Search Documents

The theme of this conference is æRediscover OtagoÆ and the conference occurs during a resurgence of economic activity in New Zealand, and in particular at a time when the Macraes Gold Project has had a significant effect on mining and business activity in Otago. The Macraes Gold Mine has implemented a Zero Accident Programme and this paper reviews some of the factors responsible for the implementation.

Jan 1, 1992

Application of Discrete Element Method for Simulating Feeding Conditions and Size Reduction in Cone Crushers

Sep 13, 2010

This paper considers the application of recent laboratory gas sorption data to the understanding outburst phenomena in underground coal mining. Previous use of threshold limits based on gas content and coal rank are placed in perspective. Although this work focuses on overseas research and experience, parallels can be drawn for New Zealand coal settings, taking into account localised mining and geological factors.

Jan 1, 1994

By N H. Jansen, H L. Bridgwater

Field portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and near infrared (NIR) instruments are proven technologies in the minerals industry. The in-field results of these instruments can add value early in the project life, leading to cost-effective decision-making compared to their equivalent laboratory based techniques. However, in order to add value to a project, it is crucial that the instruments are employed correctly.Orientation studies should be carried out prior to initiating a sampling program to achieve the highest level of quality assurance and control for the results. Hence, an appropriate sampling workflow begins with considering what outcomes are required, including level of precision, accuracy, reliability for elements and minerals of interest, and sampling errors. The workflows proposed include soil sampling and reverse circulation and diamond drilling sampling techniques, and laboratory based techniques. They are practical and flexible workflows using available portable XRF and NIR technologies that can be applied to current sampling and drilling methods.The combined technologies have the ability to create large, integrated geochemical and mineralogical data sets that can provide cost savings for every stage of the mining chain from exploration to prefeasibility, mineral processing and environmental remediation.CITATION:Jansen, N H and Bridgwater, H L, 2017. Proposed workflows for portable X-ray fluorescence and near infrared instruments for soil and drill hole sampling, in Proceedings Eighth World Conference on Sampling and Blending , pp 219–228 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2017

James Barnes is Managing Director of James Barnes & Associated Ltd which is a company that has invested ten years of development to provide developers with a transparent, user friendly consultation framework that identifies who needs to be consulted, how they are to be consulted and procedures required to manage the risks associated with getting all the wrong! Despite the assertion above, this paper is not about to provide delegates with the answer to whom they ought to consult or identify the expectations that Maori might have in regard to the consultation process. It would be a very brave person indeed who would venture an opinion on such a sensitive subject. There are no short cuts to finding out what expectations Maori might have on any given situation. Nothing can be taken for granted. What this paper will attempt to do however is provide practical insights into what might be on the minds of Maori interests as they deal with the issues associated with mineral resources, particularly those under Treaty of Waitangi Claim. The Treaty of Waitangi has a significant bearing on the current debate between Maori and the Crown regarding ownership of mineral resources in New Zealand. The Waitangi Tribunal is currently hearing a case presented by a number of Iwi over the ownership of oil and gas resources in Taranaki and Hawkes Bay. Others will follow. The Crown and Maori have never been able to settle differences over ownership rights without resorting to legal action and it looks like this scenario is about to be repeated in regards to minerals. The Crown has a duty to actively protect the Maori interest. This is a fundamental expectation in the relationship between Maori and the Crown. In the case of minerals, Maori have yet to see the Crown do its duty. The impact on developers has become evident through Maori objections to consent applications as the issues of mineral right remain unresolved.

Jan 1, 2000

Valuable Components Recovery from Lead-Zinc Metallurgical Slag

Sep 13, 2010

The paper discusses the special mixing requirements for Metallurgical Plant Design and outlines the problems associated with the agitation in Mineral Processing Industry today. It also covers new applications such as state of the art large leach tanks and backfill for deep mining.

Jan 1, 2004

By F K. Buckley

Currently, Kanieri Gold Dredging Limited operates the only large scale gold dredging operation in New Zealand. It dredges a claim in the Taramakau River using the bucket dredge 'Kanieri'. This dredge, a 'Yuba' type, was designed and built in the 1930s. On the current claim it works about 12 hectares of ground a year. Because of its design, the tailings from the 'Kanieri' make land restoration difficult. This was unimportant until it commenced its new claim ML-32-310 in 1978. The conditions, attached to this licence required it to restore the land for afforestation, the designated use fur the Crown land being mined. With the company planning to work future claims on the Grey River, it decided to undertake restoration work on the Taramakau to demonstrate its capability of establishing pasture land on tailings, a more difficult task than restoring the land for afforestation. After two years and the restoration of two blocks totalling 22 hectares, reasonable pasture establishment has been achieved. Much has been learned to date and further refinement of the techniques used will take place over the next two years. The quality of the tailings produced has improved as a result of the limited modifications possible on the existing dredge. This has been significant in achieving better results. The knowledge gained will be taken into account in future dredge design. Both the Company and its Consultant are confident of achieving satisfactory restoration of dredge tailings for pasture land.

