SME MINING
ENGINEERING HANDBOOK
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THIRD EDITION
VOLUME ONE
E D I T E D B Y P E T E R D A R L I N G
Published by
Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.
SMEMINING
ENGINEERINGHANDBOOK
!SME_MEH3_TitlePg_Full_F4.indd 1 12/10/10 9:04 AM
Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. (SME)(303) 948-4200 / (800) 763-3132www.smenet.org
SME advances the worldwide mining and minerals community through information exchange and professional development. With members in more than 70 countries, SME is the world’s largest association of mining and minerals professionals.
Copyright © 2011 Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.
Supported by the Seeley W. Mudd Memorial Fund of AIME.
All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Information contained in this work has been obtained by SME, Inc., from sources believed to be reliable. However, neither SME nor its authors and editors guarantee the accuracy or complete-ness of any information published herein, and neither SME nor its authors and editors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages arising out of use of this information. This work is published with the understanding that SME and its authors and editors are supplying information but are not attempting to render engineering or other professional services. Any statement or views presented herein are those of individual authors and editors and are not nec-essarily those of SME. The mention of trade names for commercial products does not imply the approval or endorsement of SME.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
ISBN 978-0-87335-264-2Ebook 978-0-87335-341-0
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
SME mining engineering handbook / edited by Peter Darling. -- 3rd ed.v. cm.Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN 978-0-87335-264-21. Mining engineering--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Darling, Peter, 1956- II. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (U.S.) III. Title: Mining engineering handbook.TN145.S56 2011622--dc222010050815
v
Contents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ixPreface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiAbout the Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiiiContributing Authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvTechnical Reviewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi
PART 1: Mining: SeTTing The SCene1.1 Mining: Ancient, Modern, and Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.2 Current Trends in Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111.3 Future Trends in Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
PART 2: MARkeT eConoMiCS2.1 Economics of the Minerals Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392.2 Pricing and Trading in Metals and Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492.3 Market Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 652.4 Investment Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
PART 3: exPloRATion3.1 Geological Features and Genetic Models of Mineral Deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 833.2 Minerals Prospecting and Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1053.3 Geophysics Prospecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1133.4 Geochemical Prospecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
PART 4: DePoSiT ASSeSSMenT4.1 Geological Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1454.2 Geologic Interpretation, Modeling, and Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1734.3 Sample Preparation and Assaying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1874.4 Ore-Body Sampling and Metallurgical Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1934.5 Mineral Resource Estimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2034.6 Valuation of Mineral Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2194.7 Mineral Property Feasibility Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2274.8 Cost Estimating for Underground Mines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2634.9 Cost Estimating for Surface Mines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
PART 5: MAnAgeMenT AnD ADMiniSTRATion5.1 Mine Economics, Management, and Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2975.2 Economic Principles for Decision Making . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3095.3 Management, Employee Relations, and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3175.4 A Global Perspective on Mining Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
PART 6: Mining MeThoD SeleCTion6.1 Evaluation of Mining Methods and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3416.2 Mining Methods Classification System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3496.3 Selection Process for Hard-Rock Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3576.4 Selection Process for Underground Soft-Rock Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3776.5 Comparison of Underground Mining Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3856.6 Comparison of Surface Mining Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
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PART 7: RoCk BReAking MeThoDS7.1 Mechanical Rock Breaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4177.2 Blasthole Drilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4357.3 Explosives and Blasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
PART 8: gRounD MeChAniCS8.1 Introduction to Ground Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4638.2 Soil Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4718.3 Slope Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4958.4 Rock Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5278.5 Geotechnical Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5518.6 Hard-Rock Ground Control with Steel Mesh and Shotcrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5738.7 Soft-Rock Ground Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5958.8 Ground Control Using Cable and Rock Bolting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6118.9 Mine Subsidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6278.10 Tailings Impoundments and Dams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6458.11 Waste Piles and Dumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 667
PART 9: infRASTRuCTuRe AnD SeRviCeS9.1 Electric Power Distribution and Utilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6839.2 Compressed Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7059.3 Mine Communications, Monitoring, and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7179.4 Mine Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7319.5 Dewatering Surface Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7439.6 Dewatering Underground Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7659.7 Physical Asset Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7819.8 Automation and Robotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8059.9 Mine Infrastructure Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8259.10 Systems Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839
PART 10: SuRfACe exTRACTion10.1 Introduction to Open-Pit Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85710.2 Open-Pit Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87710.3 Mechanical Extraction, Loading, and Hauling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90310.4 Selection and Sizing of Excavating, Loading, and Hauling Equipment . . . . . . . 93110.5 In-Pit Crushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94110.6 Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Haul Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95710.7 Surface Ore Movement, Storage, and Recovery Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97710.8 Strip Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98910.9 Strip Mine Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101310.10 Highwall Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102710.11 Quarrying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1031
