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1
Naidoo, Kumendrie. "Considerations for stope gully stability in gold and platinum mines in South Africa." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2001. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-11302005-123445/.
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Spiegel, Samuel Jason. "Understanding operation Chikorokoza Chapera : the political ecology of 'formalising' Zimbabwe's gold and diamond mining sectors, 2006-2012." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2014. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/283949.
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Carroll, Sandy. "The viability of the Kaplats Platinum group element deposit." Access, 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-07102008-080330/.
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Du, Pisani Petro. "The financial benefit of using borehole radar to delineate mining blocks in underground platinum mines." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2008. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02092009-141519/.
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Simango, Robert Zulu. "Gold exploration northeast of Ngundu Halt, northern marginal zone of the Limpopo Belt, Zimbabwe." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005844.
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Gold exploration was conducted in northern margin, granulite-facies rocks of the Limpopo Belt. Methods used in the prospecting include drainage, soil and rock geochemistry, geophysical surveys, geological mapping, trenching and diamond drilling. These techniques successfully led to the discovery of two medium size, mesothermal gold deposits (Grid 2s and Grid 4). Objectives of this study were to (a) document the exploration methodology used; (b) describe the regional geology; (c) establish a mineral deposit model; (d) outline the methods and results of various exploration techniques; (e) outline follow-up procedures and evaluation of anomalies; and (f) discuss results of the exploration exercise and conclusions. The granulite-facies terrain comprises Charno-enderbites, mafic and felsic to intermediate metavolcanic rocks and meta-sediments. Renco Mine situated immediately east of the study area, was selected as the ore deposit model for the exploration program. Gold mineralization occurs in shear and thrust zones within an enderbite. The gold deposits are structurally controlled by a first-order, Sinistral transcrustal Mauch Shear Zone, which is parallel to a regional east-northeast penetrative foliation. The deposits are in dilation zones where the Mauch Shear (a) is intersected by a dextral east-west shear (Grid 2s), or (b) has a sinistral splay (Grid 4 and Renco). Close to these deposits, the Mauch Shear is in contact with a "greenstone belt", which is a possible source of crustal metamorphic ore fluids and gold. The Grid 2s deposit contains fine-grained, disseminated free gold, and small amounts of pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite in quartz veins within third-order shears in K-feldspar granite. K-feldspar, sericitic, silicic, sulphidation and carbonate alteration characterizes the deposit, which has a proposed mantle-degassing model. The Grid 4 deposit is magmatic porphyry-type, with CuMo and Au in third- and fourth-order shears respectively. Mineralization comprises disseminated to semi-massive pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, bismuth, molybdenite and gold. Wall rock alteration includes biotitic, chloritic, silicic, sulphidation and carbonate. In Grid 2s, Grid 4 and Renco deposits, the alteration mineral assemblages are in three facies, which are granulite, amphibolte and greenschist. In the three deposits, the mineralization occurs with the amphibolite-facies, indicating post-peak, retrograde metamorphic conditions.Illustrations (maps) only available in print form at Cory Library
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6
Mooney, David G. "An evaluation of small scale open cast mining of UG2 in the Bushveld complex." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005555.
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The current weak state of the platinum market, as well as the large inventory of platinum group metals held by Russia, necessitates that the South African platinum mining industry must carefully evaluate the benefits and disadvantage of small-scale mining of shallow, open castable ore resources. Until the late 1980's, these resources were ignored due to the metallurgical complexities of treating oxidized ore, as well as the mind set that existed within the South African mining industry which militated against open cast mining in the Bushveld. During the latter part of the 1980's and early 1990's, advances in the metallurgical treatment of oxidized ore, specifically the UG2, as well as operational problems, created the impetus to begin the exploitation of these resources. Small-scale open cast mining has become viable due to the development of suitable mining methods that facilitate mining practices acceptable to the Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs, in terms of environmental legislation. Metallurgical advances and growing experience, especially with respect to the UG2, enables reasonable platinum group metals recovery from oxidized ore. The problems experienced in doing this can, and are being overcome. With growing public awareness of environmental issues, particularly related to the mining industry, the requirement to ensure that the small-scale open cast mine site is well managed is paramount. A methodology for the evaluation is presented along with a case study of a small-scale UG2 open cast pit. Evidence is presented that shows that these small-scale open cast mining operations are extremely profitable and require minimal capital expenditure. However, caution is advised when evaluating Merensky Reef open cast operations because of the problems that they present.
