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The Wamum and Idzan Creeks Prospect, located 79km W of Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG) was discovered by the exploration arm of Conzinc Riotinto of Australia Pty Ltd (CRAE). The detailed surface exploration and 11 vertical holes drilled by CRAE, combined with the recent work by Highlands Gold Limited, indicate the occurrence of porphyry copper-gold mineral- isation and associated alteration. The prospect occurs within andesitic volcanics of the Middle Miocene Langimar Beds. It is bounded by NE trending faults to the NW and SE. The alteration and mineral- isation is hosted in the andesitic tuffs adjacent to high level quartz diorite and hornblende diorite stocks. A NW trend to alteration and mineralisation is obvious in Wamum and Idzan Creeks. The main alteration type is propylitic with minor zones of potassic alteration. A late sericite-quartz-kaolinite-pyrite alteration overprinted the earlier alteration and mineralisation. Copper and gold mineralisation is related to a quartz-carbonate-chalcopyr-ite-pyrite (¦ bornite) vein stockwork and biotite ¦ K-feldspar alteration. The mineralisation system at Wamum and Idzan creeks is low in total sulphides. It is considered as a high- level fracture-controlled system with limited low grade Cu-Au mineralisation.

Jan 1, 1991

By W. R. McDonald

The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated treatment of gold and silver refractory ores and concentrates that respond poorly to conventional cyanidation techniques due to the complex mineralogy of the ore. Three types of ores were investigated: gold locked placer sands, gold locked in sulfides, and gold that is robbed from the pregnant cyanide solutions by minerals in the ore. Ore treatment included grinding, flotation, cyanidation, air oxidation, pressure oxidation, hypochlorite oxidation, roasting, and carbon in leach.

Jan 1, 1991

By Lunt D

Arsenic is classified chemically as a metalloid. That is, it has properties intermediate between those of metals and non-metals. Like non-metals, it combines with many metals to form arsenides (eg arsenopyrite FeAsS, niccolite NiAs, sperrylite PtAs2), but like metals it forms sulphides and oxides (eg realgar AsS, arsenolite As203). Arsenic is distributed widely in the Earth's crust at an average concentration of 1.5 mg/kg and is present in more than 150 minerals.

Jan 1, 1991

By C. J. Kirkland

For two thousand years and more, we insular Britons have been grateful for the existence of the narrow strip of water that separates us from mainland Europe. It has given us a sense of security against invaders, though it has been breached many times. The first recorded serious consideration of a fixed crossing of the English Channel was in around 1802, when it was suggested to Napoleon I. The motive was not entirely peaceable and the British Navy, who saw themselves as defenders of our shores, were decidedly unenthusiastic A whole series of imaginative schemes were proposed in the course of the nineteenth century, embracing viaducts, immersed tubes, artificial islands as resting places for the horses which were to draw carriages, as well as mechanically bored tunnels. The first Channel Tunnel Company was formed in 1872, and an application for permission to construct a tunnel was made to the British parliament. A Colonel Beaumont, of the Corps of Royal Engineers designed and constructed a machine which, in around 1882, bored over a mile of tunnel out to sea from Britain which exists to this day.

Jan 1, 1991

By K Martin, C. J. Nelsen, J. L. Schutz, S. R. Maynard

Investigations in the Ortiz Mountains have revealed the relationship of igneous activity and gold mineralization to the Tijeras-Canoncito Fault System (TCFS). The northeast-trending TCFS passes through the southeastern part of the Ortiz Mountains where its principal structure is the asymmetric Ortiz Graben. Several fault blocks, containing up to 305 m (1000 ft ) of Eocene Galisteo Formation, comprise the graben that has up to 1220 and 610 m (4000 and 2000 ft) of stratigraphic separation on its southeast and northwest sides, respectively. Intrusions in the Ortiz Mountains can be subdivided into two petrochemical types: an older calcalkaline suite and a younger alkaline suite. The calc-alkaline rocks are characterized by extensive sill, dike, and laccolithic bodies of latite-andesite intrusives and at least one younger (?) granodiorite stock at Candelaria Mountain. The alkaline rocks consist of a large nepheline-bearing augite-monzonite stock, a latite-porphyry hypabyssal plug, the Ortiz diatreme (vent breccia), and trachytic-latite dikes radial to the diatreme. K-Ar age determinations suggest the older suite to be 34 +/-2.2 million years while the younger alkaline rocks range from about 30 to 26 million years. Gold mineralization in the Ortiz Mountains occurs in five distinct environments: brecciapipes, skarns, veins, porphyry-like stockworks, and placers. Lode mineralization is associated with the alkaline suite of intrusive rocks postdating the Ortiz diatreme and predating most of the trachytic-latite radial dikes.

