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By B. Genc, C. Gous

Spontaneous combustion during coal mining operations is a major problem that affects the health and safety of workers and causes environmental problems. The phenomenon is associated with the presence of coal, coal shale, and pyrite. In 2020, a premature detonation incident occurred at an iron ore mine where the waste material contains black carbonaceous shale units known to be associated with pyrite. The spontaneous combustion propensity and properties of samples of the black carbonaceous shales from the mine were examined and compared with samples from the Witbank Coalfield. The spontaneous combustion liability indexes of these samples were correlated with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and proximate and ultimate analyses using linear regression. The Wits-Ehac Index classification results show that the samples were between medium and high risk. The linear regression analysis showed very poor correlations between the Wits-Ehac Index results and the XRF and proximate and ultimate results. The most valuable relationship found is between the presence of relatively high sulphur (greater than 3%) and ground reactivity with nitrate-bearing explosive emulsion.

Jun 5, 2023

By D. Orynbassar, N. Madani

This work addresses the problem of geostatistical simulation of cross-correlated variables by factorization approaches in the case when the sampling pattern is unequal. A solution is presented, based on a Co-Gibbs sampler algorithm, by which the missing values can be imputed. In this algorithm, a heterotopic simple cokriging approach is introduced to take into account the cross-dependency of the undersampled variable with the secondary variable that is more available over the entire region. A real gold deposit is employed to test the algorithm. The imputation results are compared with other Gibbs sampler techniques for which simple cokriging and simple kriging are used. The results show that heterotopic simple cokriging outperforms the other two techniques. The imputed values are then employed for the purpose of resource estimation by using principal component analysis (PCA) as a factorization technique, and the output compared with traditional factorization approaches where the heterotopic part of the data is removed. Comparison of the results of these two techniques shows that the latter leads to substantial losses of important information in the case of an unequal sampling pattern, while the former is capable of reproducing better recovery functions.

Aug 1, 2021

By S. T. Johansen, B. T. Løvfall, T. Rodriguez Duran, J. Zoric

A methodology for building pragmatic physics-based models is here adapted to predict the erosion of ladle linings in the steel industry, in order to support operators when deciding whether the lining can be used safely for another heat. A defective lining may allow 140 t of molten steel to spill, with disastrous consequences for workers and plant. The adopted work flow for the development, challenges faced, and some model results are presented. One key learning outcome is that model development should allow time for maturing the process understanding, as well as for many iterations by ‘questions-responses and actions’ at various stages in the model development. Good interaction between the development team and industry case owner is an important success factor. Combining or extending the model with the use of machine learning and cognition-related methods, such as knowledge graphs and self-adaptive algorithms, is discussed.

Apr 16, 2024

By P. A. J. Cabassi, B. K. Loveday, M. J. Wilkinson, P. H. Radcliffe

The recovery of gold, uranium, and pyrite from accumulated residues at mines in the Orange Free State is adversely affected by the presence of pyrophyllite, which is naturally floatable and must be prevented from floating with the desired constituents by the use of a mica depressant, and of thucholite (uraniferous kerogen), which contains significant quantities of uranium and gold but does not float readily in the presence of a mica depressant. In laboratory tests on these residues, the use of a mixture of MIBC (methyl isobutyl carbinol) and paraffin in addition to the suite of reagents normally used was found to increase the gold recovery substantially, but the sulphur grade was lower. The recovery of thucholite also increased considerably, but the proportion of uranium associated with this mineral was small. Plant trials, which are continuing, have been encouraging, indicating an increase in the gold recovery of 4,6 per cent.

