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By D. P. Roberts

This investigation aimed to simulate the experiments performed by Nic Gay (Gay, N.C. 1976. Fracture growth around openings in large blocks of rock subjected to uniaxial and biaxial compression. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Minining Sciences and Geomechical Abstracts, vol. 13. pp. 231-243) on fracture growth around openings in blocks of rock subjected to uniaxial and biaxial compression, using the Elfen discrete element code. The results of the physical experiments indicated a number of trends that were successfully replicated in the numerical simulations, including crushing ahead of the face, the formation of a sub-vertical tensile fracture at centre-span, the formation of groups of fractures originating from the crushed face zone, the formation of large corner-to-corner fractures which precede sample failure, and linking of slot corner and sample corner fractures leading to sample failure. In addition, other features were apparent that were not reported by Gay. It is believed that these took the form of conjugate shear fractures (as reported by Gay in a previous paper) and other features that may have been altered or inhibited by the presence of pre-existing structure in the physical samples. It was found that the samples, though nominally made up of the same rock type, must have had significantly differing properties. The presence of pre-existing structures may have contributed to this discrepancy. Strain measurements from the physical experiments were reasonably well matched, except where the gauge lay directly in the path of advancing fractures.

Jan 1, 2012

By P. Mbele

Iron ore concentrate is not easily transported to, or processed in, ironmaking plants, therefore it is necessary to agglomerate. This paper will determine the possibility of agglomerating Sishen concentrate into suitable ironmaking feedstock. Pelletizing is one of the conventional and preferred agglomeration processes for iron ore concentrate investigated at Kumba Value-In-Use Laboratories. Sishen concentrate was mixed with binder, and then pelletized using a laboratory pelletizing disc; afterwards the green pellets were indurated at high temperatures to give strength high enough to survive handling and lessen disintegration in the shaft during ironmaking. Sishen pellets have satisfactory physical and metallurgical properties which make them suitable feedstock for the direct reduction processes. These were tested under Midrex shaft operational conditions and performed well, with a metallization of 94.47% being attained.

Jan 1, 2012

By P. Kluge

Mining engineers frequently encounter complex design problems for which the critical components of the design are difficult to quantify or compare. Teams of people typically work on these designs and human perceptions and judgments play a strong role. To assist with this process, the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) as a decisionmaking tool is described in this paper. Although the technique is used in many other disciplines, it is currently not widely used in mining engineering in South Africa. To use the AHP process, the problem should be treated as a hierarchy that defines the goal, the alternatives to reach it, and the criteria for evaluation of these alternatives. Pair wise comparisons are conducted on the criteria of the hierarchy to establish priorities. The value of the technique is that it is simple to test for consistency amongst the pair wise comparisons to ensure that the answer obtained is better than that provided by a random selection. To illustrate the technique, the use of a backfill support system in a platinum mining project was investigated. Ten design parameters, which will be impacted by the use of backfill, were identified and weighted according to their relative importance. The result of the AHP evaluation was that the use of a backfill support system should be preferred to a conventional support system at the mine.

