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The paper describes some of the economic and human factors associated with haulroads on Mount Whaleback, a large open pit iron ore mine. These factors have combined to encourage formation of a specialised road maintenance crew which caters for haulroad construction and maintenance. Techniques used for design, construction, operation and management of haulroads are then described. Future developments are expected to effectively lower construction costs leading to an even wider application of the techniques described and consequent improvement in temp- orary roads and overall truck performance. INTRODUCTION Mount Whaleback is a large truck/shovel open pit iron ore mine located in the Pilbara region of north Western Australia. Annual production capacity exceeds 100 million tonnes per annum of waste and ore. The truck haulage fleet comprises WABCO 120 52 WABCO 3200 22 74 of which approximately 45 are operating at one time.

Jan 1, 1982

By Denholm WT

Current control practice is reviewed for agglomeration processes, including pelletising, sintering and induration; and for smelting processes, including blast and reverberatory furnaces, flash smelting, the intensive bath smelting processes together with converting. The importance of sensors for on-line control and the status of mathematical modelling is discussed.Future progress in automatic control will require improved component specific sensors and the use of validated mathematical models running in parallel with the process. The possibilities in both these areas are reviewed in light of the trends towards more intensive smelting processes.

Jan 1, 1985

Plenary Address Zinc is a trace element in all igneous rocks and its background geological occurrence roughly follows iron but at much lower concentration. Living matter reflects this abundance and zinc is an essential trace element for complex life forms. Thus, environmental issues include zinc deficiency in soils and/or water - and thus in local diets - and zinc toxicity evident in natural or modified ecosystems. Increased knowledge of the role of zinc in plant and animal metabolism emphasises the need to manage, within guidelines based on naturally occurring abundances, the concentrations of zinc in water, spils and in the food chain. Although recognition of the natural variability of zinc concentration provides some basis against which environmental protection standards might be set, the measure of environmental `pollution' is more commonly taken as the degree of change to natural, background levels, attributed to the particular land or water use activity. Environmental constraints on mining, processing and usages of zinc may have less to do with actual

Jan 1, 1993

Future metal prices play a direct role in both the economic evaluation and short to medium planning of a mine scheduling sequence. It is difficult to predict with accuracy the future price of volatile metal commodities, however, it is possible to fix some future metal price, outside of long term contracts by the selling of futures contracts through a commodities exchange. The futures contract represents a fixed amount of a speci- fied quality of a commodity for future delivery at a predetermined price. Several different types of hedginc are possible, one in particular which is best suited for mining companies. There are relative advantages and disadvantages when trading in futures contracts and particular reference is made to gold contracts on the Sydney Futures Exchange.

Jan 1, 1980

By J J. Cilliers

The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the FrothSim flotation simulator and to demonstrate its ability to predict the performance of real flotation circuits. Example simulations are presented in which the feed rate to the circuit is varied, followed by simulations in which a cleaner section and recycle loop are added to the rougher bank.The simulator is able to predict both the recovery and the grade produced by the cells at all locations in a circuit and the simulator is shown to produce plausible grade recovery curves. It also demonstrated that the performance of banks of cells improve as the feed rate to the bank increased (improved grade for a given recovery), but that more cells are required to give the same overall recovery.

Jan 1, 2005

By Goode RA

It is-assumed that a pipeline system is economically justified as a means of transportation.. The terms "True Life" and "Economic Design Life" are defined. The most usual design alternatives to be considered from both physical and economic -viewpoints are listed and a summary is given of the main factors to be costed in assessing the relative economics of each alternative. A brief statement of the recor mended method af economic. assessment is given and an example is included. The paper aims to present a reasonably accurate, simple and practical method of considering the main economic factors which govern design.

Jan 1, 1962

The development of computers is examined in the context of the mining industry. The risk element is given as a reason for the slow introduction of the computer into mining. Dealing with mining's uncertainty is seen as a major role for computers. The use of computers is traced from early accounting applications to current involvement with all aspects of mining. The problems associated with increasing use of computers and their impact on management is discussed in depth. Disenchantment of management is thought to arise from unfulfilled expectations. Contributory causes are given as overselling of computers, reaction against change, speed and growth of computer technology. The solution is seen to lie in a more dominant role for user management in the development of computer systems and greater emphasis on education. The computer of the future will then become integral to the mining process as an extension of management's planning and control function.

