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Access to the Rosebery Orebody, which dips into the western slopes of Mount Black at 45¦, has been achieved in sequence by the following means: - A series of adits down to 8 level - An inclined shaft (No. 1 Shaft) sunk internally from 8 level to 14 level - A vertical circular concrete lined shaft (No. 2 Shaft) sunk internally from 4 level to 19 level. Although the orebody has been fairly well defined to 19 level, deeper ore occurrences have been outlined by a series of drill holes decreasing in frequency with depth to 26 level. No. 2 Shaft (sink) was stopped some 10 m below 19 level in order to make an early start on doubled production at West Coast Mines, with the intention of subsequently extending the shaft or of driving a decline from the lowest operating horizon for deeper access. The decline approach was adopted some six years after production commenced from No. 2 Shaft. The reasons for that decision are outlined, together with an account of the constraints and design requirements imposed by commencing by a vertical shaft in the hanging wall of the orebody.

Jan 1, 1982

By S. C. Termes

The Bureau of Mines conducted research on the flocculation of various minerals with insoluble cross-linked starch xanthate (ISX) to determine its potential as a beneficiation technique for low-grade, highly dissem-inated ores and for selective desliming. Covellite, chalcocite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, bornite, sphalerite, galena, and molybdenite fines flocculate with ISX. Floc formation, floc size, and settling rate are dependent on pH, with the pH dependence differing for each mineral. Quartz is not flocculated by ISX. Experiments to obtain selective flocculation of sulfides from quartz were attempted. Good selectivity was only obtained for the bornite-quartz system. postflocculation separations resulted in flocculated bornite in grades as high as 92 pet. Evidence is presented that the flocculation of many of the sulfide minerals with ISX may involve covalent bonding of the xanthate group to lattice metal site(s).

Jan 1, 1983

By Theodore von Rosenvinge

Large diameter (2.4 meter) drilled shaft foundations were installed to depths of over 62 meters through soil into Arkose bedrock for Connecticut?s Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge (I-95 over New Haven Harbor). The project involved many ?firsts? including the first ?extradosed? cable-stayed bridge in the US, and for Connecticut, the deepest drilled shafts, the first use of a rotator to install shaft casing, and the first use of the Mini-Sid technology for rock socket bottom inspection. Design utilized both friction and end bearing for rock sockets. O-Cell testing was employed to maximize performance factors during design and to allow adjustments to socket lengths during construction. Favorable test results permitted a reduction in socket lengths and significant cost saving.

Jan 1, 2011

By Alexander RB, Hollis AJ

The magnitude of the payloads carried by mine haul trucks can have a strong influence on the mine production rates and costs. Consequently control of truck payloads is highly desirable, but in many mines the unavailability of means for measuring payloads reliably, accurately and easily has resulted in a low level of control over truck payloads. Consideration is given to two techniques which are applicable to the measurement of payloads carried by mine haul trucks, namely truck weighing and direct measurement of payloads with truck based systems. Accuracy assessments for two types of truck weighing platforms and two prototype truck based direct payload measurement systems are provided. Results show that weighing platforms based on hydraulic components have proved inadequate, while strain gauge type weighing platforms can estimate payloads to within 2% of true payload when installed, maintained and used correctly. The assessment of the two prototype truck based direct payload measurement systems shows that a high proportion of payloads were estimated to within 5% of the payloads derived from accurate weighing platforms and that these systems appear to have the potential to provide convenient and accurate measurement of payloads. This should enable payloads to be much better controlled than has been possible to date. Predictions of the effect of payloads on production rates and some components of truck haulage costs are possible and some typical results are presented. Accurate prediction of the effect of payloads are not yet possible for some major components of truck haulage costs.

