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By S Bourke, R Stone, B Hill

Since Jameson Cell flotation technology was first installed in a coal flotation application in 1988/89 at Newlands Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) there have been fundamental improvements to its design which has led to its current status as the leading technology in Australia for fine coal flotation. These improvements, which include key hardware modifications, consist of the re-development of the orifice plate to produce considerable increase in wear life and reduction in power consumption for a given air entrainment and a significant increase in the amount of air that is entrained. Modifications to the downcomer allow maximisation of residence time and air entrainment while changes to the feed and air distribution system allows a reduction in installation cost and a reduction of solids ingress into the air line. Additionally, operational improvements such as the use of recycle to maintain constant flow to the cell feed are discussed. The recent installation at Hail Creek in the Bowen Basin, which consists of three B6000/20 Jameson Cells (6 m diameter bottom-fed distributor with 20 downcomers) will be reviewed as a case study. The latest design and operability of the cells are summarised and compared against one of the original designs at Riverside CHPP also in the Bowen Basin.

Jan 1, 2005

By S B. Stewart, C J. Restarick

Over a four-hour period of steady plant operation samples were taken at regular intervals frum points within the grinding and flotation circuits. Size fractions of each composite sample were analysed for lead and zinc values and a comparison made of the behaviour of the lead, zinc and gangue minerals, size by size throughout the whole circuit. Analysis of the breakage behaviour using dynamic mathematical models gave the rates of breakage of each size fraction of each main component. Simulated grinding experiments shaved that the main grinding circuit had some reserve capacity. In the lead flotation circuit all lead values between 150 mesh (Tyler) and 5 ¦m had excellent flotation characteristics, and a major proportion had a high rate of flotation which was practically the same for all sizes. Increase in overall lead recovery would require improvement of the flotation behaviour of ultra-fine lead minerals. These were slav floating and were responsible for approximately half the lead losses in the final zinc concentrate and one thiro of the lead losses in the final tails. All sizes of zinc values between 150 mesh and 7 ¦m floated well and the performance of the zinc flotation circuit was mainly limited by the relatively poor flotation of the very fine zinc values. Approximately 60 per cent of the zinc lost to the final tails lay within the -7 ¦m fraction. The overall flotation conditions were conducive to very good selective flotation of the major proportion of the values and limitations in metallurgical performance were mainly due to the properties of the ultra-fines.

Jan 1, 1971

By P E. H Gregg, D Horne, R B. Stewart, N Bolan

The Tui mine site is situated on the NW flank of Mt. Te Aroha, at approximately 400 m altitude. During underground mining operations two lead-copper-zinc ore bodies were exploited and processed on site. The legacy of the mining operation is a barren dam containing over 100 000 mm of sulphide-rich tailings. The Tui mine site is arguably the worst case of environmental degradation resulting from past mining activity inNew Zealand. Although the impacted area (approximately 4 ha) is extremely small by international standards, acid mine drainage (AMD) emanating from the abandoned tailings dam and mine adits has severely contaminated local streams and prevented natural plant recolonisation of the site for more than 20 years.   The suitability of the tailings as a potential plant growth medium was assessed with the end view of revegetating the tailings dam and alleviating AMD. This paper outlines characterisation work conducted on the tailings and summarises preliminary results from plant growth trials. The tailings contain up to 5% Fe, 1.15 % Pb, and 0.45% Cu in the form of sulphide minerals. The distribution of heavy metals, sulphate and total sulphur with depth indicates that the top 200 - 300 mm of the tailings have been extensively weathered since their deposition. The oxidation of sulphide minerals, particularly pyrite (FeS2 ) has reduced the pH of the tailings to nearly 2 in places. Below 300 mm the sulphide minerals are largely unweathered and the theoretical acid generating potential of the tailings exceeds 170 Mg CaCO3/1000 Mg tailings at certain depths. Plant growth trials were conducted to study the effects of lime and organic matter addition on the establishment of vegetation on the Tui mine tailings. Several plant species were assessed including some cultivars bred for their tolerance of heavy metals.

