An extended PMBoK project management model for companies delivering large multidiscipline mining projects
- Authors: Yates, Michael Edward Brian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mine management , Project management , Mining engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242839 , uj:25060
- Description: D.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yates, Michael Edward Brian
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mine management , Project management , Mining engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242839 , uj:25060
- Description: D.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
An application of risk based design in open pit mine planning
- Authors: Brits, Leilani
- Date: 2014-05-26
- Subjects: Strip mining - Planning , Strip mining - Design and construction , Mining engineering , Risk assessment
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/388561 , uj:11216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10809
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , The design of the optimum open pit slope angle is one of the major challenges during open pit mine planning, as it implies attaining the ideal balance between utilizing the maximum slope angle whilst achieving acceptable stability and safety standards as indicated by the mine. The aim of open pit mines should thus be to seek the steepest possible slope angle without compromising the safety of the personnel, equipment or ore reserves, utilizing both stability analyses as well as risk assessments. The typical open pit mine plan aims to achieve an acceptable balance between operational risks and geotechnical design considerations by analysing factors such as the slope stability design, the rock mass properties and existing structural geological conditions. These factors are used as inputs towards an optimum slope angle design which will be used in the final pit design and aims to provide maximum economic viability to the mine. The risk analysis methodology aims to improve traditional slope design methods and is used to evaluate risks and failure consequences in terms of economic impacts. The economic impact analysis is a useful method in comparing the performance of various mine plans and slope designs. The risk analysis methodology thus provides a valuable indication of optimum slope design configurations and as such can be a great asset to the mine design process. This research paper aims to identify the key risks used as input to an open-pit mine plan in a feasibility stage and to define an approach to minimize these risks in order to achieve maximum economic benefit. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated by means of a case study which will attempt to achieve an optimum balance between value and risk, and to compare the magnitude of the economic impact of an individual risk with the probability of occurrence of said risk. The case study will utilise a risk map in order to define years with higher economic impacts as well as defining critical pit areas causing these risks, so as to identify areas requiring further investigation which will assist the mine in evaluating mitigation strategies in order to reduce overall risk.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Brits, Leilani
- Date: 2014-05-26
- Subjects: Strip mining - Planning , Strip mining - Design and construction , Mining engineering , Risk assessment
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/388561 , uj:11216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10809
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , The design of the optimum open pit slope angle is one of the major challenges during open pit mine planning, as it implies attaining the ideal balance between utilizing the maximum slope angle whilst achieving acceptable stability and safety standards as indicated by the mine. The aim of open pit mines should thus be to seek the steepest possible slope angle without compromising the safety of the personnel, equipment or ore reserves, utilizing both stability analyses as well as risk assessments. The typical open pit mine plan aims to achieve an acceptable balance between operational risks and geotechnical design considerations by analysing factors such as the slope stability design, the rock mass properties and existing structural geological conditions. These factors are used as inputs towards an optimum slope angle design which will be used in the final pit design and aims to provide maximum economic viability to the mine. The risk analysis methodology aims to improve traditional slope design methods and is used to evaluate risks and failure consequences in terms of economic impacts. The economic impact analysis is a useful method in comparing the performance of various mine plans and slope designs. The risk analysis methodology thus provides a valuable indication of optimum slope design configurations and as such can be a great asset to the mine design process. This research paper aims to identify the key risks used as input to an open-pit mine plan in a feasibility stage and to define an approach to minimize these risks in order to achieve maximum economic benefit. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated by means of a case study which will attempt to achieve an optimum balance between value and risk, and to compare the magnitude of the economic impact of an individual risk with the probability of occurrence of said risk. The case study will utilise a risk map in order to define years with higher economic impacts as well as defining critical pit areas causing these risks, so as to identify areas requiring further investigation which will assist the mine in evaluating mitigation strategies in order to reduce overall risk.
