Assessing uncertainty in grade-tonnage curves is rather crucial in resource estimation, as these ... more Assessing uncertainty in grade-tonnage curves is rather crucial in resource estimation, as these curves provide information on how much ore within the deposit is above/below a given cut-off grade value. Conditional simulation algorithms can provide robust quantification of the ore production by generating multiple realisations of the ore deposits. However, when the ore deposit is characterised by multiple variables that are spatially correlated, these attributes need to be jointly simulated in order to preserve the spatial correlation. The application of co-simulation algorithms to the grade attributes requires large co-kriging matrices to be solved, making the whole process computationally inefficient and impractical. The minimum/maximum autocorrelation factor (MAF) transformation, however, offers a solution to the simulation of the multivariate deposits by transforming the original attributes into non-correlated orthogonal factors which can then be simulated independently, while preserving the spatial correlation among the attributes. This paper discusses the joint simulation of AlO, SiO, FeO, and TiO variables of a lateritic bauxite deposit through the MAF transformation and the results of the grade-tonnage curves for each realisation to express the uncertainty.
ABSTRACT: The requirement for continuous improvement in the coal industry to achieve the combinat... more ABSTRACT: The requirement for continuous improvement in the coal industry to achieve the combination of lower costs, greater capital efficiency and higher production. Longwall panels are now being mined at a faster rate requiring a commensurate increase in development rates. Development operations that cannot deliver continuity of longwall mining result in substantial flow on costs for the entire mine – from higher unit costs, lower production and loss of reliable supplier status in the coal market. A development unit which can remain well ahead of the longwall as a result of an efficient system – machines; human resources; supply logistics and efficient planning and scheduling is a vital factor in delivering a productive longwall mine. While capital solutions are often used to increase production, they may not lead to improved profitability. Often, a more efficient approach is to generate improvements through better management of existing equipment. Through an analysis of the devel...
The processes that take place during the development of a heating are difficult to visualise. Bul... more The processes that take place during the development of a heating are difficult to visualise. Bulk coal self-heating tests at The University of Queensland (UQ) using a two-metre column are providing graphic evidence of the stages that occur during a heating. Data obtained from these tests, both temperature and corresponding off-gas evolution can be transformed into what is effectively a video-replay of the heating event. This is achieved by loading both sets of data into a newly developed animation package called Hotspot. The resulting animation is ideal for spontaneous combustion training purposes as the viewer can readily identify the different hot spot stages and corresponding off-gas signatures. Colour coding of the coal temperature, as the hot spot forms, highlights its location in the coal pile and shows its ability to migrate upwind. An added benefit of the package is that once a mine has been tested in the UQ two-metre column, there is a permanent record of that particular coals performance for mine personnel to view.
Stages of hot spot development during a coal heating are difficult to visualise. Bulk coal self-h... more Stages of hot spot development during a coal heating are difficult to visualise. Bulk coal self-heating tests at The University of Queensland (UQ) using a two-metre column provide graphic evidence of these stages. Data obtained from the column tests, both temperature and corresponding off-gas evolution can be transformed into what is effectively a video-replay of the heating event. This is achieved by loading both sets of data into an animation package called Hotspot. The resulting animation is ideal for spontaneous combustion training purposes as the viewer can readily identify the different hot spot stages and corresponding off-gas signatures. Colour coding of the coal temperature, as the hot spot forms, highlights its location in the coal pile and shows its ability to migrate upwind. An added benefit of the package is that once a coal has been tested in the UQ two-metre column, there is a permanent record of that particular coal's performance for mine personnel to view.
A combination of self and peer assessment is a powerful and rich teaching and learning management... more A combination of self and peer assessment is a powerful and rich teaching and learning management tool that can be used to monitor and evaluate group performance in project work. An on-line system (SPARK PLUS -Self and Peer Assessment Resource Kit) has been developed to simplify this process for the academic. This system generates factors for both the peer assessment weighting to be applied for individual contribution and the student's perception of their contribution compared to their peers by using key assessment criteria and a rigorous algorithm that is applied to the student evaluations of themselves and their peers. This paper describes and evaluates the introduction of SPARK PLUS to assess the performance of Mining Engineering Undergraduates in Year 3 at The University of Queensland in the first semester of 2008 in two of their core undergraduate courses that required group project work to be completed for assessment. The results obtained from this initial trial show the potential for improving student behaviour in group work through a structured approach to monitoring and feedback of their performance. It was found that male students with GPAs ≤ 5 tend to overestimate their contribution to group work more frequently than their peers whereas the opposite applies for male students with GPAs > 5.
