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Madison Enterprises Corp. and Matu Mining are currently ex- ploring the Mt. Kare property in Papua New Guinea. The Mt. Kare gold prospect has had a short but very active history, since the first discovery of gold in the area in 1986 the property has sccn: a 3 year gold rush during which 10,000 alluvial miners re

Jan 1, 1997

By Scoble M, Peck J

This paper reviews the instrumentation and monitoring of blasthole drills and electric mining shovels at a surface coal mine in western Canada. The drill monitoring component involved the development and implementation of microprocessor-based hardware on Bucyrus-Erie 45R and 60R drills. Over a two year period 3800 metres of blasthole drilling were monitored The drill data was subsequently correlated with core and geophysical logs towards identifying unique and reproducible ranges of performance parameter data for the different rock types penetrated. Using this technique, the geology of the study area benches was characterized in detail. Once these same benches had been blasted, the performance of a P&H 2800XP shovel was monitored as it worked through the blasted ground. In this regard, the influence of different digging conditions on shovel performance were identified in a range of blast and geological environments within the study area. The precise nature of these environments was confirmed by a correlation with the interpreted drill monitored data and muckpile size distributions obtained from a digital photo-analysis study. The excavation of 500 000 bcm of waste was thus monitored and a digging index derived which reflected variations in muckpile diggability. The paper concludes by proposing an integrated monitoring approach which, as a first step, uses interpreted drill data for explosive loading. This capability would permit greater accuracy in explosives loading ie. charge placement within higher strength lithologies, while avoiding weaker units. The performance of an instrumented shovel would then be monitored as it works through the resulting muckpile. Interpretation of the shovel performance data would determine the overall quality of the blast in terms of a digging index (DI), providing an indication of the relative digging effort and the effectiveness of the blast design.

Jan 1, 1990

By Newell RB

Grinding circuits are used in most mineral processing plants. Their widespread application makes the efficient running of the circuits essential to almost all resource projects. This paper will show that, with the application of modern multivariable control techniques, improved plant performance can be obtained when compared with conventional single loop control strategies. Results are presented for a simulated closed-circuit ball mill.The grinding circuit was controlled using the rod-mill water and primary and secondary sump dilution flowrates as the manipulated variables. Variables controlled were the primary cyclone feed flowrate, the primary cyclone feed density and the particle-size measurement (percentage smaller than 75 um).

Jan 1, 1985

By Maidl B

A tunnel operations analyser is a new high technol- ogy instrument for use in underground work. By remotely sensing the acoustic emissions from operating machines and processes in a tunnel or shaft and by applying sophis- ticated computer processing to them individual process cycles and other detailed information about the operating processes can be collected. Detailed analyses and dissec- tions of the work in progress can be made and a variety of action oriented management reports produced. The pro- cess is fully automatic. Results of applying this device to two full scale tunnel projects are presented. The hardware and software that comprise the instrument are discussed in detail. Processes by which this device can be used to sub- stantially reduce tunnel costs are presented. It is concluded that this type of technology has great potential.

Jan 1, 1987

By J Tibbett, A Colebourn, B Hebblewhite, F Suorineni

The concept of Big Data refers to data sets that are so large, variable and/or complex that traditional data processing applications struggle to integrate the data for effective investigation, analysis and value generation. With advances in sensor technology and smarter equipment, the mining industry is experiencing Big Data, and in a different way to how the intelligence and marketing communities experience Big Data. Future mining will bring larger, more complicated and diverse data sets increasing the strain on traditional data integration and investigation techniques. Block caving is an important mining method for the extraction of massive, low-grade ore deposits due to its low operating cost and high production potential, given the right orebody geometry and ground conditions. This paper focuses on block caving due to its increasing popularity and importance in the future economic extraction of multiple commodities. The block cave mining system (BCMS) is a complex interrelation of factors, and due to the reliance on natural processes within the system, it is one of the least understood mining methods. Obtaining information on the factors within the BCMS generates large, complex data sets on various time scales. Each sensor network within the BCMS combines spatial and temporal information with tens to hundreds of recorded parameters. Data sets are quickly moving from multidimensional to n-dimensional. Optimisation of the BCMS is only possible through a holistic analysis approach, thus involving the integration of multiple, diverse, n-dimensional data sets (Big Data). This paper presents a current example BCMS Big Data situation involving 12 sources of information with differences in volume, data format and frequency of data generation. This suitability of virtual reality scientific visualisation (VRSV) as a solution to BCMS Big Data interpretation difficulties is then discussed. These 12 data sets can be effectively integrated using VRSV for intuitive and accelerated investigation of the BCMS. Potential future Big Data within the BCMS is presented involving 20 sources of information resulting from our increased need for monitoring and advancements in technology. Current methods of defining queries may not be suitable within these future complex, multidimensional data sets, and the potential of artificial intelligence algorithms within this system is discussed. These advancements in technology and machine learning lead to the requirement of live data acquisition and analysis. VRSV is identified as a suitable technology to satisfy the needs of real-time insight into the performance of these future caves for optimised management and reduced risk.CITATION:Tibbett, J, Suorineni, F, Hebblewhite, B and Colebourn, A, 2015. Virtual reality scientific visualisation – a solution for big data analysis of the block cave mining system, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 109–116 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

