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By M F. Lee

Although the Mt Charlotte gold resource was discovered in 1893, it was only in 1954 that geologists correctly interpreted drill data and defined a large low-grade orebody. The mine has been a large, low-cost and profitable producer since 1962 when bulk mining commenced using cut and fill. From 1968 a combination of long hole open stoping with delayed mass blasting was used. This proved to be an excellent mining method for the large, separate subvertical orebodies. The structured but otherwise good quality rock allowed very large stopes to stand unsupported. Exceptionally large equipment, for its time, was used to efficiently mine, muck and move the ore at low-cost. The mine only just survived severe cost pressures in 1974-76, due to very low gold prices. Better gold prices in 1979 and a need to access deeper ore meant a bold commitment to sink the Cassidy Shaft and refurbish the mine to sustain future profitability. In 1997 the Sam Pearce Decline connected to the underground workings, making it profitable to mine upper level remnant ore. Mining-induced seismicity has been a feature of mining at Mt Charlotte. The main cause has been shearing on structures. A mine-wide seismic system was installed in 1994. Large seismic events have occasionally made management question whether a safe working environment can be maintained. Thorough investigations led to an understanding of the problem and development of procedures to minimise seismicity.

Jan 1, 2000

LIST OF CONTENTSAbstractIntroductionSelected Sections of the Broken Hill LodeLocality PlansPetrology1. Zinc Corporation Mine: DDH. 5.98, section 30, No. 26 level2. Zinc Corporation Mine: DDH. 838, section 30, No. 13 level3. Broken Hill Sonth Mine: 60 ft. cont01(r above 1170 ft. level4. Broken Hill South Mine : No. 7 shaft section, 1370 ft. levelOrigin of garnet sandstone5. Barrier Central Pty. Ltd.: DDH. tJ.93, Block 136. North Broken Hill Ltd.: Junction mine, DDH. 602, No. 10 level7. North Broken Hill Ltd.: Jnnction mine, DDH. 588, No. 11 level8. North Broken Hill Ltd.: North mine, DDH. through Southern ore body, 3370 ft. level9. North Broken Hill Ltd.: North mine, Northern ore body above 2300 ft. level(a) Southern end, section 27, 77 ft. above rails(b) Northern end, section 30, 6.9 ft. above rails(c) Miscellaneons samples, sections 27 and 28Relative time of ore depositionSericitizntionStructural significance of sericitizationGCLhnite OrthoclaseApatite GarnetManganese SilicatesAlteration of manganese silicatesRelation of zinc and lead to the silicatesZinc in manganese-bearing silicatesLead in potassium and lime silicates and apatite

Jan 1, 1959

By B P. Micke

Central Norseman Gold Corporation was established in 1935 and has been mining on the Norseman field in Western Australia since then. It is Australia’s longest continuously operating gold mining operation at nearly 80 years, although it has had its periodic challenges in the intervening years.Over the last 40 years, a series of open pit mines around the Dundas Goldfield have supplied lower cost mill feed to the Phoenix Mill at Norseman from time to time but this has largely come to an end for the foreseeable future. Now that underground ore sources are once again the principal mill feed, there are several challenges to be met for an ongoing profitable operation.During the last 20 years, there have been three different owners and this has affected the manner in which the operations were managed quite significantly. These differing approaches are contrasted and examined in some detail from both the operational and financial aspects.Planning of a downsized operation to ensure sustainable profitability in the future in a mining environment where there has rarely been more than two to four years of reserves ahead of the mill for planning purposes has been a significant challenge. Several of the options examined are described, including alternatives for future mine development.CITATION:Micke, B P, 2014. Managing the margin at Norseman, Western Australia – a case study, in Proceedings 12th AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference 2014 , pp 119–128 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Mar 24, 2014