Proceedings First International Future Mining Conference and Exhibition
This paper has been written collaboratively by members of the International Mining VR Group. It i... more This paper has been written collaboratively by members of the International Mining VR Group. It is the first of a series of papers.
Mining in the 21st century is a high technology industry that strives to reduce risk and improve safety through the use of improved processes and procedures. This risk reduction process is aligned with the innovative use of technologies often developed for other industries. Computer-based visualisation systems and their content are such innovative technologies, in particular the use of virtual environment systems and mixed reality. A primary objective of developing virtual environment systems and the mixed reality content displayed in them for the mining industry is to allow mine workers and operators to practice mine processes and demonstrate competency in tasks that will be encountered in day-to-day mining operations at mine sites. It is anticipated that providing easy access to virtual environment systems will facilitate the avoidance of high-risk situations through improved knowledge, skills, understanding and decision making. Via virtual environment systems mine workers will also be able to practice infrequent or emergency events and maintain preparedness for such events. Day-to-day mining practices can also be evaluated. The rapid pace of technology innovation and the decreasing cost of simulation hardware and software present a plethora of technology to the uninitiated. This can be confusing. In this paper taxonomy is presented that classifies hardware, what it can display and also content that can be included or displayed on the various computer-based visualisation systems. The taxonomy provides insight into where technology can and may be implemented in the future as virtual environments are a dynamic and evolving technology. The taxonomy should also assist in the decision making process when scoping or selecting technology for a particular purpose.
ABSTRACT This is the second paper of a series authored by a collaboration of international resear... more ABSTRACT This is the second paper of a series authored by a collaboration of international researchers. It develops taxonomy for computer-based virtual reality simulators of relevance to the mining industry. A summary is presented of simulator types implemented in the industry and continuums are used to explain concepts and issues that affect simulator development and integration. The paper classifies simulators and demonstrates that there are potentially many simulator formats still to be realised and implemented by the mining industry. Simulator issues that are often overlooked such as human factors, cognitive load and development costs and their impact on the development of sustainable simulator technologies are considered in some detail. Barriers to development and integration are mentioned and the need for industry to engage with university level research and develop a uniform and integrated approach are discussed. Finally, a brief case study is presented and conclusions are drawn about the current status and sustainability of simulator development in the mining industry.
Advancements in technology over the past decade, in data collection and computer modelling system... more Advancements in technology over the past decade, in data collection and computer modelling systems, have created opportunities to develop and improve the current methods of predicting roof stability issues in longwall mining operations. The ability to accurately predict roof instabilities and cavity developments has great benefits for the coal industry. Early prediction will allow for appropriate actions to be taken to avoid such events, removing the potential for harm to personnel and loss of production. A case study of Moranbah North Mine, investigating the causes of roof stability issues, concentrating on the development of roof cavities in the longwall face is presented. Results from an investigation of the effect of particular geological factors on the occurrence of such instability events are recorded. From the investigation a stability index was developed from geological data collected from boreholes on site. A hazard map was developed, using the index, to indicate areas in the roof where failures and cavities were most likely to occur. Although some correlations were found between the index and geological factors, the results were not entirely satisfactory as some important factors had not been included in the prediction model which is still being improved.
The study addresses Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) in coal seams. The objectives of the project were t... more The study addresses Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) in coal seams. The objectives of the project were to undertake a comprehensive series of interrelated studies to gain a full understanding of this complex mine production problem. The goal was to understand how, where and why high concentration zones of H 2 S occur, how does gas release from the coal mass occur, can concentrations be diluted or neutralised through improved ventilation, water, chemical or microbiological infusion, chemical solution sprays and can mining approaches be modified to contain the problem. A multidisciplined approach has been used for related investigations.
This study addresses Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) in coal seams. The objectives of the project were ... more This study addresses Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) in coal seams. The objectives of the project were to undertake a comprehensive series of interrelated studies to gain a full understanding of this complex problem. The goal was to understand how, where and why high concentration zones of H 2 S occur, how does gas release from the coal mass occur, can concentrations be diluted or neutralised through improved ventilation, water, chemical solution sprays or infusion and can mining approaches be modified to contain the problem efficiently? A multi-disciplined approach was used for related investigations.
Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) has been encountered within a number of Bowen Basin collieries, Central... more Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) has been encountered within a number of Bowen Basin collieries, Central Queensland, Australia. High concentration occurrence during mining of a longwall panel raises a number of potential problems which demand greater understanding to allow efficient mining while maintaining safe and healthy environmental conditions. Longwall panels at Mine A and Mine B have recently mined through H 2 S zones. The high H 2 S zone mined through at Mine A was wide and covering the whole length of the face comparing to the narrow H 2 S zone which was cutting the panel at 45 degree at Mine B. Longwall panels had been sampled for H 2 S in pre-mining phases with vertical and inseam exploration boreholes and rib sampling of gateroad development headings. During mining face coal samples were collected in an intensive program and tested in a drum tumbler to determine an "indicated" seam concentration level through contouring that could be used to calculate the concentrations of H 2 S liberated to the atmosphere. Data was analysed to determine a geostatistical method which would best represent the "indicated" seam concentration level from the given data and the block dimension of the data set. This study discusses the different sampling methods used, selection of the most suitable geostatistical method and the impact of grid size on results of data analysis. Some general observations are made correlating "indicated" seam H 2 S concentrations from production face sampling with both predictions made from exploration and liberation rates during mining of the longwall panel.
Assessing uncertainty in grade-tonnage curves is rather crucial in resource estimation, as these ... more Assessing uncertainty in grade-tonnage curves is rather crucial in resource estimation, as these curves provide information on how much ore within the deposit is above/below a given cut-off grade value. Conditional simulation algorithms can provide robust quantification of the ore production by generating multiple realisations of the ore deposits. However, when the ore deposit is characterised by multiple variables that are spatially correlated, these attributes need to be jointly simulated in order to preserve the spatial correlation. The application of co-simulation algorithms to the grade attributes requires large co-kriging matrices to be solved, making the whole process computationally inefficient and impractical. The minimum/maximum autocorrelation factor (MAF) transformation, however, offers a solution to the simulation of the multivariate deposits by transforming the original attributes into non-correlated orthogonal factors which can then be simulated independently, while preserving the spatial correlation among the attributes. This paper discusses the joint simulation of AlO, SiO, FeO, and TiO variables of a lateritic bauxite deposit through the MAF transformation and the results of the grade-tonnage curves for each realisation to express the uncertainty.
ABSTRACT: The requirement for continuous improvement in the coal industry to achieve the combinat... more ABSTRACT: The requirement for continuous improvement in the coal industry to achieve the combination of lower costs, greater capital efficiency and higher production. Longwall panels are now being mined at a faster rate requiring a commensurate increase in development rates. Development operations that cannot deliver continuity of longwall mining result in substantial flow on costs for the entire mine – from higher unit costs, lower production and loss of reliable supplier status in the coal market. A development unit which can remain well ahead of the longwall as a result of an efficient system – machines; human resources; supply logistics and efficient planning and scheduling is a vital factor in delivering a productive longwall mine. While capital solutions are often used to increase production, they may not lead to improved profitability. Often, a more efficient approach is to generate improvements through better management of existing equipment. Through an analysis of the devel...
The processes that take place during the development of a heating are difficult to visualise. Bul... more The processes that take place during the development of a heating are difficult to visualise. Bulk coal self-heating tests at The University of Queensland (UQ) using a two-metre column are providing graphic evidence of the stages that occur during a heating. Data obtained from these tests, both temperature and corresponding off-gas evolution can be transformed into what is effectively a video-replay of the heating event. This is achieved by loading both sets of data into a newly developed animation package called Hotspot. The resulting animation is ideal for spontaneous combustion training purposes as the viewer can readily identify the different hot spot stages and corresponding off-gas signatures. Colour coding of the coal temperature, as the hot spot forms, highlights its location in the coal pile and shows its ability to migrate upwind. An added benefit of the package is that once a mine has been tested in the UQ two-metre column, there is a permanent record of that particular coals performance for mine personnel to view.
