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By D. H. Diering

The paper deals with the technologies required for opening up anew idealized ultra-deep level mine. First the overall philosophy of accessing ore at ultra depths is discussed. Then the individual technologies which will be required are explored. Finally a detailed overview on one of the key technologies, namely tunnel support, is given. Because this project is still in its infancy, few definitive answers are provided; instead each of the envisaged technologies are briefly discussed, with emphasis on those which require the element of speed for rapidly accessing the ore body.

Jan 1, 1997

By R. L. Castro

Block caving methods, when operated under favourable rock mass conditions, can achieve higher production rates and lower operating costs than other various existing underground mining applications. For this reason, it has been considered the preferred method for the mining of deep and large orebodies in current and future operations around the world. One of the key aspects in the design of block caves is the selection of the production level layout, which, among other parameters, is based on the gravity flow characteristics of the caved rock. This is because gravity flow has a large impact on total ore recovery and the amount of dilution in a caving operation. Today, there are a number of computer based methods which aim to emulate the gravity flow pattern of the caved rock. In this paper, the authors present the development of FlowSiman improved model of gravity flow based on the cellular automaton approach, to estimate dilution entry, mixing and ore recovery. As part of the model development, flow simulations were conducted and subsequently compared to full-scale data collected at two mine sectors operated by Codelco Chile. The results indicate that by using proper calibrated parameters, good correlations between simulated and measured grades as well as dilution entry are obtained. The potential use of the numerical tool to evaluate drawpoint spacing in terms of recovery and dilution for block/panel caving operations is also presented.

Jan 1, 2009

By C. Dauber

Implementing new technologies in industrial operations entails the challenge of measuring the improvements gained by the applied technology. Nevertheless, it is absolutely essential to assess the technical and economic benefits in objective and comprehensible numbers to create a platform for further management decisions. Underground coal mines are characterized by numerous, quite complex procedures which make it difficult to determine the specific economic benefit of a new machine, technique, or method. In the OPTI-MINE Project funded by the European Union?s RFCS programme, five underground coal mines applied the latest information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve efficiency, mine safety, occupational health, and environmental im-pacts. An integral part of the project is the assessment of these technologies by using key performance indicators (KPIs). The paper will describe some examples of the selected KPIs and the preliminary findings.

Jan 1, 2014

Paper written on project work carried out in partial fulfilment of M.Sc. (Chemical Engineering)degree Identification of non-linear systems can be a daunting task and in the process industries the problem is complicated considerably by the presence of noise from various sources, non-stationarity of the data and intermittence, such as observed in particulate flows. Traditional methods, such as frequency analysis and linear model-ling do not handle these systems well. Similar problems arise with the application of non-linear theory developed over the last few decades, where much of the analysis depends on embedding of the data in a phase space or pseudophase space, since these methods were not originally designed to deal with noisy systems. In contrast, singular spectrum analysis is a method which can be used to identify structure and distinguish noise from important information in multivariate data, such as the trajectory matrices of time series measurements. It provides an orthogonal basis onto which the data can be transformed, so that components of the time series can be investigated individually. With Monte Carlo methods, the components can be compared with those from linear surrogate data in order to identify possibly non-linearities in the data. In this paper, this versatile technique is briefly explained and illustrated by means of case studies.

Jan 1, 2003

Mr K.C. Owen started his mining career as a learner official after matriculating at the Parktown Boys' High School, Johannesburg in 1967.

