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By A Mirzaghorbnali, D Gilbert, R Burton, J Nemcik, N Aziz

Glass-reinforced polymer bolts, commonly known as fibreglass dowels and fibre-reinforced polymer or plastic bolts or plastic dowels are increasingly applied for strata reinforcement in mines as well as in concrete reinforcement in civil engineering. The most popular dowels used in coalmines are the 22?mm diameter fully threaded type. Fibreglass and plastic bolts are cuttable, easy to handle, lightweight and corrosive resistant. A series of tests were undertaken to evaluate various strength properties of fibreglass dowels. These included tensile failure tests by the double-embedment method, a single guillotine shear test and a double shear test, carried out on dowels installed in concrete blocks, and with punch shear tests. Punch shear tests were used to evaluate the dowel shear strength parallel and perpendicular to the fibreglass strands or elements direction of extrusion. The study found that the tensile strength of the 22?mm diameter fibreglass dowels was in the order of 30?t. In the shear testing, the peak shear load was influenced by the encapsulation grout type and the level of fibreglass axial pretension. Also, there was a nearly fivefold difference in the shear strength value of fibreglass dowels tested parallel as against perpendicular to the dowel axis.CITATION:Aziz, N, Gilbert, D, Nemcik, J, Mirzaghorbnali, A and Burton, R, 2014. The strength properties of fibreglass and other polymer-based dowels for strata reinforcement in coalmines, in Proceedings AusRock 2014: Third Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference , pp 263–268 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 5, 2014

By Lin Bin, Qain Minggao, Qu Qundi, Yao Zhichang

This paper describes the application of a 89C52 chip microcomputer in hydraulic pressure information monitoring system of powered supports in a coal face, and the details of circuit and software of a monitoring system substation. Each substati

Jan 1, 1998

Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines Pty Ltd is currently developing the 'Super Pit' gold mine in the mining area known as the Golden Mile adjacent to the city of KalgoorlieBoulder, Western Australia. The presence of numerous abandoned mine workings and complex structural geology has required considerable geotechnical input into the determination of the optimum pit slope geometries for both interim and ultimate pit slopes. Slope design is based on detailed site investigation and stability analysis which is balanced with historical operational experience. This paper discusses the process of determining the optimum pit slope angles for each of the stages of the west wall of the 'Super Pit'. The risks associated with slope instability are discussed for each stage.

Jan 1, 1994

By M Bouare, C Holland, K N’Diaye

Two adjacent open pits in Mali hosted by deeply weathered saprolitic materials were mined consecutively over the course of approximately 12 months. During excavation, both pits experienced significant displacement and tension cracking as the result of deeper than expected depth of weathering coupled with relatively steep slope angles and significant groundwater. In response, geotechnical and operations teams overcame numerous monitoring challenges with prisms and radar to develop a simple and effective monitoring system coupled to a Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) which enabled continued safe operations while reducing ore loss. Observations of previous slope performance of these two pits allowed for greater confidence in empirical failure runout calculations that was used to specify the standoff widths for the exclusion zones in the pit. Back analysis of the slope as-built performance after the first indications of slope distress was also conducted. The back analysis was used to confirm rock mass parameters for modelling while being utilised as a reality check for the stability analysis. The stability analysis indicated that leaving a large step-out or buttress would not prevent the displacement, resulting in some ore being sacrificed to ensure the safety of personnel. Key learnings from this experience highlight the importance of: • up-to-date geological interpretation of the depth of weathering • ensuring slope design guidance is reviewed and updated as latest information (ie geology and monitoring) is received • having multiple complementary slope monitoring methods to ensure redundancy • ensuring visual observations and as-built performance are utilised as a reality check to provide greater confidence in stability analysis and design guidance.

Jun 22, 2022

By E Jak, J Chen, B Hogg, S Nikolic, S Nicol

The quantity of post-consumer ‘waste’ materials generated each year is rapidly increasing. These materials can contain significant quantities of critical metals and present an environmental challenge if landfilled. The ISACYCLE™ technology is a proven solution for the processing of these materials. In the ISACYCLE™ furnace, the post-consumer materials are processed to recover energy along with any contained critical metals, in the form of a base metal alloy or matte. In addition, a clean aggregate (slag) is generated, which has the potential to be used for a range of applications in the construction industry. This slag is commonly based on a fayalite slag but is modified to manage the complex feed. This paper will review the fayalite slag system and the theoretical modifications required for treating urban wastes. Slags from an ISACYCLE™ furnace processing urban wastes have been sampled and characterised. The chemistry of these samples will be reviewed and compared to the expected theoretical modifications required.

