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This paper will discuss Fordertechnik dawatering screens and their application in process industries. Fordertechnik screens were designed for the dewatering of deslimed, wet fines materials encountered in the mineral beneficiation, sand and coal processing industries. However, these screens have also been used in such industries as municipal waste treatment, paper pulp, chemicals and the food industries. Fordertechnik screens are of simple design and, as a result, offer low capital and maintenance costs. The design is based on the use of twin counter-rotating vibratory motors which provide high frequency, low amplitude linear movement of the screen deck which is essential for high production requirements. Fordertechnik dewatering screens are engineered and manufactured in Australia by Mitchell Cotts Engineering under licence to Fordertechnik GmbH of Mulheim, West Germany

Jan 1, 1984

By Coronel PT

Like companies in other sectors of industry, mining companies are experiencing significant problems with low labour productivity, high labour turnover, and accidents. Increasingly, companies are recognising that good training is a vital factor in dealing with these problems. One such company is Aberfoyle Tin Limited. Early in 1979 the company engaged P.A. Consulting Services Pty. Ltd. (P.A.) to upgrade and formalize its miner training procedures. P.A. developed a programme using their Process Analysis Method of Training (P.A.M.T.) and trained a company trainer in its use. As a result of its application and the establishment of a formal training school, the rate of production of trained miners has been greatly increased. Despite some problems caused by lack of resources at the mine, the trainees graduating under the new scheme have been shown to be of comparable standard to those produced by the previously used "on the job" training method.

Jan 1, 1980

In-seam drilling is conducted mainly to drain coal of gas and/or water prior to development or extraction. The requirements of inseam drilling for gas drainage have mainly surpassed the technical limits of rotary drilling and are mainly being addressed by guided down hole motor drilling, albeit at a higher cost. There is an increasing application of in-seam drilling to detect geological structures or other hazards or their absence in advance of mining to reduce the risks of underground mining. Close collaboration between miners, drillers, geologists, researchers and suppliers over the last four years has seen many advances made to improve the accuracy and reliability of inseam drilling. With such developments will come closer control over the ventilation and safety of future mining under deep gassy conditions, but not without costs. The paper summarises the current applications of inseam drilling, recent technological advances and the next generation survey and geophysical sensing tools which are currently being developed

Jan 1, 1998

Taxation is a major factor in evaluating mining project developments. The availability or otherwise of effective tax relief for project expenditures can have a crucial bearing on the decision to proceed with a project. The special position of the mining industry is recognised within the Income Tax Assessment Act (the "Tax Act") by special legislation, namely Divisions 10, 1OAAA and 10AA. The legislation both extends the scope of items which are eligible for deduction and affects the timing of deductions. Generally, the legislation separates expenditure into 3 categories: 1. Expenditure on exploration 2. Capital expenditure on the development and the running of the mine; and 3. Facilities used in the transport of minerals. Companies evaluating a project should carefully analyse their proposed expenditures, allocating them between these categories so as to identify potentially non-deductible expenditures and to determine the period over which tax relief will be Obtained.

Jan 1, 1983

By Clarke B. N

The Olympic mine is currently and development to 1988. The mine practice is, and number of factors. Dam copper-uranium-gold undergoing construction start production in May ventilation design and will be determined by a These include: 1. Mining method and degree of mechanization. 2. Presence of radon emanating material. 3. High virgin rock temperatures at relatively shallow depths. 4. High ambient air temperatures in Summer.

Jan 1, 1988

On the basis of the data known on formation, characteristics and stability of solute heavy non-ferrous metals under different temperature and pressure conditions and different concentrations of substances dissolved it is found to be possible to obtain a condition of mineral formation resulting in selective production of free-floating minerals. This process of forced mineral formation has been taken as a basis of new methods of refractory copper raw materials concentration, complex processing of lead dust from copper smelting plants, lead flotation tailings final concentration and of those of polymetallic ores concentration. This list of effective utilisation of the process is not exhaustive (Bekturganov Abishev and Shkodin, 1987; Bekturganov and Sim, 1987; Bekturganov, 1988; Abishev and Bekturganov, 1989; Bekturganov, 1989a). To understand the character of the sulphurising thermodynamic and kinetic examination have been done. Analysis of conditions of the newly formed mineral associations formation and stability facilitates the elaboration of methods of improvement of results of the valuable components selective separation.

