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By Art Cooper

Granulation systems are customarily viewed as problem areas in metallurgical operations. The inherent risk of explosion when combining a high temperature melt with water creates a safety hazard. Separation of the granulated material from the quenching medium generally involves equipment that can have significant maintenance and operating costs. Granulation systems' reliability and availability can negatively affect the plant production. Against this background, granulation systems have been treated by design firms and producers as an add-on and a necessary evil. The technology is becoming better understood and solutions to common problems are being found. This paper will discuss typical problems in common systems, and some of the improvements that have been made, with particular reference to non-ferrous applications.

Jan 1, 2006

By Art Cooper

Granulation systems are common in the metals industry. The process of granulating slags, mattes and metals is more than a century old, and a number of different systems have been developed to accomplish this task. These systems have followed an evolutionary path, and may be characterized by common elements in terms of molten material handling, granulation methods and post-granulation processing. This paper will summarize the more common systems used in the metals industry, with particular reference to non-ferrous applications.

Jan 1, 2006

By B Mennie, R Poedjono, G Coad

PT Freeport Indonesia operates a large copper and gold mining operation near Tembagapura, Papua (formerly, Irian Jaya), Indonesia. This is a remote location with its own set of unique operational characteristics. The mining and concentrating operations typically produce a concentrate containing 2500 tpd of copper and 6000 oz of gold per day from the combined mining of a 45 000 tpd (ore) block cave operation (DOZ Mine) and a 190 000 tpd (ore) open pit mining operation (Grasberg Open Pit). The Grasberg Open Pit mine will be exhausted in 2015 at which time FreeportÆs operations will entirely underground mining methods. The Common Infrastructure Project (CIP) incorporates the elements required for the shift to underground mining at a production rate approaching 200 000 tpd. The AB Adit portion of the CIP will provide deep level access to the Grasberg Block Cave (below the Open Pit), Kucing Liar, Big Gossan, and the Mill Level Zone orebodies. Commencement of the project was September 2003. The Grasberg Block Cave is planned to start production in 2014. This paper provides details on the project scope, innovative contractual framework, advancement of mining methods throughout the life of the operation, equipment selection, manpower selection, training, geological, and socio-political conditions related to the project.

Jan 1, 2005

By R J. Holmes

The procedures and equipment used for sampling iron ore process streams have generally improved in recent years. However, there are a number of areas where significant issues still commonly occur, including sampling high capacity streams, sample cutter design and operation, division of primary increments at the secondary sampling stage, the performance of crushers installed to reduce the particle size prior to sample division, and the sample mass that is retained at each sampling stage. These issues of non-conformance with correct sampling principles are caused by factors such as increasing the speed and loading of conveyor belts to increase throughput, which changes the trajectory of the ore stream and may result in an inability of the sample cutter to handle the increased flow rate without sample loss. Failure to sample the entire primary increment stream at the secondary sampling stage is also a common issue as well as failure of crushers to provide crushed products of the required particle size due to ongoing maintenance and/or adjustment issues. These common pitfalls can all be addressed through careful attention to detail.CITATION:Holmes, R J, 2017. Common pitfalls in sampling iron ore, in Proceedings Eighth World Conference on Sampling and Blending , pp 261–264 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2017

By Rory S. McLaren

"Cost per ton as it relates to mobile underground vehicle maintenance and repair is invariably astronomical. The reason: the mechanic replaced a ten micron filter with a 250 micron filter because it appeared to be physically identical; the purchasing agent bought ""Brand X's"" filter because it was 25% cheaper- the result, a filter life 30% less; the hydraulic pump was sent for repair at a cost of $2000.00 and failed shortly after installation; pumps are failing because there is no testing equipment available in the workshop.This paper will identify a number of the common pitfalls resulting in high costs, and offer solutions to bring these costs to within acceptable limits.The following key issues will be discussed:A. Genuine parts replacement versus ""Brand X""B. Evaluating outside repair shopsC. The influence of environmental conditions on optional equipmentD. Personnel trainingE. Servicing and testing equipmentIntroductionThere is an old English aphorism, ""Look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves"".This paper is aimed at the pennies.Genuine Parts Replacement versus ""Brand X""High interest rates and floundering mineral prices are forcing many equipment owners and operators to purchase ""Brand X"" or ""Pirate"" parts in order to survive. ""Pirate"" part manufacturers invariably offer lucrative discounts which are most appealing to the average purchasing agent whose responsibility it is to save money. Unfortunately, in most cases, there is a tradeoff involved; when the price drops so does the quality, which can adversely affect owning and operating costs. Unless totally obvious, ""original"" or ""pirate"" part metamorphosis requires scrupulous analysis by competent individuals.Hydrostatic transmissions have been used successfully for many year s in various industries. They found their way into mobile underground loaders in the early seventies and have since become very unpopular in mining circles due to their apparent ""inherent unreliability"" and near ""prohibitive"" repair costs. The big benefit of the hydrostatic transmission is compact component packaging which enables the machine to work in very small headings."

