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There is a Chinese saying-may you live in interesting times. Certainly we do tod.a~our mining professions. We are, of course, totally dependent on a' healthy mining industry for the chance to practice our chosen professions, and for our Institute.Let us look at one of the more interesting facts. The mining industry now accounts for some 50 per cent of Australia's exports.This massive earning of foreign exchange is the key to keeping our increasing overseas debt in check. Furthermore, mineral production..including petroleum, saves us a large amount of foreign currency by providing essential minerals, including energy minerals, for local consumption.With such fundamental inputs to our economy, any primary school student, any child in fact, should be able to see that the mining industry and mining professions are very important to our nation. Yet the average citizen is unaware of this simple fact as they enjoy their high standard'of living and think that we are still living in the lucky country.Therefore, it is most interesting to me that the average citizen, and most of our politicians, seem to hold mining and miners in low esteem. I use the term miners to describe all those important people, like us, who work in the mining professions, and are employed by, or are dependent on, the mining industry.So why are we miners in this paradoxical situation of doing wonderful works, being the backbone of the country, and yet being held in low regard by the very community we underwrite.Truly-it is interesting-or did the Chinese mean intriguing?It is indeed paradoxical that we are the rare people who open up the land, borrow small parts of it for a relatively short time to harvest the mineral crops, then return it to the community for other uses; and when we return the land back to the community at large it should be in better shape than when we started. There will be infrastructure - roads, airstrips, supplies of water and power, parks and housing-all left behind after mining.These benefits to the community are ignored while our critics focus on the small scars on the landscape which sometimes cannot be healed at reasonable cost; and yet, if we allow time, nature usually heals the small scars anyway. Look at New Zealand, particularly the Coromandel Peninsula which was intensively mined and logged; now it is covered with secondary growth and stark pine plantations. Remember that mining scars are infinitesimally small when compared to urban sprawl or clearing of land for farming and grazing, or highways, or the area of most national parks.Thus, miners are important citizens economically, and we are the majority of the few who actually practice the principles of multiple land use.What are the consequences of our image? They are serious in that the poor image we seem to project, discourages many people from becoming involved in, or supportive of, our industry. This brings me to my theme for the year: Students, Education and Communication - the Key to our Future.

Jan 1, 1987

By Rowe P, Rogers D, Warren M

Pressure cyanidation of the minus 10 micron slimes fraction of the Fimiston flotation concentrates for the recovery of gold values has been evaluated as an alternative processing route to the roasting and atmospheric cyanide leaching of the calcine. Laboratory and pilot trials have demonstrated that gold extractions of greater than 94 per cent can be achieved at cyanide consumptions of 12-24 kg/t and oxygen consumptions of 0.1-0.3 Nm3/t with total pressures of 1000-2000 kPa. Economic and operational assessment of several reactor configurations suggests autoclaves may be preferred over pipe reactors at treatment rates of 10 t concentrate/h.

Jan 1, 1996

By Marshall B, Gee R. D

Geological data processing by machine enables'an increased rate of coverage, better supervision and control of field programmes, increased effectiveness of field operators, and vastly improved access to old and new field data. Even a system of restricted felxibility enables a mapping programme to be organ- ized and conducted independent of personnel changes, whilst elimination of much compilation time increases the rate of cover- age such that it relates to mode of transport and geological complexity rather than to personality factors. A machine is useful only if applied to tasks suited to its capabilities, and must be aimed at those types of mapping in which a limited number of attributes adequately define the problem, and the data is of a form suited to coding and is normally collected in sufficient abundance to make compilation wearisome. Machine systems are therefore unsuited to most types of lithological mapping and to most types of exploration in new areas, but have proved useful in many branched of cartographic geophysics (e.g. gravity and magnetics), and in cartographic Geochemistry.