Since 1969, a substantial number of geophysical methods have been applied in the search for porphyry copper and mesothermal type -sulpha-de deposits. These have assisted with geological mapping as well as the definition of various sulphide depos-its. The application of these methods at the Frieda-Nena deposits, Papua New Guinea, can be used as a case study for exploration in other parts of New Guinea.In 1993, Highlands Gold Limited carried out an intensive geophysical program over the Nena deposit. The methods employed included, CSAMT (controlled-source audio magneto-tellurics), airborne and ground elect-romagnetics, IP/resistivity and ground magnetics. The magnetic method was used as a regional mapping tool as well as a way of mapping alteration zones over both the Nena and Frieda River copper deposits. Electromagnetics, in part-icular FLAIRTEM, is a rapid reconn-aissance tool as well as a detailed mapping tool for the location of Nena-style massive sulphide deposits. IP/ resistivity is an expensive but most useful tool for mapping out Frieda porphyry copper style disseminated sulphides as well as Nena style deposits. It can be used to define drill targets in areas of difficult Access.a

Jan 1, 1994

By Mahoney BK

The development of simulation models to reflect accurately the operations of a port and its associated transportation systems can be an expensive and time consuming process. However the complexity of such operations leaves little choice for other than simulation techniques since analytical methods are rarely appropriate. The development of suitable software has now reached the stage that these techniques can be used with confidence. Types of simulation models and their requirements are discussed together with the results from some recent applications to the planning and management of bulk terminals.

Jan 1, 1983

By Hanes J

More than 200 bursts in coal occurred at Leichhardt Colliery prior to December 1978 during mine development in the 6 m thick Gemini seam at depths approximating 400 m. Three large bursts each displaced more than 300 tonnes of coal and stone. Two of these which occurred in continuous miner developments, are described and compared. Geological settings, mining strains including induced cleavage and roof failures associated with bursts are described. A shotfiring technique replaced mechanised mining following a major incident at the colliery. Present mining procedures, the apparent improvement in stability of workings and ongoing geotechnical monitoring programme are discussed.

Jan 1, 1980

The middle-Devonian Dulladerry Volcanics is a complex of A-type, predominantly rhyolitic ignimbrites, lavas and breccias. They form a NNW trending belt some 90 km long and 10-20 km wide, east of Parkes, NSW. The volcanics are dominated by widespread ignimbrite units with minor basalts, sediments and rarer andesites. The volcanics were deposited in a sub-aerial, possibly continental rift setting and are similar in chemistry and age to the Eden - Comerong - Yalwal Volcanic Zone (EVZ) on the NSW south coast. The volcanics exhibit an unusual Atype chemistry (high Zr, Y, Nb, REE, Ga). This distinctive composition illustrates that the volcanics are not comagmatic with the adjacent Yeoval Granite Complex or Eugowra Granite, which show typical I-type fractionation trends. Epithermal gold veins occur in basalt and andesite in the Dulladerry Volcanics at Mt Aubrey (Hopf, 1992), near Baldry. Alteration also occurs in the Glen Isla and Red Hill areas, with epithermal sinter recognised at Glen Isla. Copper and minor gold mineralisation occurs at the contact of rhyolite and andesite at Reedy Creek, but is not of epithermal origin. The analogous EVZ also contains several epithermal gold fields and it is this style of mineralisation which provides the most prospective targets in the Dulladerry Volcanics. Although the Dulladerry Volcanics also contain high background levels of REE and metals such as Zn and Pb, the general lack of fractionation and water-undersaturated character of A-type magmas does not lend itself to the development of significant concentrations of these elements into a fluid phase and mineralisation. The prospectivity of A-type volcanics in general could not be regarded as high. However, an indicator of some fractionation in the Dulladerry Volcanics is provided by the fairly low abundance (average 230 ppm) and wide range (

