Malcolm Scoble

A review of image analysis techniques for measuring blast fragmentation

Abstract This paper discusses the growing interest in developing more reliable quantitative methods to characterize the size distribution of blasted rock in both surface and underground mines. The results of such work can form important input for blast design optimization and mine production control. The evolution and nature of image analysis techniques applied to the photography of blasted material are reviewed. Adopted procedures and experiences arising from field research are then presented, based upon projects undertaken at producing mines in Canada, Africa and the U.K.

Correlation beween rotary drill performance parameters and borehole geophysical logging

Abstract There is a growing interest in developing performance monitoring techniques for both surface and underground mining equipment used in excavating, loading and transport systems, and this paper is associated with research into the techniques and applications for monitoring drilling machinery. Three important applications of drill monitoring are apparent: surveillance of operating performance for machine health and maintenance, production statistical reporting for scheduling and short-range planning, and interpretation of ground conditions for blasting and production control. In the latter application the performance of the drill is used to interpret any variation in ground conditions, as related to lithological or structural features in the geology. Drill performance is evaluated by monitoring the parameters of instantaneous penetration rate, rotary speed, thrust, torque and flushing medium pressure. This study is based on recent field trials with an instrumental rotary blasthole drill in a surface coal mine. Particular interest surrounded the ability of the performance of such a drill to define variations in bench geology. Monitored drill performance data are correlated with those from borehole geophysical logging on mine benches. Such performance monitoring of production drills in surface coal mines is indicated as offering the potential of defining mine bench geology in detail and with precision, in advance of explosives loading.

Sustainable socio-economic development in mining communities: north-central British Columbia perspectives

The recent global commodities price boom prompted a significant growth in mineral exploration projects in British Columbia (BC). These now face the impacts of the recession in the global economy. The forests in BC where many of these projects are underway is also facing a massive, climate-change related, pine beetle infestation which along with the housing slowdown in North America is causing a collapse of the regions forestry industry. Mining development could create new jobs through economic development, reducing the exodus of skilled workers and nurturing the already fragile state of many rural communities, including First Nations. Recent issues over new BC mining projects and their impacts on surrounding communities prompt consideration of an approach to project planning that goes beyond simply aiming to mitigate environmental and social impacts. The opportunity exists to involve the participation of communities early in the planning process and to place greater consideration on the contribution of a project to building social capital in these mining communities. There is also the possibility to consider the role of a particular project in a more strategic sense, as part of regional development planning that deals with wider issues, time spans and synergies relating to socio-economic development in mining communities. This article stems from early research into the characterisation of social capital and the use of community-indicators to forecast specific social and economic outcomes for new mining projects. The overall objective is to evaluate an approach to mine planning that potentially takes greater account of opportunities to enhance community health and resilience. Reference is made to a current mining project in north-central BC, characteristic of the complex socio-economic setting of contemporary mining developments in BC.

A technique for ground characterization using automated production drill monitoring

Abstract The monitoring and interpretation of production drill performance data enables a determination of rock mass strength and structure. Correlation of drill performance parameters with changes in intact rock strength, lithology and frequency of fractures has been shown to provide a means of accurately profiling variation in these rock properties with depth. Case studies undertaken in surface operations, using both analog and digital drill monitoring instrumentation, illustrate the potential of this technique for rock mass characterization in surface mine environments.

Prediction of digging performance in mining

ABSTRACT Improved utilization of existing excavating equipment is seen achievable through predictive digging models. This work involves theoretical and physical modelling of the digging process and its correlation with field observations of digging performance in a range of geological environments.

MINING WASTE: TRANSFORMING MINING SYSTEMS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

Mining environmental management primarily focuses on concerns over the impact of waste disposal on the surface, in the form of tailings and waste rock. Traditionally waste products have only been returned to the mining void in limited quantities and surface disposal technologies have been paramount. Mining systems need to be reengineered, based on a new paradigm that mining is a business whose success is fundamentally dependent upon waste management. Strategies are available to shift this paradigm and to minimize the surface impact of waste disposal. Firstly, mining methods need to be developed that are more selective. A more futuristic strategy may be the implementation of solution mining. Pre-concentration and even the full integration of mineral processing within the mine workings could be important in this strategy in the interim. Secondly, technologies enabling the return of waste securely to the void should be pursued. This paper considers the design of new mining methods that minimize waste output. It then reviews technologies for in situ pre-concentration. Finally it addresses the issues associated with the return of waste to mined voids.

Applying a Maintenance Methodology for Excavation Reliability

Production management in mining needs to consider the performance reliability of not only the machine systems and workforce but also the excavations themselves. Excavations such as tunnels and shafts are critical components of an underground mine production system. Their operational reliability and capacity is dependent upon several factors, but primarily upon how the ground conditions can affect their structural stability over time. Much effort has been placed in the past towards developing the ability to characterize and analyze ground conditions and then design excavations and ground control practice to avoid ground-related problems. Unfortunately there has been only limited capacity in the past to manage the actual excavation performance and the impact of ground-related problems on production, in terms of productivity losses, costs and reliability. The economics of ground control and reliability analysis have not been fully integrated into traditional mine production management. This paper demonstrates how an approach using a maintenance methodology can be applied to assess the reliability of underground mining excavations. The approach is also applicable to surface mining excavations. Research indicates that the performance of the excavations, as well as the machines and workforce, should be tracked to manage the quality of mine production planning and control more effectively. This also should ensure the realization of the full potential of future automated mining systems.

Data infrastructure for a tactical mine management system

Abstract An evolution in tactical mine management systems is underway, powered by IT and new management tools. This paper considers the specific data infrastructure needs for such systems that were identified in field studies in operating underground metal mines. These were formulated into a methodology to create a mine-focused information system through structured data modelling and process mapping. The importance of data items particular to mining systems became evident through this study, such as workplace, process descriptions, and details of production process outputs. Some of these new data items can be used to integrate data thereby enabling new management tools and techniques. The application of the data infrastructure design methodology at operating mines was seen to improve managements understanding of the production system and to enable the creation of tactical management tools. This paper discusses the need, principles, and specifics of designing a data infrastructure specifically for underground metal mining. It stems from a collaborative PhD study that developed a methodology to create a tactical mine management system that was applied in underground mines in the Sudbury basin, in Ontario Canada.

Analysis of flexible mining systems

Flexible mining systems possess the ability to adapt to internal or external changes in operating conditions and maintain production expectations. This paper reviews the nature of the various types of mining flexibility and their controlling factors. Methods for assigning a value or figure of merit to flexibility are presented. Examples focus on the use of these methods at the mine level. Option pricing was found to be a useful approach for valuation of flexibility in a strategic, long-term context such as in mine design or major modification of mine operations. Computer simulation was found to be useful for tactical evaluation of flexible opportunities in mine production control.

Human Rights and the Minerals Industry: Challenges for Geoscientists

In many mining areas, potentially profitable mineral projects can be at risk because local people do not trust their governments and mining companies on many issues, including human rights. Projects will continue to be vulnerable to potential failure, delays, and higher costs. This paper suggests that geoscientists need to be aware of the global challenges they face from issues of corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, and human rights. These are not areas in which geoscience education has traditionally focused. This paper examines the types of conflict concerning human rights that are encountered by geoscientists involved in mineral exploration and development. It provides a background to human rights issues and presents a classification of the types of issue encountered. It reports on a survey of case studies that provide examples of the breadth, complexities, and consequences of such issues. The paper then concludes by outlining the development of codes and standards to improve performance, and suggests approaches for positive, practical engagement.