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By C. Yi, M. Onifade, B. Genc, S. Dineva, T. Zvarivadza, M. Khandelwal

Deep level hardrock mining faces increasing challenges from elevated in situ stresses and associated rockbursts. This study aims to develop a systematic framework for evaluating destress blasting effectiveness, with a focus on deep Swedish hardrock mines. The methodology integrates a critical review and adaptation of global best practices: advanced numerical modelling (static and dynamic simulations), field-based rock fracture monitoring using ground penetrating radar and borehole imaging, and application of rockburst prediction criteria including the strain energy storage coefficient (F), brittle shear ratio, and burst potential index. Geostatistical simulations, machine learning models, and industrial internet of things-based, real-time monitoring are proposed to enhance predictive accuracy, model calibration, and operational adaptability. Key findings show that effective destress blasting evaluation requires multi-modal integration of numerical outputs, field observations, microseismic trends, and uncertainty quantification, accounting for site-specific geological variability and dynamic stress redistribution. The study advances the field by proposing a predictive, feedback-driven evaluation framework tailored for deep Swedish mining conditions, capable of improving proactive rockburst risk management. It offers both practical tools for mining practitioners to optimise stress management, reduce seismic hazards, and enhance excavation safety, and academic foundations for future refinement of destress blasting models, geotechnical monitoring strategies, and adaptive design protocols. This research contributes to safer, more efficient deep mining operations by bridging gaps between theoretical modelling, empirical monitoring, and real-time, data-driven blast design optimisation strategies.

Jun 27, 2025

RME has a vision for a new grinding plant operational paradigm made possible by RME's fast, safe Mill Relining System. Some new liner designs can degrade SAG mill performance because of mill volume loss, ball strike (rotational speed limitations) and other issues often brought about by modifying liner design for maximum life and without a backward glance at metallurgical consequences. Freshly relined mills can initially produce as little as 80 per cent of their maximum throughput, that maximum occurring toward the end of the liners' wear life. RME's proposition is to see new liners designed for maximum commercial performance. This may mean more frequent mill relines but with liners designed to yield optimum grinding, metallurgical and profitability performance, not maximum life. In other words, mill liner profiles and mill relining speed become key operational controls and not simply `must do' maintenance functions. Taken to the extreme, liner profiles may prove capable of `tuning' a grinding plant for maximum profitability in any metal price environment. Following the introduction, the first section of this paper provides an update describing recent and significant developments within RME's range of Mill Relining Systems, the enabling technologies which permit more frequent liner exchange without incurring additional downtime imposts. The second section outlines RME's vision of a `liner profile versus profitability' commercial model, developed either intuitively or by using a combination of new measurement and modelling technologies. These new measurement and modelling tools provide the opportunity to predict the optimum commercial outcome, off-line in the virtual world, before committing to an expensive liner experiment.

Jan 1, 2007

By J. A. Kinnaird, B. J. Youlton, K. L. Youlton

Methods for treating and processing refractory gold ores are well established. However, what is less well understood is how the formation of the gold-bearing deposits affects gold processing and extraction. In order to evaluate the effect of ore genesis on gold extraction a number of South African gold deposits were studied. These included complex Pilgrim’s Rest samples as well as refractory Fairview, Barbrook, and Consolidated Murchison samples. We found the refractory nature of gold ores is controlled by a limited number of well-understood mineralogical factors. Solid solution gold is linked to low temperature and pressure conditions in fine-grained sedimentary lithologies, while reactive pyrrhotite can form from hydrothermal fluids associated with mafic magmatic rocks. These formational controls can be used to identify and avoid complex deposits at a desktop study phase, or address and reduce complications further along the pipeline using early mineralogical studies.

Jun 1, 2021

By G. L. Smith

This paper consolidates the key elements of seven contributions, on strategic long-term planning, to two of the three international conferences on Strategic versus Tactical approaches in Mining held over the period 2005?2008. The holistic concept of strategic long-term planning as developed and implemented at Anglo Platinum is described. Consideration is given to the planning cycle, principles supporting the construction of the long-term plan, and aspects of unique best practice as developed in Anglo Platinum. Further description of Anglo Platinum?s approach to corporate governance, including the processes, methodology, systems, unique tools and techniques that are applied to value and select capital investment options is also given.

