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By Schommarz KH, Dunne RC, Goodall CM

Column cells are widely used today for the recovery of base metals by flotation. Their use for the flotation of iron sulphides has not been as rapid. Australia has pioneered the use of large rougher flotation columns. During the last six years, seven rougher columns have been installed on gold mines treating iron sulphides and the technical viability of this technology has been demonstrated. Laboratory column testwork on a gold bearing iron sulphide ore demonstrated the effects of both physical and chemical parameters. In general the large commercial columns operate over a broad range of conditions depending on the downstream treatment of the flotation concentrate. The addition of wash water to commercial columns is not universally applied and there appears to be a need for a better wash water System.

Jan 1, 1993

In southeastern China, offshore Tertiarybasins are buried underneath the broad continental shelf areas from Taiwan to Hainan Island. These basins bear relatively similar characteristics of structure, stratigraphy and tectonics. Based on age and tectonic framework, these Tertiary basins are divided into two groups of Paleogene basin and Neogene basin (Fig.1 and 2). However, observations of extensional structures indicate that the Paleogene basins are rift basins; and the predominant structural features are NE-SW trending half grabens and fault blocks. In a regional scale, these half grabens and adjacent uplifts represent a horst-and-graben structural style. Neogene basins are downwarp basins lying on the tilting continental shelf. Late Tertiary sequences are relatively undeformed but locally with minor folding and thrusting during the Pliocene-Pleistocene.Seismic stratigraphy and well data indicate that the Early Tertiary strata are commonly tilted and disturbed as nonmarine to marginal marine facies deposited in the wedge-shaped half grabens; the Late Tertiary strata are generally parallel undisturbed marine facies accumulated in the enlarged downwarp basins overlying the infilled half grabens. In general, three major regional unconformities formed during the Late Cretaceous, the Late Eocene and the Middle Miocene. Widespread extrusive basaltic flows are commonly associated with these unconformities.

Jan 1, 1990

The paper presents the results of laboratory blasting and grinding experiments on a low-grade iron ore, investigating how blasting will influence the subsequent crushing and grinding operations. Increased blasting energy will lead to a reducti

Jan 1, 1998

By Christie AB

Stream sediment geochemical analyses from 140 mining company exploration surveys of the Coromandel, Northwest Nelson, Marlborough and Westland regions of New Zealand have been compiled from open file reports and entered on a database called REGCHEM (for Regional Exploration GeoCHEMistry). REGCHEM is supported by GEOEXPL, a custom-written computer software application which operates under the Microsoft Access relational database mangement system on a PC-type computer. The data are plotted as maps using the Maplnfo geographic information system (GIS) package. Thesholds separating anomolous values from background values are determined using the PROBPLOT univariant statistical package, which enables the descrimination and modelling of several populations. Relevant REGCHEM data are being incorporated into a GIS for the Coromandel region as part of ongoing studies to sevelop mineral deposit and metallogenic models for the region, and to assess regional prospectivity.]

Jan 1, 1995

By Durucan S

Uncertainty due to spatial and temporal variability of different pollutants found in soil, water and air is an important issue in the modelling of environmental impacts. Recognition of spatial environmental patterns is relatively straightforward to achieve by applying most of the well-known artificial neural networks or adopting a stochastic approach. However, it is the temporal component of the environmental variables that makes modelling of the environmental pollutants particularly complicated and challenging. This paper presents the results of a case study investigating the artificial neural network performance when modelling the spatio-temporal behaviour of environmental pollutants. The test case involved the modelling and prediction of the distribution of water quality indicators along a river from the point of discharge of treated mine effluents. The behaviour of river water quality indicators is rather complex and shows a lot of fluctuations due to a number of hydrochemical, hydrobiological and hydrodynamic factors. Results obtained in this study indicate that artificial neural networks provide a very powerful and robust method for simultaneous modelling of spatio-temporal behaviour of environmental pollutants.

Jan 1, 1995

The Hall-Heroult process is likely to be the dominant method of aluminium production for the remainder of the century. The characteristics of the operation of a modern smelter are described and attention drawn to their disabilities which are due chiefly to the small production capacity of individual cells.The principal components of the Hall-Heroult cell- the electrolyte, the anode and the cathodes are discussed in order to identify the problems of scale-up. The factors influencing current efficiency and energy consumption are analysed and lead to the conclusion that the greatest potential for energy saving lies in reducing the anode to cathode distance (ACD).The most promising direction for major change is in the application of a new titanium diboride-carbon composite for coating of the surface of the cathode carbon. It improves the wetting of the carbon by aluminium and should permit the use of sloping cathodes and anodes. The deep metal pad would thereby be eliminated and, in the absence of magnetic perturbations, the ACD could be substantially decreased.