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Statistical properties of sequential detonation systems
- Authors: Winter, Theodor Daniël
- Date: 2012-08-24
- Subjects: Blasting , Detonators , Mining engineering , Explosives , Statistical mechanics -- Mathematical models
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6558
- Description: M.Sc. , At the very roots of this dissertation lies a commercial process with many as yet unexplored characteristics that will be thoroughly examined, using a rich variety of statistical methods and techniques. Broadly speaking, the main objective of this study involves the development of techniques to control the quality of advanced explosives detonators used in commercial mining operations. To accomplish this task, various statistical characteristics of this detonation process are described and examined in order to obtain a holistic understanding of the underlying process. The parameters of the process are introduced and estimates for unknowns are derived. Real-time quality control techniques based on these results are suggested. 1.2. The role of blasting in mining A major part of South Africa's economy is based on the mining of the rich mineral deposits that are to be found in the country. These mining operations are carried out both above ground (open-pit iron ore mines, for example) and below ground (gold, uranium and others). Open-pit mining, in particular, requires significant amounts of commercial blasting to dislodge the high volumes of material that have to be moved and processed. An average blasting block at Iscor's Sishen mine, for example, contains about 250 000 tons of material, although a world record was established in April 1981 when 7, 2 million tons of rock was broken during a single blast. The chemical quality of the final products is partly controlled by supplying the primary crusher at the mine with a suitable mixture of so-called run-of-mine ore. To determine which material from a specific blasting block may be sent to the plant, and to which waste dump the remaining material should be assigned, factors such as beneficiation properties of the raw material and the content of various by-products are considered. Samples are typically taken from alternate blast holes for every metre drilled. Each drill sample is divided into two parts by means of a riffler for a washed and unwashed sample. The washed samples are examined and the rock types noted. Subsequently, all the samples are grouped and analysed chemically and the densities of the different rock types are determined. The results are processed and those for the washed and unwashed samples correlated. The blasting blocks in the pit are demarcated by means of whitewash lines, according to the divisions on the blasting-block plans, and they are marked with signs to guide shovel operators. Primary drilling is performed by means of electrically-driven rotary drills. At the Sishen mine, 310 mm diameter blast holes are drilled in all rock types. The following table depicts typical drilling 2 patterns for various rock types: Rock type Pattern (m) Drill depth (m) Hard iron ore 2 x 8, 3 3, 0 Medium-hard iron ore 1 x 9, 3 2, 7 Quartzite 8,2 x 9,4 2, 5 Flagstone 8,2 x 9,4 5 Calcrete 8,1 x 9,3 0 Primary blasting is done at Sishen with Heavy Anfo, an explosive that is manufactured by mine personnel at the emulsion plant on site. The ingredients for the explosive blends are transported by pump trucks to the blasting blocks, where it is mixed and pumped down the blast holes. Good fragmentation of the blasted material is a prerequisite for high loading rates by the loading equipment. At Sishen and other similar mines, a blasting efficiency of 3, 2 tons of rock per kilogram of explosives used, is considered to be acceptable.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Winter, Theodor Daniël
- Date: 2012-08-24
- Subjects: Blasting , Detonators , Mining engineering , Explosives , Statistical mechanics -- Mathematical models
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6558
- Description: M.Sc. , At the very roots of this dissertation lies a commercial process with many as yet unexplored characteristics that will be thoroughly examined, using a rich variety of statistical methods and techniques. Broadly speaking, the main objective of this study involves the development of techniques to control the quality of advanced explosives detonators used in commercial mining operations. To accomplish this task, various statistical characteristics of this detonation process are described and examined in order to obtain a holistic understanding of the underlying process. The parameters of the process are introduced and estimates for unknowns are derived. Real-time quality control techniques based on these results are suggested. 1.2. The role of blasting in mining A major part of South Africa's economy is based on the mining of the rich mineral deposits that are to be found in the country. These mining operations are carried out both above ground (open-pit iron ore mines, for example) and below ground (gold, uranium and others). Open-pit mining, in particular, requires significant amounts of commercial blasting to dislodge the high volumes of material that have to be moved and processed. An average blasting block at Iscor's Sishen mine, for example, contains about 250 000 tons of material, although a world record was established in April 1981 when 7, 2 million tons of rock was broken during a single blast. The chemical quality of the final products is partly controlled by supplying the primary crusher at the mine with a suitable mixture of so-called run-of-mine ore. To determine which material from a specific blasting block may be sent to the plant, and to which waste dump the remaining material should be assigned, factors such as beneficiation properties of the raw material and the content of various by-products are considered. Samples are typically taken from alternate blast holes for every metre drilled. Each drill sample is divided into two parts by means of a riffler for a washed and unwashed sample. The washed samples are examined and the rock types noted. Subsequently, all the samples are grouped and analysed chemically and the densities of the different rock types are determined. The results are processed and those for the washed and unwashed samples correlated. The blasting blocks in the pit are demarcated by means of whitewash lines, according to the divisions on the blasting-block plans, and they are marked with signs to guide shovel operators. Primary drilling is performed by means of electrically-driven rotary drills. At the Sishen mine, 310 mm diameter blast holes are drilled in all rock types. The following table depicts typical drilling 2 patterns for various rock types: Rock type Pattern (m) Drill depth (m) Hard iron ore 2 x 8, 3 3, 0 Medium-hard iron ore 1 x 9, 3 2, 7 Quartzite 8,2 x 9,4 2, 5 Flagstone 8,2 x 9,4 5 Calcrete 8,1 x 9,3 0 Primary blasting is done at Sishen with Heavy Anfo, an explosive that is manufactured by mine personnel at the emulsion plant on site. The ingredients for the explosive blends are transported by pump trucks to the blasting blocks, where it is mixed and pumped down the blast holes. Good fragmentation of the blasted material is a prerequisite for high loading rates by the loading equipment. At Sishen and other similar mines, a blasting efficiency of 3, 2 tons of rock per kilogram of explosives used, is considered to be acceptable.
