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In 1556, Agricola noted that "a prudent owner, before he buys shares, ought to go to the mine and carefully examine the nature of the vein, for it is very important that he should be on his guard lest fraudulent sellers of shares should deceive him"(1). In today's world, the owner rarely has the opportunity to visit the mine and, instead of reading about the `nature of the vein' in annual reports, prospectuses, government publications, et cetera he sees the words `reserves' and `resources'. Unfortunately, the subject of reserves and resources has become increasingly complex and Canadians, along with their counterparts in Australia and elsewhere, are still struggling with definitions which will attempt to cover all conceivable circumstances from national or regional resource endowment to the material to be extracted next week from a given stope or open pit bench. The providers and recipients of reserve and resource data are: - Government agencies who are concerned with questions of national endowment, strategic use of raw materials and other questions of public policy. - Stockholders who have a vested interest in the basic assets of their companies. - Financiers who are concerned about the security of their loans. - Regulatory bodies whose function is to protect a frequently naive investor from unscrupulous practices. - Management, at head office and on-site, who need basic information for decision-making, whether it be to open up a new mine, expand or close an existing operation, acquire or merge with other entities, or, more mundanely, for routine mine planning. To satisfy their demands with unanimously accepted definitions is a formidable task but, it is my impression that, little by little, a concensus appears to be growing within the industry.

Jan 1, 1987

By R Stimpson, B Johnson, B Hesse

During a period of twelve months between FY18-19, a series of trials were conducted to compare production drilling accuracy using two different methodologies, and the subsequent impact this had on stope performance (dilution and recovery). Testing was conducted at a series of underground mines in Australia. The drill rig’s existing alignment processes were compared to a new technology system, with the following observations: • The new technology was proven to limit rig alignment error, thereby reducing average blasthole deviation, resulting in an increase in the number of holes drilled within tolerance by up to 160%. • The increased accuracy reduced stope dilution significantly by reducing over-break of subgrade ore, whilst also increasing drilled meters (faster stope-cycle time), reducing the bridged tonnes ratio, and facilitating the capture of previously uneconomical stopes. A cost-benefit analysis extrapolated from each of the trials showed the extent to which the new technology, when applied to production data, reduced average dilution, increased ore recovery as well as general drill and blast productivity. In one such trial, the new technology was proven to have reduced average dilution by net 45.4%, which if applied to a full year’s production data, would result in AUD8.2M additional ore recovered, with AUD4.5M less spent on wasted cost of haulage and processing of diluted ore. As a result, return per tonne would increase 22%, from AUD87 to AUD106. This improvement was maintained over the following 12 months – reducing average dilution from 22% in FY17 to 12.1% in FY19.

Mar 15, 2021

By J Pearce, R Ramanathan

hortly after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, the words ‘social distancing’ entered the global lexicon. The effects on the public of social distancing, lockdowns and travel bans are well documented. They also present unique challenges to the mining industry. For Hexagon’s Mining division, this posed a significant challenge. We have built our business – our reputation – on regional, customer-focused service and support. True to Hexagon’s values of being professional, engaged and customer-focused, we innovated to overcome the distance dilemma. Making automation a reality for our customers by implementing and supporting technology projects from a distance has helped deepen partnerships by making it easier to tap into our global experts’ knowledge. For example: • Body cameras were at the heart of a successful safety installation at a mine in Ghana. Despite the pandemic lockdown preventing travel by our South Africa staff into Ghana, the project was completed with minimal delays. • Traditionally, implementation and training for our Blast Movement Technology solution is done physically at the mine site. With COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, we have developed and successfully employed a remote deployment methodology. • Using RealWearTM headsets in the field and utilising the knowledge management platform from HINDSITE, Hexagon workshop technicians have been able to support hardware repairs in local offices, which once would have been undertaken in our overseas offices. • The same headset is being utilised to provide clients with remote mentoring sessions by our skilled team members who are based in our regional locations and unable to travel to their site without extensive quarantine commitments. • In instances where our team members have had to travel to site, we have provided consumer technology such as VR headsets to help them cope with long periods of quarantine to and from site. Post-pandemic, Hexagon will continue to refine and improve this method of working. INTRODUCTION Shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 (COVID) a pandemic, the words ‘social distancing’ entered the global lexicon. As governments, healthcare organisations and the public scrambled to respond to the crisis, one thing became abundantly clear: isolation was and, for most of us, still is the key to maintaining our health. Hexagon, a leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions, was well positioned to pivot and assist in the global response to the crisis. From simulations of the effects of social distancing to mapping the spread of COVID in real time, to drone technology delivering COVID tests, to providing communities with transparent geospatial information, Hexagon solutions continue to help ensure that innovation is readily available to those who need it most during uncertain times. The effects on the public of social distancing, lockdowns and travel bans are well documented. They also present unique challenges to the mining industry.

