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The paper deals with the importance of design, and of codes of practice, in ensuring safe working conditions in mines. The design principles involved in the design process are dealt with, and the importance of a logical design process is emphasized. The links between the requirements for developing a code of practice, embodied in the existing guidelines for the preparation of such a code, and the design principles and process are considered in some detail. Finally, suggestions are included which may provide improvements to the code and hence, ultimately, lead to further improvement in safe working conditions.

Jan 1, 2003

By B. I. Matshediso, J. Kaavera, E. Shemang, T. K. Dintwe, L. S. Teseletso, K. Fichani

The minerals sector continues to draw attention from policy makers who would want to see both old and new mineral projects add value to the minerals in the host country. The current technological development in the leaching of manganese oxide ores to produce a high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate, a compound that is used in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles or long-life storage cells for the renewable energy market, has led to junior mining companies spearheading this technology in new projects across the globe. In this paper, we researched the high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate project pipeline and used projected production volumes and C1 cash costs to construct the industry supply curve for six projects, including the K.Hill project owned by Giyani Metals Corporation near Kanye, in the southern part of Botswana. The aim was to determine the ideal conditions that would provide a comparative advantage for further local value addition to high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate and to the end user product. The results showed that while the estimated C1 cash costs would place the K.Hill project as the second highest cost producer from among five projects, it would nonetheless have healthy profit margins due to the high projected price of high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate. The study recommended policy options, which, if implemented, could further encourage the exploitation and value addition of battery metals in Botswana.

May 27, 2025

By A. J. C. Paterson

High density slurry and paste tailings systems offer significant environmental benefits primarily related to reduced water consumption. However, these potential advantages need to be evaluated on a project-by-project basis. The successful design of a thickened or paste tailings system requires that the system is designed to accommodate the effect of the high density slurry on pumps, pipelines and the overall system operation. The transport system must be designed as an integrated unit and the interaction of all the components need to be considered. The transport system includes the slurry preparation plant, the pump station and the pipeline. This paper assesses the impact of increasing the slurry density in a platinum tailings system from conventional densities to thickened and paste tailings densities. As slurry density and rheology increase, there is a sharp increase in energy consumption for the additional water savings and this additional cost needs to be considered. A case study shows that there is a considerable benefit in increasing densities to the point at which tailings can be still be deposited in the standard manner. For existing systems, increasing density can result in an increased capacity at a marginal power cost, provided that the slurry is not too viscous. For a new system, a smaller pump and pipeline can result in lower capital costs and a marginally higher energy cost, if the optimum density is selected. Keywords: tailings, paste, pumping, slurry

Jan 1, 2004

By J. D. Steenkamp

In a paper presented at the Heavy Minerals Conference 2001 a laboratory scale investigation on the beneficiation of an ilmenite containing waste stream by magnetizing roasting was reported1.This waste stream contained a high concentration of ilmenite, which was contaminated by chromite and other gangue minerals. Interpretation of the results of the investigation was based on the assumption that during magnetizing roasting of an ilmenite concentrate, under the oxidizing conditions, the magnetic properties of the chromite would remain constant. In this article thefollowing hypothesis was tested: The magnetic susceptibility of chromite would remain constant during magnetizing roasting of an ilmenite concentrate under the oxidizing conditions reported by Gouws and Van Dyk1. The results of this study indicated that the hypothesis is not true. The increase in the magnetic susceptibility is not significant though and it is expected that it will not influence the final ilmenite quality to a large extent. Based on the assumptions that the bulk magnetic susceptibility of the waste stream samples represents that of the ilmenite in the waste stream, and the bulk magnetic susceptibility of UG1 chromite that of the of chromite in the waste stream, the results also served to confirm that the waste stream with a high chromite content should be roasted under oxidizing conditions, in a reactor with a well-defined retention time distribution (i.e. a fluidized bed reactor), at a roasting temperature of 750°C (rather than the higher temperature ranges of 800°C and 850°C).

