Review of successes and failures of mechanisation trials on platinum mines of the Bushveld Complex.

摘要

Mine mechanisation seems to be failing in the Bushveld Complex (BC) although itudhas been promoted on the basis of superior qualities to the conventional miningudmethods. This is particularly true for the extra low profile (XLP) mining method. Theudreasons for the successes and failures were observed from case studies and previousudwork captured through a comprehensive literature review. Interaction with industryudexperts and mine operators provided further insight into the suitability ofudmechanised mining systems on the BC.udTechnology trials on the BC included non blasting mining methods in the form ofudcutting discs which were not successful but provided encouraging data for futureuddevelopment. The low profile (LP) and extra low profile (XLP) mining technology isudthe only tried technology that has formed part of the mining mix in the BC albeitudwith challenges. In some operations where mine mechanisation technology wasudtried the performance was poor resulting in discontinuation, conversion to hybridudmining method and/ or reverting to the conventional mining method.udDilution makes the XLP and LP mining unsuitable for mining narrow tabular oreudbodies due to the amount of waste that dilutes the ultimate grade of the mine. Theudtechnology that is suitable for mining mechanised equipment must be able toudensure that it does so safely and without compromising the value in terms of grade.udThe current mining methods utilising mechanised equipment found in the BC hasudresulted in lower grades because of dilution caused by large excavations which areudrequired to accommodate the equipment.ududIt is imperative to understand the impacts on value the mining method createsudand/or destroys for the Life of mine. There are other mining methods which must beudfurther investigated. These include non-blasting and long hole stoping miningudmethods, both have the same attributes of safety and high grade. Both systemsudremove persons from dangerous working areas and mining is concentrated on theudmining channel width resulting in higher grades. Higher grade contributes toudultimate value of the mine.