- Full Text:
Harvesting mining engineering graduate’s potential for value added to the organisation
- Authors: Gaula, Mabatho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mining engineering , Engineering - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/297324 , uj:32411
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The research was conducted at Sibanye Stillwater, a gold and platinum group metals (PGM) mining company with operations in the Witwatersrand Basin, along the platinum belt and in the United States (US). The research was titled “Harvesting mining engineering graduate’s potential for adding value to the organisation” and aimed at producing a framework for mining engineering graduate utilisation and retention within the organisation. A quantitative study was done by means of a questionnaire with a population of 53 and a sample size of 17 participants. The composition of graduates in terms of their qualifications is as follows: 47% BSc, 35% B Tech, 6% BEng and 12% chose not to specify their qualifications. The composition of their current roles is as follows: 10% miners, 32% production supervisors, 16% other (shadowing production supervisor), 26% chose not to specify their role, 5% other roles, 11% other roles in service departments. The questionnaire was divided into three sections namely; Technical Knowledge Utilisation, Job Satisfaction and Potential to Add Value. The results generally indicated that when analysed as per individual responses, the result was negative for technical knowledge utilisation. However, in the various groups (per qualification, per role), utilisation was found to be adequate. Job satisfaction was found to be generally dissatisfactory and this being largely attributed to working conditions and company culture, key performance indicators that do not reflect the true performance of the graduates and unattainable targets targets. Potential to add value yielded inconclusive results since equal proportions of the participants responded positively as those who were neutral. Based on the results of the study obtained, the researcher proposed a theoretical framework as a means through which the organisation can harvest the full potential of its mining engineering graduates such that they add value to the organisation. The framework identified 3 components: Talent Management, Competency Development and Retention as foundational pillars which the organisation can use to aid the organisation in harvesting the full potential of its mining engineering graduates to add value to the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gaula, Mabatho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mining engineering , Engineering - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/297324 , uj:32411
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: The research was conducted at Sibanye Stillwater, a gold and platinum group metals (PGM) mining company with operations in the Witwatersrand Basin, along the platinum belt and in the United States (US). The research was titled “Harvesting mining engineering graduate’s potential for adding value to the organisation” and aimed at producing a framework for mining engineering graduate utilisation and retention within the organisation. A quantitative study was done by means of a questionnaire with a population of 53 and a sample size of 17 participants. The composition of graduates in terms of their qualifications is as follows: 47% BSc, 35% B Tech, 6% BEng and 12% chose not to specify their qualifications. The composition of their current roles is as follows: 10% miners, 32% production supervisors, 16% other (shadowing production supervisor), 26% chose not to specify their role, 5% other roles, 11% other roles in service departments. The questionnaire was divided into three sections namely; Technical Knowledge Utilisation, Job Satisfaction and Potential to Add Value. The results generally indicated that when analysed as per individual responses, the result was negative for technical knowledge utilisation. However, in the various groups (per qualification, per role), utilisation was found to be adequate. Job satisfaction was found to be generally dissatisfactory and this being largely attributed to working conditions and company culture, key performance indicators that do not reflect the true performance of the graduates and unattainable targets targets. Potential to add value yielded inconclusive results since equal proportions of the participants responded positively as those who were neutral. Based on the results of the study obtained, the researcher proposed a theoretical framework as a means through which the organisation can harvest the full potential of its mining engineering graduates such that they add value to the organisation. The framework identified 3 components: Talent Management, Competency Development and Retention as foundational pillars which the organisation can use to aid the organisation in harvesting the full potential of its mining engineering graduates to add value to the organisation.