Jan 1, 2003

By C. E. Hales

In an effort to improve efficiencies and reduce costs, AngloGold has embarked on a process to develop and deliver consistent, high quality, tailings based support or construction products to stopes and tunnels on request. A three-phase approach of product conceptualisation, design and delivery has been adopted. To date a substantial amount of laboratory development has taken place with promising results, indicating that the project aims are achievable. Dans un effort pour améliorer le rendement et réduire les coûts, AngloGold s’est embarqué dans une opération qui vise à développer et fournir aux chantiers d’extraction et tunnels, sur demande, des produits de construction ou de support basés sur rejets qui sont réguliers et de haute qualité. Une méthode à trois volets a été adoptée : conception, création et livraison. A ce jour, un développement important en laboratoire s’est produit, avec des résultats pleins de promesses, qui semblent indiquer que les buts du projet peuvent être atteints. In der Bemühung, die Effizienz zu steigern und Kosten zu verringern, hat AngloGold begonnen ein Verfahren zu entwickeln welches auf Anfrage konsistent hochqualitative auf Haufwerk basierender Unterstützung oder Bauprodukte für Abbaustellen und Tunnels entwickelt und liefert Eine Dreiphasenplan zur Produktkonzeptualisierung, Design und Lieferung wurde adoptiert. Bis jetzt hat eine substantielle Anzahl an Laborentwicklung mit vielversprechenden Resultaten stattgefunden und aufgezeigt, daß die Projektziele erreichbar sind.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. P. H. Willis, A. G. du Plessis, R. B. Wilson

This paper reviews issues to be considered in choosing primary access and transportation options for platinum and other mines. It proposes appropriate criteria and a methodology for deciding on the optimum primary access option for any particular orebody. Also included are generic parameters that can be used to facilitate the process of choosing the optimal access option.

Jan 1, 2004

By F. Crundwell, A. J. Lathwood

A number of base-metal operations would like to increase production to take advantage of the higher metals prices. In general, this higher production should not be achieved with major operating changes. In hydrometallurgical facilities, leaching and pressure leaching represents one area where upfront limitations may be a bottleneck to the capacity of the entire plant. An assessment of the capacity of the leaching tanks and autoclaves was performed using a predictive model within the AweSym flowsheet simulator. The model is described, and the results of the application of the model to a number of different leaching reactors are presented. It is argued that the leaching number, which relates the residence time, particle size and the leaching rate, is of prime importance. Finally it is shown that there are some unexpected catastrophic events in increasing production capacity without a thorough understanding of the leaching operation.

Jan 1, 2007

By V. Labiouse, B. Heidenreich

The rebound phenomenon, which occurs during rockfalls when a rock block impacts with a slope surface, is influenced by several parameters related not only to the slope material but also to the block and the kinematics. The paper presents a small-scale testing campaign undertaken at the LMR (EPFL) to better understand and quantify the bouncing of blocks on granular slopes. The influence of some factors related to the ground material, the block and the kinematics is examined. Bei Steinschlägen wird die Flugbahn eines stürzenden Felsbrockens maßgeblich durch den Abprall vom Hang bestimmt. Der Rückprall hängt von verschiedenen Parametern ab, wobei nicht nur das Hangmaterial sondern auch Blockeigenschaften und Kinematik eine große Rolle spielen. Zum besseren Verständnis dieses Phänomens und seiner Quantifizierung werden am LMR (EPFL) kleinmaßstäbliche Versuchskampagnen auf granulären Materialien durchgeführt. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt die Versuche vor und untersucht den Einfluss verschiedener Boden-, Block- und kinematischer Parameter. Le phénomène de rebond qui se présente lors de l’impact d’un bloc rocheux sur la surface d’un versant dépend non seulement des caractéristiques du terrain, mais aussi de facteurs relatifs au bloc et à la cinématique. L’article présente une campagne d’essais sur modèle réduit entreprise au LMR (EPFL) afin de mieux comprendre et quantifier l’impact de blocs sur des matériaux granulaires. L’influence de divers paramètres relatifs au sol, au bloc et à la cinématique est mise en évidence.

Jan 1, 2003

By E. R. Davis, R. J. Knott

The paper discusses some of the tools of management in the field of project control, especially in engineering. Project control includes planning and cost engineering, and involves various phases: the conceptual Design and Planning Phase, the Definitive Design and Capital Budgeting Phase, and the Implementation Phase. Each of these phases is discussed in in, together with the use that can be made of data banks, progress reports, and computer systems.