Jan 1, 1983

By J Vann

Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation is a challenging and demanding field, requiring application of professional knowledge, skill and experience of the highest order. If the many potential pitfalls are to be avoided, however, there are two other requirements which are of equal, if not greater, importance:good communication, and common sense. Estimation of Mineral Resources and particularly of Ore Reserves is almost always a team effort, involving a number of disciplines. Good teamwork requires good communication, both between team members and between the team and other parties having an interest in the process. Breakdown in these lines of communication can have far reaching effects on the project under consideration. The need to use common sense during a Resource or Reserve estimation exercise would seem to be self-evident. It is surprising, however, how often rigid adherence to procedures and methods prevails at the expense of clear thinking, usually with adverse and sometimes fatal effects on the project under consideration. This has become increasingly true as computerised methods have assumed a central role in Resource/Reserve estimation. The critical question that estimators should ask themselves at all stages of the process is: æIs what is being done sensible given the data available, what is known of this deposit and the purpose of the exercise?Æ

Jan 1, 1999

By Bert R. Oastler

BERT R. OASTLER: Born Atlanta, Georgia, October 19, 1933; B.S. Civil Engineering, Duke University, 1956; Doctor of Laws, Emory University, 1966; Bryan Honor Society; Associate Editor, Journal of Public Law. Partner in charge of litigation for Smith, Currie & Hancock Including federal and state courts, administrative boards, arbitration and negotiation. American Bar Association; American Trial Lawyers Association; Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Practiced structural steel design at Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company and building construction as an officer in the United States Air Force. Engaged in the building construction business in Atlanta, Georgia as estimator and project manager for five years. Lectured on construction litigation, arbitration and government contracts procurement law for Federal Publications, Inc., Associated General Contractors and other private entities on a nationwide basis. Served as guest lecturer on Government Contracts at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia. Served as arbitrator in cases for the American Arbitration Association.

Jan 1, 1988

By Gary Eck, Kevin Tallent

Over the past decades, the science of energetic materials has advanced dramatically in both the fields of military munitions, as well as industrial explosives. Out of necessity, test methods to measure the explosive performance properties of these materials were developed. As would be expected, these test methods have evolved and become more sophisticated with the recent advancements in electronics and computerized technologies.

Jan 1, 1998

By V. Coetzee

Keywords: Pyrometallurgy, furnace, PGM, platinum, nickel, copper, electric smelting, six-in-line, Peirce-Smith, Impala Platinum In 1992, a paper was compiled highlighting a common-sense approach to electric smelting at Impala Platinum. Since then, the smelter complex has undergone considerable changes. Mineral economics, UG2 exploitation, and changing environmental legislation have enforced numerous process upgrades, yet a common-sense approach has always been adopted. This document details the major changes in the smelter complex at Mineral Processes (Minpro) over the past 15 years, and provides the rationale for the changes.

Jan 1, 2006

By V. Coetzee

In 1992, a paper was compiled highlighting a common-sense approach to electric smelting at Impala Platinum. Since then, the smelter complex has undergone considerable changes. Mineral economics, UG2 exploitation, and changing environmental legislation have enforced numerous process upgrades, yet a common-sense approach has always been adopted. This document details the major changes in the smelter complex at Mineral Processes (Minpro) over the past 15 years, and provides the rationale for the changes. Keywords: Pyrometallurgy, furnace, PGM, platinum, nickel, copper, electric smelting, six-in-line, Peirce-Smith, Impala Platinum.

Jan 1, 2006

By R. D. Brown

The Federal Government's White Paper on Tax Reform received further major criticism in the reports of the Committees of the House of Commons and the Senate, which recently completed a lengthy review including public hearings of the government's proposals. These reports both criticized the emphasis placed by the White Paper on its concept of tax equity rather than on a system which would promote economic growth. However, the Finance Committee of the House of Commons was prepared to accept, with modifications, a number of the White Paper's key reform proposals. The Senate Finance Committee was more critical of the basic thrust of the tax reform program and recommended that a modification of the existing tax system would be more appropriate to Canada's needs. Both Committees re-commended a more favourable treatment of mining income than that originally proposed in the White Paper, and to some extent both Committees suggested proposals that were even more favourable to the industry than those set out in Finance Minister Benson's amended proposals made in August of this year. This article out-lines the principal recommendations and comments in the reports of both the House of Commons Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.