Jan 1, 1993

In the past two decades the global metalliferous mineral industry has trended away from pyrometallurgical (pyromet) and towards hydrometallurgical (hydromet) technologies including biometallurgical (biomet) processes. Pyromet, biomet and hydromet technologies have all developed considerably over this period. New projects have been biased or directed by legislation towards supposedly cleaner and greener hydromet and biomet technologies. The environmental cost and energy cost of pyromet production processes for copper and cobalt are compared with comparable hydromet processes using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The æreal costÆ of the global warming obsession and negative public perception of pyrometallurgy include greater carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption per unit, associated with current hydromet technologies. Specific examples for copper and cobalt produced via the different routes are provided. The poor science involved with the global warming hypothesis is discussed. The use of LCA with sensitivity analysis as a decision making tool for mineral processing projects and technology developers is discussed.

Jan 1, 2004

The mining industry represents a small part of the international economy. Comprising few large companies, the industry exhibits volatile returns and over the past 25 years has failed to produce a long-term return that meets its cost of capital. It is not surprising, therefore, that the minerals extraction and processing industry is under considerable pressure from the investment community to lift its game. Management and boards are responding to this pressure by implementing more exacting cost control measures, capital management programs and through the process of consolidation. However, the cost of capital to the industry appears to have increased in recent years and investor attention seems to be preoccupied with the ænewÆ economy. Both of these influences will conspire to raise the bar for acceptable industry economic performance. This paper provides a useful snapshot of the minerals and extraction industry as it enters the 21st century. It remains cautious about future performance other than to conclude that single digit returns are likely to prevail, albeit at higher levels than over the past 25 years.

Jan 1, 2000

By R K. Dayal

Many transport tunnels show distress after few decades of construction. Owing to exorbitant cost of replacement, rehabilitation of tunnels has become inevitable and rapidly gaining attention/significance worldwide. This paper discusses the detailed planning and design of remedial measures for repairs and rehabilitation of the twin tube highway tunnel in India, at an elevation of 2200 m constructed approximately 38 years ago. The tunnel length is 2547 m having 30 m2 cross-sectional area of each tube. The tunnel is lined in stretches, totalling 60 per cent lined and the remaining portions are unlined. The tunnel has developed acute problems of rock falls, water leakage, distressed pavement and icicle formation resulting in slow movement of vehicular traffic which has also increased. Suffocation inside the tunnel caused deaths due to inadequate natural ventilation, hence artificial ventilation was deemed necessary and was provided in the restricted 28.5 m2 cross-sectional area of tunnel. The paper would be useful for planners, designers and construction engineers for setting future trends.

Jan 1, 1999

The technological advancement in computing power and the increasing demand for information processing systems spread throughout many aspects of a corporation's business activities has revolutionised management information systems departments. This revolution is manifest in the proliferation of mini-computers and micro-processors as well as the planned or unplanned migration from centralised processing to distributed processing. The total data processing investment in people, hardware, software and telecommunications has reached a high level in many organisations. Therefore, the cost of inadequate planning or ad hoc growth of systems can be considerable. The concept of MIS systems planning has gained adherence in recent years; however, there appears to be a wide diversity in the effectiveness and quality of corporate systems plans. To be effective a systems plan must have the support and concurrence of executive management of an organisation. A disciplined planning approach to systems together ,with the involvement of senior user management as well as MIS management is necessary to develop a satisfactory systems plan that forms the basis of a corporation's data processing strategy.

Jan 1, 1980

The Joint' Venture Method is a procedure for assessing the value of exploration properties, particularly those for which resources have yet to be delineated. It aims to convert the terms of an actual or synthetic joint venture into the equivalence of an arms- lengths cash transaction between a willing seller and a willing buyer. This paper sets out one approach to achieving that conversion. It discusses both simple and complex cases and gives some examples from both public and private documents. It also includes some case studies in which the Joint Venture Method of valuation can be compared with values derived for the same project using other methodologies including actual cash deals. The Method has failings in both mathematics and logic. However because it does reflect or simulate an arms-length deal which takes into account past exploration effort and expenditure and an assessment of prospectivity at a particular point in time, it is felt that it can provide a reasonable approximation of trade value or asset value of a prospect, particularly if used in conjunction with other methods.

