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By A. N. Clay, N. N. Moeketsi, S. Joubert

For many years, mine-impacted water has been regarded as a problem and linked to long-term environmental liabilities. However, this water can be a renewable and a sustainable resource, provided that it is managed in a responsible and sensible manner. South Africa’s National Water Resource Strategy (NWRS, 2013) considers water that can be used to contribute to economic activity to be a water resource. Although all water resources are considered as belonging to the State, government does not appear to have meaningfully explored the use of mineimpacted water to contribute to the country’s economic activity. Africa is blessed with more sunshine than anywhere else, apart from Australia, yet we see no rollout of vast quantities of solar panels to ensure every African family has access to affordable power. This suggests that governments are incapable of managing such a free resource. At the same time, apart from the equatorial areas, water is a seriously constrained resource and yet we expect the same entities to manage a commodity none of us can live without. This paper explores the conversion of mine-impacted water from waste to a resource and how the inclusion of other stakeholders (such as water users, landowners, and ordinary South Africans) could benefit the process.

Jan 2, 2022

By Ronald J. Roman

As in every business venture, the primary objective of a mining operation is to make money for those who supply the venture capital. Therefore, all decisions concerning the operation of the mining operation should be made in light of the resulting effect on profit. The ultimate control is on profit, but the process is controlled, for example, by aiming for a recovery or concentrate grade knowing its effect on profit. The normal procedure used to determi.ne the profitability of a venture is to "present worth" all costs and incomes back to some arbitrary year zero. Every company has formed a management decision as to what it will require as a minimum return before it will undertake an investment. Once the economic analysis is completed, investment will be made only if the venture shows a positive present worth. If two alternatives are available, the alternative with the larger positive present worth is the one chosen. The same principles can be applied to the selection of a production schedule.

Jan 1, 1971

By D. M. Fraser

"Brunswick Mining and Smelting Corporation Limited operates two mines; one open pit (No. 6) and one underground (No. 12), approximately 20 miles south-west of Bathurst, New Brunswick. Both are massive sulphide deposits containing copper, lead, zinc and silver. The No. 12 property began operation in 1963 and is presently being mined at a rate of 3600 tons per day underground and is in the completion stages of an expansion to achieve 11,000 tons per day underground by the end of 1930.Originally at Brunswick Mining, acid mine drainage was added to tailings and neutralized by an excess of lime in the tailings. A conventional recycle system was established with a biostabilization pond for the treatment of thiosalts, a liming station and sludge settling area for neutralization of acidic water and a final reclaim pond with a pumping station for reclaim water.We found that not more than one third of the reclaim water could be used as it upset the flotation circuit every time it was used. It was established that the mine water and surface drainage were the cause due to oils and detergents in the water. It was also found that the biostabilization pond method Cf thiosalt treatment was not efficient for year round operation in our climate.In 1974, we reviewed the problems and began a 3 phase program to control effluents from the property:"

Jan 1, 1980

By T. W. Martin

The use of conveyors in large, open pit mines and their drawbacks are discussed. Technological developments such as long distance conveyors capable of handling large rocks are explored. The development and testing by the Bureau of Mines of a prototype crib and cable conveyor for handling large rocks are discussed, and possible modifications of the concept for a production model are examined.

Jan 1, 1984

By A. Almeida, D. Castro, K. Ingmarsson, D. Ferreira, R. Tamir

Mine-to-mill improvements can be initiated at any stage, but it is our assertion that drilling accuracy is a practical anchor in any operating mine or quarry for a structured continuous improvement process. This paper will: 1. Define deviations from plan and provide some best practices for maintaining drilling accuracy. 2. Introduce tools and methods to monitor and calculate consequences of accurate versus inaccurate drilling. 3. Demonstrate the use of these tools and methods and their impact on one cost item, the mitigation of oversized material by a hydraulic hammer. 4. Provide recommendations for implementing improvements.