Jan 1, 2009

By G. L. Smith

As the Platinum mining industry expands in the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex it is increasingly evident that a major constraint to development is a lack of appropriate infrastructure. Of critical concern are water resources and spatial development / infrastructure. This paper identifies the context for infrastructure development in the Eastern Limb and two solutions that have evolved in the areas of water supply and spatial development. INTRODUCTION In an economics context, infrastructure is considered to be the structural elements of an economy which allow for the production of goods and services, without themselves being part of the production process. Despite the lack of a specific definition, infrastructure has largely become understood as to comprise road and rail transport systems, public transport systems, airports, public educational facilities, water supply and water resources, wastewater management, solid waste treatment and disposal, electric power generation and transmission, telecommunications and hazardous waste management systems. Critically it is important to understand that infrastructure not only comprises these physical elements but also the operating procedures, management practices and developmental policies that facilitate the effective utilization and development of the infrastructure in response to societal demand.

Jan 1, 2008

By B. P. Watson

The Bushveld platinum group metal deposits are two distinct, shallow-dipping stratiform tabular orebodies which strike for many hundreds of kilometres. Mining is extensive, with depths ranging from close-to-surface to 2 300 m. The mining method is a variation of planar open stoping. Pillars are widely employed to support the open stopes. In the deeper levels, in-stope pillars are required to fail in a stable manner soon after being cut, and the residual pillar strength is used to stabilize the hanging wall. These pillars are commonly known as crush pillars. Little work has been done in the past to determine pillar peak and residual strengths, and pillars have been designed using experience and formulae developed for other hard-rock mines. This has led to over and undersize pillars with consequential loss of ore, pillar bursts and potential collapses. This paper describes a crush pillar design methodology, and provides design charts. Three mining environments were incorporated in the investigations, which included underground and laboratory measurements, analytical solutions, numerical model sand back analyses. The results of the study are suitable for the areas where the research was carried out, and may also be applied with caution in other similar environments.

Jan 1, 2010

By W. H. Holtzhausen

The purpose of this project was to compare two underground, batch coal haulers ? battery haulers and shuttle cars ? in order to determine the more viable machine to implement. The specific standards for battery haulers were investigated and compared to the requirements of shuttle cars in order to identify the unnecessary expenses related to the legal requirements that are attached to the machines. Costs such as running costs, capital costs, and maintenance costs were researched and compared over a typical life of machine. Average production rates and breakdown times were obtained and used to determine which machine would be more reliable in achieving the required annual production.

Jan 1, 2014

By L. Hekkala, J. Ollila, J. Keihäs, P. Mäkelä

The Outokumpu Steel Belt Sintering (SBS) Technology is used for manufacturing chromite pellets that are charged into a smelting furnace for ferrochromium production. One of the main elements in successful furnace operation is the control of gas flows inside the furnace, giving improved temperature distribution in the bed during the process. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) gives excellent opportunities for studying these phenomena. An investigation using CFD can be performed relatively fast. For example, implications of different configurations can be studied within a day and an optimum design chosen. Therefore, Outokumpu Technology has developed a Steel Belt Sintering Model (SBSM), which takes advantage of a commercial CFD code. Each main physicochemical event occurring in a steel belt sintering furnace is incorporated independently in the SBS model as a sub-model, enabling every event to be studied separately. The commercial CFD code solves mass, momentum, species and energy equations for determination of the gas flow, composition and temperature. In addition, the Outokumpu SBSM takes into account the moving pellet bed, drying of pellets interms of water content, coke combustion, oxidation and reduction of chromite and the decomposition of carbonates and silicates. During the development of the model, numerous laboratory-scale tests were performed. The sub-models were validated against the laboratory tests. The reliability of the Outokumpu Steel Belt Sintering Model was validated against a pilot-scale batch-sintering furnace by comparing the modelling results against measurements. The aim of this paper is to give a brief presentation of the Outokumpu steel belt sintering model by showing some general modelling examples. Emphasis has been placed on demonstrating some of the main features of the model.

