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By David Laing

Completion of a Feasibility Study represents a major milestone in the development path of a mine, and one which typically triggers a need for project financing. Obtaining funding for construction relies on a positive Feasibility Study and a host of other related activities. This paper looks at the financing process and work required to support it, during and after the Feasibility Study, and bring it to a successful closing. It will include comment on the significance of permits, environmental plans, construction contracts, offtake arrangements, hedging, insurance, and others requirements to support a financing plan.

May 1, 2010

By Sabry A. Sabour

Metal price is among the key variables in the open pit optimization and the economic evaluation process. The common approach to handle metal prices in open pit mine planning is to optimize the ultimate pit and the mining schedules using a fixed, flat metal price. In this respect, metal price is assumed to be known with certainty throughout the entire mine life, which in some cases can reach 80 years. Given the volatile nature of metal markets and the metal price cycles, the conventional pit optimization approach may generate sub-optimized mining plans, which results in either extra costs to mining projects or lost revenues, or both. Long-term operational decisions such as future pit expansions, beyond the currently optimized limits, cannot be handled using the pit optimization approach based on flat metal prices. There is a growing interest in the mining industry to model and manage such market uncertainty in the pit optimization as well as the project evaluations in order to maximize the value of mining operations. In this paper, the author will outline a practical approach to optimize the ultimate pit taking into account the volatility and variability of metal markets. The proposed approach uses a combination of the pit optimizer of the commercial MineSight package and a simulation-based economic modeling real options valuation approach employing the least-squares Monte Carlo algorithm. MineSight pit optimizer employs both the floating cone for initial optimization exercise and the standard Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm. In this paper, Lerchs-Grossmann option will be used to generate the pit shells. Real options valuation approach used in this study is based on generating multiple metal price scenarios. Metal price uncertainty is modeled using stochastic metal price models such as the geometric Brownian motion and the mean-reverting process. The mining operational scenarios corresponding to the simulated metal prices are then optimized using the least-square Monte Carlo approach. The objective is to maximize the discounted cash flow value of the project while incorporating the operating flexibility to revise the operating status of the open pit with time as new information becomes available. The focus of this work is on the practicality of the proposed uncertainty-based pit optimization approach and the difference it can make to the technical operational mining decisions. A case study of a hypothetical open pit poly-metallic mine is provided. The deposit contains copper, gold and silver grades. The run of mine ore is sent to the process plant that produces copper concentrate with copper as the main metal and gold and silver as the by-products. Four uncertain variables are considered here include copper, gold, silver prices and foreign exchange rate. Both copper price and exchange rate are modeled using the mean-reverting process while gold and silver prices are modeled using the geometric Brownian motion. The case study is performed using both the conventional flat price pit optimization approach and the proposed uncertainty-based one to compare results.

Aug 1, 2013

By R. P. Nicholson

On September 3rd, 1947, the Acadia Coal Company put into operation a central coal preparation plant. This plant was designed to process all coals mined by this Company in the Pictou County coal field. The problem, briefly, was to make a three-way separation of the raw coal fed into the plant. It was desired to remove all stone, metal, and wood from the marketable coal and to produce a splint coal from the raw material which would be suitable for making power. This splint coal product is belted directly to the power plant which is adjacent to the wash plant. To attain this object it was therefore necessary, first, to wash the raw coal, removing all splint, stone, metal, and wood. The stone, metal, wood, and highest-ash splint had then to be removed by a second washing in order to obtain the lower-ash splint for use in the power plant. The plant is on the east side of the Allan colliery, in the town of Stellarton (see accompanying photograph). It is of steel frame construction with wood siding, covered on the exterior with corrugated galvanized iron. Considerable concrete had to be poured for the foundation piers as the plant site is largely 'fill' ground. This necessitated the construction of extremely heavy footings containing a large amount of reinforcing steel. In all, 884 cu. yds. of concrete were poured for the various pits, tanks, and foundations; its average test was about 3,500 lb. per square inch. At the time the plant was constructed, the steel shortage in Canada and the United States was acute and, in order to obtain steel for the structure which is four stories high- an unused part of the Allan bankhead was torn down. Enough steel was obtained from this demolition to fabricate the new plant.

