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Maori economic development still remains an enigma to many people some 157 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It has only been in the last decade as a result of increasing pressures from Maori to recognize and settle grievances arising from the Treaty and the resulting compensation issues that "mainstream" has begun to sit up and take notice. While Treaty settlements such as the Tainui, Ngai Tahu and Fisheries settlements have gained prominence as a source of economic potential for Maori, there are significant existing assets owned by Maori worth an estimated $4.6 billion that add an exciting new dimension to Maori contribution to New Zealand's enterprise economy.   Despite the fact that many claims have yet to be resolved, Maori are clearly shifting from grievance to development mode as evidenced by their focus on capacity building through education, strategic alliances nationally and internationally and the significant growth of nett asset worth of Maori interests in a number of industry sectors.   In essence, Maori provide a large un-tapped economic potential in New Zealand. The years of relative economic obscurity appear to have wetted their appetite for positive growth and economic independence. Given current trends, it would not be unrealistic to expect the asset base of Maori to double in value over the next decade and to see the emergence of Maori owned Corporates not only within the New Zealand economy but also trading actively in the global market place.

Jan 1, 1997

By Z Chang, S A. Mrozek

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. Antamina, Peru is the largest Cu-Zn skarn deposit in the world. Skarn mineralisation is focused around a multiphase Miocene intrusive complex comprising at least eight distinct phases identified by cross-cutting relationships, including truncated veins, xenoliths and chilled margins. Skarn alteration and mineralisation, as observed in drill core, remain open at depths exceeding 2.2 vertical kilometres.Porphyry intrusions occur as four major phases with subphases (from oldest to youngest): P1 (a, b), P2 (a, b), P3 (a, b) and two dykes of uncertain timing named Oscarina-1 and Oscarina-2. P1a is a hornblende-biotite quartz diorite porphyry with pervasive K-alteration, local endoskarn and 30–40 per cent sheeted quartz veins, all of which obscure original igneous textures. P1b dacite porphyry is a minor unit with <10 per cent phenocrysts and <3 per cent quartz veins. P1b cuts P1a; P2 dykes cut both units. P2a porphyritic biotite quartz monzonite contains K-feldspar megacrysts up to 4 cm long, local K-alteration and 2–80 per cent quartz stockwork veins. P2b biotite monzonite porphyry contains approximately 50 per cent phenocrysts and typically <10 per cent quartz veins. P3a (brown groundmass porphyry) and P3b (coarse phenocryst porphyry) are minor in volume and extent, and both cut P2 bodies. Oscarina dykes comprise two separate but parallel bodies. Oscarina-1 is a feldspar-phyric rhyolite porphyry, while Oscarina-2 is an intensely chloritised andesite porphyry. Oscarina-1 has a U-Pb (laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)) age of 10.1 ± 0.1 Ma, whereas P2 U-Pb zircon ages (LA-ICP-MS) range from 10.0 ± 0.2 Ma to 9.9 ± 0.3 Ma.All the intrusive phases contain quartz veins, with P1a and P2a having the most intensive K-alteration and most abundant quartz veins ± endoskarns. Each phase may have contributed to mineralisation at the right depths and within favourable wall rocks (ie marble) during uplift of the Antamina structural block. Therefore, a model of multiple intrusions during continuous uplift explains the vertically extensive (>2.2 km) skarn and mineralisation at Antamina.CITATION:Mrozek, S A, Chang, Z and Meinert, L D, 2015. A model for the intrusive sequence and Cu-Zn skarn formation at the Antamina deposit, Peru , in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 423–430 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