Jun 19, 2024

By S Warden, T Neville, P Leckie

At its simplest, the classification and characterisation of an orebody is a matter of Where, What and When. Where and with what spatial resolution are measurements taken, What properties are measured, and When are the data acquired, processed, and delivered to create the most value. This paper delves into how existing and near-term advances in measurement technologies, field automation, and whole-system-digitisation are combining to open new routes for mine and exploration productivity improvement. Commencing when the initial exploration hole is dug, the advancement in deployment of survey technology—from expert-operated, to driller-operated, to driller-integrated—is used to demonstrate a template for adoption of higher technology measurements. We then introduce and discuss the multi-use measurement as offering outsized returns from a single measurement run, highlighting two new technologies that acquire rock strength while drilling and downhole assay data as examples. For rock strength, we highlight a novel approach to determining Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) while drilling, its relationship to and advantages over Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE), and how it offers utility to multiple downstream processes. For downhole assay, we detail how a back-tophysics approach to Pulsed Fast and Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA) analysis offers significant advantages over other measurement methods and earlier implementations of PFTNA, generating a rich data set that can significantly extend and improve the information on which mining decisions are made. Finally, we discuss the possibilities enabled via optimising data delivery, collection, and curation— noting a fundamental limitation of historical systems and exploring the possibilities that will be unlocked by soon-to-market solutions that better enable Orebody Characterisation data to (virtually) move in space and time with rock material post-blasting. Ultimately, the value of optimising the Where, What, and When from point of measurement to the moment it generates maximum value will create greater life-of-asset production for a lower cost and energy input.

Sep 1, 2024

By S Paciornik

The traditional trading of iron ores is based on chemical specifications and particle size distribution. However, recent characterisation studies, that bring additional information like mineralogical composition and microstructural (textural) aspects, have become important. They contribute to determination of the iron ores downstream beneficiation operations and subsequent steelmaking processing, allowing improvements on both new and existing processes. Despite progress in commercial scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) automatic instruments in the last decade, these systems are not capable of performing the identification and discrimination of major iron ore minerals (haematite and magnetite) and the consequent description of its microstructure. On the other hand, reflected light microscopy (RLM) can easily distinguish the iron oxides by their reflectancies, but it cannot discriminate quartz and epoxy resin, which present similar colour on images. The present work proposes an innovative method to perform a quantitative mineralogy characterisation of iron ore based on RLM-SEM co-site microscopy. This technique combines images obtained by RLM and SEM through an automatic registration procedure that accurately aligns the two kinds of images of each field. In fact, it creates multi-dimensional images, which are then analysed using image processing and pattern recognition techniques. The case study is an itabiritic iron ore from Quadrilßtero Ferrffero (Brazil) which contains mainly quartz, goethite, magnetite and haematite. The discrimination of phases that are not distinguishable with either RLM (epoxy resin and quartz) or SEM (haematite and magnetite) can be performed through this multimodal approach, allowing the subsequent mineralogical quantification. The mineralogical quantification computed by image analysis was consistent with independently obtained results based on the Rietveld technique.

Jan 1, 2008

By S B. Fitch, S A. Wilson, A J. R Barr, P R. Searle

Improving the safety culture and performance of any operation is a fundamental goal of every mine operator. Methods of implementing, or changing a culture have developed from the early methods of operant conditioning, for example rewarding crews for achieving nominated safety milestones i.e. 3 months Lost Time Injury (LTI) free through to the current model of engaging a workforce through education and empowerment. As a large scale and mature operation with multiple contractors, Telfer has been exposed to numerous programs throughout its history. This has provided the opportunity to build on and complement these systems by integrating key elements from each. SAFE 360° is a new approach developed to engage the workforce in a holistic approach to encourage positive behaviours across all facets of an individual’s life which results in a focus on situational awareness at all times, rather than being workplace specific. It is based on three key modules: • Emotional Intelligence • Mindfulness • Situational Awareness Each module has a series of modules that help enhance the individual’s sense of self, leading to an ability to self-reflect and self-manage whilst empowering them with the moral courage to challenge their peers to raise standards. Since commencing this SAFE 360° behavioural safety risk management journey in November 2017, we have witnessed a change in the way our workforce engages with each other, their workplace and with management. There has been an increase in hazard perception, identification and ownership of issues, and we have seen a significant decrease in site TRIFR rate from 13.7 to 5.7 (as of April 2019). This paper will provide an overview of the program, how it has been implemented, case studies to demonstrate outcomes and KPIs used to measure effectiveness.