Jan 1, 1991

By S. Merjan

Three papers were presented for discussion at the conference: 1) Instrumented driven steel tube piles at Canary Wharf; author: A. R. Gaba, United Kingdom. The author described the Canary Wharf development in the London Docklands, and in particular, the decision to build over the water by driving open-ended steel piles 25m in length into the sands below the soft estuarine deposits. The tubes were then filled with concrete above the sand plug (usually 17m below pile head). Three trial piles were instrumented with: a) resistance strain guages on the inside of the tubes; b) vibrating wire guages on the re­inforcement of the concrete. The trial piles showed elastic behaviour in five cycles of lateral loading, while the verticle load tests showed a definite bi-linear load-settlement behaviour. The initial stiff portion was a result of frictional staff resistance, both inside and outside the tube, with the soil at the base contributing at higher settlements. Loads were taken to three times working load, with no imminent signs of failure.

Jan 1, 1991

By Yu A. B

An experimental study of the packing of a coal heap has been carried out. The bulk density of a coal heap is considered as a function of a number of variables, viz flow rate, conveyor belt speed, the height of the disengagement point of the conveyor belt, coal particle density, moisture content, the size of the heap and coal particle size distribution. The effects of the dimensionless numbers resulting from dimensional analysis on the packing density of a coal heap have been experimentally examined and analysed. Based on the experimental results, equations have been formulated for the estimation of the bulk density of a coal stockpile. The validity of these equations are checked by comparing the predictions with measurements of real industrial Stockpiles.

Jan 1, 1991

Revised throughput rates, as a result of current mining methods and tight controls on mine dilution, have dictated a change in metallurgical philosophy at Renison Limited. Emphasis on throughput capacity increases has altered to a reduction in circuit complexity and operating costs. Extensive surveys of the gravity and cassiterite flotation circuits led to several plant modifications between August 1989 and March 1990. The coarse and fine gravity retreatment roughing tables were by-passed, the coarse gravity retreatment roughing tables were re-commissioned, the cassiterite flotation rougher capacity expanded and the gravity regrind cyclones re-configured.

Jan 1, 1991

Increase the productivity of domestic mining operations by improving the performance of rock drilling systems. Approach Investigate the use of chemical solutions at zero surface charge concentrations as drilling fluid additives to enhance penetration rates and extend bit life. Background Bureau researchers have investigated the use of chemical additives to enhance drilling performance and have found that the most efficient drilling occurred when the drilling fluid was able to maintain a zero surface charge (ZSC) on the rock surface. Laboratory drilling studies using 5/8-inch diameter diamond-impregnated coring bits on rock types such as quartzite, granite, taconite, and marble. Cationic compounds were used as the surface charge neutralizing additives during these tests. The drilling studies demonstrated enhanced drilling performance, however, only at the singular additive concentration that produced the ZSC condition. Bureau researchers made a breakthrough when they found that polyethylene oxide, although a nonionic polymer, was able to maintain the ZSC condition over a wide range of concentrations. Success using polyethylene oxide as the drilling fluid additive during subsequent laboratory tests prompted testing under field conditions.