Jan 1, 1983

By B. Genc, V. J. Mahadeo, S. Ramparsad4, U. Govender

The study was intent on assessing the socio-economic impact of a zinc mine in South Africa through the application of people-centric digital tools using a case study research methodology. The global mining industry is undergoing significant technological shifts to modernize, improve operational sustainability, and align with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda. While the case study mine is a more modernized mine, continuous improvement around the ‘social’ pillar becomes critical, and to this end application of people-centered digital tools presented as the vehicle to understand community needs and impacts. Despite considerable annual corporate social investment by mines annually, the overall impact or social return on investment is marginally understood. Towards contributing to addressing this gap, digital ESG ‘social-related’ data gathering tools for mines decision-making were developed, including the training-needs assessment tool, community-social needs assessment, small, micro, and medium enterprise (SMME) communications and engagement tool, digital leadership competencies gap assessment tool, and change management blueprint, which further allowed for customization to the mining context. Hence, the novelty of this paper relates to applying digital tools to provide real-time information of the needs of a community, both socially and economically. The findings suggested that these digital tools enabled gathering of information for the establishment of regional and operational baselines towards enabling of social investment returns in relation to socio-economic transformation development interventions. These tools have been applied to a zinc mine context, with lessons and experiences obtained through this study, invaluable to the application of these digital tool in other mines in South Africa. The study was conducted in September 2023 across five host communities, surrounding the zinc mine, in the Northern Cape region, with 120 participants involved in the application of three relevant community-related digital tools, which included the training needs, community-social needs, and SMME communications and engagement tools. It was evident that the digital ESG tools could be used for data gathering for the mine’s informed decision-making and allowed for securing of insights on community needs in near real-time, and further proved practical for community use.

Dec 11, 2024

"Chairman: Professor C. O. Frush Rapporteur: Mr A. C. SchmidtPapers:Planning of underground copper mining by J. K. Williams, L. Smith and M. P. WellsLinear programming models of copper leach and solvent extraction plants by W. P. C. Duyvesteyn, J. R. Cutland and J. R. L. RusselPlanning and forecasting stope production by D. W. Kappes and P. F. X. Moussett-JonesA proposed method of dynamic ore reserve assessment for a caving system of mining by A. F. Spinks and S. P. NicholsThe initial point made by Mr L. Smith in presenting his paper was that the planning aid outlined in the preprint was neither sophisticated nor complicated. However, it was a system which worked and was a very real way in which the computer was being used to assist miners, in particular, who at the present moment have very little experience in the use of computers.Mr Smith apologised for the fact that the editors of the paper had eliminated all reference to 'time'. This was very unfortunate because the essence of the system was that it saved time, which was one of the main points made in the paper.The operations being planned by this means cover the Rokana orebody which is a stratiform body mined by open stoping.The planner has to decide how much ore to mine from each base in each time period of his plan, that is, from three to four months hence to a year ahead. Normal procedure is for the planner to have discussions with the underground manager on some of the information he requires. The sort of information needed is (i) tramming limits for each face, (ii) extraction and grade factors, (iii) the present status of mining operations so that the planner knows where to start the new plan, and, (iv) details of any other mining consider¬ations that need to be incorporated in the plan.The objective at this point is to produce an initial plan for discussion purposes. All the information required comes from one sheet per stops and shows, inter alia, the stope identifier, the length along strike, the ore tonnage, the copper and cobalt grades and, finally, the extraction and grade factors.The program itself, among many other things, checks the data for validity, compatibility, completeness and credibility and prints error messages accordingly. Output from this system is in the form of a summary of production from each face, as well as giving the figures of ore reserve depletion. This summary indicates which slopes are to be mined in this time period, the original survey grades (copper and cobalt), the estimated production grades, how much is to be mined from each stope and the copper and cobalt production accordingly."

Jan 1, 2014

By J. W. van der Merwe, K. G. Moloko

Furnace wall tubes from 600 MW subcritical boilers at three coal-fired power stations were sampled and the fireside deposits examined to determine the mechanism of fireside corrosion. This involved an indepth investigation into the morphology and composition of the fireside deposits and the conditions of the furnace that enable this type of attack. SEM-EDS analysis revealed high concentrations of oxygen, iron, and sulphur, QEMSCAN and XRD analyses identified the presence of Fe3O4, Fe2O3, FeS, and FeS2. Differential thermal analysis showed thermal activities at temperatures of 500–600°C, 900–1100°C, and 1100–1250°C, which are associated, respectively, with FeS2 oxidation to FeS and Fe2O3, at 475–525°C, formation of aluminosilicates at 925–1100°C, and melting of FeS around 1190°C. The absence of sodium and potassium eliminates the contribution of molten alkali sulphates to the corrosion. The consistent coexistence of iron sulphide and iron oxide is indicative of the substoichiometric conditions in the furnace, while the detection of pyrite suggests that the coal is not completely combusted, which points to a poor combustion process. These observations were affirmed by gas analysis at one of the stations, where very high levels of carbon monoxide were measured at the furnace wall (≥ 14 000 ppm) and furnace exit (≥ 3500 ppm). The high CO concentrations are indicative of limited combustion caused by limited O2. These reducing conditions promote the formation of FeS-rich deposit, which is the corrosive species responsible for degradation.