Jan 1, 1991

By G. C. Smith

Process control applications in the minerals processing industry have grown extensively over the years due to the many benefits derived, both financially and operation-wise. Although control theory is widely known, conventional control does not address many of the problems posed by minerals processing circuits. Some of these problems include interactions between process units, large dead times, few and sometimes unreliable measurements of process variables, non-linear systems, disturbances entering the process, processes with varying dynamics, and many more. For the past 26 years Mintek has been active in the field of providing specific, customized solutions for the minerals processing industry. This paper focuses specifically on applications in milling and flotation control. The underlying control principles have been applied to a wide range of other processes including submerged arc furnaces. Advanced control application is implemented on a common advanced control platform, called the PlantStar. Much innovation has been brought to the fore in terms of adapting theoretical techniques and developing new methods to resolve specific milling and flotation circuit issues by using process control. The general approach adopted by Mintek when implementing advanced control is to enforce stabilization of the process as a solid foundation for optimization strategies to be built upon. In doing this, a robust control solution is presented, and the end result is flow and level stability, better product quality regulation, increase in throughput and a stable feed to downstream processes. The MillStar advanced milling control system ensures that the milling circuit is at all times easy to operate while achieving optimum product quality and throughput. Stabilization should include product size regulation and sump level control. Another important aspect of stabilization control is the handling of milling circuit constraints without introducing cyclical behaviour and with minimal disturbance to the final product quality. Process constraints may include factors such as process water limitations, cyclone feed density, and cyclone underflow angle. An optimization strategy should be developed to increase the mill throughput without affecting product quality or introducing mill overloads. The relationship between solids feed and power draw is examined and manipulated for optimization. The interactive nature of flotation circuits and the presence of recirculating streams tend to make satisfactory control almost impossible with conventional techniques such as PI (Proportional plus Integral) or PID (Proportional, Integral and Derivative) control. The FloatStar Level Stabilizer simultaneously considers all the flotation levels in a circuit by use of a multivariable algorithm, and takes compensating action in anticipation of disturbances. The FloatStar Flow Optimizer is an optimization strategy that controls the concentrate flow rate between various sections of a flotation circuit (e.g. Rougher ?Cleaner; Cleaner ?Recleaner). By controlling the concentrate flow between the sections, the mass pull, circulating loads and residence times of the circuit can be stabilized, thereby enhancing the performance of the flotation process. Optimizing grade and recovery are coupled with the dynamic optimization of circulating flows. The FloatStar Grade-Recovery Optimizer will maximize the grade in a section, whilst ensuring that recovery or any other process specific limits remain within predefined limits. With successful applications on several milling and flotation plants worldwide processing amongst others PGMs, gold, copper and nickel, Mintek has shown that it is a leader in milling and flotation control innovation

Jan 1, 2004

By A. M. Bauristhene

Ti-64, which accounts for more than 50% of the worldwide titanium tonnage, has found commercial importance in industries requiring components with high specific strength and resistance to corrosion. Investment casting is the preferred production method due to the difficult machinability of the alloy. This study was aimed at investigating the mechanism and the extent of alpha case formation on Ti-64 components cast using the investment casting method with YFSZ (yttria fully-stabilized zirconia) shell moulds after vacuum induction melting. The extent of the reaction between the mould hot face and the molten metal has been studied by varying parameters such as soaking temperature and mould hot face composition, and examining their effects on the reaction with the mould. An increase in the soaking temperature had an effect on the alpha case, both in appearance and hardness, but had no effect on contamination levels by carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen. The depth of alpha case increased with soaking temperature, increasing from 35 µm to 161 µm with an increase in temperature from 1200°C to 1400°C. The micro-hardness profiles provided insight into the effect of the alpha case on the mechanical properties of the Ti-64 alloy by displaying hardness values of 1000 HV0.1 and above, but could not be solely utilized to determine the alpha case penetration depth due to microstructural differences in the unaffected Ti-64, in particular the martensitic microstructure that formed with a fast cooling rate from a higher temperature. Levels of expected contaminants such as Zr, Y, 0, and C were low. The addition of the colloidal zirconia binder affected the interfacial reactions. YFSZ proved to be a thermodynamically stable refractory material, with the alpha case possibly forming as a result of segregation.