PART 11: hyDRAuliC AnD PiPeline Mining11.1 Hydraulic Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104911.2 Placer Mining and Dredging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105711.3 Heap Leaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107311.4 Surface Techniques of Solution Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108711.5 In-Situ Techniques of Solution Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110311.6 Coal-Bed Methane Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1121
PART 12: unDeRgRounD DeveloPMenT12.1 Introduction to Underground Mine Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113512.2 Hard-Rock Equipment Selection and Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114312.3 Soft-Rock Equipment Selection and Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115712.4 Underground Horizontal and Inclined Development Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117912.5 Subsurface Mine Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120312.6 Construction of Underground Openings and Related Infrastructure . . . . . . . . 122312.7 Tunnel Boring Machines in Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125512.8 Underground Ore Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127112.9 Hoisting Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1295
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PART 13: unDeRgRounD exTRACTion13.1 Room-and-Pillar Mining in Hard Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132713.2 Room-and-Pillar Mining in Coal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133913.3 Shrinkage Stoping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134713.4 Sublevel Stoping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135513.5 Cut-and-Fill Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136513.6 Backfill Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137513.7 Cave Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138513.8 Longwall Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139913.9 Sublevel Caving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141713.10 Block Caving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1437
PART 14: MineRAl PRoCeSSing14.1 Introduction to Mineral Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145514.2 Crushing, Milling, and Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146114.3 Classification by Screens and Cyclones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148114.4 Gravity Concentration and Heavy Medium Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150714.5 Fundamental Principles of Froth Flotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151714.6 Magnetic and Electrostatic Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153314.7 Dewatering Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1547
PART 15: heAlTh AnD SAfeTy15.1 Mine Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155715.2 Health and Medical Issues in Global Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156715.3 Mine Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157715.4 Gas and Dust Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159515.5 Heat, Humidity, and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161115.6 Radiation Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162515.7 Noise Hazards and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1633
PART 16: enviRonMenTAl iSSueS16.1 Site Environmental Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164316.2 Mining and Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166516.3 Impacts and Control of Blasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168916.4 Water and Sediment Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170516.5 Mitigating Acid Rock Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172116.6 Waste Disposal and Contamination Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173316.7 Closure Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1753
PART 17: CoMMuniTy AnD SoCiAl iSSueS17.1 Community Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176717.2 Social License to Operate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177917.3 Cultural Considerations for Mining and Indigenous Communities . . . . . . . . . 179717.4 Management of the Social Impacts of Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1817
APPenDiCeSA Web Sites Related to Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1827B Coal Mine Gas Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1833C Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1835
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1
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Dedication
With deep appreciation for his contributions to the mining industry, we dedicate this 3rd edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook
to the memory of Richard E. Gertsch, 1945–2005.
Richard provided the initial leadership and direction for this edition. His guidance allowed others to carry on with his vision.
Richard was a widely respected and admired mining engineer enjoying an illustrious career spanning decades of work both in industry and academia.
Richard served on the SME Board of Directors and as the Chair of the M&E Division. He was active on many committees working on important SME functions such as peer review,
programming, membership, publications, nominations, scholarships, and awards. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1991.
ix
Foreword
Mining engineers throughout the world are the salt of the earth, and this third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook will be their bible. It builds on the grand tradition begun by highly respected leaders of the mining industry—Peele (1918, 1927, and 1941) and continued by Cummins and Given (1973) and then Hartman (1992).
Handbooks by their nature are often hard to read, but this one is a striking exception. Its readability immediately stands out and allows one to quickly absorb and comprehend its con-tent—not only the text, but also the many tables, figures, and photographs. Artwork has been substantially upgraded and is especially appealing. The superb presentation reflects the manag-ing editor’s technical writing background, as well as the input and skills of Jane Olivier, SME’s manager of book publishing, who spent a decade urging a new edition, and Diane Serafin, an editing specialist, who delved doggedly into the tedious details.
The bar of excellence in the quality and scope of material is well maintained and at a high level throughout. Often a work involving numerous experts can lead to conflicting views on countless aspects. However, the clashing of ideas is notably a hallmark of serious thinking. The clear beneficiary of the high standard is the reader, which in this case is the practicing mining engineer in the worldwide mining industry, as well as others in academia and government.
The strength of this handbook lies clearly in the quality of the chapter authors and peer reviewers. They are indeed talented experts in their specialized technical fields. A decided trend toward internationalism, paralleling similar trends in the supply and demand of mineral and energy raw materials, is evidenced by a cursory perusal of the lists of contributing authors and technical reviewers. Almost half of them are working and living outside the United States. In total, ten countries are represented—primarily English-speaking ones.
Such a diverse cadre of individuals offers wide-ranging views of the worldwide mining industry’s multifaceted problems and potential solutions in a period of accelerated technological and social change. The broad scope is another strength for which no unanimity of thought can be expected or anticipated when taking a global perspective on the various issues.
Carryover material from previous editions is strictly limited, and when included, it is updated to be genuinely contemporary and purposeful. Practical and useful instead of merely theoretical and interesting are the watchwords throughout the work.
Comprehensiveness is an important feature not to be overlooked in a world-class handbook. This edition sets the standard and will be emulated far into the future. Much attention has been given to what can be instead of what is past. Productiveness received authoritative treatment. Specific emphasis has been given to broad topics that will continue to confront the industry in the years ahead, such as environmental issues, public concerns, health and safety matters, and sustainability. This handbook provides a pathway for the synthesis and solution of many of the complex issues and problems the mining industry is facing in the 21st century.
