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This paper describes the technical development of the Newman beneficiation plant over its 23 years of operation and how this development relates to the mine ore reserves of high-grade and low-grade ore. It also discusses the importance of the beneficiation product grades in the overall blending of shippable products from a range of mines to optimise overall ore resource utilisation. Also discussed is the importance of the ore reserve reconciliations in resource utilisation. Data is provided on the capacity and quality improvement results of the plant upgrade, carried out in 1999. This shows how the original capacity upgrade targets have been exceeded and the additional quality benefits that have been obtained from this capacity.

Jan 1, 2002

By D. J. Burger

This paper will highlight the system components of a successful underground mining automation project recently launched at DeBeers Finsch Mine. It will also show that integration of short-term mine planning with other upstream and downstream mining processes in the extraction of kimberlite ore from a block cave is not just critical to the future sustainability of this underground mining operation but also for profitability and cost-effectiveness. This paper will discuss the information data flow required from the mine-planning process through to production for underground block cave mining. The benefits associated with this type of integrated mine planning and automation system will be highlighted.

Jan 1, 2006

By K. Szczesny

This paper considers the integration of uncertain real-time logistics data for reactive construction scheduling. In order to manage a construction project efficiently, an accurate schedule representing the current project progress is inevitable. The quality and up-to-dateness of such a schedule depends on the availability of real-time data. Typically, real-time logistics data contain information about the availability of material, equipment and personnel as well as delivery dates and site conditions. The accuracy and inherent uncertainty depends on the location where the real-time data was acquired. Currently, the integration of such data into a construction schedule is a very time-consuming, manual and, thus, errorprone process. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology that enables an automatic integration of such uncertain data into construction schedules. By integrating uncertainties into the existing schedule their impacts on the construction work can be evaluated. For this, discrete event simulation is applied. In order to model uncertain input parameters for simulation models this methodology applies the fuzzy sets theory. In combination with alpha-cut sampling technique, discrete model input parameters are obtained. By applying reactive scheduling with several discrete event simulation experiments, the results can be used to modify construction schedules according to agreed timeframes and costs. In order to demonstrate and validate the presented approach an example is conducted.

Aug 1, 2013

By F F. Pitard

The comparison between J Visman and C O Ingamells’ works with P M Gy’s works has been the object of intense debates in the past. Such negative debates inevitably resulted in a loss of many good opportunities. The author’s long experience in applying works of these three authors led to the pragmatic conclusion that it is relatively easy to integrate everything Visman and Ingamells created into the Theory of Sampling; therefore, it is suggested that the compatibility has been vastly overlooked, and a correction for such anomaly is recommended. It is important to emphasise that Visman and Ingamells works may be beneficial and provide relevant, harmonious additions in some areas, and ultimately offer attractive possibilities to sampling practitioners. Such additions may enhance our capabilities to predict sampling difficulties by using a stronger strategy and to design better sampling experiments that would allow us to further understand the heterogeneity of minor constituents, and especially trace constituents. Basically, the suggested integration is essential for sampling trace constituents in the environment, in food, in chemicals and in the pharmaceutical industries.CITATION:Pitard, F F, 2017. Integration of Visman and Ingamells’ works into the Theory of Sampling – a necessity to expand possibilities in sampling practices, in Proceedings Eighth World Conference on Sampling and Blending , pp 55–62 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2017

By Mario Teruo Enju

Soluções flexíveis, com baixo custo de implantação e manutenção, de sistemas de controle de processos e informação utilizando tecnologias de ponta desenvolvidas em plataforma .Net Framework. Focadas inicialmente em área Metalúrgica, onde eficiência em custos e alta confiabilidade tem relevância fundamental para sua viabilização econômica, estas soluções podem também ser aplicadas em áreas Siderúrgica, Petroquímica e demais segmentos. Integração das informações do chão de fábrica com o sistema de gestão da empresa com objetivo de facilitar a tomada de decisões estratégicas. Banco de dados relacional é o principal repositório de dados para compartilhar informações com a rede corporativa, gerenciado por uma ferramenta de software em tempo real para as lógicas de negócios e camada de apresentação. Maior performance, facilidade de operação, disponibilidade de dados, OEE, manutenção simplificada, acesso e ações remotas são viabilizados, permitindo menor custo e maior eficiência.

