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The use of black and white and colour infrared film in remote sensing of natural resources is reviewed. In heavlly-forested areas such as New Zealand, the main value of the method is in surveying the vegetation cover to detect the existence of plant communities characteristic of specific geological formations. By contrast in arid areas of Australia where the vegetation cover is sparse and where rocks and soils are well exposed, the method can be used in detecting different rock types or other geological differences.

Jan 1, 1972

THOUGH the literature on the chamber process is considerable, it mostly refers to European conditions. Owing to the demand for acid for flotation and leaching at the mine, it may be necessary to work the process under other conditions. Consequently, some results obtained during the chlorination days at Mount Morgan, within the Tropic of Capricorn, may be useful for reference when working in a similar climate. Though the chambers must be protected against tropical storms, thorough ventilation should be provided, with plenty of space between the chambers, which are almost invariably crowded together. Not only does the space assist in the cooling of the chambers, but it is very desirable during repairs, when lead andtimber have to be hoisted up. The connecting flues between the chambers, which are fairly efficient mixers and condensers, should be round, supported from above, and with the least possible timber about them. Their position and arrangement deserve careful attention. Lattice work will be sufficient protection for the sides of the chambers, and the roof should be high and well ventilated. The Mount Morgan plant, crowded and not well situated, consisted of seven chambers (four over 50 ft. in length), one Glover tower 7 ft. 2 in sq. x 20 ft. high, one Gay Lussac 9 ft. sq. x 30 ft. higb, also one 5 ft. diam. x 25 ft. high. There was one pipe column 4: ft. sq. x 14 ft. 6 in. high. The chambers were run as one unit, and were much lower than those usually constructed in Europe-less than 15 ft. high. Provided that suitable timber can be obtained, 20 ft. is quite low enough. It should be quite satisfactory to use round poles for the studs, and so admit more air space between studs andlead.

Jan 1, 1920

By N E. Whitehead

An application to mine an ilmenite-rich sand deposit in Westland led to public concern about potential radioactive hazards should the ore be further processed to recover zircon or monazite. A review recommended that any material involved in the heavy mineral sand industry containing more than 0.05% thorium, uranium or their mixture should be considered a radioactive substance and, for mining purposes, a notifiable product. Safeguards for those occupationally exposed would operate via the Radiation Protection Regulations. The major safety requirement would be the minimisation of dust in certain operations.

Jan 1, 1993

The long-term outlook Tor Australla's traditional mining products is for flat demand and continuing low prices. This has come about because of three far-reaching changes since earlier boom days: 1. Continuing declines in intensity of usage of basic mine products; 2. The failure of newer western and third world developing countries to realise growth expectations; and 3. Continued production pressure from third world countries (and first-world primary producers) in an effort to earn foreign exchange and rectify trade balances. These trends have led to a general situation of excess supply and weak demand. In this environment, the prerequisites for survival in the mining sector are first-class mines, modern and efficient production methods, low unit costs, aggressive marketing, and products with reasonable operating margins. Many of Australia's mines meet these prerequisites. Following the A$ depreciation and widespread unit cost reductions, most of these mines will be moderately profitable at current depressed commodity prices. They are well placed to benefit from price rises if these eventuate. A new generation of mines is concentrating on a more profitable product range (gold, diamonds, uranium, mineral sands). Australia's balance of trade remains firmly dependent on the primary mining and agricultural industries (Fig. 1). Despite optimistic talk of high-tech developments, tourism and a resurgence of manufacturing, these will remain a small component of Australia's export structure.

Jan 1, 1987

By F E. Grader

A linear motor properly wound can serve as a mechanism for separating paramagnetic sulphide minerals, like pyrrhotite, from other sulphides and associated gangue minerals. The effectiveness of separation depends on the energising current of the separator, the frequency of the ac cycle, and the particle size of the minerals. The speed of travel of the minerals over the surface of the separator is also a function of particle size, and appears to be constant. The movement of pyrrhotite, magnetite and iron filings of comparable size fraction (150 ¦m +74 ¦m) on the linear motor surface has been observed using a cine camera. An attempt, has been made to give a theoretical basis for the movement of the particles by calculating the minimum electrical energy required to move them. Further, the rate of decay of magnetic moment of the particles has been estimated for magnetite and it has been found that sufficient residual magnetism existed in the particles after they had been exposed to the first half of an ac cycle for them to have like polarity with the second half of the cycle. The particles are therefore repelled from the motor surface every second half of the cycle. This repulsion due to remanent magnetism is the probable cause of particle movement over the linear motor surface.