A hard lump char containing only 4 to 5 per cent ash, 0·25-0·30 per cent sulphur and a trace of phosphorus has been produced from Latrobe Valley brown coal by slow drying and carbonization of ordinary industrial briquettes at temperatures between 7000 C and 14000 C. The briquette char can be made with a variety of reactivities by varying the maximum temperature of carbonization; the higher the temperature, the lower the reactivity. The strength of the fuel compares favourably with metallurgical coke made from black coal, though it may not be quite so resistant to abrasion. Experiments in a small experimental cupola indicate that it will make a satisfactory fuel for use in iron foundries. It may also find extensive application as a smokeless fuel in other branches of industry and in household heating appliances.INTRODUCTIONVictoria, like South Australia and Western Australia, is apparently without 'significant deposits of black coal of coking quality but there are huge reserves of brown coal of high moisture content (60-66 per cent) in the Latrobe Valley (well over 20,000 million tons have been proved) and there are other important deposits in the south central portion of the State (Herman, 1952).For three decades Victorian industries, including a few metallurgical firms, have been using the briquettes made at the Yallourn factory of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (S.E.C.). These briquettes, having a moisture content of about 15 per cent and a calorific value of approximately 9,500 B.T.U. per pound, are satisfactory for certain grate-type furnaces but they are not suitable for use in cupolas of other shaft furnaces because they disintegrate badly on rapid heating.

Jan 1, 1956

Digital Simulation of Particulate Processes The inherent complexity of mineral particulates (shape, size and mineralogical texture) has challenged conventional simulation model approaches for decades. Much effort was expedited in using mathematical assumptions to accommodate stereological effect. With the advance of instrumental methods such as x-ray microtomography 3D structure can, in many cases, be measured directly. The information derived from such measurements provides direct input to building the structural digital model. In addition digital simulation methods that enable creation of process realistic particulate properties in an efficient digital computer space have demonstrated their effectiveness to model a variety of realistic packing, sorting and multi-phase processes. The paper reviews recent advances in the use of information derived from 3D micro-tomographic imaging and laser scanning technology can be coupled with digital methods to enable simulation of tablet compaction and dissolution, filtration and permeability, column packing and leaching kinetics, packing and cementation of nuclear waste. By assigning 'properties' to a digital zone (voxel) in the computational space it is possible to mimic the realistic characteristics of quite complex particulate mineral processing systems. The system self-adapts to correct the coherent particle characteristics (shape, size, compound, porosity) with time. Such simulations are useful to elucidate the sensitivity of system performance to variations in process parameters. Dimensional scaling of the approach is also possible, as the case studies will illustrate, in deploying the method to both small (micron) and large (m) features. The use of process realistic simulations presents experimental challenges in code validation. It is in this context that other tomographic methods play a role in direct 3D measurement of system behaviour such as electrical and optical sensors.

Sep 13, 2010

By J Bresnahan, D Kepert, R Murray, R Neroni

Stratigraphy of the Hamersley Province in Western Australia, featuring alternating units of banded iron formations and shales with contrasting electrical properties in a mostly gently undulating shallow-dipping layered geometry, is particularly favourable to airborne time-domain electromagnetic mapping techniques. Manipulated vertical cross-sections of modelled conductivity obtained from laterally constrained one-dimensional inversion of SkyTEM304 data enable the exploration geologist to interpret weathering profiles, shallow-dipping stratigraphy and steep structures, all of which are crucial aspects of bedded iron ore deposits genesis models.The Cobra Project is located 14 km east of the NNW-trending Menindee Fault Zone, which defines the western margin of the Hamersley Province, Western Australia. The region comprises an extensive plateau of Brockman Iron Formation cut by a series of horst and grabens with a regional dextral strike-slip component. The 150° striking horst and grabens and associated 060° striking conjugate faults have approximate frequencies of 400 and 2000 m, respectively, and control the bulk of the iron mineralisation. Syn to late 150° trending dykes in part intrude the faults.In the Cobra region, elucidating the structurally dislocated stratigraphy without closely spaced drilling is very challenging. Geological mapping is hindered by the paucity of mappable stratigraphic markers within the banded iron formations and kinematic indicators. Airborne magnetic and remote sensing data sets highlight the dense lineament network, but provide limited assistance in quantifying relatively small apparent displacements, or distinguishing faults from dykes with reasonable confidence.Interpretation of modelled conductivity cross-sections generated from laterally constrained one-dimensional inversion of airborne electromagnetic method (AEM) data offers invaluable insight where the quality of mapping or drilling is wanting. Subsequent targeted field checking and infill drilling validated the geological model interpreted from the integration of these data sets.The AEM technique alone cannot decipher the complex geological environments often present in the Hamersley Province but can facilitate effective iron ore exploration by focusing precious field time and assisting structural and stratigraphic interpretations in areas with sporadic and shallow geological data.CITATION:Murray, R, Neroni, R, Kepert, D and Bresnahan, J, 2017. Using airborne electromagnetics to solve a structurally complex geological puzzle in the Hamersley Province, Western Australia, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2017, pp 269–276 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 24, 2017