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Impact evaluation of mining projects : a case study of the metallurgical gold industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Authors: Senga, Asifiwe Erick
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mineral industries - Management , Project management , Mining engineering , Gold mines and mining - Congo (Democratic Republic)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233662 , uj:23863
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Historically, gold is a valuable metal that constitutes a long term solid investment avenue. For that reason, researchers and investors refer to gold as a safe haven. Gold markets have been very unpredictable in the course of the most recent years, particularly since 2007 when the late financial crises started. Various factors such as the financial, political, and social conjunctures greatly impact the gold prices. On September 6, 2011, for the first time the price of gold went up to 1895 USD in London. In the last four years however, the price of gold has shown a downtrend mainly after 2013. The average price of gold came from USD 1, 669 in 2012 to USD 1, 160.1 last year. This drop of the price of gold on the international market has a direct impact on the Net Present Value (NPV) of the gold mining companies. This is especially true for the newly developed mining projects which have to cut down their production costs in order to optimize their benefit margins. Mining projects are capital intensive and practically irreversible endeavors with long, but often limited economic duration. Mining companies that evolve in the gold sector strive to find ways to optimize their benefit margins by cutting down their operating costs. This research paper focuses on a newly developed gold mine operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Twangiza Mining (TM), subsidiary of the Canadian Banro Corporation. TM started its commercial production in 2012 but its processing plant faced many hurdles to cope up with the clay ore in the Twangiza area. Initially designed to process 1.3 millions of tonnes per annum (Mtpa), after many failures to reach its yearly ore throughput as per design ore throughput, TM launched a project to optimize and expand the processing plant capacity to 1.7 Mtpa and the gold production to 110, 000 ounces (oz) per annum. Moreover, the project, named TM Optimization and Expansion Project (TMOEP) aimed to increase the plant recovery to 85-90 %. In brief, TMOEP aimed to optimize the company’s overall return on investment by cutting down its operating costs.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Senga, Asifiwe Erick
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mineral industries - Management , Project management , Mining engineering , Gold mines and mining - Congo (Democratic Republic)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233662 , uj:23863
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Historically, gold is a valuable metal that constitutes a long term solid investment avenue. For that reason, researchers and investors refer to gold as a safe haven. Gold markets have been very unpredictable in the course of the most recent years, particularly since 2007 when the late financial crises started. Various factors such as the financial, political, and social conjunctures greatly impact the gold prices. On September 6, 2011, for the first time the price of gold went up to 1895 USD in London. In the last four years however, the price of gold has shown a downtrend mainly after 2013. The average price of gold came from USD 1, 669 in 2012 to USD 1, 160.1 last year. This drop of the price of gold on the international market has a direct impact on the Net Present Value (NPV) of the gold mining companies. This is especially true for the newly developed mining projects which have to cut down their production costs in order to optimize their benefit margins. Mining projects are capital intensive and practically irreversible endeavors with long, but often limited economic duration. Mining companies that evolve in the gold sector strive to find ways to optimize their benefit margins by cutting down their operating costs. This research paper focuses on a newly developed gold mine operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Twangiza Mining (TM), subsidiary of the Canadian Banro Corporation. TM started its commercial production in 2012 but its processing plant faced many hurdles to cope up with the clay ore in the Twangiza area. Initially designed to process 1.3 millions of tonnes per annum (Mtpa), after many failures to reach its yearly ore throughput as per design ore throughput, TM launched a project to optimize and expand the processing plant capacity to 1.7 Mtpa and the gold production to 110, 000 ounces (oz) per annum. Moreover, the project, named TM Optimization and Expansion Project (TMOEP) aimed to increase the plant recovery to 85-90 %. In brief, TMOEP aimed to optimize the company’s overall return on investment by cutting down its operating costs.
- Full Text:
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