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By D C. Verdon-Kidd, G R. Hancock, M J. Saynor, J B. C Lowry, T J. Coulthard

Designing post-mining landscapes requires quantifying the short and long-term risks. In recent years, computer based landscape evolution models (LEMs) have been used to provide insight into both erosion rates and processes (i.e. sheetwash, rill, gully erosion). An important requirement of these models is high quality model input parameter data, which includes both the surface material (i.e. soil and waste rock) and climate information. However, in many cases such data is limited and in the case of climate information, the data is often short and incomplete. Here we develop climate scenarios and examine different surface material properties using a case study at the ERA Ranger mine located in the Northern Territory, Australia Firstly we develop scenarios that represent the range of future climates that may be experienced at the site. Secondly we develop a series of plausible particle size distributions based on a large sampling exercise of the waste rock material. We then test the sensitivity of different rainfall sequences and surface materials on sediment output using a well-tested landscape evolution and sediment transport model (Hancock et al., 2017). CITATION:Hancock, G R, Verdon-Kidd, D C, Coulthard, T J, Lowry, J B C and Saynor, M J, 2018. Quantifying the effect of climate and surface materials on post-mining landscape erosion – a risk approach using landscape evolution models, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 122–124 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

The Illawarra Branch of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy over recent years has established an enviable reputation for organising and conducting conferences, colloquia and symposia. And this Symposium must surely enhance that reputation. The subject of the Symposium, Seam Gas Drainage has become a matter of great import- ance to the Australian Coal Industry in a comparatively short time. Our short experience being due to our operations, until recent times anyway, not being unduly affected by gas. The Australian Industry, by virtue of its mines getting deeper and higher rates of extraction being required is now encountering the difficulties with gas which have for so long been part of the coal mining scene in many other countries. Because these gas emissions affect our working conditions by way of creating hazards and affect our production by way of bringing about cessation of operations from time to time this Symposium must be regarded as being very timely out here. I must congratulate the Branch Committee on the general set,yp :o.f the programme of papers. The classification of papers into four groups and the sequence in which the papers were presented provided an excellent flow through from introduction to finality. It is not my intention to further discuss individual papers - already they have been well discussed in this forum and as I understand it outside in the early hours of the morning,

Jan 1, 1982

Pipe Jacking has been a recognised method of tunnelling in the U.K. since the early 1950's, although I understand that pipes were pushed blind by the soldiers in the first World War from trenches on the Allied side to, or adjacent to, trenches on the German side, thus allowing explosives to be used with a certain element of surprise! 'However, on its more conventional to the U.K. in the 1950's, Pipe Jacking made considerable inroads into the tunnelling market place as an alternative to timber supported headings. This success was, unfortunately, fairly short lived because, owing to its simple method of operation, contractors paid insufficient detail to the engineering (or surveying) aspects and as such the system soon had a bad reputation for unreliability and lack of accuracy. Due to these failings, the market was not exploited and, therefore, there was a lack of investment by contractors, pipe manufacturers and also by any client, or research organisation, which is client associated. The effect of this meant that the system stagnated for a number of years and was used generally only for short crossing work (i.e. railways, canals and motorways), and then only in good homogeneous ground. Albeit, a limited number of full scale sewage disposal contracts were carried out, but with the lack of knowledge and experience of the clients, contractors and suppliers, (particularly the pipe suppliers), no reasonable success, either physical or financial, was achieved on any such contract.

Jan 1, 1987

By S C. Dominy

Grade control programs aim to deliver economic tonnes to the mill via accurate definition of ore and waste. The foundation of a successful program is high quality sampling supported by geology and a suitable data management and modelling system. Underground sampling methods include chip, channel and panel samples; grab/muck pile samples; and drill-based samples. Grade control strategy is related to mining method and orebody type. Sampling protocols must be designed to suit the style of mineralisation in question. Holistic studies focussing on ore mineralogy and gold particle deportment, size and distribution are required for sample collection and preparation protocol optimisation through ‘Theory of Sampling’ application. Where possible, such programs should be undertaken early in the life of a project. Appropriate assaying procedures are also required. Program implementation will require suitably skilled individuals to train and mentor staff, with ongoing Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) monitoring and review will allow protocols and staff to be updated as required.