Jan 1, 1991

By V. M. Troughton

Further pile load testing has been carried out at Canary Wharf to compare the performance of base grouted and ungrouted bored piles founded in the Thanet Sand. The testing regime included three preliminary test piles and two working test piles. The results of these tests are summarised in Table 1 below. Two of the preliminary test piles were located only 14m apart to compare the performance of a base grouted and ungrouted pile in similar ground conditions. The load/settlement behaviour of these two preliminary test piles are compared on Figure 1. All the piles were drilled under bentonite with a drilling bucket. In the base grouted piles four grouting tubes were placed with the reinforcement cage to within 500mm of the pile toe. After the pile had been concreted these grouting tubes were then extended to the pile base by drilling and packers were installed. Grout was then injected into the four tubes simultaneously.

Jan 1, 1991

By Franklin M. Grynkewicz

The subject of bearing pile performance installed by vibratory hammers has been a matter of increasing study and continued controversy. A recent case study from a major bridge replacement project is discussed which provides encouraging data on the use of vibratory pile hammers as a primary means of pile installation and also presents the problems associated with its general acceptance. The bridge project case study foundations consisted of HP 14 x 89 pile sections, designed to develop capacity primarily in friction. Preliminary tip elevations were determined by traditional static analyses. Production pile installation was performed using an IHC S-70 Hydro-Hammer. Driving criteria and final production pile tip elevations were determined after preliminary indicator pile drive tests and static load test results at bridge pier cofferdam locations. Based on impact driven production pile performance, the Contractor wished to investigate vibratory driven piles as a means to accelerate construction schedule. Dynamic pile testing procedures were used as the primary measurement tool and test results were compared to the production pile drive records and prior static load tests. Field testing consisted of driving and monitoring with the PDA impact driven piles to the design tip elevation. Three vibratory driven piles were installed to the same tip elevation and immediately subjected to impact driving and dynamic testing to compare dynamic pile resistance. The results indicated that the site soil conditions were favorable for vibratory pile hammer installation. Recommendations and procedures for proceeding with vibratory hammer pile installation were presented to the Owner. These procedures included quality control in conformance with latest AASHTO recommendations. The Owner, in spite of the site specific data base and QA/QC procedures, would not accept vibratory pile hammer installation, due to the absence of precedence. It is concluded that for vibratory methods to become accepted a rational method of analysis, design and field QA/QC procedures requires development. In addition, the engineering community and Owners/Agencies must be more open to alternate methods of foundation construction. The continued development of dynamic methods of monitoring vibratory pile installation is considered to be key to the general acceptance of this installation procedure.

Jan 1, 1991

By Sun Jiale

This paper presents a brief description of information construction technology for supported excavation to assure satisfactory performance of engineered system. As a successful example of application of the technique, quite a few troublesome problems, such as high groundwater level in soft ground and crowded buildings around the excavation, were solved satisfactorily in the construction of the new tower of Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Manison.

Jan 1, 1991

By W. D. Delahaut

Sampling tests performed at the Paradise Peak Mine compared various blasthole samplers and reverse circulation sampling methods. Statistical analysis of the data indicates that be-low-the-deck bag sampling produced a 24 to 29 percent error when compared to bulk sampling methods. Use of a chip pile wedge sampler reduced error to 17 percent. Reverse circulation sampling upgraded over bulk blasthole sampling by 7 percent for gold and 11 percent for silver. These results indicate that bias sampling conditions exist when small volume bag sampling is employed in production blasthole drilling.

