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In the mid-1990s, after a long period of antipathy between the company and its detractors, Rio Tinto embarked upon an ambitious cultural change program that sought to transform the fundamental basis of its relationship with global, national and local stakeholders. This has evolved into a broader pursuit of positive cultural change within Rio Tinto as part of the mining industryÆs Sustainable Development initiative. Initially driven from the top down, the communities component of this program comprises an architecture of policies, value statements, social research and verification systems. The commitment to better community relationships is best exemplified in Australia by the scope and scale of the GroupÆs Aboriginal land access agreements, community development programs and the work of the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation. While collectively these form the core elements of an evolving set of internal social competencies, development of second-tier competencies is required to organically embed a culture of sustainable relationships with local and regional communities. Second-tier competencies will include appreciation of social dynamics, social science and diversity at middle management level; rigorous social research that properly informs development options for companies and host communities; career paths and recognition within the mining industry for young professionals both generally and from stakeholder communities; proper community-needs assessments, research into such things as purchasing power and other economics data, and inventories of public goods such as land-carrying capacity and water availability. Without this information it is difficult to gain an appreciation of and to alert people to the consequences of change brought on by a mine. The next decade will see second-tier social competencies promoted within successful mining companies. Measures to achieve this include a range of Human Resource (HR) incentives such as recruitment and career advancement based on broad competencies rather than narrow technical proficiency, humanities training for mining professionals and performance rewards that recognise social competence. A sustainable future for mining in a globally connected social landscape requires selection of people who can listen, relate and act in an open social system. The challenge for the mining industry, its professional organisations and educational institutions is to acknowledge this and develop these new aspects of mining industry professionalism. This cannot be left to individual companies if the industry is to have a sustainable future.

Jan 1, 2002

By K Kuganathan

This paper describes a new methodology that can be applied to compare several bench extraction strategies requiring backfill. The method is applicable at the planning or operational stages and can be used to maintain dilution within design parameters and improve the overall economics of bench stoping operations. The parameters influencing bench performance have been empirically rated based on economical, geomechanical, operational and backfill properties. Four different extraction strategies have been considered and rated from most preferred to less preferred using an integrated approach to bench extraction.

Jan 1, 1998

By S R. Grano, J Duan, T A, D Fornasiero

We have determined the experimental rate constants for chalcopyrite particles floated from a complex sulfide ore and compared them with those calculated using a recently developed flotation model. The model incorporates contributions from the efficiencies of collision, attachment and stability between particles and bubbles, as well as their frequency of collision. For these calculations, the contact angle of the chalcopyrite particles in the ore was obtained independently using a surface spectroscopic approach. The calculated flotation rate constants were in good agreement with the experimental data and able to reproduce the characteristic maximum in flotation rate constant for particles of intermediate size. The values of bubble velocity and turbulent dissipation energy derived from these calculations are relatively low and may well correspond to mean values of these parameters inside the flotation cell. We have extended this approach through the application of a property based model to an operating plant, with a satisfactory outcome.

Jan 1, 2005

By Gochin RJ

This paper focuses on measures of the economic significance of mineral exploitation and processing activities, such as beneficiation, refining and smelting. Empirical measures are suggested to quantify the relevance of the degree processing within a nation's mineral industry. The most useful, based on the input-output econometric framework, are used to establish the magnitude of links between the mineral industry and its satellite activities and for the appraisal of large, non-marginal projects. The input-output impact analysis is refined to allow for country specific behaviour and synthetic indices for the appraisal of investments in the mineral sector are developed. These indices are further improved with the introduction of shadow prices to incorporate socio-economic issues. They are useful to direct mineral policy decisions and several investments towards the most promising objectives for national goals. Finally traditional methods for the appraisal of small scale, marginal, mineral projects are assessed where local impact and regional development issues are more relevant than national ones.