Aug 22, 2011

By T Higuchi, K Fukada, K Takehara, Y Iwami, S Fujiwara

Following the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 and the SDGs, reduction of CO2 emissions has been taken up as an issue worldwide, and the steel industry, which has a particularly large emission, is required to significantly reduce it. Most of the CO2 generated in the steel industry is generated from the ironmaking process, due to the use of coke and its raw material coal in the ironmaking process. JFE Steel Corporation has been considering the use of hydrocarbon-based gaseous fuels and liquid fuels as a partial alternative to coke breeze used in the sintering process since 2006, immediately after the Kyoto Protocol came into effect in 2005. In a laboratory study, a pot test was used to investigate the effect of the type of fuel, its amount and its injection method on the heat pattern in sinter bed. As a result, the authors developed a technology, in which a predetermined amount of gas fuel or liquid fuel was injected from the surface of sintering bed to extend the holding time of 1200°C or higher at which liquid phase sintering occurs in the layer, to improve the sinter strength while reducing the amount of coke breeze. The authors succeeded in putting this technology to practical use using hydrocarbon-based gas fuel in 2009 and achieved a maximum annual reduction of 60 000 tons of CO2 per sintering machine. In this report, the authors introduce the results of laboratory studies on the use of various energy sources, the practical application of the technology for injecting hydrocarbon-based gaseous fuel into the sintering machine, and the operational results.

Nov 8, 2021

By Y Zha, J L. Walshe, A Ord, N J. Archibald

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of Geodynamic Modelling as an exploration tool and to provide a specific example, namely, the Century Zinc deposit in Northern Queensland. Geodynamic Modelling is an attempt to become more quantitative in the way we develop exploration models. It is a systems approach to ore genesis which examines the complete four-dimensional mineralising system of interest, rather than individual site specific ore deposits. The goal is to establish a predictive capability that enables the explorer to predict grade, tonnage, mineralogy, alteration patterns and precise location of a potential orebody given a particular exploration model. The process consists of two well-defined stages: firstly, a æsoftÆ modelling stage where all available data on lithospheric architecture, geodynamic history, fluid chemistries, fluid flow mechanisms and mechanisms of metal transport and deposition are collected; and secondly, a æhardÆ modelling stage where the system is modelled using fully coupled deformationûfluid flow-thermal transport-chemical reaction computer codes. In the case of the Century Zinc Deposit we point to its existence on the boundary between two fundamental blocks of Proterozoic mantle lithosphere. This boundary has controlled Pb/Zn mineralisation in Northern Australia from the Proterozoic through into the Paleozoic. Detailed thermal, chemical, fluid flow, deformation modelling of the Century System points to an origin involving mixing of crustal oxidised fluids bearing zinc, with reduced fluids bearing H2S and CO2 from the lower crust or mantle. We use this modelling to define critical exploration criteria for another Century type of deposit.

Jan 1, 2000

By A M. Ebbels, D Pratt

The current commodities super-cycle has seen an explosion in the number of mining projects demanding human resources throughout the world. The demand for key personnel currently far outweighs the international talent pool and will take several years to subside. A highly effective project team can be the difference between a successful project and a bad public relations exercise. Building an effective team and retaining the team members has become one of the major influencing factors for successful project development in the mining industry in the last decade.Increasingly, international teams are being established combining skill sets, subject matter experts, unique previous experiences and diverse cultures to deliver mining projects all around the world.This paper explores the characteristics of a highly effective team, the communication and geographic challenges and some potential pitfalls which influence the ability to form effective teams within the mining industry.CITATION:Ebbels, A M and Pratt, D, 2012. A great project team - Bringing together location and culture, in Proceedings Project Evaluation 2012 , pp 197-202 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 24, 2012

By G S. Beros

In 2019 the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued guidelines promoting the implementation of ultra-low emissions in the iron and steelmaking industry. These guidelines aim to drive improvements in air quality through the reduction of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). Secondly, it also represents an initial means to commence decarbonisation of the industry. The ultra-low emissions guidelines propose that well over 80 per cent of China’s production capacity will achieve these targets by 2025. In response, many sintering operations have implemented numerous improvements to the process that result in significant efficiency gains. Of note is the adoption of deep bed sintering where, with some modifications to equipment, the sintering bed depth is increased resulting in sizable reductions of SO2 and NOx emissions. This paper will also provide an overview of the requirements to introduce deep-bed sintering into an operation and highlight test work completed which quantifies the resultant reduction in emissions.