Mar 15, 2021

By A Roshal

It is anticipated that many future uranium mines in Australia will be using the in situ leaching mining process. It is fair to say that close to one third of uranium production will be generated by this method, whilst the other two thirds will fall on the uranium generated from hard rock mining and other mining methods, such as traditional open cut mining. For other types of deposits the in situ leaching mining method will remain the best technological, commercial and environmental alternative. It is important to identify and prevent all risks involved in uranium mining. The expertise in this subject is limited. Over the years there was only one mine using the in situ leaching process for uranium extraction in Australia. Computer simulation of propagation of leachate during and after the uranium in situ leaching is a crucial factor, not only for addressing the environmental concerns, but also for the most efficient recovery of the deposit. The decontamination can be modelled for a period of up to 100 years, with the acid neutralisation forecast for a period of up to 400 years. The results of the modelling are paramount for definition of the reserves, efficiency of the mining method and the environmental impact statement. The accuracy of the hydrogeological modelling and carefully selected environmental management program enables a mining company to quantify and minimise the impact of the mining activities on the regional aquifer and to prevent environmental disasters. In the study, the completed hydrogeological model allowed the client, the authorities and the community to make an informed decision about the environmental impact of the in situ leaching of uranium. In particular, the model proved that neither during the mining, nor during the neutralisation the toxic elements would interact with the local catchment area.

Jan 1, 2008

By K White, C Ferguson, M Harding

Understanding watercourses and river processes at a landscape scale is vital for managing risk to mining infrastructure and operations as well as minimising future environmental impacts beyond the life of the mine. Recognising this, Iluka Resources Limited engaged Alluvium Consulting Australia to identify and characterise watercourses across several neighbouring mineral tenements in the Eucla Basin, South Australia (Alluvium, 2013, 2014a, 2014b). The objective of the studies was to inform planning for risk management during mine planning and operation and appropriate landscape rehabilitation for mine closure.Mining operations in the area are by open cut extraction of mineral sands. The extracted resource is processed on-site before leaving the site for export. Several pits are to be developed in stages with simultaneous backfilling and surface reinstatement. Mining is initially taking place in the Jacinth tenement, where up to 100 km of watercourses may be directly or indirectly impacted (refer to Figure 1).The total study area (shown in Figure 1) is approximately 330 km2 and spans three smaller areas that were the focus of separate investigations during mine planning.CITATION:Ferguson, C, White, K, Harding, M and Hardie, R, 2016. Landscape-scale assessment of watercourses in remote arid South Australia to inform mine planning to mine closure, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2016 Conference, pp 200–204 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jun 28, 2016

By A L. de Ambrosis, S J. Clarke

In the non-codified realm of tunnel design there are issues which are sure-fire instigators of controversy. This paper presents a discussion regarding one particular issue which in the authors’ experience often results in comment and debate. This issue only forms part of the rock load assessment process, but it is specifically addressed with the intention of presenting a rational basis for design, which may result in broader acceptance within the tunnel design community.The issue considered relates to the characterisation of in situ rock stresses for the design of tunnel support in the Sydney Basin. A summary is given of the literature on the topic, with emphasis on the main sources of uncertainty and contention. A design approach is proposed, with particular focus given to the numerical modelling of in situ ground stresses and the approach used to ensure that the adopted stress regime is consistent with the assumed ground model. The resulting variability in the initial stress field is discussed and comparisons made to the test database.CITATION:de Ambrosis, A L and Clarke, S J, 2014. Characterisation of in situ stresses for tunnel lining design in the Sydney?Basin, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 247–252 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By W J. Shaw