Jan 1, 1948

By Antonio Segatori, Bjørn Holmedal, Kai Zhang, Trond Aukrust, Knut Marthinsen

"The visual appearance and mechanical properties of aluminium alloy extrusions are strongly dependent on the microstructure and texture of the extruded profiles, where the desired microstructure and texture may depend on the specific applications. In the present work, the evolution of deformation, as well as recrystallization textures during extrusion of AA6xxx aluminium alloys, have been experimentally and numerically investigated. Extrusion trials were performed in a laboratory extrusion set-up, which enabled immediate water-quenching of the profiles at the exit of the die, and thus the possibility to capture the deformation texture prior to post-extrusion recrystallization. The textures and their through-thickness variations were experimentally measured by the electron back-scatter diffraction technique (EBSD, and the deformation textures numerically modelled by coupling FEM flow simulations and crystal plasticity (CP) simulations. Different CP models as well as different choices of model parameters were employed and evaluated for texture predictions. With an appropriate choice of crystal plasticity model and model parameters, the deformation texture can mainly be predicted, although the accurate intensities are hard to reproduce. The corresponding recrystallization textures, either generated through spontaneous recrystallization of the extruded profiles or through post-extrusion annealing, are far more challenging to reproduce with available recrystallization models.INTRODUCTION Extrusion is a widely applied thermal-mechanical process to produce aluminium profiles. The properties of the profiles, for example mechanical, fatigue, fracture, corrosion as well surface appearance, are strongly dependent on the underlying microstructure and texture, and the requirements with respect to these aspects may vary with applications (Ralston et al., 2010; Dumoulin et al., 2012; Donati et al., 2013). Moreover, it is often a challenge to produce extrusions with a consistent and homogenous grain structure and texture along as well as through the cross section of the profiles. It is thus vital to understand and be able to predict (model) how different microstructures and textures are formed and how they evolve during and after extrusion, as basis for controlling the final appearance and properties of extruded profiles."

Jan 1, 2018

By L. Tong

The nickel laterite ore is composed of soft and hard minerals, and nickel distributes preferentially into the soft mineral rather than in the hard. Selective comminution of saprolitic and goethitic nickel laterites is investigated to upgrade nickel into the fine fraction using stirred milling. The optimal selective grinding conditions were determined through a kinetic study and the limit of selective grinding and nickel upgrade was analyzed. The breakage rates of minerals, grinding time, and the weight ratio of soft and hard minerals in the feed play an important role in selective grinding. A small breakage rate on hard minerals and a large breakage rate difference between the minerals are optimum for selective grinding. The soft mineral grade decreases with grinding time and the optimum grinding time is a trade-off of the soft mineral upgrade and recovery. The minerals weight ratio determines the limit of selective grinding. The effect of nickel upgrade is determined by both the conditions that influence selective comminution and the nickel grades in both the soft and hard minerals. The nickel grade in the soft mineral determines the limit of nickel upgrade.

Jan 1, 2015

By David Penswick

Despite anecdotal evidence to the contrary, the mining industry is not in decline. Rather, the world?s largest mining companies are among the most consistently profitable companies in any industry. In many cases, profitable mining companies have been built around a few large scale, long life mines. These criteria for success ? size and long life ? have led to the current preference for deposits that can be exploited using open pit methods. However, developments in the science of block caving have resulted in this mining method achieving costs and productivities that are competitive with the largest open pits, while achieving widespread applicability. One implication of the low costs and widespread applicability of block caving is that some current open pits are possibly too deep.

