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By D Hill

In the Ngakuru area zeolite deposits occur in late Quaternary lacustrine vitric tuffs of the Ngakuru Formation and two of the deposits are being mined. The Ngakuru Formation overlies the Ohakuri Ignimbrite dated at c. 240 ka, and is overlain by younger alluvial sands and gravels. Individual zeolite deposits contain 50 - 80 per cent zeolite over a thickness of up to 45 m in thinly stratified vitric tuffs and are localised along NE-trending normal faults. Glass shards in the tuffs are replaced by the silica-rich zeolites mordenite and clinoptilolite. Amorphous silica (opal A), opal-CT, Kfeldspar and smectite are also present. The zeolites and other minerals are very fine grained (<10 8m), with open meshes of crystals that result in high porosities (52 - 70 per cent) in mordenite-rich tuffs. Zeolitic tuff samples typically have cation exchange capacities of 80 to 110 meq/100 g and internal surface areas of 25 - 58 m2/g, which combine to give high liquid and odour absorption capacities. The first zeolite deposit (Mangatete) was found in 1992, and this and the Twist Road deposit are worked by quarry benching into the side of hills. The zeolitic tuffs are dried and crushed to produce a variety of products including adsorbents for soaking up oil/chemical spills and animal wastes, animal feed supplements, water treatment, and sports turf and slow release fertiliser. The Ngakuru zeolite deposits formed at shallow depth (<100 m) along fault zones from reaction of glass-rich tuff beds with groundwater-diluted geothermal water during the late Quaternary, and are as young as 8500 yr BP from 14C dating of plant material in sinter associated with the Mangatete deposit.

Jan 1, 2005

By Loughnan FC

There are some thirteen laboratories in Australia in which coal petrological work is carried out on a consistent and routine basis. Applied coal petrological research is conducted by several institutions in different disciplines which can be grouped into four main categories:

Jan 1, 1989

The Effect of Mineral Liberation on the Floatabilities of Pyrite, Arsenopyrite and Arsenian Pyrite for Carlin Trend Ores

Sep 13, 2010

Before presenting this address I desire to express my appreciation of the honour which has been conferred on me by my election as iPresident of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. At this stage it might not be out of place to recall that Broken Hill was the birthplace of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, originally formed as the Australasian Institute of Mining Engineers in 1893.In selecting for my address the topic of "The Broken Hill Mining Industry and its Contribution to the Economy of Australia" I realise it is impossible to cover fully every aspect of the nation's economy which owes all or part of its origin to the Broken Hill field. Nevertheless, I feel that some attempt should be made to give credit to the Broken Hill mining industry for its part in the progress which Australia has made over the past seventy years.. If we care to reflect for a moment it soon becomes apparent that, not only is the Broken Hill mining industry an important producer of base metals for domestic and overseas consumption, but its profits have provided the means whereby many of Australia's leading secondary industries have been established or built up. Examples which come to mind are the founding of the iron and steel industry by the Broken Hill Proprietary Company; the establishment of plants at Port Pirie in South Australia, and at Risdon in Tasmania, for the production of metallic lead and zinc; and also at Port Kembla for the smelting of copper ores. From profits derived from operations at Broken Hill, capital has also been provided to assist other new essential...

Jan 1, 1956

The greater part of this paper comprises the material used in a lecture delivered to the South Queensland Branch of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in September, 1949. It contains little in the way of original matter, its main purpose being to call attention to the need for research into the properties of Queensland coals and to indicate some of the lines such investigations might profitably follow.Since the lecture was given the Powell Duffryn (1949) 1 report, which has made an excellent start along these lines, has been printed. This report is, however, only a beginning, though a big one, and there is ample room for many years of work along similar lines.The paper is based largely on the work of de Jersey (1946, 1949)2,3,4,5 and Jones and de Jersey (1947)6, but these workers in turn owe a debt to the work of many British and American investigators, too many to enumerate. The subject is a very large one-to deal with it fully would require not a paper but a book; all the author can hope to do is to discuss very briefly some of the main lines of investigation and indicate some of their applications.The reason for selecting Queensland coals in particular is the widespread ignorance of the extent of the coal resources of that State and the almost complete ignorance, to within the last year, of the modern industrial purposes to...

