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By A Grant, H Thomas, C Clarke, B Fuller

Native seed and plants are often a core input into the rehabilitation process of mine closure. Native plant establishment rate and performance is a function of many input elements including seed quality (purity and germination percentage), processing, treatment, storage, supply chain handling, application and ongoing management. Traditionally native seed has been supplied with very limited supporting information which in some cases has led to establishment failures, repeated attempts at successful plantings, and biosecurity issues, leading to increased rehabilitation costs for mining companies. Product procurement scrutiny, and sustainability credential requirements, in all supply chains is increasing the need for transparent, accurate, verified, and certified information. This collectively continues to evolve towards a social license to operate in all industries, including mining. The Australian Seeds Authority (ASA), in partnership with native seed supplier AustraHort, traceability software company Trust Provenance and supporting partners including Transport for NSW and Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR), were recipients of a DAWE National Traceability Grant. The project team has developed a framework and traceability software platform currently being piloted within the Australian native seed industry. The framework and platform allow for all critical-tracking-events along the journey of a native seed batch to be easily captured utilising a smart phone application (APP) and the global standard for data capture. The platform provides a unique identification for each batch of seed and critical tracking event. The batch ID belongs to that batch and all supply chain stakeholders can contribute to batch traceability by providing more information/data to increase information integrity. This gives the end user, and other stakeholders, increased levels of trust in the product to support value, increase efficiency and reduce costs. For mining companies these efficiencies and cost reductions are in the form of information availability across site/company, potentially improved vegetation establishment, less rework and efficient monitoring. Ultimately this contributes to safe, stable and sustainable rehabilitation. By capturing data on harvest, logistics, storage (including temperature and humidity), aggregation/blending, treatment, application and ongoing management, the native seed industry and end utilisers of native seed have a greater level of product integrity, brand integrity and information integrity.

Aug 2, 2023

By R Wynn, N Stoitis, R A. Lauten, H Liang

At the Century mine in North West Queensland, MMG produces lead and zinc concentrates. The current production rate is close to 500 000 t of zinc per annum. Graphite is the main gangue in the orebody and a substantial quantity of chemicals are used to achieve an acceptable depression of graphite and other gangue materials in the current operation. In the future, it is anticipated that the content of graphite in the orebody will increase while the zinc grade will gradually drop. This scenario illustrates the importance of an optimised suite of flotation chemicals to maximise concentrate grade and recovery. As an alternative to the current reagent suite where dextrin is used to depress graphite, laboratory test work and subsequent plant trials were conducted with alternative depressants. These depressants facilitated both graphite depression and elevated zinc grades in the rougher concentrate. As an added benefit, it was also observed that the silica content in the zinc concentrate was reduced in the presence of the biopolymer selected for the plant trials. Results from both laboratory tests and plant trials will be discussed to illustrate how this change of reagent suite improved flotation yield at the MMG Century Mine.CITATION:Wynn, R, Lauten, R A, Liang, H and Stoitis, N, 2014. A change in graphite depressant to improve the recovery of zinc at MMG Century mine, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 179–186 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 1, 2014

By M Robertson

3D photogrammetry is a powerful tool for data capture and interpretation, utilised at all Australian underground MMG sites. In personnel constrained mines, 3D photogrammetry can free up personnel time, improve data quality for resource modelling, as well as benefit other mining departments.At Rosebery one of the challenges faced by geologists was no longer data capture but, rather, avoiding paralysis by analysis from the sheer abundance of information currently available to the department. Although the data had been interpreted, the structural model was cluttered; the geological block model was not incorporating any geological domains captured by 3D photogrammetry, nor was it being utilised by other departments such as geotechnical engineering.The geology department is now focusing on utilising all the interpreted data gained from each photograph heading into an uncluttered, easily understandable model for geologists and other mining departments.Our solutions involve integrating the Leapfrog modelling suite into the process, streamlining the structural model, tailoring the data interpretations for future updates of the block model and training other departments to improve utilisation of the interpreted data. This process also uncovered other benefits for near-mine exploration, and improving our understanding of the deposit’s origin.CITATION:Robertson, M, 2017. The practical use of underground 3D photogrammetry data at MMG Rosebery polymetallic mine, Tasmania, Australia, in Proceedings Tenth International Mining Geology Conference 2017, pp 409–412 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 20, 2017