May 1, 2003

By R. Khanna, I. Mansuri, S. Devasahayam

"Recycling polymer based end-of-life materials as carbon resources for a partial replacement of coke/coal can make important contributions towards enhancing the environmental sustainability of steelmaking processes. An in-depth high temperature (1550°C) investigation has been carried on waste CDs/DVDs focussed specifically on char generation, characterization and dissolution into molten iron. The simultaneous presence of carbon and oxygen in polymeric chains on polycarbonate substrates resulted in the generation of a significant pore structure and exposed surfaces. Carbon dissolution studies into molten iron were carried out on the raw polymer as well on chars; high levels of carbon pick-up were observed in both cases after 15 minutes of contact at high temperatures. INTRODUCTIONOver the past sixty years, plastics have played an important part of our daily lives and are being increasingly used in all aspects of the global economy. More than 260 million tons of plastics are produced annually worldwide. Their rapid growth and extensive utilization with a short life span (such as packaging) has created a massive waste problem. Although the waste plastic component in municipal solid waste (MSW) amounts to only about 10 %, plastics have a high volume-to-weight ratio and these are generally not biodegradable. In Australia, ~19.20 % of plastics were recycled in 2009-2010 (PACIA, 2010); with the total consumption being estimated at 1,501,258 tonnes, 288,194 tonnes of plastics were recycled. There are serious environmental concerns with the two key waste management options, i.e. land filling and incineration, and there exists an urgent need for developing alternative recycling approaches. In this paper, we focus our attention on recycling waste CDs/DVDs polycarbonate substrates as a carbon resource in steelmaking.CDs/DVDs used for music/data/image are made from aromatic polycarbonate resin (hereafter abbreviated PC). This resin is also widely used as an engineering plastic in applications such as automobiles, mobile phones, notebook type personal computers, cameras & video cameras, electric & electronic appliances, fire equipment, life & living goods, roofing sheets, etc. High consumption and growth (~10% annually) of PC utilization is attributed to its excellent properties such as outstanding impact resistance, transparency, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. The molecular formula and composition of PC resin is given below:"

Jan 1, 2012

By Ralph H. Cleland

Introduction The mines of northern Ontario have entered the class of deep mines. It has often been asked: How deep can operations be carried on? What will the temperature be? This paper is a résumé of a brief survey of rock temperatures made by the Ontario Department of Mines during the year 1932. Present temperatures were recorded and the geothermal gradients that now exist were determined. No alarming situations were found, but many interesting ones have been noted. Northern Ontario mines are fortunately situated as compared with most deep-level mines of the world. The mean yearly temperature, as determined from meteorological records of the Federal Department of Marine, is from 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The tables on the next page show the temperature range in and about our mining camps ( l ). As no exact figures were obtainable for Kirkland Lake, the data for Iroquois Falls, which is about 50 miles northwest, were taken as applicable there. The figures for Timmins were checked against those of Cochrane and Iroquois Falls and found to be very similar, so that the Cochrane data may be used for the Porcupine camp. The yearly mean temperature is considered to be 33.5 F.

Jan 1, 1933

By H. B. Farnam

"THE IRON ORE Company of Canada has been using do-it-yourself type explosives for three years. During the last 12 months we have used over 10 million pounds of ammonium nitrate-fuel oil explosives and either purchased or formulated one million pounds of slurried explosives.W e have been moving approximately one million cubic yards of stripping and ore per month and we expect our production rate to in-crease. Eighty per cent of our strip-ping and ore is soft enough to be blasted successfully with ammonium nitrate-fuel oil mixtures. Twenty per cent of our material is extremely hard and requires an explosive having greater strength than an AN-fuel oil mixture.W e had been using canned am-monium nitrate base explosives and TNT pellets to give maximum bottom loading density to fracture hard rock. As AN -fuel oil became widely used, it was apparent that other types of explosives could be formulated to fit our blasting requirements. Dr. M. A. Cook of the University of Utah was consulted regarding new explosives and together we developed the blasting slurries.Figure 1 shows a general view of one of our hard rock pits. The foot wall is on the right-hand side and this material is called iron forma-Figure 1.-General view of hard rock pitstion by our Company but is called 'Taconite by the operators on the Mesabi Range. This material runs 35 to 45 per cent iron and many pieces are hard enough to scratch glass. The formation is tilted at an angle of 55 degrees as can be seen in Figure 3.The bedding planes of this rock are about 24 to 36 inches apart and if the material is not well broken or fragmented, large chunks or slabs must be handled by the shovels which reduces shovel capacity and efficiency and increases maintenance costs."

