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By T. Dimillo, R. G. B. Pickeirng

The South African gold and platinum deposits were formed in very different ways and yet both have many similarities. They are flat dipping tabular ore bodies, extremely narrow and located in hard abrasive country rock. The mining methods employed are also similar. Primary access is via shafts or declines; secondary access is via haulages and cross cuts; and tertiary access is from raises. The proposed solution for rapid access described in this paper is focussed on the haulages, cross cuts and raises. The non-explosive rock breaking method has many other applications, however, it is the integration with the Tunnel Digging Machine that results in the first, cost effective, Continuous Tunnelling Machine for hard rock mining.

Sep 1, 2001

By C. P. S. Barnard, D. G. Krige

Objective justification on economic grounds for expenditure aimed at improving the quality of the underground working environment requires a suitable measure of any improvement in productivity that would result under routine working conditions. For this purpose, a composite production criterion is suggested, as well as its correlation under actual operating conditions with various factors directly affecting productivity and the environment. Of the environmental factors, wet-bulb temperature appears to be the major factor affecting productivity. The production data given indicate that a decrease in the wet-bulb temperature of 1OC can be expected to result, on average, in some 3 to 4 per cent increase in productivity; in the higher temperature ranges, this percentage could be much higher.

Jan 1, 1981

By M. U. Özbay

A series of blasting experiments was carried out in an up-dip stope of a gold mine using short-perioddelay electric detonators. The main object of the investigation was to show the interactive effects of short-delay blasting. The delay range over which observations were made was restricted to between 10 and 200 ms. To quantify the blast results, data were collected on fragmentation, throw, position of muckpile, and ground vibration. For comparative purposes, blasting parameters for conventional pyrotechnic sequential firing were also measured. The paper describes the most relevant parts of the study and gives the experimental results. The interactive effects of short-delay blasting are analysed, and some aspects of the breaking mechanism are discussed.

Jan 1, 1985

By L. J. Park, A. D. Thomas

Gladstone Pacific Nickel Limited (GPNL) is proposing to develop the Marlborough nickel deposit in central Queensland and the Yarwun Refinery in Gladstone, Australia. The project proposes to connect the two sites with a DN 500, single pump station slurry pipeline, transporting up to 4 Mtpa of nickel laterite ore as slurry 180 km from Marlborough to Gladstone. Slurry viscosity is a key parameter influencing pipeline design. Not only is the slurry viscosity relatively high, requiring pumping at low concentrations, around 30% by weight, but the viscosity (yield stress and plastic viscosity) increases with shearing or agitation. It is argued that the viscosity changes can be analysed in terms of total energy input, including energy input during grinding. The slurry viscosity is therefore expected to increase along the pipeline and the pumping concentration must be low enough such that the increase in yield stress does not cause transition to laminar flow towards the end of the pipeline. The base viscosity of two ore types is determined using a rotational viscometer for minus 212 micron slurries. Viscosity variations with ore particle sizes of d99 212, 425 and 600microns are investigated. For each of these particle sizes the expected increase in viscosity during pipeline transport is simulated on a laboratory scale by agitation with a turbine mixer in a baffled container to give the same equivalent unit energy input as will occur in the pipeline. Tests were also conducted on the d99425 micron slurry in a 2.7 metre diameter DN 200Wheelstand, rotated for the 23 hour transit time and at a similar relative velocity as in the pipeline. Based on the Wheel stand test results the yield stress is expected to increase by a factor of 3.1during pipeline transit. The preliminary design allows for a reduced pumping concentration to accommodate this increase in yield stress towards the end of the pipeline.