Jun 1, 2021

By Karl-Heinz Obst, Juergen Stradtman

The importance of the chemical and physical properties of lime has been overlooked for years although the quality of lime plays an important role in the production of steel. With the introduction of the oxygen injection process these properties have been re-evaluated. The CaO, MgO, S, and P2O5 contents of lime are important, but so are the physical properties such as granulation, reactivity with respect to slag formation, and the degree of burning. Soft burnt lime enhances de-phosphorisation and de-sulphurisation, and facilitates the smelting process in general, mainly due to its large specific surface. Special lime, prepared as briquettes from quicklime and fluxes or as pellets from limestone and various fluxes with or without binding agents, clearly accelerates lime dissolution during the slag formation process, lowers the melting point, and enhances de-phosphorisation, de-sulphurisatlon, and de-carburisation even more than soft burnt lime. The introduction of special limes in the oxygen injection process for steel production has opened up new fields for commercial exploitation of slags as well as improved operational techniques.

By J. M. Stewart

Although the incidence of heat stroke in South African gold mines is small, work continues on its reduction. This paper proposes limits of heat stress that are applicable to South African underground conditions, with the warning that they should not be extrapolated to other situations without careful consideration having first been given to their limitations. These limits of heat stress take physical and physiological considerations into account, and they correspond to there being a 10-6 risk of an essentially nude man developing a rectal temperature in excess of 40°C. It is recommended that further work should be undertaken on the development of equations for the calculation of the heat transfer from clothed men, the derivation of equations that quantify the physiological conductance and sweat rate response of humans, and on establishing the frequency distributions that describe variations in rectal temperature response between individuals in different types of environment.

Jan 1, 1981

Darwin Conference, 1984. Parkville (Australia), The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 1984. $AI5,00 (surface mail). Reviewer: H.A. Simonsen The theme of the Darwin Conference was 'The Mineral Potential of Northern Australia and Changing Concepts of Development', and the fifty papers that were presented commemorate the 'coming of age' of the Northern Territory of Australia. Rockbursts and seismicity in mines, edited by N.c. Gay and E.H. Wainwright. Johannesburg, The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Symposium Series no. 6, 1984.363 pp. R75,OOexcl. GST, £50, OS$65. Reviewer: E. T. Brown Black sands, by lan Morley. St Lucia (Australia), University of Queensland Press, 1981. Reviewer: P.W.J. van Rensburg Gravity concentration technology, by R.O. Burt assisted by Chris Mills. London, Elsevier Science Publishers, 1984. Volume 5 in the series Developments in Mineral Processing. Reviewer: D.A. Viljoen