Jan 1, 1995

By A J. Minns

This paper addresses the question: how can the minerals industry remain viable; viable in the sense that we are able to access land for exploration and discovery, we are able to develop and operate mines (and processing plants) safely and profitably and we are able to close operations in a responsible manner, so that modified landscapes are restored to acceptable community standards?Many of the answers to this question can be addressed through the theme of this conference û that of eco-efficiency. The eco-efficiency concept is very useful, since it does help to translate principles of sustainability into business value at the operational level. To provide some context to how this can be achieved, the paper discusses what is happening at the international level, outlines some key industry initiatives within Australia and then discusses what work is being done within companies.

Jan 1, 2004

By H Han, W Wang, E Zhou, D Duan

"In this study, physical, chemical and microscopic characteristics of high phosphorus oolitic hematite were studied firstly. Based on which, the new methods of high phosphorus hematite used in the æsolid state reduction by rotary hearth furnace - magnetic separationÆ and iron nugget by rotary hearth furnace direct reduction processes were discussed. The results showed that high temperature, low basicity and high carbon content is conducive for the apatite in iron ore to reduce into molten iron, but not conducive to the removal of phosphorus. Through optimisation of process parameters, dephosphorisation rate of high phosphorus hematite is more than 60 per cent by æsolid state reduction roasting-magnetic separationÆ process while that is up to 80 per cent by iron nugget process. This study can provide theoretical and technical basis on economical and rational use of high phosphorus oolitic hematite.CITATION:Han, H, Duan, D, Zhou, E and Wang, W, 2013. New methods for high phosphorus oolitic hematite dephosphorisation by direct reduction process, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013, pp 391-396 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Aug 12, 2013

By D J. Corp

The Halmahera Contract of Work is a sixth generation contract held 82.5 per cent by Newcrest Mining Limited and 17.5 per cent by PT Aneka Tambang and takes in the Gosowong Project area. In 1991 Newcrest Mining Limited established a small exploration office in Jakarta and proceeded to seek exploration opportunities. The Halmahera area was identified as a substantial prospective ground position in a relatively unexplored area. In late-1991 Newcrest Mining Limited and PT Aneka Tambang agreed to explore in Halmahera. Initial field work commenced in July 1992. A vigorous ground reconnaissance programme led to the discovery of the Gosowong deposit a little over 12 months later in September 1993. In April 1997 the Contract of Work was approved covering much of the island of Halmahera. Between September 1997 and November 1998 activities were directed principally towards obtaining the necessary permits required to commence construction activities. Some particularly ambitious targets were set for achieving this outcome. An aggressive construction programme commenced in late-1998. Construction took place during a period of unseasonally high rainfall, which in itself presented additional challenges to the construction team. A key milestone for the project was achieved on 1 July 1999 when wet commissioning of the process plant commenced. Construction of the Gosowong Mine was achieved on time and within budget. A period of some six years elapsed from the initial discovery of the Gosowong deposit to the time of the first gold pour. Much of the permitting, construction and commissioning activity took place between September 1997 and July 1999. This coincided with a period of significant social, economic and political upheaval in Indonesia. During the construction period a high level of importance was placed on the structured recruitment and training of local people, as well as fostering appropriate community and local business development programmes in the communities nearby the project. Emphasis was also placed on environmental management with detailed long-term planning and progressive rehabilitation commencing during the construction phase. The permitting and subsequent development of the Gosowong Project has demonstrated that even during the difficult times, with commitment, it is possible for mining and exploration companies to conduct business in Indonesia.

