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By S. Gan, E. van Niekerk, L. Birrell, D. Robbertze, L. Ncubi, B. Zhao

Quality assurance and quality control (or QAQC) plays a key role in safeguarding the level of confidence of the data generated during mineral exploration and mine development, and is also part of the reporting code requirements for resource estimation and reporting, as well as mining investment. Implementation of good policies and working protocols in quality management will result in the generation of reliable information, which is critical for decision-making on the future of the mining project. The use of certified reference materials, i.e., standard, blank, and duplicate samples, proves effective and efficient for ensuring the level of data confidence in terms of precision, accuracy, and sample contamination. This is well demonstrated by the practice of QC in the exploration programme for the chrysotile tailings storage facilities of Havelock Mine, using 1254 samples from 53 drill-holes. Different statistical tools were applied to analyse the assay results from these samples. The outcome substantiates that the QC practice established during the Havelock exploration project is aligned to best practice guidelines in the industry. The resource delineated indicates that the tailings material at Havelock could potentially become a significant source of supply to the global magnesium market.

Jul 2, 2022

By C. Aldı, O. Yaral

For the more economical excavation of tunnels in underground mining activities, the selection of mechanised excavation machines (such as roadheaders, electro-hydraulic drills, etc.) and the analysis of performance prediction that can be used in estimating machine energy consumption have been subjects of research from past to present. One of the parameters to be considered in studies examining these methods, is the grinding process. The success of increasing efficiency in grinding is expressed by a reduction in energy consumption. The goal of a grinding process is to maximise the grinding amount at the appropriate grinding size while minimising the energy consumption per tonne of the fragmented material. Today, the depletion of high-grade ore deposits has largely directed the mining industry towards low-grade but large reserve ore deposits. This shift has particularly increased the importance of the grinding process, as it is dependent on particle liberation. Grinding is a critical step in reducing the mineral to the appropriate size, and energy consumption poses a significant challenge in this process. As a result, researchers have conducted various studies focusing on energy efficiency and cost optimisation in this field. In this study, the grindability of 7 different coal environment rocks (sandstone, siltstone) from the Zonguldak Basin, Uzulmez Region was investigated. For this, Hardgrove Grindability Index and Bond Work Index tests were conducted. While determining the relationships between grindability and other parameters, the results obtained from the Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) test were used. The energy values found in the Bond Work Index (BWI) test were used to evaluate the excavatability of the rocks. Additionally, tests for strength, hardness, drillability, and abrasiveness were conducted to observe the impact of other parameters on grindability. Considering the results obtained from the experiments, significant relationships were found between the grindability of the rocks and other parameters.

Mar 30, 2026

By R. Degel

Submerged arc furnaces and electric smelters are applied in numerous metal and slag production lines. Particularly in ferroalloy and non-ferrous metal production, like silicon metal, platinum group metals, calcium carbide, and copper, the units are an essential part of the production technology. Most of these electric furnaces are considered to be highly energy-intensive units. The high level of required electrical power is defined by the process. SMS developed several measures to reduce the overall electrical energy consumption of these metal production lines. In particular, the following measures contributes to a lower energy consumption: improved electrical efficiency with intelligent design and application of components, minimizing the heat losses from the furnaces with a balanced cooling/refractory systems, minimization of process steps (such as elimination of agglomeration), recovery of energy, process optimization (resulting in higher metal yield) and the achievement of higher recovery rates, enlarging furnace capacity to reduce heat losses, and maximizing the power-on time. This paper gives an overview of the above-mentioned solutions.