Jul 30, 2018

By Caetano Nunes da Silva

A busca por competitividade despertou na ArcelorMittal Tubarão interesse em novas possibilidades de integração de operação e manutenção nas áreas fabris, sendo retratado nesse trabalho a experiência da área de acabamento de bobinas. O trabalho enfoca: 1. a mudança cultural - que vem sendo continuamente trabalhada com as equipes e tem reforçado princípios como o senso de propriedade, autonomia e integração; 2. o incentivo ao intercâmbio entre funções - contribuindo para que as atividades da operação e manutenção fossem conhecidas por todos; 3. alterações na rotina, com a introdução de reuniões, inspeções e relatórios compartilhados - para melhor troca de informações entre as equipes de operação e manutenção; 4. mudança na localização física das equipes - com a acomodação das equipes de operação e manutenção mais próximas entre si e dos equipamentos; e por fim, 5. a implantação da manutenção autônoma - com a capacitação e realização de intervenções de manutenção pelos operadores. Com a melhoria da integração têm sido obtidos resultados expressivos de segurança, estabilidade operacional e custo.

Aug 7, 2018

By Alcio Heitor Somensari

O artigo apresenta um estudo de como um sistema de automação elétrica integrado deve fornecer uma completa visão do sistema elétrico, permitindo que as equipes de operação e manutenção tomem decisões precisas rapidamente após uma falha elétrica. As indústrias esperam que suas subestações estejam sempre disponíveis e ligadas, evitando paradas indesejadas. Para isso, precisam de soluções que recuperem o fornecimento de energia de forma rápida e segura, a um custo mínimo. Proporcionar um ambiente aprimorado na sala de controle para uma rápida solução de problemas e conectar subestações de locais hostis e distantes reduzem não apenas tempo de manutenção, mas também aumentam a segurança das equipes. A norma IEC 61850 nos permite entregar uma solução para um sistema mais intuitivo com acesso rápido a informações que melhoram a supervisão da planta na sala de controle.

Aug 16, 2017

By Thiago Marques Ivaniski

A fabricação de componentes para conformação mecânica possui uma gama de exigências devido aos esforços cíclicos, como por exemplo, fadiga térmica. Devido à capacidade de formar geometrias complexas e usinar metais de alta dureza, a eletroerosão (EDM- Eletrical Discharge Machining) possui eficiência na produção destas matrizes. O estudo da integridade superficial do material erodido torna-se importante para avaliarmos qual são as condições ideais para tratamentos termoquímicos que visam a otimização da superfície da matriz usinada. Neste trabalho, foi investigada a integridade superficial do AISI H13, utilizadas para a fabricação de matrizes de forjamento a quente. Foram avaliadas a rugosidade e camada afetada pela técnica de Perfilometria Mecânica,Microscopia Ótica (MO) e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). Verificaram-se diferentes superfícies, em diferentes parâmetros de usinagem e profundidades estabelecidas, observandose a subsuperfície do material.

Aug 17, 2017

By I. Colquhoun

Current practice tends towards "integrity as an afterthought". That is, integrity is treated as an isolated aspect of operations and maintenance. In fact, this works quite well. But it would work so much better and with less uncertainty if integrity management measures were introduced at the design phase and addressed the entire life-cycle of the pipeline asset. The talk will address the measures and metrics that can be implemented on a new pipeline during design to optimize integrity and deliver a comprehensive operating manual and integrity management program for the pipeline system. This deliverable should describe the risks to be assessed and monitored, and the actions to be taken to control these risk adequately. Properly executed, integrity by design will provide a good working estimate of the life-cycle integrity management costs and maximize system reliability.