Jan 1, 1999

Treatment of the Siirt-Madenk÷y Ores by Flotation

Sep 13, 2010

By M J. Kongas, K M. Saloheimo

This paper presents the art of on-stream particle size and elemental analysis used at iron ore concentrators, followed by the results and experiences from several sites.Online particle size analysis is rather common at medium- to large-sized concentrators. Online X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis, however, is only used in some iron ore concentrators, while it is a routine practice in base metal concentrator plants. Online XRF analysis is applicable for process monitoring and control down to four to five per cent silica by measuring Fe assays accurately. With lower silica content, direct measurement of silica and other light elements is required. Some light element analysers that are based on the prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) method have been developed, but they have not performed up to expectations with slurry analysis. Other methods have been tried though these have not been used beyond prototype installations. Operating online light element slurry analyser installations are not common in iron ore applications.There is an economic incentive to mine lower and variable grade iron ore resources, which require concentration and removal of several impurities to produce high-quality concentrates for pellet production. Monitoring such operations by on-stream analysis has significant economic benefits, and there is a need to develop a dependable slurry online analyser for Si, Al, Mg and other light elements. The latest developments in slurry on-stream light element analysis are described.CITATION:Kongas, M J and Saloheimo, K M, 2013. Online slurry analysis for process control and monitoring at iron ore concentrators, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013 , pp 303-308 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 12, 2013

By D Chappell

Coromandel Peninsula gold mineralisation has an epithermal style which involves extensive alteration of host rocks and addition of pyrite over large volumes of rock. These altered rocks therefore have high potential for generating acid rock drainage. Natural acid groundwater discharges occur in altered rocks, but not in propylitically altered rock. There is little calcite available in mineralised rocks to neutralise this acid. In contrast, the mesothermal veins of the Otago Schist cause little alteration of the host rock, and that alteration has similar mineralogy to the host rock. Calcite is a common mineral in host and mineralised zones, and sulphides are generally subordinate. Hence acidification of Otago rocks is unlikely. This lack of acidification in Otago facilitates arsenic mobility in solution, up to hundreds of ppm. Arsenic is insoluble under acidic conditions in the Coromandel. Base metals are soluble under acidic conditions of the Coromandel, but they are immobilised by adsorption on to the widespread clay minerals where the solutions are neutralised. Base metals are generally immobile in Otago, but when they are mobilised, adsorption is less effectiveas an attenuation mechanism because clay minerals are rare.

Jan 1, 1998

By M Stevens, M P. Simpson, J L. Mauk

The Karangahake deposit was the second largest producer of gold-silver bullion in the Hauraki Goldfield, New Zealand. New mapping of a 2 + 3 km (6 km2) area demonstrates that hydrothermal alteration surrounds productive veins. Wallrocks proximal to veins are intensely altered and alteration decreases toward the margin of the system.   At Karangahake, distinct zonation of adularia, calcite, epidote, illite and illite-smectite surrounds gold-bearing lodes with unaltered rocks containing magnetite and plagioclase occurring on the margins. Adularia, illite, illite-smectite, and calcite zonation defines hydrothermal alteration extending 2 km to the east of productive lodes. Epidote and adularia zonation occurs proximal to veins. The adularia zone compares well to potassium/thorium studies conducted in the area. Illite zonation is well developed to the east of the veins grading into interstratified illite-smectite containing 5 to 40 per cent smectite 1.5 km from the Maria Lode. Calcite is restricted to the east of the study area occurring in 18 per cent off surface samples. Less altered rocks containing plagioclase and magnetite occur distal to veins. The magnetite occurrence compares well to aeromagnetic studies conducted in the area.   Adularia and coexisting adularia and albite indicate the host rocks were highly permeable. Epidote, illite, illite-smectite and previous fluid inclusion evidence implies temperatures graded from >240¦C in the core of the system to approximately 150¦C on the periphery. The alteration association of quartz, adularia, calcite, pyrite, chlorite, illite and illite-smectite reflects a near-neutral to weakly alkaline water. Calcite occurrence and the absence of zeolite imply the fluid contained significant dissolved CO2.