Jan 1, 1993

The non-metallic minerals, excluding the construc- tions and fuel materials have for long been the "poor relations" of the Mining Industry of New South Wales. The State is self-sufficient in only a few of the industrial minerals and is almost completely lacking in any of the essential fertilizers. The deficiencies must be met by imports from overseas and interstate and in fact New South Wales imports some quantity of every one of the non-metallics. For the year 1967 the value of non-metallic mineral production amounted to only $9,390,000 or less than 3.5% of the States total of $275,900,000 for all classes of mining and quarrying. In roughly the same period, the 1967-68 financial year, New South Wales imported non- metallic materials, valued at well in excess of $22,000,000 from overseas and over $2,000,000 from interstate sources.

Jan 1, 1969

Development of the Greenvale orebody, containing 40,000,000 tonnes of nickel ore, began in 1971 and production commenced in 1974. Annual capacity is 2,800,000 wet tonnes. The variations in ore grade and physical characteristics which occur throughout the ore- body had a major influence on the selection of mining methods, grade control procedures, and equipment. After removal of overburden by scrapers, ore is excavated by draglines sidecasting into windrows. Feed to the crushing plant is .reclaimed by front end loaders into rear dump trucks according to a grade selection pro- gramme. After crushing, ore is stockpiled into blended units of ore of required quality. Ore is stacked and reclaimed for train loading using techniques designed to give maximum mixing of ore characteristics through Bach unit. These procedures are repeated on discharge at the plant site at Yabulu. The railway, constructed by Queensland Nickel Pty. Ltd. to Q.G.R. standard, and operated by the Q.G.R., is 216 km long and includes eight major bridges and three tunnels. Two trains per day, one of four locomotives and 92 waggons, and one of three locomotives and 69 waggons, haul crushed ore to Yabulu. Train loading is semi-automatic. A small township and associated services have been constructed for employees at Green- Vale.

Jan 1, 1974

Remote sensing techniques can be used to map joint sets in a rock mass for the estimation of in situ block size distribution and improved optimisation of blasting. This paper reviews remote sensing using photogrammetry and laser mapping for mapping rock masses and presents elements of the analyses applied to data acquired with these mapping technologies. These techniques enable a user to map areas of hundreds of square metres rapidly with high precision. Using this data computer programs such as Sirojoint can provide estimates of joint position and orientation with orientation measurement accuracies better than one degree. The paper describes the use of remote mapping and provides potential users with a description of some of the advantages and limitations of the mapping techniques and the data they produce. Mapping of lithology and structure of rock masses is an important task required in many areas of mining and construction. It is a complex task routinely performed using established techniques developed to provide consistent results under a wide range of conditions. The techniques for data acquisition and analysis described in this paper enable more accurate mapping to be performed rapidly and enable mapping of inaccessible sections of a rock mass. These techniques will provide geologists and geotechnical engineers with more detailed, accurate data than previously available.

Jan 1, 2001

One of the most frequently asked questions at the feasibility study stage of a project is, æhow big can one go?Æ This important question effects costing and efficiency of metallurgical equipment, the real estate required and the operating plant strategy.The presentation covers both engineering and process considerations and explains the limits that exist today and explores future trends.The paper is specific about large slurry application usually found in gold applications; however, it could apply to silver and uranium or other dense media leach duties.Agitator drive sizes are examined as well as process risks associated with large tank agitation. New technology has increased the maximum tank size and designers are now experienced in tank volumes in excess of 5000 m3. Tanks of 6000 m3 have been agitated and 10 000 m3 tanks are within present engineering know-how and scale-up.Fabrication techniques for shaft and impeller designs exceed the existing standards and new specifications will be needed to cover large mixer design. The paper covers certain aspects of mechanical design and proposes alternative standards that are more appropriate. Process considerations such as fluid natural frequency as well as typical superficial velocities for efficient operations are examined. Scale-up techniques based on existing and new technology are also examined to ensure a successful installation.The presentation therefore covers the majority of large mixer design questions that are frequently asked.

Jan 1, 2006

By B Johansson

The mining industry needs to recruit young talented people. An important task therefore, is to create future attractive mining workplaces that engage and motivate young people to work within the industry. Our intention with this article is to illustrate a possible way forward for the mining industry to form such workplaces. We discuss different aspects of an attractive workplace and summarise our findings in a specification of basic demands dealing with safety, physical and psycho-social work environments and social responsibilities.

