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By S A. McManus

With the advances in software speed and capability, many of us now are running multiple scenarios on entire models rather than just testing small areas or a few blocks. In the authors experience both the geological and geostatistical academic theory and our rules of thumb, often prove un-useable or incorrect in the real world we work in. The only way to truly validate and tune our models is to complete the entire model and ‘see if it works’. If it lacks some property we were expecting, then we need to find out why and/or run different scenarios to see what changes. This is not always possible with tight project timelines but we find ourselves doing more and more of this sort of thing, and in so doing, understand that every deposit is different and requires its own ‘rules’ to get valid and useful results. For the purposes of this paper, this process is termed Empirical Geostatistics. Take Clayton Deutsch’s ‘all realisations all of the time’ concept a step back. Before you even think of simulating, test the alternate realisations generated by alternate parameters such as different domaining, varying search neighbourhood parameters etc.

Mar 22, 2022

By C Augustin, M Hahn, K Nienhaus

Operators of mining machinery like haul trucks or excavators have very limited information about the exact distance to other equipment as well as to the natural boundaries like berms, walls and structures such as crushers. The industry is seeking solutions to provide safety and positioning. The authors have developed a solution approach which is being used in several installations. This solution consists of three parts: first robust and compact two-dimensional (2D) radar scanners that provide range and angular information of the environment especially under difficult conditions like dust, rain, snow and fog; second an intelligent data processing framework flexible enough to adopt to different machines and operation modes like speed, inclination, visibility, tire friction, GPS position, orientation and acceleration; and third a high quality and easy to use interface giving highly condensed data to the operator, not blinding the operator at night and being sunlight readable. The truth of present proximity detection sensors is that they not only have a high false alarm rate but furthermore cover only a fraction of the possible scenarios. This makes them unsuitable for stand-alone collision avoidance systems. On the other side, mine dispatch systems only deliver database and GPS information, but no information regarding the real environment. The indurad company and its Australian partner CTS (http://www.cts.com.au) addressed these aspects by developing smart productivity enhancement driver assistance tools like lane and crusher dumping assistance.An innovative driver assistance tool developed in cooperation with the coal shearer manufacturer Eickhoff and the RWTH Aachen University has been awarded with the annual research award of its customer RAG, being the largest German hard coal producer, as well as with the bauma Innovation Award in 2010.

Sep 26, 2011

By D L. Head

Critical risk management (CRM) has become one of the latest safety buzz terms in mining. Everyone seems to be doing it, everyone seems to know about it, yet we are still having fatalities in our industry from well understood hazards such as mobile equipment amongst others.

May 5, 2022

Incompetent ore and country rock have caused stability problems in longhole open stopes. Fully grouted pre-placed cablebolts have reduced these by preventing ground relax- ation and joint dilation to maintain a self supporting rock structure. Larger atope spans can now be opened with the same or smaller pillar. Mining methods are expected to become less dependent on original ground conditions. Effect of spacing, orientation and stress distribution along the cablebolt is not fully understood at this stage and requires more Observation.

Jan 1, 1977

By A K. B Chigwada

Mining organisations grapple with the same problems year after year, wasting incredible amounts of time and money. According to estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO), over one million work-related deaths occur annually, and hundreds of millions of workers suffer from workplace accidents and occupational exposure to hazardous substances worldwide. Many accident reports cite human failure as a primary cause (Busse and Johnson, 1998). The workers at the Bhopal chemical plant pumped methyl isocyanate into a leaking tank (Morehouse and Subramaniam, 1986). On 3 December 1984, more than 40 tons of methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, immediately killing at least 3800 people and causing significant morbidity and premature death for many thousands more. The company involved in what became the worst industrial accident in history immediately tried to dissociate itself from legal responsibility (Broughton, 2005). Australia is not spared from safety problems either (Lucas, 2022). The ILO Convention 176 (1995) as a response provides that national law should inter alia provide for the supervision of safety and health in mines; the inspection of mines by designated inspectors of the competent authority; the procedures for reporting and investigating of fatal and serious accidents; the compilation and publication of statistics on accidents, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences; the competent authority to suspend or restrict mining activities on safety and health grounds until conditions giving rise to the suspension are addressed; and worker consultation on matters related to safety and health in mines. This has assisted in getting enough data to define the magnitude of the problem to the mining sector.