Jan 1, 2005

By X Qiu

According to the temporal and spatial distribution of regional metallogenesis, thePacific Rim can be divided into four global metallogenetic systems. The Asia-Australia W-Sn metallogenetic belt is the typical representative of intracontinental metallogenetic systems. This belt resulted from Mesozoic and partly pre-Mesozoic tectonic magmatism, mainly related to S-type granite of crustal source that was generated by collisional orogeny combined with oceanic subduction in intracontinental and continental margin settings. Based on the concept of metallogenetic series, there is a group of mineralised ore types showing a definite spatial and temporal distribution from endogenetic to exogenetic. These metallogenetic series are widely distributed in the Asia-Australia W-Sn metallogenetic belt, and are well developed in Southeast China. Five metallogenetic series and two petro-minerogenesis evolution models have been established according to their tectonic settings, various types of granitoids and metallogenetic evolution.

Jan 1, 1995

By C A. Fleming

Gold extraction is largely driven by mineralogical factors, which often cause gold losses to various tailings. Mineralogical factors affecting gold recovery include grain size and shape, surface coating or rimming on gold particles, the presence of cyanide or oxygen-consuming minerals or preg-robbers, the presence of slow-dissolving gold minerals and the refractory nature of submicroscopic gold. Among these factors, locking of fine gold particles in sulfide, silicate and other minerals, either as visible, fine-grained gold inclusions and/or as invisible submicroscopic gold, is by far the most common factor leading to poor gold recovery in gold ore processing. This paper discusses the mineralogical characterisation of gold lost in tailings and its metallurgical implications. The techniques used in characterising the un-recovered gold are also briefly introduced.

Jan 1, 2007

Cyclone Process for Heavy Metals Decontamination of Sediments

Sep 13, 2010

By E Villaescusa, A Kusui

The depth of underground mines has been increasing due to several factors, such as material demand growth and improving technology. It is a challenge to understand severe failure mechanisms such as spalling, which is caused by induced high stress. To investigate this failure mechanism under high stress conditions, intact rock blocks with small size tunnel were tested at the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM). The range of rocks, such as sandstone and granite, were drilled (200 mm hole) and tested using a servo-controlled 450 t capacity INSTRON machine. The acoustic emission sensors were attached to the block mass during the experiment to investigate the seismic response prior to spalling failure. The effect of the ground support system towards the failure was also examined by comparing the seismic response of the various ground support schemes.CITATION:Kusui, A and Villaescusa, E, 2016. Seismic response prior to spalling failure in highly stressed underground tunnels, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 689–694 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

The Hishikari gold deposit, discovered by the Metal Mining Agency of Japan, has become a giant class epithermal gold deposit with the highest grade of gold yet recorded in the world through detailed exploration and development by the Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd. The exploration strategy involved a regional approach combining geological and gravity surveys over a 900 km2 area which had historically produced over 120 t of gold. These surveys were carried out to grasp the common geologic features of epithermal gold deposits in the survey area. A genetic model for epithermal gold deposits in the area under regional survey was also considered based on detailed research of the Kushikino epithermal gold deposit which was in operation at that time. This model was applied to the targeted areas, and important relationships between mineralisation, host lithology, intensive propylitic alteration and gravity highs became apparent. The Hishikari block was selected in this way and bonanza gold was discovered during drilling. Since the development of the Hishikari mine, information useful for further exploration for the same type of deposit has been accumulated.

Jan 1, 1995

In the geologically prospective nations which rim the Pacific Ocean, mineral deposits offer great potential to create wealth for social and economic development. The paper first examines the geological and economic attributes of potential mineral wealth based on current outlook assessment of all significant base metal deposits discovered to 1988 in two Pacific Rim nations - Australia and Canada . The variability of mineral wealth among the economic deposits evaluated and the major contribution of the few world-class discoveries to total mineral wealth are highlighted. Then, the essential but too often neglected linkage between the makeup of potential wealth and its actual realization is analysed. The impact of taxation and the role of exploration are crucial in this regard. Finally, the ingredients of exploration success, prerequisites for realizing the mineral wealth of nations, are examined.