Jan 1, 1980

By Boyd G. L

Stress measurement is at the core of most stability design analyses. It is demonstrated that contrary to accepted practice, it is the field measurement, and not the calculated prediction, of stress that requires most examination and review. Since it is not really possible to quantify rockmass properties, the stiffness values used in reduction of stress measurements and in subsequent design analyses (either empirical or numerical modelling) must consider an appropriate range of values.

Jan 1, 1995

By Haigh J. E

An accurate measure of the earth's magnetic field can be made in a few seconds with the portable proton precession magnetometer. Such an instrument increases the applicability of the long successful method of magnetic prospecting for minerals. As an example of the usefulness of the proton magnetometer, a survey over volcanic rocks near Apsley (Tas.) was made.INTRODUCTIONA completely portable magnetometer whose operation is based on the free precession of polarized protons in the earth's magnetic field, is now available on the market at a price competitive with magnetometers based on the classical physical principles. The ease, accuracy, rapidity, and reliability with which measurements of the earth's total magnetic field can be made with the proton precession magnetometer, led to the try-out of the instrument in an actual field problem so as to evaluate fully the capabilities of the instrument. Such evaluation is important, because the history of magnetic prospecting has shown that whenever significantly improved instrumentation has been introduced, prospecting costs have been substantially cut and many areas in which the prospecting costs were formerly considered excessive in relation to probable returns, have become economic mineral prospects. The proton precession magnetometer offers the possibility of opening up new areas for successful magnetic prospecting.AN OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF MAGNETIC PROSPECTINGWhile an outline of the history of magnetic prospecting is not directly connected with the evaluation of a proton pre...

Jan 1, 1963

The Australian metallurgical processing industry has shown great innovation and progressiveness over the past ten years. During the same period, exploration activity, particularly by Australian companies, has increased substantially in Indonesia. Following feasibility studies, the decision was made to establish a metallurgical laboratory and design facility in Indonesia. An Indonesian partner was selected, and legal and corporate matters were determined. The laboratory was established but proved far more difficult than a similar undertaking in Australia. Australian and Indonesian staff were recruited and training programs, including training of Indonesian staff in Australia, were implemented. Difficulties of operating in Indonesia included: ò language difficulties ò _ local pace of life ò culture ò communications. Rewards of the decision to establish the means to present the technology to Indonesia have included: ò a contribution to Australia's export of technology. ò an opportunity to expand Normet's client base. ò the opportunity to learn aspects of a foreign culture. ò the means to establish a sound long term investment. This export of technology from the Australian mining industry to Indonesia is an example of the initiatives and capabilities shown by the Australian mining service industry.

Jan 1, 1989

By E Lima, D Gregory, C Faria, A Lapworth

Open pit mine enterprises are complex systems that depend on multiple parameters such as mineral grade distribution, geotechnical characteristics, economic conditions and engineering requirements, all of which vary in time and space with a different degree of uncertainty. The unpredictable nature of these inputs imposes a risk to mine owners and shareholders which in the worst case can lead to highly undesirable financial outcomes.Desktop studies commonly examine a set of scenarios based on adjusting variables such as commodity prices, mining costs, processing costs, and metal recoveries to understand their relative impact on the economics of a project. It is less common to systematically explore and simulate hundreds of alternative physical designs to understand and compare the financial risk associated with one or more mining projects.This paper presents a risk assessment tool set and methodology that uses web based cloud computing to enable multiple simulations of mine designs to be rapidly and efficiently executed. The methodology includes generating random sets of prices and costs values within their respective probability distributions. Pit designs are then created to maximise the profit for each set of input variables. Various approaches to analysing the results are discussed. Use of the same high performance computing environment for understanding the financial risk associated with the variability of the underlying geological resource model is also discussed, with provided examples using case studies from two of the major mineral producers.CITATION:Lima, E, Gregory, D, Lapworth, A and Faria, C, 2014. Simulating extraction shapes to understand financial risk using high performance computing, in Proceedings Orebody Modelling and Strategic Mine Planning Symposium 2014 , pp 351–360 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 24, 2014