Apr 16, 2024

By R Williams, M Baxter, D Zink, R Cunningham

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the efficient operation of a tailings dewatering circuit comprising a thickener and filter press through proper control and automation. It is common to see thickeners and filter press circuits each with their own control systems. This can cause multiple issues when trying to increase efficiency and reliability of the tailings management process. By automating the thickener and filter press controls, you are eliminating any delays and inconsistencies caused by human error and process variations. When done properly the system can maintain a consistent product as the feed characteristics change. Previously, operators would have to monitor the process parameters and adjust the system accordingly. This can now be accomplished using state of the art process control equipment that continuously monitors and adjusts critical variables using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) loops. The paper will detail the control theory used to maintain these systems, highlight other benefits of having a fully integrated plant such as predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics as well as present examples of how these have been implemented in field examples.CITATION:Baxter, M, Cunningham, R, Williams, R and Zink, D, 2018. Tailings process optimisation through automation and controls integration, in Proceedings Mine Waste and Tailings Stewardship Conference 2018, pp 416–421 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 23, 2018

By G van Niekerk, M Wortley

Screening is a critical part of many mineral processing circuits and keeping the aperture of the screening media within specification is vital to ensure efficient performance of the processing plant. Typical ways of estimating and/or measuring the wear of the screening media vary from very subjective methods (for instance, using the human eye) to manually checking the width of a few of the more severely worn gaps with a measurement device. Subjective methods can be flawed by human error while manual checking can distort the polyurethane or rubber materials that are used in several types of screening media. All of these errors can cause either premature replacement of panels or, even worse, poor screening of the material.Metso Process Technology and Innovation (PTI) and Metso Screening Media Solutions (SMS) have developed an innovative method that measures screen aperture using advanced image processing techniques. Field trials of the device are presented in this paper, which shows the comparison between the different methods of measuring apertures. Case studies demonstrate how the system, when combined with ScreenTrack, MetsoÆs industry leading maintenance system, and screening media, is providing users with the best possible screening solutions.

Sep 26, 2011

By P Wahyono, H Vega, S Riza, P Vergara, P Gonzalez-Carbonell

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), operating in the Ertsberg Mining District in the Province of Papua, is developing the Grasberg Block Cave copper-gold mine. The site aims to output 160 000 t/d and will be located underneath the current Grasberg Open Pit. Initial studies of the potential to develop a block cave mine in the Grasberg orebody have revealed that the mine will require significant volumes of air. The Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) project requires four primary fans (3750 kW each) to support production at full capacity.Fan #1 commissioning was accomplished successfully on 9 February 2012. However, Fan #2 chamber, which is separated by a 20 m pillar, had not been completed. The main challenge was Fan #2 chamber still needed to be benched. The risk of damage to the critical infrastructure in Fan #1 chamber, including ground support, cracks in pedestals, and misalignment in the impeller shaft were considered. The challenges were blasting the bench without damaging the surrounding infrastructure, completing the work safely and meeting the schedule. This was achieved with the engineering control methodology. This paper summarises the benching process of Fan #2 chamber and its impact upon Fan #1.CITATION:Vega, H, Riza, S, Gonzalez-Carbonell, P, Wahyono, P and Vergara, P, 2013. Excavating an underground primary fan chamber that is adjacent to a fully operational primary fan in PT Freeport Indonesia's Grasberg Block Cave Mine, in Proceedings The Australian Mine Ventilation Conference , pp 115-122 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 1, 2013

By A Jewbali, R Perry, R Inglis, L Allen

"The use of conditional simulation to characterise mine plan uncertainty is increasing for the assessment of risk in mining projects. While the development of grade uncertainty profiles is relatively straightforward and can be validated using standard geostatistical techniques, the addition of geological uncertainty to evaluate total risk remains problematic. Some of the problems associated with geological uncertainty methods include the clustering of data in favourable geologic units, difficulty in training image definition and the inability to address change of support issues for categorical variables. Despite these obstacles, the importance of geological uncertainty as a contributor to total uncertainty has prompted Newmont to explore and evaluate the use of various techniques (and combinations of techniques) on different deposit types.Two orogenic deposits of different geological complexity were selected for the study: Subika, a shear zone-hosted deposit, and Merian, a deposit containing gold mineralisation associated with quartz vein zones and stockwork within which are found higher-grade quartz breccia zones. Newmont trialled various categorical simulation approaches to determine the applicability of these methods for each deposit type and the effect of parameter choice on the width of the uncertainty interval. Some of the techniques that were trialled include multiple point statistics methods, sequential indicator simulation using local probabilities as well as variations of these methodologies.The goals of this study included: gaining an understanding of which techniques may work best in which deposit types gaining an understanding of the intricacies of each method gaining an understanding of the effect that each method has on total uncertainty analysis.This paper presents a comparison of the various techniques and makes recommendations for their use in uncertainty analysis.CITATION:Jewbali, A, Perry, R, Allen, L and Inglis, R, 2014. Applicability of categorical simulation methods for assessment of mine plan risk, in Proceedings Orebody Modelling and Strategic Mine Planning Symposium 2014, pp 85–98 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Nov 24, 2014