Feb 1, 2023

By Luis Huaroc, Jorge Cardenas, José Salvador

One of the current challenges in mining is managing increasingly competent rock conditions within the mine-to-plant value chain, particularly when working with marginal ore grades. This study presents a case from a Peruvian open-pit operation where the mine plan projected a significant increase in rock hardness, as measured by the Axb index (parameters derived from the JK drop weight test). In response, the Drill and Blast Technical Team made efforts to increase the powder factor by reducing drill spacing and increasing the explosive charge, employing high-energy explosives (3,090 kJ/kg). However, this adjustment presented a challenge in achieving the fragmentation required to meet the target throughput of 97,500 tons/day, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 8.7% under the base case scenario. To overcome this technical challenge, the use of locally engineered ultra high-energy explosives was proposed, offering adjustable energy levels ranging from 3,210 to 3,570 kJ/kg. This solution enhanced ore blending strategies, calibrated to specific Axb ranges. The results also suggest that microfractures generated by the energetic blasting designs contributed significantly to downstream improvements. These outcomes demonstrate the value of a fully integrated mine-to-plant strategy, aligning blasting parameters with downstream processing performance to maximize operational efficiency. This solution led to a 10% increase in process plant efficiency, a 16% reduction in specific energy consumption during primary crushing, and a 13% reduction in the SAG mill. Additionally, shovel productivity rose by 18%, and the dig rate improved by up to 35%. Keywords: fragmentation, blending, high-energy explosive, power factor, microfractures, specific energy consumption and Axb model.

Jan 26, 2026

By David Dvorkin, Thomas C. Anderson

INTRODUCTION A major function of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Denver Safety and Health Technology Center (DSHTC), Ventilation Branch, is to provide engineering analyses of underground mine¬ ventilation systems for coal, metal, and nonmetal in¬spection departments in accordance with field surveys and data analyses. Health and safety problems such as the control of diesel contaminants, dust, methane, radon, and radon daughters all are dependent upon ventilation. It is necessary for the ventilation engineers at DSHTC to have a complete understanding of the various and highly complex ventilation systems used in the nation's mines. Only through the proper assembly and analysis of data can the engineer determine the causes of prob¬lems and make suitable recommendations. Furthermore, the engineer must have the ability to predict the results of any such recommendations. In the study of the ventilation system at any indi¬vidual mine, it is common practice to collect data on airflow quantities and pressures at key points throughout the mine. However, these data give only a single point¬-in-time view of the system. As the mine develops and progresses, the system undergoes numerous changes; as the mine becomes more extensive, the ventilation re¬quirements increase, and the costs rise. For proper utilization of the available resources, it is necessary for the engineer to have a sound engineering basis for deci¬sions on how best to ventilate the mine. To evaluate the system as a whole, particularly re¬garding possible system changes, it has become necessary to rely on computers to perform the calculations in¬volved in analyzing the network. This chapter sum¬marizes the implementation of such computer capabili¬ties at DSHTC, as well as the services that are available from DSHTC. ANALOG SIMULATIONS AND ANALYSES OF VENTILATION NETWORKS As early as 1954, the US Bureau of Mines (USBM) in Pittsburgh, PA, was using an analog computer as an aid in analyzing ventilation systems. The Mcllroy Fluid Network Analyzer used filament-tube resistance elements and an electrical power supply to simulate mine-ventila¬tion systems electrically. This system is shown in Fig. 1. Analog simulation has proven to be a practical tool, providing fast analyses of complicated problems after the initial setup has been completed. Advancements in electronic technology over the past 24 years have made possible the construction of an analog computer that has streamlined several operating features of the previous machines. The DSHTC Ventilation Branch now has an improved electronic analog computer to assist in the analyses of ventilation systems. General Features As shown in Fig. 2, the analog computer used at the DSHTC Ventilation Branch has three "element" cabi¬ nets, a console, and a printer. The cabinets contain the fan elements and the airway-resistance elements that are used to "program" an analysis problem; each element is independent of the others. The console contains the "patchboard" and the controls necessary to operate the analog computer. The patchboard connects the inde¬pendent elements into the circuit appropriate for simu¬lating the ventilation system. The total system is controlled from a panel on the console, while the value corresponding to each element is set on the individual controls located on the face of each element. The control panel has three visual output displays that give the quantity of flow, the pressure of the output junction with respect to a datum, and the differential pressure across each element. The control panel also allows manual selection of the element to be monitored, or automatic scanning and printing of values for the entire system. Capabilities The analog computer can simulate an existing mine¬-ventilation network. This is accomplished by collecting field data at the mine to give a complete pressure-¬quantity network. Resistance values for each airway branch may be determined from the quantity of flow in the branch and from the pressure differential between the end-point junctions of the branch. The basic rela¬tonship to determine the resistance is expressed as: H=R •Q2 where H is the pressure differential, R is the resistance, and Q is the quantity of air in the flow. After the resistance values are known for all of the airways in the circuit, the elements on the analog com¬puter can be set to the corresponding values. The elements are designed to reflect the basic relationships, with electrical potentials corresponding to pressures and

