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Natural Gas has been available in New Zealand for twenty years. During that time the gas share of the energy market has grown and now natural gas forms a significant part of New Zealand's energy scene, helping consumers to achieve a higher standard of living, and reducing dependence upon imported oil.Natural gas is now used for petrochemical manufacture and power generation in addition to direct supply to consumers.As concern for the environment continues to build, natural gas will have an increasingly important role to fill in these markets. This paper sets out the background to the development of natural gas in New Zealand and identifies the current markets. It then looks at those matters which are likely to influence the role of natural gas in the 1990s.

Jan 1, 1990

The Elgas Underground Storage Facility at Port Botany, Sydney, is the first purpose-built cavern of its kind in Australia and provides large capacity, safe and environmentally benign storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The facility will provide Elgas with the flexibility to source product at competitive prices and ensure long-term security of supply. Construction has provided Orica Australia, formerly ICI Explosives, with a unique opportunity to provide a bulk explosive delivery system specifically designed to meet the exacting demands of the site and of the project.

Jan 1, 1999

By H El-Shall, R Stana a

An innovative process for the separation of carbonaceous minerals from bulk ores is presented. In this process, the surface of carbonate minerals is reacted with acid used to nucleate CO2 bubbles at the particle solution interface. Entraining the liberated CO2 gas at the surface via coating agent renders the particle more buoyant providing for a selective separation from non-carbonate containing masses. Different surfactants were tested to stabilise the bubbles and float the particles. In this paper, separation of dolomite from apatite using PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) as a coating agent, is discussed. Interestingly, up to 10 mm particle sizes can be floated. Moreover, flotation of a phosphate and dolomite mixture was carried out and MgO content

Jan 1, 2005

Mount Isa Mines operates Hewlett Packard 1000 computer systems for process control in its major mineral processing plants. To simplify control systems implementation, a process control software package has been developed. This package is now used at the Lead/Zinc Concentrator where the HP computer is interfaced to Foxboro Interspec/Spec 200 system and Honeywell TDC 2000 front-ends. The HP computer controls crushing, grinding, flotation and tailings disposal. This paper outlines the development of process control systems at Mount Isa Mines. The creation of the process control package is described and the reasons for its development highlighted. The application of the software package and the implementation of process control systems at the Lead/Zinc Concentrator is detailed.

Jan 1, 1978

Many aspects of best practice resource evaluation do not create value, but poor practice can certainly destroy value. Generally companies prefer to present how their good practice adds value and for this reason few publications exist on examples of how poor practice can destroy value. However in big and small companies there are many previous and current examples of poor practice destroying value. The incremental expenditure required to move from poor practice towards best practice can be looked upon as insurance against destroying shareholder value. Examples of how poor practice in geology has destroyed value are presented as well as the improvement model used by BHP Billiton to add value and insure against destroying value.

Jan 1, 2002

Computer modelling is being used to simulate rock fracture, caving and stress redistribution about longwall panels with increasing confidence. The models are being assessed against field monitoring and have significantly increased the understanding of caving mechanics within the overburden. This paper discusses the modelling approach and provides some examples of its application to overburden damage and induced hydraulic conductivity. Computer models used in this study simulate the fracture process in the geological units throughout the overburden. Analysis of the mining induced fracture patterns and in situ joint patterns allows an estimation of the hydraulic conductivity within the overburden. The cubic flow relationship has been used in the examples presented.

Jan 1, 2005

Poorly designed sampling protocols generally result in high project risk by artificially increasing grade variability (ie the nugget effect). Sample collection, preparation and assay protocols that suit the ore type, together with QA/QC systems, will reduce this risk. All reporting codes (eg JORC, 2004) require the Competent Person to consider the quality and implication of sampling and assaying programs. High sampling errors beget higher project uncertainty; despite this fact, sampling does not receive the attention it deserves. The case studies presented show that many sampling issues frequently go unrecognised or unaddressed, resulting in poor project decisions during exploration through to feasibility and production. The overall conclusion is that correct sampling is critical to mining project success and that there is often a need for its optimisation.

Jan 1, 2007

The paper describes the $US240 million expansion at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co LimitedÆs operations in Canada. The company has been continuously producing copper and zinc from local area mines at its Flin Flon metallurgical plant since 1930. The paper details the companyÆs operational turnaround since 1995 and æThe 777 ProjectÆ which includes: two new mines, expansion and modification of the concentrators, expansion of the zinc pressure leach plant, a new zinc electrolytic cellhouse and the modifications to the copper smelter gas handling system to reduce ground level gas emissions.