Nov 22, 2011

The Greenvale Joint Venturers, Metals Exploration Queensland Pty. Ltd. and Freeport Queensland Nickel Incorporated, use ten Herreshoff roasters, for the reduction of ground lateritic nickel and cobalt containing ores.Initially the roasting section of the plant limited production, due to high down time.The use of technology developed and adapted over a number of years has achieved significant increase in on line time and a minimization of costs.

Jan 1, 1985

By M J. Sale

The Epithermal and Mesothermal Gold Prospectivity Modelling Projects recently completed by Crown Minerals provided explorers in New Zealand with a new compilation of historical exploration data combined with new geological information from the GNS QMap 1:250 000 scale mapping project. These data were used to produce predictive mineral potential maps for gold mineralisation in New Zealand. The aim of these projects, which was to stimulate mineral exploration and investment in exploration, has been successful with new companies acquiring new tenements and committing significant exploration expenditure to exploring in New Zealand in the coming years. The projects were undertaken at a national scale and consequently not all exploration data were compiled into the prospectivity models. HPD New Zealand Ltd recognised the value of the prospectivity modeling work and committed exploration funds to continue the modelling process started by the projects. They recognised the need to compile the remaining data and run the models again to allow detailed exploration targeting.

Jan 1, 2004

With the introduction of the Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) Act 1992 and the subsequent repeal of regulations pertaining to mining, there has been an upheaval of the management of health and safety in mines.  More than ever, employers know that they must ensure that their workers are competent to carry out their assigned tasks.

Jan 1, 1997

By Ghiani M, Satta F, Zucca A, Peretti R

After a brief introduction on the principles of contact electrification and a synthetic illustration of the Turbocharger separator, the successful results obtained with different raw materials are given and discussed, with particular reference to a North African run-of-mine with carbonate gangue, a crude ore from India containing pyrite and a mineral sample from Angola having quartzeous gangue. The pre-eminent effect of target surface temperature in the charging device of the separator is emphasised. On the basis of the results of both batch experiments and long-run tests the prospects of industrial application appear very interesting both from the technical and economic points of view, even when compared with froth flotation.

Jan 1, 1993

By J Ralston, W Skinner, D Fornasiero

The Wark has been conducting collaborative research through the AMIRA International P260 series of projects for over 20 years. This paper reviews specific outcomes of successful technology transfer to flotation plant practice over that time. Moreover, findings of an independent audit of industry users of the research outcomes of the P260 project are reviewed. The key to successful technology transfer is the active engagement of industry personnel at all phases of the technology transfer process. Other research outcomes include the novel application of new measurement tools and methodologies which include, for example, advanced surface analysis techniques. These new tools and methodologies have been pivotal to improving our understanding of factors that limit the flotation separation of minerals at plant scale. Future potential targets for technology transfer to improve flotation plant practice are discussed.

Jan 1, 2009

THE Taranaki oil-field is situated on the western side of the North Island of New Zealand, at about its widest part, and may be said to be the most compact and fertile part of the Dominion, for, with the exception of the. upper half of Mount Egmont and of the ranges adjoining, which absorb 36,000 acres, the whole of the area, miuus what is taken up by the rivers land streams-is suitable for settlement, and certainly two-thirds is good land. The gross area oE the district is 2,417,299 acres.The principle rivers are the Wanganui, Mokau, Waitara, Patea, and Waiwakaiho. Mount Egmont, which is 8260 ft. high, used to be called Taranaki, and from it the district takes its name (the Maori meaning of which is "sloping peak ").

Jan 1, 1911

Optimisation of mining projects is directly related to effective and efficient management of risks through the life cycle of mining projects. Effective and efficient management of risks must include explicitly all aspects of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) through the life cycle of mining projects. This paper presents a different scale of OHS in the context of the optimisation of mining projects. Meaning of risk through the project life cycle is explained. Complex relationships between numerous risk, safety, knowledge, culture and change variables, and project life cycles are shown. The key element developed in this paper is a multi-disciplinary knowledge base that is necessary for constructive development of risk management and OHS models through the life cycle of mining projects.