Jan 1, 1960

By M. Al-Khawaja, F. Hassani, F. Mucciardi, N. Razavinia

"In today’s economy many industries are becoming aware of the need to recover some of the waste heat they create. Industrial processes release, on a global scale, over 100 tera-Joules (i.e. 1014 J) of waste heat annually. The recovery of waste heat can lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and it can also provide a financial benefit which can be obtained by converting some of this excess heat to electricity. At McGill, a research program has been initiated so that low grade waste heat (temperature between 100ºC and 300oC) from process off-gases found in pyro-metallurgical industries is captured and concentrated by using heat pipes and then converted to electricity by a mechanical engine. This paper illustrates the 3 C’s process (capture, concentrate and convert waste heat to electricity). It also provides some preliminary experimental data. INTRODUCTIONThe problematic climate change caused by the use of fossil fuels, the rapid depletion of global reserves and the catastrophic consequences of nuclear power generation call for renewable and safe, resources of energy, for both man and the environment. Extensive researches in the production of energy from renewable sources and improvements in efficiency of current technologies can help us to reverse this trend.The greatest advantages of using renewable energies are that they don’t deplete and they also contribute to a green environment. On the other hand the disadvantage of using these resources is that the energy available from renewable sources is much less concentrated than that provided by fossil fuels and nuclear energy. This makes renewable energy less attractive for large scale industrial uses in most cases. A key target for society for the 21st century is the production of energy from renewable sources at a cost that is competitive with fossil fuels. Fossil fuels represent a concentrated form of energy; usually it is referred to as high grade energy. Nonetheless, there is a vast supply of alternative energy. The sun, wind, water and biomass were the first to be explored. While these are all valid options that warrant concerted efforts and large investments, there is another source of energy that typically is produced by manufacturing industries. This energy is often referred to as low grade waste heat. Most of this energy is simply vented to the environment through the stream of off-gases. In the future it will be necessary to capture and convert some of the low grade heat to a valuable form such as electricity if we are to improve on the efficiency of energy usage."

Jan 1, 2012

By Barbara A. Filas

The IFC goal is to promote private sector investment in developing countries which will reduce poverty and improve people?s lives. The developing country goal is to promote health, education and employment opportunities that improve their economies and their standard of living. The mining company goal is to Promote successful ?triple bottom line? mining projects that will grow shareholder equity