State ownership of minerals results in domestic legislation regulating mining operations. The mining industry today is dominated by a number of transnational companies, each subject to internal and external pressures for a more responsible approach to resource management. Thirty to 40 major companies are responsible for the bulk of the worldÆs mineral production with the balance coming from state-owned, second tier and junior companies and from artisanal miners.Mining companies operating within competitive commercial environments formerly focussed on mineral production. Companies worked to standards and expectations then current which largely failed to recognise the impact of mining activities on community interests. The mining industry acquired a reputation for arrogance, and for placing profitability ahead of issues considered equally or more important by local communities. Current perceptions continue to reflect disquiet about industry attitudes towards traditional land-owners and access to their lands, to environmental contamination, handling and storage of waste materials, utilisation of water and electricity, and to rehabilitation of worked out areas. Major international mining companies concerned at continuing criticism sponsored a series of initiatives with the objective of providing guidance on working harmoniously within the community. Industry commissioned studies, performed through the agency of disinterested parties, resulted in May 2002, in a Declaration being issued at an International Conference in Toronto. The Declaration was based on, but did not reflect all of the recommendations of the MMSD Report, æBreaking New GroundÆ.This paper considers whether benefits would result from the negotiation of a legally binding and enforceable international protocol encompassing the objectives of the MMSD report or the Toronto Declaration. It attempts to identify the problems associated with implementing and enforcing international mining law, should it be introduced. Aspects of mining operations having cover under customary international law are reviewed, as are rights, obligations and remedies for breaches of national mining law. Conclusions are drawn based on established procedures relating to implementing international agreements. The continuing ability of mining companies to operate within communities will result from each satisfying the communityÆs expectations rather than by complying with largely unenforceable legislation.

Jan 1, 2004

By Jansen N

Production from the narrow, high grade silver-lead-zinc orebodies below 15 level commenced in mid 1985.Geological, mining research and recent mining experience determined that a mechanised drill, fire and muck cycle would be the most suitable method.Ground conditions are predicted to be worse than in other cut and fill (MICAF) areas at Isa Mine, owing to the increased depth, more variable dip of the orebodies and the increased effect of major geological structures.Mechanised ground support and tight filling techniques feature in controlling these expected adverse ground conditions.

Jan 1, 1985

Alfred Nobel first invented a practical detonator in 1863 and then the blasting cap in 1865. At that time the detonator was used on the end of a length of safety fuse to initiate nitroglycerine-based explosives. Since then the detonator has gone through a number of changes. The instantaneous electric detonator was the first to allow remote firing. The electric delay detonator followed and allowed for timing between holes. In the mid 1970s the NONEL« Tube was invented. This tube combined with NONEL« detonators meant that many of the safety issues, such as stray current and radio frequency, associated with electric delay detonators were eliminated. This system gave the mining industry a reliable and fairly accurate system with which to detonate shots of any size. Since the early 1980s a large amount of research and development work has been done around the world to create a more accurate detonator for the mining and quarrying industry. After years of research, electronic detonators have emerged as the most accurate and precise initiation system available to the mining and quarry industry today. Electronics provide the user with millisecond timing accuracy. The improved level of timing control allows operations to improve fragmentation, throw and reduce vibration levels. There are now a number of different electronic detonator suppliers on the market today. In 2004 Dyno Nobel formed a joint venture called DetNet with AECI. DetNet has a suite of electronic detonators: DigiDet«, HotShot« and QuickShot«. This paper will focus on the HotShot« system, the first of the three new initiation systems to be released to the market in Australia by Dyno Nobel.