Jan 1, 1985

By F. Petersen, W. van Dyk, J. Bonsu, A. Isafiade

"This paper aims to demonstrate how a systemic approach can be applied to the analysis of the causes of accidents in South African mines. The accident analysis framework used was developed previously by the authors from the combination of the Mark III version of the Swiss Cheese model, Incident Cause Analysis Method (ICAM), the Nertney Wheel model, and safety management principles. Data on 91 accidents occurring from 2010 to 2012 at the site of a platinum mine in South Africa were used to populate the newly developed framework. The results obtained show that while routine violations (45% of all accidents analysed) were the most common form of human error, problems in the physical environment of workers were the most common workplace factor (39.6% of all accidents analysed). Furthermore, inadequate leadership was found to be the most common systemic factor responsible for accidents (51.6% of all accidents analysed). Some workplace factors were more commonly associated with particular unsafe acts than others, and some systemic factors were more associated with particular workplace factors than others. The outcome of this study demonstrates that systemic factors, rather than human errors and violations, are the chief causes of accidents in the mining sector. IntroductionThe mining industry is a very important sector of the South African national economy. A major factor threatening the sustainability of this industry is mining accidents, which frequently result in injuries or deaths, destruction of property, and pollution of the environment. In the past, mining accidents have led to the shutdown and threat of shutdown of mines (Ryan, 2008; Mail and Guardian, 2011). The country stands the risk of incurring significant losses if the mining industry continues to experience shutdowns. In 2012, the mining sector accounted for R262.7 billion (equivalent to US$32.83 billion) representing 8.3% of GDP directly, on a nominal basis (Chamber of Mines of South Africa, 2013).Mining safety is a global concern and has attracted significant international attention. This has precipitated various studies into different aspects of mining. Unfortunately, human error has been blamed for the majority of these accidents. A study by the US Bureau of Mines found that human error is the cause of almost 85% of all accidents (Patterson and Shappell, 2008). In Australia, it is the cause of two out of every three occupational accidents (Patterson and Shappell, 2008). Various mining companies maintain that they run efficient systems, and hence the behavioural problems of workers are to blame for most accidents. An understanding of accident causality could be a major step in the quest to reduce accidents. Only with a good understanding of the accident process can effective remedies can be designed."

Jan 1, 2017

By F. Sundqvist, B. Skawina, J. Greberg, A. Salama, M. Astrand, P. Ekbeck

Today’s mining operations require fast reporting and rapid rescheduling based on updated information. An automatic mine scheduling system could not only quickly reschedule but also propose alternative solutions. To avoid the financial and physical risks associated with testing such a system directly in operation, it could be first evaluated via discrete event simulation models. This would offer a safe environment to evaluate different operating rules and algorithms. In this study, this is achieved by integrating automatic scheduling software with a discrete event simulation model.

Jun 1, 2021

By A. L. Hinde, A. A. Bradley, K. H. Stanton, P. J. D. Lloyd, G. K. Schymura

As part of its programme to develop methods for concentrating minerals underground, the Chamber of Mines of South Africa in conjunction with Lurgi evolved and tested a I MW centrifugal mill. The machine is capable, in the autogenous mode, of grinding more than 25 t/h of minus 75 plus 44 mm hard quartzite to a minus 3 mm product containing over 50 per cent minus 75 µm material, and as a ball mill of grinding more than 60 t/h of minus 19 mm quartzite to a minus 3 mm product containing over 35 per cent minus 75 µm material. Extrapolation of computer models of the process suggests that these limits can be comfortably exceeded. Long-term continuous testing is in hand, aimed at proving that this I m in diameter by I m long mill is in every respect the equivalent of a conventional 4 m by 6 m ball mill.

Jan 1, 1982

1. Mintek publications The folowing are available from Mintek (Private Bag X3015, Randburg, 2125 South Africa) at R35 (including GST) per copy to purchasers in South Africa and US$30 (including airmail postage) to purchasers elsewhere. Report M402 The preparation of synthetic fusion standards for use in the X-ray-fluorescence analysis of rocks and minerals, by RT. Eddy and J.J. Jacobs. Apr. 1990. 19 pp. Report M405 Slag-metal equilibria in the system Fe-Cr-Si-C-Ca-Mg-AI-O, by R.H. Eric and M. Akyizli. Aug. 1990. 29pp. Application Report no. 8 The development of a process for the recovery of gold from gold-bearing solutions by means of activated carbon or resin in a NIMCIX column. 1990. 19 pp. 2. New publications from Trans Tech The folowing are available from Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Old Post Road, Brookfield VT05036, USA. Efect of iron and silicon in aluminium and its aloys, edited by I. Kovacs. 1990. 450 pp. $124. Martensitic transformations, edited by B'.C. Muddle. 1990. 714 pp. $190. Ferites, edited by C.M. Srivastava. 1989. 2 vols. 1280 pp. $254. Properties and characterization of amorphous carbon films, edited by J.J. Pouch and S.A. Alterovitz. 1990. 714 pp. $152. Synthesis and properties of boron nitride, edited by J.J. Pouch and S.A. Alterovitz. 1990.426 pp. $192. Electronic structure and latice defects in aloys, edited by R. W. Siegel and F .E. Fujita. 1989. 320 pp. $78. 3. A new edition Tomorow's materials, by K.E. Easterling. London, The Institute of Metals (1 Carlton House Terace, London SWIY 5DB, England), 1990. 2nd ed. 170pp. US$29. 4. Books for exploration geologists The folowing books are obtainable from Elsevier Science Publishers, P .0. Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Lateritic bauxites, by G. Bardossy and G.J.J. Aleva. 1990. 624 pp. DFL. 295. Platinum-group element exploration, by D.L. Buchanan. 1988. 186pp. DFL 150. Lead isotopes in mineral exploration, by B.L. Gulson. 1986. 246 pp. Dfl. 160. Prospecting and exploration of mineral deposits, by M. Kuzvart and M. B6hmer. DFL. 285. 5. Journal for earth scientists . Ore Geology Reviews, published by Elsevier Science Publishers, P.O. Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. 6 issues per year. Annual subscription DFL 453 including postage.

