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By P. Hornby, S. Henley

INTRODUCTION The project described in this paper is designed to provide a standard and flexible method by which data can be exchanged among different systems and packages in common use for geo- logical modelling and mine planning, with substantial savings in ad hoc programming which is expensive and produces interface software that is difficult to maintain. Such packages include specialised applications such as Vulcan, Surpac, Datamine, and Gemcom software, and the Whittle pit optimisation programs, and more general products such as AutoCad, Microstation, and Maplnfo, and database management systems through a generic SQL interface. The data translator is built around the CSIRO Data Model and GeoEditor, and will make widely available the benefits of the Data Model by adding functionality to its implementation in an industry- standard language and style, with interfaces to important geological and mining software products used by the industry, while including also the visualisation and editing capabilities of the GeoEditor which provides the functional framework within which the Data Translator is developed. The Data Translator is intelligent in the sense that it is not a black-box solution but allows visualisation and validation of data during transfer; furthermore it provides a means for changing abstraction levels during the transfer operation. There have been few similar efforts to address this problem. It is not a problem which is likely to be solved in any general or long- term way by any individual commercial software vendor. THE CSIRO DATA MODEL A wide variety of software tools have entered the exploration and mining industries via different pathways. Examination of these pathways and the origins of the software illuminates the types of data transfer problems and difficulties which might occur in the day to day life of exploration and mining operations. In exploration, the focus is normally on a large area (>5000km2) which is explored primarily in two dimensions. For 20 exploration purposes, geographical information systems (GIs) software, image processing software, and, in some cases, 20 computer aided design (CAD) software have been employed. Typically, GIs soft- ware is used the most by lands and tenements personnel and government geological survey organisations, image processing software is used the most by geophysicists, and 20 CAD software is used the most by drafting and geology personnel. In contrast, within the mining environment, almost all activities have 3D character. In this realm, 3D CAD software and specialised mine planning and design software are important. Specialised mine planning and design software is similar to 30 CAD software, but typically has additional capabilities such as specialised modules for surveying, drill hole data operations, open pit design and optimisation, underground mine design, mining block model creation, and/or ore reserve calculations. Unfortunately, the different origins of the software in exploration and mining lead directly to problems in data exchange and the design of seamless software systems. These problems result from the different data management strategies employed by the different classes of software. In order to address these problems, CSIRO Exploration and Mining and CSIRO Division of Information Technology have been investigating the structure, character, and syntax of data and soft- ware present in computer-aided exploration and mining activities since early 1993. The goal of this effort is to 1) systematically ex- amine the breadth and depth of the data in use within exploration and mining, and to 2) promote a data organisation strategy which is broad enough and comprehensive enough to enable wiser soft- ware design and easier data transfer. In the short term a data model can be used to improve data transfer; in the longer term it is hoped that a data model framework will help object-oriented concepts to enter the next generation of geoscientific software. The data model is described in more detail by Power et al., 1995. THE DATA TRANSLATOR PROJECT The CSIRO Data Model provides a basis for a very wide range of applications in geology and mining. It has been developed over the past two years by a joint team from the Division of Exploration and Mining and the Division of Information Technology, and its principal purpose is to provide a comprehensive and self consistent model of the geometric and topological properties of geological and mining data. The project is being carried out by CSIRO with the support of Australian mining companies through AMIRA (the Australian Mining Industries Research Association). Eight companies are sup- porting the project : • North Ltd Minenco • MIM Exploration • Fractal Graphics • BHP Australia Coal • Pacific Coal • Gencor CRA Exploration The systems to be interfaced have been decided by comparing the priorities of the various sponsors, to produce a final combined priority list as follows : • Vulcan • Minescape • Micromine • Mapinfo INTRODUCTION The project described in this paper is designed to provide a standard and flexible method by which data can be exchanged among different systems and packages in common use for geo- logical modelling and mine planning, with substantial savings in ad hoc programming which is expensive and produces interface software that is difficult to maintain. Such packages include specialised applications such as Vulcan, Surpac, Datamine, and Gemcom software, and the Whittle pit optimisation programs, and more general products such as AutoCad, Microstation, and Maplnfo, and database management systems through a generic SQL interface. The data translator is built around the CSIRO Data Model and GeoEditor, and will make widely available the benefits of the Data Model by adding functionality to its implementation in an industry- standard language and style, with interfaces to important geological and mining software products used by the industry, while including also the visualisation and editing capabilities of the GeoEditor which provides the functional framework within which the Data Translator is developed. The Data Translator is intelligent in the sense that it is not a black-box solution but allows visualisation and validation of data during transfer; furthermore it provides a means for changing abstraction levels during the transfer operation. There have been few similar efforts to address this problem. It is not a problem which is likely to be solved in any general or long- term way by any individual commercial software vendor. THE CSIRO DATA MODEL A wide variety of software tools have entered the exploration and mining industries via different pathways. Examination of these pathways and the origins of the software illuminates the types of data transfer problems and difficulties which might occur in the day to day life of exploration and mining operations. In exploration, the focus is normally on a large area (>5000km2) which is explored primarily in two dimensions. For 20 exploration purposes, geographical information systems (GIs) software, image processing software, and, in some cases, 20 computer aided design (CAD) software have been employed. Typically, GIs soft- ware is used the most by lands and tenements personnel and government geological survey organisations, image processing software is used the most by geophysicists, and 20 CAD software is used the most by drafting and geology personnel. In contrast, within the mining environment, almost all activities have 3D character. In this realm, 3D CAD software and specialised mine planning and design software are important. Specialised mine planning and design software is similar to 30 CAD software, but typically has additional capabilities such as specialised modules for surveying, drill hole data operations, open pit design and optimisation, underground mine design, mining block model creation, and/or ore reserve calculations. Unfortunately, the different origins of the software in exploration and mining lead directly to problems in data exchange and the design of seamless software systems. These problems result from the different data management strategies employed by the different classes of software. In order to address these problems, CSIRO Exploration and Mining and CSIRO Division of Information Technology have been investigating the structure, character, and syntax of data and soft- ware present in computer-aided exploration and mining activities since early 1993. The goal of this effort is to 1) systematically ex- amine the breadth and depth of the data in use within exploration and mining, and to 2) promote a data organisation strategy which is broad enough and comprehensive enough to enable wiser soft- ware design and easier data transfer. In the short term a data model can be used to improve data transfer; in the longer term it is hoped that a data model framework will help object-oriented concepts to enter the next generation of geoscientific software. The data model is described in more detail by Power et al., 1995. THE DATA TRANSLATOR PROJECT The CSIRO Data Model provides a basis for a very wide range of applications in geology and mining. It has been developed over the past two years by a joint team from the Division of Exploration and Mining and the Division of Information Technology, and its principal purpose is to provide a comprehensive and self consistent model of the geometric and topological properties of geological and mining data. The project is being carried out by CSIRO with the support of Australian mining companies through AMIRA (the Australian Mining Industries Research Association). Eight companies are sup- porting the project : • North Ltd Minenco • MIM Exploration • Fractal Graphics • BHP Australia Coal • Pacific Coal • Gencor CRA Exploration The systems to be interfaced have been decided by comparing the priorities of the various sponsors, to produce a final combined priority list as follows : • Vulcan • Minescape • Micromine • Mapinfo • Medsystem

