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By D. O’Connor, A. Pytlik, D. J. Corbett

The resistance of yielding rockbolts to multiple impact loads was tested by means of a drop hammer. The methodology was based on the ASTM D7401-08 standard as well as the requirements specified for rockbolts by Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB – a Swedish mining company) and the Safety In Mines Research Advisory Committee of South Africa (project number GAP 423). During the tests, the loading force and bolt elongation were measured with a sampling frequency of fs = 19.2 kHz. In order to analyse the phenomena involved, the tests were recorded using two independent high-speed video cameras (600 and 1000 frames per second) and one thermal camera (128 frames per second). The tests demonstrated that all the samples transferred double the gravitational potential energy of Ep = 50.85 kJ from the impact load of mass m = 2825 kg and impact velocity of v = 6.0 m/s without failure. Damage to the bolt-resin contact in the upper anchoring zone of the bolt in the steel tube occurred after subsequent impacts. As a result, the macro-deformed bolt exhibits additional yield, and its operation following the shearing of the resin bond is similar to that of a ‘cone bolt’. Only one test resulted in damage to the threaded bolt rod-nut coupling, during the fourth impact; however, no damage to the bolt-resin contact zone was observed.

Nov 6, 2023

By L. Xingwana

"The purpose of this study is to understand how ore loss and dilution affect the mine call factor, with the aim of subsequently improving the quality of ore mined and fed to the mill. It was necessary to know the relationship between ore mined and delivered for processing in order for the mine to operate efficiently. A review of the literature suggested the mine-to-mill integration approach as a standard intervention to address declining mine call factors. A case study was undertaken at a gold mine in the Free State on the influence of the fragment size distribution on ‘free gold’, the effect of ore loss and dilution on the mill efficiency, and time tracking of ore movement from source to the plant. The study revealed that fragmentation, underground accumulation of ore, and dilution have a significant influence on the mine call factor and mine output. It was difficult to quantify the total ore loss due to the time lag between mining and milling, which is extremely variable, when estimating the mine process inventory. However, it was possible to estimate the total dilution with some degree of precision by analysing the daily blast and head grades. It is therefore recommended that mines accept that some gold loss and dilution will always occur during blasting and transport of broken ore, and this loss must be minimized.IntroductionThe mining of high gold grades is obviously very beneficial for the economic viability of an operation, but optimum recovery of the product is required to maximize profits (Chapman and Bindoff, 2010, p. 13). Although integrating these two requirements is very difficult, due to the various activities occurring between mining and processing, it is indispensable. The main driver of this integration is the impact that different ore types and characteristics have on head grade. According to Isokangas et al. (2012, p. 871), mining and processing operations involve a series of well-defined sequential stages that are complementary in an efficiently operating mine, with the performance of one operation affecting that of another. An attempt to optimize each function separately without considering the whole extraction process will not result in the optimum efficiency of the entire mine. Several researchers have developed a proven methodology for revealing these inefficiencies (Dance et al., 2006, p. 1)."

Jan 1, 2016

By G. Sahasrabudh, G. DeIulii, K. P. Galvin

A novel agglomeration process has been developed, utilising a concentrated water in oil emulsion as a binder. The binder is typically 95 wt% water, the remainder being an organic phase containing kerosene and the emulsifier— sorbitan mono oleate (SMO) in equal mass portions. The binder can selectively agglomerate hydrophobic particles in less than 7 seconds. The agglomeration has proven to be highly effective in recovering any particle of virtually any size, provided the particle is hydrophobic. The approach has previously been applied to coal, magnetite and silica. In the paper, sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX) and its much longer chain version, potassium tetradecyl xanthate (C14X), were used separately as collectors to selectively agglomerate chalcopyrite from the ore. Xanthates attach to metal sulphides, thus hydrophobising sulphide mineral particles. Chalcopyrite is a sulphide mineral; however, it hydrolyses quickly in the presence of water. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used to remove the oxide layer formed at the surface of the mineral particles after wet grinding, leaving behind a freshly generated metal sulphide surface. After the EDTA treatment, the ore particles were quickly conditioned at an optimised pH as well as collector concentration and agglomerated. The agglomeration achieved a copper recovery of 75% within 7 seconds, consistent with the recovery achieved by flotation over much longer time scales. Keywords: Chalcopyrite, agglomeration, froth flotation, interfacial chemistry, X-ray fluorescence, selective hydrophobisation