Jan 1, 1994

By Baker EM

The Kidston orebody is a kilometre diameter breccia pipe of Permo-Carboniferous age' assoc- iated with rhyolitic dykes and hosted by Proterozoic granodiorite and metamorphic rocks. Mineralization and alteration are associated spatially and temporally with brecciation and rhyolite intrusion. Three stages of alteration have been recognized: pre-brecciation, and early and late stage post-brecciation. Gold is known to be particularly associated with late stage post-brecciation cavity infill and sheeted veins. Fluid inclusion and stable isotope results show the importance of moderate-high temperat- ure, saline, magmatic fluids in the early stage mineralization and in the brecciation of the pipe. Later periods of alteration, accompanied by gold deposition, are associated with fluids only slightly depleted in 180 relative to mag- matic waters, unlike the strongly 180-depleted meteoric water typically found in hydrothermal Permian and Carboniferous deposits of eastern Australia. The 5180 values and low salinities in fluid inclusions suggest the fluid may have formed from vapour condensation from a magmatic fluid. Fluid inclusion data and alteration assemblages define the prevailing chemical conditions. Gold transport under these, conditions would have been primarily as a bisulfide complex.

Jan 1, 1987

By Davey CJ

An integrated computer software system has been developed by Fluor Australia for modelling, mine planning and production scheduling of single or multi-strata deposits. Modelling of both quantitative and qualitative variables (e.g., thickness, basal elevation, density, grade/ash content) is performed via continuous, minimum curvature surface representations. These may be developed from inverse distance weighting or geostatistical kriging interpolation techniques in conjunction with bicubic spline surface interpolation. The modelling process, rather than being purely mathematical, incorporates facilities for reflecting structural geology interpretations (e.g., faulting, pinchouts) and geological boundary conditions (e.g., subcrop and outcrop). Volumetric programs provide the facility for continuous integration over models (at any specified integration increment) for any number of specified irregular polygonal panel areas or regular rectilinearly defined block plan areas. Multi-variable integration is available, incorporating any or all operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to provide multi-strata tonnages, etc., (e.g., Volume 1 * density 1 + Volume 2 density 2). These programs provide true three-dimensional integration with the facility for calculating results on an area by area, level by level, strata by strata as well as overall basis.

Jan 1, 1983

The cement industry requires large quan- tities of limestone, its main raw material. It is the major consumer of this mineral. Limestone is widely distributed throughout Australia but location in relation to major markets, and transport considerations render most deposits of no economic value. Of those which are sufficiently close to the major me- tropolitan markets many are rejected as being unsuitable on grounds of quality, inadequate size for major development, or other reasons such as environmental considerations. Detailed geological investigations are necessary, not only to prove raw material sources prior to establishment of a cement works but also to permit planned extraction programmes and satisfactory grade control during subsequent development. Conventional field techniques have generally proved adequate for raw material exploration. Data assessment and reserves estimation also are by conventional methods although the specific requirements of the industry relating to raw material and cement quality, the type of manufacturing process and fuel used are relevant. A number of case studies from different geological environ- ments are examined and comparisons made bet- ween the predictions of the exploration stage and subsequent experience in quarrying prac- Tice.

Jan 1, 1979

The major heavy industrial consumers of limestone are the cement, lime'and steel ind- ustries. Each of these requires large quantities of cheap raw material. Other ind- ustries such as glass and chemical manufactur- ing are significant consumers and agricultur- al and constructional activities provide additional demand which is usually more local in its occurrence. Limestone is widely dis- tributed throughout Australia but location in relation to major markets, and transport con- siderations render most deposits of no economic value. Among deposits which are sufficiently close to the major metropolitan markets many must be rejected as being unsuitable on grounds of quality, inadequate size for major.develop- ment, or other reasons such as environmental considerations. The major producing locations are sit- uated in a variety of geological environments. Most have limited reserves and require partic- ular attention to quality control. Planned extraction programmes based on detailed geo- logical investigations enable not only satis- factory grade control but also permit, by the adoption of appropriate quarry procedures, the use of sub-grade material, thus optimis- ing utilisation of the available reserves.

Jan 1, 1976

By Brady B. H

Increasingly, consideration is being given to the nominal `outcomes' of degree courses in engineering, including mining engineering. These are concerned not only with knowledge and technical understanding but also with capabilities in the professional application of engineering principles to problem solving, multi-disciplinary teamwork, communication and life-long learning. This paper discusses concepts of education, professional formation and training and the associated development of competencies in applying knowledge, understanding and technical insights and skills to new situations. In developing guidelines on preferred attributes and competencies in graduate mining engineers, a survey was conducted of a range of industry personnel involved in selecting graduate mining engineers. The results not only clarified the spectrum of competencies sought but also provided valuable detailed views to assist in defining a mining engineering curriculum. Considering a greater concern with the development of more `well-rounded' graduates, the implications are discussed with regard to teaching and assessment activities and the time demands on academic staff when a `coaching' role is emphasised. In line with international and Australian moves in engineering education, notions on education of mining engineering graduates in Australia are under review. The results will provide continuing challenges to all involved.