Jan 1, 1986

By T Laurencont

The Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines (NR&M) accepted the environmental liability for the Mount Morgan minesite in 1991. This gold and copper mine located 38 km southwest of Rockhampton had been in operation for more than 100 years. Mining leases are still active while the feasibility of a reprocessing operation is carried out. From 1993, NR&M have operated a seepage interception pumpback system which has reduced the chronic load of acid rock drainage (ARD) to the adjacent Dee River, a tributary of the Fitzroy River system. In early-2000, it was recognised that a ten-year plan for rehabilitation of the mine, along with significant funding would be required if a long-term sustainable rehabilitation strategy was to be implemented at this minesite, ultimately making the seepage interception system redundant. A rehabilitation planning workshop coordinated by NR&M was held in May 2000. This workshop brought to the mine a range of technical expertise and key stakeholder groups. This workshop provided a technical forum for review of studies undertaken and to identify priority projects, which needed to be undertaken in the future to more clearly define contaminant sources on the mine site and to prioritise the rehabilitation program. Stakeholder consultation enabled the project team to be clear on community and other government (eg Environmental Protection Agency) expectations. It is clear that the future of the economically depressed community of Mount Morgan will be reliant on the careful management of the significant heritage values at the minesite for tourism, education and research. In the first year (2000), priority studies were initiated, which included whole of site studies on water balance, contaminant sources and a review of occupational health and safety and environment of the minesite and conservation and heritage scoping. Baseline vegetation and soil materials surveys were also initiated. The outcomes of these studies helped to shape the work program for the following year, while providing a basis for an additional funding application, which was granted. The second year of studies focused on building upon the existing baseline studies completed. In addition, studies focussed on addressing the priority issue of contingency planning for overflow from the open cut pit in accordance with best practice management of release water and river monitoring strategies were completed. Completion of these projects over the next six months will enable the optimal rehabilitation strategy to be defined in 2003. This optimal strategy may require the use of a water treatment plant for part of the ten-year program to provide space in the open cut pit for the deposition of ARD contaminant sources (eg waste dumps, tailings). It is envisaged that some sources will be rehabilitated insitu while others will be relocated to the open cut pit. Implementation of this strategy will be dependent on subsequent funding.

Jan 1, 2003

By Kevin Andrews, Zach Agioutantis

Analysis of Coal Pillar Stability (ACPS) software, released in 2018, integrates numerous empirical pillar design techniques. The ACPS program incorporates methodologies originally available as design tools from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), including Analysis of Longwall Pillar Stability (ALPS), Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS), Analysis of Multiple Seam Stability (AMSS), and concepts including Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR), the Mark-Bieniawski pillar formula, and pressure arch loading. The design methodologies that are the basis of ACPS were developed via analysis of significant amounts of real-world data and have been standards of the United States coal industry for decades. While there are empirical factors built into ACPS, making it ideal for use in U.S. coalfields, the concepts in the program have proven to be applicable in variable mine settings, and the software was developed to allow for user-based, site-specific modifications of key design inputs. Application of ACPS to cases outside the regions for which it was developed must be approached carefully, and continuous development of site-specific data is mandatory. A case study is presented involving the application of ACPS to assess pillar stability and assist future design for an underground lignite mine in Eastern Europe. Assessment of in-mine observations, review of the geology of the lignite mine, and evaluation of specific conditions associated with a failure event resulted in “calibration” of key input factors to ACPS. Scenarios evaluated with ACPS suggest that pillar strength and overburden depth are key factors for the determination of pillar stability and design in future areas.

Jun 25, 2024

By Oda Y, Hashiuchi M

In the smelting section, flexible fuels such as coal or coke are used in place of heavy fuel oil in order to utilize energy sources more efficiently. Heat recovered from the off gas of the furnace has been converted by the waste heat boiler into steam, which is used for self power generation and for heating or maintaining various temperatures. The amount of the recovered steam in the smelter is currently increasing due to maximum utilization of powdered cokes. The heat source required to maintain the temperature of the electrolyte in the tank house is electric power and steam. However until recent year this steam was provided by its own heavy oil combustion type boiler in the tank house since the amount of steam consumed in heating the electrolyte is large. Though experimental work over the last few years has shown the advantages of reducing steam in the tank house by fully covering the cell, the implementation of the full cover can lead to other operating problems. However various improvements, mainly the covering of the cell with a simple device, have led to greatly reduced steam consumption. As a result, steam for the tank house is now provided by the waste heat boiler only bringing more efficient energy usage.

