drives on each level; the dimensions would be approximately 50 meters high, 50 meters long, and 35 meters wide. Opening the Free Face to mine the whole Stope was a challenge due to operational issues, such as hazard risks from loading over void space, exposure to uncontained places, and the impossibility of implementing the optimal blast sequence. Wireless blasting initiators have gained popularity recently due to their convenience, safety, and efficiency. This initiation system was applied to preload all the rings required to open the Free Face, ensuring a safe and optimal blast sequence. Wireless initiation prevented hazard risks, enhanced the blast sequence to guarantee the required void space, and optimized the equipment's operational cycle. The blast crew carried out the activity without exposure to the risk of loading over void space. The wireless detonators also avoided after-blast activities, which were required to provide secure access to the blast crew, optimizing the operational cycle.

Jan 21, 2025

By N. V. Moraka

Mining companies are required by law to improve representation of women on their boards. However, progress in this regard has been slow. Boards of directors play an important role in formulating corporate strategy, risk assessment, and effective governance for sustained financial performance. Although some women have successfully maintained board seats, others have been unable to do so. It is difficult to ascertain whether women are being appointed as tokens to satisfy social pressures, as little is known about the experiences of women board members in mining, which may inform or refute tokenism. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 women and 16 men across six listed mining companies. Thematic data analysis revealed evidence of tokenism where recruitment to mining boards is compliance-based and is informally driven by influential directors. Adverse boardroom experiences that further confirmed tokenism were reported by women, such as disregarding their contributions, condescending behaviour, and limited influence in decision-making, while other women sought to validate their competence and oppose social exclusion. This study recommends that a strong Board Chair and nominations committee is critical to ensure sustainable recruitment of competent and suitably qualified women; and further foster a culture of inclusivity and valuing gender-diverse boards.

Dec 13, 2023

By Michael P. Balducci

Urban deep foundation projects contain unique risks that must be recognized by the parties involved. Common pitfalls must be recognized and avoided or addressed through contractual relations and corresponding insurance coverage. By understanding these pitfalls, examining the risk-apportioning clauses and corresponding insurance obligations, may the parties? desires and expectations be met.

Jan 1, 2008

By H. M. Chance

THE present value of most coal properties resides largely in the coal remaining to be mined, which thus constitutes the most important asset. The object of this paper is to discuss methods commonly used in computing the value of mineable coal. To distinguish clearly between such coal values and the values of other property, the several kinds of property values may be divided into classes; this is necessary to avoid unintentional omissions of items of importance. VALUE OF COAL RESERVES Judicial decisions prescribe, and appraisers commonly accept, current sales value as the preferred means for determining the value of transferable property. With few exceptions a property is worth the sum that can be realized from its sale by a willing seller to a willing buyer, a sale in which compulsion urges neither party, and between whom there is no community of interest to fix a value; or it is worth at least as much as a responsible buyer will offer for it. Actual sales of like property or bids from responsible buyers for the property, or for substantially like property, are the best established methods for determining values. Only in the absence of such sales or bids can valuations by other methods be entertained, and only for reasons of weight can sales values be set aside. Sales of coal in the ground, as customarily carried out through lease, under royalty agreements, are therefore the most trustworthy means available for determining the value of coal reserves.

Jan 6, 1926

By Antonio Jorge de Sousa

In order to compare several mining variants, on the point of view of the variability of the ore quality parameters, a conditional simulation technique is applied to a complex pyrite deposit (FEITAIS orebody, Portugal). Exploitation methods such as cut and fill and sublevel stoping are studied by the a.m. methodology. For each mining variant, it is assessed the influence of several mining operators on the variability of grades.

Jan 1, 1982