Mining operations must become more predictable to overcome the volatility that has characterised the mining industry. Comparisons of production against predictions will become more consistent as mining operations merge and expand, as personnel move from site to site, and as public reporting of reconciliations becomes more prevalent. More consistent approaches are already being seen in the industry using the terminology used in this paper and elsewhere.Examples are provided that show how use of the waterfall chart as a reconciliation management tool can provide objective analysis to improve practices.Geometallurgical modelling is becoming more useful and will continue to do so as we move from a few bulk samples to better interpretation of material properties from geological mapping and drill sampling. Reconciliation has evolved to the stage where predictions of geometallurgical properties to optimise mill performance, and of geotechnical properties derived from better 3D geological models, should also be reconciled.CITATION:Shaw, W J, 2014. Reconciliation – outcomes and expectations, in Proceedings Ninth International Mining Geology Conference 2014 , pp 123–128 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 18, 2014

No Paper

Jan 1, 1996

This paper describes an ongoing study into the management systems developed by mining operations in Papua New Guinea to address particular public health issues in the workforce (primarily communicable and lifestyle diseases). The first stage of the study involves the analysis of the site health and safety management system documentation of three major mining operations in Papua New Guinea, producing a descriptive summary of each system. In the second stage of the study these summary descriptions are evaluated using a maturity model constructed through a detailed review of literature. Experience with the evaluation process is then used to refine the maturity model. The analysis performed in the study is used to develop a process for creating a maturity model for mine site health risk management based on a theoretical risk management framework, and refining it through empirical evaluations of the actual systems in place on site. Companies can use maturity models as a guide to organisational improvement, which in the context of the study will assist the operations in developing their systems for the management of health both in their workforce and in local communities.

Jan 1, 2007

By P W. Cleary, G K. Robinson, M D. Sinnott

Discrete element modelling (DEM) is a research tool that involves numerically solving the equations of motion of large numbers of particles. It can be very useful for investigating mechanisms that can lead to bias when extracting samples from material as it is carried on a conveyor belt or as it falls from the end of a conveyor belt. DEM is more realistic than conceptual models and mathematical models; but it is not as realistic as physical experimentation. Its primary advantages over physical experimentation are that it is cheaper and that it allows many factors to be varied while keeping other factors unchanged.This paper reviews our investigations of the performance of sampling systems by using DEM. The sampling systems investigated include falling-stream cutters, cross-belt cutters, Vezins and a device called a ætrue-beltÆ cutter, which is being developed. The purpose of the review is to explain what DEM has contributed to the theory and practice of sampling, and to indicate what it is likely to be able to contribute in the future.CITATION:Robinson, G K, Cleary, P W and Sinnott, M D, 2012. How discrete element modelling is influencing the theory and practice of sampling, in Proceedings Sampling 2012 , pp 15-20 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 21, 2012

By A Fitzpatrick

An integrated and dynamic water balance and water quality model for a proposed base metal mine has been created using the GoldSimÖ software package. The model was initially developed to address the water quality of the Tailings Management Facility pond and how pond discharge would potentially affect downstream water quality. However, due to changing project objectives, the modelling has expanded over time through an iterative process to encompass the full mine site and all receiving environment water quality. The model results have been used as part of the mine planning/design process but are also intended to be used for the environmental impact assessment and permitting process. The model has been built to allow for changes to input terms to be readily made as additional data becomes available. The model results serve as a prediction of water quality and the potential project impacts to the receiving environment water quality. This paper presents the process by which data from a wide variety of sources was used to construct the model and how the model results were used to guide development of a conceptual water management plan. In addition, the role of the model in establishing proposed discharge criteria will be highlighted. The model has been delivered as a fully functional application with the intent that the end-user can be other than the modeller, the development of this aspect shall also be covered. CITATION:Fitzpatrick, A, 2012. Predictive site-wide water quality modelling as a tool for mine planning and permitting - A recent Canadian example, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2012 , pp 71-78 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 10, 2012