Jan 1, 2020

By S. Heukelman

Zincor uses O2 enrichment (up to 26% O2 in the fluidizing air) to increase the processing rate of zinc concentrates in the fluidized bed roasters. The aim of this study is to determine whether O2 enrichment can be reduced by introducing micro-pelletized concentrate into the feed blend, while maintaining current roaster feed rates and calcine quality. It was found that, with a load of 20% micro-pellets introduced into the feed blend, that O2 enrichment could be reduced by 60%. It was determined that entrained particles spend on average between 0.46 hour and 2.44 hour in the roaster, compared to particles remaining between 3.93 hour and 4.00 hour in the bed overflow. This compares well with a radioactive tracer test performed by Spira. The required reaction time for micro-pellets was found to be less than the residence time inside a Zincor roaster. The result achieved indicated that the average particle residence time inside the roaster was increased successfully in order to compensate for the longer reaction time required to roast micro-pellets at lower levels of O2 in the fluidizing air.

Jan 1, 2011

By Z. Luo, W. Chen, Y. Zhao, Y. Fu, L. Dong

The gas-solid dense-phase fluidised bed includes a complex multiphase fluid-particle system; different complex exchanges significantly affect the stability of the fluidised bed. To elucidate the characteristics of fluidisation in a gas-solid dense-phase fluidised bed, this study used experimental performance tests to obtain the static density characteristics, and the attachment and flow characteristic of the dense medium. The results indicate that the bulk density of the dense medium increases first and then decreases with the increase of particle size. The airflow rate difference is used to quantify the wall attachment characteristics of dense medium and the average pressure gradient in the axial direction of the bed is approximately 20 Pa/mm under the fluidisation results. At the same settlement location, with the decrease of fluidisation number, the settlement velocity of large and small particles becomes slower, the boundaries of settlement displacement and location probability are gradually disrupted, and the falling velocity of particles with a radius of 20 mm is faster than that of materials with a radius of 15 mm. This work also established a theoretical basis for regulating the stability and separation characteristics of gas-solid dense-phase fluidised bed. Keywords: Fluidised bed, different size particles, fluidisation characteristics, flotation bubbles, settling motion

Jan 1, 2020

By J. H. Cloete, S. M. Bradshaw, D. K. Chibwe

"The primary function of a tundish in the steelmaking industry is to serve as a buffer tank, accepting molten steel from the batch ladle process and allowing it to be cast continuously. However, modern steelmaking has more stringent demands for the quality of the steel product, requiring increased control over the properties of the molten steel before casting. For this reason tundishes have been developed as metallurgical reactors to serve as the final step in refining of the molten steel by removing non-metallic inclusions, preventing the formation of new inclusions, and promoting chemical and thermal homogeneity. In this study the flow behaviour in a four-strand tundish was investigated by means of a half-scale water model as well as numerical modelling. Both the numerical study and physical model were used to characterize residence time distribution (RTD) in the vessel and calculate properties pertaining to the tundish flow regime. Three different tundish configurations were investigated: a bare tundish with no flow control devices, a tundish with a turbulence inhibitor and a tundish with both a turbulence inhibitor and a dam.The physical and numerical models showed that a tundish without flow control devices was prone to significant short-circuiting. A tundish with a turbulence inhibitor was shown to be successful in preventing short-circuiting and provided surface-directed flow, which aids inclusion removal in the slag. Despite the benefits of the use of turbulence inhibitors, it was observed that the upward-directed flow increased the maximum turbulence kinetic energy near to the surface by approximately 120% compared with the bare tundish. Therefore the potential for slag entrainment should be considered during the design and operation of tundishes utilizing turbulence inhibitors."

Jan 1, 2014

By L. Bloch

Most mine safety initiatives in South Africa are doomed to limited success because of one simple fact: they are a-historical and un-cultural and do not deal with the serious ?legacy issues? that still negatively impact on safety, production, and relationships. We in the SA mining industry continually use imported, foreign safety concepts and systems that will not work fully in a South African context. ?The 4th Wave: Culture-Based Behavioural Safety?, as developed by Lance Bloch, an international award-winning clinical psychologist with 12 years? experience in the mining industry - focused mostly on Platinum - is making waves. He has been very successful in creating people-centred, empowered, high-performance safety cultures wherever he has worked. Not only does the 4th Wave transform the corporate culture of a mine, improving safety and production and building an environment of Ubuntu, but it also uses people?s cultures as a means of winning hearts and minds in the battle for safe production. Powerful relationships are built through engagement at all levels, leading to all being focused on the best needs of the company and its constituents as a whole. The programmes are no less than nation-building - something most necessary in the industry, with the pressures from community, unions, the DMR, and politicians. This presentation will describe and discuss the 4th Wave as an advance on previous safety technology and programmes, as particularly relevant to platinum mining in South Africa today.