By M Sandy, A Vakili, J Albrecht

Although rock strength anisotropy is a well-known phenomenon in rock mechanics, its impact on geotechnical design is often ignored. No widely accepted guideline currently exists for its characterisation. Anisotropy can significantly control the failure mechanism and progression of damage into the rock mass, particularly in high-stress conditions. As such, it can play a key role in the stability of underground excavations and subsequent geotechnical design.This paper introduces the concept of anisotropy at both intact and rock mass scales. It then presents guidelines for measuring anisotropy and assigning rock mass strength properties. An improved unified constitutive model (IUCM), which can account for more complex failure mechanisms, is then briefly described. This IUCM is used to better understand the typical responses of anisotropic rocks to underground mining and to develop an improved damage classification scheme for these conditions.The application of conventional design methods in anisotropic conditions is shown to lead to significant errors. Two case histories are then presented, illustrating how the proposed methodology can improve the reliability and accuracy of the geotechnical analysis when compared with conventional design methods.CITATION:Vakili, A, Albrecht, J and Sandy, M, 2014. Rock strength anisotropy and its importance in underground geotechnical design, in Proceedings AusRock 2014: Third Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference , pp 167–180 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 5, 2014

By A Densten, C Gimber

Surface water management and drainage is a key aspect of mine rehabilitation and closure planning. In the authors’ experience, drainage related problems are amongst the most common forms of failure in mined landscapes. The appropriate design of surface water infrastructure is therefore a key focus of practitioners. While there is currently a trend towards distributed drainage networks and avoiding hard engineered structures, in many situations (especially for existing landforms) engineered drainage structures cannot be avoided. CITATION:Gimber, C and Densten, A, 2018. A risk-based approach to drainage design standard selection for mine rehabilitation and relinquishment, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 116–118 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

By B Twidle, D Bertoldi, J Meikle, R Dunne

The Waihi Gold Mine is situated in a high rainfall area (annual average of over 2 m) on the North Island of New Zealand. Water treatment and discharge at the mine has been ongoing for the last 25 years. The first water treatment plant consisted of a æstandardÆ water treatment facility (ferric chloride precipitation) and cyanide detoxification. With time the project has expanded and the volumes of water increased requiring additional treatment methods (reverse osmosis) to meet the water quality for discharge. This paper will provide information on the historical development of the water treatment flow sheets, performance data and operating costs.CITATION:Bertoldi, D, Dunne, R, Twidle, B and Meikle, J, 2013. Water treatment at the Waihi Gold Mine, in Proceedings World Gold 2013 , pp 503-508 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 26, 2013

By R Markoski, P Grealish

The requirement for rapid vertical development for underground ventilation is often a factor when dealing with dynamic mine plans, with short vertical developments being used to optimise ventilation systems. In an effort to increase the safety and efficiency of the constructions, a simple and effective sinking methodology is required that is both adaptable and repeatable. A modified shaft construction methodology is proposed that attempts to minimise risk to the personnel as well as be cost-effective. Readily available equipment is used to ensure adaptability to the various environments and shaft parameters.One of the greatest risks of shaft sinking is having personnel working suspended over open cavities or underneath suspended loads. Removing this risk, by ensuring all construction is done from solid ground, allows for safer sinking operations. As the process is repeatable, familiarity and confidence in its construction sequence will increase with each successive sink.A trial sink is performed with a 3.6 m diameter, 20 m deep shaft. The shaft was excavated using a conventional strip-and-line philosophy, with the shaft then being lined from the collar via the use of large diameter corrugated steel culverts. The annulus between the steel culverts and shaft excavation is then filled with a concrete mixture to secure it in position.The new process was successful, with no personnel at any time during the process being suspended above an open excavation. The installation had relatively low capital and operational costs and was completed faster than an equivalent, conventional concrete-lined shaft construction. Therefore when compared to conventional shaft-sinking methods, this process can be considered safer, more efficient and relatively cost-effective.Further research is required to determine whether this method can be expanded to larger vertical developments.CITATION:Markoski, R and Grealish, P, 2014. A new method for rapid vertical development of underground ventilation shafts, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 603–606 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By L B. Zhou, Q Wang

The present discussion focuses on the developmental directions of eco-restoration of acid mine waste rock dump, by using acid mine waste rock of Shuilong Mountain as an example. Based on the analysis of site factors, the current slope ecological restoration technologies of domestic and international and local practices have been integrated into the eco-restoration of acid mine waste rock in Shuilong Mountain. A set of suitable slope Eco-restoration technologies have been formulated locally for acid mine waste rock of Shuilong Mountain, which include establishing green barrier, implementing ecology buffer zones, selecting suitable plant species and combined seeding and tube-stock planting. It aims to restore the plant ecosystem to a near natural state, in couple with slope stabilisation and soil remediation.CITATION :Wang, Q and Zhou, L B, 2012. Projection of ecological restoration of acid mine waste rock of Shuilong Mountain at Dexing Copper Mine, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2012 , pp 305-308 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 10, 2012