Jan 1, 2005

By I. Le May

"The assessment of integrity in plants is discussed, together with the codes that are being developed for in service evaluation of engineering fitness for service. The use of Risk Based Inspection is described and some examples are provided of the evaluation of in service components in which flaws have been detected. An example of the assessment of the structure of a mine processing facility is described, and application of Risk Based Inspection and plant assessment procedures to mines is discussed. Periodic assessment of large plants and components to determine their integrity for continued safe operation is becoming a more accepted approach than formerly when regular shutdowns were the normal practice. This is on the way to becoming the preferred procedure for petrochemical plants and power generating plants, and the same philosophy is appropriate for many mining operations. Both the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) have committees developing codes for the continued operation of equipment as distinct from the existing design codes. The philosophy is one of risk-based inspection, which can be on a purely qualitative basis or more quantitatively based.The purpose is to reduce the inspection of unnecessary and non-critical items and to concentrate on the most critical components, reducing costs and downtime and increasing safety. The approach differs from that considered by many maintenance engineers, in that defects that are identified during an integrity evaluation do not automatically cause a component or structure to be condemned or require that repairs are made right away. The seriousness of the defect must be considered and the safe operating life can be estimated before it becomes necessary to replace or repair the unit or component. This is no different from what is done today with passenger aircraft and, to an increasing extent, with pressure vessels, reactor vessels and similar components in the petrochemical and power generating industries."

Jan 1, 1998

By Bernard H. Hertlein

Transportation system structures have come under very close scrutiny in the last couple of years, largely due to the damaging effects of disasters, both natural and man-made. In the Pacific northwest and California, earthquake risk is a major concern. In the central and eastern states barge impacts on bridge piers and docks are a big worry. In all cases of bridges over water and waterside structures, scour is a primary concern. Some of the results of this scrutiny have been changes in design and construction methods, and the introduction of more testing to supplement field inspection during construction, and throughout the service life of the structure. Future construction of bridges and docks will almost certainly see a continuing growth in these practices. Where foundations are concerned, particularly for bridges and waterside structures, many state and local authorities have started specifying drilled shafts rather than driven piles. Where the shafts must be constructed under water or slurry, visual inspection of most of the work is impossible, and one of several different Nondestructive Tests (NDT) is often specified. Contractors' experiences with these methods have varied considerably, and there is a great deal of controversy in the deep foundation industry over the reliability of NDT methods for assessing the integrity of foundation shafts or piles. The author has had more than 15 years of practice with the various NDT methods for deep foundations, on projects all over the US, particularly foundations for bridges and dock structures, and has developed an understanding of the "NDT controversy" as it has become known. In particular, experiences in the Pacific Northwest, California, and Alabama have illustrated the reasons for the controversy. This paper reviews these experiences, and suggests some steps that owners and contractors can take to reduce the risk of inconclusive or downright inaccurate test results.

Jan 1, 1998

By R. T. Stain

Integrity testing of deep foundations is now common practice in Europe, indeed in the City of London such testing is a contractural requirement on every site. This paper is in two parts: Part 1 describes the most commonly used test methods and their applications. Part 2 presents a case history where both of the above techniques were used.

Jan 1, 1987

By Mark D. Fuhriman, Parham Khoshkbari, Robert Fosse

Drilled displacement piles are becoming an increasingly common deep foundation choice for their relatively simple installation methods, applicability to a wide range of subsurface conditions, and versatility. The installation method includes drilling and displacement of the soil followed by delivery of fluid cement grout under pressure, and placement of steel reinforcing to complete the pile. Because the installation method uses blind processes that do not permit direct observation of the pile, it is desirable to employ redundant testing tools to complement good construction techniques and inspection practices to ensure integrity of the piles. This paper examines the use of a range of integrity testing tools used for pile installations at a major office campus development. Because the integrity of a drilled displacement pile and its performance depend to a large extent on the skill and experience of the installation crew, the paper explores how use of multiple practical tools, including automated monitoring tools on the pile installation equipment, thermal integrity profiling, and high-strain dynamic testing, ensure structural integrity of the completed piles and how redundant integrity testing methods complement good construction and inspection practices add confidence in the quality of the foundation system.