Jan 1, 1995

By Kirkhouse C. B

Soon after the Broken Hill Limited started operations at their Iron and Steel Works at Newcastle, NSW, it was found necessary to install a mill for rolling small merchant bars, rounds, etc.An arrangement of the first mill laid down is shown on Plate 1., Fig. 1. This mill commenced operations on the 18th July, 1917.The feed for this mill was rolled in the existing 18-in. mill and sheared to the lengths required before being delivered to the billet storage yard. The billet storage yard is 90 ft. span, and is served by one 10-ton electric overhead travelling crane. Billets were placed on the billet bed preparatory to being charged into the heating furnace.The heating furnace was of the continuous recuperative with end discharge and had a hearth 40 ft. long by 10 ft. wide. The billets were pushed through the furnace by means of two hydraulic rams, which could either act together and push one row of billets, or act singly and push two rows of billets. This furnace was fired by producer gas from the producers shown on Plate I., Fig. l.The gas was conveyed to the furnace by means of a brick underground flue.

Jan 1, 1935

By Guerney P. J

A suspension of finely powdered ferrosilicon in water is the dense medium used in the gravity upgrading of iron ore, diamonds and other minerals. Ferrosilicon can he lost in the plant through corrosion. The greatest corrosion losses occur when

Jan 1, 1997

By Smith I. W

Australia has, and faces, a growing problem with regard to the ability to meet the demand for liquid fuels from indigenous petroleum resources. The position for natural gas is better but there is no room for complacency. Since the coal resources are relatively extensive, interest in the prospect of producing liquid fuels from coal is in- creasing. The approaches to the production of gaseous and liquid fuels are briefly reviewed and the present status of coal conversion technology is discussed. Many problems remain to be solved and it is estimated (in the USA) that another 8-10 years will be required before any of the processes for liquid fuel production are considered sufficiently efficient and viable to go to a demonstration plant. Coals represent complex feedstocks and the effects of variations in coal properties on oil-from-coal processes are not fully understood. The thermal efficiencies of various coal conversion processes are considered in relation to their impact on coal requirements. The production of Australia's present requirement for liquid fuels by the only commercial process in operation would require a four-fold expansion in the local consumption of coal. Any assessment of the suitability of oil-from-coal processes currently under development overseas for Austra- lian coals and requirements must take heed of the differences in coal properties and motivation. The economic via- bility of processes for producing oil from coal will continue to be uncertain because of the large difference between the World price for crude oil and the actual production cost.

Jan 1, 1975

By M Byrne, P Newman, M Lindqvist

SomincorÆs Neves Corvo Mine, one of the largest copper producers in Europe, is currently constructing a paste backfill plant in order to replace cemented rockfill in its bench and fill stopes and possibly replace hydraulic sandfill in the drift and fill stopes. A 250 m flow loop was constructed at the mine and the flow properties of various paste blends were investigated. Cycloned tailings and total tailings were both pumped successfully as pastes and were also combined with waste rock for additional testing. The pressure losses in 102 mm and 154 mm diameter pipeline were recorded at flowrates up to 60 m3/hr and are presented at slumps from 120 mm to 250 mm. The data showed the sensitivity of paste mixtures to slight changes in consistency, confirming the need for accurate control during paste production and distribution. The flow results clearly showed the different paste behaviour between cycloned and total tailings pastes and the change in properties at low and high slumps. In addition to pressure loss data, strength testing was done on 38 mm and 82 mm diameter samples. Further strength testing is ongoing at the mine using fly ash as a supplement to cement, reducing the overall binder cost. Preliminary engineering for the underground distribution system is briefly discussed, with reference to the siting of the plant. The Neves Corvo Mine is particularly shallow and alternative methods to pumping were sought in order to ensure sufficient hydraulic head for underground distribution. The comparison of options had to take into account the capital and operating costs, the operation of the plant and the impact on the future expansion of paste fill utilisation at Neves Corvo.

