An Advanced Tool for Evaluating the Probability of Failure of Existing Tailings Dams: A Scientific Approach Supporting the Prioritisation of Mitigating Measures and Minimise Risk within the 'As Low As Reasonably Practicable' Principle

The frequent occurrence of catastrophic tailings dam failures underscores the urgent need to improve safety practices and minimise associated risks. This study introduces an advanced tool to evaluate the total Probability of Failure (PoF) of existing tailings dams systematically and effectively, supporting the rational prioritisation of...

Optimised fuel consumption of hauling mobile equipment achieved from speed optimisation using Simulated Annealing

The mining industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. The transportation of materials within mining operations, especially using diesel-powered trucks, accounts for a substantial portion of both emissions and costs. Optimizing fuel consumption in this context is crucial for environmental...

Robot-aided Hyperspectral Imaging For Mineral Exploration in Underground Mining Environments

New mining and exploration projects have revived across Europe with an increasing demand for critical raw materials driven by the energy transition and unstable political conditions. Hyperspectral imaging proves to be an excellent tool for quick and efficient non-invasive mineral exploration. By mounting hyperspectral- and LiDAR sensors on...

Safety Assessment for the Implementation of Autonomous Haulage Systems in an Open-Pit Mine

The implementation of autonomous haulage systems in open-pit mines is a progressive step in the industry, but it brings potential safety risks that need careful evaluation. This study developed a discrete event simulation model to analyze and evaluate these risks in different operating scenarios -fully autonomous, hybrid (a mix of autonomous and...

Application of critical controls for fatality prevention in mining operations: Case study in an AngloGold Ashanti gold mine

Up until now, global mining companies have failed to create a fatality free environment for their employees, whether it be through increasingly difficult conditions or inadequate safety management approaches. Desiring to maintain the social license to operate, these companies are now looking into alternate ways of safety management with the aim...

Linking the Characterisation of Cobalt-Bearing Copper Ore to Comminution Properties: Using a Geometallurgical Approach

The metal cobalt is essential in creating a sustainable society, as it is an important component in lithium- ion batteries and wind energy turbines. About half of the Earth’s land-based cobalt reserves can be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study focusses on characterising cobalt-bearing copper ore from a DRC based mining...

Development and Validation of Short-term Mine Planning Optimization Algorithms for a Sublevel Stoping Operation with Backfilling