Jan 1, 2005

By Beamish B. B

In this study, a systematic examination of the scale and variety of micro-structures in coal using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has been carried out, using coal samples of differing stages of coalification from the Bowen Basin and New Zealand. SEM provides detail of various micro-structural features and shows that a variety of micron-sized fractures and cavities are present in coals. These are differentiated into three pore types: fracture porosity, phyteral porosity and matrix porosity. Fracture porosity is generally associated with bright coals (although it has been shown that micro-fractures are present in maceral fragments from the dull coal layers). Characteristically the macro- and micro- fractures form a continuous structural fabric through the bright coal layers and thus make a significant contribution to overall permeability. The macro- and micro-fractures appear to have been formed during the process of coalification rather than being formed due to shrinkage during methane extraction, as most of them are infilled with secondary minerals. In contrast, phyteral and matrix porosity is associated with the dull coal layers that are composed of plant fragments or a heterogeneous mixture of macerals. Like the macro- and micro-fractures, the continuity of the observed cavities suggest that these too are a significant contribution to overall permeability, and therefore play a major role in the transmissibility of methane at a level between diffusion at the micropore level and laminar flow at the macro-fracture level. Due to different spacing, orientation and persistence of individual fractures and cavities, the rate of methane transmissibility through a coalseam will vary according to coal rank, coal type and the organic precursors from which the coal was derived. This is important as a knowledge of the micro-structure system and its relationship to coal type and coal rank, plays an important consideration in: a) gas drainage modelling, b) enhancing permeability by inducing fractures and c) predicting the occurrence of outbursts.

Jan 1, 1991

The introduction of a new mining method to Australia is not without its risks and challenges. This paper discusses the processes of planning a new operation, with particular emphasis on block caving and its Northparkes adaptation. As well as applying advanced technologies, here also is the opportunity to develop the art and science of block caving for its application to a wider range of geotechnical conditions than previously Envisaged.

Jan 1, 1995

By J Lööw, M Nygren, E Segerstedt, L Abrahamsson

The purpose of the paper is to discuss socially sustainable development in the mining industry and the communities surrounding the mines. The discussions are based on results from a prestudy and literature review on mining and sustainable development conducted during 2013–2014 at Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. ‘A social licence to mine’ is important for the mining industry, but the social dimension is a relatively underdeveloped dimension when it comes to sustainable development in general and the mining industry in particular, one reason probably being the lack of effective methods for capturing social impacts. The mining industry and the surrounding communities face many challenges that provide both possibilities and obstacles to socially sustainable development; eg aspects such as gender, work conditions and cultural aspects. For example, a strong mining workplace culture and community identity can create strong cohesion but also lead to excluding certain groups, rejecting new ideas and reinforcing obsolete values. Other challenges include recruitment, as well as health and safety in relation to an increased use of fly-in-fly-out, contractors and automation of mining. Some challenges relate to the effects of fluctuations in the mining market. There is a lack of research that links attitudes, policies and activities within companies to their impact on the wider community, and vice versa. Future research should also include the development of methods and indicators for social sustainability relevant for mining – in other words: how do mining companies get ‘a social licence to mine’?CITATION:Abrahamsson, L, Lööw, J, Nygren, M and Segerstedt, E, 2015. How to get a social licence to mine, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 125–136 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By M Bilodeau, G Caro, R Beaudoin, D Labrie