Jan 1, 1969

By S F. Wang, J J. Yin

Dust pollution poses a persistent challenge within mining processes, giving rise to a spectrum of concerns, including occupational diseases, mechanical degradation, diminished visibility, and the potential for dust explosion incidents. Existing dust detection and monitoring methodologies face limitations, including insufficient measurement accuracy and intricate processing procedures. Consequently, a comprehensive identification and evaluation system rooted in image processing technology is proposed to facilitate real-time measurements of dust pollution in mining worksites. The study primarily employs grey scale average and fractal dimensions to characterise particle features evident in collected dust images. As a result, the data processing platform can dynamically process data and present dust pollution conditions. Notably, this research integrates the monitoring and assessment of dust pollution with the systematic adjustment of mining parameters, ventilation parameters, and strategies for dust reduction. Through statistical analysis of dust concentration and particle size during mining processes, rock properties such as components and cuttability can inform mining parameters. This information, in turn, guides detailed excavation strategies, including cutterhead speeds, torque, and excavation speed. Similarly, analysing dust characteristics derived from images is a valuable resource for gaining deeper insights into the efficacy of implemented ventilation strategies. By harnessing vision-based information detailing dust concentration and distribution, a wealth of direct guidance becomes available for refining ventilation parameters. This encompasses crucial aspects such as the selection of appropriate ventilation systems tailored to the specific mining environment and the optimisation of operational conditions for ventilation fans. Additionally, the detailed information derived from the visual data allows for strategic decisions on factors like the spatial arrangement of ventilation outlets and the calibration of airflow rates. Moreover, precise choices for dust reduction measures and parameters can be made based on the prevailing dust conditions. Upon real-time monitoring of dust pollution using the proposed method, corresponding measures such as spraying and foaming can be promptly implemented. Crucial parameters, such as spray angles and volume, are integral to these application processes. In essence, the proposed method assumes a pivotal role in not only dust monitoring but also the formulation of preventative and control measures within mining processes.

Sep 1, 2024

Tectonic subsidence plots have been calculated for well, extrapolated-well and significant off-well (seismically-based) locations in the Vulcan Sub-basin and adjacent highs (western Timor Sea). The subsidence curves have been normalized to a common datum, the distinctive "near top Permian" marker, and corrected for sediment compaction, palaeobathymetry, eustatic sea-level change and loading effects.Four principal phases of post-Permian basin development are recognised and quantitatively described by integrating the results of the sub-sidence analysis into the regional (e.g. recent Ocean Drilling Program-derived) framework of the tectonic evolution of the North West Shelf. They are1. the Triassic-mid Jurassic Westralian Superbasin intracratonic phase,2. the late Jurassic-early Cretaceous North West Shelf rift phase,3. the mid Cretaceous-Palaeogene North West Shelf subsidence phase, and4. the Neogene-present Timor collision phase. Rapid Triassic tectonic subsidence occurred in an intracratonic setting, possibly subsequent to aborted late Palaeozoic rifting. Intracratonic sub-sidence mechanisms such as deep crustal metamorphism and/or intrustion and regional tectonic compression are invoked in addition to any post-rift thermal subsidence which may have occurred.

Jan 1, 1990

By Flierman GA, Van Toor CH

Investigations were carried out of burden distribution using a full scale model of the furnace top. Various charging sequences were used and large differences were found between ore charged as sinter-pellets and as pellets-sinter. These were attributed to the differences in the angle of repose between the two materials. Permeability index was defined which was independent of the driving rate from which a furnace resistance index was obtained for use in weekly reports. Results are summarised as a single expression between blast rates and pressures and the values of Qbl and Qmax are continuously measured to aid the operators in controlling the wind rate in the safe AP region. Results also indicate a reserve in capacity of No. 7 BF.

Jan 1, 1975

By Wright R, Stock E. C

The Windarra nickel deposits known to date comprise two sulphide orebodies located at Mount Windarra and South Windarra. These orebodies, which are 15 km apart, lie within an ultramafic complex at or near its footwall contact with a banded iron formation. The Windarra deposits are 270 km north-northeast of Kalgoorlie in West- ern Australia which was the centre of a major nickel exploration programme fol- lowing the discovery of nickel deposits at Kambalda in 1966. Surface indications of the Mount Windarra orebody were discovered in 1969 by Mr. Ken Shirley while prospect- ing the Laverton area for Poseidon Ltd. (then NL). The mineralisation was loc- ated by systematic prospecting for goss- anous material associated with aero-mag- netic anomalies and ultramafic rocks. The South Windarra deposit was dis- covered in 1971 by the Union-Hanna- Homestake Joint Venture, by exploring along the strike extension of the mount Windarra ultramafic-banded iron format- ion contact. A detailed ground magnet 1. Acting Operations Superintendent, Windarra Nickel Project, Windarra, W.A. 2. Senior Geologist, Windarra Nickel Project, Windarra, W.A. 3. Mine Geologist, Windarra Nickel Project, Windarra, W.A.

Jan 1, 1973

By H E. S Moorcroft, D Scott

The increasing mining depths of South African gold mine deposits are resulting in ever-increasing heat loads associated with depth and the geothermal gradient. Together with changes in the mining horizons brought about by the depletion of older, shallower, high-grade reserves, this leads to the need for the continuous review and redesign of cooling requirements. Traditionally, cooling requirements were met by using a combination of cooling strategies, including bulk air cooling on surface and underground. If this proved to be insufficient, chilled service water and secondary remote air-cooling systems were introduced. This paper reviews these practices in order to provide a cost-effective means of catering for the introduction of hydropower at the Gold Fields Ltd South African operations. Some of the equipment that has been developed to meet the requirements of both hydropower and refrigeration includes hydropower fans, cooling coils and in-stope venturis. These are individually described and discussed, together with their roles within the greater strategy. The planned change in the cooling strategy and the employment of these technologies have effectively doubled the cooling available, from 10 MW to more than 20 MW, extracted from the hydropower water used to drive the mining equipment. In conclusion, the cooling strategy described allows a total heat load of approximately 52 MW to be successfully ventilated and cooled through the use of combined surface and underground refrigeration installations, and through the use of hydropower-chilled water.