Jan 1, 2012

By P. Lundman, L. Rosengren, T. Brandshaug

Tunnel 99’, the Swedish National Road Administration´s (SNRA) general technical specification for road tunnels requires that the load bearing system must be designed to withstand specified design explosion loads. This paper presents the results of an SNRA study to provide a perspective of design analyses tailored to comply with the new requirement. The paper provides an example of a design analysis for assumed tunnel conditions using a numerical model. Dynamic predictions of potential damage to the rock mass and ground support system (rock bolts and shotcrete) from the specified explosion loads are presented including the nonlinear response of the shotcrete. “Tunnel 99”, qui fixe les règles de l’Administration nationale suédoise des Routes (Vägverket) concernant la conception et la construction des tunnels routiers, requiert entre autres que la structure porteuse soit capable de résister à certaines contraintes spécifiques résultant d’explosions. Cette étude présente les résultats d’une étude effectuée par Vägverket en vue d’obtenir une perspective d’analyses de conception spécialement élaborées pour se conformer aux nouvelles règles. Il contient un exemple d’analyse en fonction de conditions déterminées, basée sur un modèle numérique. Des prévisions de’études dynamiques de dommages potentiels subis par la masse rocheuse et les systèmes de soutènement (boulons d’ancrage et béton projeté) du fait des contraintes libérées par la force d’explosion spécifiée sont également présentées, y compris dans le cas d’une réaction non linéaire du revêtement en béton. “Tunnel 99” - die Vorschriften für Strassentunnel der Nationalen Schwedischen Behörde für Straßenwesen - (Vägverket) - fordern vom Tragsystem eine Auslegung in der Form, dass es spezifischen Explosionsbelastungen standhält. Dieser Artikel präsentiert die Ergebnisse einer Studie der Behörde, um einen Ausblick über konstruktive Auslegungen zu geben, die geeignet sind, die neuen Vorschriften zu erfüllen. Der Artikel zeigt ein Beispiel einer konstruktive Auslegung für eine angenommene Tunnelsituation mit Hilfe eines numerischen Modells. Voraussagen unter Beachtung der vollständigen dynamischen Berechnung zu potentiellen Schädigungen des Gebirges und des Ausbaus (Anker und Spritzbetonauskleidung) durch die spezifizierten Explosionsbelastungen, einschließlich des nichtlinearen Verhaltens der Spritzbetonauskleidung, werden gezeigt.

Jan 1, 2003

By K. -J. Shou

A special three-dimensional boundary element method has been developed for the simulation of the development of fracture zone in rock mass. This approach comprises a boundary element method and a three-dimensional tessellation mesh generator. By using the tessellation generator, a set of pre-defined potential fractures is defined, and the fractures activate when the failure criterion is exceeded. This approach is justified by the reproduction of features observed in laboratory simulations of fracturing in blocks of rock subjected to compression. An attempt is then made to explain some of the attributes of fracture zone surrounding underground openings. Eine spezielle drei-Dimesionen Grenze Element Methode ist entwickelt zu simulieren die Entwicklung der Fraktur Zone in der Steinmasse. Diese Untersuchung benutzt eine Grenze Element Methode und ein drei-Dimensionen tessellation Masche Generator. Durch das Benutzen des Tessellation Generator, ein Satz der vor-bestimmt potentielle Fraktur ist festgelegt. Die Fraktur wird betaetigen, wenn das gescheiterte Kriterium ist uebersteigt und sind in dem Verscheiben-Abbrechen Element eingeschlossen. Diese Untersuchung ist von der Reproduktion der Fraktur justiert, die ins Labor beobachtet wird, um die Fraktur in der von der Kompression unterworfenen Steine zu simulieren. Ein Versuch ist gemacht, um einige Eigenschaften der Fraktur Zone um die untertageoeffnung zu erklaeren. Une méthode tridimensionelle spéciale de élément frontière a été dévélopée pour la simulation du dévélopment d’une zone fracturée dans la massive roche. Cette approche comprend une méthode de élément frontière et un générateur de maillage de la mosaïque tridimensionelle. En utilisant le générateur de mosaïque, une série des fractures potentielles predéfinies est définie avec d’une procédure de la triangulation de Delaunay. Les fractures activent lorsque le critère de rupture est dépassé et sont inclues dans les éléments du déplacement discontinuité. Cette approche est justifiée par la reproduction des caractéristiques observées dans le laboratoire, les simulations des blocs de roche fracturé et sujetés en compression. La tentative est alors fait pour expliquer quelques arttributs d’une zone fracturée alentours les ouvrages soustérrains.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. M. Descour, K. Aoki, S. Shirasagi