Jan 1, 1974

By G Lane, S Morrell

The design of the 12 m diameter SAG mill installed at the Cadia Hill Mine in New South Wales followed after two years of extensive laboratory and pilot plant testwork. The testwork showed the Cadia ores to be hard and competent necessitating the use of both a variable speed SAG mill drive and pebble crushing. The grinding power requirements for the SAG mill was based on engineering in-house grinding software, pilot plant data and simulations using JK SimMet software. Surveys of the SAG mill operation during the first four weeks showed the feed size distribution, transfer size and pebble rate to be lower or less than those for which it was designed. To compensate for the lower pebble rate, the SAG ball load was increased. This resulted in the total comminution circuit power being some 0.5 kWh/t higher than predicted. The JK SimMet SAG model has been modified to take account of these variations.

Jan 1, 2000

By S C. Dominy

The Minerals Education Australia program is offering a tertiary learning environment for the global mining industry. The Minerals Council of Australia has instigated this initiative, which is run by the Minerals Tertiary Education Council. The program is a pioneering partnership between the Australian minerals industry, Australian governments and key Australian universities. It is designed to deliver key undergraduate and postgraduate courses for tomorrowÆs minerals industry professionals in the fields of geoscience, mining and minerals engineering and metallurgy. The flagship course for geoscience professionals is the G3 Masters program. This is a coursework-based degree supported by the Minerals Tertiary Education Council, and a partnership between James Cook University, the University of Tasmania and the University of Western Australia. These partners represent the leading-edge providers of minerals geoscience education and R&D in Australia. The G3 program provides the full spectrum of post-graduate training skills in exploration, mining and economic geology topics.

Jan 1, 2003

Mining companies in Australia have grown in size and complexity over the past 20 years. The same period has seen exten- sive changes in the operating environment, with greater competition and intensified in- dustrial and social pressures placing new demands 'on mining activity. The new condi- tions require a management approach that emphasises strategic planning rather than operational efficiency. Strategic management evolves through four distinct phases, namely, financial planning, forecast-based planning, externally oriented planning and 'true' stra- tegic management. The most difficult transi- tion to make is from Phase 2 (forecast-based planning) to Phase 3 (externally oriented plan- ning) since management is often too involved in operations to find time to develop and main- tain a strategic orientation towards the mar- ket and competitors. Reorganisation of re- sponsibility for operations and improved op- erational processes enable management to concentrate on external opportunities.

Jan 1, 1980

The Professional Standards Act responds to the growing problem of professional liability by introducing a mechanism whereby professional associations can have schemes approved. Those schemes include a cap on liability; a requirement for compulsory insurance; the development of risk management strategies; and the establishment of a complaints and disciplinary system. The Act is also designed to support and develop the concept of self-regulation by the members of occupational associations who provide services to the community by providing them with those tools. It implicitly accepts that self-regulation is preferable to statutory regulation and that self-regulation serves the interest of the community and of the providers of services. The Act arose from a review of professional liability commenced in 1988. The Attorney General's Department produced an Issues Paper, released in September 1989, which outlined in detail the extent of the problem. This was widely circulated and an extensive number of comment were received.

Jan 1, 1995

By Samyguin VD, Filippov LO

The aim of this paper is to emphasise the importance of knowing of the rate of the elementary flotation acts (EFA) - attachment and detachment. By studying the simplest linear model notion of the column flotation, the results of the nonlinear simulaton of flotation separation in the column with lengthwise upward mixing show two principal different types of separative mass-transfer in the column. The first is, the case of a small EFA intensity, almost without the detachment. The second is, the case of a big EFA rate, when the process is close to a local attachment-detachment equilibrium. There is also an attempt to estimate the EFA rate for three different kinds of quartz particles, floated by cation collector in the laboratory column apparatus.

Jan 1, 1993

By Pirvics AI, Whitworth NR, Tuppurainen JMI

Process control applications to the unit operations in both the Lead and Copper Smelters are reviewed. The basic aim of this control is to smooth plant inputs to produce an output of consistent quality in terms of chemical composition, temperature and physical properties. Most effort has been put into the process bottlenecks, namely in the process baghouse of the Lead Smelter and in the Copper Smelter reverberatory furnaces. The method of approach is discussed, firstly extensive plant measurement and data logging plus identification of factors which most affect the unit operation and secondly control of these factors to smooth out variations. This has been possible due to the development in-house of on-line instruments to measure the critical variables and the external use of computers for plant control. Some of these instrument developments are also briefly discussed.