Jan 1, 2005

Thank you for this opportunity to address your conference on The role of coal in the New Zealand energy market".New Zealand's energy market has, in common with much of New Zealand, undergone major change following the market reforms of the Labour Government.As far as the energy sector is concerned this change has been for the better, as it has created for the first time in a very long time a "true economic market" for energy in New Zealand.

Jan 1, 1990

By Szymanski J

Although efforts towards producing a `total quality rockfill product' have allowed cemented rockfill costs to be reduced considerably, there is still tremendous potential for further cost reductions. Cemented rockfill costs range from approximately $7 to $12 (US) per tonne of fill placed. Approximately 50 per cent of the rockfill costs are associated with cement costs. A large portion of the remaining 50 per cent is associated with labour and materials handling costs. Several Canadian underground mines utilise haulage trucks and/or conventional belt conveyors to distribute the rockfill. However, due to the restrictive nature of the underground environment, these current materials handling systems have limitations (ie spillage from trucks, dust from conveyors). The Sicon conveyor system (developed in Sweden) has considerable potential for replacing these current methods. The Sicon conveyor utilises a revolutionary approach - the conveyor belt is folded over upon itself (forming a tear drop shape) so that the transported material is completely encased within the belt. The Sicon conveyor's ability to negotiate very tight comers (without transfer points) makes the conveyor very appealing for underground mining applications. An analysis comparing the pros and cons associated with the Sicon conveyor system versus conventional materials handling systems will be presented in this paper.

Jan 1, 1995

By Hatherly P, Luo X, Balusu R, Gale W

Ongoing, collaborative research between CSIRO's Exploration and Mining and Strata Control Technology has resulted in a better understanding of rock failure mechanisms around longwall extraction. Failure has occurred further ahead of the retreating face than predicted by conventional longwall geomechanics theory. In some cases significant failure has been detected several hundred metres ahead of the face position with demonstrated influences of minor geological discontinuities. Shear, rather than tensile failure has been the predominant failure mechanism in the environments monitored. Validating technologies of microseismic monitoring and new face monitoring techniques have assisted the development of predictive 2D computational modelling tools. The demonstrated 3D consequences of failure has assisted in the ongoing direction of the project to further investigate these effects.

Jan 1, 1998

By Distin P. A

The extraction of platinum and rhodium from scrapped honeycomb autocatalyst into hydrochloric acid/aluminum chloride/nitric acid solutions is described. Results are given for the effects of leachant composition, temperature and catalyst pre-reduction using hydrogen. Data are also presented for the recovery, by hydrogen reduction, of platinum and rhodium dissolved in the leach solution. Parameters studied include solution composition and temperature, hydrogen pressure, and platinum seed addition.

Jan 1, 1992

A Feasibility Study to determine the future of ZC Mines was completed in mid 1987. Early in this study, which lasted two years, it was identified that significant reductions in treatment costs would result if the Zinc Corporation Concentrator was closed. All of the production from the existing two mines, The Zinc Corporation Limited (ZC) and New Broken Hill Consolidated Limited (NBHC), would then be treated in the concentrator at NBHC.After a partial upgrade of the NBHC concentrator, the ZC concentrator was finally closed and all of the equipment disposed of. This closure highlighted the need to concentrate all ore haulage in one shaft to further reduce operating costs and remove the cost of surface transport of ZC production to the improved NBHC concentrator. This paper outlines the changes that were made to improve the haulage system for ZC Mines. After a number of options were investigated, it was finally decided that the upgrade of the existing NBHC haulage shaft was the best option even though some production would be lost while the upgrade was in progress.

Jan 1, 1988

By Ross C

This paper uses the results of research trials by Landcare Research and Forest Research Institute and assessments of reclamation plantings at mines and other drastically disturbed sites to describe methods of enhancing restoration of native forests. The characteristics of mine and forest environments are compared to highlight the difficulties facing restoration and techniques which result in successful restoration are described. Selection of the most appropriate technique is illustrated by describing restoration of lowland beech-podocarp forest at a West Coast coal mine. The key to successful reclamation is to understand the factors controlling and limiting plant establishment and growth, then to design rooting media, surfaces and management regimes to create a favourable environment. This paper concludes with a summary of the planning and technical factors which are critical for successful restoration of native forest.