Jan 1, 2000

By G A. Streltsova

In the paper the main concept of qualitative simulation is determined when computer-aided designing and forecasting of designs of robotised continuous-flow working face complexes for underground mining of hard ores. The parametric model æunderground ore mineÆ and its components û composite models are considered. Frame description of structure of working face complex and methods of organising of rule-oriented representation of knowledge when itÆs operating are given. The architecture of the developed prototype of expert system æworking face complexÆ and construction of a knowledge base for it are described when solving problems of multi-criteria optimisation of computational parameters of the working face complex under conditions of uncertainty. The guidelines for further development of knowledge base and expert system are given.

Jan 1, 2003

By D C. Laurence, J Holden

Seafloor massive sulfide deposits contain bonanza grades of gold, silver, copper and zinc metals. The deposits are often found at depths of one kilometre or more. They are characterised by active chimneys or smokers venting fluids at over 300¦C, with extremely low pH values. Mining of these deposits presents risks for both industry and governments at orders of magnitude higher than terrestrial mining This paper briefly discusses some of the core risks concerning the development of SMS mining including: technical, economic, environmental, legal, social, and research and development. Until and unless these risks are eliminated or minimised, the embryonic deep sea mining industry will remain just that, and these deposits will remain a fascinating, unexploited geological curiosity.

Jan 1, 2003

Recent research publications in extractive metallurgy were analysed for their stated and self-evident objectives. Over 100 different objectives (not specific to a metal or unit operation) were identified. These were divided into groups of economic, environmental, professional and fundamental significance. Comparisons were made of the objectives adopted in universities, industry and national research organisations. The most common primary and secondary objectives (by a large margin) were "to develop a new process (different chemistry)" and "to determine the effects of variables on a process" respectively. It was concluded that, overall, recent research has been dominated by commercial objectives. Objectives related to thermodynamics and kinetics have been the most common of the fundamental sort. Those related to professional methods in general, sensors and process dynamics, among others, have been largely neglected.

Jan 1, 1986

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

The correct assessment and understanding of geotechnical conditions is fundamental to mine design and, hence, successful (safe and efficient) mine planning, design and operations. However, this assessment and understanding is simply not possible unless there is a sound appreciation of the geology of the project. This paper addresses geological uncertainty in mine engineering and its communication, and shows that a mining project that does not take geology properly into account in the engineering phase is fraught. Uncertainty levels become excessive, which leads to hazards and consequential risks in design and operations in terms of both safety and efficiency. Several examples, both positive and negative, are provided to make the point. The paper concludes that mining geologists must become more overtly cognisant of the influence of geology on mine engineering. Equally importantly, mining (and geotechnical) engineers must communicate better with their geological colleagues to ensure that they (the engineers) have a clear understating of the geological issues affecting their operations. The engineers must know how to ask the right questions of the geologists. Engineers who do not understand and take account of geology in their designs and operations are failing the expectations of stakeholders.

Jan 1, 2006

By S M. C Verryn

The amount of raw material used in the production of cement can be reduced by partially supplementing it by pozzolanic waste material without changing its properties negatively. This paper discusses results of an investigation using slag from the Pt industry, from the production of steel using Midrex processes as well as fly ashes from different coal power plants in South Africa. These are blended in a 20 per cent slag or fly ash to 80 per cent cement ratio. The properties of the mixtures depend on the phase composition, chemistry, grain size and the sources of the materials. The results are promising, but show variable behaviour depending on slag and cement composition. Compressive strength tests as well have heat flow curves showing the hydration behaviour, indicating that 20 per cent addition of slag or fly ash to ordinary Portland cement is viable. There is a large potential to use slag in cement mixtures and this study can be used to develop cements that will positively influence CO2 emissions and help to reduce large slag and fly ash stockpiles.

Jan 1, 2008

By A J. Moore

The Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) funded project, No C14057, entitled æEffect of Blasting on InfrastructureÆ, has been carried out with the objectives of providing methodologies for the assessment of the strength of infrastructure types and the establishment of responsible and realistic limits. Personnel from Melbourne, Newcastle and Swinburne Universities and Terrock Consulting Engineers conducted the project. Infrastructure types including: conveyors; power transmission towers; wooden power poles; electrical substations; pipelines, bridges; public access roads and underground workings have been investigated by both field studies and structural analysis. Railways, underground telecom cables, dams and industrial buildings have been reviewed using general structural analysis. This paper has been prepared for the mining industry to provide a progress report on the project.