Stages of hot spot development during a coal heating are difficult to visualise. Bulk coal self-h... more Stages of hot spot development during a coal heating are difficult to visualise. Bulk coal self-heating tests at The University of Queensland (UQ) using a two-metre column provide graphic evidence of these stages. Data obtained from the column tests, both temperature and corresponding off-gas evolution can be transformed into what is effectively a video-replay of the heating event. This is achieved by loading both sets of data into an animation package called Hotspot. The resulting animation is ideal for spontaneous combustion training purposes as the viewer can readily identify the different hot spot stages and corresponding off-gas signatures. Colour coding of the coal temperature, as the hot spot forms, highlights its location in the coal pile and shows its ability to migrate upwind. An added benefit of the package is that once a coal has been tested in the UQ two-metre column, there is a permanent record of that particular coal's performance for mine personnel to view.
A combination of self and peer assessment is a powerful and rich teaching and learning management... more A combination of self and peer assessment is a powerful and rich teaching and learning management tool that can be used to monitor and evaluate group performance in project work. An on-line system (SPARK PLUS -Self and Peer Assessment Resource Kit) has been developed to simplify this process for the academic. This system generates factors for both the peer assessment weighting to be applied for individual contribution and the student's perception of their contribution compared to their peers by using key assessment criteria and a rigorous algorithm that is applied to the student evaluations of themselves and their peers. This paper describes and evaluates the introduction of SPARK PLUS to assess the performance of Mining Engineering Undergraduates in Year 3 at The University of Queensland in the first semester of 2008 in two of their core undergraduate courses that required group project work to be completed for assessment. The results obtained from this initial trial show the potential for improving student behaviour in group work through a structured approach to monitoring and feedback of their performance. It was found that male students with GPAs ≤ 5 tend to overestimate their contribution to group work more frequently than their peers whereas the opposite applies for male students with GPAs > 5.
Proceedings First International Future Mining Conference and Exhibition
This paper has been written collaboratively by members of the International Mining VR Group. It i... more This paper has been written collaboratively by members of the International Mining VR Group. It is the first of a series of papers.
Mining in the 21st century is a high technology industry that strives to reduce risk and improve safety through the use of improved processes and procedures. This risk reduction process is aligned with the innovative use of technologies often developed for other industries. Computer-based visualisation systems and their content are such innovative technologies, in particular the use of virtual environment systems and mixed reality. A primary objective of developing virtual environment systems and the mixed reality content displayed in them for the mining industry is to allow mine workers and operators to practice mine processes and demonstrate competency in tasks that will be encountered in day-to-day mining operations at mine sites. It is anticipated that providing easy access to virtual environment systems will facilitate the avoidance of high-risk situations through improved knowledge, skills, understanding and decision making. Via virtual environment systems mine workers will also be able to practice infrequent or emergency events and maintain preparedness for such events. Day-to-day mining practices can also be evaluated. The rapid pace of technology innovation and the decreasing cost of simulation hardware and software present a plethora of technology to the uninitiated. This can be confusing. In this paper taxonomy is presented that classifies hardware, what it can display and also content that can be included or displayed on the various computer-based visualisation systems. The taxonomy provides insight into where technology can and may be implemented in the future as virtual environments are a dynamic and evolving technology. The taxonomy should also assist in the decision making process when scoping or selecting technology for a particular purpose.
ABSTRACT This is the second paper of a series authored by a collaboration of international resear... more ABSTRACT This is the second paper of a series authored by a collaboration of international researchers. It develops taxonomy for computer-based virtual reality simulators of relevance to the mining industry. A summary is presented of simulator types implemented in the industry and continuums are used to explain concepts and issues that affect simulator development and integration. The paper classifies simulators and demonstrates that there are potentially many simulator formats still to be realised and implemented by the mining industry. Simulator issues that are often overlooked such as human factors, cognitive load and development costs and their impact on the development of sustainable simulator technologies are considered in some detail. Barriers to development and integration are mentioned and the need for industry to engage with university level research and develop a uniform and integrated approach are discussed. Finally, a brief case study is presented and conclusions are drawn about the current status and sustainability of simulator development in the mining industry.