Jan 1, 2013

The President: "It gives me great pleasure to call on Professor Howat to present the paper written jointly with P. R. Jochens and C. W. Wolhuter entitled, 'Utilisation of slags for the manufacture of cement.' After the presentation of the paper the President said: "Thank you, Professor Howat, for so ably introducing the paper prepared by yourself, Dr Jochens and Mr Wolhuter. Once again we are deeply indebted to you for bringing to our attention a new development in the metallurgical field, this time a technique for assessing the suitability of slags for the production of slag cement, and thereby providing a means of turning a waste material into a valuable asset. May we hope that this will lead to an end to unsightly slag dumps and, at the same time, to some conservation of our local limestone resources. Discussion within this Institute on the problems of cement manufacture, has of recent years been all too infrequent, and we thank you for bringing this interesting and important subject again to our notice. We are doubly grateful to you and your co-authors. May I now call on Dr Stutterheim, Deputy Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, to contribute to your paper, and to tell us something about the Conference on the Chemistry of Cement which he attended in Tokyo towards the end of last year." (Applause.) Dr N. Stutterheim, Mr B. F. van der Merwe and Dr F. S. Fulton then contributed to the paper. (These contributions will appear in a later issue of the Journal.) PAPERS OPEN FOR DISCUSSION The President: "Listed on the agenda are papers open for discussion. I would suggest that anyone wishing to contribute to these papars, submit their contributions to the Secretary in writing." CONCLUSION The President: "I would like to thank everybody for their attendance here tonight, and on your behalf I am sure you would like me to thank the authors and the contributors for the most interesting time that we have had this evening. Thank you very much." The meeting closed at 6.00 p.m. NOTICE SYMPOSIUM ON THE RECOVERY OF PYRITE A symposium on the recovery of pyrite will be held on 12th and 13th June, 1969 at Kelvin House, Johannesburg under the auspices of the Institute and the National Institute for Metallurgy. Notices will be sent to members as soon as more details are available as regards the papers and the programme.

Proceedings of a General Meeting held at the Witbank Golf Club at 19h30 on 3rd November, 1977 Geomechanics colloquy The 27th Geomechanics Colloquy is to be held on 12th and 13th October, 1978, in the Salzburg Congress Hall. The themes of the four half-day sessions will be as follows: Conference on pneumoconiosis The Vth International Conference on Pneumoconiosis is to be held in Caracas (Venezuela) from 29th October to 3rd November, 1978.

Jan 1, 1978

With the advent of the First World Conference on Sampling and Blending (WCSB1) in Denmark in 2003 and the subsequent biannual meetings, together with other sampling conferences held on a regular basis, the central tenets of sound sampling practice and theory are spreading throughout the minerals industry. End-users and project houses, or groups who execute the projects, are all now better-informed about the principles of ?correct? sampling and preparation. To support this, many large mining companies now have their own in-house champion who will advise and ensure that the supply of sampling equipment is correct in terms of design and application, which further contributes to improved metallurgical accounting. The presence of a sampling champion also ensures that consistent and acceptable standards in regard to sampling practice are maintained throughout the group. This has, in turn, placed a greater degree of responsibility on the shoulders of sampling equipment suppliers, in terms of their equipment designs and product offerings, as well as applications knowledge for effective installation of equipment on client plants. This paper attempts to highlight the significant challenges that sampling equipment manufacturers often face with regard to complying with the newly understood requirements of best practice and sampling equipment design. Manufacturers invariably face issues with end-users or project houses, including project cost control, restricted headroom for samplers in plant layouts, and a lack of knowledge in certain quarters. These all have a potentially negative effect on the final outcome of a proposed sampling solution or implemented project. In reality, what is intended by all parties and what is ultimately installed are at times very different, with undesirable consequences for all concerned. Against this challenging background, there are, however, a number of instances where intent and implementation are complementary, with very satisfactory results. Keywords sampling, mechanical samplers, design, installation, sampling theory.

Jan 1, 2014

By A. J. Barrett

Backfilling at Vaal Reefs during the experimental phase has been carried out using cyclone-separated tailings which are transported underground hydraulically by means of a borehole. The selected tailings are piped from the borehole to the stope and then, after the addition of a flocculant, deposited in place via single or multiple nozzles. The successful performance of the backfill/stope system relies not only on the actual quality of the placed material, but also on the effective operation of stope filling. The success of stope filling relates to the complex, time- dependent interaction of backfill, stope and barricade materials, and the transport and placement procedures used. A comprehensive laboratory testing programme was carried out on backfill materials at Vaal Reefs in conjunction with the experimental stope- filling operation. The range of testing techniques corresponds to the requirements of each stage of the backfilling process. Where necessary, new or alternative techniques were sought during the course of the experiment to satisfy and facilitate better understanding of the different processes. These techniques comprise both routine quality control testing and research-oriented testing. The laboratory testing techniques appropriate to each stage of the backfill process are briefly discussed. This paper presents the main conclusions of the study and identifies areas for further research.