Jan 1, 1987

By M. B. Ramachandra Rao

THIS paper records the results of the earth resistivity surveys made in the Godavari river in connection with the Ramapadasagar project. After describing the topographical and geological features of the area, the results of the investigation at the several sites have been mentioned. Further, a detailed account has been given of the resistivity methods adopted, the apparatus used and the interpretation of the curves. The resistivity measurements carried out over the water course have been specially outlined, and a review of the verification of the electrical indications by drilling in a number of cases, has also been presented.

Jan 1, 1947

What is your personal view and assessment of the overall health of the industry in the current global economy? The economic outlook remains soft for the near future and, although the global economy is showing signs of recovery, uncertainty has tempered the pace of recovery. In addition to uncertainty, we are still facing significant economic challenges in many parts of the world, including Europe and the United States. The rapid expansion of China?s economy has recently slowed, further contributing to the sense of uncertainty in the overall health of the global economy. This situation is both a blessing and a curse, depending on which sector of the mining industry we are considering. For example, coal, industrial minerals, aggregates, base metal and precious metals markets are impacted by different forces and drivers and will experience different outcomes within the same economic environment. Let me give a few concrete examples to illustrate this concept. The prevailing economic uncertainty that I have just described tends to drive investors toward safe havens. Gold has historically been viewed as a safe haven and as long as investors shy away from traditional investments, gold prices will remain high and gold mining companies will continue to expand and invest capital in their operations. The same sluggish economy that drives gold prices higher has the opposite effect on other segments of the minerals industry. A great example of this is industrial minerals and aggregates used in construction. The markets that consume these minerals have contracted significantly over the past five years. The outlook for this segment is poor, as the glut of available housing continues to inhibit demand for new construction and, thus, many industrial minerals. In addition to this, the federal government?s lack of political will to enact long-term legislation funding transportation and infrastructure projects continues to be a drag on the U.S. aggregates industry.

Jan 1, 2013

By Rowlands N. J, Zimmermann D. O

The Engel Model search simulator is described with particular emphasis on preparation of input parameters. The computer has a "black box" role in the same way a telephone or radio is a "black box" in communications. A search technique (sensor) is selected and applied in two stages of'search, namely, reconnaissance and detailed. The model relies on knowing and quantifying the parameters of the target sought and the search technique; this is usually done by analogy studies from available literature and experience. The parameters are then balanced by feasibility studies on the search area. Case histories show that the study makes the user aware of what he is likely to find rather than what he wants or needs to find to be viable. Two case histories are presented: one for Mississippi Valley type lead- zinc deposits and another for stratiform copper. The first study showed particular benefits in the input stage and highlighted the fact that one could expect a lot of encouragement by way of interesting results but with little chance of finding the high-grade,

Jan 1, 1974

By AIME AIME

READERS of a technical paper, or the audience if the paper is presented orally, judge the paper on several counts. The September 1940 issue of MINING AND METALLURGY contained an excellent short article by S. Marion Tucker en- titled "Are You Going to Present a Paper," which considered the general subject of presentation. In it Dr. Tucker referred to the large number of poorly prepared and badly delivered papers that are presented annually before the large number of technical and other societies that meet regularly, and he stressed the point that good delivery, length of paper, content, and composition are of great importance. All of Dr. Tucker's points were well taken; however, good illustrations are equally important in explaining certain phases of some papers.