Nov 8, 2021

By A J. Gunson

The Norman B Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, or the Department of Mining Engineering (the Department), at CanadaÆs University of British Columbia (UBC) is addressing the integration of sustainable development concepts into mining education and research on behalf of industry and society. Over the past decade, the DepartmentÆs education and research model has been evolving to incorporate collaborative and multidisciplinary strategies, where sustainability initiatives are taught in classes, supported in research and discussed in a voluntary collective of mostly graduate students û the Sustainability Working Group (SWG). The SWG has brought together a diverse array of disciplines from academia, industry, government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and mining communities. The operational mechanisms and structure of the SWG have enabled momentum to be gained through several multidisciplinary educational and research networking initiatives. It acts to attract new students with diverse backgrounds, foster innovative research, develop relationships and networks, and create the space to discuss progressive ideas and projects. The original cohort of SWG graduate students laid the foundation for sustainable research initiatives within the Department at UBC. Novel research has incorporated topics such as: community resilience, artisanal small-scale mining, sustainability indicators and corporate social responsibility, environmental assessment and impact benefit agreements and the recycling of waste. Propelled by the support of the Department and inspired by the works completed, a host of new graduate students have embarked on their research quests to integrate sustainability principles into their projects. Such projects include: social impacts and benefits of mining, artisanal small-scale mining, community health, the production and transport of mine pollutants, mine waste management, mineral process plant design and the evolution of community education and mine policy. This paper reports on the departmentÆs continuing research and development towards an understanding and evaluations of the ongoing contributions of mining to sustainable development.

Jan 1, 2009

By T M. Nester, D J. Reardon, A N. Page, B J. Barsanti

The load capacity of a friction bolt has long been regarded as 4 t/m of embedment for ground support design analysis and supported by in situ pull test results. In recent years, the authors have observed lower pull test results or inconsistent results which were rarely sighted in the early 2000s. The lower pull test results indicated in some cases that reliable friction bolt capacity (≥90 per cent of results) is closer to 3 t/m of embedment with some geotechnical engineers adjusting the ground support parameters in the design work accordingly. This can be in contrast with other mines which reliably obtain 4 t/m (or greater) using the same suppliers bolt in similar ground conditions. This raised several questions: • What is the effect of poor installation (bolt twist or bolt hole deviation)? • Does the performance of friction bolts vary in different rock masses? • Does bolt performance vary between suppliers? • What effect does increased jumbo feed/percussion/rotation settings have? • Have the bolt dimensions or steel strip width changed? • Have the physical bolt properties changed? • Have the steel properties changed? This paper was aimed to answer as many of these questions as possible and discuss each variable in detail. This project included friction bolt trials at various mine sites across Australia, multiple friction bolt manufacturers, steel manufacturers and laboratory analysis. The paper also includes discussion on what the authors consider best practice for pull testing. It should be noted, the terms ‘friction stabiliser’ and ‘split set’ used in this paper are used in a generic manner and is not linked to any specific ground support supplier. Whilst its acknowledged within the industry the term split set and friction stabiliser is used interchangeably, the authors acknowledge that the term split set is a trademark of Split Set Mining Systems and has been used in context in this paper.

Nov 29, 2022

By M Khanal, J Qin, B Shen, Y Duan, X Luo

Gaining confidence in interpreting rock and strata properties of the coalmine roof is necessary for design, maintenance, modelling and optimisation of roadways supports. One of the key causes of roadway instabilities experienced in underground coalmines is an extreme variable nature (thickness, competence, discontinuities etc) of the coalmine roof. Normally, the thickness and strength of the roof are characterised with the geotechnical and geological data gathered from exploration boreholes, which are drilled often at considerable distances apart. This limited data cannot capture localised geological variations in the coalmine roof. With this background, this paper explores feasibility of using measurement while drilling concept to perform geotechnical characterisation of the coalmine roof. The parameters, for example, penetration rate, rotary speed, torque, sound, vibration, obtained during the drilling process can provide valuable insights into geotechnical properties. The paper describes the progress of the experimental work conducted at the laboratory on synthesized concrete samples representing various rock strata using a field-scale drilling machine. The samples with and without interfaces have been tested to replicate various underground roof strata. The signals returned from the drill machine, as the drill bit passes through the layers, have been analysed and interpreted to characterise whether the drill response data can differentiate various strengths associated with the rock layers. The initial laboratory results are promising as they show distinct responses of the various sample blocks in a controlled environment. The drilling data can differentiate the synthesized rock samples and detect ‘signatures’ of the roof strength variability and delineation of lithological interfaces (transitions). The weight and torque on the bit vary and show dependency on the strength of the blocks.