Advancements in technology over the past decade, in data collection and computer modelling system... more Advancements in technology over the past decade, in data collection and computer modelling systems, have created opportunities to develop and improve the current methods of predicting roof stability issues in longwall mining operations. The ability to accurately predict roof instabilities and cavity developments has great benefits for the coal industry. Early prediction will allow for appropriate actions to be taken to avoid such events, removing the potential for harm to personnel and loss of production. A case study of Moranbah North Mine, investigating the causes of roof stability issues, concentrating on the development of roof cavities in the longwall face is presented. Results from an investigation of the effect of particular geological factors on the occurrence of such instability events are recorded. From the investigation a stability index was developed from geological data collected from boreholes on site. A hazard map was developed, using the index, to indicate areas in the roof where failures and cavities were most likely to occur. Although some correlations were found between the index and geological factors, the results were not entirely satisfactory as some important factors had not been included in the prediction model which is still being improved.
The study addresses Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) in coal seams. The objectives of the project were t... more The study addresses Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) in coal seams. The objectives of the project were to undertake a comprehensive series of interrelated studies to gain a full understanding of this complex mine production problem. The goal was to understand how, where and why high concentration zones of H 2 S occur, how does gas release from the coal mass occur, can concentrations be diluted or neutralised through improved ventilation, water, chemical or microbiological infusion, chemical solution sprays and can mining approaches be modified to contain the problem. A multidisciplined approach has been used for related investigations.
This study addresses Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) in coal seams. The objectives of the project were ... more This study addresses Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) in coal seams. The objectives of the project were to undertake a comprehensive series of interrelated studies to gain a full understanding of this complex problem. The goal was to understand how, where and why high concentration zones of H 2 S occur, how does gas release from the coal mass occur, can concentrations be diluted or neutralised through improved ventilation, water, chemical solution sprays or infusion and can mining approaches be modified to contain the problem efficiently? A multi-disciplined approach was used for related investigations.
Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) has been encountered within a number of Bowen Basin collieries, Central... more Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2 S) has been encountered within a number of Bowen Basin collieries, Central Queensland, Australia. High concentration occurrence during mining of a longwall panel raises a number of potential problems which demand greater understanding to allow efficient mining while maintaining safe and healthy environmental conditions. Longwall panels at Mine A and Mine B have recently mined through H 2 S zones. The high H 2 S zone mined through at Mine A was wide and covering the whole length of the face comparing to the narrow H 2 S zone which was cutting the panel at 45 degree at Mine B. Longwall panels had been sampled for H 2 S in pre-mining phases with vertical and inseam exploration boreholes and rib sampling of gateroad development headings. During mining face coal samples were collected in an intensive program and tested in a drum tumbler to determine an "indicated" seam concentration level through contouring that could be used to calculate the concentrations of H 2 S liberated to the atmosphere. Data was analysed to determine a geostatistical method which would best represent the "indicated" seam concentration level from the given data and the block dimension of the data set. This study discusses the different sampling methods used, selection of the most suitable geostatistical method and the impact of grid size on results of data analysis. Some general observations are made correlating "indicated" seam H 2 S concentrations from production face sampling with both predictions made from exploration and liberation rates during mining of the longwall panel.
This is the second paper of a series authored by a collaboration of international researchers. It... more This is the second paper of a series authored by a collaboration of international researchers. It develops taxonomy for computer-based virtual reality simulators of relevance to the mining industry. A summary is presented of simulator types implemented in the industry and continuums are used to explain concepts and issues that affect simulator development and integration. The paper classifies simulators and demonstrates that there are potentially many simulator formats still to be realised and implemented by the mining industry. Simulator issues that are often overlooked such as human factors, cognitive load and development costs and their impact on the development of sustainable simulator technologies are considered in some detail. Barriers to development and integration are mentioned and the need for industry to engage with university level research and develop a uniform and integrated approach are discussed. Finally, a brief case study is presented and conclusions are drawn about the current status and sustainability of simulator development in the mining industry.
Integrated continuous mining techniques such as fully mobile in-pit crusher and conveyor (FMIPCC)... more Integrated continuous mining techniques such as fully mobile in-pit crusher and conveyor (FMIPCC) systems offer inherent labour, energy and environmental benefits to deep pit metalliferous mines. However, before such systems become commonplace, a number of barriers must be overcome. This paper outlines a number of commonly perceived barriers to FMIPCC application, together with a number of suggested solutions. The paper advances a design approach for specifying FMIPCC systems for deep pit metalliferous applications. A novel FMIPCC configuration is advanced using a hydraulic excavator in backhoe configuration. Because of the requirement to minimise belt extensions, a mine planning approach is presented based on a series of parallel and radial belt conveyor moves. The FMIPCC system does not fully replace truck-shovel systems. In the proposed mine plan, sinking is undertaken with truck-shovel systems using a series of box cuts, whereas pit ‘widening’ activities are accomplished via the FMIPCC system. Because of inherent differences in mine sequencing, the net present value derived from the FMIPCC mine will differ markedly from that derived from traditional, nested-pit, truck-shovel mining approaches. Therefore, any comparison of the FMIPCC and truck-shovel approaches must take into account radically different mine planning approaches.