Jan 1, 1971

By Al Cropp, Julie Hunt, Will Goodall, Ron Berry, Dee Bradshaw

Geometallurgy aids the understanding of ore body variability but has the most value if the data is easily available along the entire mining value chain. This requires cross-discipline communication and collaboration across traditional silos, and an organizational culture that encourages that to flourish. Data that are collected by the numerous groups (i.e. mining, geology, milling, processing, refining, smelting, marketing, environmental etc.) involved in the mining process may have relevance to other stakeholders; mineralogical and textural data for example has value to all these groups. Data required for modeling comminution or identifying acid potential from waste rock may already exist, however it needs to be made available to all the relevant stakeholders in the right format at the right time. As part of the GeM (AMIRA P843 & P843A) project the opportunity has been taken during the sponsor meetings, short courses, case studies etc. to ask the question: ‚What information do you want from further up the chain?? For example, to metallurgists ‚What information would you like from the geology group before the ore enters the mill?? The geology group may already have information important to mineral processing but not know it is of interest. This could, for example, be in the form of a geometallurgical drill core log that contains quantitative measured values. This paper focuses on the interaction between the mining, geology, mineral processing and environmental groups, using ore properties resulting from geological alteration to identify potential impacts throughout the mining process and discusses how a cross discipline approach can benefit all.

Jan 1, 2014

Mining is an inherently risky business; from the technical, environmental, social, and economic uncertainties associated with advancing an exploration prospect to a viable project to the operating, market, and safety risks and uncertainties attached to a developed mine. Since we cannot totally escape the risk and uncertainty related to resource projects, as an industry we should improve our presentation of the upside and downside risks in the context of the project?s development path and maturity. More transparent, consistent, and balanced views of technical confidence will better inform both internal and external stakeholders about the expected risk in the project. International reporting codes set out the minimum standards, recommendations, and guidelines for public reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Mineral Reserves. However, the reporting code principles of transparency and materiality are largely subject to the interpretation of the competent person(s), which may introduce a degree of subjectivity in reporting, particularly the level of disclosure regarding supporting information. It is fundamental that Mineral Resources, Mineral Reserves, and study outcomes are reported so as to unambiguously present the level of inherent technical uncertainty (or confidence) in a project, while conveying a balanced view of the opportunities a project presents. Reporting needs to consider various stakeholders who may rely on this information, and present the data in the context of the changing risk profile associated with project development paths and project maturity. This paper discusses the interdependence of resource-to-reserve conversion, the consideration of various technical-economic study types, and the level of confidence conveyed to stakeholders relying on these technical reports and other company public announcements.

Jan 1, 2014

By R. Yost

"This paper describes a case study that illustrates how detailed geological engineering results were communicated to address a range of stability challenges in a producing mining environment. Instead of using standard geological engineering terminology, findings and recommendations were communicated as mine design options and mining responses to accommodate possible slope instabilities and associated risk. The resulting medium- to long-range mine plan integrated the potential slope instabilities and associated mining responses to provide a higher probability of planned resource extraction. It also reduced the potential for long-lasting production and processing delays.RÉSUMÉ Cet article décrit une étude de cas illustrant l’intérêt de la communication de résultats détaillés de géologie appliquée pour résoudre un éventail de difficultés relatives à la stabilité dans un environnement minier en production. Plutôt que d’utiliser une terminologie classique de géologie appliquée, les résultats et les recommandations ont été communiqués sous forme d’options pour la conception d’une mine et de réponses dans le contexte minier permettant de surmonter les éventuelles instabilités des pentes et les risques associés. Le plan de mine sur le moyen à long terme qui a résulté intégrait les instabilités potentielles des pentes ainsi que les réponses connexes dans le contexte minier afin de renforcer la probabilité de l’extraction des ressources prévue. Il réduisait également la possibilité de retards durables dans la production et le traitement.INTRODUCTIONSlope failures in an active mining operation are unscheduled but expected events, in the sense that the geotechnical design often assumes the potential for slope failure but cannot predict exactly when a failure will occur. Unfortunately, the geotechnical engineering cycle—characterization, slope design, displacement monitoring, instability management, and failure remediation—that is necessary to manage slope-failure risk is not always well known or understood outside the geotechnical engineering profession. The first introduction many personnel have to geotechnical engineering is when a slope failure starts to develop and appears to threaten the safety and livelihood of their workplace.At that point, the task of communicating the risk management of slope failure falls to the geotechnical engineer, who must summarize analytical methodology, design concepts, monitoring trends, and analysis results, frequently to an audience with limited exposure to the geotechnical field. All too often, the response has been to present a risk-management plan in the vernacular of geological engineering— using terms such as factor of safety (FOS), pore-pressure reduction, and slope unloading—instead of expressing the problem and solution in more readily understood mine production terms."