Jan 1, 1990

By M. Royle, A. Bloem, R. Uken

Rock mass damage induced by mining increases the fracture frequency and joint aperture width in the pit walls and rock mass behind open pit mine slopes. The depth and intensity of this mechanical damage relative to the pre-mining state is not well understood and yet is a major factor in the development of slope stability models and operational guidelines. The induced damage can be partitioned into domains or zones. The blast damage zone is essentially a ‘free flow’ rock mass volume, which transitions quite rapidly into the excavation damage zone, which extends beyond that. In both zones, transient high in situ water pressures are often linked to unstable slope conditions. Whereas rock damage can enhance passive depressurisation in the rock mass, high infiltration rates on the other hand, as one could expect during rainstorm events, will decrease slope stability within the dilated pit rock mass, especially in the blast damage zone-excavation damage zone, by increasing pore pressures for short periods of time. Ice jacking and freshet are additional factors to consider in (sub) arctic environments and can be exacerbated by unfavorable rock fabric orientation. On a local scale, brittle deformation damage zones, in the form of faults, can contribute to slope instability, or enhanced stability because of slope depressurisation, depending on their location and orientation relative to the pit shape and the water sources. In this study, the shapes of the damage zones and their anticipated impact on infiltration and/or passive depressurisation are considered for different pit morphologies, rock mass conditions, in situ stress, and hydrogeological settings. Some unusual hydrological situations, like mining towards rivers and lakes and the potential effects on pore pressures, are also considered. This investigation has resulted in the development of a method to adjust initial hydraulic conductivity values used to estimate transient pore pressure conditions found in rock masses exposed in different pit morphologies and stress regimes as well as discontinuities’ orientation relative to open faces within the open pit mine. The changes in K values and pore pressures can then be used to determine hydrogeological influence more accurately on future pit slope stability.

Sep 1, 2025

NEW BOOKLET FOR POTENTIAL ENGINEERS A new booklet "Professional Careers in Engineering" for issue to high school students who are considering engineering as a profession has been prepared for general distribution. The booklet is intended to help high school students to decide whether a career as a professional engineer would appeal to them, and to tell them how to set about becoming a professional engineer. Copies of the booklet may be obtained free of charge by writing to: The Federation of Societies of Professional Engineers, P.O. Box 5907, Johannesburg.