Jan 1, 1981

Ore sorting is a high capacity, low cost method of pre concentrating ores and in some cases of producing a marketable concentrate. In most cases it is applied to run of mine material, immediately after primary crushing and screening in sizes ranging from 10 mm to 150 mm. Recent developments in bulk sorting of friable uranium deposits have resulted in machines capable of handling fine materials with sensing and separation being achieved on a zone by zone basis. Modern ore sorting machines rely on the synchronous operation of four internal subsystems, feed presentation, sensing, data processing and separation. A variety of different sub systems is available which can be combined in various forms to produce sorters capable of handling a wide variety of mineral types. The benefits in using ore sorting cover a wide range of situations and are applicable to both established mines as well as new mining ventures. Reduced operating costs, increased productivity, capital savings, energy and resource conservation and environmental issues are all part of the reason why ore sorting is finding rapid acceptance in today's mining industry. The suitability of different ore types for pre-concentration using anyone of the variety of ore sorting systems can be quickly established using computer based techniques which require only small samples of the materials under investigation.

Jan 1, 1980

This paper describes new research and development currently being undertaken by the CSIRO Mining Technology Group to advance the automation capability of continuous mining equipment in underground coal mining operations. The effort aims at increasing the overall rate of roadway development as well as providing a safer working environment for underground mine personnel. The activity is funded by the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) and forms part of a larger underground development initiative, known as the CM2010 project. The CM2010 is managed via a consortium of leading mining industry representatives through the Roadway Development Task Group (RDTG). The Task Group has identified three research areas requiring new development in order to realise the CM2010 project objectives: self-guiding (autonomous) continuous miner capability, an enhanced drilling and bolting process and improved mesh deployment. CSIRO's primary role in the CM2010 project is in the development of the autonomous continuous miner guidance capability.This paper reports on outcomes achieved at the half-way mark of a three year research and development project. It details the technical developments undertaken towards demonstration of a 'self-steering' capability to enable a continuous miner to automatically maintain a given mining heading and mining horizon under production conditions. A primary technical requirement of this automated functionality is the means to accurately determine both the location and orientation of the continuous miner in real-time. Testing and validation of the guidance system solution has been implemented using a combination of an instrumentation-grade inertial navigation unit and radar technology. Comprehensive performance evaluations have been conducted using a scale skid-steer mobility platform known as the Phoenix. Results achieved to the present stage of the project are highly promising and suggest that an automated self-steering functionality is achievable under production conditions. This new outcome represents an important move towards implementing a step change improvement for future underground roadway development.

Dec 6, 2010

By E Heath, F McDermott, S Turner, P van Calsteren

U-Th isotope studies of recent volcanic rocks may be used to evaluate the depths and rates of melt generation beneath midocean ridges and ocean islands. Island arc rocks exhibit a similar range in Th isotopes to that seen in both MORB and om, but while those with high (230Th/232Th) tend to have excess 238U, many of those with low (230Th/232Th) are in isotope equilibrium. The excess 238U is attributed to the preferential mobilisation of U in hydrous fluids from the subducted slab within the last 100 000 years, whereas the low Th isotope ratios in the higher-K arcs are primarily due to the introduction of subducted sediment. Preliminary results from mineral separates from lavas on Soufriere on the island of St. Vincent indicate that some of the minerals crystallised up to 50 000 years prior to eruption.

Jan 1, 1995

By G P. Taylor

Mining Lease SML 57 was registered to Mount Kasi on 5 January, 1995. The Mount Kasi gold mine is located in Vanua Levu, Fiji's second largest island and operated from 1932 to 1946 producing 261,000t of ore at an average grade of 7.5g/t Au. The deposit represents a structurally controlled style of high sulphidation copper gold mineralisation with peripheral low sulphidation mesothermal vein type gold mineralisation. The resource consists of 1,048,000 tonnes of residual soils (eluvium) containing 1.9 g/t Au at 0.5 g/t Au cut off and 1,240,000 tonnes of hard rock at 3.0 g/t Au and 1.0 g/t Au cut. 94 drill holes, 298 auger holes and 85 pits were modelled to outline the resource. 29% of the pits bottomed in mineralisation and it is likely the full thickness of eluvium has been understated. The pit is scheduled to produce 500,000 tonnes of ore per annum to yield 35,000 ounces of gold with an initial 2 years of eluvial ore followed by a further 2 years of hard rock ore. Total capital costs are estimated to be less than 10.0 million dollars with construction planned to commence in 1995. The likelihood of locating further ore is high.