By A S. Fogliata, L Bengochea, G Mas, J E. Lazarte

The Culampajß auriferous district is located in the northern sector of the eastern edge of the homonymous hill, Catamarca Province, Argentina. Tajo Largo mine is situated in the southern flank of Las Minas gulch at an approximate height of 3.600 m above sea level. In the studied area main outcrops are orthogneiss rocks of Chango Real Formation. The ore mineral is native gold with a lesser amount of pyrite, chalcopyrite, haematite, limonite, malachite, azurite and covellite. These ore mineral assemblages are disseminated in quartz veins filling tension fractures in the host orthogneiss.Several types of inclusions have been recognised, including three phase H2O-CO2liq-CO2vap inclusions, polyphase inclusions with H2O-CO2 and one or more solid phases, and two phase aqueous inclusions. In the three phase H2O-CO2liq-CO2vap inclusions the Tmclath is about 1¦C and the CO2 liquid-vapour homogenisation occurs at 26 - 28¦C, to liquid phase. The homogenisation temperature of H2O-CO2 occurs at 365 - 380¦C in the aqueous phase. This set of data defined a solution with a salinity of 14, 4 wt per cent NaCl equivalent and a density of 0.84 g/cm3. In the two phase aqueous inclusions the melting temperature (Tm) of -5.4¦C and the eutectic point (Te) in -38¦C indicates a salinity of about 7.5 wt per cent NaCl equivalent, with the probable presence of Ca2+. Density of fluid is about 0.83 g/cm3. Homogenisation temperature ranges between 260¦ and 280¦C. The pressure, temperature and salinity of fluids in the polyphase inclusions suggest an early fluid of high density and high salinity. The three-phase fluid inclusions may be the result of an unmixing-phase separation of post magmatic hydrothermal fluid due to pressure decrease along fractures. It is suggested that the deposit was formed during the late magmatic hydrothermal stage genetically linked to granitic rocks and can be comparable with the intrusion-related gold system of Baker (2003).

Jan 1, 2008

By A Singh, C Da Corte

Banded Iron Formations or more commonly known as BIF are sedimentary rock formations with alternating silica-rich layers and iron-rich layers that are typically composed of iron oxides (hematite and magnetite), iron-rich carbonates, and/or iron-rich silicates. Considering the depletion of highgrade iron ore reserves in South Africa, there is a need to maximise resource utilisation through the exploitation of sterile resources in particular BIF material which makes up greater than 65 per cent of current reserves. BIF, like most resources, is non-renewable and the deposition of BIF is thought to have come about by the reaction of Fe2+ ions in the ocean water with dissolved oxygen billions of years ago. BIF ore derived from the Limpopo region in South Africa (SA) located in the Penge Iron Formation is according to Cairncross, Kramers and Villa (2018) equivalent to that contained within the Asbestos Hills Iron Formation of the Transvaal Supergroup in the Northern Cape, SA. Considering that these are one of the largest iron ore deposits in SA, the case study involved mineralogical characterisation followed by beneficiation of BIF from these two regions to ascertain the comparability. Coarse and fines gravity separation comprising of Heavy Liquid Separation/Dense Media Separation on the +1.18 mm size fraction and shaking table on the -1.18 mm size fraction was conducted to ascertain whether an on-grade product or blended feedstock could be produced. The Limpopo mixed and Northern Cape conglomerate BIF samples achieved similar overall responses due to the conglomerate sample containing 15.3 per cent additional -1.18 mm fines. A combined coarse and fines product grading at 60 per cent Fe could be achieved at a yield and recovery of 43.9– 53.0 per cent and 62.2–63.8 per cent respectively. Increasing the grade to 63 per cent Fe reduces the overall recovery by 13.3 per cent. At the higher target grade, the contaminant specifications could be achieved for both samples. The Northern Cape laminated BIF sample is the most promising of the three samples studied. At the two iron target grades overall yields and iron recoveries of 72.9–65.4 per cent and 85.2– 80.2 per cent was achieved. In both instances the silica grade exceeded the product specification, however if the silica content is the driver the target iron grade should increase to 63.32 per cent. This will result in a minimal decrease in recovery of 0.4 per cent. The promising results of this study indicate that coarse beneficiation of BIF material is possible. These ore types could be blended with superior grade products to improve overall yields and recoveries or sold directly at a 63 per cent Fe product grade whilst sacrificing 0.4–13.3 per cent recovery.