Raymond L. LowrieEditor of the SME Mining Reference HandbookRecipient of the 2004 SME President’s CitationFebruary 2011
xi
Preface
It was Robert Peele who gathered a group of 46 specialists almost a century ago to write the now classic Mining Engineers’ Handbook, published in 1918 by John Wiley & Sons, with second and third editions published in 1927 and 1941. When Wiley declined to publish further editions, SME began publication of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook. SME published the first edition in 1973 and a second edition in 1992.
From that initial publication in 1918, the handbook has been acknowledged as the reposi-tory of all essential information and useful, practical detail relating to virtually every aspect of mining.
From the beginning of my mining career, I have relied heavily on this book as a source of inspiration and information. With the honor of being asked to take on the somewhat challenging role of managing editor for this third edition, I owe a debt of professional gratitude to several generations of managing editors, authors, and technical reviewers who set the seemingly impos-sible high standards in the previous editions of the handbook.
From the onset, several objectives were established. These objectives included (1) to pro-duce a book that would stand shoulder to shoulder as an equal alongside previous editions, (2) to maintain its tradition of being the “handbook of choice” for every practicing mining engineer, (3) to be practical rather than theoretical in its content and approach, and (4) to be international in its appeal and examples.
Mining is an international business, and the importance of sharing experiences, knowledge, and examples from around the world cannot be overemphasized. A water “problem” in one part of the world may be considered “normal” in another. A “deep” mine on one continent may connote “very deep” on another. Tailings dams in some countries need to be earthquake proof, whereas in other countries they must be free draining.
This edition attempts to take the best of the best from around the world and package it in a standard and logical format for the benefit of the global industry. This internationalism is shown by the subjects covered in each chapter as well as by the nationalities of the world-class authors and technical reviewers represented. It is noteworthy that most significant mining operations have graciously shared their knowledge, techniques, experience, and alternative viewpoints.
The handbook has moved with the times to cover the issues that are exercising the industry, the innovations that are exciting, and how the industry is dealing with changing attitudes toward a number of its constituents such as energy (both electrical generation and carbon/petroleum based), water management, resource maintenance, and the whole subject of sustainable develop-ment. One of the significant areas in which this handbook differs from previous editions is that it includes several chapters on both the social and environmental issues often associated with min-ing, and, more importantly, how these issues and their impacts can be mitigated and managed.
It is important to note that this is a handbook and not an encyclopedia of everything mining. Several subjects previously included as dedicated chapters are now covered in less detail within other chapters. This move was not designed to marginalize or dilute the importance of certain subjects but was done to acknowledge the significant shifts in the way mining has changed as a result of new technologies. It also reflects how the work and the responsibilities of today’s min-ing engineer have changed and developed.
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Attempts to encapsulate the essence of so diverse a discipline as mining engineering could not have been possible without the unselfish contributions of the hundreds of authors, coauthors, technical reviewers, and mentors who are very much the unsung heroes of this publication. Much gratitude and thanks are due to the many talented and world-class professionals who have given so freely, patiently, and enthusiastically of their time, hard-earned experiences, and masterful knowledge on a plethora of mining and related subjects to ensure that this handbook was pro-duced on time and to the meteoric standards that the industry has come to expect.
One of the many delights of managing this project has been the acquaintance (usually elec-tronically) of so many helpful, patient, enthusiastic, and friendly people from within the various mining associations, academic establishments, mining companies, and consultancies, as well as retired engineers and specialist editors—everyone an expert in their field. Without their coopera-tion, steady guidance, constructive comment, and encouragement, the managing of this edition would have been an impossible task. I cannot name them all, and to mention some but not others would be ungracious, but tremendous appreciation is due.
These experts are headed by the authors themselves, almost every one of whom is a world leader in their specialist field. Often with the briefest of guidance and without any form of remu-neration, they have passionately undertaken their writing tasks. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism formed the bedrock on which the handbook has been based, and, as a result, they have produced superb and exceptional texts. I salute and thank you all.
Next, I acknowledge the many technical reviewers who, often at short notice and, as this project progressed, with an ever shortening lead time, have been called on to read through many drafts before articulating and listing their comments, suggestions, and observations. It typically was not an easy task and often may have been a marathon requiring skills, diplomacy, and knowledge that went well beyond their original brief. I apologize and thank you.
Thanks are extended to SME’s book publishing team who have been thoroughly profes-sional and efficient in their handling of this edition. This team has checked every comma, word, phrase, sentence, and illustration. They have ensured that copyright rules have not been flaunted in the quest for expedience, checked and rechecked references, standardized units of measure, and performed a hundred and one other tasks to ensure that this finished product is a source of information in a format that at best pleases and at worst does not annoy. Their attention to detail in this exacting task is very much appreciated.
I also thank SME for affording me this opportunity to repay some of the debt that I believe is owed to an industry that has kept me fed, watered, enthralled, and enthused for more than three decades.