Jan 1, 1941

By E. E. Donath

Application of the coal hydrogenation process for the production of chemicals is described. It has been estimated that a plant to produce 31,090 bbl per day of chemicals and fuels would cost $326,- 000,000. These products would consist of 6.1 pct by weight tar acids, 50.8 pct aroma tics, 16.4 pct LPG, and 26.7 pct gasoline. THE coal hydrogenation process is well known as a means for the production of liquid fuels from coal. In this paper the possibilities of the coal hydrogenation process as a source of chemical raw materials will be discussed. The recovery of chemicals from coal hydrogenation products necessitates some modifications and additions to the equipment used for the production of fuels. The conversion of coal into liquid fuels such as gasoline requires two steps: liquid phase and vapor phase hydrogenation. Intermediate oils obtained in the liquid phase contain oxygen and nitrogen compounds, especially aromatic compounds, since the coal itself is composed mainly of cyclic compounds. These oils are the raw material for the separation of high molecular weight aro-matics and of tar acids and tar bases. The relative amounts of heavy and middle oil—boiling above and below, e.g., 325°C—can be influenced by temperature, residence time, and catalyst of the liquid phase hydrogenation. In the vapor phase hydrogenation a solid bed catalyst is used to convert the intermediate oil from the liquid phase operation into hydrocarbons of the gasoline boiling range. Essentially pure hydrocarbons with a low content of sulphur, oxygen, nitrogen, and olefines are obtained. Depending mainly on the catalyst, the high ring compound content of the liquid phase oil can be preserved and gasoline rich in aromatics obtained. However, with other catalysts, these ring compounds can be split into gasoline with a high content of isoparaffins.' Again, depending on the operating conditions, products of varying boiling range can be obtained. Selection of catalyst and operating conditions therefore makes possible the production of different grades of motor fuel and also variations in the relative amounts of benzene, toluene, and xylene when aromatic hydrocarbons are produced. The schematic flowsheet, Fig. 1, shows the main steps of the coal hydrogenation process, and the product streams used for the recovery of chemicals are indicated. In the liquid phase hydrogenation stage, coal is made into a paste with recycle heavy oil. The coal paste is mixed with hydrogen and preheated at a pressure of 300 to 700 atm in heat exchangers and preheaters. The coal paste and hydrogen enter high pressure converters where the liquefaction of coal, conversion of the high boiling liquid materials initially obtained, into intermediate oils is performed at a temperature around 470°C. The reaction products enter the hot catchpot in which lower boiling oil vapors are separated from the residue containing unreacted coal, ash, and heavy oil. This residue, usually called H.O.L.D. (heavy oil let down), is processed to separate solid and liquid material. By thermal treatment of the residue, e.g., a coking process, distillate oil is obtained, which can be recycled as part of the pasting oil. This stream is rich in polynuclear aromatics and can be, and has been, used for the recovery of such material. The oil vapors and hydrogen from the hot catchpot are cooled in heat exchangers and a cooler, and the condensed oil is separated from the recycle hy-

Jan 1, 1953

By E. E. Donath

Application of the coal hydrogenation process for the production of chemicals is described. It has been estimated that a plant to produce 31,090 bbl per day of chemicals and fuels would cost $326,- 000,000. These products would consist of 6.1 pct by weight tar acids, 50.8 pct aroma tics, 16.4 pct LPG, and 26.7 pct gasoline. THE coal hydrogenation process is well known as a means for the production of liquid fuels from coal. In this paper the possibilities of the coal hydrogenation process as a source of chemical raw materials will be discussed. The recovery of chemicals from coal hydrogenation products necessitates some modifications and additions to the equipment used for the production of fuels. The conversion of coal into liquid fuels such as gasoline requires two steps: liquid phase and vapor phase hydrogenation. Intermediate oils obtained in the liquid phase contain oxygen and nitrogen compounds, especially aromatic compounds, since the coal itself is composed mainly of cyclic compounds. These oils are the raw material for the separation of high molecular weight aro-matics and of tar acids and tar bases. The relative amounts of heavy and middle oil—boiling above and below, e.g., 325°C—can be influenced by temperature, residence time, and catalyst of the liquid phase hydrogenation. In the vapor phase hydrogenation a solid bed catalyst is used to convert the intermediate oil from the liquid phase operation into hydrocarbons of the gasoline boiling range. Essentially pure hydrocarbons with a low content of sulphur, oxygen, nitrogen, and olefines are obtained. Depending mainly on the catalyst, the high ring compound content of the liquid phase oil can be preserved and gasoline rich in aromatics obtained. However, with other catalysts, these ring compounds can be split into gasoline with a high content of isoparaffins.' Again, depending on the operating conditions, products of varying boiling range can be obtained. Selection of catalyst and operating conditions therefore makes possible the production of different grades of motor fuel and also variations in the relative amounts of benzene, toluene, and xylene when aromatic hydrocarbons are produced. The schematic flowsheet, Fig. 1, shows the main steps of the coal hydrogenation process, and the product streams used for the recovery of chemicals are indicated. In the liquid phase hydrogenation stage, coal is made into a paste with recycle heavy oil. The coal paste is mixed with hydrogen and preheated at a pressure of 300 to 700 atm in heat exchangers and preheaters. The coal paste and hydrogen enter high pressure converters where the liquefaction of coal, conversion of the high boiling liquid materials initially obtained, into intermediate oils is performed at a temperature around 470°C. The reaction products enter the hot catchpot in which lower boiling oil vapors are separated from the residue containing unreacted coal, ash, and heavy oil. This residue, usually called H.O.L.D. (heavy oil let down), is processed to separate solid and liquid material. By thermal treatment of the residue, e.g., a coking process, distillate oil is obtained, which can be recycled as part of the pasting oil. This stream is rich in polynuclear aromatics and can be, and has been, used for the recovery of such material. The oil vapors and hydrogen from the hot catchpot are cooled in heat exchangers and a cooler, and the condensed oil is separated from the recycle hy-

