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By T. C. Maswanganyi, G. L. Smith, R. C. A. Minnitt

This paper identifies the strategic gaps and opportunities for the South African mining industry’s contribution towards advancing sustainable development. Mineral resources companies are confronted by a range of complex social performance challenges, which largely manifest in sporadic community and labour unrest, undermining the sustainability and profitability of these companies. Integrating supply chain management, strategic long-term planning and sustainability planning is identified as a strategic gap that can contribute towards the sustainability of mining companies, if effectively implemented. Contributing towards sustainable development by the South African mining industry is not merely a voluntary requirement on the industry but a legal requirement in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act No. 28 of 2002. This Act is legislation aimed at advancing socioeconomic development in communities that host mining operations and in areas that provide labour to the South African mining industry. In contributing towards the advancement of sustainable development in mining host communities, not only will mining companies fulfil a legal requirement in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, but they will also prevent negative social and economic impacts in those communities. This paper identifies innovative and cost-effective ways of advancing sustainable development by integrating strategic supply chain management, strategic long-term planning, and sustainability planning.

Dec 15, 2025

By A. Mabentsela

A furnace freeze lining is necessary for safety and economic reasons in several smelting operations. The integrity of the freeze lining is put at risk by furnace power imbalances. Although numerous models have been derived to model the growth and depletion of the freeze lining due to power imbalances, no model exists for thermomechanical damage to the freeze lining. This study provides an initial pathway for modelling thermomechanical damage to the freeze lining in an ilmenite smelting furnace using information from the literature and experimental work. A methodology under the framework of continuum damage mechanics is proposed to model mechanical damage to the freeze lining due to phase changes, thermophysical changes, and constrained thermal expansion. Drill cores of solidified slag ingots were used to represent the freeze lining. The modified power law proved to be the best predictor of the softening response of the drill cores. Damage driving parameters were extracted from the raw data, and governing equations of the parameters with respect to temperature were derived for use in a finite element method (FEM) code.

Jan 26, 2023

By J. S. Freer

Two very successful schools on 'The design and operation of plants for the recovery of gold by activated carbon', were held from 14th to 18th October, 1985, and from 24th to 27th February, 1986, at Mintek. They were arranged by the Institute in close co-operation with Mr. Peter Bailey of Gencor, who was course leader. Computers and mathematics APCOM 87, the 20th International Symposium of the Application of Computers and Mathematics in the Mineral Industries, is to be held in Johannesburg from 19th to 23rd October, 1987. Interested people are invited to submit titles and synopses in any of the following topics or others. Papers can cover theoretical developments, practical applications, case studies, and software and hardware systems. Tunneling '88 The Institution of Mining and Metallurgy is pleased to announce the holding of 'Tunneling '88', the fifth international symposium and exhibition in the series, from 17th to 22nd April, 1988, at the Kensington Rainbow Exhibition Centre, London, England. Centenary exhibition and conference The major trade show to take place in the year of Johannesburg's centenary will be the 7th International Mining and Electrical Engineering Exhibition- ELECTRA MINING 86. The Exhibition, which is also the third-largest mining exhibition in the world, wil take place from 15th to 19th September, 1986, at the National Exhibition Centre, Crown Mines, Johannesburg. Mining electro technology The Eighth WVU International Mining Electro technology Conference is to be held in Morgantown, West Virginia, U.S.A., from 29th July to 1st August, 1986.

Jan 1, 1986

The Annual General Meeting of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy was held in Kelvin House on Wednesday, 23rd August, 1978. Mr P. A. von Wielligh (President) was in the chair and declared the meeting open at 16h00. Obituaries The President: It is my sad duty to announce the death of the following members of the Institute : T. K. Prentice and W. E. Gooday, Honorary Life Fellows and Past Presidents; B. S. Allen, J. A. Becking, L. H. Mellor, C. A. Pratt and W. T. Stobart, Life Fellows; J. P. Burls, E. Cameron, M. L. Fitzgerald, C. G. Hinds, A. J. Patrick, H. O. Reisener, N. D. Shuttleworth, N. Soldan and J. Whitehouse, Fellows; T. Gemmell, J. S. A. Oelofse, W. D. Rowe, R. L. J. Shearman and G. M. Thain, Associates. As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased and in sympathy with the bereaved, I ask you to rise and observe a few moments' silence. Welcome The President: It is now my very pleasant duty to welcome our distinguished guests and visitors. We are pleased to have with us Mr D. A. Etheredge, Vice¬President of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, and Mrs Etheredge. Mr Etheredge this afternoon represents the mining industry at our meeting. The importance of the close link that over the years has been maintained between the industry and our Institute speaks for itself. We are, therefore, grateful that he and Mrs Etheredge have managed to find the time to be with us this after¬noon.

