MINING OPERATIONS – CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Executive Summary

This report provides an analysis and evaluation of the critical infrastructure required for generic

mining operations. Mining operations consist of complex, interdisciplinary tasks that result in

efficient extraction of raw materials for use in industrial processes. The analysis focuses on the

interactions between ‘Engineers’ as a key system element, and other key elements such as ‘Power

Supply’ and ‘Site specific Machinery’. The analysis brings to light the need for a shift to renewable

resource mining, and how an Engineering Systems approach will aid in the functioning of a mine in a

changing context.

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ContentsExecutive Summary...............................................................................................................................2

Introduction...........................................................................................................................................4

System Analysis.....................................................................................................................................5

Overview...........................................................................................................................................5

Overview Mind Map......................................................................................................................6

Interactions.......................................................................................................................................7

Interactions Mind Map..................................................................................................................8

System Context..................................................................................................................................9

Environmental...............................................................................................................................9

Social.............................................................................................................................................9

Political..........................................................................................................................................9

Economic.......................................................................................................................................9

Future Challenges............................................................................................................................10

Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................11

References...........................................................................................................................................12

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IntroductionEarly mining consisted of a man, a pick, and something to search for. Today mining is a more

multifaceted practice, by means of high levels of technical intricacy, increasing social responsibilities,

and tortuous processes, fuelling the growth and development of communities and nations around

the world. The increasing complexity of the mining industry has resulted in the adoption of an

Engineering Systems approach to solve multidisciplinary problems and increase the sustainability of

a mine.

This report aims to analyse the critical infrastructure required for generic mining operations,

covering the mine site, and the environment they operate in. The analysis covers the key elements

required for general mining operations, seeding from mechanical engineering, geotechnical

engineering, and several other disciplines. The interactions between the key elements, as well as

their influence on the behaviour of a mine site are also analysed. The contexts in which mining

operations take place, as well as the ensuing issues are evaluated. The analysis describes both

current and future challenges that are faced during the operation of a mine, and closes in

recommending potential solutions for increased sustainability and efficiency.

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System Analysis

OverviewGeneric mining operations require the integration of several critical elements in order to function

effectively. Knowing where to accurately drill and dig is paramount [1]. This involves testing what is

in the ground, and understanding the best way to get it out. Following the ore in the ground decides

the shape of the mine, and whether it is open cut or underground [1].

Important to mining operations is the ability of the mine to be managed on site, and have

maintenance completed on site. The design and implementation of appropriate infrastructure, in the

form of administration and maintenance facilities, allows for efficient mining operations.

The design of ramps into the mine, and integration of a mine site into transport networks such as

road, rail, and port facilities is also a key element critical mining infrastructure [2]. With capable

logistics, efficiency and integration into the community can be optimised.

Providing power to a mine site is also a key element in its functioning. This can be achieved through

connection to the grid, or by other alternative power sources such as decentralised mini-grid diesel

power systems [3]. How a mine site is powered depends on the specific requirements of a mine, and

geographical location with respect to the grid.

The design and maintenance of mine site specific machinery is yet another key element of critical

mining infrastructure. The methods of acquisition and transport of ore within a mine depend on the

type of mine, and also on what is being mined.

Refining and processing of ore is a key element of critical mining infrastructure, however is

occasionally outsourced depending on the ore type and geographical location of the mine. This

element consists of, but is not limited to, appropriate conveyors, washers and crushing mechanisms

to facilitate the refinement of the ore for processing or transport.

The final key element forming the critical infrastructure of a generic mine site is the Engineer.

Engineers perform varied interdisciplinary tasks, from conceptual design to management, all

contributing to the overall functioning of the mine. Several engineering disciplines are present at any

generic mine site, including;

Mechanical, Electrical, Geotechnical, Chemical, and Civil/Structural

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Overview Mind Map

Figure 1 : Critical Infrastructure relating to Mining Operations

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MINING OPERATIONS

Interactions

Critical infrastructure in mining operations can be broken into several major components, all of

which interact to contribute to the optimal functioning of the system. The importance of knowing

where to dig for ore has been highlighted previously, and is achievable through the interactions

between Geotechnical and Chemical engineers [1]. Figure 2 provides a breakdown of the

interactions between Geotechnical and Chemical engineers, aiming to efficiently extract ore from

the ground.

Figure 2: Geotechnical and Chemical engineering interactions on generic mine sites.

Closer still are the interactions between Mechanical engineers and the machinery that operates in

the mine. Designing machines to cope with loads far beyond normal commercial levels, and to be

reliable enough to operate nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is a major role of Mechanical

engineers in a generic mining environment [4]. The processing and refining of ore within a mine also

requires the expertise of Mechanical engineers. Designing and maintaining conveyors and crushers

for specific ore applications falls under the control of Mechanical engineers.

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Geotechnical Engineers (GtE) collect on site

samples

Chemical Engineers (ChE) test samples for mineral levels

GtE's instruct Drill and Blast crews

accordignly

Earth brought to surface according

to GtE's instructions

GtE's collect further samples before

refinement

ChE's test final samples before

refinement

Figure 2: Geotechnical and Chemical engineers involved in critical mining infrastructure

Another continuing interaction is between the machinery that is designed to haul ore up and out of

the mine, and the ramps and roads that allow for this. The ramps and roads need to be able to

handle the load of the machinery [2], and the machinery has to be able to scale the incline of the

ramps when loaded [4]. This requires the interaction of Mechanical and Civil engineers respectively,

to provide solutions for hauling issues as the mine progresses further into the deposit.