Jan 1, 1953

By R. Ehrlich, F. E. Crane

A consolidated porous medium is mathematically modeled by networks of irregularly shaped, interconnected pore channels. Mechanisms are described that form residual saturations during immiscible displacement both by entire pore channels being bypassed and by fluids being isolated by the movement of an interface within individual pore channels. This latter mechanism is shown to depend strongly on pore channel irregularity. Together, these mechanisms provide an explanation for the drainage-imbibition-hysteresis effect. The calculation of steady-state relative permeabilities, based on a pore-size distribution obtained from a Berea sandstone, is described. These relative permeability curves agree qualitatively with curves that are generally accepted to be typical for highly consolidated materials. In situations where interfacial effects predominate over viscous and gravitational effects, the following conclusions are reached. 1. Relative permeability at a given saturation is everywhere independent of flow rate. 2. Relative permeability is independent of viscosity ratio everywhere except at very low values of wetting-phase relative permeability. 3. Irreducible wetting-phase saturation following steady-state drainage decreases with increasing ratio of nonwetting- to wetting-phase viscosity. 4. lrreducible wetting-phase saturation following unsteady-state drainage is lower than fir steady-state drainage. 5. Irreducible nonwetting-phase saturation 101lowing imbibition is independent of viscosity ratio, whether or not the imbibition is carried out under steady- or unsteady-state conditions. Experiments qualithtiveIy verify the conclusions regarding unsteady-state residual wetting-phase saturation. Implications of these conclusions are discussed. INTRODUCTION Natural and artificial porous materials are generally composed of matrix substance brought together in a more or less random manner. This leads to the creation of a network of interconnected pore spaces of highly irregular shape. Since the geometry of such a network is impossible to describe, we can never obtain a complete description of its flow behavior. We can, however, abstract those properties of the porous medium pertinent to the type of flow under consideration, and thus obtain an adequate description of that flow. Thus, the Kozeny-Carmen equation, by considering a porous medium as a bundle of noninterconnecting capillary tubes, provides an adequate description of single-phase flow. With the addition of a saturation-dependent tortuosity parameter in two-phase flow to account for flow path elongation, the Kozeny-Carmen equation has been used to predict relative permeabilities for the displacement of a wetting liquid by a gas. 1-5 It has long been recognized that relative permeability depends not only on saturation but also on saturation history as we11.6,7 Naar and Henderson8 described a mathematical model in which differences between drainage and imbibition behavior are explained in terms of a bypassing mechanism by which oil is trapped during imbibition. Fatt9 proposed a model for a porous medium that consisted of regular networks of cylindrical tubes of randomly distributed radii. From this he calculated the drainage relative permeability curves. Moore and slobod,10 Rose and Witherspoon,11 and Rose and Cleary12 each considered flow in a pore doublet (a parallel arrangement of a small and large diameter cylindrical capillary tube). They concluded that, because of the different rates of flow in each tube, trapping would occur in one of the tubes; the extent of which would depend upon viscosity ratio and capillary pressure. They limited

