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Sizing is fundamental technology for each step of ironmaking process. The progress of sizing technology has greatly contributed to the development of ironmaking technology. As the purposes of ironmaking operations diversified particularly since the oil crisis of 1973, the sizing technology made new advance- ment, as represented by pulverization of ser- pentine, dezincification and classification of secondary blast furnace dust, pulverized coal injection, size-segregated sinter charging and a coal preparation control process. These techniques are mostly characterized by the fine grinding of a given type of mineral or coal to heighten the degree of reaction con- trol. This trend is expected to continue Further.

Jan 1, 1984

By R Saha, D Barry, C Mawdesley, O Bertoli

Kriged estimates are not typically calculated on blocks substantially smaller than the sample spacing (eg the Standard Mining Unit or SMU). Moreover, the sample spacing for quality variables is often much greater than the SMU size. For short to medium term planning decisions, the shorter term variability in the quality variables is a key economic consideration in defining, setting and meeting coal product specifications.Global uncertainties can be calculated using Drill Hole Spacing Analyses (DHSA). However, knowing the precision of a variable for a one or two year production volume is usually not adequate for variables with low spatial continuity that may fluctuate significantly over daily, weekly, SMU, or shipment volumes.Is there a feasible, reasonable and valid geostatistical method to model the uncertainty of coal quality variables on blocks substantially smaller than the drill spacing (say on the SMU)?The validity of using co-kriging variances, calculated on SMUs to characterise local uncertainty, was tested using a suite of conditional simulations generated for several quality variables for BHP’s Blackwater operation. The conditional simulation results were used as a benchmark against which the results derived from the kriging variances could be compared.The agreement between the kriging and simulation methods for thickness is excellent, with much closer correlations than for the quality variables. Typically, the kriging variances give very reasonable approximations to the simulation-based uncertainties, although there could be some systematic discrepancies which may become much more critical if a classification is to be based on a thresholding of the SMUs relative uncertainties.CITATION:Mawdesley, C, Barry, D, Bertoli, O and Saha, R, 2017. Local uncertainty benchmarking – a coal case study, in Proceedings Tenth International Mining Geology Conference 2017, pp 43–50 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 20, 2017

By T Raynlyn, S Hapugoda, V Nunna

The predominant phase in most Marra Mamba, channel iron deposits and detrital iron ore deposits is goethite. Goethite abundant iron ore fines tend to have complex mineralogical associations and fine dissemination of gangue material. These ores are typically challenging to process using conventional beneficiation methods. With declining ore grades, there is a need to develop new processing routes for low-grade goethitic ores/fines.Comparative process amenability studies were carried out using two different processing options to recover iron with low alumina and silica content from a low-grade goethite-abundant iron ore fines (-2 mm) sample from the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The first option involved dehydroxylation at 350°C and 400°C, followed by grinding dehydroxylated samples to 100 per cent passing 106 µm and magnetic separation. The second option was processing raw sample by gravity separation using a Floatex density separator. The performances of the two processes are discussed in terms of the iron grade-recovery responses, and an optimal processing route is proposed based on the findings from these tests.CITATION:Nunna, V, Hapugoda, S and Raynlyn, T, 2015. Process amenability studies on goethite-abundant iron ore fines, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2015, pp 165–174 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 13, 2015

By M S. Tuohy

Since the independent review of fatal accidents in the mining industry carried out by Dr Sean Brady (the ‘Brady Review’), High Reliability Organisations (HROs) and their operating principles have been discussed across the Queensland mining sector. HROs are organisations said to consistently avoid serious failures, reliably delivering their organisational objectives despite operating in environments characterised by high levels of inherent risk and/or operational complexity. HRO concepts have previously found application in other similarly hazardous industries to mining. However, as Hopkins (2009) pointed out, HROs ‘are very elusive creatures that inhabit the realm of theory more than the real world’. The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) with support from the Commissioner for Resources Safety and Health initiated a review of how HRO principles can be translated to the mining industry. The review was conducted by Noetic, an Australian management consulting company that specialises in hazardous industries, including mining and metals, and has prior experience applying HRO theory.