Jan 1, 1950

By Y Öztas, S McKinley, T Baker

The Kisladag Mine, Turkey, is a large porphyry gold deposit which is mined by open pit methods. In operation for over ten years, Kisladag provides an excellent example of how attention to a geologic feature, namely hydrothermal alteration, became a very effective predictive geological tool for planning and operation. The alteration domains were initially used as a geological tool to assist with establishment of resource model domains and to guide delineation drilling, but they were soon recognised to be correlative to geotechnical characteristics (affecting pit slope angles) and metallurgical performance (heap leach recoveries). Recent developments in spectral processing allow the systematic quantification of complex overlapping alteration phases and have greatly improved the ability to rapidly define internally consistent alteration domains for geotechnical and geometallurgical purposes.Alteration at Kisladag comprises a central core potassic (K-feldspar-biotite) zone, a tourmaline-white mica enveloping zone, an advanced argillic lithocap on the deposit’s eastern side and an overprinting pervasive argillic zone. These alteration zones and their distribution were based initially on strictly qualitative, visual mineralogical logging of diamond drill core. With the need for more accurate and consistent identification of the alteration mineral suites, particularly the phyllosilicate phases, logging was augmented by systematic measurement of spectral data using a Terraspec instrument.Recently the Kisladag spectral database (over 85 000 readings) was reprocessed by the newly developed methodology (aiSIRIS™) that allows relative quantification of the spectrally-responsive minerals. Visualising this transformed spectral mineralogy at various mineral concentration thresholds using implicit modelling software (Leapfrog®) led to the creation of consistent mineralogical and alteration domains that are used for the definition of geotechnical and geometallurgical parameters. An implicit modelling workflow enables these domains to be easily updated as new data is collected while maintaining geological integrity of the model.CITATION:McKinley, S, Baker, T and Öztas, Y, 2017. Alteration at Kisladag gold mine, Turkey – a progressive study in geology, geotechnics and geometallurgy, in Proceedings Tenth International Mining Geology Conference 2017, pp 51–62 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 20, 2017

By Segnit E. R

Results are reported of a study of the reactions occurringin the combustion of chaIcopyrite particles underconditions simulating those in the shaft of a flashsmelter.The reactions were studied using kinetic and mineralogicaltechniques. Reactions. rates above 500°C wererapid, most of the reaction taking place in less than 50ms. Final products were copper-iron ferrites with spineltype structures. Probable reaction mechanisms are discussed.

Jan 1, 1977

By D Mcleod, S Brindley, S Green

The design and engineering of flotation circuits is driven by numerous inputs, including (in no particular order) testwork outcomes, site considerations, type of separation required, energy sensitivity of the flotation response, personal experience and preference for flotation machines, maintenance access requirements, operability, level of automation and capital constraints.This paper discusses these and other issues in the Australian context and covers the flotation of copper/gold ores and polymetallic (copper/lead/zinc) ores. The paper discusses aspects of the following: how should testwork be done and what are the important inputs and outcomes? how should testwork results be interpreted and how does this impact on equipment selection? what processes can have a critical impact on flotation circuit performance, eg thickening and regrind? what options are available with the typical æflatÆ Australia site? how do you minimise capital cost and what impact can this have on flotation circuit operation and maintenance? how should circuits be controlled and operated? Particular focus is placed on some practical aspects of process design and engineering and the potential impact that engineering decisions can have on flotation plant operation.

Jan 1, 2005

The physical setting and background to mining operations on Misima Island and the overall plant lay-out are outlined. Developments and changes made to each section of the plant are described as they were encountered during commissioning and initial operation.

Jan 1, 1991

By H W. Wu, D Humphreys

The structure of a comprehensive research project into mine fires study applying the Ventgraph mine fire simulation software, preplanning of escape scenarios and general interaction with rescue responses is outlined. The project has Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) funding and also relies on substantial mining company site support. This practical input from mine operators is essential and allows the approach to be introduced in the most creditable way. The effort is built around the introduction of fire simulation computer software to the Australian mining industry and the consequent modelling of fire scenarios in selected different mine layouts. Application of the simulation software package to the changing mine layouts requires experience to achieve realistic outcomes. Most Australian mines of size currently use a ventilation network simulation program. Under the project a small subroutine has been written to transfer the input data from the existing mine ventilation network simulation program to æVentgraphÆ. This has been tested successfully. To understand fire simulation behaviour on the mine ventilation system, it is necessary to understood the possible effects of mine fires on various mine ventilation systems correctly first. Case studies demonstrating the possible effects of fires on some typical Australian coal mine ventilation circuits have been examined. The situation in which there is some gas make at the face and effects with fire have also been developed to emphasise how unstable and dangerous situations may arise. The primary objective of the part of the study described in this paper is to use mine fire simulation software to gain better understanding of how spontaneous combustion initiated fires can interact with the complex ventilation behaviour underground during a substantial fire. It focuses on the simulation of spontaneous combustion sourced heatings that develop into open fires. Further, it examines ventilation behaviour effects of spontaneous combustion initiated pillar fires and examines the difficulties these can be present if a ventilation reversal occurs. It also briefly examines simulation of use of the inertisation to assist in mine recovery. Mine fires are recognised across the world as a major hazard issue. New approaches allowing improvement in understanding their consequences have been developed as an aid in handling this complex area.