Jan 1, 1998

By Manlapig E. V

ABSTRACT- I Results are given for a series of tests in which a 300 mm pilot-scale Jameson cell has been used in copper recleaner flotation, and for the flotation of a lead rougher feed. the results indicate that the production rate of solids, at the same superficial air velocity Jg, is higher than in conventional columns. Thus in the copper recleaner application, the pulling rate reached 14 gm/cm2/min compared with between two and three for an operating column, while in the lead cleaner application the comparable figures were 12 - 14 gm/cm2/min for the Jameson cell vs 8 - 9 gm/cm2/min for a test column. A froth crowder was used to increase the air superficial velocity Jg in the Jameson cell in the copper recleaner, while holding the collection mechanism and pulp feed rates constant. The recovery increased from 50 per cent to over 90 per cent, suggesting that recovery is controlled mainly by the froth conditions, rather than the particle-bubble interactions in the Downcomer.

Jan 1, 1991

By Kesser Z, Vincze T

The Western Mining Corporation mining lease on the Bendigo Goldfield measures 5krri x 18km with more than 20 anticlinal folds parallelling th long north-south boundaries. Numerous closely spaced shafts and extensive underground workings on the reef lines along the folds flooded with groundwater following the progressive abandonment of the field. Preliminary water sampling and assessment demonstrated that a major dewatering programme and acceptable disposal methods were necessary to dewater interconnected old workings in areas of interest prior to any underground work taking place. A field wide geohydolic investigation was undertaken to establish geohydraulic parameters, groundwater recharge rates and water qualities. Data from the field investigation together with estimates of the volume geometry of the submerged workings as obtained from old mine plans, production history, and limited pump testing results were used with an appropriate analytical model to obtain estimates of water discharge rates required to reach various dewatering targets. Water disposal options were limited by relatively high salinities, arsenic levels, contained hydrogen sulphide, and the mine locations within the urban areas surrounding Bendigo. Direct disposal to the surface drainage system could not be considered, treatment to acceptable discharge standards was not economically feasible, and it was necessary to adopt a strategy of collection, containment, and evaporation.

Jan 1, 1988

By J Arif, J Proffett

Copper and gold mineralisation at Batu Hijau is directly related to quartz veining and wall rock alteration that developed in close spatial and temporal association with multiple tonalite porphyry intrusions. To its advantage with respect to the study and better understanding of the evolution of the porphyry system, Batu Hijau has comparatively minor late alteration and mineralisation overprints. This paper summarises results of detailed geological logging, petrographic studies and geochemical analyses of diamond drill cores from the deeper sections of the Batu Hijau porphyry system (ie its roots). An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation.

Jan 1, 2008

By K Esmaeili, S Aziznejad

Impact-induced rock fragmentation is a mechanism that is commonly used for rock breakage in drilling and crushing. Additionally, rock fragmentation by blasting is frequently used in rock excavation operations. Experience shows that the presence of discontinuities can significantly influence the impact-induced damage and fragmentation of rock. Quantification of the response of jointed rock masses to impact loads is complicated by the fact that the available laboratory tests are mainly designed for aggregates or intact rocks. It can be argued that neither of these tests adequately represent a jointed rock mass. This paper presents the results of a series of numerical simulations used to investigate the influence of pre-existing discontinuities on the impact-induced fragmentation of rock masses. The methodology includes determination of the static and dynamic mechanical properties of a rock unit by conducting a series of laboratory tests on intact rock samples collected from a quarry in Canada. A 2D distinct element code, Particle Flow Code, was used to generate a bonded particle model in order to simulate both static mechanical properties (uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio and indirect tensile strength) and dynamic mechanical property (drop weight tensile strength) of the intact rock. The calibrated numerical model was then used to construct large-scale synthetic rock mass samples by incorporating discontinuity networks of different intensity into the bonded particle model. Finally, the impact-induced fragmentation inflicted by a rigid projectile particle on the jointed rock mass samples, simulated by a synthetic rock mass model, was determined. More fragmentation was observed for the rock mass samples with higher joint intensity.CITATION:Aziznejad, S and Esmaeili, K, 2015. Effects of joint intensity on rock fragmentation by impact, in Proceedings 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, pp 377–384 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 24, 2015

