M. Bloss, G. Capes, Russell Seib, Liam V. Alford, Jack L. Light, I. Minniakhmetov, C. Nielsen
{"title":"Value chain excellence – managing variability to stabilise and exploit the mine value chain","authors":"M. Bloss, G. Capes, Russell Seib, Liam V. Alford, Jack L. Light, I. Minniakhmetov, C. Nielsen","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1818029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1818029","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Mining occurs in highly variable, spatially dynamic environments. Existing methods of planning and operations management are insufficient to adequately account for variability. Managing variability within the value chain aims to maximise business value. This paper presents a methodology for managing variability. This includes: assessing the impact of variability on a deterministic mine schedule; applying guiding principles based on Theory of Constraints to stabilise and exploit the value chain; developing a risk approach to minimise costs of plan delivery; and establishing tools for critical path planning, reconciling performance against plan and establishing corrective actions to deliver plan outcomes. A case study is presented from the Olympic Dam mine. Conclusions include: operations contain significant variability that if not managed will fail to deliver the mine plan; the proposed methodology can be applied to reduce variability and robustly deliver the best-value mine plan; and this methodology has broad application across the mining industry.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73604406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. D. Bedford, Angel J. A. Rodríguez López, P. Foster
{"title":"Low-cost leaky feeder communication for mines rescue","authors":"M. D. Bedford, Angel J. A. Rodríguez López, P. Foster","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1838110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1838110","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT A low-cost, low-weight leaky feeder system is proposed for mines rescue communication for use when the mine’s permanent communication infrastructure has been compromised by an incident. Unlike the leaky feeders that are permanently installed in some transport tunnels and mines, which are very expensive, bulky and heavy, the system described here relies on the fact that some ordinary coaxial cables leak signal unintentionally. Experimental evaluation of the two main types of low-cost coaxial cable identified a suitable cable and an optimal frequency of 27 MHz. Longer range tests characterised the real world underground performance of a system. A range of around a kilometre is achievable but this could be increased substantially by using in-line amplifiers. In comparison to low-frequency guidewire systems that have previously been produced for mines rescue use, the method outlined here does not force rescuers to clip handsets to the cable, thereby allowing them much more freedom of movement.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80064864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Safe exploitation of developed pillars of a coal seam above fire affected areas – a case study","authors":"P. Pal Roy, C. Sawmliana, A. Prakash, R. Singh","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1834972","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1834972","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT It was an extremely challenging task from the safety standpoint to exploit the developed coal pillars in No. 15 top and bottom seams at the Tata Steel Ltd Sijua Colliery by deep-hole opencast blasting above fire affected areas in No. 13 seam and No. 14 seam and a depillaring panel in No. 10 seam. The danger was that the depillaring operations in No. 10 seam could cause subsidence on the floor of the opencast workings and that the ground vibrations generated due to opencast blasting could destabilize the underground fire areas and cause structural damage to isolation stoppings in No. 13 and 14 seams. The scientific approach proposed by the authors may make it possible to extract the locked-up coal without jeopardizing the safety of the fire affected and depillared panels.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87211256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A virtual monitoring method of operation conditions for mining and transporting equipment based on real-time data","authors":"Xiubo Jiao, Xin Zhang, Jiacheng Xie, Tao Cui, Binbin Wang, Hongda Shen","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1798085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1798085","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper presents a virtual monitoring method of operation conditions. The mathematical calculation model of a shearer and a scraper conveyor was established. Based on the model and the real-time motion trajectory of the shearer, measuring the pitch angles of 4–6 middle troughs as a priori information, the pitch angle of the next section could be calculated by rolling, thus the shape of a scraper conveyor was obtained. The method was programmed into the bottom layer of the Unity3D software. A real-time display and updating of virtual images were realised with data visualisation driving technology. The method was verified experimentally, with the results producing an error between the calculated and actual layout forms of the scraper conveyor of less than 15 mm. The actual operation state of the equipment remains synchronised in real time with the equipment in the virtual monitoring screen. Importantly, the detection accuracy satisfies the practical requirements.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84131343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corrosion properties of ASTM A615 rock bolt steel in US underground coal mines","authors":"G. Bylapudi, K. Mondal, A. Spearing, A. Bhagwat","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1788843","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1788843","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Corrosion of rock bolts is a relatively slow process yet a potential problem for the underground mining industry. Mine groundwater in the strata through natural or mining-induced cracks together with the humid environment in the mine openings interact with the roof support systems often resulting in corrosion. Electrochemical studies of the commonly used rock bolt steel in the coal mining environments will lead to a better understanding of the material’s performance and their ability to resist corrosion. The influence of pH, solution resistivity, total dissolved solids, and aggressive ions on the electrochemical properties of rock bolt steel are discussed. This preliminary study focuses on understanding the corrosion potential, polarization resistance, and corrosion rates of the rock bolt steel that is most commonly used in US underground coal mines. Based on the findings, it was observed that the polarization resistance (Rp) is inversely proportional to the corrosion rate (CR) over time.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75584594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Osvail André Quaglio, José Margarida da Silva, E. C. Rodovalho, A. O. B. Franco-Magalhães, Thaís Gontijo Pereira