Operations of the new copper smelter at Mount Isa commenced on the 6th February, 1953. Prior to this date a paper by R. V. Anderson (1953) outlined the smelter layout, proposed operation and expected performance.Nominally a 50-ton per day plant, output is currently at the rate of 85 long tons per day. In the first 3t years, of operation to 30th June, 1956, '71,339 tons of blister copper were produced. Operation has been stabilized' and a number of modifications to plant and operation have been made. This paper reviews the progress made to date.GENERAL LAYOUT AND EQUIPMENTThe general layout and equipment follows well-established practice as study of Figs. 1 to 4, and Appendix II will show. This diagrammatic representation of layout (Fig. 1) and flow sheet (Fig. 2) is intended for the purpose of brevity to take the place of a detailed plant description.Choice of site for the smelter was limited by the necessity for close proximity of the waste heat boilers to the powerhouse.Much excavation was necessary before foundation work commenced, but the plant is compact and further expansion is possible.CHARGE MAKE-UPRoaster charge initially comprised concentrates, purchased ores, revert materials, mine sulphide ore and barren sand. As purchased ore receipts increased and as domestic black rock oxidized ore became available, the latter two fluxes were eliminated from the charge. Fluxes at minus i-in. sizing are trucked from crushing plant or stockpile by motor lorries. Filtered mill concentrates are dropped from an overhead conveyor on to the storage patio floor adj acent to the two concentrate bins.

Jan 1, 1957

By J Guo, K Williams, J Y. Guo, A W. Roberts, M Jones, B Chen

Numerical simulations using the discrete element method (DEM) were carried out to investigate the flow patterns and stress field redistribution at the hopper and feeder interface. The influences of different filling heights, belt speeds and clearances between the hopper bottom and feeder surface on feeder loads were studied. Meanwhile, experiments were conducted by utilising wedged plane-flow hoppers with different configurations and horizontal feeders with various clearances. The simulation results were compared with theoretical values and experimental measurements. In terms of the cases presented in this study, simulation results reveal good agreements with experimental observations regarding the flow pattern. Being similar to the theoretical values, the simulations provide close predictions on vertical feeder loads for steady flow states, but they may show significant overestimations for initial states. Additionally, suggestions are given for relevant simulation parameters based on the comparisons shown in this investigation.CITATION:Guo, J, Roberts, A W, Williams, K, Jones, M, Chen, B and Guo, Y J, 2017. Simulation investigation of flow patterns and feeder loads at hopper/feeder interface, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2017, pp 173–182 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 24, 2017

Ground conditions at the Kencana mine, Indonesia, are generally poor and an underhand cut and fill mining method is used for extraction. Due to these poor ground conditions, all vertical development has been conducted using blind, top-down, sink and line excavation methods. Due to time constraints, raiseboring was considered the only viable excavation method for the installation of a return ventilation system for the K2 (Kencana extension) project. In order to achieve successful raiseboring in the poor ground conditions a number of strategies were used including: a detailed geotechnical study for optimal position of the shaft/s, splitting shaft excavation vertically, raiseboring of multiple smaller diameter shafts, extensive pregrouting, installation of drainage holes, and rapid installation of support following excavation.