Finally, I trust that any errors in opinion, facts, or perceptions in the handbook are few in number and will not overtly detract from the usefulness of and, I dare say, enjoyment of this third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook.
Peter DarlingFebruary 2011
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Peter Darling, managing editor of the third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook, has more than 30 years of experience as a mining engineer and journalist.
A graduate of the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, Darling worked as an oil industry engineer on offshore projects in Gabon, Congo, Angola, the Gulf of Guinea, the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, Tunisia, Egypt, and Abu Dhabi. He was also involved in underground platinum mines in South Africa and open-pit tin operations in Brazil.
Darling then embarked on a career as a technical writer and editor. His assignments took him to mines, quarries, tunnels, and construction sites stretching from Chile to China, Alaska to Australia, Peru to Papua New Guinea, and Russia to La Reunion. During this period he served as editor for a variety of respected industry publications, including International Mining, Engineering and Mining Journal, Rock Products, Tunnels & Tunnelling International, International Construction, The Cement Edition, Construction Asia, and Coal (North America). Darling also served as the press officer for Rio Tinto in London.
As a Royal Air Force Reserve officer, Darling was deployed to Gulf War II and twice to Afghanistan where he completed the final edit of the handbook. He is a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.
Darling is currently a freelance technical editor, journalist, reporter, and speech writer spe-cializing in mining, quarrying, oil and gas, tunneling, heavy construction, and engineering.
Peter Darling BEng (Hons), ARSM, CEngGothic House, Aylsham, Norfolk, Englandwww.peterdarling.co.uk [email protected]
About the Managing editor
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Contributing Authors
L. AdlerProfessor
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, West Virginia, USA
Tom AlbaneseChief Executive Officer
Rio Tinto Ltd.London, United Kingdom
Breanna L. AlexanderMetallurgical Engineer
Lyntek, Inc.Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Derek B. ApelProfessor, School of Mining & Petroleum Engineering
University of AlbertaEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
Odd G. AskilsrudPresident
Tunnel Engineering and Applications, Inc.Renton, Washington, USA
William F. BawdenPierre Lassonde Chair in Mining Engineering
University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada
Scott BeerChief Operating Officer
Rajant CorporationMalvern, Pennsylvania, USA
Eric N. BerkhimerSenior Applications Engineer
P&H Mining EquipmentMilwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Stephen L. BessingerEngineering Manager
BHP Billiton–San Juan Coal CompanyFarmington, New Mexico, USA
Evelyn L. Jessup BinghamGroup Manager, Closure & Waste
BHP BillitonMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
Martyn BlossManager Long Term Planning, Olympic Dam
BHP BillitonAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
Ernest BohnetVice President of Mining and Geological Services
Pincock Allen & HoltDenver, Colorado, USA
Richard K. BordenPrincipal Advisor Environment
Rio TintoSouth Jordan, Utah, USA
Robert G. BoutilierPresident
Boutilier & AssociatesVancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Cuernavaca, Mexico
Charles A. BrannonManager Underground Planning
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Ian BrownNational Production Manager
Lafarge Aggregates, Mountsorrel QuarryLoughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Richard L. BullockProfessor Emeritus, Mining & Nuclear Engineering
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, Missouri, USA
Jeremy BusfieldPrincipal Consultant
MineCraft Consulting Pty Ltd.Queensland, Australia
Felipe CalizayaAssociate ProfessorUniversity of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Gordon K. CarlsonChief Mine Engineer
Henderson Mine, Climax MolybdenumEmpire, Colorado, USA
Peter G. CarterManager of Mining Engineering
BHP BillitonMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
Timothy P. CastenDirector, Underground Planning
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.Phoenix, Arizona, USA
xvi
Joe ClineLead Discipline EngineerCementation USA, Inc.