May 1, 2002

By Chris Dougherty

"This presentation will provide a demonstration of the methodology used in designing a modern shaft and hoisting plant utilizing a review of the challenges faced and solutions delivered for the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project (Niobium/Scandium). The development of the design required the review of complex hydrogeological conditions, mine production requirements, demanding capital expenditure (CAPEX) limitations and tight schedules. Through an extensive review of various alternatives to satisfy these constraints, the Nordmin Group (including Nordmin Engineering Ltd.) (Nordmin) was able to define a concept and design that addressed risks to the project, met production requirements, cost and schedule constraints and improved constructability. INTRODUCTION The Elk Creek Project, owned by NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NioCorp) presently, will become Nebraska’s first underground metals mine, built to access the Elk Creek Niobium/Scandium deposit. The development of the design for this facility required the review of challenging hydrogeological conditions, mine production requirements, demanding CAPEX limitations and tight schedules. Through an extensive review of various alternatives to satisfy these constraints, the Nordmin Group was able to define a concept and design that addressed risks to the project, met production requirements, cost and schedule constraints and improved constructability. This paper will review the challenges faced, and solutions arrived at in a demonstration of a methodology used in designing a modern shaft and hoisting plant. THE CHALLENGES Nordmin became involved in the project in 2015, invited by the Feasibility Study Consultant to provide input on estimating and layouts for the new operation. Many of the fundamental decisions regarding mining methodology, water handling and production strategy had been made, and the scope of Nordmin’s involvement was very limited in this first engagement. Following submission of that study in late 2017/early 2018, Nordmin had opportunity to discuss the overall effort, and its many assumptions and challenges, with NioCorp’s project team. The dialogue quickly identified several significant opportunities to improve the project construction schedule and costs along with the mine production profile and operational approach while reducing project risk."

Jan 1, 2019

By P. Reyes

The start up and operational optimization of the No. 3 Oxygen Plant at the Caletones Copper Smelter of the Codelco - Chile El Teniente Division is summarized. In addition, the economic impact of such optimization on the production cost of oxygen and others aspects associated to the operational robustness as well is detailed.

Jan 1, 2007

By Gérald Riverin, Bernard Salmon, Marlo Gagnon, Réemi Asselin, Alain Cazavant, Michel LaBrie

"The Ansil deposit is located in the Noranda mining camp in the southern part of the Abitibi greenstone belt. /twas discovered in 1981 and production began in 1989 with proven reserves of 1.58 Mt grading 7.2% copper, 0.9% zinc, 26.5 glt of silver and 1.6 glt of gold. It is centered at a depth of 1.3 kilometre and represents one of the deepest ore discoveries ever made from surface.The deposit consists of a single massive sulphide lens located at the contact between the Northwest Rhyolite and the Rusty Ridge Andesite. The lens strikes north-south and dips 50° east. The thickness of the lens may reach up to 35 m and can change very abruptly both along strike and along dip. The maximum thicknesses of the sulphide lens are reached in its upper (western) and at its lower (eastern) edges, thus giving the deposit its present shape of two sulphide domes connected by a thinner central portion. The lower dome is underlain by a thick accumulation of massive magnetite which may reach 10 to 15m in thickness. The upper and lower domes are underlain by two distinct pipe-shaped zones of stringer and disseminated sulphides which merge with a larger stringer zone at depth.The Ansi/ deposit displays strong relationships between its morphology and the distribution of metals. Hydrothermal alteration consists of chloritization and sericitization. Chlorite alteration is closely associated with stringer sulphide mineralization while sericite is developed in diffuse zones bordering the chloritic zones. Unlike other similar deposits, the Ansil deposit is characterized by very extensive alteration and sulphide mineralization in the hangingwall of the massive sulphides. Several features of the deposit are consistent with an origin from a submarine hydrothermal system which was particularly long-lived, and which thus promoted the build-up of very high fluid temperatures with extensive replacement (and enrichment) of pre-existing sulphides after their original deposition onto the seafloor."

Jan 1, 1990

By R. Vracar, D. Sinadinovic, Ž. Kamberovic

The paper presents a study on the oxidation of polymetallic gold ore by oxygen in an autoclave. It presents optimum parameters of autoclave leaching of sulphide refractory ore in self-generated sulphuric acid solutions aiming to get products with favourable technological characteristics from which precious and other useful metals can be recovered. A high partial oxygen pressure (1.5 MPa to 2 MPa), high leaching temperature (190°C to 200°C), pulp density 80 g/L to 240 g/L, ore fraction size 76 µm and leaching time up to 4 hours yield good results in rich ores. The full extent of copper and zinc conversion as well as a high extent of iron conversion has been achieved, while lead, gold and silver and a minor part of iron remain as a solid residue among gangue minerals.