May 5, 2022

By R Moller

Reconciliation at large iron ore operations is a complex and time- consuming process. Often the volume of data and the large range of different stakeholders makes the process almost impossible. Up until recently geologists and engineers at these operations would spend hours cutting and pasting data in and out of monster spreadsheets, diligently comparing how resource/reserve models, grade control and survey pick-ups compare to what was actually produced. In 2003 the Sishen Iron Ore Mine in South Africa broke this cycle by implementing SnowdenÆs Reconcilor software. The implementation of a dedicated reconciliation system required a number of existing practices to be changed, with the involvement of stakeholders right across the mine. Data sources had to be clarified and validated, terminology had to be standardised, processes needed to be documented and some methodologies needed to be updated. This was a task that required significant effort by Kumba personnel so that the system could be successfully implemented. This paper provides a case study of the reconciliation system implementation at Sishen. It is a story of an operation that evolved from using a number of fragmented reconciliation processes to using a unified automated system. This paper outlines the key estimates and measurements that are used for reconciliation, details the characteristics of an automated web-based information management system to facilitate the process and provides some insights about the benefits that have been gained though the use of a rigorous reconciliation process.

Jan 1, 2005

In dense medium processes for the beneficiation of minerals the consumption of medium (generally ferrosilicon) represents a major component of the operating cost. This provides a strong incentive for improvements in heavy medium recovery circuit design and operation. A major thrust in heavy medium plant design over the past decade has therefore been towards circuits which reduce medium losses. In this paper recent trends in plant design are examined in relation to the factors infl uencing circuit performance and medium losses. Operational details ' which have a significant effect on losses are discussed and illustrated by means of plant and pilot plant test data, with particular emphasis on the performance of wet drum magnetic separators. While the emphasis is on reducing the consumption of the high-cost ferrosilicon medium used in minerals beneficiation, most of the principles described in this paper are equally relevant to the design and operation of magnetite recovery circuits for coal preparation plants.

Jan 1, 1987

By W Ward, J Clegg, R Barnes, T Zhong

This paper provides an overview of methods for measuring tunnel deflection and construction’s effects on the surrounding environment during and post construction. It will also review illustrative case studies from within Australia and overseas that are most relevant to local construction conditions. Systems illustrated include; vibrating wire and fibre optic strain gauges, extensometers, load cells and piezometers. A novel system using radar interferometry which requires no contact to the structure will also be investigated.In Australia, the majority of tunnelling activity occurs in urban areas (or in the case of mining in rural area) with limited seismic risk. However, the unexpected movement of tunnels is an important factor for structural engineers to monitor. During construction, monitoring is focused on the performance of the tunnelling lining, the supports under real conditions and the effects on surrounding infrastructure. After construction, monitoring will determine the effect of live traffic loads and can also evaluate the durability and any degradation of the tunnel. The aging of some tunnels or the forces subjected by nearby major construction can directly lead to a decrease in structural stability and deformation.The conventional way of inspecting and monitoring those tunnel movements is to have engineers physically enter the tunnel and carry out the measurement work. Manual techniques include tunnel wall convergence checks or total station measurement. However the associated costs are high and measurement process is difficult as some tunnel areas are inaccessible and the data collection interval is limited by the speed of the operator.Automated sensor networks utilising extensometers, fibre optics sensors or strain gauges can be used on tunnel segments or surrounding buildings. Ground settlement measurement via boreholes or hydraulic monitoring points and remote measurement of dynamic deflection can be taken using microwave interferometry.CITATION:Ward, W, Barnes, R, Zhong, T and Clegg, J, 2014. Sensors and systems for the measurement of tunnel movements during and after construction, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 209–218 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By E Mielczarski

Determination of the adsorbed layer composition and structure at molecular and atomic levels and understanding adsorption mechanisms and dynamics are vitally important for the preparation of surface layers with specific functions. Direct information, at a molecular level, about mineral surface composition, its structure and surface distribution is crucial to perform an efficient separation process for mineral beneficiation. This information is equally important for modifying surface properties of industrial minerals for specific applications such as: fillers, composites, weathering resistance, etc. An understanding of the mechanisms and kinetics of the interaction of first adsorbed organic molecules with mineral surfaces is a fundamental requirement for the prediction and control of the macroscopic surface properties governing the efficiency of separation technologies or new material formulations. The developed infrared external reflection technique has a unique ability to study interface phenomena, at a molecular level, on heterogeneous substrates. The variety, precision and reliability of information about the interface phenomena delivered by this technique is superior to any other single technique. The experiments are fast and non-destructive. High sensitivity (starting from 20 per cent of the monolayer) in situ collected information in a multiphase system, even in the region of strong absorption of the substrate, makes this technique a very valuable experimental tool. The complexity of the recorded reflection spectra, their sensitivity to variations of the optical properties of all bulk and surface components and their spatial distribution in the system under investigation, are in fact the major strengths of this technique. A few examples of the application of this multi-diagnostic technique, for monitoring surface modifications of semi-soluble minerals for selective flotation, will be discussed in detail in this paper.