This paper describes the tunnel seismic reflective survey, which has been developed by the authors in order to detect the geological condition ahead of the tunnel face three-dimensionally using reflected seismic waves. In addition, the applicability and the accuracy of the result of this system has been validated by comparing with the geological observation results at the tunnel face and the result of the drill logging system, which was conducted simultaneously with this survey in order to predict the rock properties using the data acquired during drilling from the tunnel face by rotary percussion drilling. In dieser Arbeit werden Reflektionsseismische Tunneluntersuchtungen beschrieben, die von den Autoren entwickelt wurde, um die geologischen Eigenschaften am Tunnelstirnende dreidimensional an Hand reflektierter seismischer Wellen bei minimaler Unterbrechung der Arbeit zu untersuchen. Darüber hinaus wurde die Anwendbarkeit und Genauigkeit der mit diesem System erhaltenen Ergebnisse durch Vergleiche mit den Ergebnissen geologischer Beobachtungen am Tunnelstirnende sowie den Ergebnissen des Bohrlogsystems bewiesen. Das letztgenannte System wurde gleichzeitig mit dem hier genannten System eingesetzt, um die Gesteinseigenschaften mit Hilfe der Daten vorherzusagen, die beim Bohren von Probelöchern im Tunnelstirnende mit einer Drehschlagbohrmaschine erhalten wurden. Cet article décrit une méthode de prospection sismique de tunnel, développée par les auteurs, pour déterminer en 3 dimensions les conditions géologiques existant derrière le front de taille, au moyen d’étude et de mesure des ondes sismiques réfléchies dans le sous sol, et ce, avec un minimum d’arrêt des travaux d’excavation. En outre, l'applicabilité et l'exactitude des résultats de ce système ont été vérifiées, en comparant les résultats des observations géologiques effectuées au front de taille, avec ceux du log de forage qui a été effectué parallèlement à ce système, en vue de prévoir les propriétés de la roche, grâce aux données collectées au cours du forage d’un trou de sonde depuis le front de taille à l’aide d’une foreuse rotative à percussion.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. Githiria, D. Wachira

The conventional truck and shovel haulage system has become expensive to operate in most mines due to current strict environmental conditions, increase in depth and size of open-pit mines, increase in labour costs, and fuel costs. These factors have motivated the search for alternative material haulage options in open-pit mines. In-pit crushing and conveying (IPCC) system has been regarded as a plausible alternative in material haulage systems. However, usage of IPCC has been limited to a few mines due to limited knowledge of IPCC performance, and other technical factors of the system. This paper investigates, and evaluates the productivity performance of four types of IPCC systems (fixed, semi-fixed, semi-mobile, and fully mobile IPCCs) using mine productivity index (MPi). Using a model developed by MATLAB, the MPi for the four systems is computed using input variables such as availability, utilisation, performance and number of trucks and shovels in a limestone quarry. The mine productivity index for fixed, semi-fixed, semi-mobile, and fully mobile IPCC is obtained as 67.13%, 69.02%, 70.52%, and 71.52% respectively. In conclusion, the fully mobile in-pit crushing and conveying system is the most appropriate IPCC in the quarry, due to its better productivity performance compared to the other three IPCC systems and the truck and shovel system currently in use.