Nov 8, 2021

By K Gardner, R Fraval, V Singh

Using new technology to create optimised infill drill programs in underground or open pit settings, it is possible to quantify the value of a drill program. The computer designed programs are optimised to uplift the most amount of resource possible into the specified resource classification, while honouring geological, spatial, equipment and budgetary constraints. When designing ‘by hand’ balancing all these factors is a time-consuming effort with no real way to determine metrics on ‘how good’ a program will be. The optimisation considers many factors allowing geologists to apply critical thinking and domain knowledge to constrain the optimisation, letting the computer do the heavy lifting of determining hole placement. Once programs have been created, they can be integrated into a production schedule. This is a critical step in determining the correct sequencing and balancing of resource availability and seeing how a program will interoperate with other tasks in the mine. For example, if drill drives are a requirement for part of the program, will they be developed in a time frame that is useful for the goals of the program? Do we risk drilling infill holes too late to add value? Do we put production at risk by not classifying parts of the model ahead of time, thus adding to uncertainty? Using software to assist with optimising and scheduling of drilling is a useful technique to save the geologists from the mundanity of manually designing drill programs and puts metrics around the effectiveness of a program and has the potential to add quantifiable value to a program. Examples will be presented that demonstrate the effective use of drill hole optimisation, comparing manual designs with optimised designs, as well as the examples that show the effective use of scheduling.

Mar 22, 2022

By H Arvidson, V Chamberlain, R Marinho, B Parsons, T Rowl, M Noppé, M Mattera

With the introduction of CRIRSCO (2019) based mineral asset disclosure, Regulation S-K part 1300, 2019 (S-K1300) by the United States (US) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), applicable to companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange from 2021, Mineral Resource is now required to be reported Exclusive of Mineral Reserve, referred to here as ‘Exclusive Mineral Resource’ (EMR). EMR is equivalent to reporting Mineral Resource additional to Mineral Reserve, which has been permitted in jurisdictions outside the US for many years. Despite this, there are no practical guidelines in the literature or relevant reporting codes and rules for Competent/Qualified Persons to refer to, which creates a risk that disclosure of EMR estimates across the industry will be inconsistent and potentially ambiguous for analysts, investors, potential investors, and other stakeholders.With the introduction of CRIRSCO (2019) based mineral asset disclosure, Regulation S-K part 1300, 2019 (S-K1300) by the United States (US) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), applicable to companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange from 2021, Mineral Resource is now required to be reported Exclusive of Mineral Reserve, referred to here as ‘Exclusive Mineral Resource’ (EMR). EMR is equivalent to reporting Mineral Resource additional to Mineral Reserve, which has been permitted in jurisdictions outside the US for many years. Despite this, there are no practical guidelines in the literature or relevant reporting codes and rules for Competent/Qualified Persons to refer to, which creates a risk that disclosure of EMR estimates across the industry will be inconsistent and potentially ambiguous for analysts, investors, potential investors, and other stakeholders.