In 2005, Dyno Nobel Canada Inc, DynoConsult and CANMET-MMSL used their pool of expertise in blasting, ground control, open pit and underground mining, mineral processing, information technology and applied mineralogy to launch a research project aimed at evaluating the role of electronic detonators in the development of a sustainable energy-efficient rock reduction process. The overall objectives were to improve health and safety in a mining environment and reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) production in the Canadian mining industry. The study was conducted in a quarry located in Nova Scotia, Canada, with the objective of taking advantage of the higher accuracy and flexibility of electronic detonators towards improving blast efficiency and measuring its impact on productivity in a quarry environment and energy savings. Optimising the blast sequence was the first aspect to be considered before starting to look at designing bigger blasts and achieving productivity improvements, without creating additional environmental concerns, as the quarryÆs location was representing a challenge in itself in the surrounding community. The use of high-speed cameras (500 fps) was an improved means of analysing blast dynamics during the firing sequence. Seismic monitoring and linear superposition techniques were also applied to validate the sequences to be tested in all three specific geological areas. The combination of field measurements allowed to identify the optimal blasting sequences that would then be delivered accurately with the electronic initiation systems. The data from 12 blasts (six with electronic detonators and six with pyrotechnic detonators) carried out in three different geological formations (soft, medium and hard rock) showed that the electronic blasting technology could increase rock fragmentation by 15 to 20 per cent. A more uniform distribution of rock fragment size was also obtained. Blast improvements on downstream processes resulted in a five per cent productivity increase in rock excavation and transportation, a ten per cent energy reduction in primary crushing and a 15 per cent increase in the primary crusher throughput. A prototype soft-sensor based on primary crusher data (eg energy consumption, throughput, feed and product size distribution) and a simplified computer process model were developed for online measurement of a rock operating work index. Furthermore, rock samples were collected and specimens were prepared in order to determine the tensile and compressive strength of the rock materials, evaluate the aggregate crushing work index and examine the development of micro and macro-fractures under binocular and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Blast-induced rock damage was evaluated at the end of the laboratory testing program. A reduction in rock hardness by about 30 per cent was observed after blasting. However, the impact of the blasting method (eg using electronic versus pyrotechnic detonators) on the induced rock damage was either absent or not perceptible within the measurement technique accuracy and the number of samples analysed.

Jan 1, 2007

By S G. Li

Mine intelligent ventilation is an important guarantee to realise intelligent mining. It is the integration of the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, internet, cloud computing with ventilation technology, forming a complete ventilation system with intelligent perception, intelligent decisionmaking, intelligent emergency response and airflow control. In order to fully grasp the progress and trends of mine intelligent ventilation research in western China. The paper based on literature analysis and field application research, comprehensively expounds the main research and practical results of mine intelligent ventilation in western China, mainly analyses the development status of key technologies such as accurate and rapid determination of mine ventilation parameters, intelligent analysis and decision-making of ventilation and intelligent regulation of ventilation equipment, and introduces the field test or application of mine intelligent ventilation technology in western China. It lays the foundation reference for related research and improving the intelligent level of mine ventilation.

Oct 12, 2022

Following the preparation of tantalum oxide and carbide (1) an investigation of the details relating to the production of tantalum metal powder was planned. From the literature (2) it was evident that tantalum could be produced either by reduction of potassium tantalum fluoride with an alkali metal or by electrolysis of a fused salt mixture containing a tantalum compound. The latter method appeared to be the more suitable and, as there was considerable divergence of opinion in the literature as to the nature of the reactions involved, it was decided to study the electrolytic process. The ultimate aim in any case was to produce tantalum pOWder for use in an investigation of the problems relating to the preparation of consolidated tantalum.FACTORS GOVERNING ELECTROLYSISAfter a few preliminary exploratory electrolyses several factors which needed amplification were revealed. These will be mentioned before the details of the electrolysis experiments are given.COMPOSITION OF THE BATHWithout the knowledge gained in the preliminary experiments it would be thought that the best material for the bath would be that one which underwent electrolytic decomposition. Consider what at first appeared the most likely - namely - potassium tantalum fluoride. The melting point of K2TaF7 was determined to be 630°C with volatilization and decomposition taking place at that temperature so that it would not have been very satisfactory.

Jan 1, 1946

By Crawford G. R, Wold M. B

The application of the hydraulic fracturing technique to the measurement of in situ rock stress from underground excavation is discussed; including relevant theoretical considerations, equipmenl details, experimental technique and analysis procedures. Examples of the application of the technique at three Australian coal and metalliferous mining operations are given. The results obtained from these applications are compared with corresponding results obtained from overcoring tests conducted in close proximity at each site. Generally good correspondence in a wide variety of rock types is indicated. Experience gained with hydraulic fracturing at several underground mining sites has indicated it to be a quick, cost effective means of gaining an understanding of the in situ stress field in sufficient detail for many mine planning functions.