Jan 1, 2011

By D. Grabowski, Z. Pokryszka

ABSTRACT: Some residential areas of the iron basin of Lorraine (in the North-East of France) are affected by noxious gas emissions (under oxygenated, carbon dioxide loaded and radon loaded gas mixtures). Site investigations showed that the gas flow was mainly due to natural thermal air circulation between old mines and the external atmosphere. The main hazards associated with this flow of gas and its potential accumulation in confined volumes within buildings are asphyxiation and intoxication. A further study is in progress in order to better understand the origin of the gas generation within the old iron mine workings. Following the first hypothesis, the carbon dioxide emission is mainly due to the specific hydro-geo-chemical process associating the pyrite oxidation with the acid dissolution of carbonates. KEY-WORDS : gas, emission, mine, flow, pyrite. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Einige Wohngebiete der Eisenmulde Lothringen (im Nordöst Frankreich) werden von Ausgasung gesundsheitsschädlichen sauerstoffarmen Mischungen, die mit Kohlendioxid und Radon beladen sind, betroffen. Untersuchungen am Ort haben gezeigt, wie diese Gasstroemung von natürlichem thermischen Luftumlauf zwischen den alten Bergwerken und der externen Atmosphäre ausgelöst wird. Erstickung und Vergiftung sind die wichtigste Risiken, die mit dieser Gasströmung und ihrer möglichen Speicherung in begrenzten Lokalen zusammenhängen. Eine weitere Untersuchung wird durchgefuehrt so dass man die Herkunft der Gaserzeugung in den alten Grubenräume besser versteht. Der ersten Hypothese folgend, Ausgasung von Kohlensäure liegt vor allem an dem hydro-geo-chemischen Prozess, der Pyritrösten mit der säuren Auflösung von Karbonate verbindet SCHLÜSSELWÖRTER: Gas, Ausgasung, Bergwerk, Strömung, Pyrit RESUME: Certaines agglomérations du bassin ferrifère lorrain (au Nord-Est de la France) sont affectées par des émanations de mélanges gazeux sous-oxygénés et chargés en certains gaz nocifs (dioxyde de carbone, radon…). Les investigations effectuées in situ ont montré que les écoulements gazeux à l’origine de ces émanations sont liées au phénomène de tirage naturel entre les anciens travaux miniers et la surface. Les principaux risques engendrés par ces émanations de gaz et son accumulation possible dans des endroits confinés sont l’asphyxie et l’intoxication. Une étude est en cours afin d’expliquer l’origine de la modification de l’air au sein des vieux travaux miniers. Les émissions de dioxyde de carbone seraient dues à des processus hydro-geo-chimiques associant l’oxydation de la pyrite et la dissolution de carbonates. MOTS CLES: gaz, émanation, mine, écoulement, pyrite.

Jan 1, 2003

By N. Kumar, A. K. Dhawan, A. Varughese, S. K. Khullar

Abstract The in-situ stress field is one of the primary parameters influencing the performance of underground structures particularly in the Himalayas where there is strong influence of topography and geology on in-situ stresses. It is always advisable to measure the in-situ stresses, in whatever best way possible. Hydrofracturing is one of the methods by which in-situ stress can be measured. This paper briefly describes details of the concept of Hydrofracturing in arriving at the in-situ stresses of the rock mass at Pancheswar Project. The data obtained from the tests has been analysed, interpreted and the results are presented in this paper. Kurzfassung Das Spannungsfeld an Ort und Stelle ist einer der wichtigsten Parameter, die das Verhalten der Untergrund-Struktur beeinflussen, insbesondere in den Himalayas, wo die Topografie und die Geologie einen grossen Einfluss auf die oertlichen Spannungen ausueben. Es empfiehlt sich stets die Spannungen an Ort und Stelle so gut wie moeglich zu erfassen. Die Hydrofraktur bzw hydrografisches Zerstueckeln ist eine der Methoden, die bei den Messungen der oertlichen Spannungen verwendet werden koennen. Diese Abhandlung beschreibt kurz Einzelheiten ueber das Konzept von Hydrofraktur bei der Bestimmung der Spannungen an Ort und Stelle von der Felsmasse bezueglich des Projekts Pancheshwar. Die gewonnenen Daten aus den Messungen wurden analysieret und ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse werden dabei vorgelegt. Sommaire Le champ de contraintes in-situ est un des paramèters principaux influencant l’exécution des structures souterraines particulierèment en Himalaya où les forces in-situ sont fortement influencées par les caractéristiques topographiques et géologiques de la région. La fracturation hydraulique est une technique qui permet de mesurer des forces in-situ des massifs rocheux. Cet article décrit brièvement le mécanisme de fracturation hydraulique et présente les résultats de mesure des forces in-situ des roches au site du projet hydroélectrique de Pancheswar.