Sep 1, 2021

By M. B. Díaz Aguado, I. Á. Fernández, C. González Nicieza, B. S. Menéndez

This paper summarizes the works that the Research “Group of Ground Engineering”, belonging to the Mining Department of the University of Oviedo, Spain, has been developing in close cooperation with the Regional Mining Department, since 2001, in order to control and monitor an experimental underground limestone exploitation by the room and pillars method. The aim of the current research is not only the geotechnical characterization of the rock mass (by means of laboratory and site tests) or the instrumentation of its displacements and stress changes (using convergence meters, INCREX probe, extensometers and rigid inclusion cells), but, moreover, to undertake intensive monitoring and control of such pilot mine, which is mined exclusively in order to accomplish this research. The data transmission was made on line via Internet, to achieve a full understanding of the behaviour of the experimental mine, to access data from remote locations and to visualize results from a website. All the collected information becomes input data for several numerical models using finite differences under a program developed in the research Group, ALMEC. The simulation and a final economical analysis lead to a design of an underground exploitation, at production scale, for a resource that is traditionally mined by means of open-pit process methods that could be worked underground with less environmental impact. The main purpose achieved by this exhaustive analysis is the technical and economic viability of such mine, for their optimisation for a future productive exploitation.

Jan 1, 2003

By W. Lin, H. Endo, M. Kwasniewski, A. Kamei, M. Takahashi

Uniaxial tension tests were conducted on specimens of eleven granitic rocks which came from eastern Japan, and included a granite, four granodiorites, four tonalites and two gabbros. The axial and transversal deformability of these rocks was determined based on strain measurements using wire strain gauges. The experimental test results revealed that deformational properties of the rocks investigated varied depending on their petrographic features. However, the axial strain and the lateral strain characteristics showed a similar trend for all the rocks, i.e. the stress-strain curves were non-linear throughout the whole stress range from the initial point of loading to the point of ultimate failure. Moreover, the tangent Young's modulus and the ratio of the lateral strain to the axial strain decreased monotonously with the increasing of the axial stress. Still, the deformational properties were different for individual rocks in a quantitative sense. In particular, the difference in the lateral strains among different rocks was more distinct than that in the axial strains. For example, the Poisson's ratio at a stress level equal to 50% of the ultimate strength of a granodiorite was very low, close to zero. Furthermore, the Poisson's ratio of a tonalite was lower than that of a granodiorite, and assumed a negative value. This effect occurred because the lateral strain became positive as it changed from contraction at the initial stage of loading to extension at higher stress levels. There is no ready explanation for this phenomenon; it is believed, however, that it occurs due to microcracks pre-existing in rock materials and/or weak bonds between the adjacent mineral grains. Les essais de traction directe ont été conduits sur les échantillons de onze roches granitiques provenant de la région Est du Japon: un granit, quatre granodiorites, quatre tonalites et deux gabbros. Déformabilité axiale et transversale de ces roches s’était déterminée en utilisant des jauges extensométriques à fil. Les résultats obtenus à partir des essais montrent que la déformabilité des roches examinées varie selon leurs propriétés pétrographiques. Cependant, à partir des essais, une tendance semblable était observée dans les paramètres de la déformation axiale et la déformation latérale de toutes les roches; c'est-à-dire chaque courbe de contrainte-déformation était non-linéaire dans tout l'intervalle de contraintes à partir de l’état initial jusqu’à l’état d’une rupture finale au cours du chargement. De plus, le module tangent de Young et le rapport de la déformation latérale sur la déformation axiale a diminué de manière monotone avec l'augmentation de la contrainte axiale. Cependant, les différences quantitatives de propriétés de déformation sous traction étaient observées entre des roches individuelles. Particulièrement, la différence de déformations latérales était plus notable que celle-là de déformations axiales entre des roches différentes. Par exemple, le coéfficient de Poisson à un niveau de contrainte égal à 50 % de la résistance d'un granodiorite était très bas, près du zéro. En outre, le coéfficient de Poisson de la tonalite était inférieur que celui du granodiorite et a assumé une valeur négative. Cet effet est apporté parce que la déformation latérale est devenue positive en passant de la contraction dans l'étape de chargement initiale à l'extension sous les contraines plus hautes. Il n'y a aucune explication prête de ce phénomène; on prétend, cependant, qu'il est induit par des microfissures préexistantes dans des matériaux rocheux et/ou des joints faibles entre les grains minéraux adjacents. Einaxiale Zugversuche wurden auf Probestuecke von elf frischen, in Ostjapan vorkommenden, granitartigen Gesteinen durchgefuehrt, welche einen Granit, vier Granodiorite, vier Tonalite und zwei Gabbros umfassten. Die axiale und transversale Verformbarkeit von diesen Gesteinen wurde durch Verformungsmessungen mit Drahtdehnungsmessstreifen geklaert. Die experimentellen Versuchsergebnisse offenbarten, dass Verformbarkeitseigenschaften des untersuchten Gesteins in Abhaengigkeit von ihren petrographischen Eigenschaften variierten. Jedoch zeigten die axialen und die lateralen Spannungsdehnungslinien eine aehnliche Tendenz bei allen Gesteinen, d.h. die Verformungskurven waren nicht linear im ganzen Bereich vom Ausgangspunkt des Belastens bis zum Punkt des entgueltigen Bruchs. Ausserdem verringerten sich das tangentiale Elastizitaetsmodul und das Verhaeltnis der lateralen Verformung zur axialen Verformung monoton mit der Erhoehung der axialen Spannung. Dennoch waren die Verformbarkeitseigenschaften der einzelnen Gesteine in der quantitativen Wahrnehmung unterschiedlich. Insbesondere war der Unterschied bezueglich der lateralen Verformungen zwischen verschiedenen Gesteinen eindeutiger, als der in den axialen Verformungen. Z.B. war die Querkontraktionszahl auf einem Spannungsniveau, das 50% der Zugfestigkeit eines Granodiorits entspricht, sehr niedrig und nah an Null. Ausserdem war die Querkontraktionszahl eines Tonalits negativ und deshalb niedriger als die eines Granodiorits. Dieser Effekt trat auf, weil die laterale Verformung, als sie sich von der Kontraktion am Ausgangsstadium des Belastens bis hin zur Ausdehnung auf den hoeheren Spannungsniveaus aenderte, positiv wurde. Es gibt keine fertige Erklaerung fuer dieses Phaenomen; es wird jedoch angenommen, dass es wegen der Mikrorisse auftritt, die vorher im Gesteinsmaterial und/oder in den schwachen Bindungen zwischen den angrenzenden Mineralkoernern existieren.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. Castro, R. Gómez, F. Betancourt, M. Moncada