Jan 1, 1996

By S. A. Pierce

Heightened environmental consciousness has resulted in the development of various international accords dealing with natural resource management. This international awareness is now being translated into regional and local initiatives that proactively implement collaborative environmental management programs. One such program was recently initiated in northern Chile in recognition of the interconnection of Andean salars. Cooperative efforts between industry, governmental agencies and academic professionals have resulted in the implementation of simultaneous environmental monitoring of flora and fauna in the salars of northern Chile. This coordinated effort is leading to an improved understanding of the migratory patterns of South American fauna, as well as improved access to an expanded database for the multiple user groups associated with the Andean salars. The El Abra Mine is actively participating in these coordinated monitoring efforts.

Jan 1, 1999

By Alexander N. Winchell

"Location. The Cuyuna iron district extends from the region of Kimberly, near the Center of Aitkin County, Minnesota, south-westward through Deerwood, Ironton, and Brainerd, across Crow Wing and Todd counties, across the Mississippi River, and for an unknown distance farther southwest in the same direction. It is known that the Huronian rocks, in which the ores of the Cuyuna district are found, reappear near the western border f Minnesota, but no ores have been found in this region. The district has a length of more than sixty miles, but the more important portion as now known 'is confined to Crow Wing County in an area which is less than thirty miles in its longest dimension. The commercial headquarters for the district are in the city f Brainerd, on the Mississippi River.History. The discovery of iron ore in the Cuyuna district was accomplished with no aid from surface outcrops, but solely through the use of the dip needle. The mantle of glacial drift overlying the iron formation varies from twenty-five to 359 feet in thickness, and it was by means f the magnetic attraction of the iron bearing rocks that their presence was discovered with the dip needle by Cuyler Adams, about 1895. The general geologic map of Minnesota, published by the State Geological Survey in 1909, showed the extension of the Huronian rocks of the Mesabi district passing through this area. Two years later, Leith published a sketch showing the hypothetic extension of the iron bearing formation through the same area. The first drilling was done in 1903, near Deerwood, Minn., by Cuyler Adams, and exploration was continued to the present time in increasing amount. The Northern Pacific Railway extends throughout the length of the district and affords an easy outlet for the ores. The Soo Line Railway completed a spur into the district in 1910. Both roads carry the ore to the docks at Supe¬rior, Wis., the average haul being about ninety miles. Shipments began in 1911, the Kennedy mine being the first producer. By 1918, the number of shippers reached twenty-seven, with a total output of nearly two and one-half million tons for that year."

Jan 1, 1920

Contents

Jan 1, 1985

By Lane White

Ninety-seven papers were presented at the Mine Ventilation Symposium's technical sessions. Following are brief summaries of topics covered in this wide-ranging program.

Jan 1, 1993

By Henrie Henson, Dan Burroughs, Shyi-Shyong Jiang

Jan 1, 1993

By Harry Sutcliffe

The paper discusses the nature of mixed face tunneling and suggests courses of action in planning, exploration, design and contract conditions to minimize problems inherent in this type of excavation.

Jan 1, 1981

By Pramod C. Thakur

Floor gas emissions on wide longwall faces are common occurrences in the Northern and Central Appalachian basins. It creates unsafe working conditions on the face and results in very costly production delays. This paper discusses various methods of mitigating the floor gas emissions including hydrofracing of underlying strata, use of cross-measure boreholes and specifically completed gob wells.

Jan 1, 2005

By S. Dinescu

The paper deals with the modeling of longwall shearer cutterhead interaction with the coal, in order to study the influence of different limiting factors of the haulage speed, and the cutting regime ensuring optimal energy consumption A computer simulation model is used to draw-up the torque vs haulage speed and the haulage force vs haulage speed dependence diagrams, for different strength of coal and different degrees of bit wear.

Jan 1, 2008

By Robert Martinez

A proven high grade reserve of gold mineralization located in Mexico is evaluated to determine which gold recovery process is best suited for this deposit. The processes evaluated are; Heap leaching, Vat leaching and a CIP circuit. All qualify as viable options, however each one presents a different economic picture which is impacted substantially by the financial constraints of the project. Taking this into consideration the most economic process was selected.

Jan 1, 1987

By T. P. Smirnoff, R. J. Redmond, K .. N. Murthy

To minimize disruption to the Hollywood District of Los Angeles, a mined station using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) was developed. This paper presents the key factors contributing to the settlements and dynamic behavior of the unique binocular station design.

Jan 1, 1993

By F. Gray

The industrial diamond review arrived too late for the June issue. Since the economy is showing a resurgence of strength, diamond tool consumption is similarly on the rise. Tool makers indicate that sales are picking up. They expect that 1994 will see about an 8% increase. Fabricators expect this positive trend to continue through 1995. In the industrial sector, sales of grinding wheels, honing stones, cutting tools and the like are expected to grow 5% and 8% during the next year. Users still are buying only those products necessary for "just-in-time" production cycles.