Jan 1, 2001

By R. N. Chakravorty

Early detection of spontaneous combustion is of utmost importance in underground coal mining to prevent major disruptions of production and to ensure a safer working environment. This paper presents the work done in developing a suitable system for the early detection of heating in a hydraulic coal mine. Laboratory studies on the products of oxidation for Balmer 10 seam coal showed that a significant amount of carbon monoxide is produced during the early stages of heating and that detection methods based on the analysis of other gases, such as hydrogen, ethane or ethylene, are not a better alternative for this coal. The four-point carbon monoxide monitoring system recently installed at the hydraulic mine is discussed in this paper. It is believed that by studying the trend of carbon monoxide concentration in the mine air, it will be possible to detect heating at an early stage. Field tests carried out so far have indicated that infra-red technology will prove to be a powerful tool in the hydraulic mine, particularly for locating hidden oxidation or fire in cracks, fissures, underground workings and coal outcrop areas before it spreads extensively. The project is jointly sponsored by EMR, CANMET, Mining Research Laboratories and Kaiser Resources Ltd.

Jan 1, 1978

By A. G. Pentland

MODELS of mines may be classified under three headings: (a) sheet models, (b) solid models, and (c) skeleton models. Sheet Models are made of sheets of glass, celluloid, or a transparent plastic material. The sheets are mounted in a frame which holds them in a parallel position, either horizontally or vertically. Mine plans are traced on the horizontal sheets; sections on the vertical sheets. The model may be illuminated by electric lights which are separated from the sheets by an opalescent screen. It is viewed from above or from the side in such a way that the plans or sections are superimposed. Sheet models are very useful for the illustration of mines with narrow, steep-dipping veins, but they do not give a satisfactory representation of a large mine with a flat-dipping vein. Large sheets of glass are difficult to handle and to support in a frame.? It is difficult to see through a considerable number of them. Solid Models are made of plaster, concrete, wood, or other material usually in the form of slabs in which the mine workings are indicated by properly dimensioned cavities in the model. The slabs are coloured to show the veins, country rock, faults, etc. The model is divided along selected sections in order to give access to the interior by the temporary removal of parts. Solid models may be used to illustrate large orebodies of the Sullivan type, but they are cumbersome because parts must be removed to study details of structure. Skeleton Models are ones in which the underground cavities are represented by metal, wood, plaster, or wax proportionately shaped and held in place by a frame. They illustrate the work which has been done but do not show the position of the veins, dykes, faults, etc., in the unworked parts. It is necessary to project by eye between workings in order to determine the location of these features. The essential difference between the skeleton model and the solid model is that the skeleton model represents the mine workings by solid forms and does not show the unworked parts of the vein, whereas the solid model shows the vein as a solid and the mine workings as cavities in it. The skeleton model lends itself well to the representation of a large mine with large stopes.

Jan 1, 1944

By C. S. Gibson

"MOST of the mines in the Province of Ontario in Canada are multi-level operations in steeply dipping veins; yet there is an appreciable number whose de-posits are relatively flat-lying, ranging up to 45° inclination.The veins vary in width up to several hundred feet and may or may not be branching systems. The depths of mines range from a few hundred to 8,000 feet, approximately. The primary products of the underground group are asbestos, gold, silver, cobalt, copper, nickel, iron, uranium, talc, fluorspar, gyp-sum and salt.There are a few open-pit mines. The majority are temporary in type because, as the outcrops are removed, mining is continued be-low surface. Primary products of the open pits are copper, nickel, iron, magnesium and nepheline syenite.The industry as a whole employs about 50,000 persons, approximately 60 per •cent of whom have dust-exposure occupations. The definition of a dust-exposure occupation and the requirements for •dealing with same are set forth in The Mining Act of Ontario.Results of extensive and continuing studies on the incidence and progression of silicosis have been reported periodically for years past, in annual reports of the Mines Accident Prevention Association of Ontario and in papers presented at Conferences sponsored by Mcintyre Research Foundation of Toronto, all of which have been published. The information provided therein proves the effectiveness of the means being used to prevent silicosis and allied disorders."