Jan 1, 1995

By V Morand, W R. H Ramsay

Structural, mineralogical, and textural data from the Tarnagulla Goldfield demonstrate that the area has undergone three significant phases of deformation. The first phase of deformation (D1) predates the intrusion of the Tarnagulla pluton, which has been dated using K/Ar as 391 ¦ 5MY. We regard this pre-granite deformational event as the major regional deformation. Gold-bearing quartz veins have been deposited in dilational sites on west-dipping reverse faults. These sites demonstrate a geometry related both to faulting associated with D1 and the plunge of the F1 fold axes. This evidence, together with chronology of unmineralised ? D2 and D3 faults, the absence of quartz veining associated with D3 events, and the deformation of carbonate-quartz-biotite-sulphide aggregates within Sl by later S2, lead us to conclude that the bulk of the mineralisation was essentially syn- or late D1 . d18O values for fluids in equilibrium with vein quartz from Central Victoria have indicated equivocal support for either a magmatic or metamorphic origin. Our evidence supports a pre-magmatic origin for mineralisation at Tarnagulla and hence tends to favour a metamorphic fluid source.

Jan 1, 1995

By J K. Wright

In recent years the production of steel from directly reduced iron ore pellets has expanded rapidly. However, continued growth will depend on an adequate supply of suitable raw materials for the various commercial gaseous and solid reductant processes now in operation. Although at present Australia does not produce pellets primarily for direct reduction, there is an increasing awareness of Australia's potential role as a supplier of high grade ores for export and/or domestic use. The properties and quality requirements of iron ore pellets made specifically for direct reduction (DR) are reviewed and the laboratory techniques and test methods used at the CSIRO Division of Process Technology for the evaluation of potential DR feedstocks are described. At the present time most of the evaluation tests for DR pellets are extensions of those designed for existing blast furnace (BF) burdens. In the case of some physical parameters such as cold compression strength, abrasion index and cold strength after reduction this extension is quite satisfactory. In the measurement of parameters such as reducibility, swelling and sticking tendency, however, it is necessary to develop meaningful standardized tests so that ores and pellets can be ranked for DR performance. To do this, data from the laboratory tests and from operating plants must be correlated.

Jan 1, 1980

Behaviour of Bubble Clusters in a Turbulent Flow

Sep 13, 2010

By R Adofo

Underpinning the mining process is a continuum of prediction, specifically of tonnes, grade and recovery from exploration to grade control, through short-term mine design, to mining and processing. The interdependence of one activity on the other is so strong that it can be difficult to partition the activities and determine where there are issues, if any. Reconciliation is the process that compares the predictions of the various estimates to the actual product produced at the end of the production chain. Quite often, an attempt to understand the variances from one measuring point to the other creates a ‘wicked problem’.This study outlines the benefits of incorporating the principles of ‘systems thinking’ into the mining reconciliation process, by constructing a framework within which reconciliation is effectively managed. The philosophical base for any variances between successive links in the reconciliation chain cannot be attributed purely to the statistical variance between the predicted and the actual grades achieved, but should include the interrelationships between the technical and managerial professionals involved. Systems thinking, as an interdisciplinary approach, draws its ideas and concepts from a variety of disciplines, and in so doing can exploit their different strengths.The study described in this paper offers methodologies to analyse the task, in advance of developing a technical solution. Two systems thinking methodologies, Grounded Theory (GT) and Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) were employed. These methodologies, are geared towards dealing with relationships and interactions between individual parts and the whole. The GT coding in the study specified that the key activity that would drive the reconciliation process is through an effective reconciliation meeting, and the competencies of a ‘reconciliation team member’ This team member should be a good communicator and enjoy challenges, be open-minded and transparent, and have a broad perspective of the mining process and relationships across the different activities.CITATION:Adofo, R, 2017. A systemic approach to managing the Mine to Mill reconciliation process, in Proceedings Tenth International Mining Geology Conference 2017, pp 95–102 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 20, 2017