Jan 1, 1982

By H. Ozturk

In this paper, the computer program ‘SHAFT’ developed for estimation of support requirements for circular mine shafts is introduced. Theory of support design is based on the analytical solutions of circular excavations under non-hydrostatic loading (Detourney and St. John1), and Lame’s thick-wall cylinder theory (Timoshenko6). For rock mass strength property determination Hoek-Brown failure criterion (Hoek et al.2) is used. Mainly two types of support, concrete and steel are taken into consideration as a support member. Program is written in Quick Basic language. Input parameters of the program are shaft radius, number of zones having the same properties along the shaft depth, and depth, unit weight, horizontal to vertical stress ratio, GSI, and uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock of each zone, and compressive strength and safety factor of support member. Output of the program is the graphical representation of shaft with the required support member and thickness throughout the depth of the shaft.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. Yavuz

Equipment selection in mining operations is an important issue, and also difficult to solve in multiple criteria environments. The paper in question has aimed to develop computer software for solving equipment selection problems in mining. In their paper, Basçetin et al. have analysed two case study problems related to open pit and underground mining method selection. By using Yager?s method1, the authors have selected 18 different criteria in the first case study and 21 criteria in the second case study. However, as emphasized by Ozdemir2, in pair wise comparison matrices the appropriate number of criteria should be seven as the maximum, from the point view of validation, consistency and redundancy. In cases where there are more than seven criteria to be handled, it is suggested that the criteria should be clustered and then the maximum number of clusters and subcriteria of every cluster should be limited to seven4.

Jan 1, 2007

By H. A. Bilgin, A. Özgenog?lu, G. Kaçar

In this study, the influences of rock mass properties on the blasting performance in open cast mines are investigated. To this end, discontinuity spacings and discontinuity orientations are measured and full scale blasts with various designs are observed in open cast mines of Aegean Lignite (ELI) and Bursa Lignite (BLI) Establishments belonging to Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKI). For each blast, blasting cost is calculated, and particle size distribution representing the fragmentation of muckpile is determined by means of Split-Desktop software using image processing. 50%(K50), 80%(K80) passing sizes and topsize values are used in the determination of blasting performance according to rock mass properties. The relationships between orientation angle, which is the acute angle between the strikes of slope face and major discontinuity, and 50%(K50) and 80%(K80) passing sizes and topsize values and also blasting cost are investigated in order to analyse the influences of major discontinuity orientation on fragmentation and blasting cost. Furthermore, the relationships between discontinuity modal spacing (or block size index) and 50%(K50) and 80%(K80) passing sizes and topsize values and also blasting cost are investigated in order to analyse the influences of discontinuity spacing on fragmentation and blasting cost. In this paper, the trends observed in these relationships are discussed and the importance of it in mining is commented. Dans ce travail, Il a été traite les influences des qualites des rocheux massif sur les performances des abattages de l’excavation a ciel ouvert. Dans ce cas, les excavations a ciel ouvert dans les Entreprises Lignite d’Aegean et de Bursa qui appartient a La Societe Charbon de la Turquie; Il a été mesuré le trou du discontinuite et l’orientation du discontinuite et aussi, Il a été observé les abattages qui sont pareilles aux critaires exactes. Pour chaque abattages, Il a été fait le control des expences et la distribution du particle au dimension du pile qui a été deja abatté, a été trouve en utilisant le Software du Split-Desktop. Pour determiner les influences des qualites des rocheux massif sur les performances des abattages, Il a été utilisé K50, K80, et le plus grand valeurs des dimensions. Aussi pour determiner l’influence sur l’orientation du discontinuite majeur de la fragmentation et les expences de l’abattage, Il a été observé les relations entre l’angle de l’orientation ( C’est l’acutage entre la direction du banquette front et la direction du discontinuite majeur ) et les plus grand valeurs des dimensions et les expences de l’abattage. Plus, pour determiner des influences du trou du discontinuite sur l’abattage et la fragmentation; Il a été observé la relation entre l’index de la dimension du block et K50, K80 et les plus grand valeurs des dimensions et aussi les expences de l’abattage. Pour conclure; on peut dire que dans cette presentation, apres la discusssion des sujets consideres ces relations, Il a été souligné l’importances de ces relations dans la domain de la Minéralogie. In dieser Studie wurden die Einflüsse von Gesteinsmasse Eigenschaften auf die Sprengleistung in Tagebau Bergwerken untersucht. Zu diesem Zweck wurden Diskontinuität Abstände und Diskontinuität Orientierungen gemessen und Sprengungen im Originalmaßstab mit verschiedenen Anordnungen in Tagebau Bergwerken der Ägäischen Braunkohle (ELI) und Bursa Braunkohle (BLI) Betrieben, die zu der Türkischen Kohlegesellschaft (TKI) zugehörig sind, beobachtet. Für jede Sprengung wurden die Sprengkosten berechnet und die Teilchengrößenverteilung zur Darstellung der Aufteilung von Haufwerk ist durch Mittel von Teilbelegungssoftware, das Bildverarbeitung verwendet, bestimmt worden. 50% (K50), 80% (K80) durchlaufende Größen und Spitzengröße Werte wurden zur Bestimmung von Sprengleistung geordnet nach Gesteinsmasse Eigenschaften benutzt. Die Beziehungen zwischen Orientierungswinkel, welches der scharfe Winkel zwischen den Streichen der Hangfläche und Hauptdiskontinuität ist, und 50% (K50) und 80% (K80) durchlaufende Größen und Spitzengröße Werte sowie Sprengkosten wurden untersucht, um die Einflüsse von Hauptdiskontinuität Orientierung auf Aufteilung und Sprengkosten zu analysieren. Außerdem, wurden die Beziehungen zwischen Diskontinuität modal