Jan 1, 1988

By Turgay Gurun

"Digital simulation can be used as an analytical tool to optimize the design of crushing plants without need for large-scale experimental programs.General mathematical description of a crushing operation permits the simulation of a crushing plant flowsheet under various operating conditions. The process model encompasses multistage open- and closed-circuit crushing of hard and soft rock. Crushing balances are analyzed in the light of crusher and screen performance and a comparison of different closed-circuit arrangements is made in terms of process and layout criteria.The simulation model allows comparison of process alternatives to be made in terms of equipment selection and capital and operating cost estimation. It thus provides the pertinent practical information to maximize plant efficiency, and to minimize expenditures in such items as equipment, structures, power consumption, and so on."

Jan 1, 2014

With the passing of Dr William Bleloch on 20th June 1991, we lost not only a colleague and a good friend but a man who made a very significant contribution to the industrial development of South Africa. He can rightly be called the father of the ekctrochemical and electro-metallurgical industries in this country, since his ideas and dedicated work were directly responsible for the development of these large industries as we know them today.

Jan 1, 1991

This paper provides an overview of possible approaches for structuring the ventilation systems for mines that will become operational within the next decade. Features addressed in the paper include: aspects of airway design and layout in the absence of centralized vertical return shafts, the impact of using diesel-powered trackless equipment in conjunction with conveyor belts in the development and production phases of the project, and the need to balance increasing electrical power costs against the requirement for reduced capital expenditure. The paper provides brief descriptions of the strategies employed in real-life situations and presents an overview of various operational parameters affecting the design of ventilation systems that will be used as ?platforms? for much deeper mines in the future.

Jan 1, 2007

By R. E. Robinson

A novel variation of the GYPCIX process for the treatment of the acid mine effluent water from Grootvlei is described, in which a number of valuable by products can be obtained and the product water can be used for a variety of different purposes. A conceptual case study is presented in which the important cost parameters are described and certain critical path activities are indicated in order to derive a Return on Investment evaluation according to methods previously published. The study indicates that the treatment costs can be dramatically reduced, provided that proper utilization of the by products is taken into account. There are many possible uses for the water. However, by far the most advantageous contribution to the RDP and the best return on capital is derived if the water is used to establish small-lot farming activities providing work opportunities for thousands of people and contributing several hundred million Rands to the GDP. Vastly improved social conditions will be generated in an area of Gauteng that is in danger of rapid deterioration and a contribution will be made to maintaining mining activities in this area. The environmental impact is positive.

Jan 1, 1998

By V. Labiouse, M. Jaboyedoff

GIS documents are of great interest for a quick and low-cost determination of areas endangered by rockfalls. They allow (i) the detection of potential instabilities from steep slopes and cliff areas, and (ii) the preliminary estimation of potential run-out areas by means of a so-called cone method. After the presentation of the tools used to compute these areas, the paper focuses on two methods developed for a preliminary hazard mapping, one at regional scale and the other at local scale. Mittels GIS-Dokumenten können von Steinschlag bedrohte Gebiete schnell und kostengünstig ermittelt werden. Die sogenannte Kegelmethode erlaubt die Erkennung potentiell instabiler Zonen von Steilhängen und Felswänden sowie eine erste Einschätzung der möglichen Reichweiten. Nach der Vorstellung der zur Berechnung der bedrohten Gebiete benötigten Hilfsmittel stellt der Artikel zwei Methoden zur vorläufigen Gefahrenkartierung in lokalem und regionalem Maßstab vor. Les SIG sont très intéressants pour une détermination rapide et peu onéreuse des zones affectées par des chutes de blocs. Ils permettent une détection des zones potentiellement instables et une estimation sommaire des zones de propagation des blocs par une méthode dite des cônes. Après la description des outils utilisés pour définir ces zones, l’article expose deux méthodologies élaborées pour un zonage préliminaire du danger, l’une à l’échelle régionale et l’autre à l’échelle locale.