Jan 1, 1990

By E K. Chiw, S-M Jung, S M. Masuka, ika

The world reserves of high-grade iron ore have depleted necessitating the need to utilise any existing natural iron ore deposits to meet the demands of the world’s expanding economy using hydrogen in the reduction process to curb CO2 emission. These low-grade ores include iron ores with high phosphorus content. The thermodynamic conditions in the blast furnace allow for the reduction of phosphorus that readily dissolves into the molten iron. Phosphorus in the gaseous state readily dissolves into the molten iron and therefore must be removed due to its negative influence on the mechanical properties of steel. The removal of phosphorus from molten iron is difficult causing the phosphorus to concentrate in metallic iron. The aim of this study is to provide basic knowledge on the phosphorus distribution after reduction using the CO-H2 and possibly provide the optimum conditions for phosphorus partitioning into slag, increasing the probability of its removal by magnetic separation. Total porosity, pore size distribution and surface area of the pellets used were measured using a mercury pressure porosimeter. The reduction was carried out using thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The reduction rate increased with increasing H2 and was highest when 100 per cent H2 was used. Metal elements distribution in the reduced pellet was clarified using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and showed that phosphorus was distributed in the same areas as Ca. More phosphorus was concentrated in slag when 50 per cent CO–50 per cent H2 was used, increasing the probability of dephosphorization using magnetic separation. The concentration of phosphorus into slag was related to the rate of reduction. Further investigations into the reduction kinetics of this ore by CO-H2 is suggested to validate these findings. Nevertheless, a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of the reduction of phosphorus containing phases found in iron ore with carbon, CO and H2 was provided to assist in selecting the optimal reduction experimental conditions.

Sep 18, 2023

By Aspinall T. O, Just G. D

Computer software systems have been developed to assist in a wide range of specific mine planning and scheduling applications. In selecting appropriate systems for any mining operation it is apparent that certain features have particular advantages for each mine site. The ideal solution to this problem is to select a range of systems which best relate to sections of each mining operation. This approach raises potential data linking difficulties where output from one system is incompatible with input requirements for other systems. A study at the University of Queensland investigated the problems related to the integration of a number of mine planning and scheduling software systems. The project used data from large scale coal strip mining operations in Central Queensland. Two major computer packages used extensively in the study were the SURPAC mine planning and XPAC mine scheduling systems. Dragline and truck and shovel operations were analysed in the project. Results of the work have been directly applied at the mine site to assist current strip design by effectively automating the design procedure. This enabled sensitivity studies to determine the effects of changing dragline working levels and varying pit dimensions. Coal blending studies and procedures to optimise operations have been investigated using linear programming within a spreadsheet software application. Output from the SURPAC and XPAC programs was directly linked to the linear program for this analysis. The simulation program GPSS/PC was also used in a similar manner to assess optimisation parameters.

Jan 1, 1992

By D Brown, K Markovic, Z Tabor

From ancient times to the modern world, the mining industry has played a pivotal role in shaping the society that we live in today. It remains an integral part of everyday life and is a catalyst for both technological and economic growth. With finite resources on Earth, and growing pressures surrounding climate change and the environment, space mining opportunities have become of increasing interest. Recent discoveries have shown celestial bodies including the Moon and surrounding asteroids, contain an abundance of critical minerals, as well as resources necessary to sustain human life. These discoveries coupled with a transition into the digital and autonomous age, offer an innovative solution to solving some of the mining challenges currently being faced on Earth. Similarly, they also offer a pathway to enabling deep space exploration and off Earth exploratory missions. However, like with mining operations on Earth, space remains and immensely challenging and complex operational environment. The inhospitable nature of space poses new challenges, including communication barriers, lunar dust, cosmic radiation, and gravity. The challenges and risks are not just technological, as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors must also be considered to prevent unintended consequences and hazards. Furthermore, future workforce, law, financial, and security systems must evolve to enable space mining to take place. These are all known aspects to begin with, but as the complexity of the space grows it becomes apparent that a holistic approach to assess and manage these factors will be required.