Jan 1, 2012

By Tian Yingzhong, Guo XIN, Wei Peihe

The intention is to solve a series of problems in the flotation and desiliconisation of complex bauxite; aiming to achieve monomer dissociation of target minerals based on process mineralogy. According to the mineral surface, there are differences in physical and chemical properties and the molecular design theory of flotation agents. Designing the polar and non-polar groups of the bauxite flotation collector to make the reagent group easily combine with the mineral to form a cyclic chelate, will enhance the collection performance, and strengthen the drug selection performance. Developing a new type of positive flotation collector for bauxite with small dosage, strong selectivity and low foam volume. Keywords: Process mineralogy, monomer dissociation, molecular design, new positive flotation collector

Jan 1, 2020

By A. P. I. Popoola, D. O. Okanigbe

Copper smelter dust (CSD) is a byproduct of copper smelting and is composed of considerable amounts of copper values and also contaminants (like silica and mullite). Silica in CSD forms Siloxane, a low density material, which is difficult to separate from the aqueous phase during solvent extraction. The need therefore arises to reduce/remove the aluminosilicates for better grade and recovery of copper in subsequent processes. This paper reports the use of two types of centrifugal gravity concentrators, namely Knelson (KGC) and Falcon (FGC), for upgrade of copper in CSD. The aim was achieved by an initial characterisation (Particle Size Distribution (PSD) and mineralogical analysis), together with Density Separation (DS) experimentation, premised on a hypothetical density difference between copper oxide and silicon/aluminum oxide. Wet screening results showed that 88.52 % of CSD particles were in -53 μm fraction. Further PSD study using laser diffraction showed the -53 μm fraction to be composed mainly of 26 μm, 22 μm and 18.5 μm fractions. Mineralogical analysis showed copper to occur mainly as oxides (24.34 wt%), but also as sulphides (7.95 wt%), and a substantial amount of aluminosilicates (42.97 wt%) were identified. Density of CSD was determined as 2.83 g/cm3. Copper content (18.02 wt%) in CSD was upgraded to 35.94 wt% in concentrate using KGC. In conclusion, the results showed good convergence between hypothesis and experiment. Additionally, it was also concluded that KGC performed better than FGC for copper upgrade in CSD. However, roasting CSD prior density separation was recommended for enhanced copper upgrade. Keywords: Copper smelter dust, density separation, solvent extraction, mineralogy

Jan 1, 2020

By B. F. Giyani, A. Salama

Tanzania is a country with a variety of mineral deposits, including metallic minerals, gemstones, mineral fuels, industrial minerals, and critical minerals. This study provides an overview of mining legal framework, mineral occurrence and production, challenges in the mining sector, and government initiatives. The aim is to demonstrate the development of the mining sector in Tanzania and explore the potential for further mining investment in the country. The mineral production data showed generally increasing trends over the years, for example, gold production increased from 42 tonnes in 2018/2019 to around 50 tonnes in 2023/2024. Despite the growth, the mining sector encounters several challenges, including a lack of detailed geological information on mineral deposits, inadequate infrastructures in some remote mining sites, the existence of informal artisanal miners, and mineral smuggling. The Tanzanian government has introduced several initiatives to address these challenges, including carrying out the highresolution airborne geophysical survey to increase geological information in some areas, the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining, establishing mineral markets to combat mineral smuggling, and encouraging mineral value addition within the country.

Oct 24, 2025

By G. M. Evans, S. Mitra, G. J. Jameson, M. M. Hoque, E. Doroodchi, R. Moreno-Atanasio

In this study, the detachment behaviour of 314 μm diameter silica particles from a single 3 mm diameter bubble rotating in a confined cavity connected to a cross-flowing water channel was investigated. The liquid cross-flow generated a rotating flow inside the confined cavity, which was quantified using 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The fluctuating (x-y) velocity components inside the cavity for each cross-flow velocity, U, were then used to estimate the corresponding time/volume average turbulence intensity values, Ti. Turbulence intensity ranged from 9.3-16.2%. In the absence of a bubble, the rotating vortex within the cavity created a pressure field which decreased towards the centre of the vortex; wherein the lowest pressure zone was located at the centre of the cavity. The vorticity into the cavity was found to increase with increasing the turbulence intensity. A bubble, both without and with particles attached, was introduced into the cavity under different flow conditions and its motion was tracked using the shadowgraphy technique. Experimentally, it was found that the bubble-particle aggregate was trapped at the centre of the cavity (low-pressure region) following a spiral trajectory. An interface resolved 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to predict the particle detachment conditions within the confined cavity. CFDpredicted vorticity in the absence of a bubble agreed well with experimental observation. The CFD analysis indicated that the vorticity inside the cavity was not significantly changed when a single bubble was introduced. On this basis, the computed vorticity was utilised in describing the force balance applied to the attached particle. Computationally, it was found that the critical turbulence intensity, beyond which the particle was detached from the bubble, was 14%. This value was consistent with the experimental observation of detachment at Ti at 15.7%, and above, but not at lower values. Keywords: Bubble, particle, turbulence intensity, vorticity, particle detachment, CFD, PIV