Nov 29, 2022

By E Jak, P Hayes, J Chen

The paper provides an overview of the various analytical and microanalytical techniques currently in use to characterise the outcomes of pyrometallurgical processes, examining the advantages and limitations of these approaches. Specific focus with be given to quantitative microanalysis techniques including electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation, covering general principles, capabilities and limitations and recent development to address specific challenges associated with analysing molten slag, matte, and alloys, highlighting the necessity of embracing the application of these and other innovative analytical methodologies.

Jun 19, 2024

By T Honeyands

At present we are witnessing large investments in the iron ore industry, fuelled by demand from Asia. At the same time, there is a changing landscape in pricing of iron ores, with the recent demise of the benchmark system and the evolution of market based index pricing systems. From a customer perspective, it is the behaviour of iron ores in downstream processing that gives them their value; their impact on the sintering or pelletising process and subsequently blast furnace ironmaking. It is therefore important to consider this value when developing projects, making mine planning/cut-off grade decisions, and in setting quality price differentials.This paper describes the use of the Marx value in use (VIU) model to quantify the downstream value of iron ores. The Marx model consists of heat and mass balance modules for sintering, pelletising and a rigorous two-stage heat and mass balance model of blast furnace ironmaking. Mass balance and cost models are applied for steelmaking, casting and rolling. The use of a heat and mass balance allows accurate comparison of the impact of raw material properties on blast furnace operation. The impact of minor elements, such as alumina, silica and phosphorus, and metallurgical properties on ironmaking is described, and examples given for the relative value of haematite, Marra Mamba, and channel iron deposit (CID) ores.

Jul 11, 2011

By G P. S Resende, D E. G Oliveira, E A. S Baeta, T F. Bravin

There is currently in the mining industry, as well as in other industries, a movement seeking to increase investments in decarbonisation processes to help combat global warming. Among some initiatives taken is replacing diesel-powered mobile equipment in the mines with electricity-powered equipment, such as electric off-highway trucks or even belt conveyors in the mining operation. Samarco is a Brazilian mining company that since its conception has used a conveyor belt mining system in its mining operation, using only a small number of trucks to complement the mining process. This mining process that combines conveyor belts and trucks has brought environmental gains for the company since the environmental impact of conventional truck-only mining is greater than that of the combined system. To measure these gains, a medium-term mining plan was developed in which two fleet scenarios were detailed. One scenario contemplated a high level of detail of belt mining seeking its maximisation, while the other considered the operation performed 100 per cent by trucks, eliminating the use of conveyor belts. Through the comparison of these two scenarios, it was possible to make an inventory of atmospheric emissions and greenhouse gases for each one of them considering data such as types of equipment, diesel consumption, total distance travelled and energy consumption. The results showed that the fleet scenario with conveyor belts results in periods with up to 15 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions and 37 per cent less total particulates compared with the truck-only scenario. Therefore, the results confirm the environmental benefits of the method and the need to look for ways to even expand it in future operations through a study to identify the potential areas in the long-term mining plan.

Sep 18, 2023

By J Jackson, K Nguyen, A Nguyen, E Manlapig

"With the recent advancement in drill core imaging systems, a large volume of high resolution drill core images can now be rapidly collected and mineralogically classified. This paper introduces a novel semi-automated method for rapid prediction of process engineering parameters from this type of image. The aim is to allow for a rapid and low-cost assessment of the ore processing variability within a mineral deposit with a reduced amount of metallurgical test work. This method will see its application primarily in the project evaluation phase, where proper evaluation of the processing variability of the orebody normally requires a prolonged and costly metallurgical test work program. Applying this image-based texture analysis method on the mineralogical classified drill core images, the ores are classified according to their textures. For each engineering parameter, a small number of physical test work is required to produce a data set for training and testing of the predictive model. The paper also presents a case study in which this method has been applied to predict the A*b parameter used in mineral process plant design.CITATION:Nguyen, A, Jackson, J, Nguyen. K and Manlapig, E, 2016. A New Semi-automated Method to Rapidly Evaluate the Processing Variability of the Orebody, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 145–152 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By M Barkh, F X. Spachtholz