Sep 1, 2024

By A G. Dempster, B McKeown, S Saydam, J Coulton

The mining industry has undergone a profound and transformative shift in recent years, driven by the rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as automation, digitalisation, and electrification. These technological innovations have not only revolutionised operational efficiency and productivity but have also introduced an imperative need for new and innovative approaches to conducting mining activities. Specifically, the mines of the future face a new series of complex challenges when planning and developing greenfield or brownfield mining projects in the 21st century. These challenges include greater operational depths, higher seismicity levels, higher rock temperatures, increased environmental constraints and sustainability requirements, a higher degree of interoperability, lack of skilled workforce, and the need for sustainable and eco-friendly mining practices. Consequently, there is an essential need to formulate novel strategies and robust planning methodologies that re-evaluate how mines are planned, executed, and managed, from the early exploration stages to the post-mining era and the consequent uses of mine sites. This research focuses on identifying the factors influencing the implementation of modern technologies, such as autonomous machinery in mining operations, and their impact on mining method selection and longterm mine planning. The findings underscore a crucial need for a paradigm shift in how mines are planned and developed, going beyond mining method selection, which primarily focuses on geological and economic factors, and must evolve to incorporate the multifaceted implications of modern mining operations.

Sep 1, 2024

By T Baumgartl, R Akesseh, M Edraki, B Usher, M Shaygan

With the continuing demand for industrialisation and urbanisation, the rate of mining and processing lower grade ores will also increase, producing large quantities of waste. As extreme weather events associated with global climatic changes are to be expected, the risk from mine tailings management will also increase (Edraki et al., 2014). In sulfide rich tailings, weathering within the critical zone controls the fate and distribution of the contaminants such as copper, zinc, and lead in the environment (Hayes et al., 2014). Tailings evolve geochemically and physically with time as they age under the influence of complex interacting factors. Understanding of the complex interactions between these controlling factors is important for predicting and mitigating the potential risks associated with sulfide tailings such as generation of acid mine drainage (Lindsay et al., 2015). Wetting and drying initiates weathering processes, influencing the hydrological, geochemical and geomechanical properties of the tailings. In semi-arid climates where evaporation exceeds precipitation, salts may precipitate within the pore system as well as on the tailings surface. These salts become the temporal sink of heavy metals until the next episodic rainfall (Nordstrom, 2011, Grover et al., 2016). Therefore, using kinetic and static test to describe the trajectory of these material evolutions without considering the complex interactions could potentially lead to erroneous prediction. In order to understand these relations, the effect of drying and wetting cycles on the hydrological, geochemical and geomechanical properties of ageing tailings was studied to draw conclusions for advanced tailings site rehabilitation and mine closureCITATION:Akesseh, R, Shaygan, M, Usher, B, Edraki, M and Baumgartl, T, 2018. Wetting and drying cycles as a means to determine the effect and consequences of tailings ageing, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 24–27 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

By Harper F

This paper outlines the authors' views of the methodologies which can be employed to value mineral properties at different stages of development for the purposes of project financing, mergers and public floats. This paper discusses the key issues in Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis including the importance of data verification and the shortcomings in DCF analysis. Stockmarket valuation measures and valuation methodology for exploration and pre development projects are examined through examples and pitfalls are identified. The use of valuations in corporate transactions and their strategic value is also discussed.

Jan 1, 1994

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you, on behalf of the Council and Administration, to this University and extend to you our very best wishes for a most successful and stimulating symposium. We as a College of the University of N.S.W. were always proud of the excellent support we received from your Institute members and the close association that existed between our organisations. Now we have matured into the University of Wollongong and have to stand on our own feet, we will need all the support we can get from such bodies as yours to ensure that we are not only producing graduates but are also playing a vital role in the community. Although there is no planning for a school of Mining Engineering in the near future, we do look forward to this being a viable proposition eventually and we will then be able to offer to your Institute wider facilities for your activities and ones which will embrace both the Mining and Metallurgy phases. Thank you Mr. President.

Jan 1, 1975