In block cave mining, rock fragmentation is a key parameter that influences the production level design and mine planning. Fragmentation occurs mainly by natural breakage during the caving process and in the draw column. The breakage that occurs within the column is known as secondary fragmentation. Secondary fragmentation has been successfully described using the block caving comminution model, which replicates the fragmentation mechanics between particles under drawn and vertical loads in a draw column. This model is based on a kinetic and population balance approach, in which non-normalized and normalized assumptions can be used depending on material and comminution system behaviour. In this paper, the non-normalized and normalized approaches are applied and compared to laboratory data to determine which assumption should be used for secondary breakage in block caving. Approaches are compared graphically, with the mean square error and the Fisher test with a false-rejection probability of 0.05. Based on a statistical analysis, the results show that the normalized model can be applied to all the rock types tested.

Nov 1, 2021

By S. Durapraj, R. T. Masethe, U. Maqina, A. C. Adoko

This study investigates seismicity and rockburst control within the Merensky Reef and UG2 orebody of an intermediate-depth platinum mine located in South Africa's Bushveld Complex. Utilising a mine-wide seismic monitoring system, over 1,900 seismic events were recorded between April 2023 and May 2024, revealing complex seismic patterns driven by mining-induced stress changes. The largest event, with a magnitude of ML 2.0, underscores the seismic risks associated with mining at increasing depths. Key findings include the spatial and temporal variability of seismic events, with high seismic activity observed near pillars and geological structures. A significant portion of events correlated with pillar and foundation failures. Moment tensor analysis identified dominant failure modes, such as stress-driven fracture closures and dynamic pillar failures. To mitigate risks, the study emphasises advanced support system redesign and rockburst risk assessment using the rockburst damage potential (RDP) method. The research highlights the importance of monitoring, geotechnical compliance, and adaptive designs in enhancing safety and reducing seismic hazards in underground mining operations. The study applied the RDP framework, classifying damage across R1 to R5 scales, where most instances fell into low-risk categories (R1 and R3), indicating minor to moderate damage. However, data limitations and the tabular stoping method's complexity led to inconclusive results, highlighting the need for more robust data and customised risk assessment tools. Despite these challenges, the RDP approach provided valuable insights into rockburst mechanisms and the effectiveness of existing support systems.