Jan 1, 2005

By M Wortley, J Korteniemi, D La Rosa, L Rajavuori

Geometallurgical modelling of an orebody provides benefits to a mine by gaining a better understanding of the ore characteristics and how they affect the performance of the concentrator. With this knowledge, plant operating conditions can be adjusted to optimise throughput and recovery in advance of the arrival of particular ore types. Therefore, it is extremely important that the origin of the ore being processed is known as accurately as possible. Depending on the homogeneity of the ore characteristics, reliance on assumptions about stockpile residence times, scheduling and material handling can render the best geometallurgical models useless.The solution adopted at Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä mine was to utilise Metso SmartTags™ and in-house expertise to develop a system that continuously and accurately links geotechnical and lab data from the mine to the performance of the plant. This application presented several unique opportunities and challenges. For example, this was the first installation of a SmartTag™ system for geometallurgical modelling in an underground mine. Challenges included the fact that the system installation is routinely subjected to temperatures below -20°C.The system was installed and commissioned in early 2013 and has been operating continuously since. Kittilä has begun to see the benefits of the system, with an increased understanding of how different ores are processed in the concentrator. Other advantages include the ability to alert operators about the arrival of difficult ores and a better understanding of the ore handling systems.This paper describes the installation and use of the system at Kittilä and details some of the geometallurgical relationships that have been developed using the data collected so far.CITATION:La Rosa, D, Rajavuori, L, Korteniemi, J and Wortley, M, 2014. Geometallurgical modelling and ore tracking at Kittilä Mine, in Proceedings Orebody Modelling and Strategic Mine Planning Symposium 2014 , pp 291–298 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 24, 2014

By M L, G Maddocks, A Ferrier, ers, A Forbes

Evolution’s Mount Rawdon Operation (MRO) produces gold and silver through open pit mining methods. The mining operations are scheduled to be completed in FY24 (Financial Year 2024), after which low-grade stockpiles will be processed until the end of FY27. As part of MRO’s Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP), RGS Environmental Consultants (RGS) and Deswik were engaged to develop the final landform surface and a whole of site probabilistic water balance/water quality (WB/WQ) model to evaluate the viability of several closure options with respect to water quality in the various site water storages, particularly the final void which will form a pit lake. This case study details the closure option which included (amongst other things) covering the final landforms and directing water toward or away from the final void post closure. Closure and rehabilitation for MRO had previously been planned and evaluated on a ‘domain’ basis. Furthermore, the rehabilitation plans and final water management plans for the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), Waste Rock Storage Facility (WRSF) and other domains were not coordinated, possibly resulting in competitive rehabilitation material requirements at the commencement of closure activities. An assumption was that a legacy non-acid forming (NAF) stockpile would provide sufficient material to both supplement ex-pit material for the construction of the TSF embankment raises and to complete all closure activities, but the volumes available and the volumes required to complete the closure activities had not been quantified.

Aug 2, 2023

By Dight P. M

The challenge of narrow vein mining is to produce ore with as little dilution as possible, at the least cost -commensurate with the increasing degrees of safety being demanded for mine workers by the modem 'duty of care' legislation. Geotechnical factors play an important, if not overriding, role in these areas. The geotechnical factors cover the complex interaction over a period of time, between the in situ and induced rock stresses, rock structures, rock mass strength and the cable, rock bolt and other ground support members. In the Archaean schist belt areas where many of our narrow vein mines occur the pre-mining in situ rock stresses are commonly significantly higher than the overburden stresses. These are concentrated in areas beneath previous open pits and may be highly concentrated in the pillars and abutments of stopes on narrow veins. The presence of high in situ stresses may be suspected from the appearance of drill cores and underground development long before they become sufficiently concentrated by mining to cause damage or bursts. These initial indications are discussed and modem low cost methods of stress measurement are described. Practical and quick methods of analysing the stress redistribution around scopes and other underground excavations are now available and guidelines for interpreting them in terms of rockmass characteristics, stope stability and support requirements are developed with the object of increasing safety, whilst reducing overall costs and dilution.