Sep 8, 2021

Develop a more efficient method of testing the integrity of in-situ leach mining operations. The Problems For economic and environ-mental reasons, in-situ leaching operations must be sure that wells do not leak. Loss of solution in large quantities can be expensive in itself, and if such losses result in pollution the costs can be even higher. Wells are usually tested for leaks by sealing them with packers, pressurizing them and monitoring the pressure drop. However, many commercially-available packers are designed to be used in steel-cased wells rather than the fiberglass-or plastic-cased wells used for in-situ mining. These packers are heavy, cumbersome, expensive, and often leak. In addition, commonly used well-integrity-test systems require lengthy test periods and drill rigs or hoist trucks with rigid pipes must be used to run the packers in and out of the well. The Bureau of Mines has developed a mobile, self-contained leak-testing system that is faster, uses trailer-mounted equipment that can be operated by one person, and features a new inflatable packer.

Jan 1, 1985

By Cristhian Carrión

El trabajo evalúa la aplicación de la Inteligencia Artificial (IA) o Redes Neuronales Artificiales (RNA) en el procesamiento de minerales, con el fin de predecir y optimizar recuperaciones. El estudio describe el trabajo con variables diversas, el modelo de entrenamiento y aprendizaje supervisado, así como el nivel de exactitud en predicciones obtenidas con modelos tradicionales de progresión lineal y con una RNA entrenada (backpropagation).

Sep 20, 2019

By Fernando Altamirano, Samuel Rolando, Jorge Osada

La estrategia implementada desde el inicio de la pandemia el 16 de marzo 2020, fue exitosa logrando prevenir brotes potenciales no controlados en el campamento minero y proteger a los trabajadores y sus familias, así como mantener los niveles de producción y la continuidad de la empresa a un costo razonable, generando un beneficio económico para los trabajadores y sus familias. Asimismo, las medidas preventivas se extendieron a las poblaciones de la provincia de Espinar y el Cusco mitigando los efectos de la pandemia.

Sep 30, 2022

By D. R. Schricker

Mine managers rely on their experience, section foreman's daily reports and occasional time studies to make important production, maintenance and forecasting decisions. This information is often subjective and imprecise, consumes expensive engineers time, is often biased and is restricted to short time periods. Managers need better information. Furthermore, if a recently purchased machine is being evaluated, a large increase (>10%) in productivity may be obvious, but small increases are usually masked by other variables. In today's highly competitive markets, cumulative small changes are important, especially since managers have already exhausted most available, obvious avenues of improvement. A technique to separate these charges from effects of other variables and to quantify the target effect is necessary. CSM researchers are addressing this need by developing an intelligent decision support system (IDSS). It provides key production and maintenance information to support management decisions by recognizing patterns in mining machine sensor data and representing knowledge about mine management, operations, layout and equipment. A continuous miner section at Western Fuels-Utah Inc.'s Deserado Mine in Rangely, CO is the test facility for the research. Power transducers located in the sections load center provide kilowatt versus time data from continuous section equipment. The IDSS pattern recognition algorithms classify the kilowatt versus time patterns into individual machine operating modes. It produces an output similar to a typical industrial engineering time study but continuously, automatically and without an engineer in the section. It is relatively easy for a time-study engineer to identify the stop and end points of a cycle element and classify it by looking at the machine and glancing at a stop watch. The problem is that monitoring system hardware and software do not have these unique capabilities. Consequently, IDSS algorithms must automatically define the begin and end points of machine tasks and identify the task by recognizing patterns in kilowatt versus time data. However, many mines have file drawers of time-study type data that are not very useful. So, IDSS contains the knowledge representation subsystem (IDSS/KRS) to produce short reports containing only key information. This is difficult because mine environments continually change and information requirements differ for each management level. Consequently, IDSS/KRS must learn and adapt to new conditions in a dynamic mining environment.