Jan 1, 1991

By E. Cameron

Yeelirrie lies toward the center of Western Australia, 650 km (404 miles) northeast of Perth (Fig. 1). The ore reserves have been estimated as 52.5 kt (57,871 tons) of contained U3O8, at an average grade of 0.15%, of which almost two-thirds average 0.24% U3O8. the ore body is a thin, elliptical, more or less horizontal sheet measuring approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) in length, between 0.5 and 1.5 km (0.3 and 0.9 miles) in width, and up to 7 m (23 ft) in thickness, extending from the surface to a depth of 8 m (26 ft). In spite of its near surface position, there is only one small outcrop of significant mineralization. Carnotite is the only uranium mineral recognized so far, dispersed through a calcrete horizon, and deposited from circulating ground water which was also responsible for the carbonation of the clays completely filling an Early Tertiary drainage system. Calcrete, as seen at Yeelirrie, is quite distinct from the widespread, thin pedogenic horizons, as it often forms bodies many kilometers in length and up to 20 m (65.6 ft) in thickness, elongated parallel to the drainage lines. It is variously referred to as "valley calcrete" or "ground water calcrete" to emphasize the occurrence and mode of origin. The discovery of Yeelirrie in mid-1971 was the successful culmination of a grass-roots exploration program initiated in 1968 as part of Western Mining Cop's program of diversification from its historical position as a major gold producer. The object was simply to find an economic uranium deposit - with no constaints other than those normally taken as applying in the mineral search. There was, therefore, complete freedom in the selection of the exploration model, or models, to be applied and the areas to be considered, though the choice was inevitably influenced by both the nature of world occurrences and the local geology. One of the options avail- able was the sandstone environment. Yeelirrie was the direct result of pursuing this line of investigation through three sequential, but quite distinct, stages: first, a regional study; second, establishing a case for exploring the inland drainage systems of Western Australia; and finally, an evaluation of the calcrete environment. An assessment of the potential for sandstone-type deposits in Australia necessitated going back to first principles, since there were no known precedents in this country for guiding exploration and, as a consequence, the search need not be influenced by established prejudices. Previous uranium exploration during the 1950s had been preoccupied with vein-type deposits, and, although the sandstone environment was undoubtedly being examined in 1968, no discoveries had been announced to that time. When considering the necessary ingredients -a source of leachable uranium, a circulating ground water system, and a suitable reducing environment - it could be argued that considerable areas in the eastern part of the continent were theoretically prospective, but basin depth and the extensive superficial cover of Mesozoic and Cainozoic sediments presented considerable practical difficulties.

Jan 1, 1991

By D. L. Petersen, C. R. Nelson, B. K. Nelson, B. D. Wagener

The Lafayette Bluff tunnel, currently under construction for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), will be among the widest highway tunnels in the United States. The 199-meter tunnel is being constructed in a closely jointed, variably weathered diabase rock mass. Cover above the tunnel crown ranges from 4 meters to 27 meters, and is less than the tunnel excavated width of 18.3 meters for about 60 percent of its length. These factors dictated special support and lining design, limitations on excavation sizes and required sequences for support installation. Tunnel excavation is by controlled blasting, with multiple top headings and bench. Rock support and lining consists of external portal beams, rockbolts and reinforced shotcrete. A final concrete lining provides structural support for the rock mass and the membrane waterproofing system.

Jan 1, 1991

By Fathi Habashi, Michel Pagé, Farouk T. Awadalla

"Chrysotile asbestos can be dyed with certain dyestuffs to form stable coloured products whose hemolytic and cytotoxicity are greatly reduced. Examples of these dyes are Thiazol Yellow G (a monazo dye) and Trypan Blue (a diazo dye). Other dye stuffs, for example, basic dyes with triphenyl methane structure, Brilliant Yellow (a diazo dye), and Methylene Blue (a thiazine dye) colour asbestos but do not reduce its toxicity. Similarly alizarin, 8-hydroxyquinoline, and representative members of the phthalein group Bromocresol Purple and Phenolphthalein.IntroductionThere is, at present, a controversy regarding the dangers of asbestos fibres, and attempts are being made to render it less toxic. One of these attempts consisted of treating chrysotile asbestos with gaseous phosphorus oxychloride, POCI], at ambient temperature and in absence of moisture. The product had to be heated at 300°C to 500°C to expel exess entrained reagent to get a material containing 0.5070 to 5% phosphate groups and known as Chrysophosphate (Lalancette and Dunnigan, 1982). This product showed decreased toxicity as measured by its hemolytic effect on red blood cells (fable 1). In another approach, Flowers (1983) showed that when chrysotile asbestos was thoroughly mixed with a solution of ferric ammonium sulphate and the slurry was then filtered and dried, the product showed a marked decrease in cytotoxicity.In the present investigation the problem of toxicity was considered from a different point-of-view. Chrysotile asbestos is a hydrated magnesium silicate that can be represented by the structural model shown in Figure 1 from which it can be seen that magnesium hydroxide groups, Mg(OH)2, form a part of the silicate structure. Certain organic reagents that are known to react with magnesium ion in solution to form chelates were reacted with asbestos to find out whether a chelate was also formed on the fibres, and if so , what will be the hemolytic action and cytotoxicity of the product."