Jan 1, 2017

By Robert F. Randolph, Jeffery L. Kohler, David C. Byrne

Multiple versions of an educational message can reach a diverse population more effectively than a single version. For instance, some workers are trained in formal classrooms while others are self-taught. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has developed multiple versions of a hearing loss simulator (an interactive software package, a Web-based module, and an electronic slide show) to show how a single set of information can be readily adapted to different delivery methods. The three versions of the simulator were developed with a minimum of effort and expense compared to a single, less-flexible version. The interactive software is best for training sessions led by a hearing conservation professional, the Web pages are best suited for an individual worker, and the slide show is best for a small, more-generalized, training class. This paper will describe additional advantages and disadvantages of different delivery systems and will show what considerations are helpful in designing content that can be readily adapted to alternate presentations.

Jan 1, 2002

Misiman society is matrilineal and despite relatively long contact with Europeans and mining, it retains its traditional consensus style of decision making. Many Misimans at least understand English, and this has encouraged comfortable communication between the people and the company (Misima Mines Pty Limited). Company care in monitoring the environment (mostly using Misiman staff), its policy of maintaining a largely Misiman workforce, and its emphasis on training and safety, have all created an environment compatible with Misiman society. In addition, the company has constructed and/or upgraded community facilities such as the airstrip, roads, the health centre, police station and schools, and has actively promoted local business endeavours. All these initiatives have been accomplished by constant dialogue with the largely Misiman workforce, and with the Misiman people, both before and during implementation. Constant, careful communication, using traditional Misiman consensus methods, appears to be the key to continued community acceptance of the project.

Jan 1, 1991

By Pat C. Hautala, J. R. Hoskins

This is a new era for the minerals industry. Never before has there been more need for effective communication. So said Robert Anderson, chairman and chief executive officer of Hanna Mining Co. He was speaking to the American Mining Congress's Communication Workshop. The question is whether there is enough industry concern to meet the challenge. Anderson observed that increased workshop attendance, in continuing tough times, reflects the industry's concern for communication. But, why were students, faculty, engineers, supervisors, and managers not at the conference? Communication applies to every manager, Anderson said. But he was the only operating manager present. And only one company sent operating supervisors. The remaining conference participants were public relations personnel, generally with nonmining backgrounds. And the program dealt mostly with public relations issues. Role of Communication in the Minerals Industry. It is well known that the minerals industry faces economic, political, and social problems. Economic shifts and foreign competition have created an international minerals industry and an international marketplace. This, in turn, calls for worldwide communication. Other factors effecting communication are: • Governmental protectionism as well as regulatory reforms call for increased interaction with governing officials. • Changing social values have created environmental issues and anti-industry attitudes. This intensifies the need for improved public relations. • Traditional work values are shifting towards self-actualization and humanistic movements. The work force is better educated and more informed. Employees demand more satisfaction, equality, and job autonomy. • The mining industry's task of managing its human resources is complicated by layoffs, job uncertainties, and bleak outlooks concerning employee morale and motivation. Technology and Information for a New Era As noted, this is a new communications era, one propelled by technology and information. Technology has led to reduced demand for raw materials by developing substitutes. Copper demand, for example, will never fully recover. Copper cables are replaced by fiberoptics; copper transmission lines, with aluminum. Technology has shifted the US from traditional to high tech and service industries. The speed, frequency, and scope of information transmission have greatly increased. But the most significant characteristic of this information is not the pace of advancing technology. It is the dramatic increase in the importance and frequency of our personal transactions. Knowledge has replaced raw materials and capital as the strategic resource. Information has replaced energy as the transforming resource. And the game against nature has become an interpersonal game (D. Bell, Post-industrial society, Physics Today, '76). In Megatrends, John Naisbitt says that information will soon double every 20 months. So, professionals will become "information workers." And communication will be the life channel of the information age. Thomas Wolfe said you can't go home again. Hanna Anderson said we are, indeed, facing a new day. It will never again be "business as usual." We must move into the information age with the rest of society. We cannot trust that the world will continue to rely on our products. Nor can we place the responsibility and control for problems and solutions outside the minerals industry. Improved communication is not a panacea. But, Anderson said, it is critical to the minerals industry. What is Communication? The word communication is overused. It is applied to every aspect of our lives. Satirist Tom Lehrer got sick of hearing about the need to communicate. He said, "It seems to me that if someone is having all that trouble communicating, the very least he can do is shut up!" Obviously, we cannot follow that advice (though we might wish that some others would do so). Communication is always going on. It is inevitable. Yet we have many misconceptions about com-