By A L. de Ambrosis, S J. Clarke, R Bertuzzi, J Redelinghuys

The M2 Upgrade Project involved widening 15 km of the existing M2 Motorway, which is a key route in Sydney’s road network. The Norfolk Twin Tunnels in North Epping convey traffic over a 460 m length of the motorway. The project involved widening the twin tunnels to provide a third lane and breakdown lane in each direction.The widening of the tunnels was fundamentally different to other ‘greenfield’ tunnel projects in that the operation of the tunnel was maintained throughout construction, with motorway traffic permitted close to the excavation faces on a daily basis. The widened works had to integrate with the existing tunnel support, construction details, and mechanical and electrical infrastructure.The existing tunnel afforded the opportunity to review existing ground conditions in the tunnel. Exposures were mapped within the tunnel, and key design parameters were back-analysed from the original monitoring data to provide increased confidence in the assessed impact from the widening works.Traffic capacity of the tunnels was maintained by detailed staging of the works, and included the ability to reopen the tunnels at short notice.A permit to tunnel system was developed to manage the risks associated with re-opening the tunnel to traffic. A comprehensive suite of instrumentation was maintained to provide reliable monitoring data to support this process. Emphasis on the robustness and reliability of tunnel instrumentation provided increased confidence in the adequacy of the tunnel support being installed. The monitoring was routinely compared with design predictions to check the adequacy of the support measures being installed and confirm the design.The approaches and methodologies developed for the widening of the Norfolk Tunnels were effective in maintaining the safe operation of the tunnels throughout the two years of construction, and provide a framework for increasing the capacity of existing tunnel infrastructure in the future.CITATION:Clarke, S J, de Ambrosis, A L, Bertuzzi, R and Redelinghuys, J, 2014. Design and construction for the widening of the M2 Norfolk Twin Tunnels, in Proceedings 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference 2014 , pp 591–602 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 17, 2014

At the present time this plant is treating by direct cyanidation 1,000 tons of ore from Open Cut mining and dumps, and 1,200 tons of current flotation tailing obtained from the Sulphide Mill, per day.The following table shows the average analysis of the two feed products (see Table 1):Precipitation Process.-The pregnant solution obtained by the cyanidation of the above has the following general analysis:-Gold 0·600 dwt. per tonTotal Cyanide 0·050 %Free Cyanide 0·045 %Calcium Oxide 0·015 %KCNS 0·060 %Na2S20S 0·140 %CaS04 0·200 %Cu 0·050 %Zn 0·004 0/0K4Fe (CN) 6 NilThis solution, after standard clarification, is precipitated by means of zinc dust and a soluble lead salt.

Jan 1, 1939

The area (330 sq. miles) shown on the map of the Brocks Creek District (Fig. 1), was mapped by the Northern Territory geological party of the Aerial, Geological and Geophysical Survey of Northern Australia. This work was done in two stages:-(i) In 1935, an area of 30 sq. miles around the Golden Dyke mine was mapped by P. S. Hossfeld, Senior Geologist, and A. H. Voisey, Assistant Geologist. The results were described in a detailed report (10).(ii) In 1939, an area of 300 sq. miles in the Brocks Creek district was mapped by C. J. Sullivan (Senior Assistant Geologist), and V. M. Cottle and S. N. Kiek (Assistant Geologists) under the general supervision of P. S. Hossfeld (Senior Geologist).An outline structural map, together with some geological notes was published (1), but that map does not show the amphibolites, and the relationship between ore occurrence and general geology is not emphasised. The publication of the detailed maps and reportwas postponed indefinitely as a result of war. The original mapping was based on air photographs with a scale of approximately 1 in. to 1,200 ft., and all detail which could be shown at that scale was mapped. Features recorded included rock types, details of structure, mineralisation, and surface workings, creeks and soil boundaries. Underground mapping was also carried out. The present map is much simplified from the original, but it is hoped that it shows sufficient information to reveal close relationship between structure, granite, sills of amphibolite and gold occurrence. About 50 per cent. of the area is covered by deep soil or alluvium, and in these portions the geology of the underlying rocks was not determined with accuracy, though in many places strike trends could be deduced from air photographs.Because the A.G. & G.S.N.A. had published the geological notes and map referred to above, and because the publication of the detailed report and maps is still postponed indefinitely, approval has been given by the Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics (which took over the affairs of the A.G. & G.S.N.A. at the termination of its operations) to the preparation of the present paper so that information would be available to the public.The views expressed in this report are those of author. The results of the investigation suggest that in areas where granites are predominantly concordant with bedding, ore deposits may be found at approximately the same stratigraphic horizon. It is thus important to correlate beds even though their relationship may have been obscured by faulting and folding.