Jan 1, 2007

By N. Watson

Historically the insurance industry's involvement in any project has been relatively late in the process. Often it was a case of the last item to be ticked off the checklist has been to ensure that the insurance is in place. However, in more recent times insurers have imposed more restrictions on the cover they are prepared to provide, which has in some cases necessitated a change in the contracting structure to accommodate the insurance policy(ies). In addition, changing contractual practices have changed the allocation of risk between the various parties involved. This calls for a more proactive approach to the design and implementation of an insurance program for both the construction and operational phases of any resource project. This paper explores how a risk managed approach to the design and implementation of an insurance program for a resource project can align itself with current management approaches to project development. From the authors' experience, this approach is best adopted early on in the project (often in conjunction with the bankable feasibility study) and follows AZ/NZS4360 to objectively examine and compare a wide range of risk exposures of the project in a time-effective manner across the following areas: ? personnel; ? environment; ? general management; ? compliance - legislation, systems, protocols; ? asset management; ? change management; ? financial impacts to the organisation; ? products/services; ? service delivery; and ? technology. Having identified and then analysed the risk exposures according to common consequence and likelihood ratings the next step is to develop a risk map of all considered exposures. The true value of this approach lies in the development and implementation of a risk treatment plan for identified exposures where the exposure is unacceptable. The plans will lead to the optimal solution to the appropriate risk prevention, risk mitigation and risk transfer options available. This paper also examines other benefits to the project that may arise from adopting a risk managed approach in addition to the ability to design an insurance program which recognises the exposures and the ability of the organisation (and other project parties) to retain risk.

Jan 1, 2007

By S. Gqebe, A. Lewis, M. Rodriguez-Pascual

"Gravitational sedimentation of suspensions in various precipitation processes is hindered by colloidal stability. This is due to the high surface charge of the suspension and results in strong attraction/interaction between the ions on the particle surface and counter-ions in solution. Moreover, this strong interaction results in a charge build-up that renders the suspension stable. In order to induce gravitational sedimentation of these particles, a redistribution of ions close to the particle surface is required. We therefore sought to redistribute ions close to the particle surface by applying a magnetic field. This results in the reduction of interparticle electrostatic repulsive forces and a subsequent increase in the zeta potential of a suspension. For the purpose of this study, a copper sulphide suspension was used. Copper sulphide particles were exposed to a range of field strengths for set exposure times and their zeta potential was measured before and after exposure. All particles had an initial zeta potential value equal to or less than –40 mV prior to magnetic field exposure. A significant increase in zeta potential was observed, with values reaching a maximum of –16.5 mV when exposed to a 2 T field strength for 40 minutes. This is due to Lorentz ion shifts resulting from the Lorentz force exerted by the magnetic field on the particle surface. IntroductionMetal sulphide precipitation is a process for treating industrial waste streams with high residual concentration of mixed metal ions and acid mine drainage. This process has been reported to achieve higher metal removal compared with the industrially prevalent lime precipitation, due to the sparingly soluble nature of the metal sulphide precipitates formed. However, precipitation is governed by high levels of supersaturation which favour the formation of fine particles (Lewis, 2010). Consequently, some of the metal sulphide fines formed exhibit slow settling dynamics and thus tend to remain suspended in solution."

Jan 1, 2016

By J. D. Flint

The geological conditions in the Vierfontein area ~re such that conventional pillar extraction ~stooping) cannot be practised safely or efficiently. Both the open-end lift and the pocket-and-fender methods of pillar extraction have been tried with little success because of problems with roof control and ground stability. The main reasons for the difficulties are the coarse-grained sandstone roof, local weaknesses in the coal seam, and the rate at which the pillars were extracted. The mine has practised bord-and-pillar mining since it started production in 1952, and considerable reserves of coal are contained in the pillars. As an alternative to total pillar extraction, in which hand-loading methods were practised, a system of partial pillar extraction using mechanized-mining methods ~11"modified goaf-line support has been evolved. These remnant coal pillars (snooks) remaining after partial extraction ofthe pillar, together with the installation of 1,2 m" matpacks and a double line of fullcolumn resin roofbolts, ensure control of the edge of the area that has been mined out (goaf). Where roof conditions preclude the use of conventional pillar-extraction methods, this method holds promise as a safe and efficient alternative for the recovery of coal from pillars and for an increase in the volumetric extraction of the reserves within a mining panel.