Jan 1, 1970

By Steve Kral

The Northwest Mining Association (NWMA) has been an advocate for the U.S. mining industry since 1895. For several decades, the organization has represented mining members located mostly in the Northwest and some southwestern Canadian provinces. Today, though, the NWMA?s membership is located in 42 states and seven provinces and has become a national voice for the mining industry. So, during the association?s 119th and final meeting as the NWMA, a name change was announced. The organization is now called the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA). But that?s not all that has changed, according to the association. The new name reflects more closely the diversity and location of the AEMA?s membership. It will still be an advocate for the mining industry, dealing with land, environmental and community issues on state and federal levels. The conference, held in December 2013 in Reno, NV, attracted about 2,500 attendees. And the accompanying exhibit included 230 equipment and service suppliers in 246 booths. Technical programming ran the gamut of mining industry issues and technologies, including surface and underground mining; high technology systems and automation in mining, metallurgy and exploration; along with social issues, finance and safety. The following is a sample of some of the sessions.

Mar 1, 2014

By S. Maurigiannakis

In an effort to promote sustainability in the construction industry, the natural decorative stones that cover large external areas of buildings may be replaced with artificial stones. In this paper the physical and mechanical properties of artificial decorative stones are presented and are critically compared with corresponding natural stones. To test suitability for various applications, artificial stone specimens were subjected to weathering testing (freezing-thaw cycles in a climatic chamber). Mechanical characterization of these specimens was based on uniaxial compressive testing as well as non-destructive ultrasonic testing. Preliminary results show that artificial stones can replace natural stones, thus creating a sustainable development option for the construction industry.

Jan 1, 2003

By Yoichi Shimada, Katsuyuki Nishida, Shinichi Takahashi, Yasushi Okada, Yohei Nakamichi, Kazunori Oshiro, Taichi Terui, Sigehiko Sugie

"Temporary retaining walls are ordinarily used for tunnel construction work conducted using the opencut construction method. Retaining walls in such instances are typically installed vertically. However, shoring (such as struts and king posts) is required to ensure the stability of retaining walls in cases of excavation work to depths that exceed approximately 4 m. A new design and construction method that focuses on the effectiveness of retaining walls that are installed on an incline was studied with the aim of improving construction workability by omitting shoring. The inclined braceless excavation support (IBES) method, which was developed for use with the inclined buttress method, requires no shoring, even for deep-open-cut construction work and can be applied to deep excavation work on ground with a high groundwater level. This method has been applied at six work sites in Japan in recent years. This paper introduces the IBES design and construction method and presents verification results based on the design method, a model experiment, finite element analysis, and measurements obtained during construction work.INTRODUCTIONBackgroundIn the past, temporary retaining walls used in open-cut construction work have been installed vertically, and shoring (such as struts and king posts) has typically been used to ensure the stability of these retaining walls when the excavation depth reached 3–4 m. However, shoring interferes with structures built within excavations and requires box-outs and penetration sections in the structures, as well as concrete joints that raise concerns about their impact on the watertightness and long-term durability of structures (Figure 1).Shoring also narrows the space available for conducting construction work and reduces construction work efficiency, and the installation and removal of shoring increases the construction duration and cost. As a result, there has been a demand for ways to reduce or eliminate shoring to improve the quality of structures and construction work efficiency."