Jan 1, 2003

By E. V. Lilford

A number of countries have introduced codes governing the valuation of mineral assets and securities. The African continent will follow suit in due course considering the importance of the global minerals industry as it relates to the attraction of foreign investment. South Africa is to introduce the Petroleum and Minerals Development Bill legislating the involvement of previously disadvantaged individuals and communities in the country?s minerals industry. One of the challenges facing the successful implementation of such codes and bills lies with the abilities of independent valuators to value mineral properties and projects on a consistent basis. Certain valuation principles and methodologies are applicable in all jurisdictions in the minerals industry. These valuation tools and principles are considered and developed in this report. They have been discussed and developed to encourage minerals valuators to consider and consistently apply the most applicable valuation methodologies.

Jan 1, 2002

By L. Malmgren, A. Ansell

This paper deals with the influence from blast induced stress waves on the performance of shotcrete support in the Kiirunavaara mine. Time histories of stress waves from blasting were obtained from measurements during production blasts in the mine, followed by failure mapping. A finite element model, consisting of beam and spring elements, was used to calculate the shotcrete response to vibrations from blasting. The modelling approach was similar to that of a building during an earthquake, with accelerations measured in-situ used as loads. The analysis showed that the calculated adhesive stresses exceeded the strength in the interface between rock and shotcrete near to the blasted ring. It also indicated that tensile rock failure did occur. These types of failure will presumably result in ejection of joint defined rock blocks or rock slabs and will require a ductile support, such as fibre reinforced shotcrete. The predicted failure was confirmed by the mapping, which also showed that the zone of failed shotcrete was much larger in areas with plain shotcrete compared to areas with reinforced shotcrete. L’influence de l’onde de pression générée par les sautages à la mine de fer de Kiruna sur la performance du béton projeté est étudiée dans le présent article. Les ondes créées par les sautages ont été enregistrées et les domages résultants ont été cartographiés. La réponse du béton projeté aux vibrations de sautage est étudiée à l’aide d’un modèle d’éléments finis, constitué de poutres et de ressorts. L’approche est similaire à celle d’un immeuble subissant un tremblement de terre, avec les accélérations internes utilisées comme charges. L’analyse montre qu’à proximité des sautages, la contrainte adhésive dépasse la résistance de l’interface roche-béton. L’analyse confirme aussi l’existence de ruptures en tension. Ces types de rupture induisent probablement l’éjection des blocks définis par les structures du massif rocheux et requierent un support ductil, comme du béton projeté renforcé par exemple. Le type de rupture est confirmé par les observations de terrain, qui montrent aussi une extension plus importante des domages lorsque le béton projeté n’est pas renforcé. In diesem Konferenzbeitrag geht es um den Einfluss, der aus einer Sprengung hervorgerufenen Schwingungswellen auf die Ausführung der Spritzbetonverstärkung in dem Kiirunavaara Bergwerk. Die Aufzeichnungen der Schwingungswellen von Sprengungen gemäß einer Fehlerkartierung beziehen sich auf Messungen, die während der Sprengungen durchgeführt wurden. Ein Finite Elemente Modell, bestehend aus Stab- und Federelementen, wurde für die Berechnung der Spritzbetondeformation in Bezug auf die Schwingungen aus Sprengungen angewendet. Die Modellierungsmethode war ähnlich der eines Gebäudes während eines Erdbebens anhand der gemessenen Beschleunigungen vor Ort, die als Lasten benutzt wurden. Die Untersuchung hat gezeigt, dass die berechnete Haftspannung größer war als die Festigkeit in der Verbindung zwischen Gestein und Spritzbeton in der Nähe des Sprengungscentrums. Die Analyse hat gezeigt, dass die Zugfestigkeit des Gesteins versagte. Diese Arten von Versagen werden als Folge der Herausnahme von Gesteinsbrocken oder Gesteinsplatten erklärt und benötigen eine faserverstärkte Spritzbeton. Das vorausgesagte Versagen bestätigte sich beim Kartieren, welches auch zeigte, dass die Zone des versagenden Spritzbetons in Bereichen mit unverstärktem Spritzbeton viel größer war als in Bereichen mit armierten Spritzbeton.