Jan 1, 2020

By F. Dinter, C. McGregor, Q. G. Reynolds, L. Hockaday

The necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit the impact of anthropogenic climate change means that all industrial processes should investigate their options towards decarbonization. Iron, steelmaking, aluminium, and cement production produce the most industrial emissions. Although most research focuses on decarbonizing these industries, minerals processing industries must be decarbonized to achieve net zero emissions goals by 2050. Incorporating renewable energy sources and avoiding the combustion of fossil fuels are two ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper reports on the results from a dynamic process model developed to investigate the feasibility of concentrating solar thermal pretreatment of manganese ores to pretreat carbonate-rich manganese ores for increased ferromanganese smelter productivity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The results indicate that pretreated ores reduce the energy requirement for smelting significantly for some ores and lowers total carbon dioxide emissions by 13 to 19% compared to the traditional smelting route. A high-level economic evaluation shows that solar thermal treatment is financially viable for low cryptomelane, high braunite ore that is common in the Kalahari Manganese Field.

Dec 11, 2024

The November General Meeting of the Branch was held in the St. Helena Club at 8.00 p.m. on the 17th November, 1970. Mr J. N. Saunders (Chairman) was in the chair. There were also present six fellows, N. A. Honnet, C. J. Isaac, J. G. Kirchner, (Committee Members), J. M. Meyer, S. L. S. Swart and J. W. Wilson; seven members, D. V. Baum, M. de Lange, A. H. Edwards, G. J. G. Emere, E. R. Penny, G. P. Rundle, C. G. J. Vermeulen; six graduates, N. Mayer, H. Miller, E. J. Shillaber, P. J. H. Short, M. H. Smith, T. R. Stromsoe; five associates, M. Andriesse, A. E. Hooper, A. Paschalides, R. L. Solms, W. M. Todd; one student, J. C. Simms and 14 visitors. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs L. O. W. Leimer and G. Y. Nisbet. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERALMEETING The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on the 27th August, 1970, were taken as read. Their adoption, which was proposed by Mr N. A. Honnet and seconded by Mr J. G. Kirchner, was carried unanimously. MINUTES OF THE JULY GENERALMEETING The minutes of the General Meeting held on the 8th July, 1970, were taken as read. Their adoption, which was proposed by Mr C. J. Isaac and seconded by Mr J. G. Kirchner, was carried unanimously. GENERAL BUSINESS Members were advised that no more applications could be entertained for the visit to Western Holdings; they could, however, still apply to visit Welkom Mine and Harmony. TALK The Chairman invited Mr A. Paschalides to deliver his talk on 'Controlled blasting in stopes and new explosives developments'. The presentation proved to be of great interest to the meeting and lively discussion followed the talk. Mr N. A. Honnet proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Paschalides on behalf of all members of the O.F.S. Branch. CLOSURE The Chairman thanked Mr Paschalides for his talk and all present for their attendance, and as this was the last meeting for 1970 he wished all members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He declared the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