Jan 1, 2003

By S. Sridhar, R. E. Aune, M. Hayashi

Thermophysical properties of silicate melts are strongly structure dependent. It is well known that the viscosities of slags increase with increasing the degree of polymerization of silicate anions. Even the thermodynamic properties of slags are dependent on the types of species and the population of the same in the melt. Thus, a link between the thermophysical and thermochemical properties of silicate melts is logically expected. The present paper elucidates the salient features of Darken?s excess stability approach to the Gibbs energies of solutions as applied to the viscosities of silicate melts. It is demonstrated, that the second derivatives of the viscosities of binary silicate melts with respect to composition indicate a maxima corresponding to the existence of stable compounds in these systems. The concept was successfully applied to the following systems: Al2O3-SiO2, CaO-SiO2, FeO-SiO2, MgO-SiO2and MnO-SiO2. In all the cases, the second derivative plots of viscosities with respect to composition showed peaks corresponding to the metasilicates. The second derivatives of the activation energies of viscous flow with respect to temperature has earlier been shown to reflect the formation of associates/embryos in the homogeneous silicate melts, indicating the readiness of the melt to separate a solid phase. Thermodynamic coupling of thermal diffusivities in the case of the system CaO-Al2O3-SiO2from the laser-flash measurements of these slags as a function of temperature are examined as part of the present study. Densities are estimated from integral molar enthalpies in the case of silicate systems and the results are presented. Keywords: silicate melts, viscosity; activation energy, thermal diffusivity; density

Jan 1, 2004

By Patrick J. Foster

This paper summarises a behavioural safety project undertaken in seven quarries in the UK in order to investigate its applicability as a means of raising the standards of health and safety in the UK quarrying industry. A behavioural safety methodology was developed and trialled at two quarry sites in the UK. During the study the number of unsafe acts and minor accidents had decreased and at one of the quarries there was a 95% reduction in the number of working days lost. It was then introduced at a further five sites of varying sizes and within this focused specifically on lone workers as well as behaviours that affected quality and environmental issues. Positive improvements were noted in most of these operations. The project also looked at the effectiveness of health and safety performance indicators. Here, the common lead and trailing indicators for both safety and health that are commonly used by industry were identified. In consultation with the UK quarrying industry these were then used to identify specific performance measurement criteria that can be used by the quarrying sector to measure performance. Following on from this a quarry specific health and safety management system specification was developed for large and small quarries.

Jan 1, 2008

By M. A. Jensen, J. J. Bettencourt

SYNOPSIS An analysis was made of records of accidents involving Bantu mineworkers and which resulted in either minor injuries or hospitalizations to determine patterns in underground accidents from which to formulate priorities in accident prevention in gold mines. The results showed that: (i) specific labour categories, such as inexperienced men, are exposed to certain types of hazards the extent of which warrant the separate design of safety programmes to meet their specific needs; (ii) the systematic study of minor accidents provides a dependable source of. information of which safety departments could make greater use in their efforts to control and prevent mining accidents.