Nov 25, 2010

By D van der Wal, R Dobbe, K Moeller

"Ore mineralogy and texture are primary variables controlling mill recovery efficiency in flotation plants. However, tracking daily variations of key mineralogical characteristics such as species-by-species liberation is not possible with current on stream analysers and assay lab techniques. In addition, traditional plant mineralogical analysis limited by long data turn-around times from central analysis laboratories typically provides only a time-averaged view of mill performance, e.g. by means of monthly composite feed, con or tailings analysis.This paper presents the results of a development and first field test of an on-site Automated Mineralogy solution (MLA or QEMSCAN) with the specific goal of monitoring recovery variation, ore quality and flotation performance on a mineral species-by-species and day-by-day basis, from up to twelve million direct particle observations per month. The trial was performed at a Pb/Zn-Ag operation in the US from November 2012 to April 2013. The focus of the study was three-fold: to validate the robustness of equipment and operational procedures for daily use by mine site technicians at a remote mine site to develop a methodology to boil down hundred-thousands of Automated Mineralogy particle data from size-by-size con and tailings samples to a couple of numbers meaningful to chief metallurgists to monitor recovery trend changes and correlate these to changes in the feed properties and/or flotation efficiency.The study focused primarily on the Pb/Ag rougher-concentrator circuit. Ten polished blocks of two and three size fractions of con and tailings were prepared by mine site technicians during a daily twelve hour shift. Eight hours of daily measurement time by the instrument revealed an estimate of the dayÆs recovery performance, ore quality and flotation performance for Freibergite (Ag-species) and Galena (Pb-species), within 36 hours from initial sampling. Data quality was assessed by means of calculated versus measured assay reconciliation. Cumulative sum curves of recovery performance, ore quality and flotation performance reveal trend changes with a frequency of 1 to 4 weeks. These were correlated to cumulative sum curves of e.g. locked and slimed particle classes of the mineral species of interest, attempting to identify a possible root cause of recovery performance trend changes. Systematic over-grinding and flotation chemistry issues were the primary causes of below average plant operations during the trial.CITATION:van der Wal, D, Dobbe, R and Moeller, K, 2013. Development of an on-site mineralogy solution for metallurgists, in Proceedings MetPlant 2013, pp 126-132 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jul 15, 2013

By E Ah Mu and C R Lilley, A D. Campbell

Cave propagation is a complex process due to interacting variables such as mine geometry, rock mass heterogeneity and complex structural networks and stress fields. The Ernest Henry sublevel cave (SLC) is directly below an open pit, which provided an opportunity to observe and measure rock mass failure as the cave initiated and propagated through the pit wall. This paper describes interaction between the open pit and SLC as well as rock mass failure mechanisms observed from the start of the SLC to surface breakthrough.Cave propagation and slope failure mechanisms were found to be governed by intermediate structures, while the cave shape was largely controlled by cave-scale faults. The open pit, production-level geometry and production draw strategy were also important factors for cave and subsidence growth. Cave propagation was episodic and asymmetric in shape due to the orientation and relative position of geological structures, combined with the effects of the increasing SLC geometry and drawdown from the underlying production levels. The precursors and failure mechanism of a 2.5 Mt wall collapse are also reviewed in detail.Cave growth was simulated using a 3D, non-linear, discontinuum finite element model coupled with Newtonian Cellular Automata. Model results are compared to field observations and monitoring data to determine the accuracy of forecasts and compared models versus actual rock mass response during cave propagation.CITATION:Campbell, A D, Ah Mu, E and Lilley, C R, 2016. Cave propagation and open pit interaction at the Ernest Henry Mine, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 311–318 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

Removal of As(III) and As(V) in Aqueous Solution There are toxic arsenical species such as As(III) and As(V), and arsenious species have specially strong toxicity. The strong toxicity causes contamination of groundwater and water pollution for the semiconductor production process. This study is concerned with the removal of As(III) and As(V) with various kinds of Mg/Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) containing CO32-, SO42-, Cl- and NO3- as interlayer anionic species. The anion exchange property is different from the kind of layered double hydroxides and the Mg-Al-NO3-LDH is superior in the anion exchange property of As(III) and As(V) due to the nature of nitrate ion existing in the interlayer. The pH condition suitable for As(V) removal is 7.1 or more. If the initial conditions such as 10mg/dm3 of As(V) concentration, 7.1 of pH, 1 m3 of amount of solution and 99 per cent of removal are fixed, the required amount of Mg-Al-NO3-LDH is 0.27kg for two step-batch operations. The As(III) is suitable to oxidize to As(V) before the removal processing.

Sep 13, 2010

Devitrification of a glassy volcanic ash equivalent to an alkaline trachyte in composition has resulted in the formation of an interstratified illite-montmorillonite with an 1:1\1 content of 1:4 as the principal clay mineral.A high concentration of potassium ions and a deficiency of magnesium ions favoured the formation of the potassium-bentonite.A poorly ordered mica mineral, equivalent to illite, was produced by weathering of potassic feldspar. Subsequent degradation of the illite through the loss of potassium was responsible for the formation of several interstratified minerals with very approximate 1:1\1 contents of 4: I as minor components.Other authigenic minerals present in small amounts were u-cristobalite, sepiolite, and the zeolite clinopitolite.The non-swelling character of the potassium-bentonite makes it economically unattractive...