Jun 22, 2022

The development of the Moura Coal Preparation Plant is described, commencing with the first'stage of the plant commissioned in 1963. The subsequent expansion stages are traced through to October, 1973. The plant has undergone frequent stages of expansion and modification and this process is continuing. The development programme for 1974 is described as proposed in late 1973. The characteristics of the Moura and Kianga field coal seams with respect to washability are summarised and some comment is made on the blending of these coals prior to washing, to ensure production of export grade coal within specification.

Jan 1, 1974

By H Thanasekaran, M J. Mankosa, J N. Kohmuench, G H. Luttrell

"Fluidised-bed flotation has been demonstrated over the last 16 years as an effective method for improving the flotation recovery of coarse particles. This technology has been successfully deployed into the industrial mineral sector with multiple installations within phosphate beneficiation plants and potash mills. Due to the minimal mineral surface expression required when utilising this technology, more recent studies have centred on the applicability of using this HydroFloat™ technology for the recovery of coarse sulfides and base metals. Multiple approaches have been investigated to determine the best means for implementing this novel coarse particle flotation system into both existing and new plant circuitry. These include the treatment of tailings to recover values that have been lost using conventional technologies and also the direct treatment of a coarse feed, either within the grinding circuit or by use of a separate split-feed flotation approach. Recent applications of the technology will be presented along with data generated from several test campaigns and ongoing research investigations. The benefits of properly applying this technology, such as reduced power consumption and increased mill capacity will be discussed.Citation:Kohmuench, J N, Thanasekaran, H, Mankosa, M J and Luttrell, G H, 2016. The Impact of Fluidised-bed Flotation for Treating Coarse Sulfides, in Proceedings 13th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference 2016, pp 105–112 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Oct 10, 2016

The preamble to the mining Act sets out that such Act is to provide for the encouragement and regulation of mining within the State of Queensland. This paper will attempt to follow the legislative path of such aim and in particular to show what part Mining Wardens play in the administration of the Mining Act.The Mining Act empowers the Governor in Council to constitute Mining Districts and Mining Fields and to appoint any duly qualified officer of the Public Service of Queensland to be a Warden or a Mining Registrar. As a matter of practice Stipendiary Magistrates who hold office in the major centre within a Mining District are appointed Wardens and Clerks of the Court are appointed Mining Registrars. In some districts where there is no Stipendiary Magistrate the Clerk of the Court is appointed an Acting Warden with all the powers of a Warden. Every Warden so appointed is a Warden for the whole State.To achieve impartiality Section 74 of the Mining Act provides that a Warden shall not hold or be entitled (directly or indirectly) to the benefits of any share or interest in a mining tenement or mining venture and provides a penalty of $1000 or imprisonment for six months or both, for contravention of such section.

Jan 1, 1986

The reduction in the number and duration of machinery and equipment failures is an important source of economical efficiency enhancement in the Polish coal mining industry.Non-dismantling methods have been thus developed to evaluate the technical state of machines. Among these viroacoustical methods are the most effectively employed. Two-directional organisation of the testing can be chosen, such as periodical and continuous inspection. The monitoring methods for ball bearing, rope tension uniformity, longwall shearers, main fans and shafts installations etc. Instrumentation for monitoring measurements are either of intrinsically - safe or explosion - proof construction, which enables using them in a gas-hazard atmosphere. The development of these procedures has led to the trials to insert the diagnostic methods into the organisational scheme of a coal mine.

Jan 1, 1991

Process variables in flotation circuits are outlined with a view to producing mathematical models of circuits. The nature of the kinetics of flotation are discussed and the effect of process variables on the kinetics considered. An approach for a possible model is briefly outlined.

Jan 1, 1971

By B D. Saffron

In 1983, open cut coal mining operations were suspended at the Tent Mountain coalmine, located in Alberta, Canada in an area called Crowsnest Pass. Montem Resources (‘Montem’), an Australian mining company, purchased the asset in 2016. They conducted several drilling campaigns and undertook environmental monitoring with the intent to restart operations. In 2020, Montem completed a Definitive Feasibility Study, which indicated a mine life of more than 14 years.