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Papers by M. Kizil
Mining in the 21st century is a high technology industry that strives to reduce risk and improve safety through the use of improved processes and procedures. This risk reduction process is aligned with the innovative use of technologies often developed for other industries. Computer-based visualisation systems and their content are such innovative technologies, in particular the use of virtual environment systems and mixed reality. A primary objective of developing virtual environment systems and the mixed reality content displayed in them for the mining industry is to allow mine workers and operators to practice mine processes and demonstrate competency in tasks that will be encountered in day-to-day mining operations at mine sites. It is anticipated that providing easy access to virtual environment systems will facilitate the avoidance of high-risk situations through improved knowledge, skills, understanding and decision making. Via virtual environment systems mine workers will also be able to practice infrequent or emergency events and maintain preparedness for such events. Day-to-day mining practices can also be evaluated. The rapid pace of technology innovation and the decreasing cost of simulation hardware and software present a plethora of technology to the uninitiated. This can be confusing. In this paper taxonomy is presented that classifies hardware, what it can display and also content that can be included or displayed on the various computer-based visualisation systems. The taxonomy provides insight into where technology can and may be implemented in the future as virtual environments are a dynamic and evolving technology. The taxonomy should also assist in the decision making process when scoping or selecting technology for a particular purpose.
Mining in the 21st century is a high technology industry that strives to reduce risk and improve safety through the use of improved processes and procedures. This risk reduction process is aligned with the innovative use of technologies often developed for other industries. Computer-based visualisation systems and their content are such innovative technologies, in particular the use of virtual environment systems and mixed reality. A primary objective of developing virtual environment systems and the mixed reality content displayed in them for the mining industry is to allow mine workers and operators to practice mine processes and demonstrate competency in tasks that will be encountered in day-to-day mining operations at mine sites. It is anticipated that providing easy access to virtual environment systems will facilitate the avoidance of high-risk situations through improved knowledge, skills, understanding and decision making. Via virtual environment systems mine workers will also be able to practice infrequent or emergency events and maintain preparedness for such events. Day-to-day mining practices can also be evaluated. The rapid pace of technology innovation and the decreasing cost of simulation hardware and software present a plethora of technology to the uninitiated. This can be confusing. In this paper taxonomy is presented that classifies hardware, what it can display and also content that can be included or displayed on the various computer-based visualisation systems. The taxonomy provides insight into where technology can and may be implemented in the future as virtual environments are a dynamic and evolving technology. The taxonomy should also assist in the decision making process when scoping or selecting technology for a particular purpose.
and their impact on the development of sustainable simulator technologies are considered in
some detail. Barriers to development and integration are mentioned and the need for industry
to engage with university level research and develop a uniform and integrated approach are
discussed. Finally, a brief case study is presented and conclusions are drawn about the current
status and sustainability of simulator development in the mining industry.
systems offer inherent labour, energy and environmental benefits to deep pit metalliferous mines.
However, before such systems become commonplace, a number of barriers must be overcome.
This paper outlines a number of commonly perceived barriers to FMIPCC application, together
with a number of suggested solutions. The paper advances a design approach for specifying
FMIPCC systems for deep pit metalliferous applications. A novel FMIPCC configuration is
advanced using a hydraulic excavator in backhoe configuration. Because of the requirement to
minimise belt extensions, a mine planning approach is presented based on a series of parallel and
radial belt conveyor moves.
The FMIPCC system does not fully replace truck-shovel systems. In the proposed mine plan,
sinking is undertaken with truck-shovel systems using a series of box cuts, whereas pit ‘widening’
activities are accomplished via the FMIPCC system. Because of inherent differences in mine
sequencing, the net present value derived from the FMIPCC mine will differ markedly from that
derived from traditional, nested-pit, truck-shovel mining approaches. Therefore, any comparison
of the FMIPCC and truck-shovel approaches must take into account radically different mine
planning approaches.