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By T. D. Parris

At the Frood Mine of International Nickel, tests were begun in March 1966 to evaluate the use of low profile diesel Load- Haul-Dump equipment in cut-and-fill operations. In December 1966, this test was extended to drawpoint loading of caved ore at the Creighton Mine. The results of these tests conclusively demonstrated the effectiveness of this equipment in the operations at International Nickel. This paper describes the equipment used, the operation of the equipment, production data and operating details. Also discussed in the paper are other trackless equipment which works with the Load-Haul-Dump carrier. Production and Safety comparisons are made with the slusher method in bulk mining, giving the reasons for replacing the slushers at the mines of International Nickel Company of Canada, Limited, Ontario Division.

Jan 1, 1969

By Bruno Deves Flores, Alessandro Gums, Eduardo Osório, Matheus Teixeira Fraga, Anderson Azevedo Agra, Janaína Machado, Antônio Cezar Faria Vilela, Anderson Nicolodi

A utilização de carvão vegetal em substituição a outros materiais de origem fóssil na produção de coque é uma das alternativas para mitigar as emissões de CO2 na siderurgia. Contudo, a inserção de carvão vegetal na coqueificação apresenta fortes limitações, as quais estão principalmente associadas à sua elevada reatividade ao CO2. Assim, o presente estudo visou investigar alternativas para diminuir a reatividade do carvão vegetal. Para isso foram investigados os efeitos da temperatura de pirólise, desmineralização e impregnação por alcatrão. Os resultados mostraram que o aumento da temperatura de pirólise diminui a reatividade do carvão vegetal. Essa mesma tendência foi também observada ao se remover os componentes inorgânicos do carvão vegetal e ao se impregnar a sua estrutura com alcatrão. A associação dos tratamentos térmico, de desmineralização e impregnação com alcatrão resultou em reduções de reatividade na ordem de até 6 vezes a do material inicial.

Oct 1, 2019

By William Glenn

The taking of proper samples of crude ores seems to he less thoroughly understood, or less carefully practiced, than its impor tance requires. We all know how often we encounter the reports of very accurate assays and analyses, the weight of which as evidence wholly depends on the method of obtaining the sample, and is very probably nil, because there has been no proper sampling. Pissages might be cited from technical books, and from current technical literature (all the work of writers whom we delight to honor) to show that even among high scientific authorities there is too little acquaintance with the practical art of the sampler. There is no metallurgical or chemical establishment which does not frequently receive samples truly representing nothing. They consist usually of bits of ore, or what not, selected because they are worse or better than the average of what they are meant to represent. And they are worthless, no matter who made the selection. Where conscious choice is permitted to enter into the operation, a fair sample will not result, unless by a miracle. The work of sampling is often looked upon as within the realm of boys and of pensioners only. At least, though the manual labor be left to subordinates, the principles on which it is conducted and the safeguards with which it is surrounded are not unworthy of the study of experts; and experts should he ready to teach these principles and enforce them in practice. For exact sampling is the indispensable first step towards learning the value of any boxful, carload or shipload of ore. I propose to give a simple account of the method of sampling by hand, such as I have always pursued. There is nothing new about it. So far as I know, it is the immemorial old method, as old at least as Cornish copper-mining. Perhaps my fellow-members in the Institute may suggest improvements in it. If not, it will constitute a record in our Transactions to which laymen and beginners may be referred.

Jan 1, 1892

By Cocker A

Pre-splitting for smooth highwall formation is conducted in around 75 per cent of surface coal operations within Australia. The CMTE (Centre for Mining Technology and Equipment) in conjunction with BHPAC (BHP Australia Coal) initiated a project to look at pre-splitting and to investigate the notching of blastholes for fracture plane control. The notching was specifically for pre-split initiation and also for discing of the toe of the production holes to minimise coal loss from the top of the coal seam. There are currently a number of factors which are driving the introduction of new pre-splitting technologies and products. The first is the ever increasing bench height being employed in strip mines which require a higher quality wall with less blast damage to maintain stability. Currently depths of 55 metres are common place with depths of 70 - 80 metres fast approaching. The second factor is the introduction of new technologies or methods which require a high quality highwall produced, eg highwall mining. This paper discusses the current state-of-the-art in pre-splitting and the main issues facing successful pre-splitting in the future. The use of a blasthole notching technology to promote fracturing along the pre-split line is also analysed. The review indicates that most pre-splitting challenges in the future can be addressed through better use and developments of current drill and blast technology. It is also concluded that a blasthole notching technique may find niche applications in improving final walls within a surface coal mine, especially where a high quality wall is required. The notched blasthole method may also allow pre-splitting in ground conditions and adverse rock structure which currently cannot be pre-split by existing technology.