By Baruch Grinbaum, Edwin Bwalya, Robert Minango, Deogratias Bukunkwe

Solvent extraction of Cu from acidic leach, using an oxime extractant, e.g. LIX 984 or Acorga is a well known and established process. As the process advances, Cu is extracted to the solvent and is replaced by H+ in the aqueous phase. At high acidity the distribution coefficient of Cu between the solvent and the aqueous phase decreases, and eventually relatively high concentration of Cu remains in the raffinate, regardless of the number of equilibrium stages. In many processes this phenomenon is immaterial, as the raffinate returns to the leaching and no copper is lost. But when the copper raffinate is used for processing of additional metals, minimal concentration of Cu in the raffinate is essential for an effective process. The recommended process includes three steps: 1. SX-1: Standard extraction of Cu with oxime. The resulting raffinate contains about 6-8 g/L Cu and 50 g/L H2SO4. 2. SX-N: Extraction of most of the acid into an amine-based solvent, and stripping it with a base, e.g. aqueous ammonia, caustic, Na2CO3 etc. The extraction removes no metals, but decreases the concentration of acid from 50 to 10 g/L. 3. SX-2: Extraction of the neutralized solution once more with oxime, to remove the residual copper. Such a process enables one to get down to 100-150 ppm Cu in the final raffinate. This process was developed and tested in the R&D facility in Chambishi Metals plc, by a joint team of Chambishi & Bateman, using Cognis LIX 984N and real solutions from the plant. In the laboratory scale, the equilibrium isotherms for SX-1, SX-2 and the neutralization were developed. Computer simulation of the results showed that the optimal configuration is two stages for both extraction and stripping for SX-1. For SX-2 2-3 stages of extraction and two stages of stripping are needed. The stripping stages may be common to both SX-1 and SX-2. The neutralization of SX1 raffinate was tested both by conventional precipitation with lime and by extraction with Alamine based solvent extraction and stripping with a solution of 10% NaOH. For the SX-N only one stage was needed for both the extraction and stripping. The bench scale pilot plant was run for both SX-1 & SX-2. The results were very similar to the simulated ones, and the configuration of 2E2S for SX-1 and 3E=2S for SX-2 delivered the required raffinate with less than 150 ppm Cu.

Jan 1, 2005

By T. R. Curr, W. A. Gericke, J. Basson

South Africa is a leading player in the international ferro alloys industry. Historical factors that have contributed to this dominant position include an abundance of natural resources and relatively low cost electricity. A number of relatively recent developments are potentially threatening this position. These include new legislation affecting the mining and minerals industry, a shortage of some types of suitable reductants, depletion of surplus electricity generation capacity with resultant threat of real escalation of electricity prices and pressure resulting from the recent strengthening of the South African Rand. The industry is addressing these challenges in a number of ways to ensure long-term viability. Some of these measures include investments in more efficient technologies that have economy of scale benefits and are less dependent on expensive reductants and electricity. Local macro-economic impacts include new legislation regarding ownership of enter-prises, mineral rights and royalties on mineral sales, development plans for port and rail infrastructure, as well as initiatives to expand electricity generation and coke production capacity. The fundamentals for being a successful ferro alloy producer are still largely in place for South African producers. Therefore the South African ferro alloy industry will remain competitive and is well placed for continued growth in line with the international growth in ferro alloy demand. The industry should emerge leaner, more efficient and ready to respond to any future demands of the industry. This paper will cover the present status of the industry, the factors that are impacting thereon and a view on its future outlook.