Jan 1, 2003

By A. P. I. Popoola

Laser coatings are used for a wide variety of applications. TiB2/Ni intermetallic matrix composite coatings were fabricated on Al-substrate by a high power Rofin Sinar Nd: YAG solid-state laser. The characterization of the coatings was carried out by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical study of the laser coatings in 3.65 per cent NaCl at room temperature revealed that with very high weight proportion of nickel the corrosion resistance of the coatings deteriorated due the presence of AlB10 phase. 50 wt per cent TiB2+50 wt per cent Ni laser coatings exhibited the highest corrosion resistance in test solution. Keywords Corrosion, protective film, laser surface alloying, reinforcement.

Jan 1, 2011

By S. O. Bada

Coal samples taken from the No. 2 Seam and No. 4 Seam in a South African colliery were tested in a rotary triboelectrostatic separator. The two-stage triboelectrostatic separation results using the -177 µm size fraction reduced No. 2 Seam coal containing about 30.4 per cent ash to a clean product of 8.9 per cent and 13.1 per cent ash with combustible recoveries of 9.6 per cent and 30.7 per cent respectively. The same separation approach on No. 4 seam feed coal, which contained 36 per cent ash, produced a clean coal product with 10.8 per cent ash at a combustible recovery of 6.0 per cent. Petrographic tests show a significant improvement in the vitrinite content and a reduction in visible minerals encountered when using the triboelectrostatic separator, with about 53 per cent vitrinite reporting to the clean fraction for No. 2 Seam compared to the feed content of 21 per cent, and a 54 per cent vitrinite in the clean No. 4 Seam from a feed content of 21 per cent. Significant sulphur reductions were also observed after separation in both coal samples, with a better separation in the second-stage coal products.

Jan 1, 2012

By J. Searra, M. Aboagye

"For new mining projects or for medium- to long-term areas of existing mines, drilling data is invariably on a relatively large grid. Direct estimates for selective mining units (SMUs), and also for much larger block units, will then be smoothed due to the information effects and the high error variance.The difficulty is that ultimately, during mining, selection will be done on the basis of SMUs on the final close-spaced data grid (grade control), which will then be available, i.e. the actual selection will be more efficient, with fewer misclassifications. However, this ultimate mining position is unknown at the project feasibility stage and therefore has to be estimated. This estimation is required because any cash flow calculations made on the basis of the smoothed estimates will obviously misrepresent the overall economic value of the project, i.e. the average grade of blocks above cut-off will be underestimated and the tonnage overestimated for cut-off grades below the average grade of the orebody. Similarly, unsmoothed estimates will be conditionally biased and will give even worse results, particularly in local areas of short- and medium-term planning or mining.This paper presents a case study of indirect post-processing and proportional modelling of recoverable resources designed for mediumand long-term mine planning at the Gold Fields’ Tarkwa Mine in Ghana. The case study compares long-term indirect recoverable mineral resource estimates based on typical widely spaced feasibility data to the corresponding production grade control model as well as the mine production. The paper also proposes certain critical regression slope and kriging efficiency control limits to avoid inefficient medium- to longterm recoverable estimates, and highlights the danger of accepting block estimates that have a slope of regression less than 0.5."

Jan 1, 2015

By J. H. Zietsman, S. Maharajh, J. Muller

In the chlorination process for TiO2 pigment production, blends of titania feedstocks such as ilmenite, synthetic rutile (SR), natural rutile, upgraded slag, and chloride-grade slag are reacted with coke and chlorine at a temperature of around 1000°C to form TiCl4 (the main product) and other waste metal chlorides. The TiCl4 is the main feed material for the TiO2 pigment-making process. Feeding different titania materials to the chlorinator affects the amount of coke and chlorine required for the process, the amount of waste generated, waste disposal costs, the amount of TiCl4 produced, and bed build-up rates. These factors influence the value of the feedstock. Generally, a higher TiO2 feedstock is more valued since less waste is generated and less reagents are consumed. To quantify the impact of different feedstocks on the chlorinator, a techno-economic model was developed to describe the chlorination process and estimate process variables at steady state. This paper describes the development of the model and studies in which the model has been used to quantify effects of using different feedstocks.

