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INCREASE OF THE OIL CONSUMPTIONIt is of the greatest interest to study the prospects open today for the petroleum industry by looking back to the past years.The' results for the past 15,years can be said. to be- satisfying; - the develop-ment of the petroleum industry has sustained a very fast tempo and the world consumption of energy has around the years 1960-1961 - reached aòpeak figure.Undoubtedly, the petroleum industry is the principal beneficiary of the growth of world, energy demand. For the caning years a slackening of the rate of expansion is'. likely to be expected; but will. not alter the general trend. This ' slackening of expansion may be explained, partly by a better use of the energy consumed and by the increased use of new types of energy, mainly natural gas.Although.the development of world energy demands follow structural and tech-nical modifications".,-At. can be foreseen, without any doubt, that the petroleum products. consumption. vri 11 be less affected than any other type of energy by this limited reduction in the rate of increase.

Jan 1, 1962

By D Joshi, J Rostami, M Karakus, A Eustes

The first target of mining activities on the surface of the moon is to find and extract water from the icy regolith on the moon. A test drilling unit was designed and fabricated under a NASA Early Stage Innovation (ESI) grant. A high-frequency data acquisition system was used to record drilling responses at 1000 Hz. Parameters like weight on bit (WOB), torque, rev/min, rate of penetration (ROP), mechanical specific energy (MSE), field penetration index (FPI), and the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) were recorded for 40 boreholes in the analog samples made of regolith simulant and specialised cement. Development of the AI system and machine learning (ML) algorithms for analysis of data to evaluate strength and hence water content of icy regolith required a large data set. In this case, the data set comprising of more than one billion data points recorded while drilling into various analogue samples and cryogenic lunar formations to optimise power consumption and make bit wear adjustment during drilling operations. The tests were also repeated in the samples of icy regolith at various water content at -190C to verify the ability of the algorithms to analyse the data and to estimate the strength of the frozen formation and hence water content. The paper will discuss the objectives and methodologies used in the project and reviews the testing program and the machine learning (ML) algorithms ability to identify various formations along the exploration boreholes.

Sep 1, 2024

By G Diprose

Diamond exploration in Queensland is influenced by the South African approach modified by the discovery of diamonds in Lamproite in Western Australia. The current approach is to explore for Kimberlite and Lamproite bodies using indicator minerals dispersed by fluvial and colluvial processes. In the north-west, diamonds are derived from kimberlitic and lamproitic sources, whereas those in the coastal and subcoastal areas of eastern Queensland are associated with xenoliths included in rocks formed during Cainozoic volcanism. In these areas, sapphire is commonly associated with diamonds. In New South Wales diamonds in economic quantities occur in alkali basaltic intrusions and a subduction model has been proposed for these occurrences (Barrows et al, 1996). Exploration for diamonds in Australia increased following the discovery and exploitation of the Argyle mine. State geological surveys have produced digital information on the local occurrences of diamonds. As part of the Smart Mining Initiative (2006 - 2010), the Geological Survey of Queensland compiled a database and report on microdiamonds and diamond indicator minerals from open file company exploration data from 1968 to 2008 from the Department of Mines and EnergyÆs QDEX system. Most exploration in Queensland was conducted with exploration for other commodities. There is no commercial exploitation of diamonds in Queensland and, to date, only rare occurrences of microdiamonds. There is a regional difference in diamond occurrences with the kimberlitic and lamproitic models favoured for the north-western regions of the State and the subduction (S-type model) favoured for the eastern coastal zone linked to Cainozoic alkalic basaltic volcanism. Further diamond exploration is warranted in Cainozoic basalt provinces along the eastern coastal and near coastal regions and in the north-west of the state in conjunction with airborne geophysics flown as part of current Departmental Smart initiatives. An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation.