The mining industry faces significant environmental challenges in managing tailing ponds and wastewater treatment, including the risk of contaminated water, breaches of tailing dams, and energy-intensive treatment processes. Traditional methods involve pumping water to secondary treatment facilities for neutralisation, which is costly and poses operational and environmental risks. In response to these challenges, the Professional Mine Water Action Plan (PMAP) introduces a revolutionary approach that combines cutting-edge AI technology and environmentally friendly reagents for in situ neutralisation of acidic wastewater. PMAP leverages magnesium-based slowrelease reagents and AI-driven intelligent dispensing systems to optimise treatment processes within the tailing pond itself. The unmanned smart dispensing vessel (USDV) conducts bathymetry to gather data on water quality and hydrography, allowing the system to determine the appropriate reagent quantity and injection strategy. This approach transforms the tailing pond into virtual reaction columns, enabling individual and simultaneous water treatment while optimising efficiency. PMAP’s novel reagent demonstrates exceptional efficacy in removing critical metals like cobalt, nickel, and copper, as well as reducing harmful metals such as mercury and manganese to undetectable concentrations. Unlike traditional lime-based treatments, PMAP’s reagent prevents gypsum formation and reduces waste volume significantly, improving reagent utilisation and solid waste handling. Furthermore, PMAP technology offers benefits beyond environmental stewardship. By reducing water treatment costs and improving resource management, it enhances operational efficiency and aligns with broader corporate sustainability goals. Additionally, PMAP expedites permitting processes by eliminating the need for traditional water treatment infrastructure and mitigating risks associated with hazardous reagent transportation. Integrating PMAP as a pre-treatment for existing lime facilities provides further benefits, including optimisation of treatment operations, reduced reagent consumption, and the recovery of valuable metals from generated sludges. Overall, PMAP represents a groundbreaking advancement in mining wastewater management, showcasing the transformative potential of AI and environmentally friendly solutions to foster sustainable and responsible mining practices globally. Its inaugural project in the Yukon Territory aims to demonstrate its capability to remove contaminants from mine water, paving the way for widespread adoption in the industry.

Sep 1, 2024

By G Marling, A Calderon, J Harris, P Kirsch, M Shi, D Sprott, A Kirsch

Large-scale infrastructure construction needs to comprehensively manage risks that can impact the health and well-being of many people, from workers (temporary, contracted or full time), to families and surrounding communities. This paper starts with an analysis of incidents (injury, fatality, other damage) in tunnel construction between 2000 and 2014 and assesses the distribution of these events by continent, year, and severity of outcomes. These incidents are then analysed and mapped to a framework of hazards derived from RISKGATE (2014). A comparative register of current tunnel construction risk management guidance is derived from current Australian codes of practice and this register is also mapped to the RISKGATE framework of hazards to identify where coal industry knowledge may offer utility to the tunnelling industry.An initiative of the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP), RISKGATE is an interactive online risk management system developed to assist the mining industry in implementing continual improvement in the management of major unwanted events. To date, a comprehensive knowledge base has been captured for risk management of tyres, collisions, fires, isolation, strata underground, ground control open cut, explosions, explosives, outbursts, coal bumps and bursts, human/machine interface, manual tasks, slips/trips/falls, inrush and occupational hygiene. By capturing operational knowledge from industry experts, RISKGATE provides a cumulative corporate memory at a time of high personnel turnover in the coal industry.This paper proposes and outlines how knowledge within the RISKGATE platform could be applied to managing the significant health and safety risks associated with tunnelling. The authors suggest that to varying degrees the knowledge already captured in RISKGATE is likely to be transferable to tunnelling construction operations. Please note that this paper focuses on tunnel construction and does not address risk management of tunnels in operation (eg road transportation or utility networks).CITATION:Kirsch, P, Kirsch, A, Calderon, A, Marling, G, Harris, J, Shi, M and Sprott, D, 2014. Management of health and safety in tunnelling – application of Australian coal mining knowledge, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 563–572 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