Jan 1, 1979

High pressure grinding technology has gained further interest in various industries. So far in the mining industry, machines are in operation in diamond mines and iron ore applications. In gold and copper ore processing, test work has been conducted showing considerable operational and process benefits. Similar benefits can be expected from HPGR applications in the platinum industry due to the preferred ore breakage along grain boundaries, thus liberating the PGE particles. This paper will provide an update on the state of high pressure grinding roll technology. Developments in the design of high pressure grinding rolls, for minimized maintenance requirements and availability just as high as conventional mills, will be presented. Plant flow sheets and concepts will be discussed, which allow for a reduction of capital and operating cost in comparison to existing two-stage milling circuits.

Jan 1, 2004

By A. K. Verma

Several longwall faces in India have collapsed due to adverse geological conditions and/or inadequate capacity of powered supports. Thus it is imperative to access the capacity of a powered support and its interaction at longwall faces of varying geomining conditions in advance with lots of confidence. To achieve this, an index has been developed to ascertain the front leg pressure (FLP) of chock-shield support and roof-to-floor convergence (RFC) at longwall faces. The index called ?Longwall Face Stability Index? (LFSI) has been developed using statistics and Finite Element Modelling (FEM). The front leg pressure (FLP) and roof-to-floor convergence (RFC) predicted from the LFSI are validated with the field monitored data from two longwall panels. In this study, an attempt is also made to incorporate various geomining conditions into the finite element models typical of longwall mining practice. The index has taken into account the wide variations of geomining parameters like thickness, young?s modulus and friction angle of main roof (small, large), coal type (soft, hard), powered support capacity, and depth of coal seam. Thus, LFSI can be thought of as an index representing combined effect of roof type, geomining conditions and powered support capacity.

Jan 1, 2008

By S. Dessureault

Computer Integrated Mining (CIMG) is a process of using computer networks to transform islands of enabling technologies into a highly interconnected mining system. CIMG involves the integration of advanced technologies at various levels in the mine business to achieve higher flexibility, better quality of processes and control, and improved profitability. Justifying the benefits of CIMG are difficult as many of the advantages are derived from improved flexibility, quality, and control. Justification is based on the evaluation of the benefits to be gained, compared to the required capital investment. Management tools used in mining are currently inadequate in assessing the value of advanced technology whose benefits are primarily qualitative. A key aspect of successful implementation is management acceptance, which has to be won through the capability to justify the technology's financial costs and the true value of all of its benefits. The manufacturing industry faced similar justification difficulties when adopting advanced technology in factories. A significant amount of funding and research was invested into developing management strategies and approaches to justification. Many of the problems that faced the transformation of the manufacturing industry in the late eighties and early nineties are now facing mining. The solutions derived for manufacturing may help mining in its transition to an increased reliance on integration technology. Reviewing the industrial history of computer integrated manufacturing identifies several tools and strategic frameworks that can be adapted for mining. Keywords: Computer integrated mining, justification techniques, CIM, information technology.

Jan 1, 2003

By E. Mokgwamme, T. Goff, M. Mvalelwa, P. Spratt, P. Bezuidenhout, P. Nkosi, H. Joubert, G. de Villiers