Jan 1, 2007

By H. Möller, M. Tshibalanganda, C. Taute, A. du Plessis, M. Leary

Additive manufacturing can be used to produce complex and custom geometries, consolidating different parts into one, which in turn reduces the required number of assemblies and allows distributed manufacturing with short lead times. Defects, such as porosity and surface roughness, associated with parts manufactured by laser powder bed fusion, can severely limit industrial application. The effect these defects have on corrosion and hence long-term structural integrity must also be taken into consideration. The aim of this paper is to report on the characterization of porosity in samples produced by laser powder bed fusion, with the differences in porosity induced by changes in the process parameters. The alloy used in this investigation is AlSi10Mg, which is widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries. The sample characteristics, obtained by X-ray tomography, are reported. The design and production of additively manufactured parts can be improved when these defects are better understood.

Apr 1, 2021

By L. Bloch

Most mine safety initiatives in South Africa are doomed to limited success because of one simple fact: they are a-historical and un-cultural and do not deal with the serious ?legacy issues? that still negatively impact on safety, production, and relationships. We in the SA mining industry continually use imported, foreign safety concepts and systems that will not work fully in a South African context. ?The 4th Wave: Culture-Based Behavioural Safety?, as developed by Lance Bloch, an international award-winning clinical psychologist with 12 years? experience in the mining industry - focused mostly on Platinum - is making waves. He has been very successful in creating people-centred, empowered, high-performance safety cultures wherever he has worked. Not only does the 4th Wave transform the corporate culture of a mine, improving safety and production and building an environment of Ubuntu, but it also uses people?s cultures as a means of winning hearts and minds in the battle for safe production. Powerful relationships are built through engagement at all levels, leading to all being focused on the best needs of the company and its constituents as a whole. The programmes are no less than nation-building - something most necessary in the industry, with the pressures from community, unions, the DMR, and politicians. This presentation will describe and discuss the 4th Wave as an advance on previous safety technology and programmes, as particularly relevant to platinum mining in South Africa today.

Jan 1, 2012

By H. Möhle

Premier Mine is a large underground diamond mine, situated at Cullinan in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The mine hoists over 3 millions tons of diamond bearing kimberlite per year, from a modern, mechanized panel retreat block cave mining operation. Troughs sited at the base of the cave are developed into the overlying caved ore, allowing loading access to the ore through draw points. Trough opening is therefore a vital aspect of the mining operation. Most of the production is dependent on fast, reliable and safe trough opening. Successful trough openings are achieved under difficult mining conditions due to restricted void, long up-holes and the inherent properties of kimberlite?soft, elastic rock with a high swell factor. Early in 1998, Premier Mine undertook a joint development project (with an electronic initiation system supplier) to determine whether the use of a fully programmable electronic detonator system would enhance the mining cycle in the trough opening process. Blasting commenced in February 1998, initially with blasts of a similar size and duration to those that had been previously blasted with shock-tube systems, to confirm the operational capabilities of the blasting system. The accuracy, reliability and flexibility of the electronic delay detonators (EDDs) minimized associated risks for re-engineering of the trough opening process. Further, as blast timing was optimized, larger blasts were successfully initiated. To date over 20 troughs have been opened successfully with the use of EDDs. Not only did it take less time to open troughs, but also drilling and blasting operations have been optimized, as well as an overall improvement in safety. This paper details the benefits that EDDs have delivered to Premier Mine in this area. The logic followed is: ?Review of the original trough opening practices ?Re-engineering of the trough opening process ?Implementation of EDDs ?Evaluation of improvements and conclusions.

Jan 1, 2000

By P. Valicek, M. Farren, R. G. B. Pickering, G. Harrison, P. van Dorssen, W. Joubert, H. J. van Rensburg