Jan 1, 1967

By J L. Mauk

Golden Cross is a volcanic-hosted, low-sulfidation, epithermal Au-Ag deposit in the Hauraki Goldfield. Irrespective of the rock type (andesite versus dacite), hydrothermally altered wallrocks are enriched in K, Rb, As and Sb around Au-Ag mineralised veins of the Empire vein system and stockwork. Sodium and Sr are strongly depleted around these veins, whereas Mg and Fe are locally depleted. Calcium and Si display mixed behaviour, varying from unchanged to depleted to enriched. Other elements including Al, Ti, Mn, Zr, Y, and Nb show little change or are immobile during hydrothermal alteration. Element enrichment and depletion trends are directly related to the degree of alteration and the alteration mineralogy. Addition of K and Rb and converse loss of Na and Sr in intensely altered wallrock surrounding veins corresponds to the replacement of igneous plagioclase by hydrothermal adularia. Sodium and Sr occur in moderately altered rocks on the margins or in æhard barsÆ that contain plagioclase. Locally, elevated Si concentrations and depletion of Mg adjacent to the Empire vein system reflects intense silicification of the wallrocks and the replacement of mafic minerals by quartz rather than by chlorite. The geochemical zonation patterns at Golden Cross are very similar to those at the McLaughlin deposit California, and shallow levels of the active Broadlands Ohaaki geothermal system. Therefore, determination of K, Na, Rb, Sr, and Ca enrichment and depletion patterns provides insight into alteration intensity and mineralogy that is complimentary to traditional trace element analysis of As, Sb, Hg, Au, Ag, Zn, and Pb used in the exploration of shallow level (< 500 m) epithermal Au-Ag deposits.

Jan 1, 2000

Australia's iron ore industry is entering a challenging period with the development of new orebodies, the introduction of new products and the push for further downstream processing. In addition, the recent price reductions for iron ore exports have intensified the focus on reducing capital and operating costs. To assist in these areas, CSIRO is expanding its research capabilities, including the incorporation into CSIRO of the Mineral Processing Laboratories in Perth, which were previously managed by the WA Department of Minerals and Energy. In addition, a large part of the $24.4 million expansion of CSIRO's Pinjarra Hills laboratories in Brisbane will be devoted to enhancing iron ore processing research, providing purpose built laboratories and large process bays.

Jan 1, 1999

Innovative Technology for Optimised Thickening Sedimentation

Sep 13, 2010

The emergence of China as a global economic power has not been without its birth pangs and the current coal market is testimony to this. Traditionally the coal market has been controlled by mature economies that functioned along balanced lines of supply and demand. The emergence of China and India as major forces in the international market has shifted this balance of power from mature economies to the developing economies of China and India. Of late Chinese Central Government policy has caused wide swings in the supply of Chinese coking coal and thermal coal to the international Asian markets. This has resulted in huge increases in demand for coal from producers in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, USA and Russia. Additionally since the late 1990s the liberalised Chinese economy has been growing by between nine to 12 per cent per annum. The corresponding rise in the standard of living of their 1.4 billion people has resulted in a strong demand for raw materials, initially met by domestic production and more recently met by the importation of raw materials including iron ore, oil, coking coal and thermal coal. Commensurate with this growth in China has been the emergence of India (pop one billion) as another major developing economy in the region. Whilst the Indian standard of living is lower than that of the Chinese, this subcontinent still has some 300 million people with middle class consumption demands. India is a major importer of oil, coking coal and thermal coal. It exports iron ore to China with growth parallel to China (seven to nine per cent per annum). These combined new demands from India and China have put unprecedented pressure on the global supply of coking and thermal coals. These pressures are reflected in the current world spot prices for coking and thermal coals which are at historically high levels. Whilst current demand from China and India is high it is anticipated that new projects will partially satisfy this increasing demand. Expectations are that overall thermal and coking coal prices will rise steadily. This paper seeks to identify the potential effects of Chinese and Indian economic growth on the international markets for coal.