Jan 1, 2003

By Sanders GJ

Coals from the Southern Coalfield of New South Wales treated in the Port Kembla coal preparation plants of Australian Iron and Steel Pty Ltd differ substantially in their characteristics. Knowledge of, performance not only enables comparison and promotes better control, but also provides the means for predicting results. Evaluation of performance of cleaning equipment has been made in terms of probable error (Ep.) Results for Baum jigs, a Chance cone, heavy medium cyclones and water washing cyclones are examined. The efficiency factors derived from the probable error are applied to the float and sink analysis, mathematically simulating operating conditions. This method is applied to the Balgownie seam. The Balgownie seam lies between the Bulli and Wongawilli seams in the Coal measures of the South Coast and mining on a large scale began recently in the Bulli area. It is known locally as the Four Foot seam and exhibits er difficult washability characteristics, due to a comparatively high middlings content. These properties and the tively high inherent ash make careful selection of cleaning equipment essential for optimum recovery. The prediction technique is used to determine the possible results when this coal is cleaned in the Port Kembla plants. Predicted values are compared with results from full scale trial washings demonstrating the validity and accuracy of the technique. Applications of result forecasting are listed.

Jan 1, 1970

By P Khalkho, M Singh

Rock masses when subjected to uniaxial or triaxial cyclic loading (eg in hydraulic running tunnels, during retrieval and injection of oil and gas from storage underground caverns and haulage roads), the material has a tendency to fail in fatigue. In order to design safe and reliable underground structures, the determination of brittleness under such loading conditions becomes a pre-requisite. Brittleness influences strongly the failure process and makes the rock mass behaviour complex under different tunnelling and mining activities. Brittleness Index is a term to quantify the brittleness feature of a specimen. In the present study, an attempt has been made to quantify the brittleness of jointed specimens using different brittleness criteria. The joints of the model jointed specimens were oriented at an angle of θ=15° normal to the loading direction, each having three different JRC’s=2–4, 12–14 and 14–16. The specimens were tested under triaxial conditions in incremental complete cyclic test scheme performed at displacement-controlled mode. Different brittleness criteria were used ie stress-strain dependent brittleness index, Young Modulus approach and energy-balance based mechanism. It was observed that energy-balance based mechanism which consider the post failure behaviour is more descriptive to reflect the whole variation of brittleness from sheer brittleness to ductility.

Nov 29, 2022

By J Barnes

During September 2000, Nabalco management identified the need for a corporate system to deliver its key performance indicators (KPIs). In June 2001, a need was also identified to replace the existing metallurgical accounting system. After a review of the technologies available, the decision was made to develop the systems in-house, in preference to purchasing commercial software packages. This would allow much greater control over the structure, and provide for an iterative, concurrent development process between software and key business developers. This has proven invaluable in the development process. The purpose of the KPI system is to provide a unified reporting tool for all performance indicators. These indicators include production, safety, health and environment, personnel, costs, continuous improvement initiatives and opportunity losses. All of these disparate measurements are brought together into the KPI system and used to determine the performance for each department or area. The general principles of the balanced scorecard business approach (Kaplan and Norton, 1996) are applied to achieve a performance measurement for each area within Nabalco. The new metallurgical accounting system (MA) is a SQLServer database with web page and Excel interfaces. The database is structured around daily inputs of all measurements and calculations. The data is stored and adjustments and reconciliations can be made to this data as required. The focus is on accounting rigour, with all adjustments recorded in the database to allow for full auditing. The structure of the data focuses on the five input/output streams (bauxite in, caustic soda in, fuel oil in, residue out, and alumina out). In-circuit inventory provides a secondary measurement on which to check and calibrate the MA system. The KPI and MA systems were developed using Web technologies and are available to any internet-enabled device with Internet Explorer installed. This removes the need for software rollouts and user training. This will promote the wide use of the systems throughout Nabalco and Alcan.

Jan 1, 2002

This paper suggests the models for determination the optimum life of machines on the basis of sum and difference of investment and maintenance costs. The economic-mathematical models are based on complex percentage method taking into account the time factor of referring cost. The following strategies of maintenance policy have been considered in machines repair: a strategy without investment, a strategy with continuous investment and a strategy with step-like investment. The effect of value of investment in repairing and time interval of investment on optimum machine exploitation life has also been considered. An illustrative example is presented.

Jan 1, 2003