Jan 1, 1995

By M. F. Hawkes

Austenite grain size has long been recognized by metallurgists as an important property of steels because of its influence on toughness, hardenability, ma-chinability and creep strength. Much research has been carried out on wrought steels to develop methods for disclosing austenite grain size, and to, provide knowledge of the grain-size characteristics of steels produced and heat-treated in various ways. Much less work in these fields has been done on steel castings; partly because, owing to the variable and complex microstruc-tures of cast steels, it is frequently very difficult to obtain results that are not questionable. The object of this investigation, therefore, was to establish, for a wide variety of carbon and alloy cast steels, suitable methods for disclosing austenite grain size and some knowledge of the grain-size variations to be expected. The steel foundryman is interested in austenite grain size at two different stages in the manufacture of his products; one is just after the steel is cast, and the other is after any reheating operation carried out above the critical temperature range. In both, it must always be kept in mind that the grain size being sought is actually a previous austenite grain size, and that the austenite no longer exists once the steel has cooled to room temperature. The prob-lem of the investigator is always to use evidence obtained from the structure at room temperature to deduce this previous austenite grain size, which was established the last time the steel existed at a temperature above the critical range. Since most steel castings today are at least annealed or normalized, the measurement of austenite grain size established by heat-treatment will he considered first. More than 50 commercially produced cast steels rcpresenting a wide variety of compositions and melting practices were used in the study. For each steel, grain-size determinations were made after each of three widely varying heat-treating schedules namely, one hour at I550'F, one hour at I700°F, and six hours at 1700 F. The list of steels and results obtained on them will be found in the appendix. (See page 530.) A discussion of the knowledge gained on the applicability of various test methods and on grain-size characteristics of cast steels in general follows. MEASUREMENT OF AUSTENITE GRAIN SIZE ESTABLISHED BY HEAT TREATMENT Methods Suitable foR Determining Austenite Grain Size after Heat-treatment at Ordinary Temperatures and Times It was desired, as one of the results of this investigation, to be able to recommend to steel foundries a method, or methods, of disclosing grain size best suited to accurate

Jan 1, 1948

By M. F. Hawkes

Austenite grain size has long been recognized by metallurgists as an important property of steels because of its influence on toughness, hardenability, ma-chinability and creep strength. Much research has been carried out on wrought steels to develop methods for disclosing austenite grain size, and to, provide knowledge of the grain-size characteristics of steels produced and heat-treated in various ways. Much less work in these fields has been done on steel castings; partly because, owing to the variable and complex microstruc-tures of cast steels, it is frequently very difficult to obtain results that are not questionable. The object of this investigation, therefore, was to establish, for a wide variety of carbon and alloy cast steels, suitable methods for disclosing austenite grain size and some knowledge of the grain-size variations to be expected. The steel foundryman is interested in austenite grain size at two different stages in the manufacture of his products; one is just after the steel is cast, and the other is after any reheating operation carried out above the critical temperature range. In both, it must always be kept in mind that the grain size being sought is actually a previous austenite grain size, and that the austenite no longer exists once the steel has cooled to room temperature. The prob-lem of the investigator is always to use evidence obtained from the structure at room temperature to deduce this previous austenite grain size, which was established the last time the steel existed at a temperature above the critical range. Since most steel castings today are at least annealed or normalized, the measurement of austenite grain size established by heat-treatment will he considered first. More than 50 commercially produced cast steels rcpresenting a wide variety of compositions and melting practices were used in the study. For each steel, grain-size determinations were made after each of three widely varying heat-treating schedules namely, one hour at I550'F, one hour at I700°F, and six hours at 1700 F. The list of steels and results obtained on them will be found in the appendix. (See page 530.) A discussion of the knowledge gained on the applicability of various test methods and on grain-size characteristics of cast steels in general follows. MEASUREMENT OF AUSTENITE GRAIN SIZE ESTABLISHED BY HEAT TREATMENT Methods Suitable foR Determining Austenite Grain Size after Heat-treatment at Ordinary Temperatures and Times It was desired, as one of the results of this investigation, to be able to recommend to steel foundries a method, or methods, of disclosing grain size best suited to accurate

Jan 1, 1948

By W. J. McDonough

Rapid growth and acceptance of engineered materials have changed the way we live. We have come to expect improved performance at less cost. At the same time, our awareness of societal and environmental issues created by these materials during and after their lifetime has been heightened. As a result, material lifecycle analysis is receiving considerable attention. Material lifecycle analysis evaluates the cost/effective tradeoffs at each stage of a material's life: feedstock, fabrication, performance, recycle, and disposal. The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigates a material's lifecycle using technical cost models augmented with decision and impact analyses. Results of these studies are useful in gaining a better understanding of current material selections and illustrating the multifaceted issues associated with engineered materials in today's society.