By P. J. H. de Graaf, S. D. N. Wessels

"Rio Tinto’s Western Australian expansion, combined with mining within structurally complex geology and increasingly below the water table, presents challenges in effective slope management to ensure safe and economic mining.The Geotechnical Management System (GMS) was developed by Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) to manage geotechnical risks identified during the design process and implementation, and to ensure feedback based on the ‘as-found’ conditions. The GMS utilizes a risk-based approach to geotechnical risk management and is centred on the geotechnical risk and hazard assessment management system (GRAHAMS). GRAHAMS is used to assess pre- and post-control risk for future potential risks (planned slopes), current risks (as-built slopes), and actual geotechnical hazards (realized risks) identified in the pit. This serves as a core operational risk management tool in identifying and prioritizing key risk sectors and management of critical controls. The system’s database reporting functionality supports effective communication of operational risks to operational personnel, as well as reporting the risk profile across operations to management.A rigorous engagement process between design engineers and sitebased engineers is implemented to ensure that key design assumptions, limitations, risks, and opportunities are understood by the site teams. This information, together with mine plan schedule details, is used to assess the design risk and develop appropriate controls. These controls typically include slope performance monitoring and slope reconciliation. The design feedback loop is closed through sharing of key slope performance and reconciliation data with the design teams.The GMS has been successfully implemented in RTIO pits and is fundamental to successful geotechnical slope management. Improved characterization of design assumptions has allowed for re-assessment of the pit design and improved hazard management in high-risk pits. The GMS, GRAHAMS, and other processes reduce the incidence of unexpected slope instability. Improved understanding of rock mass conditions has allowed for economic optimization through redesign of slopes, allowing for an improved understanding of risk and fewer unexpected conditions (surprises), hence an increased realized value."

Jan 1, 2016

By L. A. Jordan, D. van Vuuren

A two-dimensional finite difference model has been developed to describe the reduction of kilogram quantities of dehydrated phosphogypsum. The model’s scope has been limited to focus on the heat transfer and reactions that occur within a mass of material contained in a vessel inside a furnace rather than also including the effects of heat transfer to the vessel. Changes in the heat transfer properties (k, ρ, and Cp) are incorporated as the composition of the mass changes as the chemical reactions progress. The model is validated against experimental data, with samples heated to 1000°C at 3°C min−1 while purging with nitrogen gas. A sensitivity analysis of model predictions to the pre-exponential factor of the reaction rate constant of the main chemical reaction and the thermal conductivity of the powder bed indicated that, at the envisaged process conditions, the behaviour of the system depends much more on the rate of heat transfer than on the rate of the chemical reaction. The model demonstrated a significant increase in accuracy when the thermal conductivity was modelled to increase linearly with temperature compared to assuming a constant value.

Oct 1, 2022

By E. M. Sacris

The semi-autogenous grinding mill is the bottleneck whenever treating hard and finely fragmented ore at Benguet Corporation's Kaline Concentrator. Low milling rates result from very high and fluctuating mill power draw. Attempts to use a mill horsepower control loop to regulate feed rate were unsuccessful because of operational upsets caused by fluctuations in feed rate on downstream operations. The objective of the computer control was to maximize tonnage throughput by stabilizing the power draw at a high but safe level without upsetting subsequent operations. The semi-autogenous mill is operated in closed circuit with a stationary screen. Instrumentation consists of a feed weightometer, a power transmitter to measure mill load, a headwater flowmeter and an ultrasonic level sensor to measure the mill discharge sump level. A 64 k-byte FOX-3 Foxboro computer processes field data from various sensors and manipulates the input control variables. These variables are the fresh feed rate and the headwater flowrate. Feed rate is controlled through a supervisor-type computer program aimed at maximizing and stabilizing power draw. The control scheme was according to how the operators responded during an operator-directed automatic control mode. Mill dilution is similarly controlled. Results achieved reflect a 3% increase in tonnage milled because of the reduction in control variability that ensued.