Jan 1, 1994

By Roy H. Patten

When driving a shallow soft ground bore, the appearance of surface craters along the tunnel alinement indicates trouble, particularly when a major highway is intersected. During the excavation of a 3.7 m diam tunnel in Seattle, Washington a chemical grouting program was implemented to stabilize soil conditions sufficiently to allow advancement of the mole without loss of ground. Unanticipated mixed face conditions consisting of saturated running sand and some boulder pockets bedded on top of dense glacial till created excavation difficulties. A discussion of problems and corrective measures is presented.

Jan 1, 1987

By Xingshen Wang, Xuefeng Liu

This paper introduces the methods of adjustment over air pressure, air quantity and the method of comprehensive adjustment over air resistance during a mine ventilation survey. The method of selection of weight value for the adjustment is discussed. Finally a calculating method in regard to saving computer memory units and speeding up calculating process is described.

Jan 1, 1989

By George Wilson

As the economic and environmental attractiveness of conveying coal and ore slurries by pipeline increases, greater attention has been given to designing and selecting components for these pipeline systems. Pumps are one critical element in pipelining. Pumping slurries is a particularly arduous task, calling for special design and construction. The first article in this two-part series describes some factors to consider when selecting pumps to resist abrasive wear.

Jan 9, 1981

By Haydn H. Murray

A hydrothermal bentonite located in the high Sierras in Nevada is being mined and processed to produce a natural dietary supplement. The minerals present are smectite, gypsum, jarosite, quartz, feldspar, kaolinite, goethite, hematite and zeolite. The clay material was analyzed for respirable crystalline silica, asbestiform minerals, heavy metals and dioxin. No asbestiform minerals are present and the crystalline silica, heavy metals and dioxin are all less than the maximums set by Federal and State agencies. The clay material was analyzed chemically for all major, minor, trace and rare earth elements. The geology, applications and analyses will be discussed in the paper.

Jan 1, 2005

By C. Villa Diniz, A. H. Martins, Fiona M. Doyle

It is proposed that battery grade MnO2 can be produced directly from a manganese ore from Azul Mine in Brazil, by leaching with HCI to remove heavy metals selectively. We are working to find a way of selectively separating Cu, Ni, Co, Pb and Fe from the resulting acidic manganese chloride solution, to detoxify it and produce marketable chloride solution. Chelating ion exchange resins are proving more promising for this separation than solvent extraction with commercially available reagents. Results from batch and column ion exchange tests that characterize the behavior of copper, nickel, cobalt, lead and iron are reported.

Jan 1, 1999

By Frederick H. Parkinson, Joseph Fernandez, David E. Westfall

The April 13, 1992, flooding in the freight tunnel network under the city of Chicago had a profound effect on the nearby Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) subway service. This paper provides an overview of the evaluation techniques, mitigation measures, and water control efforts used to maintain the integrity of the subway tubes. Specific topics discussed include visual inspections, inflow monitoring, structure and soil testing and sampling techniques, and the development and implementation of chemical and cementitious grouting programs.

Jan 1, 1993

By C. O. Hamilton

Poor plant start-up performance is usually blamed on poor design and unsatisfactory equipment. But, in most cases, the real cause of poor performance is inadequate preparation for operations and maintenance. Inadequate maintenance preparation, unlike inadequate operations preparation, will not immediately manifest itself in a new plant. However, not taking advantage of the window of opportunity afforded a new plant to organize the maintenance operation ensures that the new equipment honeymoon is unexpectedly short. Also, once a plant has entered a “breakdown mode,” it is extremely difficult to turn around.

Jan 1, 1991

By Jack K. Lemley

This paper will provide an update of the Channel Tunnel Project including a discussion of the overall legal structure and management organisation. It is important to understand the mission that TML, as a design/build contractor, has undertaken and how the various interfaces have evolved between the other entities involved in the project. The paper will describe the evolution of the management organisation and the approach to completion of our contract, recapping the historic events and moving into a projection of how we will manage the completion of this very large transportation system.

Jan 1, 1991