Jan 1, 1995

Delhi Australian Petroleum Ltd., acting as operator for the joint interests of Delhi and Santos Ltd., has been engaged in petroleum exploration in the western Great Artesian Basin since 1958.Extensive airborne magnetometer, gravity meter, reflection and refraction seisomograph, and surface geological surveys have been carried out. Results of the surveys have considerably altered the concepts of the geology of the area.Seven exploratory wells have been drilled in the area. Results of the drilling have established the presence in the subsurface of previously unknown Paleozoic sediments which are capable of generating hydrocarbons.Production of oil or gas has not been achieved, but each phase of the exploration programme has resulted in progressively establishing the basic conditions necessary for the discovery of commercially profitable accumulations.INTRODUCTIONDelhi Australian Petroleum Ltd. commenced operations in Australia in 1958. They have subsequently been engaged in systematic exploration for oil and gas, acting as operator for their partner, Santos Limited. The methods and techniques employed are those used throughout the petroleum industry. The results of the exploration programme contribute to a better understanding of the basic geology, and concomitantly a firmer analysis of the petroleum producing potential, of the western Great Artesian Basin.Each phase has progressively enhanced the gross geological interpretation of the area with regard to favourable conditions for the generation and accumulation of hydrocarbons, but the stage has not been reached where productive potential is definitely established.Exploration status in 1958Basin configurationIn 1958 knowledge of the pre-Jurassic stratigraphy of the geographically defined western Great Artesian Basin...

Jan 1, 1964

By X Yang, B Wang, L Liu

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. The Huoqiu iron ore field in north-west Anhui province is located in the south-east margin of the North China Craton and hosts large iron resources. Orebodies are hosted in Neoarchean amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks, forming silicon-iron bands from north to south. The area is dominated by an Early Precambrian basement consisting of Neoarchean grey gneisses, amphibolites and metasediments. The gneisses are similar with assemblages of Trondhjemite-Tonalite-Granodiorite in compositions and intercalated with amphibolites. Igneous zircons from gneisses and amphibolites have U-Pb ages of 2.86 and 2.75 Ga respectively, which are interpreted as the crystallisation ages of their protolith. Zircons from amphibolite and gneiss have eHf(t) values of 2.4–15.5 and -3.0–1.5 respectively. The tDM2(Hf) model ages of the gneiss range from 2.87 to 3.14 Ga, which is consistent with tDM1(Hf) ages of amphibolite (2.84–3.16 Ga). The U-Pb-Hf isotopes thus confirm that the gneisses were generated by partial melting of amphibolite. Two granites produce two group Hf isotopic compositions. The older one (1916 ± 42 Ma) has eHf(t) values and tDM1(Hf) ages of -9.4–3.4 and 2.24–2.71 Ga respectively, whereas the younger one (1823 ± 41 Ma) shows a large variation in eHf(t) values of -18.1–12.5 and tDM1(Hf) model ages of 1.73–2.92 Ga. Geological and geochemical characteristics indicate that the Huoqiu banded iron formations are a Superior-type iron formation rather than an Algoma-type as previously considered.CITATION:Yang, X, Liu, L and Wang, B, 2015. Study on the Huoqiu banded iron formation, West Anhui Province, East China , in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 649–656 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

By H North, J Barringer, S McNeill, D Pairman

Models of ground surface elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, roughness, deformation, as well as other features are gathered together in the term Digital Terrain Model (DTM). DTMs can be generated from a wide range of technologies such as ground surveying, aerial and satellite imagery, including both active and passive sensors. Some elevation derived parameters, such as roughness and slope, can be measured directly using innovative active sensor technology and smart processing, rather than via traditional processing of elevation information. Such models are used as part of a visual interpretation process, and increasingly for computer-assisted analysis using visualisation technology. There is an ever-increasing demand for DTM information to be used in the mineral exploration and mining industry, and consistent pressure from industry to develop models of higher spatial resolution, higher accuracy, and better overall reliability, regardless of the world-wide location of interest. This presentation will survey the range of techniques available for DTM generation, including active (LIDAR, SAR interferometry and differential interferometry) and passive (optical or SAR stereo) methods, as well as interpolation methods (contour or structure interpolation), and the economic placement of these various techniques in the local and regional context. The research issue oftrue-ground elevation models and slopes is also addressed, using LIDAR and SAR polarimetry as signpost technologies. Particular emphasis will be given to the strengths and limitations of new data sources that will, over the next few years, make the acquisition of elevation models of remote regions of the world inexpensive and relatively accurate.