Introduction In South African metalliferous mines, stoping operations are largely confined to narrow, tabular orebodies making mechanization extremely difficult. Limited flexibility in terms of stope width has necessitated drilling by means of hand held, pneumatic rock drills at most of our operations. As the largest producer of platinum in the world, we drill in excess of forty million stope blast holes per annum. Cleaning of the broken ore is also done by conventional means—utilizing scrapers and scraper winches. Conventional methods such as these carry high costs in terms of risk exposure as well as labour intensity. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a long hole stoping system suitable for the narrow platinum reefs. The new system had to be substantially safer and more cost effective than conventional mining. We selected a site that was conducive to mechanized mining and set out the parameters that we considered would meet our requirements. We then conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the conceptualized long hole stoping system in terms of specific goals. An analysis of the proposed system identified the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). One of the most critical goals was to be able to create a man-freestope. This would mitigate the safety risk associated with normal stoping operations, as well as the inefficiency cost previously referred to. Other challenges included setting targets for long hole accuracy, stoping width reduction and specific blasting system performance for long hole stoping. We also modelled a critical span that we considered to be inherently safe and to ensure hangingwall stability, throw-blastcleaning and overall system productivity. Anglo Platinum Research and Development and Sandvik Tamrock entered into an agreement for the supply of a specialized long hole-drilling machine. The system was implemented and tested by the mine with the support of the other participants. The results achieved met our expectations. It was demonstrated that with this method of mining it is possible to have a man-free/support-free stope face and to achieve a reduction in shaft head cost per ton whilst reducing dilution. Key performance indicators assessed during the trial •Safety targets •Mining layout •Drill rig •Production targets •Support requirement •Explosives requirement •Services requirement •Ore removal and cleaning requirement •Training requirement Safety targets All persons involved with the project had to adhere to the mine’s safety programme including the zero-tolerance campaign, and were required to report all hazards observed immediately. Mine personnel and Tamrock carried out a full risk assessment on the drill rig before transporting underground. A further risk assessment was carried out when the machine was in position underground. Mining layout See Figure 1 and Figure 2 for a detailed description. Drill rig The drill rig was a combination of a Secoma P-Low LC 10long hole feed and an Axera low profile carrier. The choice of this equipment was made through consultation with Tamrock Sandvik. All relevant design perimeters of the area to be mined were taken into consideration. Production targets

Sep 1, 2001

By M. Handley

The Witwatersrand Basin contains by far the most gold ever found, and has hosted mining from its discovery in 1886 to the present. For many years, South Africa was the world’s largest producerof gold, nearly all of which came from the Witwatersrand. Since 2000, South Africa has fallen back several positions because of declining gold output. There are many complex and varied reasons for this; however, declining gold resources in the Witwatersrand Basin are not one of them. As far as the author knows, there are no qualified estimates in the literature of gold remaining in the Witwatersrand Basin. This paper collects mining data from several sources and then, using elementary gold accounting and error analysis, attempts to estimate the amount of gold remaining in the Witwatersrand Basin. It includes gold underground in existing and defunct mines, in evaluated ore resources, and dumps. Compiled data from 1887 to 2019 shows that 50 200 t of gold were produced by Witwatersrand mines, while it is estimated that a further 48 100 t remainunderground, both within and outside of mine leases, a further 1 600 t on the surface in tailings,and an unknown amount in rock dumps. Nearly all of this gold will remain inaccessible with current mining methods, and major technical developments in mining will be necessary before any of the gold can be categorized as a code-compliant resource or reserve. To win this prize, the mining industry will have to rethink its approach to mining, both in old mining leases and in the unexploited ground. It will also have to find effective means of preventing gold theft and informal mining, which are on the rise.

Apr 5, 2023

By F. M. C. C. Vieira

The DEEPMINE Research Programme sought to develop the technology and competence to mine gold safely and profitably at depths of 3 to 5 km. Among the many issues addressed was the stability and support of rockpasses at ultra-depth. It was found that high virgin and mining-induced stresses could cause the walls of rockpasses to spall, leading to the deterioration and failure. A comprehensive programme of numerical modelling was conducted to investigate alternative mining layouts and sequences to ameliorate the problem.

Jan 1, 2005

By S. J. Oosthuizen

This paper examines innovation in relation to the availability of anew material: the metal titanium. The paper aims to highlight the need for the inclusion of entrepreneurial innovation as a necessary focus area in the development of a titanium metal value chain. Both the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) have identified the creation of titanium metals production capabilities as a key growth area for South Africa. Using historical literature as a source of data, the activities of selected innovators who used titanium metal as a central component in their success, were investigated. The origin of the process innovation behind the titanium metals industry, and two titanium product innovations: namely, medical implants and sporting goods, were detailed as case studies. It was found that individual innovators were responsible for the creation, and rapid growth, of the titanium industry and titanium product applications. There is a need to link the current research and development into titanium metals production with individuals and organizations capable of commercializing innovative processes and products.