Jan 1, 1987

By P. P. Kim, M. Tangstad, T. A. Larssen

"The kinetics of MnO and SiO2 reduction in SiMn slags based on Assmang/Comilog ore and HCFeMn (highcarbon ferromanganese) slag were investigated between 1500 and 1650°C under a CO atmosphere. The results showed that charges containing HCFeMn slag had relatively faster reduction rates than those without. The difference in the driving force for MnO reduction was insignificant among the SiMn slags at 1500°C, which implies a low contribution of the driving force for reduction rate. The slag viscosities were also rather similar, around 1 poise at 1500°C, which could not explain the different reduction rates. Instead, the different charges containing various sulphur contents are believed to give rise to the varying reduction rates. The estimated activation energies for MnO reduction were around 500–920 kJ/mol for charges containing HCFeMn slag, and between 250–300 kJ/mol for those without. Based on the estimated kinetic parameters, the considered rate models were able to describe the reduction of MnO and SiO2 in SiMn slags between 1500 and 1650°C. IntroductionManganese ferroalloys such as ferromanganese (FeMn) and silicomanganese (SiMn) are important ingredients in steel production due to the beneficial effects of manganese on the physical properties of steel. Mn enhances the strength, toughness, and hardness of steel products, and both Mn and Si are used as deoxidizers to prevent the development of porous structures (International Manganese Institute, 2014; Olsen, Tangstad, and Lindstad, 2007; Subramanyam, Swansiger, and Avery, 1990; Tomota et al., 1987).The thermodynamic background of manganese ferroalloys is well established (Olsen, Tangstad and Lindstad, 2007), but kinetic information is rather scarce, especially for the SiMn process (Tranell et al., 2007; Tore-Andre Skjervheim, 1994). The absence of kinetic information makes it more difficult to understand the reduction mechanisms of MnO and SiO2. It is not clear how different raw materials affect the SiMn process. The main metal-producing reactions in the SiMn process are described by Equations [1] and [2]:"

May 1, 2019

By C. T. O’Connor

Since the first IMPC took place in London in 1952 there have been many developments in our understanding of flotation, both in terms of chemical and physical factors influencing the process. Many of these developments have been captured in the proceedings of thirty congresses that have taken place since that first event, as well as in numerous journal papers and special volumes dedicated to flotation. This paper attempts to highlight the individual contributions which many eminent researchers and engineers have made over the past 70 years towards extending our understanding of, especially, the effects of chemical factors on flotation. Although the focus is mainly on more fundamental aspects, it seems that the ‘pull’ of practice has often preceded the ‘push’ from laboratory-based research. As the fundamental understanding of the role of chemical factors on flotation continues to be developed, the major challenge remains to transfer this knowledge effectively into the domain of operations of this profoundly complex process.