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Vos, Cornelius Francois. "The role of long-chain trithiocarbonates in the optimisation of Impala Platinum's flotation circuit." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-10182007-103419/.
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Watungwa, Ostern. "An investigation into strategy implementation : the case of the Zimbabwe mining development corporation." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95971.
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Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to investigate the challenges to effective strategy implementation at the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC). Strategic planning is argued to have overshadowed the area of actual strategic implementation. Organisations put a lot of effort into drafting good plans, but do not put equal effort into their realisation. It was assumed that there is a big gap between strategic planning and implementation. This is what drove the researcher to go into the field and explore the situation at the ZMDC in greater depth in a bid to bridge the gap through research on the subject matter. Literature on strategy and strategy implementation was analysed critically. The research was guided by the post-positivism research philosophy. This research paradigm enabled the use of qualitative methods, which facilitated the interaction with respondents. The case study research design was adopted, as the research sought to discover the impediments to strategy implementation and the best way forward in turning the strategies on paper into action. The major findings were that there indeed were loopholes in strategy implementation at the ZMDC. The challenges to the strategy implementation process at the ZMDC were noted to be poor delegation, lack of training and development, poor ethical values, limited resources, low motivation of employees, poor communication and coordination, lack of control and poor teamwork. The organisation was noted to have deficient communication processes, which contributed to the challenges facing strategy implementation. The findings brought to light the fact that strategic planning starts with the executive management, hence the need for their commitment to owning the entire process of strategic planning and execution. The study revealed limited involvement of staff in the initial stages of developing strategy. In order to enhance the implementation of strategies, it was recommended that motivational leadership at the ZMDC had to be ensured. Leadership, ownership and drive are required to compete effectively and to deliver growth. Management should adopt the „Strategy into Action‟ planning approach, charting a course through performance factors, linking strategic thrusts to projects, as well as departmental and individual activity, with the ultimate goal being to enable the ZMDC to effectively translate strategic goals into results in a clear and inclusive process. To turn strategic desires into action that drives results, the ZMDC leaders need to develop strategic thrusts and broad-based action plans, putting the vision to light, and picturing to everyone what would be viewed as strategic success and what it takes to achieve and measure the desired outcomes.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om ondersoek in te stel na die uitdagings vir doeltreffende strategie-implementering by die Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC). Daar word aangevoer dat strategiese beplanning wesenlike strategiese implementering oorskadu. Organisasies werk hard aan die opstel van goeie planne, maar werk nie ewe hard aan die verwesenliking daarvan nie. Die aanname is gemaak dat daar ʼn groot gaping tussen strategiese beplanning en implementering is. Dit het die navorser aangemoedig om die situasie by ZMDC prakties en op diepgaande wyse te ondersoek ten einde hierdie gaping deur navorsing oor die onderwerp te oorbrug. Die literatuur oor strategie en strategie-implementering is krities ontleed. Die navorsing is gerig deur ʼn post-positivisme-navorsingsfilosofie. Hierdie navorsingsparadigma het die gebruik van kwalitatiewe metodes moontlik gemaak, wat interaksie met die respondente in die hand gewerk het. ʼn Gevallestudie-navorsingsontwerp is gebruik, aangesien die doel van die navorsing was om die struikelblokke tot strategie-implementering en die beste pad vorentoe om strategie op papier in aksie oor te skakel, te bepaal. Die vernaamste bevindings was dat daar wel skuiwergate in strategie-implementering by ZMDC is. Die uitdagings rakende die strategie-implementeringsproses by ZMDC is geïdentifiseer as swak delegering, gebrek aan opleiding en ontwikkeling, swak etiese waardes, beperkte hulpbronne, lae motivering van werknemers, swak kommunikasie en koördinering, gebrek aan beheer en swak spanwerk. Daar is gemerk dat die organisasie gebrekkige kommunikasieprosesse het, wat tot die uitdagings vir strategie-implementering bydra. Die bevindings