Jan 1, 1950

The principles of geometry and trigonometry are so continuously used by mining engineers for the purpose of accurately and intelligibly recording their measurements, that the writer is prompted to lay the following cursory remarks upon mine surveying before the members of this Institution in the hope of eliciting a free interchange of opinion upon details of this interesting branch of the profession. He proposes to deal with surveying only so far as it concerns the mining engineer, not to intrude upon the domain of the professional surveyor, and, in this instance, to discuss more especially that which may be termed the mechanical, rather than the mathematical side of surveying.In the latter part of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the present one, the usual underground surveying equipment in the English metalliferous mines, consisted of a magnetic needle in a fiat square wooden box of about 9-inch sides, a two-foot rule, a long cord, aud a stool, upon which to place the needle and box. The operator took his bearing by sending his assistant with the end of the cord as far in a straight line as the length of the cord would admit.On its being drawn that he held its end in one hand and placed the side of the compass-box against it with the other, and noted the bearing thus found either by a book entry, or by ticking it off with a piece of chalk on the board the compass lay in. He then measured the cord with a two-foot rule. It is needles to say that with these appliances the accuracy of the results were open to question, and mining surveying was not unduly popular.In the present day, engineers have the advantage of using instruments brought to such a state of perfection, and of employing such an exact system of underground surveying, that inaccurate work must usually be attributed either to lack of care, or lack of ability in the operator.

Copper mineralization associated with minor molybdenum, silver, and gold occurs in a hydrothermally altered brecda within a granodiorite mass of Upper Permian age. A dyke system of rhyolite, dacite, and andesite forms plug-like bulges near the breccia and probably caused mineralization as a late stage effect.Base metal sulphides occur as disseminations, fracture and cavity fillings in the breccia. A pyritic halo in hydrothermally altered granodiorite surrounds the breccia and grades into unaltered granodiorite. Drilling during 1969 indicated the grade is subeconomic.

Jan 1, 1972

THE science of topography deals with the various natural and physical features of the earth's surface. These features are determined by the manifold constructive and destructive processes of nature, and their many diverse forms and characteristicsare dependent primarily upon geologic structure. Thus it is that a close relationship exists between the rocks of a region and the topographic features of the lJountry wherein they occur. Again, the existence of all sorts of mineral wealth is dependentupon the nature of the rocks, and their extension is directly connected with the topographic features represented upon the enclosing land-area.In studying any district with a view to deciphering its geological structure, to locating any mineral deposits it may contain, and to ascertaining, so far as a surface-examination may show, their probable and economic possibilities, it is therefore ofprimary importance to have at hand a correct topographical map of the area under investigation.GENERAL REMARKSThe actual amount of topographic detail shown will depend upon the money and time available for topographic surveying and upon the scale upon which the final map is to be produced...

Jan 1, 1912

By Parker A. J, Giles D. E

Solutions of copper(II) sulphate in acidified aqueous acetonitrile leach copper from copper-lead matte derived from the drossing of lead with sulphur to produce solutions of copper(I) sulphate. The reactivity of the matte constituents towards copper(II) sulphate is Cu2S> PbS > CuS > > Pb. According to the leach conditions, part or ,all of the copper may be leached 'leaving a residue of CuS/PbS, or S/CuS/PbS04, or S/PbS04, to be recycled to the lead smelter. Complete extraction of the copper requires leaching with oxygen which occurs under mild conditions in the presence of acetonitrile and sulphuric acid in water. Copper is selectively recovered as a pure product by electrochemical or thermal disproportionation of copper(I) sulphate solutions. A notional process is proposed.