Jan 1, 2000

Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Australia identified a number of issues in regard to the skill levels, labour turnover and productivity of our service technicians. In 1994 we were experiencing a labour turnover rate of 42 per cent per annum amongst our technicians. Exit interviews were held with each individual and one of the major areas of dissatisfaction was the degree of product training provided on our equipment, compared to what is required to be competent across the range of our products. These tradespersons were prepared to accept the reduced remuneration that an OEM offers, for the benefit of comprehensive, professional training that, in theory, could be provided. The truth is that we were achieving approximately 40 per cent of our target for training hours because of the demands of field service, pre-deliveries, etc. So, the summary was the same as the industry was experiencing at that time because of skilled labour shortages, production demands, etc people were employed and thrown in at the deep end. A recipe for failure that will be successful every time.

Jan 1, 1998

By T Christie

Tertiary volcanic rocks make up a significant proportion of the surficial cover rocks of New Zealand, especially in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Industrial minerals that are associated with or derived from the volcanic rocks include: amorphous silica, allophane, bentonite, diatomite, ignimbrite building stone, illite clays, halloysite clay, obsidian, perlite, pumice, sulphur, titanomagnetite ironsand and zeolite. Of these: bentonite, ignimbrite building stone, perlite, pumice and titanomagnetite ironsand have been mined and processed for 20 to 30 years, but many of the others require further characterisation of the resource and/or development of markets.   We have compiled interim mineral deposit models for halloysite clays in rhyolite and for zeolites in altered vitric tuffs. These models include geological and mineralogical attributes, which are linked to the underlying volcanic and geothermal processes that have produced the minerals and their source volcanic rocks. Halloysite clay deposits at Matauri Bay (Northland) have formed from hydrothermal alteration and weathering of rhyolite. Clinoptilolite + mordenite zeolite deposits in the Ngakuru area (Rotorua district) have formed from hydrothermal alteration of volcanic glass in lacustrine sediments and ignimbrite. Further refinement and application of these models will result in a better understanding of the mineralogy, localisation and origin of the deposits, with consequent applications in exploration and resource assessments.

Jan 1, 2001

By A Bax, G Wardell-Johnson, A Giblett, W Staunton

This paper presents a number of key considerations for process development testwork as a reliable basis for the inclusion of gravity separation in gold recovery flowsheets. Operating data, experiences and numerous case studies are also discussed in support of identifying best practice principles for gravity circuit design.CITATION:Giblett, A, Bax, A, Wardell-Johnson, G and Staunton, W, 2013. A review of best practice in gravity circuit design and operation, in Proceedings MetPlant 2013 , pp 272-284 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 15, 2013

Open pit mining has considerable damaging effects on the environment of the mining region. These harmful influences have to be controlled during mining operation until mine closure. Different sections of mined land, such as; pit(s), waste dump(s), tailing pond(s), roads, areas for onsite facilities and free land zones which are not mined, have to be reclaimed through treatment of environmental pollution and implementation of a permanent post mining land use (PMLU) after mine closure. Implementation of a permanent optimal post mining land use (OPMLU) is one the most decisive criterion which effects on reclamation procedure, mine closure and their costs. Therefore to define ultimate pit limit (UPL), mine closure and reclamation costs should be entered in the calculation iterations same as the other variable costs of the projects. Estimation of closure and reclamation costs of a mining project is carried out based on the attained OPMLU and the specifications of the mine site. In this paper, a model is developed to provide OPMLU for pit area through fuzzy multi-attribute decision making (FMADM) technique. The model was implemented on a hypothetical copper mine in northwest of Iran as a case study. Lumber production was selected as OPMLU for the pit area. It is finally concluded that through the developed model, OPMLU for different sections of mined land in an open pit mine project is defined. Also closure and reclamation costs are estimated based on the defined OPMLU to achieve a more accurate UPL.

Dec 6, 2010

Jan 1, 2004