Jan 1, 1984

Caving is the lowest cost underground mining method provided that the draw point spacing, draw point size, and ore-handling facilities are designed to suit the caved material, and that the draw point horizon can be maintained for the life of the draw. In the near future, several open-pit mines that produce more than 50 kt per day will have to examine the feasibility of converting to low-cost, large-scale underground operations. Several other large scale, low-grade underground operations will experience major changes in their mining environments as large dropdowns are implemented These changes demand a more realistic approach to mine planning than in the past, where existing operations have been projected to increased depths with little consideration of the change in mining environment that will occur. As economics force the consideration of underground mining of large, competent ore bodies by low-cost methods, the role of cave mining will have to be defined In the past, caving was generally considered for rockmasses that cave and fragment readily. The ability to define cavability and fragmentation, the availability of large, robust load-haul-dump units, a better understanding of draw-control requirements, improved drilling equipment for secondary blasting, and reliable cost data have shown that competent orebodies with coarse fragmentation can be exploited by cave mining at a much lower cost than by drill-and blast methods.

Jan 1, 1994

By Anthony K. Anyimadu, Chris M. Rule

Froth flotation is the primary mineral processing separation step employed in the beneficiation of PGM ore bodies. Anglo Platinum operates a significant portion of the total installed flotation capacity in the PGM industry, which is installed at 20 operating plants across the Bushveld. PGM flotation has undergone a considerable evolution in both the capacity of flotation cells employed as well as in the circuit design configuration over the past thirty years. Certain of Anglo Platinum?s flotation circuits have been in operation for a relatively long period of time, (in some operations installed equipment dates from the 1960?s) and this allows comparative operating performance between various equipment types and circuits to be evaluated. This paper summarizes some aspects of this experience. Research trends in flotation are continuously monitored to incorporate appropriate findings into existing and future circuit designs. Continuous evaluation and monitoring of flotation performance is undertaken to identify opportunities for increasing flotation efficiencies. Mineralogical and fractional analyses of plant composites and survey samples are analysed to interrogate speciation and association data. This analysis has enabled a better understanding of priorities and opportunities for improved metallurgical performance. These opportunities are divided into three improvement areas: stability, liberation, and fines flotation. The paper discusses these, as well as the circuit design improvements required to take full advantage of the opportunities identified.

Jan 1, 2007

Recent advances in the design and performance of flotation equipment A General Meeting and Colloquium on the above topic was held on 12th March, 1975, at Kelvin House, Johannesburg. The Colloquium was attended by 250 delegates and was opened by the Immediate Past President, Mr P. W. J. van Rensburg, at 09h30. Obituary Mr Van Rensburg announced with regret the deaths of James Alfred Boyd, Life Fellow, and Jack Joseph Frankel, Fellow. Training of technicians The Institute has received a letter from The Federation of Societies of Professional Engineers pointing out that there is considerable opportunity for the training of Coloured and Bantu technicians and artisans, and that the existing facilities will be extended as the demand for them increases.

Jan 6, 1975

By R Kersten

The note describes an exercise on the simulation of the frequency and size of seismic events on the basis of the frequency distribution of the events and their inter-arrival times (Le. the frequency distribution of the time elapsed between events). From the suite of available results, those of one simulation for a period of three months are included. The tentative conclusions drawn from the exercise indicate that the overall seismic activity in an area can be predicted for a time period, that structurally complex areas will have a higher incidence of seismic events than other areas, and that the position and time of an event cannot be predicted by the use of a wide-spread system such as that used at present.

Jan 1, 1985

By S. Visage

By 1984 Iscor's first direct-reduction plant will be operating at the Vanderbijlpark Works, and for the fin;t time the Corporation will have an alternative method to the blast furnace for producing iron from ore. The performance of Iscor's four-kiln plant, which will be the largest coal-based plant in the world producing sponge iron, will undoubtedly be watched with great interest by steelmakers throughout the world. Beneficiation of tin The Southeast Asia Tin Research and Development (SEATRAD) Centre is a regional oganization, formed by the Governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand with assistance from the United Nations, to conduct, coordinate, and promote research and training in the various fields of tin production, including geology, prospecting, mining, mineral processing, and smelting.