Jan 1, 2003

By S. O. Castro, R. E. González, L. E. Velasco, J. M. Van Sint, P. V. Lois

Abstract Several zones with expansive rocks were encountered during construction of two tunnels of the water conduction system for the Chacabuquito Hydropower Plant, located in the Aconcagua river valley of the Chilean Central Andes Mountains, at elevation 1.075 m a.s.l., and 65 km north-northeast of Santiago. The expansive behavior was associated to three different geological features. Firstly with the crossing of important north-south trending faults, with montmorillonitic and caolinitic fillings. Secondly to the presence of zones of rock mass showing a penetrative presence of clay minerals (montmorillonite, illite and caolinite) and penetrative thin veins of ceolites. And thirdly to the hydrothermal alteration of the rock and the consequent generation of clay minerals (predominantly montmorillonite, sericite and minor caolinite). The geological and mechanical characteristics of the expansive rock domains, as well as the field and laboratory reconnaissance and characterization program, are described in the paper together with the bases for design and the guidelines for construction and definitive tunnels support. Resúmè Pendant l’excavation des deux tunels du système d’adduction d’eau pour alimenter la centrale hidroélectrique Chacabuquito, plusieures zones de rochers expansifs ont été découvertes. Ces tunnels sont dans la vallée du fleuve Aconcagua de la Cordillère des Andes du Chili Central, à une altitude aproximée de 1.075m s.m.n. et à 65km vers le nord-nord-ouest de Santiago. Cette conduite expansive est associée à trois différentes caractéristiques géologiques du massif rocheux. Un premier lieu, à l’intersection de plusieures zones de failles, d’orientation nord-sud et subverticales, avec remplissage de rochers désintégrés, montmorillonite, caolinite et sérite. En seconde lieu, a la présence de zones de rochers expansifs, avec des nombreux minces veines de céolite-calcite et aussi des minéraux argileux (montmorillonite, illite et caolinite). Et, dans troisième lieu, dût à la présence de zones d’altération hidrothermale du massif rocheux et la conséquente génération de minéraux de remplacement argileux (surtout sérite, montmorillonite et en plus petit degré, caolinite). Les caractéristiques géologiques et géomécaniques des rochers expansifs, ainsi que la reconnaissance du terrain et les résultats du programme d’essais de caractérisation géomécanique du laboratoire sont décrits dans ce travail, ainsi que les bases de dessin et recommandations constructives pour placement du support définitifs pour ces tunnels Zusammenfassung Während der ausgrabung der zwei tunnels der wasserleitungssystem, um die Chacabuquito Wasserstromzentrale zu besorgen, wurden verschieden ausgedehnte gesteinadern gefunden Die beiden tunnels befinden sich im Aconcaguatal, wo der Aconcagua Fluss fliesst, auf einer Höhe von 1.075 m über dem Wasserspiegel und ca. 65 Km Nord-Nordest von Santiago entfernt, in mittleren Anden Cordillere (chilenische Gebirgskette). Drei verschiedene geologische merkmale dieser massiven gesteine können dieses ausgedehnte verhalten erklären. Erstens, hier befinden sich verschiedene und auch ganz wichtige

Jan 1, 2003

By B. P. Watson

The Bushveld platinum group metal deposits are two distinct, shallow-dipping stratiform tabular orebodies which strike for many hundreds of kilometres. Mining is extensive, with depths ranging from close-to-surface to 2 300 m. The mining method is a variation of planar open stoping. Pillars are widely employed to support the open stopes. In the deeper levels, in-stope pillars are required to fail in a stable manner soon after being cut, and the residual pillar strength is used to stabilize the hanging wall. These pillars are commonly known as crush pillars. Little work has been done in the past to determine pillar peak and residual strengths, and pillars have been designed using experience and formulae developed for other hard-rock mines. This has led to over and undersize pillars with consequential loss of ore, pillar bursts and potential collapses. This paper describes a crush pillar design methodology, and provides design charts. Three mining environments were incorporated in the investigations, which included underground and laboratory measurements, analytical solutions, numerical model sand back analyses. The results of the study are suitable for the areas where the research was carried out, and may also be applied with caution in other similar environments.