het aan die lig gebring dat strategiese beplanning by die uitvoerende bestuur begin, en dus is hul toewyding tot eienaarskap van die algehele strategiese beplannings- en uitvoeringsproses noodsaaklik. Die studie het beperkte betrokkenheid van personeel by die aanvanklike fases van strategie-ontwikkeling getoon. Ten einde die implementering van strategieë te bevorder, is die aanbeveling om motiveringsleierskap by ZMDC te verseker. Leierskap, eienaarskap en dryfkrag is nodig om doeltreffend mee te ding en te groei. Die bestuur moet die beplanningsbenadering van „Strategie in Aksie‟ aanneem, wat die weg deur prestasiefaktore aantoon en strategiese dryfkragte aan projekte asook aan departementele en individuele aktiwiteit koppel. Die uiteindelike doelwit is om ZMDC in staat te stel om strategiese doelwitte doeltreffend in ʼn duidelike en insluitende proses in resultate om te skakel. Ten einde strategiese strewes in aksie wat resultate lewer om te skakel, moet ZMDC se leiers strategiese dryfkragte en breedgebaseerde aksieplanne ontwikkel, waardeur die visie duidelik gemaak word en almal duidelikheid het oor wat as strategiese sukses beskou word en wat dit verg om die gewenste uitkomste te bereik en te meet.
9
Williams, Stephen Bruce. "The effect of scale and shape on the strength of Merensky Reef samples." Diss., Pretoria: [s.n.], 2000. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-11092006-132936/.
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Balakrishna, Manivasan. "An assessment of the economic viability of mining the UG2 Reef within the no. 12 Shaft lease area, Impala Platinum Limited." Diss., Pretoria: [s.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06262008-113235.
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Andrews, Lesley. "Base metal losses to furnace slag during processing of platinum-bearing concentrates." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2008. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01222009-172643/.
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Moore, Bronwyn Ann. "Investigation into the technical feasibility of biological treatment of precious metal refining wastewater." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002013.
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The hydrometallurgical refining of platinum group metals results in large volumes of liquid waste that requires suitable treatment before any disposal can be contemplated. The wastewater streams are characterized by extremes of pH, high inorganic ion content (such as chloride), significant residual metal loads and small amounts of entrained organic compounds. Historically these effluents were housed in evaporation reservoirs, however lack of space and growing water demands have led Anglo Platinum to consider treatment of these effluents. The aim of this study was to investigate whether biological wastewater treatment could produce water suitable for onsite reuse. Bench-scale activated sludge and anaerobic digestion for co-treatment of an acidic refinery waste stream with domestic wastewater were used to give preliminary data. Activated sludge showed better water treatment at lab scale in terms of removal efficiencies of ammonia (approximately 25%, cf. 20% in anaerobic digestion) and COD (70% cf. 43% in digestion) and greater robustness when biomass health was compared. Activated sludge was consequently selected for a pilot plant trial. The pilot plant was operated on-site and performed comparably with the bench-scale system, however challenges in the clarifier design led to losses of biomass and poor effluent quality (suspended solids washout). The pilot plant was unable to alter the pH of the feed, but a two week maturation period resulted in the pH increasing from 5.3 to 7.0. Tests on algal treatment as an alternative or follow-on unit operation to activated sludge showed it not to be a viable process. The activated sludge effluent was assessed for onsite reuse in flotation and it was found that there was no significant difference between its flotation performance and that of the process water currently used, indicating the effluent generated by the biological treatment system can be used successfully for flotation. Flotation is the method whereby minerals refining operations recover minerals of interest from ore through the addition of chemicals and aeration of the ore slurry. Target minerals adhere to the bubbles and can be removed from the process.
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Van, den Berg Mader J. "Western limb tailings reclamation project." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2004. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-07272005-100249.
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Machumele, Nkateko Jones. "A geological, petrological and mineralogical study of the UG3 chromitite seam at Modikwa Platinum Mine : significance to exploration and PGE resources." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013553.