The maintenance system for underground mobile equipment at Cobar Mines Pty. Ltd. has been modified from that originally planned as a result of experience gained in operating the equipment.Downtime due to breakdowns has been reduced by improvement of vehicle servicing and overhaul procedures.Frequency of breakdowns can be reduced by training operating and maintenance personnel to a high standard, ensuring adequate numbers of tradesmen and supervisors, good maintenance facilities and communications, a well designed mine layout, and a comprehensive stock of spare parts.A maintenance and downtime summary is compiled for each four-week operating period and this is useful in highlighting particular problems where corrective action must be taken.

Jan 1, 1969

A proved routine mapping practice is described involving detailed observations on grade and structure. The equipment and methods employed are giving good service under the conditions encountered. Stopes are mapped on every floor whether timbered or open, "Kodatrace" workplans and sections being used, and in addition all development whether in country or lode is mapped.INTRODUCTIONThe accumulation of geological data for application to current mining problems and to the search for new ore involves the necessity for close mapping of all available underground faces and backs. The technique which has been developed to suit conditions at the North and British mines of North Broken Hill Limited forms the subject of...

Jan 1, 1940

By Hutchinson IN

In order for the Australian underground coal mining industry to achieve the high productivity rates demanded of it without compromising its good safety record, improved geotechnical monitoring systems are required. One of the main problem areas affecting underground coal mining is the deterioration of previously stable roadways.CSIRO Division of Geomechanics has been working on a NERDDC funded project to develop an instrument to monitor coal mine roof deformation. The instrument which has been developed, Roof Alert, is a self contained, battery powered, intrinsically safe device. It can monitor the magnitude and rate of deformation and give multiple, variable visual alarm signals where preset levels ate exceeded.

Jan 1, 1991

By G Sartor, A Rich, D Grimsey, R Forzatti, M White

An in-depth process model was developed for the pyrometallurgical, off-gas systems and water balance of the Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter. This model was used to assess plant capacity with changing concentrate grades, increased throughput and tighter environmental emissions under a range of potential future operating conditions. Comparison of modelled results allowed for flow sheet optimisation across a range of metrics including sustainability, processing capacity and costs. Process modelling software, METSIM® (ver 2020.06 by METSIM International), was used to simulate the flash furnace, integrated electric slag cleaning furnace, Pierce-Smith converters, matte granulation, waste heat boiler, hot gas handling equipment, wet gas cleaning plant and acid plant. The METSIM® model was divided into three separate, yet interconnected models: metals, off-gas and water balancing. This allowed for improved modelling efficiency and traceability while minimising manual error. The METSIM® model was supported by inputs from other specialised software. Chemical thermodynamics software, FactSage™ (ver 8.2 by GTT Technologies), was used to establish relationships for the flash furnace fluxing strategy and determine the operating temperature. Arena® (ver 16.0 by Rockwell Automation), a discrete event modelling software, was used to simulate material movements within the aisle as well as Pierce-Smith converter operation, allowing for integration with upstream and downstream systems. A dynamic data exchange (DDE) was used to connect the results of each software package, interfacing through Excel® (version 4203 by Microsoft). The integration between models provided a streamlined approach to test capacity, bottlenecks, water consumption and emissions under a range of operating conditions, enabling a more robust process. Further downstream modelling techniques were used to assess mechanical equipment. METSIM® outputs provided key parameters for combustion assessments using computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis for the furnace mechanical design.

Aug 21, 2024

It is a facet of modern-day life that change, even of a revolu- tionary nature, normally passes without comment. People have become so conditioned to continuous improve- ments in every aspect of their lives that they would be surprised only if there were to be no change. This paper seeks to demonstrate the extent of technical change, and to indicate the need for a fuller advantage to be taken of the technologies available, or potentially available, to the profes- sion. It contends that the mineral industry has been particularly slow to embrace technical change, and has good reason to con- sider an improved attitude for both prosperity and survival.