Jan 1, 1982

By M. Scobie, G. R. Baiden

"This paper describes recent developments at Inco Limited, Ontario Division, in the field of information systems for automated mining. A CA TV cable network has been combined with a broad spectrum radio antenna system to allow the supply of voice, data and video services to underground mining. The system formed the basis of a field experiment at the Copper Cliff North Mine of the Ontario Division in 1990.The experimental information system was developed to supply underground mining with voice, data and video services to mobile and stationary locations. In order to test the communication system, telephones and radios were linked together with the outside phone lines for voice communication. Stationary data was implemented on a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system for mine monitoring and control using PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), while using personal workstations for the mine planning and engineering functions. Stationary video was installed in the experiment to observe crushing, conveyor transfer points and skip dumping areas. Mobile data and video were tested by the teleoperation of an LHD. The functions supplied to the vehicle were monitored through a computer, with control being maintained through a standard radio interface and real time video pictures for the operation of the machine.This paper discusses the field testing of the information system and results achieved to date. It concludes by discussing the options considered to be open to provide information systems for future automated mining."

Jan 1, 1992

By David Conover

Technological advancements in electronic sensors and mine-wide monitoring systems have improved remote monitoring and analysis of underground mining information. The effective use of . these systems for ground control applications, however, remains a challenge facing the mining industry. The U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines is conducting research, utilizing real-time acquisition of rock mechanics data, to provide mine operators the means to rapidly identify and manage potentially hazardous ground conditions. The Bureau has installed a remote monitoring network in a Colorado coal mine to record Pressures from instruments installed in the roof and pi1lars of gateroads and from transducers on shield-legs along the face. The field data are being monitored at the Denver Research Center, 150 mi from the mine. A computer at the Center analyzes the field data and generates graphic displays, which permit detailed examination of mine-wide ground conditions in real-time. For the first time, Bureau researchers are able to perform real-time monitoring and analysis of rock mechanics data while mining is in progress. The data collection and display capabilities of the system were effectively used to identify and evaluate face stability problems at the mine.

Jan 1, 1990

By L. J. Blatnica

Throughout the 1980's the tem Mine-Wide Monitoring System has had various meanings for manufacturers of these systems and underground mine operators alike. System suppliers had visions of grandeur in the early 80's as they envisioned each mine, that has more than a single section, installing a computer based monitoring system to provide surveillance, control and documentation of the entire mining operation, including everything from a single heat detector to the weekly payroll. In a few cases this may have become reality but the truth is these systems have quietly become a steady but unspectacular workbase for the modern mining industry of the 1990's. As it exists today the total market for underground monitoring systems may not exceed $10 million annually. Suppliers have lowered their expectations of the dollar value of this particular market. Some were entering a new market because of experience with computer based data acquisition systems. Others had been active in the mining industry for years with more traditional equipment (communication systems, methane monitors, safety equipment, etc.) and decided to become involved with Mine-Wide Monitoring Systems.

Jan 1, 1990

By Thomas L. Vandergrift

The type and severity of coal mine entry failures are affected by the strength and stiffness properties of the roof, floor, end coal. Knowledge of the mine-wide trends of these properties Is valuable in developing effective ground control plans. Within the context of a larger effort to Improve entry stability In high horizontal stress fields, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, has evaluated three portable, on-site test devices to determine their suitability for identifying mine-wide physical property trends. The devices evaluated were the borehole shear tester, the Schmidt harmer, and the point load tester. Despite the lack of standardized data Interpretation procedures, each device provided useful on-site physical property data. The Schmidt homer was preferred for trend identification because of Its speed and simplicity. Schmidt hammer data were collected over a large area of an underground coal mine to compare calculated roof strength trends with a known geologic feature.