Jan 12, 2025

Mr G. Maude was educated at Huish's Grammar School (Taunton) and Leeds University. He graduated in 1961 with a B.Sc. degree in Mining. Mr E.B. Crocker was educated at Florida Park High School, Witwatersrand Technical College, and the University of the Witwatersrand.

Jan 1, 1985

ENERGY 73 The First International Energy Exhibition will be held in Brussels from 13th to 18th May, 1973. Vllth INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON CYBERNETICS This congress will be held in Namur, Belgium, from 10th to 15th September, 1973. GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION University of the Witwatersrand The Sixth Executive Development Programme is scheduled to take place from 2nd July to 24th August, 1973. IFAC SYMPOSIUM 1973 Second announcement ofthe International Symposium on AUTOMATIC CONTROL IN MINING MINERALS AND METAL PROCESSING to be held at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, from 13th to 17th August, 1973. MINERALS AND ENVIRONMENT The effect ofthe mineral industry on the environment and mineral resources The Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, with the co-operation of the Institute of Quarrying and the Institution of Mining Engineers, will hold a Symposium "Minerals and the environment" at the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Savoy Place, from 4th to 7th June, 1974. COLLOQUIUM ON SLlMES DAMS The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy have great pleasure in advising members that a two-day colloquium on slimes dams is bei ng arranged for the 14th and 15th November, 1973. INTERNATIONAL SOLVENT EXTRACTION CONFERENCE This conference will be held at Lyon from 8th to 14th September, 1974. Particulars may be obtained from the Secretary: Dr A. Naylor, British Nuclear Fuels Ltd., Windscale and Carder Works, Seascale, Cumberland CA20 IPG, United Kingdom. Competition for Student Members of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Each year the Institute offers a prize (or prizes should the entries warrant it) of up to RIOO for the best paper or dissertation on a topic appropriate to the interests of the Institute. Proceedings of the Tenth International Symposium on Application of Computer Methods in the Mineral Industry (APCOM) The Proceedings of the APCOM Symposium held in Johannesburg from April 9th to 14th, 1972, have now been published. Members of the Institute may buy the Proceedings at a special price of R12,50 as against the list price of R25,00 to non-members. Verrigtinge van die Tenth International Symposium on Application of Computer Methods in the Mineral Industry (APCOM) Die Verrigtinge van die APCOM Simposium, wat op April 9 tot 14, 1972, in Johannesburg gehou is, is gepubliseer. Lede van die Instituut kan die Verrigtinge teen 'n spesiale prys van R12,50 koop, in teenstelling met die prys van R25,00 vir nie-Iede.

By A. Kotze, D. Messina, E. Nagels, Y. Cryns, S. Arnout

The FlashPhos process aims to recover white phosphorus (P4) from sewage sludge by drying, flash combustion/gasification, and carbothermic refining steps. This study evaluates the material behaviour of sewage sludge ash melting and reduction in a refining furnace for the novel FlashPhos process. Thermodynamic modelling in FactSage 8.2 is combined with experiments from a tube furnace to determine the possible phosphorus recovery and minor element behaviour. For the two studied sludges, a yield of 40% and 75% white phosphorus is achieved after 1 hour at 1600°C, corresponding with a 60% and 25% loss to the metal phase. This is slightly above the calculated equilibrium yield of 28%–73%, which depends mainly on the Fe/P ratio of the sludge. Temperature is found to have a significant influence on the final phosphorus yield when leading to incomplete melting of the ash. A clean slag is produced in the process free of heavy metals making it suitable to be used as a cement-like binder material. The main heavy metals that co-evaporate with the phosphorus are Zn, Pb, As, Sb, and Sn. Additional processing steps will be required to remove these to produce a pure P4 product. The metal alloy consists of mostly Fe and P with smaller amounts of other components such as Mo, Cr, Cu, Mn, Sn, Sb, and V. The final slag consists of CaO, SiO2, MgO, and Al2O3 with virtually complete removal of P and heavy metals.