Jan 1, 1988

The reasons for using SFRS, including the way a SFRS performs in comparison to plain shotcrete as a support element in mining tunnels, are discussed. The mechanisms by which steel fibres reinforce shotcrete and the need for specifying performance criteria are highlighted. A description of current testing procedures, including an overview of æquantitativeÆ design recommendations provided from various international authorities, is provided. A summary of international recommendations on suitable æqualitativeÆ performance classifications is also reviewed, including a critique of their suitability. Finally recommendations on the practical considerations necessary to ensure good quality, in-place SFRS, are made, including a calculation method for determining minimum steel fibre dosages.

Jan 1, 1999

Opencast blasting is notoriously subject to variable blasting conditions, some of which are related to changes in ground conditions and some to human and equipment factors. As drilling and blasting constitute a high proportion of working costs, control in this area is crucial for good management. During a recent exercise, wireline logging of blastholes was shown to have the potential to provide invaluable data for optimising blasting control and design. The paper reports on the exercise undertaken, showing that serious misconceptions as to the borehole diameters, explosive densities and posi- tions of decking were quickly corrected using the method. Potential use in blast design is discussed, as are the cost implications.

Jan 1, 1988

By A Havenga, F, J Hough, R Grobbelaar

After the closure of mines they naturally start to fill up with water. As a result, hydraulic gradients develop between adjacent mines and different hydraulic water pressures are exerted onto peripheral areas or compartments within mines. This results in water flow between mines, or onto the surface. This flow is referred to as intermine flow. The geometry of the collieries in the central Witbank Coalfield make intermine flow possible in several areas. Since the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry declared intermine flow as one of its greatest concerns for granting closure to South African mines, much research into this phenomenon has been undertaken. The importance of the quantification lies in the DepartmentÆs goal of sustainable water management, and the possible long-term financial implications these flows could have for individual mines. The challenges of determining intermine flow are numerous, and attention is focused on the identification of areas where these flows can take place. Detailed mining plans on a regional scale are required, and detailed coal-seam floor data are combined to provide targets for possible interaction between these mines. The quantification of these flows is problematic due to the uncertainties regarding geometrical configurations and the variation in site-specific hydraulic characteristics of the coal and overlying lithilogical layers. To this end, use has been made of several analytic solutions and numerical flow modelling. Stage curves (volume versus elevation curves) for the opencast and underground workings have been calculated and first-order estimates for intermine flow or decant from these areas have been determined. The numerical modelling methodology entailed a down-scaling approach, starting with a broad regional model covering the entire area, followed by modelling the interactions between interconnected mines and finally looking in detail at the major areas of interaction. By considering different scenarios within the context of these flows, possible management options for intermine flow can be evaluated in terms of volumes and qualities that might emanate in the post-closure phases. Challenges for the future include obtaining site-specific information on the groundwater hydraulics and acceptable ranges for model parameters, and verifying model results over time.

Jan 1, 2003

By M P. Sandy, J B. Simpson

The empirical stope design techniques developed by Mathews et al (1981) and refined by Potvin (1988) and others, have gained rapid acceptance in Australia in the 1990s as a simple, æfirst-passÆ means of designing primary stopes. However, it is recognised that these æstability graphÆ methods can only provide broad design guidelines. Recently published stability graphs (Hutchinson and Diederichs, 1996) encompass a wide range of geological environments, which are not discussed, and the influence of time and blasting practices cannot be easily reviewed. The æscatterÆ in the graphs must reflect, to some degree, different operating practices as well as subtle but important differences in the pre-mining conditions that are not adequately accounted for in the æmodified stability numberÆ. Development of a ælocalÆ, site-specific stability graph may overcome some of these problems. At NormandyÆs Golden Grove Operations, Western Australia, detailed reviews of stope stability performance, including Cavity Monitoring System (CMS) surveys, are undertaken for every stope, with the objective of developing a series of local stability graphs, customised to site conditions and calibrated in terms of æAverage Falloff ThicknessÆ (AFT). Cablebolting of stope hangingwalls is used to develop reinforced æbeamsÆ on each sublevel, effectively dividing the full span into smaller, more stable æsubspansÆ. By analysing stope stability performance in terms of fall-off, cost-benefit studies can be undertaken of the effect of cablebolting and other options for modifying stope spans. The approach used to develop the local stability graphs, and their integration into routine stope design procedures at Golden Grove, is described. The experience gained during stope extraction in the Scuddles orebodies has been successfully applied to the Gossan Hill æC-PanelÆ orebody. This methodology should be applicable to other underground mining operations.