Jan 1, 1982

By R. G. B. Pickering

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand and the Mining Technology Division of the CSIR have co-operated to define the problems associated with deep level mining and in this paper they will identify what they consider to be the critical areas requiring technological solutions. This perspective will then be applied to work currently being carried out by both the organizations and gaps for additional developments will be identified. Finally the Co-operative Research Centre methodology operating in Australia is described. The purpose of this CRC is to provide a vehicle for R&D co-operation to develop and implement technologies which will increase the competitiveness of the mining industry. A further objective is to develop an appropriately skilled human resource base.

Jan 1, 1996

By P. C. Seligmann

Primary fracture from an array of shotholes by c. M. LOWNDS. B.Sc. Hons. (Rhodes). Ph.D. (Cape) (Visitor) and P. C. SELIGMANN. B.Sc. (Witwatersrand) (Visitor) The effects of stress on the directions of cracks that are propagating in a brittle medium are described. It is shown that the superimposition of stress fields from the holes of an array always adversely affects fragmentation. Consequently, the best fragmentation will result when holes are fired far enough apart in space or time for each to develop its whole crack pattern without disturbance from the others. This concept leads to a philosophy for the design of more effective blasting patterns, which has been verified on model scale and which explains many published, empirical results.

Jan 1, 1976

By M. J. U. T. Van Wijngaarden, R. J. Dippenaar, J. M. A. Geldenhuis

The successful application of solid electrolytes in electrochemical cells for high-temperature thermodynamic studies depends to a large extent on an accurate knowledge of the P. value of the electrolyte (the oxygen partial pressure at which the ionic conductivity and n-type electronic conductivity of the electrolyte are equal). Consequently, the P. value of an electrolyte must be determined prior to its use in electrochemical cells. This paper describes the successful application of a coulometric titration technique in the quantitative assessment of the P. values of a commercially available ytria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte that has been used extensively by local investigators. The experimentally determined P. values of the electrolyte are reported and compared with P. values reported in the literature for a similar electrolyte.

Jan 1, 1988

By J. D. Stone, I. D. Brumby, J. D. Inch, C. J. Beukes

A. Continuous miners, and their operation at Bosjesspruit Colliery J. D. INCH*, B.Sc. (Min.), M. I. Min. E. (Visitor) A brief description is given of the main types of continuous miner and their incidence of application in South Africa. Definitions and descriptions of the design parameters and components of the main cutting head are given. together with an outline of the modifications carried out to improve machine cutting performance. An account is given of experience with the application of water infusion to suppress airborne dust during continuous-miner operations. B. The selection and performance of continuous miners at Matla Coal by J. D. STONE, B.Sc. Eng. (Min.,) M.B.L. (Graduate) The reasons for the choice of continuous miners for the development of accesses and the winning of coal in a modern underground coal mine are discussed. It is shown that, at relatively low depths, the extraction rate as well as the costs are more favourable than those of proved total extraction methods. The selection of a continuous miner is largely dictated by factors such as production rate, capital and running costs, imported content and the extent to which local content and manufacturing are to be increased, manpower requirements, seam thickness, expected floor and roof conditions, and maximum cutting height. The present inherent shortcomings of continuous miners, such as inefficient continuous transportation of coal away from the miner and the lack of an infinitely variable traction to match the sumping speed with the feasible penetration speed, are pointed out. Specific problems encountered and the methods of solving them, as well as a planned trial with a heavy-duty continuous miner, are discussed. C. Continuous mining within the Tavistock Group of collieries I. D. BRUMBY.Dip. Min. (Visitor) The Tavistock Group of collieries is situated some 25 km south of Witbank. The three collieries comprising the Group are Tavistock Colliery, Phoenix Colliery, and South Witbank Coal Mines. Continuous mining is practised to some degree at all three collieries. This system of mining was introduced at Phoenix during 1976, South Witbank during 1978, and Tavistock during 1979. For the twelve months ended June 1979, continuous mining accounted for 1,7 Mt of the 4,5 Mt hauled from underground. All the continuous miners introduced to date have been of the rotary-drum type. D. Pillar extraction at Usutu Collieries using continuous miners by c. J. BEUKES(Visitor) In 1969 Usutu Collieries began pillar extraction with conventional mechanized equipment. This was very successful, but certain disadvantages could be eliminated if continuous miners were used instead. In 1976 the first continuous miner was introduced for this purpose; this proved so successful that a second unit was introduced in 1977, and pillar extraction by conventional equipment was discontinued. By the end of 1978, 1,3 Mt had been mined from pillar extraction by continuous miners. This paper describes the method in some detail, and indicates that the operational costs are lower than for conventional bord-and-pillar mining. Defect solid state A one-day multidisciplinary symposium entitled 'The Defect Solid State '80' will be held under the auspices of the Solid State Physics and Materials Science Subcommittee of the South African Institute of Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand on Monday, 14th July, 1980, following the Twenty-fifth Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics.