Jan 1, 1990

By Brij M. Moudgil

Florida produced more than eighty percent of domestic phosphate during 1974. This amounted to more than thirty-five million short tons. Ninety percent of this production was used in the production of fertilizers. Other uses of phosphate include food preservatives, fabric dyes, optical glass, photographic films, soaps, plastics, pharmaceuticals and animal feed ingredients. Marketable phosphate rock projections for the nest decade forecast a very healthy growth for the Florida phosphate industry. Associated with the expansion, however, are the corresponding problems of water conservation, air and water pollution and land reclamation. Recognizing mining as an interim land use, the industry is presently engaged in a very active reclamation program. The proximity of the central Florida deposits to rapidly developing urban areas makes it important to undertake successful and well planned reclamation programs. Water use and conservation is of vitil importance to the industry. Water withdrawal from existing aquifers and discharges into drainage systems are closely regulated by state agencies. Water is stored and recycled to maximize usage. In some instances water is even returned to major aquifers through a series of recharge or connector wells. The phosphate industry has spent over 200 million dollars in the past decade for research, development and implementation of pollution abatement and water conservation systems.1 The following discussion outlines various phases of phosphate mining in central Florida today, with emphasis on research in waste disposal techniques and progressive land reclamation programs.

Jan 1, 1975

By Rebecca Mae Summer

Large scale surface mining has a major impact on land use. Without reclamation, abandoned mining sites are usually less productive than before mining. With increasing and completetive land use demands in the United States, it becomes increasingly evident that multiple land use should be considered for all areas that will be mined, with special emphasis on coal, sand, gravel, and stone. The mining of these commodities affects the largest land areas and the latter two are commonly mined near population centers where high land-use pressures justify serious consideration of multiple use. Typically, sequential use will mean restoration of the mined land or at least transformation of the land into a useable state. Determination of land reclamation capability is a viable approach to planning reclamation of surface mined land. The natural resource base--geology, soil, and water--controls the type and intensity of land-use practices which can be sustained following mining. Evaluating physical limitations can eliminate consideration of uses which would severely impair the environment or which are impractical. This approach provides for an environmentally and economically sound land use at very little cost. In addition, it can save or make money for the mining company and landowner. Sand and gravel is an especially significant resource because it is mined throughout the entire country and commonly extracted near cities. Increasing urban growth and industrial activity require increased supplies of sand and gravel. This translates into expanded surface mining and an increase of disrupted land. Oftentimes this land is within an urban area and has potential for real estate or water-based activities. Therefore, if reclamation is planned and carried out concurrently with mining, it is definitely feasible and

Jan 1, 1977

By S. M. Moore, J. F. Burr, R. Fernando, D. Snyder

"The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act Public Law 109-236) was passed by Congress in response to three major underground coal mine accidents in the United States that claimed the lives of 19 miners. The Act resulted in substantial changes in the underground coal industry relative to the use of technology for mine escape, rescue, disaster response and other areas where the lack of these technologies contributed to the fatalities caused by these tragedies. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the MINER Act, which makes it an opportune time to reflect on the events that led to its passage, the changes that have been made since then, and the work that remains to be done. As discussed below, the last decade has demonstrated tremendous cooperative efforts among mining operators, technology innovators, labor, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and state regulators, resulting in substantial improvement of the technologies used for escape and rescue and noteworthy progress toward meeting many of the goals of the MINER Act. While the MINER Act and this article pertain primarily to coal mining, many of the technologies are equally applicable to any underground mining and have already found some acceptance outside of coal. TECHNOLOGY GAPS TARGETED BY THE MINER ACT The MINER Act addressed several technology challenges: • Problems with donning and switching between self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs). • Poor visibility in smoke. • No wayfinding assistance for escape from the mine. • Limited breathable air supply. • Inability to locate trapped miners. • Inability to communicate with trapped miners. • Failure of mine seals. The MINER Act had several provisions that prescribed specific safety technologies intended to address these issues. Many of these were directed at post-accident technology requirements — an area in which Congress mandated additional technology investment. Specifically, the Act required mine operators to submit emergency response plans (ERPs) that contained provisions for implementing new or improved post-accident communications, tracking, lifelines, refuge alternatives and breathable air supplies along with training for emergency procedures and local coordination of emergency response. Most of the requirements were to be carried out within three years of the ratification of the MINER Act. In addition to these requirements for mine operators, the Act clarified and expanded NIOSH’s role and authority in enhancing the development of new mine safety technologies and expediting their commercial availability. The MINER Act also required NIOSH to develop research on refuge chambers, mine seals and the use of belt air and fire-retardant belts. Mine seals had to be upgraded and MSHA turned to NIOSH for applied research to establish the new explosion-resistance requirements. Progress toward closing the gaps."