Jan 1, 1992

By G. H. Keith

The Bureau of Mines determined the mechanism(s) involved in observed anomalous changes in mechanical properties of vanadium-base alloys. Tensile properties of electrorefined and commercial-purity vanadium-base alloys containing up to 5 atomic percent molybdenum or titanium were measured between 77° and 673° K. Snoek oxygen and nitrogen peak heights were measured to determine the changes in dissolved interstitial content caused by increasing quantities of solute. In addition, changes in lattice parameter were followed wit: precision X-ray techniques. Softening, observed in alloys containing titanium, is explained by the formation of a second-phase titanium compound with oxygen or nitrogen. However, because of partitioning of titanium between compound formation and solid solution formation, about five times the stoichiometric amount was required for complete reaction. Addition of 1 percent titanium drastically lowered the strengthening due to strain aging, at 673° K, and 2 percent titanium essentially eliminated it. All alloys were ductile at 77° K. Variations in the tensile properties of the molybdenum-containing alloys are explained by variations in the amounts of interstitial impurities present. The molybdenum did not react with these impurities and had no effect on strengthening due to strain aging. Commercial-purity vanadium alloys containing more than 2 percent molybdenum were brittle at 77° K.

Jan 1, 1969

By R. Drozd

"The Bui/moose Mine is in the northeast coal area of British Columbia, and less than $300 million was spent to bring this 2.3 million-tonnes-per-year metallurgical and thermal coal mine into production by November 1, 1983, one month ahead of schedule. The project is an unincorporated joint venture undertaking, with Teck-Bullmoose Coal Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teck Corporation, holding 51%, Lornex Mining Corporation holding 39%, and Nissho-lwai (Canada) Ltd. holding 10%. Bullmoose Operating Corporation will be the manager and operator of the project. This paper will broadly cover the history and exploration work on the property, the geology, open-pit mining plans and equipment, the preparation plant flowsheet from breaker station to clean coal silo, the 35 km highway truck haul, the railroad loadout system, manpower requirements, approvals and permits, and general financial arrangements. Introduction The Bullmoose Mine Project is located about 87 km by road south of Chetwynd, B.C. and consists of an open-pit coal mine, a plant facility in the Bullmoose Creek valley below the mine, and a separate rail loadout facility on the British Columbia Railway Branchline near the new town of Tumbler Ridge some 35 km by road to the east. The plant will be capable of producing a total of 2.3 million tonnes per year (mty) of washed metallurgical and thermal coal. Long-term metallurgical coal contracts for high-quality, medium-volatile, bituminous coal have been signed with nine Japanese buyers for 1.7 mty, and the balance of0.6 mty will be for thermal coal production. Plant construction began in the spring of 1982, and in May 1983, preproduction waste and overburden removal in the mine was started. The plant began tuning up in October and was fully operational by December 1983. Metallurgical coal began moving to the coast in unit trains during November, and first vessel loading at the Ridley Island port began in late December 1983."

Jan 1, 1985

By Victor Azbe

Introduction Lime enters our daily life in many ways. Our building, chemical, agricultural, sanitary, and industrial endeavours depend on it to such a great extent that it could probably be called the most important inorganic chemical, and the extent to which it is used might be considered an index of industrial development. Industrial limes vary greatly in quality, due to internal structure and other characteristics. They may be good or bad, sensitive or slow to react. While improper manufacture may not greatly alter the appearance of the lime, it may affect its properties considerably and thus its suitability in the many processes in which lime is used. In some of the processes, one kind of lime is wanted, in others another. While the nature of the stone from which it is made has much to do with whether a lime is suitable or not, its burning and hydration are the crux of the matter. Up to not so many years ago, the knowledge of lime burning was rather imperfect and it is only relatively recently that its manufacture is approaching the state of a higher industrial art. This slow development was in part due to lime manufacture being scattered among many small concerns who, independently, either lacked the inclination or could not afford to strive for a higher technical development.