Sibanye-Stillwater recently completed a partial sidewall rebuild on Furnace 1 at its Marikana smelter complex. The project involved matte taphole maintenance, which required the removal and subsequent replacement of 18 composite copper-graphite coolers and a section of the lower refractory sidewall. These composite copper-graphite coolers are a newly developed cooling design by Tenova Pyromet, and this rebuild project provided valuable insight into the performance of the composite coolers. The novel composite cooler design was implemented to serve as a safeguard against localised wear and corrosion in the furnace sidewall, particularly at the slag-concentrate interface, where chloride-accelerated sulphidation has been identified as a dominant degradation mechanism affecting the copper cooling elements. The composite cooler design is unique in that all the exposed sides of the water-cooled copper elements are fully encapsulated in graphite, which protects the copper from corrosive sulphur- and chlorinebearing gases and condensates. This sidewall cooling system was designed to improve corrosion resistance, stabilise freeze lining formation, and extend the campaign life of the furnace sidewall. The partial sidewall rebuild was executed during a planned maintenance shutdown with the main objective of replacing the matte taphole lintel bricks. This paper serves as a case study that compares and evaluates the operational performance of the composite coolers before and after the rebuild. The installation method is discussed to highlight the approach taken to ensure a sound installation while minimising downtime, as well as to present some lessons learned in the process.

Mar 6, 2026

Foamed cement packs offer a viable alternative to conventional timber or other forms of packs for permanent underground support. These packs comprise steel mesh and hoop containment with an outer bag for the grout; woven, laminated polypropylene fabric being ideal for the purpose. The grout is supplied in 25kg bags and fed into a purpose ? designed foam placer machine which delivers the foamed grout directly to the packs from 60 metre long delivery hose. Foamed cement grout as a fill material offers attractive properties for support packs, in summary these are: Variable Grout Strength Grout strength is controlled by the grout density being delivered from the placer machine. This can be changed by the machine settings. Strength Development Fast rate of strength development is possible so that support is available quickly. Pack yield The foamed grouts are compressible so that yielding of the grout pack can be achieved without loss of support. Rate of Filling Three sizes of placer machine are available, these use one, two, or three 25kg bags per minute of grout, pack filling time is therefore a matter of minutes, a typical 0.75m diameter pack x 1.2m high taking some 17 minutes to fill. Tests in a 1000 tonne press have confirmed that the above characteristics can be achieved with foamed cement packs at acceptable cost. This will be illustrated in the paper with experience to date.

Jan 1, 2008

1. Book review Technology of metal powders- recent developments, edited by L. H. Yaverbaum. New Jersey, Noyes Data Corporation, 1980. 400 pp. (Reviewer: B. K. Loveday) 2. New books The use of microprocessors, by M. Aumiaux. New York, Wiley, 1980. 176 pp. $25,50. Aluminium smelter technology, a pure and applied approach, by K. Grojtheim and B. J. Welch. Diisseldorf, Aluminium-Verlag GmbH (P.O. Box 1207, D-4000, Federal Republic of Germany). 146 pp. DM48. Coal-bridge to the future. New York, Harper & Row, 1980. $35. System modeling and response.. theoretical and experimental approaches, by O. Doebelin. New York, Wiley, 1980. 576 pp. $26. Environmental and climatic impact of coal utilization, edited by J. J. Singh and A. Deepak. New York, Academic Press, 1980. 646 pp. $39,50. Proceedings of the Third European Conference on Mixing, York, England, April 1979, edited by H. S. Stephens and C. A. Stapleton. BHRA Fluid Engineering (Cranfield, Bedford Mk43 OAJ, U.K.), 1980. 2 volumes. 500 pp. $50. Lignite technology, edited by P. Nowacki. New Jersey, Noyes Data Corporation, 1980. 228 pp. $42. The application of rock mechanics to cut-and jill mining. London, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, 1980. Papers presented at the Fifth International Symposium on Jet Cutting Technology, Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany, June 1980, edited by H. S. Stephens and B. Jawis. BHRA Fluid Engineering (Cranfield, Bedford Mk 43 OAJ, U.K.), 1980. 438 pp. £38. World coal resources.. methods of assessment and results, by G. Fettweis. Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1979. 425 pp. $80,50. Geophysical and geochemical techniques for exploration of hydrocarbons and minerals, edited by M. Sittig. New Jersey, Noyes Data Corporation, 1980. 300 pp. $40. Financial Times mining international year book 1980. Longman Group Ltd (Periodicals and Directories Division, Longman House, Burnt Mill, Harlow, Essex CM20 2JE, England). £24 surface, £34 airmail. National Symposium on the Availability of Strategic Minerals, edited by M. J. Jones. London, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, 1980. 109 pp. 3. NIM reports Report No. 1941 The recovery of chromite and platinum from the UG-2 Upper Chromitite Layer .of the Bushveld Complex at the Pandora Mine (first published 10th Mar., 1978). Report No. .2012 A mineralogical investigation of borehole cores from the Trompsburg Complex (first published 6th Apr., 1979). Report No. 2038 The leaching of sphalerite in acidic ferric sulphate media in the absence of elemental oxygen. Report No. 2052 An investigation of the impurities in native gold by neutron-activation analysis. Report No. 2056 The mineralogy and geochemistry of the copper, lead, and zinc sulphides of the Otavi Mountainland. Report No. 2058 A n elementary introduction to image analysis - a new field of interest at the National Institute for Metallurgy. Report No. 2059 Distributed computer control of industrial processes. Report No. 2060 The analysis, by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry, of activated charcoal.