May 24, 2023

By S Love, M Anderson, M Boland

"The high rate of failure of new mine developments to meet feasibility study expectations has been the subject of many fine technical papers. Yet failure rates remain stubbornly high.Similarly, the common occurrence of disastrous acquisitions resulting from failed due diligence on projects is well known. Yet such mistakes continue to be made.The authors argue that project and due diligence failure are caused at least partly by cognitive biases. These biases pervade decision-making throughout project evaluations.A wider understanding of these biases (and their effects) is necessary. Only then can mitigating actions be taken.The opportunity for this wider understanding exists. A number of best-selling books have been published on the topic in recent years. With wider understanding of key concepts and terms, cognitive biases can be recognised and discussed. They can also be challenged and mitigated.The authors believe that these concepts should be entry-level, required knowledge for anyone evaluating, developing, reviewing or financing mining projects.Perhaps the most prevalent biases in project evaluation failure are the ‘over-optimism’ biases. In particular, the planning fallacy and confirmation bias.The anchoring effect is also pervasive. This bias propagates unrealistic assumptions from scoping and prefeasibility studies through to so-called definitive feasibility studies. Unrecognised anchoring biases also undermine the validity of many ‘independent’ due diligence reviews. They are also prevalent in corporate acquisitions.The availability heuristic refers to a mental shortcut that can lead to a number of biases. One of these is the narrative fallacy. The mind constructs coherent narratives and opinions, regardless of the amount and quality of the information that support them. Narrative fallacy commonly occurs in the evaluation of social and political risk. Another is disaster neglect, which is especially common in the failure to assess risks associated with tailings management.This paper outlines the relevance of these biases to mine project evaluations. It also provides examples where the authors have observed their effects.CITATION:Love, S, Boland, M and Anderson, M, 2016. Influence of cognitive biases on project evaluation, in Proceedings Project Evaluation 2016, pp 226–235 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 8, 2016

By J Rutter, J du Plessis, er, M Scott, D Alex

It is generally acknowledged that bulk ore sorting is an attractive prospect for the mining industry. However, uncertainties relating to the operational performance of sensor technologies, the grade heterogeneity present in analysed material and the physical separation performance of the coupled system complicate the evaluation and deployment of bulk ore sorting strategies at operations. To assist in the quantification of these uncertainties, the Cooperative Research Centre for Optimising Resource Extraction (CRC ORE) and Anglo American have implemented a systematic methodology to evaluate the deployment of sensor technologies for bulk ore sorting. This methodology was implemented at a bulk ore sorting demonstration plant using penetrative prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) and surface x-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements of base metals, as a proxy for precious metals, at Mogalakwena PGE Mine. The methodology comprises of three phases. The initial phase involves the preliminary investigation of sensor technologies and analysis to reduce identified risks prior to commissioning of the bulk ore sorting plant. The second phase executes a series of experiments to prove the sensing technologies in the operational environment and provide confidence the sensors can drive separation. The final phase demonstrates the production scale bulk ore sorting performance of the plant and validates its performance by campaign of the sorted products at the processing plant. Throughout the operational deployment and evaluation of bulk ore sorting at Mogalakwena, several key lessons were learned. These learnings relate to the calibration requirements of the sensor technologies, the application of surface vs penetrative sensor techniques and the preservation of grade heterogeneity delivered to the sensors. This paper presents the methodology used, and lessons learned, in the operational deployment and evaluation of PGNAA and XRF sensors for bulk ore sorting at Mogalakwena PGE Mine.

Nov 10, 2020

By M Neurohr, B Wacker, D Mensing, C Murphy, W Kitz

Mining operations have large power requirements. The biggest consumers of energy are the drives for the mills located in the concentrators. Assuming that the decision is made on how many mills are needed and how big these mills will be, it can be determined how these mills should be driven. The decision as to which drive should be applied depends on design limits for different mechanical or electrical drives, anticipated operation modes, capital expenditure optimisation and lifecycle cost optimisation.The task for the engineer specifying the drive equipment is to select a drive solution that can debottleneck the operation, avoid interruption of production and enhance the reliability of the process. At the same time, the engineer must choose a design that enables cost optimisation either in a single investment or in relation to the total cost of ownership (TCO).This paper outlines different mechatronic or electric drive alternatives for tube or horizontal mills applied in the mining industry, along with their advantages and disadvantages. The paper covers a wide range of applicable drive systems and provides a background to the benefit of applying integrated drive systems.CITATION:Wacker, B, Kitz, W, Murphy, C, Neurohr, M and Mensing, D, 2015. Application of different drive systems for horizontal mills, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2015, pp 205–216 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 13, 2015