Jan 1, 1980

DISCUSSION: The value of incentive payments in the mining industry by K; SMITH Published in the Journal, May 1974 H. P. CARLISLE* The author has drawn attention to one of the most important of mining problems, viz productivity, and in so doing has highlighted, perhaps inadvertently, the difficulty of assessing productivity. Competition for Students Each year the Institute offers a prize (or prizes should the entries warrant it) of up to R100 for the best paper or dissertation on a topic appropriate to the interests of the Institute. Corrigendum The Journal, May 1974, p. 377 We regret that the last portion of A. A. Hazell's contribution to the paper 'The value of incentive payments in the mining industry' by K. Smith was printed in the wrong sequence.

Jan 10, 1974

By Jean-Claude Paye

In February 1996 the OECD's Environment Policy Committee will commemorate its 25th anniversary with a fifth meeting at Ministerial level. Environment ministers will be taking stock of the progress made by OECD countries in protecting and managing the environment in that quarter-century, and sharing views on likely challenges and co-operative responses. Ministers can point to many important accomplishments. Scientific understanding and technological tools for establishing and monitoring risks to human health and the environment have improved dramatically since the early 1970s. All OECD countries now have in place comprehensive environmental legislation, supported by specialized institutions for policy design, implementation and enforcement. The results of these efforts are increasingly evident in the form of cleaner air and water, and improved protection of natural areas, notwithstanding the many complex problems that remain.

Jan 1, 1996

By J. T. Davies

Note: Melting techniques in the iron foundry by J. T. DAVIES* INTRODUCTION The selection of melting equipment for use in an iron foundry has for several years been the subject of numerous discussions, papers, and conferences. The controversy that has raged throughout the world has been brought about by the following factors: IF AC Symposium The 2nd IF AC Symposium on Automation in Mining, Mineral and Metal Processing will be held from 13th to 17th September, 1976, at the Carlton Hotel, Johannesburg. Advance registration takes place on 12th September, 1976. World phosphates The Minerals Bureau of the Department of Mines has released the second publication in its series of reports on the economic aspects of minerals that are of particular importance to South Africa.

Jan 7, 1976

By B. Kenealy

A typical deep shaft is President Steyn No. 2 in the Free State, where 9 tonnes of ore are hoisted at about 15 metres per second from 2378 metres below surface. The skips and attachments each weigh 7 tonnes and they are connected by 43 tonnes of rope, so that to hoist the 9 tonnes of payload, a total of 66 tonnes is accelerated from stand still to 55 km/h for each cycle, using an average of 3185 kilowatts of power in the process. The cycle time for the hoisting is 3.22 minutes. The peak power consumption is 6954 kilowatts, which determines the size of the motor used. Is this the right approach? Are larger skips moving at higher speeds the answer? Is there another way?

Jan 1, 1996