Jan 1, 2004

By M I. Pownceby, C M. MacRae, A Torpy

Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD) techniques are capable of providing high-quality quantitative information regarding the phase mineralogy and distribution of alumina within iron ore samples. The techniques, however, use different methodologies in determining the mineralogical information (ie structural versus chemical), which introduces some limitations. In this study, EPMA was used to identify and quantify the deportment of alumina within mineral phases in iron ore samples (-1 mm crushed) sourced from different suppliers. Results were directly compared with quantitative mineralogical data derived from QXRD to provide an evaluation of the relative merits of both techniques. The four ores studied contained alumina either in the form of gibbsite, aluminosilicates (eg kaolinite), or associated with goethite.For minor phases, gibbsite and kaolinite, the abundance trends measured via QXRD were generally reflected in the EPMA data. Agreement was less satisfactory for the more abundant goethite phase (both low- and high-Al forms). The discrepancy may be the result of sampling issues arising from textural features such as grain size, and also a systematic overestimate in the amount of Al-rich goethite when hematite and Al-bearing phases are finely intermixed and the EPMA step size is coarse. A second difference in the EPMA results compared to the QXRD data was in regard to quantification of low-Al and high-Al goethite phases. The sensitivity of the chemical-based EPMA was better for distinguishing between high- and low-Al goethite although the results remain overprinted by potential errors introduced via sampling.Care should be taken when directly comparing results from each method, although in general the data should be considered complementary, as each approach provides slightly different results and interpretations regarding the overall mineralogy.CITATION:Pownceby, M I, MacRae, C M and Torpy, A, 2017. A comparison of X-ray and electron-based analysis techniques for characterising the mineralogy and alumina distribution in iron ores, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2017, pp 593–598 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 24, 2017

LANDSAT imagery has renewed interest in linear features first recognised by E. S. Hills in a physiographic model of Australia. Certain of these lineaments are aligned with structures which control mineralisation.Lineament guidelines are potentially useful in many poorlyexposed areas if they can be recognised early enough in exploration and drilling programs leading to mine development.A case history based on the Charters Towers Gold Field indicates that lineament guidelines can be established early enough to guide development ofnew mines. The position of the Charters Towers Lineament was known as early as 1956. Subsequently, more detailed publications identified and classified associated lineaments which provide intersections correlated with gold occurrences. The discovery of a significant orebody at one of the most prominent lineament intersections came in 1975. Mine drilling has confirmed the influence ofintersecting structural trends indicated by lineaments but not by previous regional mapping.Recent gold discoveries south of Charters Towers lie in a grid of prominent lineaments. The development of mines about Charters Towers will provide additional understanding of relationships between centres of mineralisation and lineament intersections. This understanding may in future be sufficient to encourage exploration for a new generation of concealed gold deposits in northeastern Queensland.

Jan 1, 1986

Influence of Frothers on Bubble Shape and Velocity Close to the Generation Point

Sep 13, 2010

Geological hazards such as faulting, basement ridges, and zones of "thin" (< 6 m) coal have a major impact on mining economics of underground operations in Huntly Coalfield. Experience has shown that drillhole-based investigations do not yield sufficiently detailed models of the coal seam to allow management of the planning risks associated with these hazards. Consequently, operational performance is affected by unplanned costs associated with lower productivity, loss of coal reserves, and expensive strata control remedies in problem ground conditions. Huntly Coalfield is a challenging environment for acquisition of good quality seismic reflection data due to the very thick (10-85m) weathering layer. Since 1994, successful acquisition of 2D and 3D data has been achieved through a combination of careful testing of technical parameters and experimental trials prior to committing to production recording. High resolution seismic reflection (HRSR) is proving to be an investigations technique which generates accurate and reliable models of the coal seam and associated structures, such as normal faults and topography of the surface on which the coal seam rests. The HRSR technique has been applied and developed in the Okowhao Sector where Huntly East Mine is developing and extracting coal reserves. Results of a recent 3D survey demonstrate that this technique is capable of revolutionising risk management in mine planning for underground mines in structurally complicated coal deposits.

Jan 1, 1997