By D. Bessinger, J. Rabe, J. Zietsman, C. Coetzee, P. H. Lamont, J. Muller

The UCAR® CHILL-KOTE? freeze lining concept combines wall cooling with carbon and graphite refractories of higher thermal conductivities to ?chill? the refractory lining by transferring heat from the refractory lining. Effective sidewall water cooling, together with the efficiency of the heat dissipating conductive refractories, lowers the temperature of the lining to below that of the molten process materials. This causes a layer of slag and process metal to solidify or ?freeze? and form a protective ?skull? which completely coats the refractory hot face. Once formed, the slag skull insulates the refractories, reducing heat loss and protect the lining from erosion, chemical attack, thermal shock, and other stresses. The result: extended life and greatly improved refractory performance. The Ilmenite smelting process depends on the presence of a solidified slag skull to protect sidewall refractory material from chemical attach by molten slag. No known refractory material is able to withstand this corrosive material. To date, UCAR has not applied their Chill Kote ? technology in the ilmenite smelting industry. This paper revolves around the results obtained from conducting an ilmenite smelting campaign on a 500kW DC open-arc furnace with a UCAR designed refractory system. The purpose of this test was to establish the effects such a lining has on refractory wear and the reduction-smelting process. Proper thermo-couple management enabled the authors to monitor lining wear for the duration of the campaign. Prior to the pilot-scale campaign, modeling work was completed to evaluate the feasibility of applying UCAR® CHILL-KOTE? technology to ilmenite smelting furnaces. The successful operation of a pilot-scale furnace equipped with the UCAR® CHILL-KOTE? lining as well as concise modeling suggest that it should be a viable option to consider for an industrial-scale furnace.

Jan 1, 2007

By A. F. Spinks, S. P. Nicholls

"The Lower Orebody at Chingola Division of Nchanga Consolidated Copper Mines, Limited, is a stratified orebody that is mined by a continuous caving system. The accurate determination of the developed and semi-developed ore reserves has always been difficult. The new system proposed in 1971 is designed to update and, as new informa¬tion becomes available, to account for the depletion of, the reserves.There are three main inputs to the system. These are borehole data, survey data and extractions data. The borehole data are input to a geological borehole master file system, which holds every recorded detail of a borehole in an easily extractable form. These data can be extracted for ore reserve calculations or for contour mapping of orebodies and rock types. The grades for use in the ore reserve calculations are extracted from the relevant boreholes.The survey data are information on the position of the blocks and drifts, taken from plans, and information on the scraper drift and trough drive positions taken from sections. The information is extracted from the plans and sections using a D Mac pencil follower. The ore reserve is calculated from the survey data and the borehole data.Data on extractions are taken from scraper operators' logs, tramming records, skips hoisted records and accepted mill tonnages and grades. Using these data, the mill tonnages are reconciled back to the drifts, to deplete the current ore reserves.As new workings are brought into operation and further evaluation holes are drilled, the relevant data are input and the new developed ore reserve is calculated."

Jan 1, 2014

By B. Strohmeier

The role of large, ultra-high-powered arc furnaces in a fully integrated steelworks for the production of flat products is outlined, and an account is given of the technological improvements that have been implemented over the past few years to enable the arc furnace to remain competitive against the conventional route using blast furnaces and top-blown-oxygen steelmaking (LD). Modern secondary refining facilities have been installed, enabling the arc furnace to operate at high production rates in the manufacture of high-quality flat products.

Jan 1, 1985

Abstract A new approach is introduced for study of the behaviour of geotechnical strength parameter prior to slope analysis to ascertain whether strength parameters of slope materials are homogenous or heterogeneous at different mine depths. The strength parameters used for the study are uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength and shear strength. The analysis is based on statistical analysis of variance technique for one-way classification. The application of the technique is given through a case study in an openpit mine. Auszug Eine neue Annäherung wird für Studie des Verhaltens des geotechnischen Stärke Parameters vor Steigunganalyse eingeführt, um zu ermitteln, ob Stärke Parameter der Steigungmaterialien homogenous oder an den unterschiedlichen Grube Tiefen heterogen sind. Die Stärke Parameter, die für die Studie verwendet werden, sind einachsige zusammenpressende Stärke, Dehnfestigkeit und Scherstärke. Die Analyse basiert auf statistischem varianzanalytische Technik für Einwegklassifikation. Die Anwendung der Technik wird durch eine Fallstudie in einer openpit Grube gegeben. Abstrait Une nouvelle approche est présentée pour l'étude du comportement du paramètre géotechnique de force avant l'analyse de pente pour établir si les paramètres de force des matériaux de pente sont homogenous ou hétérogènes à différentes profondeurs de mine. Les paramètres de force utilisés pour l'étude sont résistance à la pression uniaxiale, résistance à la traction et résistance au cisaillement. L'analyse est basée sur statistique la technique de l'analyse de variance pour la classification à sens unique. L'application de la technique est donnée par une étude de cas dans une mine à ciel ouvert.

Jan 1, 2003