By G Pattenden, R Hargreaves, P Pettit

"Even with the cyclic nature of mining, when it comes down to it, the bottom line is that whatever direction the commodity market is going there is always a desire to improve the economics of an operation in order to deliver a greater return to investors. Adapting to market pressures by introduction of an operational process change can often have a downstream impact. What may be less obvious is that reconciliation can play an important part in measuring the effectiveness of many operational changes. Through the adoption of best practice reconciliation and related comparisons, it is possible to measure the impact of changes across the mine value chain and identify variability that may have been introduced. Using analytical business improvement tools, examining and monitoring planned changes can be crucial in understanding whether the introduced changes have been effective and whether they have provided the expected result. Using several case studies, the authors will highlight the benefits provided by modern business intelligence tools, which can provide data validation and accurately report data trends related to both planned and unplanned change events.Citation:Hargreaves, R, Pattenden, G and Pettit, P, 2016. Measuring the Effectiveness of Change through Best Practice Reconciliation, in Proceedings Ninth AusIMM Open Pit Operators' Conference 2016, pp 71–83 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Nov 15, 2016

By R Shaw, R Williamson

Global iron ore demand, sparked by ChinaÆs rapid industrialisation and emergence as the worldÆs newest steel market, has seen iron ore groups investing heavily in production capacity as well as infrastructure. The success of these new projects depends heavily on reliability, competitiveness and quality control in an increasingly demanding trading environment. Furthermore, the iron ore industry continues to improve its competitiveness in mining practices, technology innovation and management processes. The continued fine tuning of these sectors will be critical to the success of the industry in the years ahead, and this mining sector will continue to demand process improvements from their service suppliers to maintain competitiveness. Automation offers a real solution to these demands. A crucial quality control element in mining, beneficiation, stockpiling and shipping stages is ensuring representative samples of ore are taken along each step of the process. When these samples reach the laboratory it is imperative that the sample is representative of the entire stream and that no induced errors occur. Examples of automation start with mechanical primary and secondary samplers in the run-of-mine processes through to sample tower and laboratory crushers, dividers and collectors. Automation is widely used in many forms to provide reliable and repeatable samples for analysis whilst providing a safer working environment. Laboratory automation systems in use today vary from simple linear systems to sophisticated robotic cells. Sample automation in the iron ore industry has resulted in many benefits for both producers and their customers. The most significant benefits have come in the form of higher safety standards whilst reducing sample error, sample handling and sample contamination during collection. These benefits have been further augmented by reliability and repeatability of automating the final sample preparation and analysis stage. Today these benefits are reflected in reduced costs of sampling and improvement in both turnaround time and quality of results, whilst complying with Australian safety and ISO sampling standards.

Jan 1, 2007

By M Ziemski

The provision and management of energy in both fuel and electricity forms is an increasingly important consideration for mines. Pressures from communities, governments and markets are increasing towards more transparent and improved energy management. Combined with the energy-water nexus, where water and energy are closely related in the operation of a mine, this emerging business climate means a more thorough and responsible approach is required for the acquisition and use of energy, as well as the release of emissions. Many of the complexities in potential new ore bodies are borne in remote locations, high altitudes, low grades, arid climates and deep deposits. Each of these challenges affects the successful provision of energy. In combination, such challenges can leave an operation seemingly unviable from an energy perspective, especially when approached from a traditional mining energy feasibility lens. This paper discusses some of the energy alternatives currently available and emerging in the mining industry. Both energy supply and demand options are considered, which can provide a very different energy footprint with the flexibility to address, and potentially overcome, major energy challenges for a mine. CITATION: Ziemski, M, 2018. Energy complexities in complex orebodies, in Proceedings Complex Orebodies Conference 2018, pp 106–111 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 21, 2018

By Kuzmitch O, Morozov A

The main direction in the mechanisation in the mines of the Donbas and the USSR is long-face technology with complexes on the base of hydraulic supports. On the base of the 30 year old experience of exploitation of the coal clearing systems the serious data about the behaviour of the contained rock, display of underground pressure 'on longwalls and preparatory workings have been accumulated. Exploitation works in mines of the USSR are carried out at different depths: from 1000m to 1200m. There are 26 mines in Donbas, which exceed the depth of 1000m. It is the mines of Donbas, where is a rich experience of the exploitation of coal seams in various conditions. Besides, there are wide variations on the factors of the extraction thickness, depth of seam, angle of dip, occurrence of gas dynamics and others. In many scientific establishments, and in Donetsk Polytechnical Institute also, there are scientific research/results, which can be of interest for the coal mining countries.The volume of coal mining from longwall system-mechanised walls in Donbas became stable at the end of the 70s at level of 70 percent. All the efforts to increase this level have not given any notable results, not saying about the technical-economical data, which gradually deteriorate. It shows that positive progress in using the technology for the long walls is over and it is necessary to find new ways of mechanisation of coal winning.

Jan 1, 1991