Jan 1, 1985

By N. Coulson, P. F. Stewart

The Mine Health and Safety Act No. 29 of 1996, as amended, embeds an occupational health and safety management system that facilitates communication between representatives of the state, capital, and labour. In underground mines, two communication loops between these role players serve to separate the production chain of command from the political tripartite relations. Worker-elected health and safety representatives are involved in both communication loops, but are severely constrained in escalating their occupational health and safety concerns to the legalpolitical level. This has a direct bearing on the exercise of the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work (RRDW). As previously reported, health and safety representatives were found to primarily consult their production supervisors in preference to their trade-union representatives. This follow-up article presents production supervisor perspectives on the RRDW. The study demonstrates how, for mineworkers, the two distinct communication subsystems constrain, rather than facilitate, implementation of the RRDW.

Apr 14, 2024

By Alan J. Solomon

The function of advertising is communication. Viewing the advertisements of mineral suppliers exposes the reader to a broad spectrum of purposes: announcements of new products, availability and supply, departmental services, company image, etc. It is the advertiser's hope that the message being conveyed is the same message being perceived by the viewer. To maximize this probability, the advertiser at least must carefully construct precise copy, identify the target audience and select the appropriate advertising medium. A truly successful and efficient ad, however, also must accurately reflect a product's life cycle, i.e., the rise and fall in demand for a product. Buggy whips and radio tubes are classic examples of items formerly in high demand. Industrial minerals are similarly affected by occurrences of product life cycles.

Jan 1, 1983

This chapter analyses the parameters influencing initial design of communication systems, for new mines and upgrading existing systems. Paragraph 5.2 outlines those variables that must be taken into account during the design stages of a new wired phone system. Recommended features, general requirements, and how they can be implemented are treated in this section. Paragraph 5.3 describes ways of improving or extending the range of trolley carrier phone systems and pager phone systems already installed in the mine. 5.2 New Phone System Design The task of designing an adequate communication, control, and monitoring system for an underground mine must be addressed on a system basis. In addition to insuring that effective voice communication is established, any new system should take into account present and future requirements of remote control and monitoring functions. Chapter 4 illustrated the drastic savings in response time that can be realized when remote control and monitoring are integrated into the overall communication system. The importance of including control and monitoring in the overall design plan for any system cannot be overemphasized. Because each mine is unique, and thus usually has its own special operating characteristics and communication requirements, there is no such thing as "the one best system" to meet the requirements of all mines. The optimum communication, control, and monitoring system for a mine must be one that has been tailored to meet the special requirements of that particular mine. Factors that must be considered during system design include- a. Type of mine and mining methods (low- or high-seam coal, deep hardrock mine, stope caving, longwall, room and pillar, etc.). b. Maximum number of working sections. c. Expected mine growth rate and eventual maximum size. d. Haulage methods (tracked trolley, diesel, belt, etc.). e. Underground power distribution system (dc, ac, or both). f. Features desired (two-way radio paging, private line capability for emergency use, etc.). g. Redundant or backup systems for use during outages of the normal system. Although no two mines are alike, the following items have been established as the main characteristics desired for any underground communication system: 1. Multiple Communication Paths to Outside--the objective here is to give all telephones a second method of communicating with the surface. 2. Audible Emergency Signaling--the communication system provides the main means of alerting miners during emergencies. The system should include means to broadcast distinct audible signals for emergency signaling. Initiation of these signals should probably be controlled from. a central outside point, such as a surface control room. 3. Emergency Override--provisions should be included to permit any conversation to be overridden with emergency communication. 4. Selective Area Page--as mines grow larger it is apparent that the entire telephone system paging mode need not be activated each time a call is initiated. When the general area of a

Jan 1, 1984