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| PAPERS – SLOPE STABILITY CONFERENCE Implications of collecting additional data for slope design in an open pit operation Designing for extreme events in open pit slope stabiltyby M.-H. Fillion and J. Hadjigeorgiou This paper investigates the impact on slope design decisions when new data becomes available over time, following a series of geomechanical data collection campaigns. As more data became available, the uncertainty associated with data variability can be reduced sufficiently to allow the selection of less conservative slope angles. A framework for managing geotechnical risk across multiple operations by P.J.H. de Graaf and S.D.N. Wessels Rio Tinto's Geotechnical Management System utilizes a risk-based approach to geotechnical risk management. This paper demonstrates that an improved understanding of rock mass conditions allows for economic optimization through redesign of slopes, with an improved understanding of risk and fewer unexpected conditions leading to an increased realized value. An update to the strain-based approach to pit wall failure prediction, and a justification for slope monitoring by W. Newcomen and G. Dick The strain-based approach can be used to provide general guidance regarding strain thresholds for pit walls in diverse geological environments for a variety of failure modes. The importance of implementing a pit slope monitoring and performance evaluation system early in mine development is emphasized. by L. Lorig Open pit slopes are seemingly more resistant to dynamic loads than natural landforms that can experience catastrophic landslides. The paper presents a discussion of the mechanisms for rainfall- induced slope instability, as well as analysis methods. A comparison of slope stability analyses in two and three dimensions by D. Wines A discussion on the differences between the results from two-dimensional and three-dimensional slope stability analysis is presented. The paper also highlights the fact that back-analysed properties obtained from one analysis technique are not necessarily applicable to forward analyses using another technique. Reconciliation of the mining value chain — mine to design as a critical enabler for optimal and safe extraction of the mineral reserve by M. Bester, T. Russell, J. van Heerden, and R. Carey The paper describes the development and implementation of a standardized mine to design reconciliation system for operations utilizing laser scanning technology, some analysis tools, as well as associated key performance indicators. Performance is evaluated on final pit boundaries in terms of geometry achieved as well as blast performance evaluation of face conditions. PAPERS OF GENERAL INTEREST A modified model to calculate the size of the crushed zone around a blast-holeby W. Lu, Z. Leng, M. Chen, P. Yan, and Y. Hu A modified model is presented for calculation of the size of the crushed zone around a blast-hole in a drill and blast situation, taking into account the hoop compressive stress and cavity expansion effect. A sensitivity analysis of the modified model shows that the size of the blast-induced damage area is affected mainly by rock mass properties, in situ stress, and borehole pressure. Multivariate geostatistical simulation of the Gole Gohar iron ore deposit, Iran by S.A. Hosseini and O. Asghari Mineral resources were quantified and the process performance evaluated by using a precise model of the spatial variability of three variables. It is shown that the algorithms developed were able to reproduce complex relationships between variables, both locally and globally. Impact of thick alluvial soil on a fractured water-conducting zone: an example from Huainan coal mine, China by D.W. Zhou, K. Wu, L. Li, and J.W. Yu The results of this research provide a basis for the accurate calculation of the height, width, and distribution pattern of the fractured water-conducting zone in mining areas covered with thick alluvial soil, thus mitigating mine water hazards and increasing the safety of underground coal mining. Engineering principles for the design of a personnel transportation system by R.C.W. Webber-Youngman and G.M.J. van Heerden This article describes the re-engineering principles that were applied in the design of a personnel transportation system at a platinum mine in the Rustenburg area. A process of evaluation was used to identify the appropriate options that would be safe as well as cost-effective. Interpretation of transformation— perspectives from mining executives in South Africa by N.V. Moraka Qualitative data from interviews with mining executives is used to demonstrate that from a mining industry perspective, transformation is not simply about race and gender, but about cultural change, a change in mind-sets, embracing diversity, equalizing rights and opportunities, and attaining social justice. PAPER - FURNACE TAPPING CONFERENCE The tap-hole – key to furnace performance by L.R. Nelson and R.J. Hundermark This paper explores the critical importance of tap-hole design and management to furnace performance and longevity by examining some of the specific matte, metal, and slag tapping requirements of nonferrous blister copper, matte converting and smelting, ferroalloy smelting, and ironmaking systems. Process conditions and productivity requirements and their influence on tapping are reviewed for these different pyrometallurgical operations Regards KELLY MATTHEE JOURNAL & SUBSCRIPTIONS CO-ORDINATOR Telephone: +27 11 834 1273 Facsimile: 086 585 2901 E-mail kelly@saimm.co.za | |
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