Jan 1, 2007

By P Mavros, K A. Matis, N K. Lazaridis

A large number of techniques are in use today to limit membrane fouling, among them certainly is air bubbling (which constitutes the transport medium in flotation) as applied in wastewater treatment; meanwhile, dispersed-air flotation is suitable as a pretreatment stage for microfiltration. The invented and investigated hybrid cell combines the advantages of both flotation and membrane separation, while overcoming their limitations, producing clean water from industrial wastewater. Metals recovery from dilute aqueous solutions is a promising application of this innovative hybrid process of flotation and microfiltration, further to solid/liquid separation. In this study, ceramic flat-sheet membrane modules were inserted inside a typical flotation cell in the laboratory tests, using multichannel geometry, combining flotation with microfiltration by submerged membranes; the latter requiring periodic backflushing. The specific objective was to apply this process for the efficient separation of effluents containing metal cations (here, zinc). The main examined parameters were: the initial metal concentration, flotation surfactant applied and air flowrate. The successful contribution of precipitate flotation was highlighted, while the observed metal removals were of the order of ~100 per cent.

Jan 1, 2005

The medical evaluation of the health effects of dust exposure in the mining industry should be based on the premise that the results of the medical examinations will be considered in relation to the previous history of exposure to dust.(l) To this end the Mines Regulation Act and the Regulations under that Act in West- ern Australia provide for: the prime responsibility for dust sampling to rest with the mining companies; the appointment of a Ventilation officer by each mine and the sampling and record- ing by him of dust and toxic gases in work places at three monthly intervals, or more frequently as required; the appointment of a Mines Medical Officer who shall make provision for the medical examination of persons and the prevention of occupational diseases; the appointment of a Ventilation Board, consisting of the State Mining Engineer, the Senior Inspector of Mines for the State, an Inspector of Mines having specialised training in ventilation tech- nology, a medical practitioner having specialised experience in occupational health problems relevant to the mining industry, and a Scientific Officer having duties under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, 1964;

Jan 1, 1979

By G C. Kiel, G J. Nicholson

Corporate governance has never been more topical. A glance at any major newspaper or business publication will reveal a litany of corporate failures based upon the governance of the organisations involved (eg Byrne, 2002; Hayes, 2002; The Economist, 2002). The increased compliance requirements and speculative nature of our industry means that corporate governance systems are, if anything, more important than in the general business community (Arthur, 2001). Rather than focus exclusively on the contribution of governance to corporate failure within the mining industry, however, our objective in this paper is to examine how boards can add value to the corporations that they govern. In order to highlight how a board can add value to a company, we commence by outlining the role of the board in the modern corporation in general and the mining industry in particular. We then introduce the concept of shareholder value and identify the steps on which a board needs to focus to enhance shareholder value through value tracking processes. Our discussion pays particular attention to the importance of organisational culture to the companyÆs activities and utilises three case studies from the mining industry. We conclude with an overview of what mining boards can do to enhance their culture and drive performance changes for the benefit of the companies they govern.

Jan 1, 2002

Hong Kong continues to display a remarkable enthusiasm for undertaking ambitious tunnelling schemes despite apparent recessions in the Asian economy. This paper provides an outline of tunnel projects currently under construction, those recently tendered and a glimpse of the extent of forthcoming projects which, according to Government sources, carry a price tag of HK$ 200B. Committed works will cost about HK$ 15B and involve a variety of TBM and drill and blast tunnels. These include the recently tendered works for KCRCÆs West Rail and MTRCÆs Tseung Kwan O railway extension, together with five no retendered TBM drives for the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme (SSDS) following forfeiture of the works by the Campenon Bernard-Maeda JV in mid-1997. The JV claimed unreasonable specifications leading to unacceptable levels of water inflow and dangerous working conditions. Key technical issues that are now arising in Hong Kong are:the general use of design and build contracts for bored tunnel contracts;a trend to accept TBM options for relatively short drives in urban areas;the use of æfixed-priceÆ contracts which in the current competitive market, can encourage tenderers to take contractors to take very high risks; andthe difficulty of predicting and managing water inflows in rock tunnels.This paper also includes a new empirical method of predicting water inflows in rock tunnels, and makes recommendations for managing these on-site.

Jan 1, 1999

The value of water is defined by its marginal utility. Challenges arise where the marginal utility is difficult to estimate. Therefore, when two or more interested parties wish to access water and they cannot use commensurate units for marginal utility; other means of value comparison must be sought. It is asserted here that sustainability principles can be used to guide this valuation if this is supported by a transparent decision framework. This paper proposes that the ICMM sustainable development principles provide appropriate guidance. In addition, a generic framework for decision making is suggested as a complement. Indicators of water management are recognised widely as an integral part of the accountability of minerals companies towards meeting sustainability goals. Less widely recognised are the ways in which sustainability principles can be used to guide decisions on water management which demonstrate growing awareness of its value. This paper illustrates the use of this logic in water issues associated with global sustainability challenges. It then goes on to demonstrate, using examples, that these links exist at all levels of the minerals industry and that indicators of this type are potentially as powerful as those currently being used. The reason for this is that the path from cause to effect is transparent and direct.

Jan 1, 2006