Jan 1, 1946

By A. Dadgar, R. H. Sergent

Changes in the ore types available and increased environmental concern have created a demand for an alternative technology to cyanide for the extraction of gold from ore. Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (Great Lakes) believes that halogen chemistry, in particular bromine chemistry, is the best available alternative to cyanide for gold extraction. Great Lakes is a Fortune 500 chemical company with sales of approximately one billion dollars per year. Great Lakes extracts elemental bromine from naturally occurring brines in Southern Arkansas. Great Lakes has developed a family of proprietary bromine compounds to aid in the extraction of gold. In addition to proprietary bromine compounds for gold extraction, Great Lakes has developed a method of recycling bromide ion in the leach circuit. Various recovery methods, including ion exchange and solvent , extraction are currently being studied.

Jan 1, 1990

By Shadia Ikhmayies

In this work Thermo-Calc software was used to calculate the phase diagram of the Fe–Si system. The deduced phase diagram includes twenty fields, where three fields represent pure phases; two solid solutions and a liquid phase. There are several fields of two co-existing phases; mixed solid phases, and mixed solid with liquid phases. A set of eutectic and eutectoid points were found, where transformation reactions and temperatures were identified. The results were compared with results in the literature and good agreements with some differences were found. This study is a step to understand the phase diagram of Ca–Fe-Si system for refining metallugical grade silicon (MG-Si).

Mar 1, 2018

By Xiaocen Lu, Guowei Li, Jiantao Wu, Thang N. Nguyen, Andrew C. Amenuvor

"This paper investigates the effect of driving a group of 52 open-ended Prestressed High Strength Concrete (PHC) piles on an existing highway embankment based on field measurements of excess pore pressure and lateral soil displacement. Excess pore pressure due to pile driving increased with depth and decreased with increasing distance from the pile, influencing a distance of 43 pile diameters. For pile groups, the rate of dissipation of excess pore pressure decreased with increasing depth and averaged 79% in 20 days, during which maximum ultimate bearing capacity was not yet attained. Lateral soil displacement continued to increase for a period of time after the end of pile driving and this could have resulted in significant inclination of piles if pile installation was too quick and pile spacing was too small. Lateral soil displacement due to pile group decreased with decreasing distance to the existing embankment as a result of high soil density produced by the embankment loading. The results also indicate that the effect of pile group installation on the existing embankment is negligible.INTRODUCTIONPile driving can cause excessive lateral displacement of soil and heaving of the ground surface, which may adversely affect nearby structures. In addition, lateral deformation and excess pore water pressure resulting from pile driving can exert lateral pressures and vertical forces on the piles, and impact negatively on the project and its surroundings. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the influence of pile driving on the nearby structures as well as the project itself when expansion works are carried out.Recent years have seen some development in the application of field tests for studying soil disturbance due to piles, and these tests usually involves pore water pressure and lateral soil displacement monitoring during pile driving. Results of field experiments performed by Reese and Seed (1957) in San Francisco Bay Mud with instrumented piles showed that pile installation generated large pore water pressures at the pile surface, with only slight increase at a distance of 15 pile diameters away. The measurements indicated that the increase in pore water pressures can exceed the initial total overburden pressure. Holtz and Lowitz (1965) reported a decrease in undrained shear strength immediately after pile installation, which was largely recovered after full pore pressure dissipation for field measurements within 1.5–2 pile diameters from the pile surface. Hwang et al. (2001) presented results of large scale pile driving tests where maximum excess pore water pressure generated decreased rapidly with increasing distance from pile. The excess pore water pressure became negligible at 15 pile diameters from the pile. Their results also showed that lateral displacement of the ground decreased with increasing distance from the pile. Pestana et al. (2002) carried out full-scale closed ended pile tests in the Young Bay Mud deposit. Higher excess pore pressures were observed for points closer to the pile, which decreased with increasing distance from the pile wall. Exponential decay of excess pore pressure with time was also noted. An 80% dissipation of excess pore pressure was achieved for soils more than one pile diameter away from the pile wall between 50 to 80 days. Lateral deformation generally decreased with increasing distance from pile wall, whilst varying erratically with depth. Bozozuk et al. (1978) reported on soil disturbance due to driving of 116 concrete piles in sensitive marine clays in a construction project. Maximum pore water pressures after pile driving within the group, and 6m (20 pile diameters) from the group were over 35-40% of the total overburden pressures, and the influence of pile driving on pore water pressure at 20m away from the group was very small. Cooke and Price (1973) studied a 168-mm-diameter instrumented pile jacked into over consolidated London clay. Outward lateral displacements ranging"