Coeur d'Alene Mines is a precious metals producer which is dedi- cated to growth through it's exploration and acquisitions efforts. We foster and support these activities by providing our staff with long-term financial support, the encouragement to proceed with their projects and ideas, and a firm belief that we will be successful. Coeur's corporate headquarters are located in beautiful, historic Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Our main mining operations are Rochester, locate near Lovelock, Nevada, Coeur Mine,located near Wallace, Idaho, and Thunder Mountain, located in central Idaho. Our Ken- sington Gold project is located about 45 miles north of Juneau in southeast Alaska. We have exploration offices located in Reno, Nevada, and Santiago, Chile. At this time, Coeurd'Alene Mines produces precious metals from mines located in the United States. Our Rochester open-pit opera- tion, which is 100 per cent owned and operated, is located in Nevada. Presently, this operation produces 5.5 to 6 million ounces of silver per year and 60-70,000 ounces of gold. We move 65,000 to 70,000 tons of rock per day of which about 23,000 tons is ore. The ore is crushed, stacked on permanent heaps and leached. The recovery is by Merrill-Crowe. Although the average grade is rela- tively low, 1.4 ounces per ton silver and 0.012 ounces per ton Au, the operation is very low cost. Our cost of production is less than $4.00 per silver equivalent ounce. Rochester is anunusual operation in that the crushed rock stacks without much compaction and the ores are easily leached. The final height on our heaps will be about 220', and overall recovery will be about 55 per cent of the silver and about 85 per cent of the gold. Reserves at Rochester are expanding and are now adequate for at least fifteen years of opera- Tion.

Jan 1, 1991

By Siwiec A

The laboratory investigations which are necessary to evaluate the mineral processing effectiveness usually include density separation of narrow size fraction of the feed and one of the products. In each size - density fractions the content of valuable mineral has to be determined. These data and yield in each size - density fraction can be specified by a matrix of partition coefficients. They are counterparts of recoveries. These coefficients can be compared with the mean recoveries at each density or size fraction or the total recovery, to determine which density - size fractions are processed in the best or worst way. The basic categories are: vector of metal content l _i 1711, 7t2, òòò, ltM I ò vector of particle size distribution x = I d1, d2, ..., dN I ò matrix of partition coefficients P11, P12, Pi N P _ P21, P22, ..., P2 N PM1 PM2..., PMN These three conceptions allow one to determine all the basic metallurgical parameters of a mineral processing unit. Losses of valuable mineral are connected with: ò mineralogical composition of the ore (types of minerals, their properties, dissemination, crystallochemical affinity, type and properties of gangue minerals), ò applied technology and technical equipment (beneficiation as a stochastic process, processing methods, process control, intergrowth liberation, water quality). Examples of application of the analytical method proposed are given for zinc - lead and coal processing plants.

Jan 1, 1993

A sample of fifty fractured low chromium-molybdenum alloy drill steel rods was investigated. Each rod was of the forged collar integral tungsten carbide type in common use in Australia.Examination of a new rod of the same type showed that a zone of spheroidized carbide about 0·25 in. wide was present about 12 in. from the shank end.Examination of the fractured rods revealed that 78 per cent. of failures occurred within 0·25 in. of the spheroidized zone at the shank end but in the main stem of the rod rather than actually in this softened zone where it might be expected to occur.This predominant type of failure at the shank end in the steel rods is caused by a highly anodic region corresponding to the first stages of spheroidization of carbides present in the steel. Accelerated corrosion in the narrow band havil\g this structure induces the formation of stress-concentrating corrosion pits, 78 per cent. of failures in this region being due to corrosion fatigue.The remaining 22 per cent. of failures, occurring in the as-rolled stem, were due to either corrosion fatiglie if failure were initiated at the water-hole surface of the drill rod, or to a decarburized outer surface if failure originated at this surface.Temperatures producing spheroidization were determined as 6007600C.Evidence suggests that approximately 75 per cent, of shank-end failures in all forged collar drill rods can be attributed to corrosion fatigue occurring preferentially in that section showing partial spheroidization of carbides· produced by the forging and hardeningoperations.Methods are suggested for reducing the frequency of fatigue failures in drill rods.INTRODUCTIONAn integral part of all tunnelling operations through rock is the drilling of suitably placed holes i:n.to which explosive is subsequently rammed and exploded.The drilling operation, whether for metalliferous mining or for general civil engineering constructional work; is...

Jan 1, 1955