Jan 1, 2000

By Guarascio M, Massacci P

In process simulation, more reliable prediction of industrial results and evaluation of data for design purposes and process optimisation may be attained by the combined use of: the modelling and simulation of ore characteristics, and 2. the modelling and simulation of the process. It is well known that geostatistical methods allow the defining of models of orebodies in which the variables considered are the grades of the valuable components. These models are proper for reserve estimation, geostatistical contouring, design and simulation of the exploitation method, and, in addition, for evaluating the variability of the ROM which is expected to be fed to the processing plant. However, no data are normally incorporated in the orebody model in order to evaluate the ore characteristics relevant for a reliable process simulation. The procedure for process simulation aimed at predicting plant results normally used so far consists in collecting samples from different orebody sites and building up a so-called 'representative sample'. On this sample, the ore characteristics (eg liberation, washability, grindability, etc) and the processing tests are referred to as the 'average behaviour in the orebody', assumed constant. A more reliable methodology consists in collecting samples from different orebody sites, in performing tests to characterise the samples from the point of view of the process (ore patterns), and in using synthetic parameters (process features). The values of the parameters are processed using geostatistical methods in order to develop a model for simulating the feed to the process. The estimation may thus be referred to the amount of recoverable minerals instead of to the existing minerals. Furthermore, the selection of the processes, the sizing of equipment and the design of control devices, as well as the prediction of results, become more accurate and reliable.

Jan 1, 1993

Landscape interpretation, geology and mining history are being successfully used to explore options for sustainable community tourism product development. Recent work by the author in Europe and Australia has indicated the value of adding and producing interpretive information about mine and quarry locations û both active and inactive. This work has allowed for the branding and development of new sustainable community tourism products based on the landscape, folklore, mine and geological heritage. Communities in rural areas are seeking new opportunities to sustain their local economies. Using a relatively new phenomenon called geotourism as a starting point, they have developed themed products connected to walking/cycling guides, interpretive panels and visitor centres. These themes can be linked to geology, archaeology, botany, local history and to industrial heritage sites such as old mines, to generate local employment. This new geotourism approach has successfully brought a new and greater audience to discover the value of geology and mining history. Communities have established a unique place for themselves within the tourism marketplace using the geotourism brand. Other communities with an established tourism product are also now using geological and mine heritage via geotourism to rebrand and meet changing global trends. The geotourism approach has allowed for positive collaboration among communities, service providers, local and government authorities to channel tourist revenues into rural communities. The pooling of resources under the banner of geotourism has led to cost-effective marketing, targeting and promotion of products using multimedia and web sites. Geotourism has emerged strongly in Europe, North America and China in the last decade. The Australian minerals industry now has an opportunity to implement this new branding concept to assist and benefit the communities in which they run their activities. Communities can also take advantage of the potential to develop a sustainable geotourism business around a past or present mineral industry in their vicinity.

Jan 1, 2009

The silver-lead ores of Yerranderie occur in a series of narrow, flat-dipping lodes in small bodies of quartz porphyry, intrusive into Upper Devonian volcanics, which are exposed in the western flank of the Permo-Triassic Basin of central New South Wales, about 80 miles south-west of Sydney (Harper, 1930; Lawrence, 1953). The lodes strike about E.-W. and are from 1,200ft. to 2,000ft. long. They consist of a series of ore shoots from 3ft. to 100ft. long, and up to 5ft. thick, though commonly under 2ft. thick, interspaced with low grade sections. They dip at from 18°S. to 400 S., and have persisted down the dip for 1,450ft. (693ft. vertical depth) in the Wollondilly mine, for 1,120ft. in the Bartlett's mine, and for 850ft. in the Wonga mine.The grade of ore in the Bartlett's mine was from 32% to 40% lead, from 100 oz. to 130 oz. silver per ton, 0.5 to 4.0% arsenic, with ore ,as rich as 20% arsenic on the No. 6 and No. 7 levels of the Silver Peak mine, the underlay extension of the Bartlett's lode, about 1% copper, and up to 4 dwt. gold per ton. In the Wollondilly mine the average grade was 15% lead, with sections as rich" as 36% lead, from 75 to 165 oz. silver per ton, 0.6 to 3.3% arsenic, 0.2 to 0.7% antimony, 0.8% copper, and up to 7...5. Cl~t. gold per ton. The zinc content of the ores is slight, and has not been recorded.Mining began about 1898, and to date more than 110,000 tons of ore, valued at £1,800,000, has been raised. Large scale mining ceased about 1935. The chief mines operating were the Bartlett's mine (formerly Colon Peak), the Silver Peaks, which is the underlay extension of the Bartlett's, the Wollondilly (or Yerranderie) mine, and the Wonga' (or Tonalli) mine.

Jan 1, 1953