Jan 1, 2016

By F Clark, J T. Carswell

Ore definition for final stope planning is often a challenging prospect in underground (UG) gold mines which exhibit high geological and grade variability. Unlike the grade control (GC) scenario in an open pit (OP), the ability for the mining geologist to plan a sampling campaign which effectively characterises the underlying mineralisation is fraught with difficulty. UG sampling patterns are strongly clustered and typically not dense enough to characterise the spatial and statistical properties. Very commonly, sample volumes are not large enough to provide a reliable grade estimate of the surrounding rock. These factors critically affect our ability to accurately map out ore positions and estimate metal quantities.At Sunrise Dam, traditional UG sampling and modelling techniques have proven to be an unreliable strategy for successful stope planning and extraction. The problem was first observed during the final cut-back in the open pit for which the mineral resource model was constructed from UG diamond drilling. Open Pit grade control reconciliations were strongly positive for both tonnage and grade compared to the resource model. Underground workings missed significant quantities of ore which was laterally defined by open pit reverse circulation (RC) GC drilling. Upon examination it was realised that the cause of the problem was one of inadequate sample density and sample support, the implications of which potentially affected the entire UG mine.As part of a broader study into underground grade control procedures, detailed reconciliation of initial stope production from the GQ domain also pointed to inadequate sampling as a major constraint to effective grade control and reserve conversion.To overcome this deficiency, dense 115 mm wet RC grade control drilling and conditional simulation modelling has been successfully implemented with the intent to replicate the grade control process in the open pit. The increase in sample density and sample volume has proven to be a very effective tool for mapping out highly complex mineralisation. A marked improvement in stope definition, reserve conversion and Mine to Mill reconciliations has been demonstrated on the back of an innovative approach to UG grade control.CITATION:Clark, F and Carswell, J T, 2014. Using reverse circulation drilling to improve sampling in a complex underground gold operation – an innovative approach to underground grade control at the Sunrise Dam Mine, Western Australia, in Proceedings Ninth International Mining Geology Conference 2014 , pp 143–152 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 18, 2014

By M. S. Badollet

"DURING the past five years, production of asbestos fibers has increased in all countries that list asbestos as one of their mineral resources. Despite the many small mines that have been opened in Canada, United States, Mexico, South America, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Yugoslavia, and Rhodesia, the supply still does not meet the demand. It is estimated that total 1952 world production of asbestos fibers of all varieties approximated 1,600,000 tons, with Canada supplying 966,382 tons (I), or 60 per cent of all fiber mined.Asbestos fiber brokers continually are offering odd-lot samples of chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, and anthophyllite fibers to manufacturers, •quoting fantastic prices for tonnages •varying from just a few to 50 or more in a month. In many cases, the samples are not properly graded and contain quantities of rock impurities and finely ground dust.When vendors submit samples of asbestos fibers, the manufacturer should consider• them in terms of price, quality, quantity, and as possible substitutes for fibers currently used in his products.Grading of these odd-lot fibers in most cases has been poorly done, with resultant non-uniform fiber lengths. In some instances, a number of miscellaneous lots of fibers have been .blended for sale. This blending produces a fiber that is difficult for the manufacturer to accept as a substitute for the well-standardized Canadian fibers."

Jan 1, 1953

By Coulter L. J

THE method of stope surveying as practised at the Mount Lyell Company's mines has been evolved out of the exigencies created by special conditions. It presents some novel features, and has proved effective for all requirements. All stope measurement work is brought under one complete system, to which office methods are standardized. Before proceeding to deal with the subject a brief description of the physical characteristics of the ore-bodies of each mine and the method of stoping will serve to show, cause ,for departure from ordinary survey practice.NORTH LYELL MINEThe ore-bodies of this mine occur on or near the conglomerate schist contact, and, being probably the result of replacements of both rocks, they rarely present any definite walls. It is usual for the payable material to merge into the respective countryrocks, and the limit of the occurrence is defined rather by assay value than by any distinct natural boundaries. The general configuration of these ore-bodies, therefore, is highly erratic both in horizontal and vertical section, so that, in order to obtain an accurate record of any occurrence, the measurement of the actual contour at short vertical intervals is essential.Stoping is carried out on a modification of the "rill." system, perhaps more properly described as "arched back" or "dome" stoping. Mullock rises are placed in as convenient positions as the erratic configuration of each ore-body will allow, and aroundthese rises the back is kept well arched, both longitudinally and transversely. The larger stopes are divided into arbitrary sections in which ore-breaking and mullocking are carried out in rotation, so that the whole of the excavation is seldom open for measuring at anyone particular time. Stacking or square-setting on the...

Jan 1, 1915