Tensile strength sensitivity of thin spray-on liners to changes in environmental conditions
By M.J. Kanda and T.R. Stacey
The benefits of thin spray-on liners (TSLs) as an aid in areal support, with the perceived ability of promoting rock mass stability, are not always realized in the mining environment. The research described in this paper was carried out to measure the tensile strengths of TSLs after they had been subjected to underground- like conditions. The test results showed that humidity and temperature have an adverse impact on TSL uniaxial tensile strength, deformation modulus, and elongation. It is inappropriate to design underground support systems using TSLs based on strength and deformation properties determined under normal laboratory conditions
Process optimization of a chrome ore gravity concentration plant for sustainable development
By Y. Rama Murthy and S.K. Tripathy
Most of the chromite process plants in India suffer chromite losses to tailings. In this article, the performance of an operating chrome ore beneficiation plant is evaluated based on mineralogical characterization of samples from around the circuit . This innovative methodology has brought insight into the behaviour of certain species (chromite and silicates) of minerals within the circuit, resulting in the reduction of chrome losses to <12%Cr2O3 and achieved a stringent target SiO2 grade of 9.83– 3.27% in the concentrate.
Technology commercialization front-end framework: Metallurgical industry
By M. van Rooyen, E. van der Lingen, and V.E. Ross
The development and commercialization of technologies within the metallurgical industry often spans a time-frame of decades. In this paper we propose a managerial framework that aims at increasing the success rate and speed of technology commercialization within this industry. The most important factor during concept development was determined to be the identification of the need or opportunity within the market, whereas the most important factors during research and development were the involvement of a project champion, a suitable team, and a potential implementer.
Improvement of tensile and impact properties of 5083 aluminium weldments using fillers containing nano-Al2O3 and post-weld friction stir processing
By M. Kianezhad and A. Honarbakhsh Raouf
A new technique was used to improve the properties of 5083 aluminium weldments using nano-Al2O3. The single-pass welded metals were made using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) using fillers containing different amounts of nano-Al2O3 particles. The impact fracture surfaces of the samples showed that the fracture mode of the FSP'd samples was ductile and the fracture was commonly initiated on the matrix. The uniform distribution of reinforcements leads to an improvement in mechanical properties of the weldment.
Effects of mining operations on air and water quality in Mufulira district of Zambia: A case study of Kankoyo Township
By D. Muma, B. Besa, J. Manchisi, and W. Banda
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sulphur dioxide emissions and mine effluent discharge on air and water quality respectively in Kankoyo Township of Mufulira district, one of the communities affected by the Zambian copper mining industry. The results indicated significant improvements in sulphur dioxide capture and subsequent reductions in sulphur dioxide emissions from the copper smelter.
Monitoring the development of artisanal mines in South Africa
By P. Mhangara, L.T. Tsoeleng, and W. Mapurisa
This study aimed to quantify changes in vegetation cover, bare soil, and mined open pits from 2014 to 2018 due to the impacts of ASM using SPOT 6 satellite imagery. The results show a progressive increase in areas being mined for the semiprecious stone tiger's eye and a continuous decrease of vegetation cover and expansion of bare soil surfaces, making the areas more vulnerable to land degradation, particularly soil erosion.
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