Jan 1, 1980

By C. M. G. Wortley, N. Randolph, I. Ralston, R. D. Beck

The ?AMIRA Metal Accounting Project? had its origin in a workshop held in Cape Town on 1 August 2001, with the title ?Challenges in Metal Accounting and Information Management?, which was organised by the Western Cape Branch of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. This workshop identified the lack of an accepted set of standard procedures for metallurgical accounting as an industry-wide problem. Discussions which followed this workshop led to the initiation of the AMIRA Project P754, ?Improving Metal Accounting?, in 2003. The primary objective of the project was to provide tools for improving the auditability and transparency of metal accounting from mine to product and to facilitate good corporate governance. The planned deliverables of the project were a series of research projects into aspects of metal balancing in different types of metallurgical operations, a Code of Practice on Metal Accounting, and a textbook on the subject which could serve as a guide for metal accounting practitioners and students studying the topic. An additional planned deliverable was the provision of a new variety of professional experts in metal accounting, through successful completion of the research projects. Researchers were engaged at the Universities of Cape Town, Queensland and Stellenbosch and the project was sponsored by five mining companies, including three of the largest global mining groups. Research Program Eight research projects were undertaken as part of the P754 project and these are described briefly here to indicate the scope of the project. University of Cape Town ?Development of a methodology for measurement network design for metallurgical accounting at Namakwa Sands?. This project was based on the Namakwa Sands Separation Plant, with a data rich environment, and involved the investigation of measurement network design through the use of heuristics and the analysis of complex processing circuits. An industry-wide survey of current practice to facilitate the development of an expert system for plant accounting measurements was carried out. ?Metallurgical accounting design at the Waterval UG-2 Concentrator?. The objective of this project is to develop a model for predicting metal recoveries from the different components of a blended ore feed to a plant. ?Optimal measurement network design for metallurgical accounting at Zincor?. This project provided a hydrometallurgical test case for the design and evaluation of a semi-automated optimal measurement network. University of Queensland ?Quantifying the relationship between mine and mill?. This project involved a case study at North Parkes Mine, in which copper and gold ore is tracked from the pit source to the product, as well as a stockpile modelling study. University of Stellenbosch

Jan 1, 2007

METRICATION In order to bring South Africa into line with metric countries the world over and in view of the indisputable advantages of using the comma as a decimal sign, the Metrication Advisory Board has decided to recommend that the comma be used consistently as decimal sign as from April 1, 1971. Numbers consisting of more than three figures are separated by spaces into groups of three to the left and right of the comma, and not by commas, e.g... 2 734 671,512 73 A quantity such as 12,41 kg is read as "twelve comma four one kilograms" and 31,34 km as "thirty-one comma three four kilometres." A motor-car previously described as a 3.8 litre model now becomes a 3,8 litre model. THE BRITISH COUNCIL AWARDS 1972-1973 The British Council invites applications from permanent residents of all races in the Republic of South Africa and South West Africa, for the following awards:- SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are available to such residents who hold University degrees or comparable professional qualifications. The scholarships are tenable for post-graduate study at Universities and other educational establishments in Britain for the academic year of approximately ten months beginning 1st October 1972. All arrangements will be made by the British Council and the scholarships will include tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, approved travel in Britain, return fares to Britain, a books grant and a clothing grant. The closing date for applications is 31st July, 1971. BURSARIES Bursaries are available to such permanent residents who hold University degrees or who, being already established in their professions or trades, hold other qualifications. The bursaries are tenable at British educational in-institutions or other suitable establishments in Britain for a course of training, study or research lasting not less than two months or more than six. The British Council will arrange full programmes and professional contacts, and the bursaries will include a maintenance grant, a books grant, authorised course fees and certain other expenses. The British Council may, at its discretion, bear the cost of single or return fares to Britain. The closing date for application is 31st July, 1971. TRAVEL GRANTS Travel grants each of £300 are available in respect of journeys to Britain undertaken between 1st April, 1972, and 31st March, 1973, and are provided to facilitate visits to British Universities by persons holding staff appointments or graduate research posts at South African Universities. Visits must normally be of at least six months duration though grants are occasionally made for visits lasting for one complete term. Grant holders will make their own arrangements with the universities which they wish to visit and will be responsible for finding their own accommodation. The British Council's assistance is limited to the contribution towards cost of fares. The closing date for applications is 31st October, 1971. For further particulars and the relevant application forms please write stating the type of award you wish to apply to: THE CULTURAL ATTACHE BRITISH EMBASSY PRETORIA