Jan 1, 1960

By C. R. Julian

THE large pyrites ore-bodies, the underground mining of which is to be described, are situated at Rio Tinto in the Province of Huelva in Southern Spain. The situation of the different ore-bodies with relation to one another is shown in Figure 1. It will be seen on the plan that the strike of the ore-bodies is approximately east and west. The geology of the district has been very fully described by Dr. D. Williams (1), so that for the purposes of this paper it will be sufficient to give briefly the salient features o each of the two larger ore-bodies which are being mined by underground methods at the present time. (a) San Dionisio.-This ore-body is the largest single deposit in Rio Tinto, having on its upper levels a length of 3,500 ft. On the upper levels the average width is approximately 200ft. but in places on the lower levels there is a width of 900ft. of un broken pyrites. Diamond-drill holes, without running out of ore, show the ore-body to persist to a depth of at least 1,600 ft. The ore-body in the upper part lies between slate and porphyry walls, but in depth is enclosed in porphyry walls. (b) South Lode.-Faulting is considered to be responsible for the break in the solid ore between South Lode and San Dionisio. On the upper levels, the South Lode ore-body has an unbroken length of 4,000 ft. The massive pyrites has a maximum width of 300ft. and an average of about 100 ft. Ore has been proved to a depth of 1,000 ft., at which depth the ore-body is much reduced both in length and breadth. This ore-body, to the depth at which it has been proved, lies entirely between slate and porphyry walls. The South Lode and the San Dionisio ore-bodies are mined both by open-cast and by underground methods. There is evidence that these mines have been exploited intermittently during the last 3,000 years; but, as is to be expected, no records are available of the tonnage mined prior to the time of purchase by the present company.

Jan 1, 1940

By E. Nolasco, J. Ouellet, T. Tikka

"Shaft bottom structural systems are used in underground mining to support transfer of personnel, equipment and ore to and from underground to the surface. This paper first summarizes the evolution of design philosophy from a concrete tower supported on a concrete plug to the current structural steel design arrangement with unlined shaft walls, clear shaft bottom area with only a concrete housekeeping pad. Then the paper reviews the design parameters, analysis and design, and construction methodology for this rather unique shaft bottom structural system consisting of three sets of hitch beams, with each having specific functional requirements. INTRODUCTION Shaft bottom structural systems are used throughout the world in underground mining operations to provide a means to support the transfer of personnel, equipment, materials, ore and waste entering and exiting a vertical shaft ready for transport to and from the surface via the hoisting system. The shaft bottom structural system, for the Service Shaft (SS) at the Jansen Mine, is designed to accommodate two skips, a personnel/equipment cage, counterweight, services, loading pocket, rope changing, arrestor system, crash (or catch) beams, access platforms, stairs and rope divider system. Stantec and BHP have engineered a unique structural steel shaft bottom system for hoisting system at a Potash Mine. The shaft bottom structural system connects to a fixed guide and cantilever bunton system, used in the vertical shaft (shaft barrel), above the shaft bottom. The geometry for the shaft bottom structural system, shown in Figure 1 a), features three sets of hitch beams, beams which span across the shaft excavation or barrel. At the top of the structural system are two upper hitch beams. These hitch beams support a 64 metre suspended rectangular braced tower (upper tower), complete with steel guides for the conveyances. The upper tower passes through the main station (potash or mining) level and then connects to the top of the arrestor (lower) tower structure via a sliding vertical connection. The potash level is supported by two hitch beams spanning the shaft and loading pocket excavations. The arrestor tower, a braced compression tower structure, is carried by a third set of hitch beams. Below the third set of hitch beams is a short suspended tower complete with access platforms, stairs and the rope divider system."

Jan 1, 2019