Jan 1, 2005

By D M. Menne

This paper is intended to give a general review of current gold extraction technology for free-milling or non-refractory auriferous ores. Fundamental process concepts and some of the differences between the current technologies is referred to. Typical flowsheets and layouts are provided and it is demonstrated that technology for extracting free-milling gold is relatively simple. For environmentally sensitive areas such as encountered in New Zealand relevant cyanide decay and destruction technology is also discussed. Brief mention is made of some likely future innovations. Finally reference is made of New Zealand's previous significant contribution to gold extraction technology. These contributions were pioneering ranging from the cyanide leaching of gold to adsorption by carbon and precipitation by zinc. New Zealand has not allowed its potential gold projects to develop at a rate commensurate with the rest of the world thereby stifling its renowned innovative approach in this technology. It is time for New Zealand mining to recognise its unique opportunities in developing gold extraction technology and again take a rightful place in leading the way.

Jan 1, 1986

By Arndt C. R

The Ispat Mexicana SA de CV (IMEXSA) pelletising plant is located at Lazaro Cardenas on the west coast of Mexico. It is the primary source of feed stock for the adjacent direct reduction (DR) plants and steelmaking facilities. The initial design of the pellet plant began in 1981 for 3 Mtpa of DR grade pellets using local concentrate received by pipeline.' Several construction delays, an ownership change, and a decision to use imported concentrates delivered in 60 000 to 90 000 tonnes ship cargoes required flowsheet modifications and additions. The design concepts are described for the plant which includes concentrate regrind to final pelletising particle size.

Jan 1, 1999

By D P. Sainsbury, B L. Sainsbury, A Vakili, H-D Paetzold, P Lourens

The cave propagation behaviour of a jointed rock mass is strongly governed by the unique nature of joints and discontinuities, together with the intact strength of rock bridges that make up the rock fabric. A discrete finite difference (DFD) modelling technique has been developed to allow for the detailed consideration of the rock mass structural fabric at many scales and through many different stress paths that can be used for complex mine-scale analysis. The DFD methodology uses interfaces to explicitly represent large-scale structures and ubiquitous joints embedded within the simulated rock mass matrix to characterise intermediate structures. Through simulated testing of DFD materials, properties such as strength anisotropy and scale effects can be obtained. This paper discusses the successful application of implementing a DFD modelling technique for the back-analysis of caving-induced subsidence behaviour of Lift 1 at the Palabora mine.CITATION:Sainsbury, D P, Sainsbury, B L, Paetzold, H-D, Lourens, P and Vakili, A, 2016. Caving-induced subsidence behaviour of Lift 1 at the Palabora block cave mine, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 415–426 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

This Department handles all ores prior to blast-furnacing, the object of the operations being to mix the lead-bearing material with fiuxes, eliminate sulphur from the mixture, and produce a homogeneous sintered product which is chemically and physically suitable for treatment in the blast furnaces.During the financial year ended the 30th June, 1937, the tonnage of charge treated was 458,960 tons, containing some 183,470 tons of lead and 8,504,000 oz. of silver.The quantities of the principal components of the charge treated were as follow:-

Jan 1, 1937

The AusIMM/AMIC code for reporting Reserves seeks to improve the calibre of professional reporting on this subject. But have they gone far enough? Should the code appreciate that the degree of reliability of estimates required will vary with the type of mining planned? How does one "confirm continuity" as required by the code? The aim of optimum development drilling is to achieve appropriate ore zone definition for acceptable estimates of reserves and their economic extraction. Can this procedure be in conflict with the code? How does it affect finance decisions?