Jan 1, 2008

By C A. Foss, K Blay, K Leslie, D Hillan

Magnetic field studies provide remote sensing of magnetisation distributions and a means to investigate moderately- to strongly-magnetised ore deposits that may be partially or totally buried. However, above-surface magnetic field surveys have limited capability to resolve the detail of magnetisation distributions because of the large separation between the magnetisation and the magnetic sensor. While some of this detail is available from magnetic susceptibility logging within boreholes or from magnetisation studies on recovered core, these measurements are limited to the exact trace of the boreholes. The large disconnect between ground or aeromagnetic surveys and highly-localised borehole sampling can cause problems in developing robust source models from magnetic survey data. The measurement of magnetic field in boreholes has the capacity to at least partially bridge that gap by measuring the magnetic field due to magnetisations proximal to, but not intersected by, the boreholes.CSIRO has developed the world’s first downhole magnetic tensor gradiometer. This instrument measures magnetic field gradients in all directions within a borehole. A prototype instrument has been built and tested as part of phase 1 of the Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (DET CRC). The prototype performed well with magnetic pyrrhotite at the DET CRC test site in the Adelaide Hills and at Carpentaria’s Hawsons magnetite deposit south of Broken Hill. Further work is required to reduce the diameter of the probe so that it can operate in NQ holes (it is currently limited to HQ or wider) and to transform it to a continuous logging tool. The borehole tensor gradiometer can be used to investigate the continuity of magnetisation over a distance of several metres to tens of metres away from a borehole intersection and the structural dip of the magnetic body. It can be used to either replace or augment downhole magnetic susceptibility logging. This instrument is one component of an integrated CSIRO suite of new magnetic field utilities and methodologies for iron ore exploration and development.CITATION:Leslie, K, Foss, C A, Hillan, D and Blay, K, 2015. A downhole magnetic tensor gradiometer for developing robust magnetisation models from magnetic anomalies, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2015, pp 299–304 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 13, 2015

By J Stiefenhofer

"*This is an abstract only*Construction of geological models for kimberlites has historically largely been based on visual volcanic textures and features, with chemical data only collected on an ad-hoc basis depending on the level of perceived complexity observed in the geological data. The focus of this paper is a high-level view of the impact an initial absence (or lack) of relevant chemical data had on two kimberlite resource models as well as how the magnitude of the problem increased once the resource estimation process commenced (Stiefenhofer, 2013). The impact of ignoring chemical data on a project assessment where micro-diamond estimation techniques are employed, is also discussed. Resource estimates based on micro-diamond data are critically dependent on the use of the correct geological model since stationarity of the size frequency distribution is key to the generation of correct grade estimates. A multilevel approach is advocated where the volcanological/visual model is verified using chemical data and both are in turn verified by the diamond data.CITATION:Stiefenhofer, J, 2013. The use of chemical and metallurgical parameters to enhance the economic value of kimberlite resource models, in Proceedings The Second AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2013, pp 101-104 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Sep 29, 2013

By F F. Pitard

Observation from attending many conferences around the world reveals that many people are constantly shifting from the word ‘error’ to the word ‘uncertainty’ without a clear vision of what the subtle difference is. The same applies to a large swath of the scientific literature, in which these two concepts are unfortunately often used synonymously, which is a scientific flaw of the first order. In practice, as demonstrated in the Theory of Sampling (TOS), there are both sampling errors and sampling uncertainties. Sampling errors can easily be preventively minimised, while sampling uncertainty for a preselected sampling protocol is inevitable. P M Gy’s work, supported by G Matheron’s critical reviews, demonstrates beyond any possible doubt that sampling uncertainty cannot be achieved if sampling errors are not preventively minimised by applying very stringent rules that are too often ignored by sampling practitioners. A clarification, in line with the TOS, is presented to mitigate the confusion created by circles favouring the use of uncertainty versus the use of the word error. Both words are very different in nature and scope and they are both necessary in their due place and time.CITATION:Pitard, F F, 2017. From errors to uncertainty – a clarification for proper use by the Theory of Sampling, in Proceedings Eighth World Conference on Sampling and Blending , pp 355–358 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2017