Jan 1, 1979

By K W. Bian, Y M. Liu

Tongkuangyu Copper Mine is currently the only mine in China employing block caving. It comprises two large orebodies known as the No 4 orebody and the No 5 orebody. They are approximately 50° in dip angle, 80 to 240 m in width and 800–1000 m in strike length. The two orebodies are separated by a distance of 110–130 m. Production with block caving originally, ie Phase 1 project started at Tongkuangyu from the first undercut at a depth of 200–300 m below the ground surface and designated as Lift 810 m in late 1989 and has continued to the present. During the last 25 years Tongkuangyu has mined three lifts: Lifts 810 m, 690 m and 530 m. The previous two lifts utilised a slusher process with an annual designed production rate of 4 Mt. In this context the lift name represents the elevation of track haul level.The Tongkuangyu Phase 2 project serves for two lifts (ie Lift 530 m and 410 m) under the elevation of 690 m and the annual designed production rate is 6 Mt. Since the orebody is approximately 50° in dip angle, it is originally designed that production at Lift 530 m is comprised of one main extraction level and two auxiliary extraction levels in the footwall and undercutting is started from one end of the extraction footprint forward to another end, which is from north-east to south-west.Production at Lift 530 m started from March 2011 and reached to 6.39 Mt in 2013 and 6.9 Mt in 2014. Additionally, Tongkuangyu improved block caving processes and used modern mining equipment, which differ from the previous two lifts. Blastholes for undercutting and drawbell-preparation are now drilled using jumbos. The blasted ore is transferred to the underground crushing station via 10 t electric load-haul-dumps (LHDs) and then delivered to surface via a belt conveyor 3200 m long.Due to increasing ground pressure, a consequence of mining depth increase, stress abutment and inadequate support, significant damage occurred at the Tongkuangyu Copper Mine with production at Lift 530 m. This resulted in significant production delays and rehabilitation costs. A series of improvements have since been implemented including an advanced undercut sequence and increased ground support. All of these improvements have allowed Tongkuangyu to alleviate ground control issues, reduce operating costs and ensure safe production.CITATION:Liu, Y M and Bian, K W, 2016. Production at Lift 530 m of Tongkuangyu Copper Mine, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 385–392 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

The effect of conditioning energy input on the metallurgical results of an emulsion flotation process has beenattributed by previous authors to a detergency process.This paper shows that such a process does not explain the data and that an attrition mechanism is more appropriate.

Jan 1, 1970

The sphere of operations of dry crushing has been so much enlarged of late years that the following notes with reference to its advantages and limitations, and also some practical results in connection with the crushing of gold ores will probably be of service to the members of the Institute. Until recently, with one notable exception that of the Mt. Morgan Gold Mine, dry crushing has only been practiced to a very limited extent in Australasia, and elsewhere it might be said to belong to industries other than mining Its sphere of usefulness depends on the fact that the' product is delivered in a dry state without the separation of the finer particles from the coarser to any appreciable extent, thus enabling the following advantages to be achieved with different ores.

By E J. Hancock, K H. B Chu

Failures within hard rock underground excavations have historically been defined by a depth of failure, estimated in the field or through individual measurements, with a simplified failure geometry; such as 1/3 span, cubic or paraboloid. This simplified shape, volume and mass of failure is typically used to estimate in situ demand as a simplified discrete point. However, the highly variable failure geometry indicates simplified methods to estimate the mass can be erroneous in comparison to high precision LiDAR scans. Advances in technology have enabled the accurate capture of failure geometry and allow a far more accurate analysis of failures to be completed. This case study investigates a number of real-life failures to accurately define the failure geometry, the distribution of the failure parameters and compares this to traditional methodologies. This paper also outlines a suggested means of standardising failure geometry parameters whilst accounting for their variability.

Nov 29, 2022