Aug 2, 2023

Nauru Phosphate, which is one of the world's highest grade deposits discovered to date, contributed in 1969, 2.2 million tons of the total world production of 77.7 million tons. Phosphate production, which is the major source of revenue for the island nation, is carried out by the Nauru Phosphate Corporation, headed by a Government appointed Board of Directors. The complete mining operation, including ship loading techniques, is discussed along with proposals at present being investigated to upgrade the Quality of the product.

Jan 1, 1971

By C Dell

Hillgrove, situated on the New England plateau of New South Wales, is an area rich in history and resources. Key resources are predominantly antimony, gold and scheelite and the area surrounding the historical field is environmentally sensitive and topographically challenging. Since acquiring the Hillgrove leases, Straits Hillgrove Gold has undertaken a significant exploration program on these historical mining areas with the goal to return the field to production. This exploration program has enabled Straits to significantly increase the resource base and has subsequently enabled the planned redevelopment of Hillgrove to be realised. In October 2006, installation of mining infrastructure and the initial stripping of existing development had commenced. To successfully redevelop Hillgrove, Straits has had to adopt a highly mechanised, trackless, diesel mining operation which will see the production rate commence at an initial rate of 250 kt/a of ore from a narrow vein environment. This ore will be processed on site to produce antimony metal, gold bullion and a scheelite concentrate.

Jan 1, 2008

By M Watkinson

Tube bundle monitoring systems have come a long way from their first introduction to coal mining in the late 1960s/1970s. Early developments in the United Kingdom (UK) commenced with single gas analysers (carbon monoxide) and quickly moved towards introducing oxygen analysers and methane analysers for improved analysis, in particular the calculation of air-free results. Recommendations were made in the early days as to how and where to run tubes and on the matching of sample pump and purge pump pressures. Current Australian installations are commonly based on a four-gas multianalyser, infrared for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane, and paramagnetic for oxygen. These systems are controlled with programmable logic controllers (PLC), with component monitoring as an integral part of the software. This paper discusses the development of tube bundle systems from the 1960s to the current date and looks at the advantages and disadvantages of the installations, along with making operational recommendations to be considered with the siting of the analyser building, running of tubes and maintenance of the system.CITATION:Watkinson, M, 2015. Developments in tube bundle gas monitoring, in Proceedings The Australian Mine Ventilation Conference, pp 259–266 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 31, 2015

In the flotation of fine particles, problems arise which do not occur with coarse-ground pulps. For example, the presence of colloidal or near-colloid- al gangue particles gives rise to ex- cessive entrainment in the froth, with reduced grade as a consequence. If the values themselves are finely dissemi- nated, the recovery usually decreases as the particles diminish in size, so a low recovery is combined with poor grade. Sutherland and Wark (1955) referred to the complications arising from the presence of fines, indicating (p.382) that fine grinding "introduces diffi- culties that have not yet been satis- factorily overcome". At the time of writing, very little work has been done on fines flotation specifically, yet the groundwork has been well laid. The availability of better scientific instruments, together with the general advance of understanding in a wide variety of relevant research fields, has taken us a long way toward finding the reasons behind the problems as- sociated with fines, and also toward finding practical solutions. It would be useful to define what is meant by "fine" particles before going further. To some extent, the definition is somewhat elastic as far as flotation is concerned, because the density of the particles has a bearing on whether or not they act as fines. But in general we are dealing with particles less than about 20 pm in Diameter.

Jan 1, 1984

By L Mackinlay

The Apeketon Business Hub in Lihir, Papua New Guinea, emerged in 2019 through a partnership between Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) and Lihir Gold Limited (LGL), a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation. This development was driven by a shared vision for the Lihir gold mining operation to further enhance opportunities for the local community and strengthen the economy’s resilience post-mine. At its core, the business hub serves as the epicentre of ABV’s operations in the region. It includes a drop-in resource centre which provides the community with mentoring and consulting services, and access to a range of impactful workshops facilitated by ABV’s local staff and skilled volunteers. These workshops focus on local Lihirians but are open to the entire community, including Newmont employees. We design and continually refine Apeketon Business Hub support programs and offerings driven by community priorities, building trust through long-term relationships, and working side-by-side on real-time challenges. We offer three core programs to different levels of the community, from individuals and families to start-ups, large corporations, and landowner groups. There is significant demand for the support services provided by ABV, with over 350 Lihirians participating in our workshops over the 2023 calendar year. One of the hub’s core offerings is the Family Money Management Program, which addresses crucial challenges faced by Lihir households, particularly in terms of financial resilience. The program takes a comprehensive approach, assisting families in long-term planning and developing skills to effectively manage the income they derive from their employment with LGL and other enterprises. Significantly, the program also addresses financial stress, a factor often associated with domestic violence (Fox et al, 2002). By empowering women and promoting joint financial decision-making, the Family Money Management Program fosters a culture of savings and improved financial management, ultimately enhancing economic resilience within the community.