Jan 1, 1984

By Siemon J. R

It is possible to use compacted anodes formed at low pressure for the direct electrowinning of lead from sulphide concentrates. An anode containing 5.5 per cent graphite, formed into a compact at 34 MN m-2, enables lead to be won at a current efficiency of about 80 per cent; the power consumption .at 150 A m-2 current density being 0.4 kWh per kg lead. It would be necessary to use diaphragm cells to obtain a sufficiently pure product. A conceptual design for a full-scale plant is presented, together with a cost estimate for the production of lead by a process based on direct electrolysis of compacted concentrates. It is unlikely that the proposed process will be economically competitive with the conventional lead smelting.

Jan 1, 1976

A new two-metre column self-heating test procedure has been developed at the University of Queensland, which clearly shows the hot spot development phases that take place in bulk coal self-heating. The column results provide a more reliable indication of the self-heating propensity of coal than small-scale index tests. At the same time, off-gas evolution patterns associated with hot spot development are obtained, including the recognition of hydrogen evolution from oxidation at temperatures less than 80¦C. Subtle differences in off-gas evolution from self-heating between gassy and gas-drained coal are also apparent. This new approach to coal self-heating assessment offers an opportunity to further the understanding of the complexities of spontaneous combustion and will enable more accurate risk assessment for the coal industry.

Jan 1, 2005

By Hutchinson H

Froth flotation is applied to mineral sand concentrates in order to produce commercially viable xenotime concentrates. Experiments indicate that a xenotime product containing 38% Y203 at 47% recovery or 34% Y203 at 83% recovery can be obtained from a 27% Y203 feed. The process involves a primary stage of reverse flotation at which oxide and silicate gangue is floated, and secondary stage of direct flotation at which xenotime is floated. Of the various collectors screened an amphoteric compound was found to be effective at both stages. This was made possible by the addition of sodium silicate at the second stage, which acted as depressant for the remainder of the gangue. Similar studies on a low grade feed material were somewhat unsatisfactory as the grade achieved fell short of what was targeted.

Jan 1, 1990

During its 60 years of existence the growth and development of Western Mining Corporation (WMC) has been greatly influenced by the men who led it. For the most part they, rather than any chance circumstances or good luck, determined the fortunes of the Company. This paper is essentially a series of biographical sketches of some of these men, together with a note of some of the major events which caused WMC to become the entity it is today.

Jan 1, 1993

The Savage River Mines concentrator and pipeline has operated for seven years. During this time some problems of general interest have been overcome, particularly in the area of autogenous grinding in large mills and in pump- ing solids over long distances. The plant flow sheet and equipment at Savage River and the control techniques are. described. Ore type has varied widely over the per- iod of plant operation. Techniques developed to minimise the effect of variations on through- put are discussed'. The main technique is the controlled rejection or addition of grinding Media.

Jan 1, 1975

A new engine family has been developed by Caterpillar Tractor Co. for application in off-highway trucks. This family, the 3500 Series is available in three configurations, covering a 600-1200 kilowatt range. This engine series incorporates the latest in design technology, stringent functional specifications for servicing ease, fuel economy, reliability, optimum performance and parts interchangeability. TECHNICAL INTRODUCTION The 3500 Series Engine has been under development by Caterpillar for over eight years and has undergone extensive testing in the laboratory and in field prototype units. - The engine configuration is a 600 Vee in 8, 12, and 16 cylinder versions. - The intermittent power output per cylinder is 75 kilowatt (100 HP). Net power for off-highway trucks is 600-1200 kilowatt (800-1600 Hp) depending on engine configurations. The 3512 (3500 Series Engine 12 cylinder Vee configuration) was the first model of the 3500 Series released. These engines offer optimum user value in terms of product durability, reliability, fuel consumption, performance and installation flexibility. Additional features of 3500

Jan 1, 1982

Dynamic hydrothermal modeling is a tool that can aid in studying problems associated with hydrothermal ore deposits and can help increase our understanding of the spatial distribution of ore within hydrothermal systems. Models are constructed by a sequence of steps involving development of a conceptual model, followed by its mathematical description in terms of governing equation with accompanying initial and boundary conditions. This equation is then solved either analytically or numerically. The four model types ò that fully describe a hydrothermal 'system are those for fluid flow, heat and ore solute transport, and deformation. At Renison, models have been used to help understand two major exploration problems. These are the controls on ore localisation in dolomite horizons and feeder faults respectively. The types of models used ò have simulated the distribution of all mineral zones, pyrrhotite, and temperature in the dolomites. This has allowed evaluation of the effects on ore localisation by physical and chemical heterogeneities within the dolomite host rocks, and allowed estimation of potential controls in different physical and chemical environments.

Jan 1, 1987