{"title":"Influence of rock blast advance direction on boulder generation: a case study","authors":"Osvail André Quaglio, José Margarida da Silva, E. C. Rodovalho, A. O. B. Franco-Magalhães, Thaís Gontijo Pereira","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1788885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1788885","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT In quarries, rock blasting is important for mining and transportation, being the first step in the comminution. Discontinuities present in a rock mass can interrupt the propagation of the shock wave and evacuate gases, thereby reducing the efficiency of the explosives. Differences in the orientation of joint sets and the advancing direction of the mine produce different fragmentation results. In this study, the blastability of a rock mass was evaluated as a function of mining advance direction relative to the direction of the main joint set using particle size curves generated by photo-analysis. The data were analysed for each bench, and the optimal direction of advance was determined as the one to generate the smallest boulders. The particle size curves reveal optimal fragmentation when the mining direction is orthogonal to the main joint set, reducing the number of boulders by 64.40%.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74261766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A hybrid paretosearch algorithm and goal attainment method for maximizing production and reducing blast-induced ground vibration: a blast design parameter selection approach","authors":"Clement Kweku Arthur, R. Kaunda","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1790262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1790262","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study uses a hybrid paretosearch algorithm and goal attainment method to determine blast design parameters that will maximize production (total blasted volume) and minimize blast-induced ground vibration. Fifty-five (51) blast data collected at Quarry X in the Western US are used. A nonlinear and linear regression models are developed to serve as the objective function for the minimization of blast-induced ground vibration and maximization of production respectively. The blast design parameters are then determined using the hybrid optimization technique. The results obtained show that hole depths of 11.58 m, burden of 4.24 m, spacing of 4.88 m and stemming length of 3.61 m are the blast design parameter values that produce a minimum PPV within the interval of 0.51 and 38.1 mm/sec as stated in the Explosive regulation by the Colorado State Division of Oil and Public Safety for a total blast volume greater than 16,622 m3.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84530113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transformation of the Australian mining industry and future prospects","authors":"H. Jang, E. Topal","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1786298","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1786298","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The rapid industrialization in recent decades has enormously increased demands for energy and mineral resources. At the same time, economically viable resources near the surface have been nearly depleted, and the mining industry is facing new challenges of processing low-grade ore, increasing depth, climate changes, and rigorous social and environmental constraints. Furthermore, accountability for major social and sustainable development problems in the mining sector has imposed a further economic burden on mining companies. These challenges in the mining industry can be solved through technical improvements and the optimization of the entire mining value chain using advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) and automation techniques. This paper presents future prospects of the mining industry by reviewing the sustainable development in mining, the global trend of mining innovations and initiatives of major mining companies, and some new mining technologies in Australia. Furthermore, future prospects and blueprints of the mining industry are suggested.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79229165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gurmeet Shekhar, A. Gustafson, K. Jonsson, J. Martinsson, H. Schunnesson
{"title":"Development of an optimal draw control strategy for a sublevel caving operation at Malmberget mine","authors":"Gurmeet Shekhar, A. Gustafson, K. Jonsson, J. Martinsson, H. Schunnesson","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1775432","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1775432","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper addresses the identification of the optimal draw control strategy for a sublevel caving (SLC) operation at Malmberget mine in Sweden. Two mathematical models, a probability model and an economic model, were created using five datasets: bucket weights, bucket grades, extraction ratio, mine economics parameters and production constraints. The probability model was used to generate a set of simulated bucket weights and corresponding bucket grades which acts as a ‘virtual mine’ environment. The economic model assesses the economic impact of loading at the draw point. Two approaches to draw control were tested using the ‘virtual mine’ created by the probability model. Based on the results of the simulation tests, an optimal draw control strategy is suggested for a field test at the mine. The new draw control strategy optimises further the loading operation at Malmberget mine. The paper shows a roadmap for optimising draw control strategy for SLC operations.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77938426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
P. Hartlieb, Luis Jordá Bordehore, Manuel Regueiro y González-Barros, Vítor Correia, J. Vidovič
{"title":"A comprehensive skills catalogue for the raw materials sector and the structure of raw materials education worldwide","authors":"P. Hartlieb, Luis Jordá Bordehore, Manuel Regueiro y González-Barros, Vítor Correia, J. Vidovič","doi":"10.1080/25726668.2020.1770406","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25726668.2020.1770406","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The raw materials sector is undergoing significant structural changes. Skills required by emerging technologies and ever more challenging mineral deposits are changing quicker than todays’ workforce can update them. Education mainly focusses on “classical” raw materials related topics (geology, mining and mineral processing), whereas there are deficiencies in emerging and non-technical skills like communication and management. There is a strong need for both sides to understand the necessities and constraints of the respective other partner in this business. This paper generates a knowledge base for future analysis of raw materials education, identifying currently taught skills and the structure of higher education. A definition of skills, knowledge and teaching areas is presented, leading to a comprehensive “skills catalogue”. It builds the basis for an inventory of raw materials education worldwide.","PeriodicalId":44166,"journal":{"name":"Mining Technology-Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89908444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}