Jan 1, 2015

By R. T. Jones

DC arc furnaces are widely used for steel scrap melting as well as for reductive smelting of ore fines. Industrial smelting applications include the smelting of chromite to produce ferrochromium, the smelting of ilmenite to produce titania slag and pig iron, and the recovery of cobalt from nonferrous smelter slags. A number of myths and misconceptions are widely held, especially regarding: the age of the technology, the use of a hollow electrode, arc stability and shape, arc and bath radiation, interaction between the arc and molten slag, electrical behaviour of arcs and slags, a comparison between AC and DC furnaces, DC reactors, the lifespan of bottom electrodes, and the applicability of DC arc furnaces to various metallurgical systems.

Jan 1, 2011

By R. E. Wilmot

This paper is based on the experiences, over many years, on the part of numerous authors in the South African mining industry and that of the hot dip galvanizing process and its application as a corrosion protection system. The paper sets out the extensive development, financial resources and stringent operating requirements of the South African mining industry. After many years of research and operational experiences, hot dip galvanizing and when necessary, duplex systems, have been found to meet the demanding requirements of this particular industry. The paper sets out the requirements from the standpoint of corrosion criteria and is followed with a practical example; ?case history? where the corrosion protection properties of hot dip galvanizing are demonstrated. This case history traces the early investigation of the expected corrosive conditions to be encountered in a new mining operation (now 10 years on) and concludes with two follow up visits to the mine in order to examine actual performance of the corrosion protection system after ten years in service.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. Ribacchi, P. Tommasi, C. Consorti, P. Campedel

The runout of dry blocky rock avalanches produced by planar rockslides affecting a limestone formation with clayey interbeds is analysed by means of distinct element modelling. Numerical analyses are validated by means of the back analysis of a historical rockslide occurred in the investigated area and physical aspects of the phenomenon evidenced by modelling are discussed. On analyse par la méthode aux élements distincts la distance de parcours des avalanches rocheuses sèches produites par des glissements plan interessant une formation de calcaire à intercalaires argilleux. Les analyses numeriques sont validées à l’aide de la back-analysis d’un glissement historique survenue dans le site en examen. On décrit les aspects physiques su phénomène mis en évidence par la modélisation efféctuée. In diesem Beitrag wird die Reichweite von Steinlawinen besthend aus trockenem blockhaftem Fels mittels der Distinct Element Methode untersucht. Die Steinlawinen werden erzeugt von Rutschungen in einer Kalkstein-Formation mit tonhaltige Schichten betreffen. Die numerischen Berechnungen wurden anhand einer Simulation einer historischen Bergsturzen verifiziert, der sich auf den untersuchten Gebiet ereignete. Auf der Basis der erhaltenen Ergebnisse wurden die physikalischen Aspekte der untersuchten Steinlawinen analysiert.

Jan 1, 2003

By Hao Li, Allan Moss, Richard K. Brummer

At the Palabora Mine, the transition to caving 400 m below the bottom of the 800 m deep pit resulted in a slope failure of the North wall that began in 2003, and is still mobile. This failure can be explained by the daylighting into the cave zone of a prominent joint set. The failure was modelled by the 3-dimensional code 3DEC, which is capable of modelling the nonlinear behaviour of discontinuum materials with large displacement.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. J. Hundermark

Keywords: Anglo American, Anglo Platinum Ltd, Waterval, Mortimer, Polokwane, ACP, pyrometallurgy, platinum, PGMs Anglo Platinum Ltd is the largest primary platinum producer in the world and operates three smelters in South Africa: Waterval, Mortimer and Polokwane. The operational details of the smelters are covered in previous reviews, thus only unit operations that have been upgraded are discussed. The most significant of the upgrades include the installation of a second ACP converter at Waterval Smelter in 2006 and the anticipated upgrade of Mortimer Smelter to 38MW in 2011. Several advances have been made in the smelting operations to improve the furnace stability and longevity. Control of the chromium input to each of the smelters has substantially allowed continued operations at levels below the spinel saturation point in slag, which results in lowered matte and slag temperatures. Mogalakwena concentrate, arising from the Platreef ore, is used to dilute high chromium-containing concentrates. In addition, furnace controls have improved in terms of crucible temperature and condition monitoring, improved feeding control, management of alarms and trips and having the quality of instrumentation and operational rigour required to support this. Advances have been made on the ACP converter in terms of good converter matte quality, and increased intensity and efficiency of operation. Combined with improvements to both the conventional and tower sulfuric acid plants, the emissions from Waterval Smelter have been reduced substantially since the introduction of the ACP. This is in spite of increasing metal throughput. The Anglo Platinum Ltd smelting operations have made significant progress since 2006 and further advances are envisaged to further improve on safety, reduce costs, increase efficiencies and throughput, while reducing emissions.