Jan 1, 1987

A paper presenting the results of studies carried out on rotary drill bit life at EluraMine N.S.W.Contributing parameters, including dataon drill operation and geology are compared to the performance observed for the drill bits. Correlation and performance characteristics are presented, relating this data to cutting size distribution over drilling depth.Details are presented of experiencegained through the operation of rotary drillsat Elura.

Jan 1, 1985

By Cook B, Cunningham J

At Mount Isa Mines, a system has been developed for general monitoring of underground mobile equipment. It can provide unit condition monitoring data such as oil pressures and motor temperatures as well as production type information such as unit location and load. The system does not rely on an expensive data communications infrastructure, using instead inexpensive radio base stations which automatically transfer data from mobile units to a surface database server on the company-wide computer network. This paper includes a general overview of the system and a discussion of the practical benefits it is expected to generate.

Jan 1, 1995

A simple and rapid method for delennining gold and silver in carbon samples is described. The method involves dissolution of carbon ash in a strong oxidising medium of aqua regia and hydrofluoric acid. Gold and silver are determined in the resultant solution using atomic absorption speetrometry (AAS). The method is efficient and reproducible. Gold results are comparable to the standard fire assay results, with agreement of results within ± 5 per cent. The co-efficients of variation for gold and silver are 0.37 and 0.39 per cent respectively for six replicate analyses. The analysis of gold and silver in a batch of ten carbon samples can be completed in approximately four hours.

Jan 1, 1992

At Renison Limited, on the West Coast of Tasmania, modern trackless decline mining is practised to exploit the various tin bearing sulphide deposits. With footwall accesses, one of three adaptations of horizontal mechanised cut and fill, 1. unsupported, 2. pillar supported,and 3. unsupported - resuing is used to stope each defined ore block. The stoping method is basically determined by the dip and true thickness of the ore with emphasis on high ore recovery. Extreme flexibility is possible by the selective mining of stope lifts, the consumption of development waste as fill and the utilisation of the same mobile equipment in all phases of production. This has resulted in high productivity and low cost per tonne of ore.

Jan 1, 1977

By R G. Barker, N Mortimer

In New Zealand, platinum group metals (PGM) occur in three main geological environments of economic interest: layered mafic igneous complexes, the Dun Mountain Ophiolite Belt, and in association with placer gold deposits. Most of the layered mafic complexes with PGM potential occur in the Median Batholith. These include the Longwood (Permian), Bluff (Permian), Riwaka (Devonian) and Rotoroa (Jurassic) igneous complexes. Exploration of the Longwood Complex discovered PGM associated with gabbroic rocks. Best assays to date include a 1 m drill intersection of 1 g/t Pt + Pd and float rock with 3.0 ppm Pt and 3.3 ppm Pd. The Greenhills complex at Bluff consists of basal dunite overlain by wehrlite and gabbro. PGM occur with chrome spinel in the basal dunite and Pt geochemical anomalies have been identified associated with the wehrlite-gabbro contact zone. The Greenhills complex has some similarities to Alaskan-Ural type complexes.Reconnaissance exploration in the Dun Mountain Ophiolite Belt has identified PGM geochemical anomalies, but no follow-up work has been carried out. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, PGM were recovered as a byproduct of placer gold mining in Southland. Placer gold prospects with PGM potential include the Waiau River, deposits flanking the Longwood Complex and some Southland beaches.

Jan 1, 2002

By Cousens DR, Benhamou M, French DH

Techniques appropriate to petrographic image analysis are being developed using digitized backscatter electron images of well characterized mineral assemblages obtained from a Cameca scanning electron microprobe. Emphasis is on developing descriptors for size, shape and association of mineral grains as these all convey important information concerning the nature of rocks and the processes that have operated upon them. Processes, for example, that could indicate the proximity of mineralization. For convenience, the work is being carried out on the PDP11/73 host computer of the electron micropt be, although it is recongnized that such a multi-user environment is not appropriate for practical image analysis. The eventual aim is to develop a low-cost microcomputer-based package for quantitative description of mineral textures and rock fabrics as an objective aid to the petrographic analysis of ores and host rocks.

Jan 1, 1989

By Chen J, Zhu D

A detailed study on oil agglomeration of fine metal oxide particles is presented in this paper. The major content embraces several aspects which may possibly reflect the current trends in oil agglomeration such as the effect of chemical and physical parameters, the activation of target minerals and the deactivation of gangue particles, the mechanisim of bridging liquid and the kinetics of oil agglomeration process. Systems of ilmenite-feldspar, manganese dioxide - quartz were seperated successfully through oil agglomeration followed by decantation or flotation technique respectively. A triple mixture of vandium-bearing titanomagnetite ilmenite and feldspar was processed satisfactorily using a composite technology: oil agglomeration-decantation-magnetic concentration.