Sandy, Utah, USA
L. Graham ClossAssociate Professor, Dept. of Geology & Geological Engrg.
Colorado School of MinesGolden, Colorado, USA
Mark ColwellPrincipal
Colwell Geotechnical ServicesQueensland, Australia
Ivan A. ContrerasVice President
Barr Engineering CompanyMinneapolis, Minnesota, USA
J. Alan Coope(Deceased) Former Director of Geochemistry
Newmont Exploration Ltd.Denver, Colorado, USA
Phillip C.F. CrowsonHonorary Professor & Professorial Research Fellow
Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law & PolicyUniversity of Dundee, Scotland
Michael J. CruickshankConsulting Marine Mining Engineer
Marine Minerals Technology Center AssociatesHonolulu, Hawaii, USA
Kadri DagdelenProfessor of Mining Engineering
Colorado School of MinesGolden, Colorado, USA
Donald A. Dahlstrom(Deceased) Former Professor Emeritus
University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah, USA
Diana DaltonLawyer and Independent Consultant in Mining Law
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Peter DarlingManaging Editor and Freelance Technical Writer
Aylsham, Norfolk, United Kingdom
J.A.J. (Barry) de WetDirector and Consulting Geophysicist
BDW Geophysics ConsultingBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Malcolm G. DorricottPrincipal Consultant
AMC Consultants Pty Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Charles DowdingProfessor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Northwestern UniversityEvanston, Illinois, USA
Geoff DunstanMining Manager
Newcrest Mining Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Gary DyerManager Strategy
BHP Billiton Mitsubishi AllianceBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Erik EberhardtProfessor of Geological Engineering
University of British ColumbiaVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
A.J. (Joe) Erickson Jr.(Retired) Mining Geology Consultant
Anaconda, UPCM Co., AMAX, EXXON Coal & Minerals Co.Houston, Texas, USA
Reinhold A. ErrathTechnology Manager for Drives
ABB Switzerland Ltd.Baden, Switzerland
Robin EvansSenior Research Fellow, University of Queensland
Sustainable Minerals Inst., Centre for Social Resp. in MiningBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Brian FlintoffSenior VP Tech. Dev., Equipment & Systems Business Line
Metso Mining & Construction TechnologyKelowna, BC, Canada
Frank H. FoxHead of Occupational Health
Anglo American plcJohannesburg, South Africa
Daniel M. FranksResearch Fellow, University of Queensland
Sustainable Minerals Inst., Centre for Social Resp. in MiningBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Russell FrithAdjunct Professor, School of Mining Engineering
University of New South WalesSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Maurice C. FuerstenauNewmont Professor of Minerals Engineering
University of NevadaReno, Nevada, USA
Rajive GanguliProfessor of Mining EngineeringUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Ginger GibsonAdjunct Professor
University of British ColumbiaVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Don GrantSuperintendent Life of Asset Planning, Olympic Dam
BHP BillitonAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
xvii
Jedediah D. GreenwoodSenior Geotechnical EngineerBarr Engineering Company
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Ed GrygielManager of Six Sigma Engineering
Jim Walter ResourcesBrookwood, Alabama, USA
Bernard J. GuarneraPresident and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Behre Dolbear Group, Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA
John HadjigeorgiouDirector, Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program and
Lassonde Institute for Engrg. Geosciences, Univ. of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada
Douglas F. HambleyAssociate
Agapito Associates, Inc.Golden, Colorado, USA
Kenneth N. HanProfessor Emeritus
South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyRapid City, South Dakota, USA
Jack HaptonstallMining Consultant
Pincock Allen & HoltLakewood, Colorado, USA
John P. HarrisonLassonde Institute, Department of Civil Engineering
University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada
Paul HarveyPresident
Ekati BHP BillitonYellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Zaher HashishoAssistant Professor, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engrg.
University of AlbertaEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
Richard HerringtonResearcher, Economic Geology
Natural History MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
Ken HillManaging DirectorXenith Consulting
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Walter E. Hill Jr.(Deceased) Former Chief Chemist
AMAX Exploration, Inc.Lakewood, Colorado, USA
R. Anthony HodgePresident, International Council on Mining & Metals
Professor, Mining & Sustainability, Queen’s UniversityKingston, Ontario, Canada
Lok HomePresident
The Robbins CompanySolon, Ohio, USA
John HooperManaging DirectorJoem Promotions
Deal, Kent, United Kingdom
Paul B. HughesResearch Assistant, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining
University of British ColumbiaVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
James D. HumphreyMarket Professional–Mining
Caterpillar, Inc., Global Mining DivisionDecatur, Illinois, USA
David HumphreysIndependent Consultant
Former Chief Economist at Rio Tinto & Norilsk NickelLondon, United Kingdom
Partha V. IyerConsultant
Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Jeffrey A. JaacksPresident
Geochemical Applications International, Inc.Centennial, Colorado, USA
Andrew JaroszAssociate Professor, Curtin UniversityWestern Australian School of Mines
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
Daniel W. KappesPresident
Kappes, Cassiday and AssociatesReno, Nevada, USA
S. Komar KawatraProfessor of Chemical EngineeringMichigan Technological University
Houghton, Michigan, USA
Deanna KempSenior Research Fellow, University of Queensland
Sustainable Minerals Inst., Centre for Social Resp. in MiningBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Thomas KerrPresident
Knight Piésold and CompanyDenver, Colorado, USA
Philip KingTechnical Director
Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Charles A. KlicheProfessor of Mining Engineering
South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyRapid City, South Dakota, USA
xviii
Peter KnightsBMA Chair and Professor of Mining Engineering
University of QueenslandBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Abby KorteProject Hydrologist
Lidstone and Associates, Inc.Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Ronald Kuehl IIGeneral Manager, Vibrating Equip. & Systems Business Line
Metso Mining & Construction TechnologyColumbia, South Carolina, USA
Uday KumarProfessor of Operation and Maintenance Engineering
Luleå University of TechnologyLuleå, Sweden
Mahinda KuruppuSenior Lecturer
Curtin University of TechnologyKalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
John I. KyleVice President
Lyntek, Inc.Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Dennis H. LaubscherMining Consultant
Bushmans River Mouth, South Africa
David LaurenceActing Director, School of Mining Engineering
University of New South WalesSydney, New South Wales, Australia
G. Aubrey LeeSenior Consultant
SESCO Management ConsultantsBristol, Tennessee, USA
José L. Lee-MorenoAdjunct Professor, Dept. of Mining and Geological Engineering
University of ArizonaTucson, Arizona, USA
Jennifer B. LeinartCostMine Division Manager
InfoMine USASpokane Valley, Washington, USA
Paul LeverProf. and CRCMining Chair, Mech. & Mining Engrg. School
University of QueenslandBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Christopher D. LidstonePresident
Lidstone and Associates, Inc.Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Braden LuskAssistant Professor, Mining Engineering Department
University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
Alistair MacDonaldEnvironmental Assessment Specialist
SENES Consultants LimitedEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
Travis J. ManningMetallurgical Engineeer
Kappes, Cassiday & AssociatesReno, Nevada, USA
John MarksConsultant
Lead, South Dakota, USA
Michael D. MartinSenior Associate
Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA
Douglas K. MaxwellSenior Process Engineer
Lyntek, Inc.Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Peter L. McCarthyChairman and Principal Mining Consultant
AMC Consultants Pty Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
John McGaghHead of Innovation
Rio Tinto Ltd.Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
John MosherExecutive Vice President–Operations
PT Freeport IndonesiaTembagapura, Papua, Indonesia
Michael G. NelsonDepartment Chair, Mining Engineering
College of Mines & Earth Sciences, University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah, USA
Jerry M. NettletonEnvironmental Manager
Peabody EnergySteamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
Antonio NietoAssociate Professor, Energy and Minerals Engineering Dept.
Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Alan C. NoblePrincipal Engineer and Owner
Ore Reserves EngineeringLakewood, Colorado, USA
Ciaran O’FaircheallaighProfessor, Politics and Public Policy
Griffith UniversityBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Marc OrmanSenior Geotechnical Engineer
Ausenco VectorGrass Valley, California, USA
xix
Jeffrey T. PadgettConsulting Geologist
Monterey Coal CompanyCarlinville, Illinois, USA
Rimas T. PakalnisAssociate Professor, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining
University of British ColumbiaVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Rich PeeversSenior EngineerAusenco Vector
Grass Valley, California, USA
Paul R. PeppersSupt. Central Maintenance & Projects, Sierrita Operations
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Co.Green Valley, Arizona, USA
Fiona Perrott-HumphreyConsultant to NM Rothschild (mining team)
Dir. of AIM Mining Research & PURE P-H Strategic ConsultingLondon, United Kingdom
Edwin V. Post (Retired) Former President of Skyline Labs, Inc.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA
Yves PotvinDirector of the Australian Centre for Geomechanics
University of Western AustraliaPerth, Western Australia, Australia
Gavin PowerDirector
Power Geotechnical Pty Ltd.Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Marc RademacherDirector, Western Operations, Minerals Services Div.
SGS North America, Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA
Marcus RandolphGroup Executive & Chief Executive, Ferrous & Coal
BHP BillitonMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
Michael RawlinsonDirector and Head of Mining and Metals
Liberum CapitalLondon, United Kingdom
Mark RichardsMines Manager
Imerys Minerals LimitedCornwall, United Kingdom
Jamal RostamiAssistant Professor, Energy and Mineral Engineering
Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Cameron RoutleySuperintendent Five Year Planning, Olympic Dam
BHP BillitonAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
Ian RungeFounder
Runge Ltd.Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Kristin SampleStaff Engineer
Ausenco VectorFort Collins, Colorado, USA
W. Joseph SchlittPresident
Hydrometal, Inc.Knightsen, California, USA
Ross SeedsmanDirector
Seedsman GeotechnicsWollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Ian SherrellBusiness Development Engineer
OutotecJacksonville, Florida, USA
Ernest T. Shonts Jr.Senior Mining Engineer
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Rod StaceAssociate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom
Doug SteadProfessor of Resource Geoscience and Geotechnics
Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Scott A. StebbinsPresident
Aventurine Mine Cost EngineeringSpokane, Washington, USA
George StephanSenior Consulting Engineer
Stantec MiningTempe, Arizona, USA
Nimal SubasingheAssociate Professor of Minerals Engineering
Curtin University (Western Australian School of Mines)Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
Pramod ThakurManager, Coal Seam Degasification
CONSOL Energy, Inc.Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Roger J. ThompsonProfessor of Mining Engineering
Curtin University (Western Australian School of Mines)Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
S.D. ThompsonAssistant Professor
University of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignChampaign, Illinois, USA
xx
Ian ThomsonPrincipal
On Common Ground Consultants, Inc.Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Jerry C. TienDepartment of Mining and Nuclear Energy
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, Missouri, USA
Peter TileyConsulting Engineer
G.L. Tiley & Associates Ltd.Flamborough, Ontario, Canada
Michael A. TuckAssociate Professor of Mining Engineering
University of BallaratBallarat, Victoria, Australia
Bryan UlrichSenior Vice President
Knight Piésold and CompanyElko, Nevada, USA
Ronald W. UtleyConsultant
FLSmidth, Inc.Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
Klaas Peter van der WielenResearch Assistant
Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter)Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Rens VerburgPrincipal Geochemist
Golder Associates, Inc.Redmond, Washington, USA
Joshua D. WagnerMarketing Product Consultant
Caterpillar, Inc., Global Mining DivisionPeoria, Illinois, USA
Gary E. WalterPrincipal Consultant
Primo Safety and Health Services, LLCWilmington, Delaware, USA
Mark WatsonTechnical Services Group
Alliance Coal LLCLexington, Kentucky, USA
Andrew WethereltSenior Lecturer in Mining Engrg., Prog. Dir. BEng Mining Engrg.
Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter)Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
David WhittleGlobal Manager, Planning Leadership Program
BHP BillitonMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
John WoodhouseChief Executive
The Woodhouse Partnership Ltd.Kingsclere, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Paul WorseyProfessor, Mining and Nuclear Engineering Department
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, Missouri, USA
Sergio ZamoranoTechnical Director of Conveyor Technologies
FLSmidthSpokane, Washington, USA
xxi
David M. Abbott Jr.Senior Associate and Principal
Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA
Mark AdamsChief Operating Officer
BarmincoHazelmere, Western Australia, Australia
Hugh E.K. AllenMining ConsultantAllen Associates
Harrow-on-the Hill, London, United Kingdom
Timothy D. ArnoldGeneral Manager
General Moly, Inc.Eureka, Nevada, USA
Doug AustinSenior Vice President
M3 Engineering and Technology CorporationTucson, Arizona, USA
Peter BalkaChief Mining Engineer
Tigers Realm Minerals Pty Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
John C. BarberTechnical Director and Principal Mining Engineer
AMEC E & CMesa, Arizona, USA
Michael BarberSelf-Employed Blasting Consultant
Parker, Colorado, USA
William F. BawdenPierre Lassonde Chair in Mining Engineering
University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada
John Baz-DreschManager–Technical Services
Cia. Minera del Cubo S.A. de C.V.Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
Douglas L. BeahmPrincipal EngineerBRS Engineering
Riverton, Wyoming, USA
Carmen BernedoLead/Supervising Engineer
MWH Americas, Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA
Stephen L. BessingerEngineering Manager
BHP Billiton–San Juan Coal CompanyFarmington, New Mexico, USA
Patricia BilligEnvironmental Toxicologist
Boulder, Colorado, USA
Christopher BiseProfessor and Chairman, Mining Engineering Department
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, West Virginia, USA
Steve BoydstonSenior Consultant
DNV Business AssuranceCentennial, Colorado, USA
Bill Bradford(Retired) Mineral Processing Consultant
Formerly with Selection Trust Ltd. & UN Dev. Prog.Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Wade W. BristolGeneral Manager–Nevada Underground
Newmont Mining CorporationCarlin, Nevada, USA
Richard L. BullockProfessor Emeritus, Mining & Nuclear Engineering
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, Missouri, USA
Al CampoliVice President Special Projects
Jennmar CorporationPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Mark ChalmersChair
Uranium Council of AustraliaAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
Rebecca ChouinardRegulatory Specialist
Wek’eezhii Land and Water BoardYellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Technical Reviewers
xxii
Phillip C.F. CrowsonHonorary Professor & Professorial Research Fellow
Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law & PolicyUniversity of Dundee, Scotland
James DavidsonGeneral Manager
Urtek LLCAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
Gary DavisonManaging DirectorMiningOne Pty Ltd.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Fred DelabbioGen. Mgr. Innovation–Underground, Technology and Innovation
Rio TintoBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Phil DightWinthrop Professor of Geotechnical Engineering
Australian Ctr. for Geomechanics, Univ. of Western AustraliaPerth, Western Australia, Australia
Mal G. DorricottPrinciple Consultant
AMC Consultants Pty Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Sjoerd Rein DuimDirector, Principal Consultant (Mining)
SRK ConsultingPerth, Western Australia, Australia
W. Scott DunbarProfessor, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering
University of British ColumbiaVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Roger EllisMinerals Industry Consultant
Senior Geological Associate with ACA Howe InternationalHertfordshire, United Kingdom
Richmond FennDirector Resource Development
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.Oro Valley, Arizona, USA
Courtney FidlerDepartment of Geography and Planning
University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Russell FrithAdjunct Professor, School of Mining Engineering
University of New South WalesSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Steven GardnerPresident and CEO
Engineering Consulting Services, Inc.Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Barry GassGeneral Manager Asset Management
Rio Tinto Copper ProjectsSalt Lake City, Utah, USA
Mike GleasonEnergy Superintendent
Climax Molybdenum CompanyEmpire, Colorado, USA
John GrievesProject ManagerNew Hope Group
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Douglas F. HambleyAssociate
Agapito Associates, Inc.Golden, Colorado, USA
Jack HaptonstallMining Consultant
Pincock Allen & HoltLakewood, Colorado, USA
Alex HathornVice President Technical Services and Continuous Improvement
Peabody Energy AustraliaBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Bruce HebblewhiteProfessor & Head of the School of Mining Engineering
University of New South WalesSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Michael G. HesterVice President