Jan 1, 1997

Compared with modern longwall coal mining systems, automation has not been developed very far in the underground metal minin industry. One of the main reasons for this is that present har rock mining systems do not produce ore with a controlled degre of fragmentation. The often poor fragmentation from the stopescauses large extra costs and precludes material which 1-ends itself to automationThe paper investigates the possibility c technology for automatic loading and trapconveyor belt to a shaft dump pocket. With this concept, it will be necessary to control the maximum fragment size by careful blasting design. The degree of fragmentation will have to be finer than is common to-day. The study shows that the belt conveyor mining con-cept with controlled fragmentation may be economically competitive with conventional cyclic loading and transport, even for an annual production as low as 0.5 mill. tonnes.. Fragmentation design and cost calculations have been based on a combination of the Kuznetsov relationship between blasting parameters and mean frag-ment size, and the Rosin-Rammler formula for fragment size distribution.

Jan 1, 1985

By Braham B

The Australian mining industry isstill labouring under the impression. created by the Fitzgerald Report that it does not pay suffic- ient tax. This would appear to be the raison d'etre of the resource rent tax debate. The authors quantitatively compare the cash flows to the mine and government resulting from a large strip coal mine in central Queensland under a number of Australian and international taxation policies. The Liberal government policies are found to be internationally competitive while the Labor 1975 policy is excessively punitive. The present value of the returns to the public from the Liberal 1977 policy vary between three and six times the net present value to the mine, which belies the necessity for the imposition of a super tax. The levelling of a special royalty, excess rail freight, by Queensland could severely re- strict the development of new mines in the Bowen Basin. The impact of excessive freight rates is analysed on a combined strip-deep mine typical of the new projects nearing development in the region. Otherwise economic mines can be made marginal or even sub economic by this tax. Even with moderate rail freights, the mining tax laws of New South Wales are more favourable to the industry than are Queensland's.

Jan 1, 1978

The classical view of island arc geology is that of a plutonic intrusive/volcanic extrusive complex, derived from the products of oceanic lithosphere subdu.ction and constructed on an over-riding plate of oceanic origin. Such an arc is typically backed by a marginal basin, formed by seafloor spreading of a more or less conventional kind. Various studies undertaken over the last decade have modified this picture and provided a new tectonic framework within which to explore for resources. Formation of Marginal Basins During the 1970s, seafloor spreading magnetic anomalies were identified in various marginal basins in the SW Pacific. In one of these, the South Fiji Basin, there was clear evidence of a ridge-ridge-ridge triple junction, although no kinematic relationship to the major plate boundaries was determined. Palaeomagnetic studies conducted in Vanuatu and Fiji, and in the Bismarck Archipelago of PNG provided evidence of large scale arc rotations relative to major plates. This indicated a general pattern of marginal basin formation by ridge-ridge-ridge triple junction growth together with island arc growth by trench-ridge-trench triple junction evolution. Formation of Primitive Island Arcs The triple junction growth model strongly suggests that at least a significant amount of arc evolution occurs by the initiation of subduction at a spreading ridge. This has predictive implications for the nature of island arc basement.

Jan 1, 1987

By Sturgul J. R

A major electricity generating authority have a proposal to construct a Power Station. An understanding of the operation of the bunker system is of importance to the designers and a computer simulation model of the operation was constructed. The computer language used was GPSS/PC which is a recent form of the language designed for the per- sonal computer. The model simulated trains arriving at the power sta- tion and unloading onto conveyors which carry coal to the power station bunker. Coal was drawn from the bunker at a specified feed rate to the power station. Numerous restrictions were placed on the model, if the bunker level got too high dozers would pull coal out of the bunker onto the stockpile, and if the level got too low the dozers would push coal back into the bunker. The conveyors and dozers were unavailable due to breakdown'at various times and trains would arrive randomly about a mean interarrival time. The system was simulated for 30 years of oper- ation and the model used a basic time unit of 30 minutes so that the system was updated 525,600 times during the simulation. The results of the simu- lation gave the designers a greater understanding of the critical factors in the operation, which may now be engineered to minimise adverse Effects.

Jan 1, 1988