Jan 1, 2016

By M. W. Von Bernewitz

Corduroy is used for saving gold in small Land large milling plants throughout the world. Investigations by the Metallurgical Division of the Bureau of Mine indicate that corduroy blankets, used with or without a trap or jig in the mill classifier circuit, often are effective in concentrating gold and sulfides, especially if the gold does not amalgamate readily and if not enough sulfides are present to warrant the use of a shaking table, flotation cells, or cyanide plant. Most cold-mining countries include several or many small miner, that produce siliceous ores low in sulfides and gold, which can easily be amalgamated or caught in traps or jigs or on corduroy and shaking tables. At these mines the ore is crushed by stamps or bill mills, and the flow sheets include plates, flotation cells, and cyanide treatment, yet probably nearly as much of the pair minerals may be recovered by the less expensive plant. A well-known western maker of mine and mill equipment asserts, as the result of considerable observation of installed plants, that old and other valuable minerals should be caught as soon as they have been released by a mill, end recommends jigs to do this. A supplier of corduroy has informed us that at some mines this material is being replaced by jigs that catch gold as fine as 400-mesh. But for the small operator, inexpensive equipment such as a corduroy table may be better adapted and give a good recovery of gold and associated minerals.

Jan 1, 1939

By Fuqiang Zheng, Shuai Wang, Ting Duan, Yufeng Guo, Tao Jiang, Andrew Yakovlevich Travyanov

Organic compound binder can effectively enhance the strength of green pellet and reduce the addition amount of binder during pelletizing. However, compared with traditional bentonite binder pellet, the compressive strength of the preheated and roasted pellets significantly declined. It is of significance to resolve this problem for the application of organic compound binder. In this paper, magnetite concentrate was used as raw material, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)- bentonite compound was used as binder, characteristics of preheated and roasted pellets and the effects of additives on that were systematically studied, The results show that sodium acetate can effectively improve the characteristics of the finished compound binder pellets. The compressive strength of the preheated and roasted pellets were increased by 52/N·p-1 and 342/N·p-1 respectively when the addition amount of sodium acetate is 2.2%wt of compound binder. Moreover, sodium acetate has no adverse effect on pelletizing process and drying characteristics of green balls.

Jan 1, 2015

By Y. M. Jubeli

"Abstract - Gamma-ray spectrometry, an effective tool in geological mapping, was used to define boundaries between various lithological formations in three adjacent areas of Central Syria, namely, the Syrian Desert, Ar Rassafeh Badiayat and the Northern Palmyrides mountains. This paper describes the role of an airborne gamma spectrometric survey which was orginally undertaken to assist uranium exploration. Interpretation of the total count data obtained through the survey has led to significant modifications and corrections to the previously published distribution map of the palaeogene phosphate rocks.Another important result of the survey is the discovery of four previously unknown phosphorite horizons in the Rasm Al-Aawabed area of the Northern Palmyrides. In addition, previously unknown phosphatic horizons are outlined in the other study areas. The importance of this technique as an effective prospecting method, not only for U but also for exploring for the economically important phosphorite formations in Syria, is emphasized. Furthermore, its role in geological mapping is stressed, especially in areas that lack sufficient geological data."