Oct 2, 2025

By W. Wittke, D. Schröder, H. Polczyk

ABSTRACT: The Urft dam, the Diemel dam and the Eder dam are three old masonry damslocated in Germany. The paper describes the rehabilitation measures and the correspondingstability analyses carried out to adjust the dams to today's standards. Remedial works such as theexcavation of inspection galleries, the installation of a grout curtain with a downstream drainagescreen as well as the installation of pre-stressed permanent tendons were carried out. In all threecases the stability of the upgraded dam could be proven on the basis of finite element analyses. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Die Urft-, Diemel- und Edertalsperre sind drei alte deutscheSchwergewichtsmauern aus Bruchsteinmauerwerk. Im Beitrag werden Instandsetzungsmaß-nahmen und Standsicherheitsnachweise beschrieben, die erforderlich waren, um die Staumauernan den heutigen Stand der Technik anzupassen. Hierzu wurden Kontrollgänge aufgefahren,Dichtungsschleier mit luftseitiger Dränage sowie vorgespannte Daueranker hergestellt. In allendrei Fällen konnte unter Berücksichtigung der Instandsetzungsmaßnahmen die Standsicherheit derMauer auf der Grundlage von Berechnungen nach der Methode der finiten Elemente nachgewiesenwerden. RÉSUMÉ: Les barrages de Urft, Diemel et Eder sont trois barrages-poids vieux allemandsconstruit de maçonnerie de moellon. Dans cet article, opérations de remise en état et preuves destabilité sont décrits, qui étaient nécessaires pour adapter les barrages à l'état de la techniqueactuelle. À cet effet, des galeries de contrôle étaient creusés, voiles d'étanchéité avec des drains àla face aval et tirants précontraints permanents étaient fabriqués. Dans tous les trois cas, tenantcompte des opérations de remise en état, la stabilité de la barrage pouvait être prouvée à partir decalculs selon la méthode des éléments finis.

Jan 1, 2003

By G-L. Wu, S-W. Wu

"The hot deformation behaviour of Nb-Ti microalloyed high-strength steel was investigated. Hot compression tests were conducted in the temperature range 900 to 1100°C under strain rates of 0.1, 1, and 5 s-1. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurs as the main flow softening mechanism at high temperature and low strain rate. The hot deformation activation energy was calculated to be about 404 699 J/mol. The constitutive equation was developed to describe the relationship between peak stress, strain rate, and deformation temperature. The characteristics of DRX at different deformation conditions were extracted from the stressstrain curves using the work hardening parameter. The Cingara-McQueen equation was developed to predict the flow curves up to the peak strain. The processing maps were obtained on the basis of a dynamic materials model. The results predict an instability region in the temperature range 1010 to 1100°C when the strain rate exceeds 0.78 s-1. IntroductionThe 700 MPa grade HSLA steel is widely used in engineering machinery, automotive beams, carriages, and axle tubes, etc. (Pan et al., 2017 ). Generally, such grades contain a moderately high amount of Mn (approx. 1.4% and above), and microalloying elements like Nb, Ti, V, and Mo to impart the desired strength and toughness through solid-solution strengthening, precipitation hardening, and grain refinement dislocation strengthening (Chen and Yu, 2012; Opiela, 2014). However, the production costs can be greatly reduced by replacing part of the Nb, V, or Mo with inexpensive Ti and adopting the compact strip production CSP process (Opiela, 2014; Chen et al., 2015). Furthermore, the microalloying technology coupled with new-generation thermomechanical control processing (NG-TMCP) has proved efficient for achieving the proper balance between strength, toughness, ductility, and formability by means of a suitable combination of chemical composition and thermomechanical treatment parameters (Shukla et al., 2012; Wu, Zhou, and Liu, 2017).In hot forming processes, the complex microstructural evolutions are often induced by multiplicative hot deformation mechanisms, such as work hardening (WH), dynamic recovery (DRV), and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) (Zhang et al., 2014; Liang et al., 2015). Dynamic softening behaviour during hot processing has generated considerable interest because component properties are influenced significantly by its corresponding microstructural evolution (Wu et al., 2010). During deformation in the DRX process, deformed grains are replaced with substructures and newly formed fine and uniformly distributed grains. This occurs only when a critical strain for the onset of DRX is reached, and at the same time, the minimum rate of energy dissipating is reached (Ferdowsi et al., 2014). DRV occurs at a high strain rate and low temperature, reducing the stored energy greatly and making DRX difficult (Liang et al., 2015). The microstructural changes during DRX are sensitive to the processing parameters, such as strain rate, deformation temperature, and strain (Zhang et al., 2014; Ferdowsi et al., 2014). Therefore, in order to optimize the hot processing parameters, it is important to understand the behaviour of hot deformation visà- vis control of microstructural evolution."

May 1, 2019