Jan 1, 1993

By J Zhang, L Klemettinen, A Jokilaakso, J Biswas, J Partinen, H O’Brien, A Klemettinen

Waste lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are important secondary sources of many valuable materials, including Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) defined by the European Union (EU): lithium, cobalt, manganese, and graphite. Additionally, LIBs typically contain nickel and copper, which are classified as Strategic Raw Materials for EU since 2023. In recent years, great effort has been made to develop efficient recycling processes for waste LIBs. Pyrometallurgical processes have been essential in industrial production of metals for many decades. These technologies are relatively mature, with high adaptability for different raw materials. Pyrometallurgical treatment in LIB recycling typically involves the use of smelting processes, in which waste batteries are heated above their melting points and metals are separated through a reduction reaction in the liquid phase. Through this recycling route, cobalt, copper, and nickel can be efficiently recovered in the form of a metal alloy, whereas lithium and manganese are lost in the slag phase. The goal of this work was to increase the recoveries of valuable battery metals through a combination of hydro- and pyrometallurgical unit operations. First, industrial Li-ion battery scrap underwent a selective sulfation roasting stage, where the aim was to transform LiCoO2 and Mn-oxides into Li, Co and Mn sulfates. After roasting, the battery scrap was leached in distilled water with a solid to liquid ratio of 100 g/L at 60°C and recovered 95 per cent of Li, 61 per cent of Mn and 35 per cent of Co. After leaching, the solid leach residue was mixed with industrial Ni-slag and biochar, followed by reduction at 1350°C in argon atmosphere. The high-temperature smelting experiments were conducted as a function of time (5–60 mins) to investigate the reduction behaviour of battery metals. The results show that Co and Ni from the slag and leach residue can be efficiently recovered in the slag cleaning stage.

Jun 19, 2024

By J Ferreira

To speed up multivariate geostatistical simulation it is common to transform the set of attributes into spatially uncorrelated factors that can be simulated independently. One decorrelation method is the method of minimum/maximum autocorrelation factors (MAF), where a two structure linear model of coregionalisation is assumed. The transformation decorrelates the theoretical model exactly, but the actual data are only approximately decorrelated. The MAF transformation can therefore be seen as a special case of a non-orthogonal approximate diagonaliser of a set of symmetric matrices. A more general approach for approximate joint diagonalisation (AJD) has been developed in the context of blind source separation. For these AJD algorithms no assumptions are made beyond symmetry of the individual matrices and so they can be applied to a family of experimental semivariogram matrices. In their application there are no restrictions on the number of structures in the linear model of coregionalisation (LMC) thus removing one of the conditions placed on the subsequent modelling of the spatial structure of the factors. In this paper the general background for the U-WEDGE AJD method is presented. It is shown that the U-WEDGE method achieves better spatial decorrelation than the MAF method. The factors derived from U-WEDGE are simulated using conditional turning bands simulation and then backtransformed to attribute space.

Sep 26, 2011

By Sauer P

The paper deals with the method of operat- ion, types of construction and sizing of screening machines as well as the selection of suitable screen decks. The application of novel screening mac- hines in hard coal preparation plants is explained in detail by way of examples.

Jan 1, 1984

By A Maier, M Goldner, C Gimber

Given the ongoing global crises of climate change and nature loss, with the World Economic Forum (WEF) identifying them as the top risks to global economies in terms of both likelihood and impact in the coming ten years (WEF, 2022), there is increasing, pressing demand for companies to demonstrate they understand their climate and nature related risks and look toward contributing genuine beneficial environmental outcomes. Within the mining industry, mine closure is the obvious field in which climate and nature positive strategy can be linked with operations. To do so, there is a need to challenge long-held assumptions around closure in the mining and regulatory context; particularly, to shift the focus from closing individual mines to considering regional opportunity generation and value creation.