Jan 1, 2011

By S. C. Gouws

"SynopsisSustainable infrastructure development has long been identified as a key enabler for socio-economic growth and poverty reduction in societies globally. Twenty-one years into the young South African democracy, economic prospects are fragile and unemployment statistics are high. According to Trading Economics (2015) the GDP growth rate in South Africa averaged 3.07% from 1993 until 2015.Through the National Development Plan 2030, the government has responded by instituting the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) to direct national growth and drive job creation by effecting a long-term infrastructure investment programme. The Commission is mandated by Cabinet to coordinate, integrate, and accelerate implementation of more than 150 individual social and economic infrastructure plans.In the civil infrastructure development sector, increased urbanization is compelling governments and the public sector to expand safe and reliable public amenities, but the availability of real estate for construction in congested cities is a challenge. Within the mining infrastructure construction industry safe, rapid, and efficient mine extraction strategies are imperative to realize increased production, business hurdle rates, and stakeholder expectations.Asset owners and stakeholders are obliged to consider advanced mechanized underground excavation and support technologies in order to present feasible solutions timeously. From an engineering design, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) perspective tunnelling technology and boring applications have a distinct advantage over conventional excavation techniques. These solutions may enhance commerce and transportation by expanding infrastructure in concentrations of national economic activity, providing crucial linkages with rural areas, between cities, and across international borders.This paper explores the contribution by mechanized tunnelling technology and boring applications applied in conjunction with digital and automation technologies compared with conventional methodologies. The technological expertise, combined with a paradigm shift in delivery of project objectives, will promote economic growth, aid recovery from the economic downturn, and improve social development."

Jan 1, 2015

By S. Schutte, J. Pelders

Worker participation in equipment development can result in improved user acceptance and product quality. This paper focuses on worker engagement in equipment development processes in the South African minerals sector. Qualitative data was gathered during interviews with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industry experts. A lack of inclusion in equipment design from workers from all organizational levels in mines was reported. Meanwhile, the historical context and workplace culture of the mining industry (including leadership, trust, training, performance, and remuneration factors) were evident barriers to the implementation of new technology. Worker engagement processes should include securing management commitment, creating multidisciplinary teams, effective facilitation, shared understanding of needs, training and development, and iterative design. Human-centred design approaches and independent platforms for engagement on equipment design requirements are recommended.

Feb 2, 2021

By G. S. Littlejohn

In anticipation of the flooding of an adjacent dolomitic groundwater compartment, five rough parallel sided boundary plugs at 58 and 50levels have been designed to resist safely hydrostatic heads of 1500and 1250 metres, respectively, over a service life of 100 years. Following a description of the engineering properties of the surrounding rocks, the paper details the design considerations relating to structural length and strength, hydraulic gradient, rock mass watertightness, constituent materials of mortar intruded concrete, pregrouting of permeable discontinuities within the surrounding rock mass, a bentonite barrier to resist aggressive mine water, plug tightening and design performance requirements. Routine quality control tests include permeability of the rock mass, fluidity, bleed and strength development of the intruded mortar, and temperature of the intruded concrete during curing. A special test programme includes determination of strength and stiffness of cored concrete and rock samples, shear strength of the rock/plug interface and associated in situ contact stress in order toe stimate the load safety factor against plug failure by shear.