By Brady B. H

Increasingly, consideration is being given to the nominal `outcomes' of degree courses in engineering, including mining engineering. These are concerned not only with knowledge and technical understanding but also with capabilities in the professional application of engineering principles to problem solving, multi-disciplinary teamwork, communication and life-long learning. This paper discusses concepts of education, professional formation and training and the associated development of competencies in applying knowledge, understanding and technical insights and skills to new situations. In developing guidelines on preferred attributes and competencies in graduate mining engineers, a survey was conducted of a range of industry personnel involved in selecting graduate mining engineers. The results not only clarified the spectrum of competencies sought but also provided valuable detailed views to assist in defining a mining engineering curriculum. Considering a greater concern with the development of more `well-rounded' graduates, the implications are discussed with regard to teaching and assessment activities and the time demands on academic staff when a `coaching' role is emphasised. In line with international and Australian moves in engineering education, notions on education of mining engineering graduates in Australia are under review. The results will provide continuing challenges to all involved.

Jan 1, 1997

By L B. Zhou, Q Wang

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

Jul 10, 2012

By J C. Diaz, C R. Scherpenisse

Blasting represents one of the most relevant unit operations in the process of mineral extraction. The final objective of this operation is that of obtaining an adequate final fragment size distribution such that the combined costs of drilling, blasting, excavation and transport, and crushing/grinding, are minimised, while at the same time producing the minimum possible level of damage to the surrounding rock mass. The strong influence that drilling and blasting has over the subsequent processes involved in the operational cycle makes it imminently desirable to have access to experience and technology which make possible the evaluation and optimisation of this unit operation. The correct use of vibration monitoring techniques offers a number of benefits in terms of their ability to examine any blasting process in detail. In effect, the measurement of particle velocity levels that result from the detonation of each explosive charge offers a means by which it is possible to measure relative efficiency of each charge, interactions (productive and counterproductive) between adjacent charges, and a definitive indication of general performance of any given blast design and its implementation. In this way the monitoring of blast vibrations in rock due to the blast event, can be used as a diagnostic tool, given that the correct interpretation of the vibration traces allows the determination of the level of interaction between the design and operational variables of the blast event. This makes it possible to evaluate, for example, the presence of out of sequence detonations, statistical scatter in the detonation times of pyrotechnic delay detonators, deficient detonation of charges, instantaneous detonation of charges and sympathetic detonation of charges, as well as the general of vibration levels in terms of peak particle velocity, acceleration, and displacement. Another important use of such data is in the construction of a database relating vibration levels to charge weight, hole diameter, and distance, for any given rock type, enables the calibration of predictive vibration models which in turn make it possible to predict the damaging effects of blasting. Knowledge of both the vibration levels induced, combined with quantitative measures of the geomechanical competence of a rock mass make it possible to estimate the probability of producing blast induced damage. The high levels of vibration generated by some blast events may damage the rock mass, producing new fractures or extending and dilating existing fractures. The vibration in this context may be considered as a dynamic stress provoking strain in the rock mass. This paper describes the application of the vibration monitoring technique, particularly in the underground mining environment, and its importance in diagnosis, modelling, control, and optimisation of the development blasting process. The potential of the technique is assessed in the context of achieving substantial techno-economic improvements development blasting results, increasing output whilst minimising the operational costs of the mining process.