Jan 1, 1995

The Kangiara mine is located within the Middle to Upper Silurian Hawkins Volcanics of the Douro Group near Yass, New South Wales. The deposit is a po1ymetallic type within a rhyolitic tuff.The ore minerals comprise pyrite, sphalerite, botryoidal sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, marcasite, tetrahedrite, bismuthinite, bismuth, silver, electrum, chalcocite, covellite, and digenite. The gangue minerals are quartz, barite, calcite, and the host rock. Locally sericite occurs.Several distinct ore types can be recognized, mainly on the basis of their macroscopic textural appearance, and it is inferred from these general features that the mineralization had a submarine volcanic-sedimentary origin similar to that of the Kuroko deposits in Japan.

Jan 1, 1976

The Ore Reserve System implemented at Mount Isa for Mount Isa Mines Limited is a comprehensive' computer system designed to process assay, geological, structural and survey data for Isa and Hilton Mines. This paper outlines the achievements of this system to date and by example, discusses the various reports and plotted output available. __ The impact of the ore reserve system particularly within the-Geology and Mine Plan ning Departments is reviewed in terms of new approaches to ore reserve calculations, evaluating the economics of various mining methods and reviewing preliminary stope designs. The compilation of metal distributions for both copper and lead orebodies at varying cut offs and reducing the involvement of skilled personnel in preparing non-standard plots of borehole paths are discussed. Options available through the system and their applications are outlined together with the planned future development of the system.

Jan 1, 1974

Amongst the Pacific Rim countries, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the leader in new gold discoveries and developments leading to new production. PNG has shown a dramatic increase in gold production when taken from a base of about 600 000 ounces in 1984 to 1 160 000 ounces in 1986. 1987 is expected to produce about 1 500 000 ounces and new planned developments will give further large increases. PNG's leading position when compared with neighboring Pacific Rim countries is only partly due to its favorable geological setting along the "Rim of Fire" epithermal zone. More important have been well-thought-out mining development legislation and good administration as well as consistent taxation and royalty policies. A stable political environment and a track record of new mining developments over the last 15 years, both pre and post Independence in 1975, have also been important factors in encouraging the new developments. Early Portuguese explorers associated the New Guinea mainland with gold as early as 1525 but it was not un,11 1R77 that a small ill-fated gold rush gave the first recorded production at Laloki near Port Moresby. Modest but commercial discoveries were made in the outer islands and coastal mainland regions from 1888 to 1926. In 1922 William "Sharkeye" Park found gold at Edie Creek and this led to major discoveries at Wau and Bulolo which were the first large scale commercial gold Operations.

Jan 1, 1987

By Meyer C. F

The increasing use of continuous miners in the extraction of high coal seams has amplified the need for enhanced ventilation systems in the headings. Owing to larger face dimensions and higher production rates, more ventilating air is required to effectively dilute liberated methane to acceptable concentrations. However, the increased air quantities raise and entrain greater amounts of dust, to which the operator is subjected. Various methods (eg sprayfans, on-board scrubbers and jet fans) are used in various configurations and combinations to ventilate the headings. These arrangements generally result in a complex air flow pattern, which complicates achieving an optimum balance between diluting methane and minimising dust capture. In order to cost effectively investigate and propose solutions to this problem for the South African coal mining industry, the Division of Mining Technology has embarked on an extensive work program to evaluate various ventilation methods presently in use. Four currently generic ventilation patterns in various heading scenarios have been simulated using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) computer program. Evaluating these outputs against a predetermined set of criteria allows the best system for a particular situation to be chosen. The program also facilitates fine-tuning of an adopted system without incurring the cost and inconvenience of doing such tests in situ. This process not only provides solutions at significantly reduced costs, but also yields deeper insights into the factors affecting heading ventilation than hitherto possible.

Jan 1, 1995

The most frequent initiation of coal dust explosion results from the ig- nition of high methane volumes, often at low concentration close to the minimum flammability limit, by a weak ignition source, e.g. frictional sparks. Tests performed in the 400 m underground test gallery of 7.5 m2 cross section indica- ted the following: 1. Methane at 200 m3 volume and con- centration 4.0 - 5.0 % CH4 may initiate the coal dust explosion. 2. Suppression of explosions result- ing from such initiation is very difficult, even when employing triggered, barriers.

Jan 1, 1988

By R Rankine

Backfilling with paste fill has been an integral component of open stoping at Cannington since commencement of operations. Efficient paste filling is critical to successful mining of the Cannington orebody. There has been a deliberate and ongoing effort into research and development of paste, with the focus being to optimise the performance and cost of paste. This paper describes the latest research and operational issues of Cannington paste fill.

Jan 1, 2005