Sep 1, 2024

By S Casas Castellanos

"Tyres consumption is one of the costliest branches of the operation in a truck-based haulage mine. Off-the-road (OTR) tyres working within undesirable conditions have a considerable negative impact on the whole mine’s productivity. Only the rolling resistance due to underinflated tyres could increase truck fuel consumption by 15 per cent. The impact of other conditions such as road surface quality and temperature are difficult to estimate. Tyre management is a demanding activity that requires a high level of coordination between maintenance and production departments.The project is aimed to develop a smart decision tool to assist mine managers to optimise tyre resources. By identifying factors that have significant impact on tyres, managers are able to take timely action to mitigate undesirable working conditions.The proposed model utilises real-time tyre measurement of pressure, temperature, speed, load, deformation and surface profile to report tyre performance in terms of tonne-kilometre-per-hour (TKPH) and tyre longevity. Both indicators are permanently monitored in order to trigger a warning system designed to keep tyres under optimal working conditions.An interactive database ‘Octo-Mine’ wirelessly receives records from a programmable logic controller (PLC) deployed on the truck. PLC records are the integration of multiple sensor signals with a time stamp. Octo-Mine utilises real-time and historical tyre records to generate online performance and longevity reports, as well as preventative and corrective tyre maintenance scheduling, by comparing current tyre status with established standards.To validate the model, the prototype database was populated with hypothetical data to simulate ideal working conditions subject to comparison with real field observations. Additionally, a laser-based technology prototype device successfully measured a new 9 mm tyre tread and a 60 000 km rolled tyre tread in the laboratory.In conclusion, optimal tyre management contributes not only to reduction of tyre waste but also to truck energy efficiency. This project is a first step in proving these benefits under real field conditions. It suggests that further development of sensor equipment and its integration with a communication system is a worthwhile focus for future research.Citation:Casas Castellanos, S, 2016. Optimum Management of Truck Tyres in a Mine, in Proceedings Ninth AusIMM Open Pit Operators' Conference 2016, pp 212–228 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Nov 15, 2016

Early theories of coal formation are outlined, with special emphasis on the arguments for allochthony and autochthony. Various aspects of the nature, growth, and decay of the characteristic vegetation of the brown coal peat moors, their conversion into coal, the origin of banding, and the influence of tectonics are discussed.A description of the banding in Victorian brown coals is followed by a discussion of their vitrain, fusain, and natural carbonized coal; and concludes with the nature of the coal resin and the possibilities of its extraction.The nature and derivation of inorganic matter in brown coal, based on Lessing's classification, is described. Assimilation of mineral substances in specific plants with variations due to environmental factorsare illustrated by analyses of present day trees. Consideration is then given to possible sources of salt, marcasite, and quartz in brown coal.It is shown that part of the inherent and extraneous ash may have been removed during and after coal formation. The nature and abundance of the organically combined substances in brown coal emphasizes the anomalies that may arise from estimating the total inorganic matter from ash contents.After classifying deposits on external heating surfaces of boilers, theoretical and practical aspects of slag formation, alkali matrix deposits, and the effect of sulphur and chlorine are considered.Analyses of deposits in boilers burning Victorian brown coal are tabulated.Slagging at the Yallourn power station from sand in the Yallourn open cut, and difficulties with Yallourn North Extension coal at the Maryvale paper mills are described.Tests carried out on Morwell and Yallourn coals showed that with the former, impacted deposits formed on boiler heating surfaces, and left a high percentage of chlorides on probes. Morwell briquettescompared with Yallourn briquettes also reduced the running time of a semi-industrial boiler through deposits with sodium sulphate as...

Jan 1, 1962

By Brown N. R

This paper attempts to highlight some of the problems encountered in the economic exploitation of the deeper coal seams by opencast mining methods. The major cost elements of three methods of overburden removal are examined in relation to the overall cost of winning coal from deeper-lying coal seams. The three overburden removal methods examined are dragline stripping and two systems combining dragline stripping with shovels and trucks at varying depths of overburden. A dragline is, undoubtedly, the most cost effective system of overburden removal for depths of up to 30 metres but it is suggested that, when dealing with incremental overburden depths in excess of 30 metres, engineers should consider carefully the possibility of using a shovel and truck operation, or other system, to augment the use of a dragline.