Jan 1, 2017

By Rohan Fernando, David P. Snyder, John F. Burr, Susan M. Moore

"The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act Public Law 109-236) was passed by Congress in response to three major underground coal mine accidents in the United States that claimed the lives of 19 miners. The Act resulted in substantial changes in the underground coal industry relative to the use of technology for mine escape, rescue, disaster response and other areas where the lack of these technologies contributed to the fatalities caused by these tragedies. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the MINER Act, which makes it an opportune time to reflect on the events that led to its passage, the changes that have been made since then, and the work that remains to be done.As discussed below, the last decade has demonstrated tremendous cooperative efforts among mining operators, technology innovators, labor, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and state regulators, resulting in substantial improvement of the technologies used for escape and rescue and noteworthy progress toward meeting many of the goals of the MINER Act. While the MINER Act and this article pertain primarily to coal mining, many of the technologies are equally applicable to any underground mining and have already found some acceptance outside of coal.Technology gaps targeted by the MINER ActThe MINER Act addressed several technology challenges:• Problems with donning and switching between self-contained, self-rescuers (SCSRs).• Poor visibility in smoke.• No wayfinding assistance for escape from the mine.• Limited breathable air supply.• Inability to locate trapped miners.• Inability to communicate with trapped miners.• Failure of mine seals."

Dec 1, 2016

By D. A. Baker, E. A. Gyawu, K. Awuah-Offei

Several underground coal mining disasters, such as Upper Big Branch in 2010, have revealed technological and organizational shortcomings related to self-escape. Efforts to address these gaps have primarily been top-down, that is, identified and implemented by upper management or external governing bodies. In contrast, this study employs a novel miner-centered approach to identify perceived technological boundaries to self-escape. Using a semi-structured, scenario-based survey, we elicit direct feedback from miners about current, emerging, and hypothetical technologies aimed at improving self-escape during mine emergencies. The results show a general high usefulness rating across all 21 technologies in the survey. Miners who work underground (both outby and working face miners) appear to give higher usefulness ratings overall than miners on the surface and other locations. This work will be directly applied to a series of proof of concept and prototype studies on self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs), refuge alternatives (RA), and communication devises aimed at improving self-escape technologies through miner-centered research and design.

Mar 2, 2022

By Luis Orna

En el 2017, con un capital de prototipo de $35 000, un retorno de inversión de 7 meses y una contribución adicional de reservas Au en 2018 de 3 612 331 onzas (37% adicional del estimado en exploración de Yanacocha en un año), se implementó una solución robótica para la evaluación óptima de reserva de minerales, gracias a la que se logró incrementar la ley promedio de 0.35% a 0.93% Au, así como la precisión de bloques en depósito de mineral, de 69% a 89%, sin sustituir la mano de obra (como ingenieros geólogos), sino brindándoles una herramienta precisa adicional. Asimismo, al utilizar al robot en la exploración y prospección de minerales, se logró reducir campañas de exploración de 4 años a 1.5 años, así como los costos, de $5M a $2M por campaña de exploración. Finalmente, el robot también se implementó en el ambiente de seguridad ocupacional, de manera que se logró mantener en cero los accidentes por derrumbes.