1. Book reviews Tungsten: 1982. London, Mining Journal Books Ltd, 1982. 179 pp. Reviewer: G.A. Brown The geology of industrial minerals in Canada, edited by G.R. Guillet and Wendy Martin. Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, special volume 29. Reviewer: R.W.O. Kersten Foam flotation - theory and applications, by Ann N. Clarke and David J. Wilson. New York, Marcel Dekker, 1984. 418 pp. Reviewer: B.K. Loveday Industrial and financial indicators of the steel industry, by Patrick Genevaz. Paris, La Chambre des Cartes, 1982. 2 vols. Vol I: Analysis and conclusions, FF3500. Vol. 11: Tables, FF4000. Reviewer: R.J. Dippenaar An encyclopaedia of metallurgy and materials, by C.R. Tottle. Plymouth, Macdonald and Evans and The Metals Society, 1984. 481 pp. RI44,50. Reviewer: P. T. Wedepohl The role of crack growth in metal fatigue, by LP. Pook. London, The Metals Society. Reviewer: C.A. Boothroyd Hydraulic coalmining - new technology and its geological and industrial significance, by H.C. Siebert. Hamm, Zentraldruckerei BAG, 1984. 33 pp. Hydraulic coalmining - hydromining update: potential impact on coal deposits and coal mining industry, by H.C. Siebert. Hamm, Zentraldruckerei BAG, 1984. 130 pp. Victoria's brown coal. A huge fortune in chancery, edited by J .T. Woodcock. The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 1984. 204 pp. Reviewer: J.J. Versluis 2. Canadian publications The following reviews of the activity and developments during 1982 in respect to the chief minerals produced or consumed in Canada are now available. Zirconium. An important mineral commodity. Mineral Policy Sector, Mineral Bulletin MR 202, $6.60. Canadian minerals yearbook 1982. Mineral Policy Sector, Mineral Report 32, $40.75. Canadian reserves of copper, nickel lead, zinc, molybdenum, silver and gold as of January 1, 1983, by W.H. Laughin. $4.20. Mineral Policy Sector, Mineral Bulletin MR 201. Sulphur market profile, by B.W. Boyd. Mineral Policy Sector, MRI 84/5. 3. Mintek publications Report M123 The use of of activated charcoal in a NIMCIX column for the recovery of gold from cyanide solutions. Report M150 Energy transfer in the hearths of submerged-arc furnaces. Report M151 A preliminary investigation of the initiation of pitting corrosion in austenitic stainless steels and nickel-based alloys. Report M154 The reduction of Winterveld chrome spinel at 1300°C under an argon atmosphere in the presence of carbon. Report M165 The development of an improved on-line gold analyser. Report MI67 three nebulizers for use with an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. 4. New publications Mineral Industry Consultants Association (as at 31st March, 1984). Parkville (Australia), The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 1984. 112 pp. Philosophical and procedural guidelines for the planning professions. Johannesburg, the Environmental Planning Professions Interdisciplinary Committee (EPPIC, P.O. Box 61019, Marshalltown 2107), R2.50. Directiona//y solidified materials for high temperature service, by M. McLean. London, the Metals Society, 1983. 337 pp. Tin and its uses no. 142. Greenford (England), International Tin Research Institute, 1984. Metals engineering International Symposia & Exhibitions Ltd - a subsidiary of Industrial Newspapers PLC - are pleased to announce that they will be organizing a mammoth engineering event, entitled Metals Engineering 86, comprising five important exhibitions in 1986:. Agglomeration A major symposium on agglomeration is being organized in Toronto for the 2nd to 5th of June, 1985. Speakers from around the world (Canada, U.S.A., Brazil, Australia, Japan, West Germany, Italy, India, China, Switzerland, Poland, Yugoslavia, and France) will address delegates on various aspects of agglomeration relative to iron ore, coal, coke, and fuels. Plenary theme papers will also be presented by speakers from Japan, the U.K., and the Netherlands.