Jan 1, 1990

By J. A. López-Molina, S. García, V. Castellanos-Pedroza

"Grouting aims to reduce the permeability of rock mass below a predetermined value and has been widely used in rock engineering field for a long time. However, the injection procedure needs several empirical decision makings and it is rather difficult to reliably confirm the achievement of improvement, because the grout penetration process is not sufficiently clarified. This investigation proposes a neuronal method of defining spatial distribution of rock hydraulic properties and a fuzzy scheme for estimating their relation with the grout penetration (consumption, localization and filling material). The intelligent method stands as a tool for helping in harmonizing the sealing activities and the medium conditions. The virtual simulation of grouting strategies embraces geology, hydraulic and rock characteristics and the filling process. Important aspects as different pressure injection levels and fracturing systems can be holistically studied using the intelligent environment, resulting in an advantageous, economic, flexible and interactive tool for planning better this critical activity.INTRODUCTION Grouting is a very common method of sealing rock and repairing concrete structures (Butron et al., 2010) and its use in engineering of dam-foundation and tunneling has been documented as very successful (Yang, 2004). Generally speaking, to achieve the closing purpose, boreholes are drilled into the rock mass and grout is injected (under pre-selected pressure) until the fractures around the borehole are filled. The complete filling of these fractures is possible if they are connected to each other in such a way that the remaining water and air can be displaced outside the designed grouting zone (Houlsby, 1990; Kutzner, 1996). Water testing is necessary for evaluating seepage potential and for determining whether grouting is necessary or practical. Regardless of the main reason for the investigations, design of a program for water testing for grouting should consider the type of structure to be built, the geologic conditions at the site and the level of seepage control desired. As information gathered the report must content the fracture openness, number and connectivity, exploratory drill holes orientations, materials situation and a panorama of rock-mass state (quality)."

Jan 1, 2015

By Arun .. J. Basu

The paper introduces Intelligent Air Management (IAM) as the core activity of M&I Group of Companies (M&I) for providing a total solution to any air management problems for mining and mineral processing operations implementing a comprehensive systems approach through a world-wide network of strategic alliance partners and in-house engineering team and manufacturing facilities in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Recommendations for energy-efficient ventilation in a vibration and noise free environment are made with the patented and innovative solutions supported by extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies. The solution scope extends from an intelligent and integrated exhaust silencer to a complete ventilation sys-tem solution including inlet and outlet control design and ducting for diffusers and silencers.

Apr 1, 2005

By S. Frimpong

The cable shovel excavator is used for primary production in many surface mining operations. A major problem in shovel excavation is the variability of material diggability, resulting in varying mechanical energy input and stress loading of shovel dipper-and-tooth assembly across the working bench. This variability has a huge impact on the shovel dipper and tooth assembly in hard formations. In addition, the geometrical constraints within the working environment impose production limitations resulting in low production efficiency and high operating costs. A potential solution to the above problems is the application of an intelligent cable shovel excavation(ICSE) technology. In this paper, dynamic models of the cable shovel excavator are developed with numerical examples. These models form the basis for developing dynamic shovel simulators for an intelligent shovel excavation technology. The dynamic equations are developed using the Newton-Euler techniques. The path trajectories for efficient excavation, dynamic velocity and acceleration profiles, and dimensioned parameters for optimum feed force, torques and momentum of shovel boom-bucket assembly are modeled and used for efficient excavation. The optimum digging forces and resistances for the cable shovel excavator are modeled and used to predict optimum excavation performance.

Jan 1, 2003