Sep 20, 2019

By Adolfo Valvano

Cerro Vanguardia S.A. (C.V.S.A.) es uno de los yacimientos auríferos y argentíferos más significativos y de mayor trayectoria de Argentina. En ese sentido, el presente trabajo describe las acciones desarrolladas por la compañía minera Cerro Vanguardia en referencia a la responsabilidad empresarial, y su relación con el desarrollo económico, la responsabilidad social y el cuidado del medio ambiente en las comunidades cercanas donde opera dicho yacimiento. Asimismo, se describen ejemplos y experiencias impulsadas por la nueva actividad como es la minería metalífera, que permitió recuperar una economía regional, la cual vivía una realidad desalentadora, producto de los bajos precios internacionales de lana y las bajas productividades de los campos por la intensa desertificación producida por malos manejos y la erupción del volcán Hudson en el año 1991, que cubrió de cenizas gran parte de la Meseta Central Patagónica.

Sep 12, 2011

By Jimmy Guarnizo

El yacimiento de La Zanja ubicada en el caserío La Zanja, Santa Cruz de Succhabamba, Cajamarca, inició sus actividades de exploración en 1991 y las de producción en el 2010. MLZ construyó el embalse o reservorio llamado Bramadero, que acumula las aguas de escorrentía de la quebrada del mismo nombre durante el periodo de lluvias, las cuales son empleadas para el consumo humano en la unidad minera, y en menor escala durante la época de estiaje para los procesos de operación. En este sentido, el presente texto señala la construcción de la presa Bramadero, la cual genera agua para beneficio de las poblaciones ubicadas aguas abajo de las instalaciones. Asi también cuenta con un programa de monitoreo ambiental para vigilar la calidad y la cantidad de aguas superficiales y subterráneas. Por tal motivo, cuenta con estaciones hidrométricas para evaluar en tiempo real la calidad del agua en los cuerpos receptores del área de influencia de la unidad minera.

Sep 1, 2015

By Donald J. Worth

INTRODUCTION Minera Real de Angeles makes a very interesting case study in more ways than one. To begin with, it represents the first time a bulk silver deposit has been put into production in Mexico. Second, the feasibility and financing stage spanned a period when the silver price ranged from $4 to $40 per ounce. Third, there was a major devaluation of the peso and a financial crisis in Mexico at completion of the project. Fourth, the composition of the partnership (a major Canadian mining company, a major Mexican mining company and the host government's own mining entity) is worthy of note. This paper gives considerable background on the project and how it came to fruition. The political risk aspects and how the major provider of funds perceived Mexican risk at the time of decision to participate and afterwards are highlighted. LOCATION AND HISTORY The Real de Angeles deposit is located at an elevation of 2300 meters in Central Mexico in the State of Zacatecas (Figure 1). The closest village is Noria de Angeles, three kilometers to the north. The closest cities are Aguascalientes, Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi. The first-mentioned is one hour to the southwest by automobile over good roads. Exploitation of the vein outcrops probably began towards the end of the sixteenth century by the Spanish. Evidence of past mining activity is shown by numerous shafts, manways, dumps and ruins. Also, there were remnants of two rudimentary concentrating mills now obliterated by pit development and in the nearby town of Noria de Angeles the ruins of a small smelter still exist. Compania Minera Gamma, an affiliate of a major international mining company, investigated Real de Angeles from 1969 to 1971. Its evaluation program included 20 drill holes and comprehensive geological engineering and metallurgical studies. The results were not encouraging and the option on the property was dropped. In late August 1973 geologists representing Placer Mexicana which was later renamed Explomin were advised of the availability of the property and liked the prospects sufficiently to make an option payment soon due and to agree to outright purchase by year-end. A series of 34 holes were drilled by Explomin and a preliminary study indicated that the prospect had mine-making potential if the silver price was right. [ ] DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT Real de Angeles is best described as a large, low grade open pit silver mine because at today's prices approximately 70% of the realizable revenue is derived from that metal. One must also keep in mind that the operation produces two concentrates - a lead concentrate with high silver content and

Jan 1, 1985