Jan 1, 1986

By PáDeáBosscher, A Bruwier, M Weidenbach, C Philippe, T Ly, A Van Den Bosch

In the mining business the cost of grinding media represents up to 40 per cent of the total milling cost and therefore grinding media optimisation has a direct impact on the concentratorsÆ bottom line. In the process of optimising grinding media alloys, Magotteaux developed its own methodology which consists of a series of analyses, tests, calculations and evaluations and assist the concentrator in optimising their processes.This paper presents the Prominent Hill case study where this methodology has been applied on both the secondary ball mill and regrind IsaMill«.The analysis of the wear conditions in the secondary ball mill allows Magotteaux to select a series of grinding media alloys to be tested to reduce grinding media consumption. By marking these different grinding media types with a unique drilling pattern, one can quantify the relative wear performance and cost effectiveness of each grinding media type within the same milling environment. After selecting the most economical grinding media composition a full scale industrial trial, involving topping up the selected grinding media is carried out and the media wear performance closely monitored and analysed.For stirred grinding mills, suppliers propose different grinding media, mainly ceramic beads, with specific properties and cost. Therefore the concentratorsÆ choice is a compromise between grinding efficiency, wear resistance and cost. The selection of the correct grinding media for stirred milling and the assessment procedure will be presented in this paper. The test results of the new stirred grinding media type in the regrind IsaMill« at Prominent Hill are presented and analysed.CITATION:Weidenbach, M, Van Den Bosch, A, Bruwier, A, Ly, T, De Bosscher, P and Philippe, C, 2012. Forging ahead - A collaboration between the OZ Minerals Prominent Hill Concentrator and Magotteaux to improve plant performance, in Proceedings 11th AusIMM Mill OperatorsÆ Conference, pp 105-110 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Oct 29, 2012

By K Hobbs

Mining is experiencing a difficult period of low profitability and declining productivity. To achieve sustainability, mining companies are challenged with improving output, quality and safety while decreasing costs. At the same time, organisations are having to manage a workforce in which individuals no longer accept a traditional style of management, employees prefer more flexible employment, and diversity within teams is becoming the expected norm.Increasing organisational diversity has been shown to have a positive impact on performance and therefore sustainability. Gender diversity and equality between working men and women is the area most studied in this regard. Executives are becoming more aware of the correlation between gender diversity and performance with some larger organisations having dedicated resources to increase the number and status of women in their organisations. Despite this, limited improvement in gender equality is apparent globally over the last decade with some industries, including mining, going backwards. So why is this the case and what other strategies are available?In 2015, the United Nations Women National Committee Australia (UN Women NCA) in conjunction with Autopia released a white paper discussing the lack of visible change in gender equality despite the widespread implementation of merit-based personnel management strategies. Using research from around the world and thoughts from influential government, education and business leaders, the paper ‘Rethinking Merit’ debunks the myth of the meritocracy. It provides a number of recommendations for organisations committed to improving their performance and sustainability through diversity, including a variety of real-life company examples, instead of relying solely on merit-based decision-making.This paper takes the recommendations of ‘Rethinking Merit’ and applies them to the mining industry. It shows the relevance that rethinking merit has for the industry and why applying the recommendations can result in an increase in diversity, therefore enabling greater performance and sustainability of mining companies. This paper provides case studies from Aurizon, Iluka Resources and BHP Billiton and, as a guide for managers, a generic diversity strategy designed to be implemented alongside traditional merit-based personnel management techniques.CITATION:Hobbs, K, 2016. Rethinking merit for a sustainable mining industry, in Proceedings International Mine Management Conference, pp 139-154 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jun 22, 2016

By D Yan, D Connelly

Beneficiation of magnetite is an integral part of the future of iron ore processing. Historically, the focus of Western Australian producers has been on exporting direct shipping ore (DSO) namely haematite. The future for new DSO resources is limited so companies are changing their emphasis into processing the very large, undeveloped magnetite ores in Western Australia (WA), using beneficiation to produce shippable magnetite concentrates. These magnetite resources require higher cost processing techniques such as fine grinding and beneficiation to produce saleable concentrates. This distinct difference, from the DSO ores, has led to the development of a number of new technologies. This paper reviews: the different techniques used for magnetite beneficiation and provides some case studies in the WA industry; the use of mineral liberation analysis (MLA) to describe the nature, grain size, occurrence and associations of the mineralisation;the consideration of coarse cobbing as a critical upgrading; the application of high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) to save energy; how the field of magnetic separation has resulted in new machines with higher field strength (SLon Separators); ultra fine grinding requirements of magnetite concentrates; andthe application of reverse flotation to reduce silica in the concentrates.

Jan 1, 2009