Whether a mine is to be connected to the grid, or powered by alternative methods [3], it requires

the technical expertise of Electrical engineers. Starting with design and implementation, and

continuing the interaction through maintenance and issue identification/resolution.

Interactions Mind Map

Figure 3: Major interactions between key system elements in a generic mining environment

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►Efficient operations

►Increased output ►Increased

revenue

Knowing where to dig

Geotechnical and Chemical

engineers

Site specific machinery/

refining process

Mechanical engineers

Machines capable of climbing

required ramps

Civil and Mechanical engineers

Electrical power - grid or

alternative generation

Electrical engineers

Minimises time wasted

processing earth not containing

ore.

Allows for mining

operations 24 hours per day

Enables movement around the mine site

Increases the mines capabilities, provides

more comfortable working

environment

System Context

EnvironmentalAs the world leans towards renewable

resources for power generation, those who

abuse resources and the environment, such

as the mining sector, come under great

disrepute. With a history of land clearing and

toxic contamination, mine sites have a

negative environmental image [5]. This

affects the productivity of a mine, as acting in the best interest of the environment does not often

coincide with the most efficient or productive process.

Social

Mining companies have poor standing in regards to social responsibilities, in particular with respect

to mining in developing countries [6]. Previously neglecting local communities and the effect the

mine is having on their lives, mining operations are placed under greater public scrutiny. The

response to this has been modifying business strategies to designate a large place for their

relationship and integration into the local community. This improves the mines image, and in

working with the community, decreases the chance of opposition to any progression of the mine

site.

Political

Mining operations are often governed by policies put in place to limit the extent to which a mine can

be expanded, or a deposit explored. A prime example of this was Australia’s ‘three mine policy’,

introduced in 1984 by the government of Australia, limiting the mining of uranium to three sites [7].

Although this policy has since been abolished, the potential limiting effect of policy on mining

operations is clear.

Economic

Economic downturns can have drastic effects on the mining industry. Most recently, the

affectionately named ‘Global Financial Crisis’ (GFC - funded by the USA), hit the mining industry hard

all over the world [8]. In some cases, mining operations ceased due to lack of revenue from mining

companies, others simply scaled down in an attempt to last it out. The GFC showed that mining

operations don’t simply influence the economy, but are subject to the fluctuations of the economy

itself [8].

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Figure 4: Mountains near Queenstown, Tasmania, stripped of vegetation by logging and copper smelter pollution

Future Challenges

Mining operations rely on the use of non-renewable resources such as coal powered electricity, and

combustible fuels like oil and gas. These resources will not be available forever, so if mining is to

exist in the renewable future, a move to ‘Greener mining’ will need to be embraced. It is tomorrow’s

engineers and scientists that will decide on the best options for more renewable methods of ore

extraction.

Similar to extracting diminishing resources in a more renewable manner, is having resources to

extract at all. We are currently using resources faster than we can acquire them. This isn’t going to

change unless humanity changes what we are trying to acquire. Future engineers need to work with

the mining sector to broaden the scope of what can fuel the world. Mining coal for electricity now,

mining waves for electricity tomorrow.

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Conclusion

The analysis has highlighted the key elements that operate within Generic operations, and has found

that many are interrelated and rely on one another for efficient operation. High levels of technical

intricacy, social and political, economic and environmental considerations all influence generic mine

site functioning. The most integrative key element was Engineers as a whole, although it was

through the multiple disciplines that engineering is able to interact with every other key element.

From this it is safe to say that Engineers are the most important element in regards to the

functioning of a mine, forming the foundation and network that allows a mine to operate.

Generic mining operations, as an engineering system, are going to undergo drastic changes in the

coming years. Moving away from non-renewable resources will require changes to the critical

infrastructure of mining operations, and will require an Engineering Systems approach to help

analyse the operation of a mine in an entirely new context.

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References

[1] B.H.G. Brady and E.T. Brown, “Rock mechanics and mining engineering,” in Rock mechanics:

for underground mining, 2nd ed. Dordrecht, Netherlands: KAP, 1993, ch. 1, pp. 1-13.

[2] R.J. Thompson and A.T. Visser, “The Functional design of surface mine haul roads”, The

Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, pp. 169, May/Jun, 2000.

[3] C.V. Navar, “Recent developments in decentralised mini-grid diesel power systems in

Australia”, Applied Energy, vol. 52,no.2-3, pp.229-242, Mar, 2000.

[4] Martyr AJ. and Plint MA. (2007) Engine Testing: Theory Design and Practice, Butterworth-

Heinemann. Online version available at:

http://www.qut.eblib.com.au.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/patron/FullRecord.aspx?

p=300964&userid=Hs45SH7ttXg

%3d&tstamp=1315186955&id=EE606655A46AC732FDD041581814BB0060534BFA

[5] G.M. Mudd and M. Diesendorf, “Sustainability of Uranium Mining and Milling: Toward

Quantifying Resources and Eco-Efficiency”, Environ. Sci. Technol., vol. 42, no. 7, pp. 2624–

2630, 2008.

[6] P. Kapelus, “Mining, Corporate Social Responsibility and the “Community”: The Case of Rio

Tinto, Richards Bay Minerals and the Mbonambi”, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 39, no. 3,

pp. 275-296, 2002, DOI:10.1023/A:1016570929359

[7] Unknown. (2009). Prospect or suspect – uranium mining in Australia, Australian Academy of

Science [Online]. Available FTP: http://www.science.org.au/nova/002/002key.htm

[8] W. King. (2009). GFC Impact on Mining, Engineering and Construction [Online]. Available

FTP: http://www.leighton.com.au/verve/_resources/AIGpresentation09.pdf

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