Jan 1, 1999

By S F. Rogers, P W. Booth

Digital photogrammetry is revolutionising the task of geotechnical mapping of jointed rock masses and has greatly increased in popularity and sophistication in recent years. Modern commercially available digital photogrammetry software systems can provide geotechnical practitioners with a user friendly tool for rapid data acquisition. The data can be acquired remotely from large exposure areas, some of which may be otherwise out of reach due to restrictions on time, access or safety.Photogrammetry is a complimentary technology to discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling because it can provide the large, statistically significant, spatially located geotechnical data sets required to produce the most robust results. It also provides the flexibility to selectively map structures at a range of scales, depending on the focus of the DFN modelling.Integration of the interpreted rock structure data derived from photogrammetry with modern DFN modelling methods really advances the rock engineering process. The ability to generate 3D fracture models driven by the statistical structural data and conditioned to the features observed by the photogrammetry yields a synthetic rock mass on which improved design methods can be applied. The generation of multiple equi-probable conditioned DFN models allows the use of probabilistic methods for assessing kinematic stability, rock block size distribution as well as a range of other applications.CITATION:Rogers, S F and Booth, P W, 2014. Integrated photogrammetry and discrete fracture network modelling for improved rock mass characterisation and engineering design, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 203–208 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By N LaBranche, G Callinan

There has been a reduction in overall workforce in the mining industry during the current downturn; a corresponding reduction in fatalities and high potential incidents (HPIs) has not been observed. The same contributing factors can be seen in the vast majority of these incidents. These include inadequate supervision and lack of adequate risk assessment. How management structures, trains and leads an operation can have a great impact on eliminating these factors and reducing the risk of fatalities and HPIs.Contractors now account for 41 per cent of full-time equivalent employees in the Queensland mining workforce, and are disproportionately represented in the majority of fatalities and HPIs. Having a clear strategy for how contractors are integrated into the workforce is crucial. This talk will include a discussion of the data as collected in the Department of Mines and Natural Resources department database, and offer solutions based on this data.CITATION:LaBranche, N and Callinan, G, 2016. Organisational factors in fatalities and high potential incidents, in Proceedings International Mine Management Conference, pp 201-206 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jun 22, 2016

By Manca PP, Lassandro R, Caranassios A, Massacci G, Ciccu R

The paper discusses the state of the progress reached in the development of the diamond wire tool for cutting hard rocks. To the advances of this relatively new technology a substantial contribution has been provided by the research being carried out at the University of Cagliari on samples of granite rocks from different Sardinian stone quarries. On the basis of field experiments and laboratory test data, the mechanism of diamond wire cutting has been assessed. In particular the influence of the rock features and operational variables on tool performance (cutting rate and bead wear) has been Elucidated.

Jan 1, 1992

By R Hindstr÷m

The demand for iron ore has increased dramatically in the last years and is forecast to remain on a stable high production level for years to come. ItÆs expected that the world economy is facing a stable continuous growth of iron ore to two billion tonnes and more over the next decades (Beddows, 2007). Furthermore it is expected that the existing and known high-grade ore resources will decline, and the iron ore industry will be forced to implement more and more advanced beneficiation plants. As a consequence of the more complex beneficiation requirements, there will be a need for modern solutions for iron ore dewatering that are reliable mechanically as well as cost effective and with high capacity per unit at the same time. Conventional vacuum filtration methods have been the most prevalent in fine iron ore dewatering. Product quality needs, lower ore grades, complex mineralogy and energy costs have resulted in iron ore producers seeking better solutions for dewatering, in particular pelletising feed. New advanced filtration methods have been introduced to the market. This paper describes how these modern methods are answering the needs of the industry. Performance of advanced dewatering technologies (pressure filtration and ceramic capillary action filtration) for iron ore applications has been studied, and the findings are based on both industrial and pilot scale experiences on different materials. For example, the results show that the cake moisture content of iron ore pelletising feed can be optimised more effectively by using modern filtration technologies. By selecting the most suitable and adjustable equipment, the effects of variations of feed material on downstream processes can be minimised and the possibilities of processing more difficult raw materials to high-quality pellets are better. The Larox Corporation develops, designs and manufactures industrial filters and is a leading technology company in its field. Larox is a full service solution provider in filtration for separating solids from liquids. As such, this paper compares the new developments in this market area with the prevailing known vacuum filtration technology, but focuses on a comparison between capillary action filters and rotary vacuum disc filters (RVDF). The trade name CeramecG is used to differentiate the Larox filter from the generic term.

