SAIMM Journal - March 2016

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SAIMM Journal Volume 116 No. 3  - March 2016

Contents

Journal Comment—Mine Planning and Equipment Selection (MPES 2015)
by C. Musingwini

Obituary - Memories of David Rankin
by D. Rogans

President's Corner—Sustainability
by R.T. Jones

Final breakthrough at the Hallandsas tunnel marks an outstanding pioneering achievement
by SANCOT


PAPERS – MINE PLANNING AND EQUIPMENT SELECTION (MPES)
 
Estimating cost of equity in project discount rates: comparison of the Capital Asset Pricing Model and Gordon's Wealth Growth Model
by A.S. Nhleko and C. Musingwini

This study considers the commonly applied Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Gordon's Wealth Growth Model to estimate the cost of equity, and explores how differences in the cost of equity obtained by these two methods can be explained for a mining environment.

Estimating mine planning software utilization for decision-making strategies in the South African coal mining sector
by B. Genc, C. Musingwini, and T. Celik

A new methodology has been developed to define and measure mine planning software utilization in the South African coal mining sector within an evolving data-set framework. The methodology can be used to review existing software combinations and inform decision-making strategies for software utilization.

Determination of value at risk for long-term production planning in open pit mines in the presence of price uncertainty
by M. Rahmanpour and M. Osanloo
    

A procedure is presented in this paper to determine the value at risk (VaR) in any possible mine planning alternative. The VaR is considered, together with downside risk and upside potential, to select the most profitable and least risky plan. The model is tested on a small iron ore deposit.

Impact of the South African mineral resource royalty on cut-off grades for narrow, tabular Witwatersrand gold deposits
by C. Birch
  

This study investigates the impact of the mineral resource royalty on mineable reserves and the resultant life-of-mine and total income for various gold mines, as well as on a single gold mine, at various profitability ratios. Each individual mine is affected differently, due primarily to differences in grade- tonnage curves and profitability ratios.

Rock Strength and Geometallurgical Modelling, Mogalakwena Mine
by J. P. Germiquet and R.C.A. Minnitt
    

This work investigates the domaining of grain-size-adjusted uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) to  allow more accurate scheduling of drilling rigs through increased knowledge of rock strength in various areas. Successful rock strength domaining has the potential to be incorporated into blast indexing and in predicting crushing/milling performance.

Microscopic analyses of Bushveld Complex rocks under the influence of high temperatures
by G.O. Oniyide and H. Yilmaz
    

The effect of temperature on the physical and chemical properties of selected rocks from the Bushveld Complex was studied by means of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy using energy- dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX). Minor physical changes were observed, but the temperature range considered (50–140°C) is not high enough to induce changes in the chemical composition.

The effect of geological uncertainty on achieving short-term targets: a quantitative approach using stochastic process simulation
by M. Soleymani Shishvan, and J. Benndorf
    

This paper presents a stochastic-based mine process simulator capturing different sources of uncertainties.  It aims to quantify the effect of geological uncertainty and its impacts on the ability to deliver contractually defined coal quantities and qualities, as well as the efficiency of a large continuous mining system in terms of equipment utilization. A case study of a large continuous coal mine is used to evaluate the results.

The importance of people in the process of converting a narrow tabular hard-rock mine to mechanization
by D. Vogt and T. Hattingh
    

A published model for technological progress from 'art' to 'science' is presented and adapted to the mining industry. The paper argues that a mechanized mining approach requires a different mix of skills from the workforce, and in particular a management system that allows for higher levels of
personal initiative.

Improvement in the overall efficiency of mining equipment: a case study
by H. Fourie
    

This case study describes an initiative to improve equipment performance which developed into a comprehensive turnaround plan for the Mogalakwena platinum mine and put it at the forefront of performance achievement.

Trends in productivity in the South African gold mining industry
by P.N. Neingo and T. Tholana
    

The performance of the South African gold mining industry, in terms of labour productivity and the industry cost curve position, is analysed for the period 2006–2013 to assess the impacts of both the global financial crisis and labour unrest.


 
PAPER OF GENERAL INTEREST
 
Critique of the South African squat coal pillar strength formula
by M. Mathey and J.N. van der Merwe
   
The arguments which have been proposed in favour of the South African squat coal pillar strength formula are discussed critically in this paper. As a result, an alternative design criterion for squat pillars in South Africa is suggested.


 
Regards

KELLY MATTHEE
JOURNAL & SUBSCRIPTIONS CO-ORDINATOR
Telephone: +27 11 834 1273
Facsimile: 086 585 2901
E-mail kelly@saimm.co.za