Jan 1, 2007

By I. V. Lunkin, E. B. Muhamedzhanov, A. B. Begalinov, B. R. Rakishev

Almost all the ore deposits of ferrous, non-ferrous and rare metals of Kazakstan, are exploiting by the open-cast method, are the complex-structural, multi-component ones. Their rational working requires precise organization of extracting works. In this connection it is necessary to set up the best intercommunications between drilling-blasting, excavating-loading and transport works. This requires the stable functioning of the quarry for dispatch of ore raw material of required quality with minimum of corresponding expenses. For this purpose, proceeding from the quarry’s ore output and the assumed parameters of the exploitation system, the first problem about rational arrangement of excavating-loading equipment in extracting faces is solved. By solving the problem the model with dynamic, adapting properties had been used. It was solved numerically by the method of statistical tests. By setting up the necessary link between type-sizes of excavating-loading and transport equipment, the minimum prime cost of loading and transportation of 1 ton of mining mass from the face to the receiving station was adopted as the criterion of optimality. Depending on the type of excavating-loading equipment, the efficiency function may be different. By using wheel loaders, their displacement between the faces is possible, therefore, the efficiency function of the problem may include expenses for their displacement. By using excavators like power shovel, the problem’s restrictions must exclude its displacement between the faces. The efficiency function consists of minimum expenses for loading, proceeding from set of volumes of extraction from the faces, satisfying required quality. The volumes of extraction from the faces, satisfying required quality of ore in output stream, are determined by the method of statistical tests. Sample range is given, proceeding from the restrictions for maximum productivity of the excavating-loading equipment. Volumes of extraction, not satisfying required quality, are cut off. The efficiency function meaning is then determined and minimized. Keywords: Excavating-loading equipment, its placing in extracting faces, optimal load-carrying capacity, specific expenses for loading and transportation of mining mass.

Jan 1, 2003

By D. Botha, J. F. Cronjé

"SynopsisAlthough women all over the world have been involved in mining activities for centuries, mining has always been considered a very masculine industry due to its heavily male-dominated workforce as well as the physicality of mining work. The mining industry has not been an obvious career choice and preferred place of employment for women; women were mainly employed in administrative and advisory positions. Until 1994, women were legislatively prohibited from being employed in underground operations in South Africa, but the Mines Health and Safety Act, No. 29 of 1996, removed these restrictions. In addition, new mining legislation (the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, No. 28 of 2002) and the accompanying Mining Charter make specific provisions for the inclusion of women in core mining activities and require 10% of core positions to be filled by women.This article voices perceptions of the physical ability of women employed in core mining positions. Findings are drawn from empirical work undertaken at platinum, phosphate, and copper mines. Quantitative and qualitative research paradigms are used. It is evident that women find it extremely difficult to perform mine work that requires physical strength and stamina. Practical recommendations, informed by the literature review and empirical findings, are made with the objective of contributing to the sustainable deployment of women in the mining industry.IntroductionFor many years, mining has been considered the foundation of the South African economy. Although the mining industry in South Africa is currently under considerable pressure and experiences various challenges, including escalating operational costs, electricity tariff increases, safety-related issues and associated production stoppages, poor productivity, labour unrest, and reduced demand both globally and domestically, it remains a key contributor to the national economy and development of the country (IDC, 2013, p. 9).Until 1994, women were legislatively prohibited from meaningful participation in the mining industry and were denied access to skills and jobs, self-employment, and entrepreneurship. The newly elected democratic government in 1994 initiated substantial socio-political and economic transformation in South Africa. Nearly every sector in the country was transformed and re-shaped, primarily through sector-specific legislation, but also through negotiations between government, industry, and labour unions to create and refine the so-called sector charters, which included the Mining Charter. The vision of the new regime, the African National Congress (ANC), was to ‘transfer power to the people and transform society into a non-racial, non-sexist, united, democratic one, and change the manner in which wealth is shared, in order to benefit all the people’ (ANC, 2007)."

Jan 1, 2015

By J. R. L. Read, A. N. Ogden

This paper describes mining industry funded research that is being undertaken to address the critical gaps and uncertainties in our knowledge so that we can develop new approaches and create more effective ways for predicting the reliability of rock slopes in large open pit mines. It is envisaged that this research will not only lead to more effective pit slope design but further reduce the potential for unforseen geotechnical risks by enabling the geotechnician to communicate the risks more effectively with management and to optimise site specific control measures. To achieve this, several research tasks are in hand. The first is to accurately represent the structured rock mass with a 3D computer model (Siromodel) that creates polyhedral blocks from structural distribution data characterised by position, orientation and persistence. Siromodel is being coupled with particle flow and other numerical codes to evaluate how the structured rock mass deforms in the stress environment of an open pit and how a candidate failure surface may propagate through the dilating rock mass along the path of the least shear and/or tension resistance. A beta version of the Siromodel software has been distributed to 20 Sponsor mine sites for technical evaluation. The end state is to develop methods of analysis that characterise the reliability of a described candidate surface, and the probability of the candidate surface propagating to failure, recognising that the rock mass strength may well be defined in a different way than before.

Jan 1, 2006