Jan 1, 2020

By R. C. J. Goode, W. S. Rapson, W. R. Lawrie, L. W. P. Van Der Bosch

W. R. Lawrie (Member): As all the Institute members present are aware, the Ninth Commonwealth Mining and Metallurgical Congress was held in Great Britain from 3rd to 24th May, 1969. The Congress opened in London and the first week was devoted to technical sessions. Several receptions and other forms of entertainment were held in the evenings. The Congress was attended by some 1 200 delegates, many of whom were accompanied by their wives. As can be imagined a large organisation was needed to cater for all the whims of these delegates, to arrange accommodation and to provide transport for the technical trips, for the receptions and for the sight-seeing tours. Papers presented at the technical sessions proved of great interest. It was stimulating to hear of the developments taking place in the various branches of mining and metallurgy. The discussions which developed between men from so many different countries were thought provoking, led to new friendships and most of us made valuable contacts for the future. There were 141 papers presented in the one week. They were given in four separate halls with two, three and sometimes four papers coming up for discussion in each of the three sessions per day in each hall. Among the more interesting subjects were those concerning off-shore drilling and the facilities for production of petroleum and natural gas. Beach mining at Consolidated Diamond Mines drew a large audience. Automation, mechanization and other technical developments were well described and we were brought up to date with modern techniques of mineral prospecting. There was general discussion on the future of the mineral industries together with comments on the consumption and price trends of these metals and minerals. The future of uranium, of vital interest to us in South Africa, came in for much debate. During the first week, besides attending the technical sessions and seeing some of the sights of London, we were royally entertained. There was a banquet, attended by some I 400 people, where we were welcomed by Princess Alexandra, a reception by H.M. Government in the Banqueting House, and we were entertained at the House of Lords on a terrace overlooking the bustling and rather muddy river Thames. Then there was the visit to the Glyndebourne Opera. It is only in London that at 3 o'clock of an afternoon, nearly 1 000 people all togged up in dress suits and long dresses and carrying packets of sandwiches for supper could arrive at a station to catch a train, and not even cause a stir of interest or a raised eyebrow! This is the way we travelled 60 miles to the opera from London. Surely there can be no more picturesque or romantic a setting for an opera than this large 400-year old red brick manor house nestling in the green valleys of the unspoilt Sussex countryside. It was a glorious evening and though we returned somewhat late and tired, not one of us would have missed this experience. After the first week in London there was a choice of tours of one week to London and the Home Counties, Cornwall, a Geological tour to Scotland, South Wales, and North England. These were followed by further one week tours to Yorkshire and Lancashire, Scotland, West Country and Midlands, a Geological tour of Wales, and a Mining and Geological tour to Jurassic Iron Mines. We then returned to London for the final session and closing banquet. Post-congress tours were arranged to Europe and to Ireland. It was a wonderful Congress, a great experience, we made many friends and may there be many more congresses! . L. W. P. van den Bosch (Member): Much has already been said in appreciation of the excellent organisation and arrangements made for the delegates who attended this Congress. This report is confined to a brief discussion of the personal impressions gained from the papers presented and the technical visits attended. The papers covered a wide variety of subjects ranging from highly theoretical observations to practical descriptions of operations. There were three main themes, VIZ: 1. The attention given to research and its forceful application to practical operation. 2. A steady development in mechanization and automation leading to savings in manpower. 3. Improvization, modernization and adaptation of exisitng facilities. Thoughts on these themes can best be illustrated by comments on some of the industries visited. COAL The National Coal Board (N.C.B.) has been most progressive and all of us have heard of the Bevercotes Colliery with its completely automatic mining and coal handling equipment. This was not, unfortunately, on show but there is no doubt that this is one of the greatest advances in coal mining leading towards continuous production. Coal in Britain is fighting for its life against oil, North Sea gas, imported gases and nuclear power. Output is dropping, the less efficient collieries are closing down and efficiencies are steadily rising as the following tabulation indicates: In 1931: 1 million men produced 300 million tons of coal In 1947: 0.7 million men produced 230 million tons of coal In 1968: 0.4 million men produced 160 million tons of coal