Jan 1, 1991

By Kenneth L. Driggs

The 1988 shift in primary smelting facilities from low grade matte (35%) reverberatory furnaces to high grade matte (63%) flash smelting heavily impacted a very stable and successful converter operation. Low matte grade converter campaigns averaged 36,000 short tons of copper and revert production/consumption was in balance. The conversion to high matte grades necessitated oxygen enrichment of converter blast and revisions in operating practices. After two years of operational development, campaign life has risen to over 40,000 short tons and revert production/consumption is again in balance.

Jan 1, 1991

By Charles H. Dowding

Whenever piling vibrations are significant, construction activities associated with pile driving and/or excavation can produce permanent displacement. These permanent displacements are more detrimental to structural performance than the hair sized, cosmetic, plaster cracks that might be produced by slightly exceeding reasonable vibration controls. Case studies are presented which demonstrate the relative importance of permanent displacements compared to directly produced transient vibration displacement within a horizontal distance of one pile length. Special attention is paid to settlements produced by densification of liquefiable sands. SOURCES OF TRANSIENT AND PERMANENT DEFORMATION DURING CONSTRUCTION Confusion over multiple sources of facility deformation caused by adjacent construction complicates the discussion of the relative importance of vibration induced cracking. None of the recent scientific investigations of vibration induced cracking (Siskind et el, 1980), involved deformation other than that produced by ground vibration from rock blasting. Thus these studies carry the implicit assumption that no ground deformation occurred other than that produced by the transient vibration. In other words there is no permanent deformation other than that which is typical of the older residential structures investigated.

Jan 1, 1991

By H. Simpson

Middelburg mine is an opencast export mine operating in the Eastern Transvaal Coalfields of the Republic of South Africa (Figure 1). The mine was commissioned in 1983, to its original design capacity of 4.25 million sales tonnes which was subsequently raised to 5.5 million sales tonnes in 1989. This increase in export tonnage was brought about through an increase in the mines export allocation and the revision of management strategies. The maintenance of this increased tonnage with minimal additional capital has been achieved through improved operational efficiencies and the upgrading of planning operations through the purchase of an Enhanced Mine Scheduling Software Package (EMSSP/MINESTAR). Simultaneously with this requirement were additional factors that contributed to the implementation of the EMSSP. The mine was owned by a joint venture of two partners and is operated by Middelburg Mine services (Rand Mines Pty. Ltd) (Figure 2). This structure of ownership required the evaluation of numerous planning options to be under-taken concurrently and hence the need for an efficient streamlined scheduling pack-age that could fulfill this requirement. Compounding the EMSSP needs further, were the problems experienced in the export market, these being the external pressure from current and new suppliers in the market place which obliged management to provide solutions to rapidly changing market conditions. These fluctuating market conditions have had a direct effect upon the mine's planning strategies because of the large percentage of the mine?s sales sold on the international spot market. The sanction factor for all South African exporters has had a negative effect upon price and this was compounded further through internal competition in 1987 via suppliers attempting to maintain the market position.

Jan 1, 1991

The paper presents a brief history of endeavours to start a mining education programme which began in the days when Papua New Guinea's first large mine, at Panguna (Bougainville), was coming into production. The status of the Public Investment Programme in Mining Engineering and the facilities being created for the education and training of Papua New Guinean citizens in mining and mineral processing are also described. Future expansion plans are also detailed including those for the commencement of petroleum engineering and geological engineering which would include courses in mining geology, exploration geology, engineering geology and petroleum geology. The paper also looks at the manpower training requirements in the lower levels of mining industry such as pit foreman, blasting foreman and other similar positions. It stresses the need to start mining technical training programs at pre- employment level and at certificate level in a technical college, possibly Lae Technical Colleqe.

Jan 1, 1991