Jan 1, 1985

By C. Aldı, O. Yaral

For the more economical excavation of tunnels in underground mining activities, the selection of mechanised excavation machines (such as roadheaders, electro-hydraulic drills, etc.) and the analysis of performance prediction that can be used in estimating machine energy consumption have been subjects of research from past to present. One of the parameters to be considered in studies examining these methods, is the grinding process. The success of increasing efficiency in grinding is expressed by a reduction in energy consumption. The goal of a grinding process is to maximise the grinding amount at the appropriate grinding size while minimising the energy consumption per tonne of the fragmented material. Today, the depletion of high-grade ore deposits has largely directed the mining industry towards low-grade but large reserve ore deposits. This shift has particularly increased the importance of the grinding process, as it is dependent on particle liberation. Grinding is a critical step in reducing the mineral to the appropriate size, and energy consumption poses a significant challenge in this process. As a result, researchers have conducted various studies focusing on energy efficiency and cost optimisation in this field. In this study, the grindability of 7 different coal environment rocks (sandstone, siltstone) from the Zonguldak Basin, Uzulmez Region was investigated. For this, Hardgrove Grindability Index and Bond Work Index tests were conducted. While determining the relationships between grindability and other parameters, the results obtained from the Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) test were used. The energy values found in the Bond Work Index (BWI) test were used to evaluate the excavatability of the rocks. Additionally, tests for strength, hardness, drillability, and abrasiveness were conducted to observe the impact of other parameters on grindability. Considering the results obtained from the experiments, significant relationships were found between the grindability of the rocks and other parameters.

Mar 30, 2026

By K McLeod

{Figure 1} The Placer Dome-Western Areas Joint Venture?s South Deep Twin Shaft Complex, has been planned and dreamt of for nearly 20 years. [ ] The gold reserve at the bottom of these shafts is one of the largest single intact gold deposits remaining in the world today, containing an estimated 57 million ounces. This is about the size of the fictitious reserve created by inventive prospectors for the infamous BREEX scam in Kalimantan about ten years ago and about the size of the reserve Harmony claims as its own in it?s current hostile takeover bid for Gold Fields. So it is certainly of the magnitude that dreams are made of. [ ] {Figure 2} The unique orebody lies in a continuous, highly concentrated, thick deposit, an estimated twelve kilometres along dip and a two kilometre wide strike. Due to the thickness of some sections of the reef, up to 60 metres in places, bulk mining methods will be required for it?s extraction. [ ] {Figure 3} The twin shaft system comprises a main shaft which had an initial design depth of 2765m and a ventilation shaft of 2760m, making them the world?s deepest to be sunk in a single lift. The shafts were

Jan 1, 2005

By I. Mc Dougall

Water-cooled copper tap-hole blocks provide an effective means of extending the life of tap-hole refractories, as the lower temperature of the refractory material inhibits wear and other damage and promotes the formation of a protective frozen slag layer. This is particularly beneficial during prolonged tapping cycles. The copper block forms an integral part of the lining, and provides mechanical support to the refractory, facilitating rapid replacement of tapping channel bricks without disturbing the surrounding lining. Safety considerations are an important design factor, and the positioning of the water channels is optimized to prevent leaks although the copper is not in direct contact with the molten fluids during normal operation. Water-cooled copper blocks designed by Tenova Pyromet have successfully been utilized on metal, matte, and slag tap-holes for a number of processes, including nickel, platinum group metals, and mineral wool.