To be held from the 9th to 14th April, 1972, in Johannesburg, South Africa. GENERAL INFORMATION The first symposium in the series was staged by the University of Arizona in 1961. Since then Stanford University, Colorado School of Mines, Pennsylvania State University and the Society of Mining Engineers of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers have acted together with the University of Arizona as co-sponsors of the series. The 9th Symposium in 1970 was sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy together with McGill University and Ecole Poly technique in Montreal. The 10th Symposium, the first to be held outside the North American continent, is being organised by the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the South African Council for Automation and Computation) in close collaboration with the previous co-sponsors. OBJECTIVES Mineral ventures increase in scale and complexity. The planning and control of these projects requires more and more sophisticated techniques. The intention of the symposium is to pool and exchange experience and knowledge and also to discuss new and potential developments. The papers presented in the main sessions, which will extend over one week, will together indicate progress which has been made in the successful application of operations research, mathematical, statistical and computer methods in each of the various aspects of operation in the mineral industry. A coherent account will be developed by consideration, in consecutive sessions, of the stages through which mineral prospects evolve in the course of their life. Primary aims are thus to stimulate discussion in depth of previous applications, to highlight current trends and to provide guidelines for future developments. PARTICIPATION The intention is to bring together persons responsible for managing the various operations in the mineral industry and the workers engaged in the development of mathematical and computer methods relevant thereto. SYMPOSIUM TOPICS 1. Market Analysis-demand and supply trends, models of mineral markets, price prediction. 2. Exploration and ore reserve estimation--exploration strategies, choice of drilling and sampling patterns, quantification of geological information, geo-statistical analysis, ore reserve assessment. Storage and retrieval of associated data. 3. Project design and analysis-influence on viability and risk of capitalisation, scale and method of operation, processing, uncertainties in design premises. 4. Planning of operation-planning and scheduling of construction, of development and of depletion of ore reserves. Logistics, rock mechanics and ventilation. 5. Control of operations-financial, production, cost and quality control as applied to both mining and processing. Flow and processing of relevant information. CALL FOR PAPERS An invitation is extended to intending authors to submit a synopsis, in 200 to 300 words, of papers which would develop the themes outlined above. The Programme Sub-Committee will choose, on the basis of these synopses, some 20 to 30 authors who will be invited to submit papers. Selection will be aimed at the provision of a coherent structure. Other authors may be invited to submit short papers either as contributions to the primary papers or for brief discussion in ancillary sessions which will be scheduled to follow on the main sessions. The official language of the symposium will be English. DEADLINES Prospective authors must submit synopses of papers by ............end April, 1971 Authors will be informed of results of selection of papers by . . . . . . . end June, 1971 Manuscripts will have to be in the hands of the Editors by . . . . . . . . . end October, 1971 PRE-PRINTS Papers selected for presentation in the main sessions will all be pre-printed and distributed prior to the symposium. As many as possible of the shorter papers and prepared contributions will also be pre-printed. PROCEEDINGS All of the main and ancillary papers together with edited discussion will be published shortly after the symposium in a single volume. TOURS AND VISITS A choice of visits to relevant local undertakings on a day during the course of the symposium will be available to participants. These will include a deep level gold mine. A tour which will include mineral projects of interest and the Kruger National Game Park will be arranged in the week following the symposium. LADIES' PROGRAMME Arrangements will be made for the reception and entertainment of ladies. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation will be available at hotels convenient to the symposium venue. The cost of reasonable hotel accommodation in Johannesburg is in the range R5 to RIO (7 to 14 U.S. dollars) per person per night. All reservations and associated arrangements may be made through agents to be appointed by the organisers in due course. FEES AND COSTS Symposium fees will not exceed R70 (100 U.S. dollars). These will include registration, one copy of the published proceedings, a set of pre-prints of the main papers, teas and lunches during the course of the symposium, and the various official social events as well as the mid-week visits. Accommodation, travel and post-symposium tour charges are not included in this figure. FURTHER INFORMATION All communications should be addressed to: The Secretary, South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Kelvin House, Hollard Street, Johannesburg, South Africa.

By I. Cerny, M. Vanek, J. Hubácek

"SWOT analyses and the closely related TOWS matrix are frequent starting points for an organization to develop its strategy. The paper deals with the evaluation of the TOWS matrix and presents three novel approaches to evaluate the different factors of the TOWS matrix, namely (1) approach to evaluate the factors with identical weights; (2) approach to evaluate factors with their weights determined within the different quadrants of the TOWS matrix; and (3) approach to evaluate factors with weights determined within the whole TOWS matrix. The third approach has two variants. The proposed approaches to evaluate the TOWS matrix were tested on a SWOT analysis of a significant mining company in the Czech Republic. The results imply that the strategy W-T (weaknesses-threats) is recommended in three cases, while the strategy S-T (strengths-threats) is recommended once. The paper may be valuable for managers responsible for strategic planning.IntroductionThe process of human needs gratification has been closely connected with raw material resources of the planet. In the contemporary socio-economic conditions, the task of the mining company managers, apart from extracting mineral resources, is to meet the owners' intents.The managerial work itself becomes very complex. In mining companies in particular, the complexity is augmented by the characteristics of the business. Undoubtedly, the key factor is that mineral resources cannot be renewed or relocated. Stojanovi (2013) characterizes mining projects as involving great investments in finance and time, as well as consecutive decisions and a 'complex mosaic of numerous unknown factors that affect the value of the project'. He adds that mining projects are typified by a 'number of geological, technological, technical, economic, environmental, social, and financial risks' (Stojanovi , 2013).Inter alia, the managerial work may also be intese due to the dynamic internal and external conditions for the existence of any company (Vane? k, 2014). This tallies with Peter Drucker’s prediction in 1969; that the times at the turn of the millennium could be expected to be turbulent (Drucker, 1969)."