Jan 1, 2010

Caving of the second lift of the E26 orebody at Northparkes Mines was monitored with a comprehensive package of instrumentation, including an ISS seismic monitoring system. Seismicity was collected by an array of 19 triaxial accelerometers and 9 uniaxial geophones, giving a high quality seismic data set. The seismic response to block caving at Northparkes has been divided into two papers. The first paper focuses on the seismicity during undercutting. The second paper deals primarily with the seismicity during cave propagation during initial cave production. In this paper, traditional seismic monitoring concepts are applied to seismicity during cave mining. More than 40 000 seismic events were recorded during cave undercutting between February and January 2004. Events up to local magnitude +1.3 were recorded near the mine during undercutting, with event rates of up to 500 per day. Analysis of frequency-magnitude distributions, S-wave to P-wave energy, and temporal variations in event magnitude all gave insight into the seismicity recorded. In addition, a new technique, called apparent stress time history, was shown to be sensitive to stress change from undercut blasting, and useful to identify significant periods during cave development. A significant difference was identified between the cave back location and the halo of seismic events above the cave. Throughout the undercutting, the a seismic zone of loosening was typically 50 to 70 metres in vertical thickness. Based on the seismicity, a stress driven rock mass failure model is proposed. Early in the undercutting, seismicity and movements in the seismogenic zone were directly triggered by stress change from undercutting. Towards the end of undercutting, seismicity was virtually uncorrelated with undercut blasting, and likely due to the onset of cave initiation.

Jan 1, 2008

By S. Kauchali

"Underground coal gasification (UCG) is recognized as an efficient mining technique capable of chemically converting the coal from deep coal seams into synthesis gas. Depending on the main constituents of the synthesis gas, chemicals, electricity, or heat can be produced at the surface. This paper provides a high-level graphical method to assist practitioners in developing preliminary gasification processes and experimental programmes prior to detailed designs or field trials. The graphical method identifies theoretical limits of operation for sensible gasification within a thermally balanced region, based primarily on the basic coal chemistry. The analyses of the theoretical outputs are compared to actual field trials from sites in the USA and Australia, with very favourable results. A South African coal is studied to determine the possible synthesis gas outputs achievable using various UCG techniques: controlled retractable injection point (CRIP) and linked vertical wells (LVW). For CRIP techniques, an important result suggests that pyrolysis, and subsequent char production, are important intermediate phenomena allowing for increased thermal efficiencies of UCG. The conclusion is that South African coals need to be studied for pyrolysis-char behaviour as part of any future UCG programme. The results also suggest that UCG with CRIP would be a preferred technology choice for Bosjesspruit coal where pyrolysis dynamics are important. Lastly, the use of CO2 as oxidant in the gasification process is shown to produce syngas with significant higher heating value. Introduction and literature surveyCoal is a commonly utilized fossil fuel, providing over 40% of global electricity demand and about 90% of South Africa’s primary energy needs. However, less than 20% of the known world resources are suitable for possible extraction using conventional surface and underground mining techniques (Andrianopolous,, Korre, and Durucan, 2015). Underground coal gasification (UCG) has the potential to recover the energy stored in coal in an environmentally responsible manner by exploiting seams that are deemed unmineable by traditional methods. The UCG process, if successfully developed, can increase coal reserves substantially. For example, in the Limpopo region of South Africa alone, the estimated potential for UCG gas, based on existing geological records, is over 400 trillion cubic feet (TCF) natural gas equivalent – this is about a hundred times more gas than the existing 4-TCF Pande-Temane natural gas field reserve in Mozambique (de Pontes, Mocumbi, and Sangweni, 2014)."

Oct 1, 2018