Independent Mining Consultants, Inc.Tucson, Arizona, USA
Ronald R. Hewitt CohenProfessor of Environmental Science and Engineering
Colorado School of MinesDenver, Colorado, USA
Evert Hoek(Retired)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Kevin HolleyPrincipal Geotechnical Engineer, Director
SRK ConsultingBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Steven HolmesGeneral Manager–Ray Operations
Asarco LLCHayden, Arizona, USA
David HullChair, Educational Advisory Committee to the South Africa
Council for Professional and Technical SurveyorsJohannesburg, South Africa
Louie HumanSenior Consultant (Rock Mechanics)
SRK Consulting AustralasiaPerth, Western Australia, Australia
David HumphreysIndependent Consultant
Former Chief Economist at Rio Tinto & Norilsk NickelLondon, United Kingdom
xxiii
Conrad HussChairman of the Board
M3 Engineering and Technology CorporationTucson, Arizona, USA
Nils I. JohansenPott College of Science and Engineering
University of Southern IndianaEvansville, Indiana, USA
Daniel W. KappesPresident
Kappes, Cassiday and AssociatesReno, Nevada, USA
Patrick Killeen(Retired) Research Scientist
Geological Survey of CanadaOmpah, Ontario, Canada
Linton KirkSenior Principal and Chief Mining Engineer
Coffey MiningBelo Horizonte, Brazil
Charles A. KlicheProfessor of Mining Engineering
South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyRapid City, South Dakota, USA
David KrizekPrincipal
Tetra TechTucson, Arizona, USA
Stanley T. KrukowskiIndustrial Minerals Geologist IV
Oklahoma Geological SurveyNorman, Oklahoma, USA
Katherine LaudonVice President
Lidstone and Associates, Inc.Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Christopher D. LidstonePresident
Lidstone and Associates, Inc.Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Joe LuxfordPrincipal
Luxford Mine Management ServicesBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Michael D. MartinSenior Associate
Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA
Bill McAuleyFormer Managing Director
British Oxygen Corporation (BOC) GroupCamberley, Surrey, United Kingdom
Michael K. McCarterProfessor, Department of Mining Engineering
University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah, USA
Peter L. McCarthyChairman and Principal Mining Consultant
AMC Consultants Pty Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Stefan MullerPrincipal Hydrogeologist
SRK ConsultingPerth, Western Australia, Australia
Jan M. MutmanskyProfessor Emeritus of Mining Engineering
Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Michael G. NelsonDepartment Chair, Mining Engineering
College of Mines & Earth Sciences, University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah, USA
Dave OsborneGroup Manager (Coal Technology–Business Development)
Xstrata CoalBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Paul R. PeppersSupt. Central Maintenance & Projects, Sierrita Operations
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Co.Green Valley, Arizona, USA
Clyde PeppinConsulting Engineer
Stantec – Mining (Formerly Mcintosh Engineering)Tempe, Arizona, USA
Fiona Perrott-HumphreyConsultant to NM Rothschild (mining team)
Dir. of AIM Mining Research & PURE P-H Strategic ConsultingLondon, United Kingdom
Gavin PowerDirector
Power Geotechnical Pty Ltd.Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Jerry RanManager of Geotechnical Engineering
Barrick Gold CorporationToronto, Ontario, Canada
Donald E. RantaPresident and CEO
Rare Elements Resources Ltd.Golden, Colorado, USA
Larry ReimannManager Technical Services
Cameco ResourcesCasper, Wyoming, USA
Abani SamalGeologist/Geostatistician
Pincock Allen & HoltDenver, Colorado, USA
Lee W. SapersteinDean Emeritus, School of Mines and MetallurgyMissouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri, USA
xxiv
Scott A. StebbinsPresident
Aventurine Mine Cost EngineeringSpokane, Washington, USA
Doug StilesAssistant General Manager
Carlota Copper Company–QuadraFnx MiningGlobe, Arizona, USA
Barton StoneChief Geologist
Pincock Allen & HoltLakewood, Colorado, USA
Nimal SubasingheAssociate Professor of Minerals Engineering
Curtin University (Western Australian School of Mines)Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
Edward ThomasProfessor (private practice)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Tom VandergriftSenior Associate
Agapito Associates, Inc.Golden, Colorado, USA
Gary E. WalterPrinciple Consultant
Primo Safety and Health Services, LLCWilmington, Delaware, USA
Bill WarfieldProduct Manager (Ground Engineering Products)
Atlas Copco Construction Mining TechniqueRoseville, California, USA
Alan WeaklyConsultant
Innovative Mining SolutionsStory, Wyoming, USA
Andrew WethereltSenior Lecturer in Mining Engrg., Prog. Dir. BEng Mining Engrg.
Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter)Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
David WhittleGlobal Manager, Planning Leadership Program
BHP BillitonMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
Anne L. WilliamsonPrinciple Scientist/Senior Project Manager
URS CorporationPhoenix, Arizona, USA
Johnny ZhanSenior Environmental Manager (Hydrology)
Barrick Gold CorporationSalt Lake City, Utah, USA