Jan 1, 1997

By Lucy England

The following is a summary of the Robert E. Murray Innovation Lecture on “Sustainable Copper Mining Flowsheets and the MissionZero Mine” presented as part of the keynote session on Feb. 23, 2026 during the MINEXCHANGE 2026 SME Annual Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, UT. As the world accelerates its transition to renewable energy, the appetite for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, rare earths and graphite has never been greater. Forecasts suggest that global mineral demand will double by 2050, driven by the proliferation of electric vehicles, renewable power infrastructure and digital technologies. This surge presents not only an immense opportunity but also an unprecedented challenge. In a world where every ton of ore processed and every liter of water used is scrutinized, how can mining deliver more with less, while meeting tightening environmental and social expectations? Traditional mining methods, developed for an era of abundant, high-grade ore and looser regulations, are struggling to meet today’s demands. Declining ore grades, volatile markets and the imperative to shrink environmental footprints have rendered traditional mineral processing practices unsustainable. The sector thus finds itself at a decisive juncture, caught between the need to fuel the green economy, defense and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, without compromising the planet’s future. Balancing these competing demands requires a paradigm shift in technologies and processes. FLS has responded to this challenge with MissionZero: an ambitious, holistic initiative to develop flowsheets for the future of mineral processing. This systemic approach aligns operational excellence with environmental responsibility. Integrating innovative technologies, digital intelligence and commodityspecific process designs, it offers mining professionals a roadmap to meet both production targets and sustainability goals. At the center of this approach is the belief that a more sustainable mining requires more than incremental improvement; it demands a fundamental shift in how we extract, process and manage resources. By developing tailored flowsheets for copper, gold, lithium and tailings reprocessing, FLS aims to set a new standard for efficiency, circularity and environmental stewardship. The message is clear. We must achieve more with less: less energy, less water, less waste.

Mar 1, 2026

By Robert S. Williams

On several occasions, when 60-40 brass is first obtained in the beta condition by quenching at about 825" C. and is then reheated, the writers have noticed that reerystallization will take place in the form of twin crystals at the grain boundaries of the original beta crystals. It was, therefore, thought that interesting results would be obtained if this twinning process was studied further, especially as to the temperature at which it first occurs. The material used in the investigation was a bar of extruded muntz metal, 1/2 in. in diameter, and of the following composition: Copper, 60.21 per cent.; zinc, 39.73 per cent.; lead, trace; iron, trace; tin, nil. Specimens 1 in. in length were sawed from this bar and a hole was drilled into the side of each specimen until it reached the center, and the tip of a platinum-platinum rhodium thermocouple was inserted. A small Hoskins' resistance-type electric furnace was used for heating the specimens. The specimens were first heated at 840' C. for 2 hr. and then quenched ' in cold water, in order to get the material entirely in the beta state. In every case, in the reheating process, the furnace was brought to the desired temperature before the specimen was introduced. The time occupied in preheating was from 20 to 30 min. By sawing back 1/4 in. on each side of the hole, two parts were obtained from each specimen and duplicate observations were possible. The specimens were held at the reheating temperatures for periods of 15 min., 30 min., 1, 2, and 4 hr. All specimens were etched with a freshly prepared mixture of equal volumes of concentrated NH4IOH and H2O2.

Jan 1, 1924

By Y. M. Jubeli

"Gamma-ray spectrometry, an effective tool in geological mapping, was used to de?ne boundaries between various lithological formations in three adjacent areas of Central Syria, namely, the Syrian Desert, Ar Rassafeh Badiayat and the Northern Palmyrides mountains.This paper describes the role of an airborne gamma spectrometric survey which was originally undertaken to assist uranium exploration. Interpretation of the total count data obtained through the survey has led to signi?cant modi?cations and corrections to the previously published distribution map of the palaeogene phosphate rocks.Another important result of the survey is the discovery of four previously unknown phosphorite horizons in the Rasm Al-Aawabed area of the Northern Palmyrides. In addition, previously unknown phosphatic horizons are outlined in the other study areas. The importance of this technique as an effective prospecting method, not only for U but also for exploring for the economically important phosphorite formations in Syria, is emphasized. Furthermore, its role in geological mapping is stressed, especially in areas that lack suf?cient geological data."

Jan 1, 1997

By T. C. Maswanganyi, G. L. Smith, R. C. A. Minnitt

This paper identifies the strategic gaps and opportunities for the South African mining industry’s contribution towards advancing sustainable development. Mineral resources companies are confronted by a range of complex social performance challenges, which largely manifest in sporadic community and labour unrest, undermining the sustainability and profitability of these companies. Integrating supply chain management, strategic long-term planning and sustainability planning is identified as a strategic gap that can contribute towards the sustainability of mining companies, if effectively implemented. Contributing towards sustainable development by the South African mining industry is not merely a voluntary requirement on the industry but a legal requirement in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act No. 28 of 2002. This Act is legislation aimed at advancing socioeconomic development in communities that host mining operations and in areas that provide labour to the South African mining industry. In contributing towards the advancement of sustainable development in mining host communities, not only will mining companies fulfil a legal requirement in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, but they will also prevent negative social and economic impacts in those communities. This paper identifies innovative and cost-effective ways of advancing sustainable development by integrating strategic supply chain management, strategic long-term planning, and sustainability planning.

Dec 15, 2025