Jan 1, 2011

A localized nonlinear recoverable resource estimate technique has been applied using typical feasibility or new mining drilling data configurations drawn from a massive database from a mined-out area on a hydrothermal gold deposit. The results were then compared with the corresponding 8 m x 5 m grid grade-control data in order to determine the efficiency of the approach and the validity of the recoverable resource estimates for mine planning and financial forecasts.

Jan 1, 2014

By G. O. Rading, B. O. Odera, M. J. Papo, R. Couperthwaite

"Platinum-based alloys are being developed with microstructures similar to nickel-based superalloys for potential high-temperature applications in aggressive environments. Since the chemistries of nickel and platinum are similar, Pt-based alloys can be made with gamma prime ~Pt3Al precipitates in a gamma (Pt) matrix. Currently, the Pt-Al-Cr-Ru system is one of the bases for developing Pt-based alloys, where Al allows the formation of thePt3Al precipitate and also gives protection from the alumina scale formed, Cr provides oxidation resistance and stabilization for the L12~Pt3Al phase, and Ru provides solid solution strengthening in the (Pt) matrix. Four Pt-Al-Cr-Ru-V and two Pt-Al-Cr-Ru-V-Nb alloys were made, with compositions based on a quaternary alloy, ~Pt82:Al12:Cr4:Ru2, which hadpreviously been identified as having optimum properties. Four of the as-cast alloys had the targeted two-phase structure of ~Pt3Al and (Pt), and two were single-phase ~Pt3Al. Vanadium partitioned more to (Pt) than to~Pt3Al. There was an improvement in hardness compared to the quaternary alloys. The best addition of V was ~15 at.%; higher additions resulted in brittle intermetallic phases of the Pt-V system. The effect of Nbcould not be ascertained because of its high losses."

Jan 1, 2015

By S. D. Viljoen

The use of ceramics to protect equipment subjected to wear in abrasive and corrosive applications has been accepted by most plants as the industry norm. Little is, however, known about alternative special ceramic based products which are available for the protection of plant assets. With careful engineering, impact resistant ceramics can be used in high impact zones using modern ceramic technology. Properly selected and properly installed, ceramics will provide a tough wear resistant lining for protection against abrasion and impact. Basalt, on the other hand, is widely used in coal washing plant process pipes with varying degrees of success. Basalt is normally not used for the lining of bends, ?T? pieces or reducers due to the reduced wear resistance compared to alumina ceramic. The advantage is a much reduced initial capital cost. A patented ceramic composite non-return valve solved an old problem encountered in the operation of medium sumps. The design approach overcomes the lack of functionality of alternative designs and reduces valve wear while preventing medium settlement during plant shutdown periods. Direct bonded ceramic pulley lagging is becoming the industry norm, eliminating most of the problems encountered with conventional pulley lagging systems.

Jan 1, 2010

By G. G. le Roux

The purpose of the investigation was to assess various options for increasing the efficiency of the conveyor belt transporting system used at 4 Belt Shaft at Lonmin?s Marikana operations. The reason for the investigation was to prevent the occurrence of a ?bottleneck? at the main ore passes delivering ore to the conveyor belt system, thus creating more fluent operational conditions. The options assessed for increasing the efficiency of the conveyor belt transporting system were: ?Variation of the conveyor speed ?Concurrent tipping from two ore passes on the belt ?Increase the available drive unit power ?Increasing the feed rate from vibratory feeders ?Change in belt width/belt specifications The report shows that the most preferable option to the current situation at 4 Belt, Lonmin, would be the option of concurrent tipping from two ore passes to the belt.

Jan 1, 2008