Jan 1, 1989

To form a true picture of the early history of Queensland, we must think of white settlement advancing like an incoming tide, wave by wave; each wave lapping ahead a little further than the last. The credit for opening up the country belongs to a large number of pioneers, each of whom pushed out just a little further than his predecessors.Contrary to what one might expect, Rockhampton district was settled by overlanders from the south and not from the ocean side. When the Archers, the pioneers of the Rockhampton district, reached Gracemere in 1853, settlement had already made its way down the valley of the Dawson River; for it was from Leith Hay's station at Rannes (a few miles below Mount Morgan) that the Archers advanced northward into the unknown, to find the river that the explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt, had told them must enter the sea somewhere near the Tropic of Capricorn.The Archers travelled northward from Rannes up the valley of the Dee, coming out on the edge of the Razorback Range not very far from the point at which the Dawson Valley Highway drops over into Poison Creek. (Their diary records the bearings from a lookout point to various peaks around Rockhampton, and to-day, by plotting back from these peaks, we can determine the exact spot at which they descended on to the Fitzroy Flats.) We can be certain, then, that they must have been the first white men to set eyes on Mount Morgan; though to them it would have seemed to be nothing more than an insignificant hill...

Jan 1, 1939

The Mineralogical Researches of Gold Ores and Technological Products at Operating Factory in Olympiada Mine (Russia)

Sep 13, 2010

Theories of ore genesis. have both practical and philosophical application-practical in that they influence our search for new ore bodies; philosophical in that they provide a test for our theories of petrogenesis-and our ingenuity.For example, the theory of granitization requires an explanation of ore genesis compatible with the general concepts of granitization.Our understanding of some processes of ore formation, such as supergene enrichment, or the formation of residual lateritic iron ores, is so complete as to permit of nq controversy.For other ores, like the oolitic iron ores of England and France, and elsewhere, or the segregations of chromite or ilmenite in basic igneous rocks, the broad principles are generally agreed on; dispute is limited to details of process.But for a wide range of ore deposits there is no such agreement. Completely incompatible hypotheses are advanced to explain' identical facts, and we have difficulty in finding new facts or criteria that will distinguish unambiguously between them.In thinking about such ores, a co:n;venient starting point is provided by Schneiderhohn's (1953) fourfold division of ore deposits:1. The secondary hydrothermal ore deposits occurring in Mesozoic-Neozoic cover strata of Europe.2. The "regenerated" younger ore deposits in Alpine type mountain chains.3. Post-Cambrian primary hydrothermal ore deposits.4. Ore deposits of the PreCambrian shields.To these we may add a fifth group:5. Stratigraphically controlled sulphide deposits.

Jan 1, 1956

The area around Big Bell was actively explored and sporadically mined for gold from 1904 onwards. The lease was named Big Bell in 1913. The property became established as a major mining centre with the development of the Big Bell underground mine in 1936. Mining operations commenced in late 1937 and ceased in January 1955, after milling 5.56 million tonnes of ore and producing nearly 21 tonnes of gold. In 1969 Australian Consolidated Minerals Ltd (A.C.M.) acquired the deposit then explored it alone and in joint venture until the current joint venture agreement with a subsidiary of Placer Pacific Limited (PPL) was negotiated in 1984. Following exploration and evaluation of near surface mineralisation, and a reassessment of the remnant pillars underground, the concept of a large open pit in conjunction with an underground mine evolved. The feasibility study was completed in October 1987, and the decision to go ahead was formally announced on 2nd December 1987. Placer Dome Technical Services Ltd were contracted to be the Project Managers, commencing construction on site early in January 1988 and handing the plant over to the operators 13 months later. The capital cost of the project at handover was estimated to be $133 million. The operating team commenced pre-production stripping of the open pit on 1st May 1988. By 31st January 1989 almost 16.0 million tonnes had been stripped and 350,000 tonnes of ore stockpiled.

Jan 1, 1989

By Shepherd J

Megascopic and microscopic studies of cleats and mining induced cleavage in Ihe first workings at Leichhardt Colliery reveal the presence of four distinct fracture sets. Microscopic studies confirm underground observations of the fracture sets.The most likely order of formation of the fractures is (i) "butt" cleats (ii) facc cleats (iii) shallow dipping faults (iv) mining induced cleavage. Three fracture sets apparently formed by tensiIe failure. Microscopy shows that the mining induced cleavage surfaces have preferred starting or lerminating points at the extremity of a "butt" cleat and a vitrite-dull coal band boundary. It is postulated that the induced cleavage begins at 'butt' cleats which behave as Griffith flaws under high compression around Leichhardt Colliery faces. Instantaneous outbursts of coal and gas are associated with only those workings which are affected by mining induced cleavage and occur at or adjacent to working faces.

Jan 1, 1981