Jan 1, 1993

By Hagan T. N, Tucker A. J

The Cumnock Open Cut Mine (COCM) is located in the Hunter coalfield in New South Wales. Five coal seams are being mined, mostly by drilling and blasting, loaders and excavators, and trucks. The annual production of coal is 1.3 million tonnes. Overburden and interburdens consist mostly of siltstones and medium to thickly bedded sandstones. The strata dip to the south-east at approximately four degrees. There are no major faults in the rock mass.

Jan 1, 1995

By Cairncross A. A

Papers on technical aspects of the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop project are being presented at this conference or have been presented previously or will be presented at other forums. This paper provides the framework for these papers by presenting the overall engineering tasks. The conceptual design, the special investigations undertaken, the management of the project and the construction development are highlighted.

Jan 1, 1981

By T Ross, S Cameron

The requirement to use explosives in ground temperatures exceeding 50¦C is becoming more common as mines work to maximise the recovery of their resources. Orica Explosives was requested to assist in the development and implementation of æhot blastingÆ safe working procedures at Liddell Coal Open Cut in the Hunter Valley. The mine operator, Hunter Valley Earthmoving (HVE), had to contend not only with elevated temperatures in their overburden resulting from burning coal beneath, but also old underground workings which tended to exacerbate the problem. The paper discusses the following issues:the consultative process that was used to develop the procedures employed to ensure the process could be carried out safely; the technical issues surrounding blasting in hot ground, including temperature monitoring, product selection, application and design to ensure safety and performance were maintained; the need for confidence and trust in the team that was working together in a potentially hazardous environment, the emotive issues that were encountered and how they were addressed; the value of a regular review process combined with open and honest communication to ensure the procedures represented best practice and that all stakeholders understood the process; and the value delivered to Liddell Coal when sterilised areas of coal became accessible with little disruption to the mining process. The paper also discusses the challenges that were encountered in the Reservoir Block where proximity to major power lines and rail infrastructure meant that hot blasting procedures had to also consider vibration limits and the need for Energy Australia to disconnect the power.

Jan 1, 2001

A modular computer-based monitoring system for mines is dis-cussed. The system consists of the following modules : production moni-toring system HADES, methane monitoring system CMC, seismoacoustic and seismometric systems SAK and SYLOK, communication systems. The system enables one to compose flexible,` economic structures according to the specification of a mine. Application of microcomputer-based monitoring and control systems in coal preparation plants also is discussed.

Jan 1, 1985

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

Jan 1, 2006

By Boyle L. A

A positive displacement pump is being dev eloped for pipeline transportation of coking coal to a -50 mm export specification, at a con- centration and velocity which will allow trans- portation in the plug flow region, minimising degradation of the particle structure, and pipe= line friction losses which will be lower than with turbulent or laminar flow. Pump operation is by hydraulic powered free pistons in a rota- ting cylinder block, with cylinders overlapped by stationary inlet and discharge ports in a water lubricated and sealed rotary valve. Before this development coking coal was not considered suitable for transportation in slurry form, for the valves in the double act- ing duplex piston pumps used for slurry pipe- lines, cannot be divorced from the slurry and require that the solid material must be reduced to a fines'consistency before introduction into the pump suction. The hydraulic transportation of 10 million tonnes of -50 mm coking coal, 50 km from the Bargo area west of the escarpment to an offshore shiploader at Port Kembla is feasible. Study shows that economic factors alone would dictate that the development of a pumping system for long distance transportation of coking coal is necessary. The greatest impact from the slurry transportation of coking coal would be the

Jan 1, 1976

Based on a principle developed at a South African Mine, the CSIR developed a device with which the alignment of guide rails in mine shafts could be measured. Originally the technique could only be used to obtain guide misalignment values at the bunton sets. At the time this was considered adequate since it was assumed that guide realignment could only be done at the support points anyway. The technology was developed further and now it is possible to obtain æcontinuousÆ guide profiles from the measurements. Software was developed with which a guide realignment schedule can be drafted and the shape of the realigned guides can be predicted. A measuring system based on this technology is being used to conduct guide alignment measurements in shafts. The data is then analysed and a realignment schedule is recommended in consultation with the mine. Such a schedule may be prioritised so that the worst sections in the shaft are dealt with first. The measurement hardware and analysis software are described. Examples are presented that illustrate the principles and highlight measurement errors. A case study illustrates measurements recorded in a newly equipped shaft. A repeat measurement, 18 months later, shows the effect of recommended realignment as well as the change in guide alignment over this period.

Jan 1, 2005