Jan 1, 2006

By D. Borman

The location of underground positions in mines has usually fallen to their survey department's. Their usual tasks include: ? installation of a high-precision peg network like the National Survey grid as beacons ? offset measurements to the sidewalls, and sometimes hangingwall and footwalls, of development tunnels and excavations ? offsetting of stoping panels for the calculation of face ? advance and the square meterage of area removed. Other departments build their observations into the plans produced by the surveyors. If more precision is required, they ask the surveyors to `elevate' their points with a theodolite. Apart from the survey peg network and `elevations' these measurements are usually planer measurements suitable for producing plans, sections and projection sheets. When the only representation medium was a sheet of paper or transparency, this was perfectly suitable. However the development of CAD models of the workings has changed all this. Full 3D representation is not properly catered for in the tool sets in current use, and needless hours are spent converting analogue-type observations into digital form. The basic survey models need to be augmented by the observations of other disciplines that are also required to locate positions underground. These include: ? the need for geologists to plott their mapping and ? borehole logs into 3D space ? the need for samplers to position their sample points accurately because the geostatistical models are biased and inaccurate ? the need for stoping width recorders to position their thickness observations to prevent errant evaluation and bonuses ? the need for rock engineers to place their mappings into 3D to build true geotechnical models to manage geotechnical stresses ? the need for production officials to receive updated face ? positions during the month so that they can manage the ? production and utilize their resources properly. This paper covers a new method of positioning profiling points to a suitable degree of accuracy. I believe the method is sufficiently simple and cheap for all to use. Historical methods Platinum and gold orebodies, especially in South Africa, are generally narrow tabular deposits. This made them suitable for depicting on a 2D medium like paper. The determination of stoping or face widths was not a problem, as the ore is removed in a single stoping process. Such 2D representations could be easily positioned using tape offsetting between survey pegs or points tied in from survey pegs. Problems of dip were handled by using 'Stope Sheets' which chose a best fit projection for the whole area depicted or by using true dip section sheets for inclined tunnels. Rolling reef and potholes were the common areas of difficulty. Most mines now model their orebody and plan the extraction in computer graphics. This means that the representation of the current workings has to change to support this trend. It now becomes a truly 3D problem. Mining officials find it inconvenient to have their actual workings in single-line depictions while their orebody is depicted with top and bottom contacts and the planned tunnels in 3D shapes. Geological models which form the basis for the resource model and planning process are often out of date, as the updating process is slow. The geological mapping has to be plotted onto sections and plans. These are then digitized into graphics by a draughtsman and checked by the geologist. Only then does the interpretation and model update take place. Potential methods to create 3D 'Actuals' Global positioning systems (GPS) Surface mines have been blessed by the advent of GPS technology. These simple-to-operate pieces of equipment and compatible software make it possible for all types of mine employees to locate themselves, and therefore to locate their observations. GPS are often inexpensive and give an acceptable degree of accuracy. Only in deep pits or close to the highwalls are observations hindered. Such technology cannot however, work underground. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) GPR is reported to be very useful for estimating the positions of potholes and faults. However it is still considered as providing an estimate, not a definite measurement. GPR is good for seeing into solid rock, not into open spaces. Inertia reading devices Experiments with inertia reading devices have been conducted on the mines. They were the forerunners of GPS for military guidance systems, and were even used for city navigation in the early 70s. They do however work best with heavy or fast-spinning gyros. Anglogold Ashanti's attempt to use them were discontinued in the mid-90s when the developers asked for an additional few million rand for a device that would weigh more than 12 kg and have a limited operational life.

Jan 1, 2006

By F. Qunfei, W. Laijun, X. Lyu, A. Cosmos, L Huijuan, Z. Jinggang, G. Yao

In this paper, four cyanide-utilising bacteria strains were isolated from a gold mine tailings pond, in the Hexi gold mine (Shandong), China. Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, four strains were identified as Aeromonas hydrophila strain C1, Bacillus mojavensis strain C3, Shewanella oneidensis strain C2, and Aeromonas media strain C4. Based on the cyanide detoxification efficiencies results of the four strains, Bacillus mojavensis C3 had the highest detoxification rate and was selected to assess its efficiency to detoxify cyanide in gold mine tailings at different pH (9.5, 10.5, and 11.6) using cyanide as the sole carbon and nitrogen sources. Strain C3 was capable of detoxifying 46.5mg/L of cyanide-containing gold mine tailings at all tested pH ranges at 30oC, 196 rpm after 15 d. The amounts of cyanide detoxified were 87.5%, 84.1%, and 73.5% at initial pH 9.5, 10.5, and 11.6, respectively. The highest cyanide detoxification was observed at pH 9.5. The viable cells growths in the samples were 5.7E+09CFU/mL, 4.9E+09CFU/mL, and 2.7E+09CFU/mL at pH 9.5, 10.5, and 11.6, respectively. Free ammonia concentrations were observed as a byproduct of the biodetoxification process. The residual ammonia concentration in the sample was observed at 0.35 mg/L, 0.33 mg/L, and 0.62 mg/L at pH 9.5, 10.5, and 11.6, respectively. The highest residual ammonia concentration was noticed at pH 11.6. The amount of cyanide removed by mixed culture strains C3 and C4 was 94.6% and showed a residual free ammonia concentration of 2.6mg/L, as biodetoxification byproduct after 120 h. The pure culture Bacillus mojavensis strain C3 and its mixed culture strains exhibited higher potential to detoxify cyanide-containing gold mine tailings at alkaline pH values and could be cultivated to detoxify gold mine effluents at large-scale. Keywords: Bacteria strain, cyanide, detoxification efficiency, gold mine tailings

Jan 1, 2020