Jan 1, 2007

The paper discusses the characteristics of Be-zymianny activity during the last 2500 years. Three periods of increased activity have been identified which are the eruptive cycles lasting for 100-400 yrs. The periods of high activity fall on the fol-lowing time intervals: 2400-1700 yrs ago, 1350-1000 yrs ago and from 1955 ixp to the present time. The 1955-1956 catastrophic eruption after a long period of repose (about 900-1000 yrs) opened a new cycle of activity of the volcano which is continuing to-day. Several decades are distinguished in activity which differ in character and intensity of eruptions.

Jan 1, 1990

By Canterford JH, Ritcey GM

With the development of new technology and materials of construction, chloride-based hydrometallurgical routes have gained accept- ance as a viable alternative to sulphate-based routes. A number of commercial and pilot plants built and operated over the last decade have provided invaluable experience and con- fidence in their use. Chloride hydrometal- lurgy, with or without pyrometallurgical pre- treatment, is particularly attractive for pro- cessing complex Cu/Pb/Zn/Ag concentrates, nickel mattes and chalcopyrite concentrates. This review outlines recent developments, dis- cusses advantages, as well as indicating some of the problems still to be solved.

Jan 1, 1984

By Yongjin S

Datong coal Mine suffers from delays and sudden caving of its massive competent conglomerate roof. Detailed geological studies of the nature of pebbles and matrix of the conglomerate and its sparse bedding, joint and fracture structure, gave rise to investigation of water injection to destroy its strength and to control caving. Comparative investigations, including porisity, permeability, compressive strengths and water injection of conglomerate and sandstone led to empirical expressions relating various properties and to guidance for effective injection and caving practice. This new safe roof control practice should be even more improved with further research, including Modelling.

Jan 1, 1992

By Ellicott C, Webb N

In November 1996 the NSW Minister for Mineral Resources, Hon Bob Martin MP, commissioned ACiL Economics and Policy Pty Ltd to conduct a wide ranging review of safety within the New South Wales mining industry.The review was a response to a disturbing number of fatalities which had occurred in the industry during the Minister's term of office together with a number of alarming near misses where serious failures in mining systems had occurred. Shortly after the review was commissioned, four mine workers died at Gretley Colliery near Newcastle. An inquiry is currently being conducted into the incident.

Jan 1, 1998

By Aziz NI, Beafi EY

In designing for a highly productive new mine during the present declining coal market, a very detailed ò planning is necessary. Attitudes of both management and coal operators may have to be changed, with more initial participation by the unions, governmental agencies, and the coal owners. A considerable number of Australian mines are remote from labour source and this trend is likely to increase particularly in the state of Queensland. Consequently such 'mines must be developed on the basis of the future technological and social changes in order to minimise both the capital and operating costs.

Jan 1, 1988

The unique characteristics of the Target orebody and modernistic approach to mining present significant challenges and a concomitant high potential for new opportunities. The break-away from the traditional labour intensive mining methods improves both safety and productivity significantly. The intention of the paper is to illustrate the application of well known mining methods to the particular requirements of a complex orebody at depth. The evolutionary process followed to establish the final mining method design provides insight behind the finished product, and the modern approach to the planning and service principles equips the reader with a suite of mining engineering ideas.

Jan 1, 2000

Underground mechanized excavation in New Zealand has become more commonplace in civil and mining applications during the last three years. At one stage up to seven Dosco Road- header machines were being used on different projects around the country. The Huntly West Mine Drifts inclined at one in four were by far the most severe grade conditions that the machines were subjected to; however, other operations posed their own particular problems for the machines. Two major interrelated factors became evident as soon as the machines commenced at Huntly. These were traction problems on the grade and control of water, particularly on the invert.

Jan 1, 1978