By A Seneviratne, Y Li, N Udugampola, X Ai, B Li

LoRa (Long Range) is a low-power, long-range wireless communication technology that has gained significant research interest for its potential use in multi-hop linear wireless sensor networks (LWSNs) for underground mines. These networks deploy LoRa-enabled sensor nodes in underground mines, together with LoRa repeaters placed along mine tunnels to relay sensor data to a LoRa gateway, which connects to a backend network for application-level processing. Since the packets generated by sensor nodes farthest from the gateway have to hop through many repeaters, their probability of successfully reaching the gateway is significantly lower due to the higher chance of packet collisions compared to sensor nodes closer to the gateway, resulting in a lack of network fairness for the sensor nodes. In this paper, we first present an algorithm to improve the fairness of a LoRa LWSN by grouping neighbouring nodes and adjusting the number of packet re-transmissions and transmission intervals for each group. Then, we demonstrate that the fairness of a simulated LoRa LWSN can be improved by approximately 500 per cent by applying our algorithm. We verify our algorithm with network simulations under different network traffic levels and grouping strategies, obtaining fairness improvements in each scenario. Our algorithm and results will pave the way towards developing highly fair LWSNs for underground mining applications.

Sep 1, 2024

By W B. Edgar, S C. Dominy

High-nugget effect vein-gold systems are generally considered to be one of the most challenging of deposit types to evaluate and exploit. To potential investors and mining companies, they are viewed as high risk because of the associated uncertainties in the grade estimate and general paucity of Ore Reserves at production start-up. However, despite the well-known risks, these deposits often have a grade upside that makes them potentially attractive. The reporting of resource grade is of importance and perhaps even more so is the reporting of the associated uncertainty attached to the grade estimate. The use of the grade estimate supported by a grade range is recommended to achieve more complete and useful disclosure. The definition of the grade range can be somewhat subjective, ranging from opinion based estimates through to data-based estimates and geostatistical conditional simulation. Whichever method used, the over-riding issue must be the provision of enough data of appropriate quality and full disclosure to the public of relevant uncertainties.CITATION:Dominy, S C and Edgar, W B, 2012. Approaches to reporting grade uncertainty in high-nugget gold vein projects, in Proceedings Project Evaluation 2012 , pp 95-108 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 24, 2012

By J R. Ruiseco, D La Rosa, L Julian, W Hunt

The DeGrussa copper-gold deposit is located 900 km North of Perth. Copper-gold bearing massive sulfide lenses occur in lower greenschist facies meta-sedimentary and mafic volcanics of the Bryah Basin. Regional folding, faulting, and tilting of the stratigraphy primarily occurred during the Capricorn Orogen (Johnson, 2013). The Shiraz Fault and Merlot Fault are regional oblique-sinistral faults that offset the DeGrussa massive sulfides lenses into three fault blocks by ~350 m and ~120 m, respectively. A network of deposit-scale brittle-ductile faults splay from, and in one example are cut by, the Shiraz and Merlot faults. This results in localised ore displacement, selvage alteration and degradation of the rock mass integrity. Historically, only the Shiraz and Merlot Faults were modelled and validated during mining and grade control. The requirement for a comprehensive structural model became more relevant as mining became advanced and confining stresses on local rock mass became more complicated. The DeGrussa Structural Model has been developed to delineate areas of structural complexity and is an important tool in mitigating rockfall risk through well informed technical design. During this process, every accessible excavation was walked and structurally mapped. New workflows in Leapfrog Geo and new technology, including an app that runs on mobile phones streamlined the validation process. Drill hole orientation was a limiting factor during validation. At the time of writing this submission, the DeGrussa Structural Model consists of 34 faults, and is now an important tool for the Technical Service team when developing mine plans and schedules. Applied structural geology is often seen as exclusive to those with a PhD in the field. Faults at DeGrussa have been modelled and reconciled by a Mine Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer, using first principles geological characterisation. This is a simple process that demonstrates any geologist can contribute to a structural model, provided they understand the fundamentals of unbiased structural measurements and consistent record of observation

Mar 22, 2022