Dec 1, 2018

By N. V. Moraka

In dealing with transformational aspects, the South African Constitution aspires for a balance between attempts to broadly represent the country’s demographics in the way in which organizations are structured and the need to maintain the necessary skills to ensure continual retention of skills for optimum and efficient organizational performance. Through the Mining Charter, government aimed to redress gender and racial imbalances in the mining industry as part of transforming the demographic representation of mining companies to include black people, women, and people living with disabilities in all job levels up to top management. While the Constitution calls for an appropriate balance between demographic representation and competency, this aspiration for mining poses challenges for companies due to the proficient and competent skills needed in this industry. To this end, the South African mining industry has been subjected to substantial criticism from government regarding the slow progress of transformation. The mining industry justifies its slow pace of transformation by pointing at inconsistent, varying legislation and definitions governing transformation, limited skills available from historically disadvantaged groups, and cautioning not to compromise the sustainability of mining companies by marginalizing white males and white youth with the objective of addressing racial imbalances. This lack of understanding between industry and the government has led to considerable confusion regarding the accountability of stakeholders in transforming the industry. This article presents the perspectives of ten mining executives on transformation in the South African mining industry. The theoretical description of transformation, as well as other mining stakeholders’ interpretations of transformation. is presented. Qualitative data from interviews with mining executives demonstrates their understanding of transformation through rich descriptions, interpretations, and implications in their contexts. The findings demonstrate that transformation in the mining industry is not simply about race and gender, but about cultural change, a change in mind-sets, embracing diversity, equalizing rights and opportunities, and attaining social justice. Moreover, transformation is clearly a gradual process. The article concludes with a recommendation for the definition of transformation to be corroborated with the views of mining executives and that of the Constitution of South Africa. This will create an overarching, simplified definition of transformation that can be accepted and interpreted by all stakeholders.

Jan 1, 2016

By P. O. Akinseye, F. T. Cawood

Mineral royalties are one of the oldest forms of mining taxation, and were initially introduced to extract economic rents from mining. Over time, the royalty regime has become more complex as it was identified as an important policy instrument that can achieve more multi-faceted outcomes. Such a multi-tiered approach in the use of the royalty instrument is also the case with South Africa. With South Africa’s new mineral royalty regime now in place for ten years, it is perhaps time to assess its impact and effectiveness. To carry out this assessment, an econometric evaluative study was undertaken using four major commodities in South Africa, namely gold, platinum, iron ore, and coal. The study explored five different policy options for government to consider and tested them to determine the most favourable one that will realize the regime’s policy objectives. After the assessment, two major options stood out. Hence, this paper seeks to highlight which of the two options is the most favourable for consideration by policymakers. Based on that study, we find that the current structure is effective, but also recommend that the factors in the formula for refined minerals be ‘modified’ to reduce the capped profitability ratio from the current 60% to 30% and the maximum royalty rate for refined minerals from 5% to 3%. The minimum rate of 0.5% during times of depressed mineral prices and no or low profitability will not be affected.

Dec 1, 2021

By F. H. Deist, M. P. Roberts

"The Collieries Research Laboratory of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa is developing a coherent system of programs to aid in the full spectrum of activities arising in the planning of new as well as operating mining enterprises. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the design and application of two subsystems in the complex.One of these subsystems is an initial version of a production simulator. This program draws upon a model of a mining enterprise and simulates the operational and financial aspects of a set of alternative mine production plans.These plans are specified in terms of proposed sequences of operations. Details such as reserves, production rates, resource requirements and so on, are taken from the model.Physically, the model takes the form of a cross-referenced data base, maintained by means of a general file maintenance system which is another subsystem described.The paper concludes with a description and analysis of the first practical application of the two programs."

Jan 1, 2014