Jan 1, 2014

By P. Ramsaywok, G. Legodi

Spiral concentrators are widely used in the coal industry treating fine (-1mm) coal. Their application was a limitation to the product quality until the introduction of low-cut spirals which allow a lower quality ash product to be produced, thus expanding the market. The Exxaro Grootegeluk 1 (GG1) plant has a two-stage traditional rougher-cleaner spiral circuit using conventional SX4 spirals to produce semi-soft coking coal product at 12.5% ash by mass. The overall plant product is 10.3% ash meaning that the coarser sized coal dense medium separation circuits must compensate. A low density cut-point spiral targetting 10.3% ash would thus be beneficial to the overall complex. The spirals were tested in the two-stage plant environment and in a pilot plant. This paper discusses the findings and compares a two stage four-turn low density cut and conventional spiral. The two spiral technologies were unable to sustain a 10.3% ash product. Pilot test work was also conducted on GG1 coal, demonstrating that an eight-turn low density cut-point spiral achieves the targetted 10.3% ash under controlled conditions. Keywords: Spiral, low-cut, coal

Jan 1, 2020

Mr D. Twigg graduated in Metallurgy at the Sheffield Polytechnic, and later obtained a Master of Science degree at the University of Bradford. Mr I.D. Matthews matriculated at Roosevelt High School and joined the No. 1 Parachute Battalion in 1968. He worked in Zimbabwe for 31 years in geological prospecting, civil engineering, and open-pit mining.

Jan 1, 1985

By E. Vascotto, S. M. Rupprecht, H. C. Grobler

Shaft sinking survey practices in Southern African mining operations have been refined over many decades to meet the stringent accuracy, safety, and productivity demands of deep vertical excavation. However, much of this specialised knowledge remains poorly documented, and the decline in new shaft sinking projects presents a risk that these proven practices may be lost to future generations of mine surveyors. This paper reviews and synthesises current survey control methodologies employed during shaft sinking operations, with particular emphasis on the establishment and maintenance of surface and underground control networks, shaft verticality control, and elevation transfer. Traditional techniques, such as plumb-wire plumbing systems, steady brackets, and calibrated steel shaft tapes, are discussed in detail, alongside quality control principles and common sources of error affecting coordinate transfer. The paper further examines the integration of modern technologies, including total station resections and LiDARbased laser scanning, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and practical constraints in active shaft environments. By documenting both established and emerging practices, this review aimsto preserve critical institutional knowledge, support consistent survey standards, and provide guidance for accurate spatial control throughout the shaft sinking lifecycle.

Mar 30, 2026

By M. J. Makhula, R. M. S. Falcon, S. O. Bada, L. M. Falcon

"SynopsisThe combustion and co-combustion behaviour of macadamia nut shell, high-ash coal, and anthracite, along with their blends was studied using thermogravimetry. The reactivities of all samples were analysed in air, oxygen, and CO2 atmospheres and at different heating rates from 10 to 40°C/min. Macadamia shell was found to have a lower ash content, 0.36%, than coal with 27.49% ash. The calorific values were similar, 19.64 MJ/kg and 19.44 MJ/kg respectively. The differential thermogravimetric results indicate that as the heating rates increase the ignition, peak, and burnout temperatures increase significantly, leading to high combustion rates. The interaction between the fuels was evaluated using the weighted average model, and the results indicated that there is more synergetic interaction between 20% macadamia plus 80% coal under oxygen than in air and CO2 atmospheres. The results of the investigation provide the combustion and co-combustion characteristics of various samples and their blends and indicate their combustion compatibilities. IntroductionThe global macadamia nut industry is developing at a very rapid rate. South Africa is currently the world’s third largest producer, with a production of about 35 000 t as of 2012 (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2013), compared to 840 t produced in 1996. The greatest numbers of the macadamia nut farms in South Africa can be found in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, with Mpumalanga as the largest producing area. There are many factors influencing the increased demand for macadamia nuts, the most important factor perhaps being their nutritional value (California Dried Fruit and Nuts, 2011; MPC, 2014) and their suitability as a feedstock for manufacturing cosmetics, bakery products, nut paste, chocolates, sauces, and ice-cream. As a fuel, macadamia shell has a high heating value ‘as-fired’ of about 20.71 MJ/kg (Vhathvarothai et al., 2013), which could in turn be used in drying the nust, and the shell could also be milled and applied as a fertilizer."

Jan 1, 2015