By D Giles, A C. Bailey

In the first 20 years of the 21st century, just over 20 per cent of Australian mineral exploration expenditure was dedicated to iron ore, totalling >A$8 billion and >30 million metres of drilling (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021). Improvements in the cost, efficiency, safety, reliability and data quality of drilling have the potential to deliver significant productivity improvements, increasing the probability of discovery and reducing the time from discovery to mining. Currently in its third year of research, Mineral Exploration Cooperative Research Centre (MinEx CRC) is focused on a new set of exploration tools and new ways to deploy those tools which recognise the fundamental importance of collecting quantity and quality data from the subsurface, to enable exploration success for all minerals, including iron ore. MinEx CRC is focused on developing more productive, safer and environmentally friendly drilling methods to discover and drill-out deposits. This includes pioneering work on Coil Tube (CT) drilling technology and innovations in Diamond and Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling techniques aimed at improved drilling optimisation and automation. In parallel, MinEx is developing new technologies for collecting data whilst drilling. This is being undertaken in four separate industry-led projects utilising geophysical, seismic, downhole analytical and 3-dimensional (3D) modelling improvements. A National Drilling Initiative (NDI) is also underway, with two drilling programs completed in 2020. The NDI is a world-first collaboration of Geological Surveys, researchers and industry, which undertakes drilling in under-explored areas of potential mineral wealth in Australia and provides a test-bed for new mineral exploration technologies.

Nov 8, 2021

Australia is presently the world's principal producer of rutile and zircon, and also provides a major share of the world's ilmenite. Since 1980, Australia's share of the world's output of these minerals has fallen. Exhaustion of known resources, together with the changing composition of new deposits, is expected to result in Australia's share of the rutile and zircon output continuing to decline. Its role as a major supplier of upgraded ilmenite, that is synthetic rutile, is expected to increase. In 1994, the Bureau of Resource Sciences assessed Australia's demonstrated resources of mineral sands as follows: rutile 14.4 Mt, ilmenite 132.5 Mt, and zircon 21.0 Mt. These resources are located along the coast of Queensland and New South Wales, in the Murray Basin of New South Wales and Victoria, in the southwest corner of Western Australia, and in the Eneabba region, north of Perth. However, some 45 per cent of rutile and zircon resources along the coast of Queensland and New South Wales are not available for mining because of environmental concerns. World demonstrated resources are estimated at 40 Mt (contained TiO2) for rutile, 50 Mt for zircon and approximately 312 Mt (contained T1O2) for ilmenite. Outside of Australia, the most important resources of rutile, ilmenite and zircon are in South Africa (rutile, zircon , and ilmenite in the form of titania slag), Sierra Leone (rutile), India (ilmenite, zircon and rutile), and Canada (hard rock ilmenite). Significant resources of ilmenite occur in Madagascar and Mozambique.

Jan 1, 1996

By P M. Dight

Shotcrete usage in declines and developments has become pervasive as operators strive to achieve production improvements. Issues of mix control, fibreload, thickness control, temperature and curing conditions all play a part in the quality control. Often to overcome some of the quality control issues designers over specify the strength requirements in order to meet their operational constraints. Adherence to the standard civil testing requirements of 28 days moist cured at 21ºC without properly calibrating these results to the changing environment underground leads to contractual disputes. There are a number of standard tests specified including cylinder tests, cored tests, beam tests and round determinate panel (RDP) panel tests. The logistics of storing these samples and then transporting them to concrete testing laboratories without due regard to temperature changes with time can influence the results. All the samples can be readily handled by personnel except the RDP panel. The standard RDP panel is 800 mm diameter by 75 mm thick and requires an ITH machine at the mine and a fork lift at the laboratory to move it around. This paper will examine the possibility of a panel which provides scalable results to the standard RDP panel but can be easily handled by personnel and/or tested on site with suitable equipment. This allows for faster turn around and better quality control for the sample prior to testing. This enhances the identification of quality control issues at the mine and improves safety.

Mar 21, 2011

By M Nagarajan

Orica Mining Services (Orica) in partnership with Coal and Allied’s Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) has developed a risk management process to maximise mining efficiency whilst controlling vibration and maintaining critical electricity continuity to New South Wales (NSW) electricity grid in the Riverview Pit. The issue is a high tension tower which supplies electricity located within 40 m of mining and blasting activities. The process involved developing an understanding of the relationship between vibration, explosives, geology and the location of the blasting in the geological horizon. From this an optimum methodology for blasting in each region was developed.

Nov 8, 2011