Aug 2, 2023

By K White, C Ferguson, M Harding

Understanding watercourses and river processes at a landscape scale is vital for managing risk to mining infrastructure and operations as well as minimising future environmental impacts beyond the life of the mine. Recognising this, Iluka Resources Limited engaged Alluvium Consulting Australia to identify and characterise watercourses across several neighbouring mineral tenements in the Eucla Basin, South Australia (Alluvium, 2013, 2014a, 2014b). The objective of the studies was to inform planning for risk management during mine planning and operation and appropriate landscape rehabilitation for mine closure.Mining operations in the area are by open cut extraction of mineral sands. The extracted resource is processed on-site before leaving the site for export. Several pits are to be developed in stages with simultaneous backfilling and surface reinstatement. Mining is initially taking place in the Jacinth tenement, where up to 100 km of watercourses may be directly or indirectly impacted (refer to Figure 1).The total study area (shown in Figure 1) is approximately 330 km2 and spans three smaller areas that were the focus of separate investigations during mine planning.CITATION:Ferguson, C, White, K, Harding, M and Hardie, R, 2016. Landscape-scale assessment of watercourses in remote arid South Australia to inform mine planning to mine closure, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2016 Conference, pp 200–204 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jun 28, 2016

By DiStefano AB, Dale SG

This paper describes the laboratory study implemented to investigate the application of the subaerial technique to tailings disposal for the proposed Olympic Dam Mine. The results of the study and the resulting design parameters are presented. The subaerial technique of tailings disposal is described and the advantages of the method for disposal in arid climates highlighted.

Jan 1, 1984

By A D. T Goode

Data Metallogenica (DM) is unique as a global mineral sample collection and deposit database with over 70 000 rock samples and a wide range of descriptive, photographic and measurement data. Subscribers have access to approximately four gigabytes of on-line data with many examples included on the public pages. DM commenced its life on the Pacific rim in 1971 and much recent growth has focused on countries of the Pacific margin, particularly Australia, Fiji, Chile, Indonesia and Peru. Approximately 600 separate deposits and mineral occurrences in this region are represented in DM. The sets of rock samples have been photographed at high resolution and included on the web site, together with unpublished descriptions, deposit cross-sections, bibliographies, field and mine photographs, petrology and reflectance mineralogy. Figures and abstracts from PhD theses are a new addition and the donation of proprietary databases by companies and individuals is an encouraging trend. DM increasingly is being viewed as an acceptable and important repository for æfragileÆ and irreplaceable personal and company data, it is also being recognised in its true light as a high level information system, not solely a collection of rock samples. Data Metallogenica is a not-for-profit venture of AMIRA International that requires self-funding from December 2004. Growth and development must be funded entirely out of subscription and sponsorship revenues because no government subsidy is provided. The Pacific rim is in the mainstream of mining and exploration activities worldwide and those involved have much to gain from a dynamically sustaining DM. The home page at www.datametallogenica.com contains much example data and details of subscription and membership rates.

Jan 1, 2004

By M Nagarajan

Orica Mining Services (Orica) in partnership with Coal and Allied’s Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) has developed a risk management process to maximise mining efficiency whilst controlling vibration and maintaining critical electricity continuity to New South Wales (NSW) electricity grid in the Riverview Pit. The issue is a high tension tower which supplies electricity located within 40 m of mining and blasting activities. The process involved developing an understanding of the relationship between vibration, explosives, geology and the location of the blasting in the geological horizon. From this an optimum methodology for blasting in each region was developed.

Nov 8, 2011

By Ruston R

When coal mining first commenced in Australia, the principle objective was low cost production with development directed toward recovery of 'easy' coal. Future expans- ion of these early mines into major under- ground operations was neither envisaged nor planned. As the demand for coal grew, these mines were expanded to increase output. however, the absence of initial ventilation planning brought about ad hoc systems wh;ch required continual repair and upgrading. These systems proved satisfactory in the short term because the majority of undergrouni coal mining operations were carried out at relatively shallow depths where gas emission rates were low. By comparison, coal is now being won at depths exceeding 500 metres with a corresponding increase in gas flow from the working seams and adjacent strata. The following paper addresses, firstly, the planning and institution of a ventilation system in a mine where previous inefficiencies were many, and secondly, the value of pre- planning a mine ventilation system in the early stages of mine development, and the need to continually review and upgrade the plan to account for unforeseen ^hanges.

Jan 1, 1983