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The UG3 at Modikwa Platinum Mine occurs as a platiniferous, planar chromitite seam. It is stratigraphically located in the Upper Critical Zone of the Eastern Bushveld Complex. Field work study comprise of underground mapping, sampling, surface mapping, borehole core logging, microprobing and microscopic investigations carried out at the Rhodes University. The UG3 at the Modikwa Platinum Mine is about 22cm thick chromitite seam underlain by a white fine grained anorthosite and overlain by a brown medium grained feldspathic pyroxenite. It is an incomplete cyclic unit consisting of chromite and feldspathic pyroxenite. The UG3 reef at the Modikwa Platinum Mine lease area represents a Platinum Group Metal resource of 300 million tons of ore at an in situ grade of 2.5g/t. Under the current market conditions the UG3 reef remains unprofitable to mine in an underground operation due to the operational cost involved. However, it has been illustrated that the UG3 chromitite seam can increase profit margins in an open pit operation provided it is mined together with the economic UG2 chromitite seam. The extraction of the UG3 as ore in the four Modikwa UG2 open pits would result in a combined operating cash profit of R330 million. The UG3 chromitite seam is platiniferous. The platinum-group minerals (PGM) range in size from less than 10μm to about 70μm. The PGMs are associated with sulphides and are both located in the interstitial silicates and are concentrated in the chromitite seam. The PGMs show a strong preference to contact boundaries of the silicate grains, the chromite grains and the sulphide phases. In some instances, they are enclosed within the chromite grains in association with sulphides. The general sulphide assemblage comprises pentlandite and chalcopyrite whereas, the PGMs assemblage comprises cooperite, ferroplatinum, laurite, FeRhS and PtRhS.
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Mnwana, Sonwabile Comfords. "Participation and paradoxes: community control of mineral wealth in South Africa's Royal Bafokeng and Bakgatla Ba Kgafela communities." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/526.
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Resource control as a form of community participation in the mineral economy has gained much recognition. One prevailing argument is that direct control of natural resources by local communities is an important precondition for equitable utilisation of the natural resource wealth, peaceful co-existence between mining corporations and indigenous communities, and congenial relations between local communities and the state. Studies have also shown that the absence of direct community control of mineral wealth remains a major factor in the communal resistance and socio-political conflict witnessed in the natural resource-endowed regions of countries such as Nigeria, Ecuador, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, little is known about mineral resource control at the community level. Does community control necessarily translate to equity? How does local involvement in the mobilisation of mining royalties benefit different segments of the community? Indeed, how do different segments of the community “control” the wealth? What is the specific model adopted to engender broad-based community participation in the utilisation of mineral wealth – and does it matter? These theoretical and practical questions were the impetus for undertaking this study in the Royal Bafokeng and Bakgatla Ba Kgafela – two platinum-rich ‘traditional’ communities in South Africa’s North West Province that have significant control over platinum resources in their territories. Utilising ethnographic data collected in the two study communities in 2008 and 2009, the thesis examines the character of community participation in platinum wealth utilisation; specifically, the conditions under which community participation promotes or hinders sustainable community development. The analysis uses a “three-dimensional participation ladder” conceptual scheme, based in part on Sherry Arnstein’s (1969) “ladder of citizen participation” and subsequent typologies of participation. Among the key findings of the thesis are that despite observed benefits, the interface of resource wealth and community development is fraught with tokenistic participation, elite-targeted grassroots anger, and local tensions – all linked to the contradictory nature of participation. The thesis further reveals that in some instances the challenge of platinum wealth-engendered community development tends to undermine existing customary and democratic spaces for participation, and that this is exacerbated by community-level issues such as poverty and inequality. The findings of the study compel a shift of analytical focus from conflict as an epiphenomenon of collective community exclusion and deprivation (as in the case of many natural-rich countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere), to conflict as also resulting from collective community inclusion (in natural resource utilisation). At the policy level, the study generates insights that will, hopefully, assist mineral resource-endowed countries, such as South Africa, in dealing with the challenge of developing appropriate policy frameworks for regulating business and social partnerships between local communities and mining corporations, and within resource-rich communities themselves.
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Den, Boef Martinus. "Assessment of the national DSM potential in mine underground services / M. den Boef." Thesis, North-West University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/111.
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ESKOM is moving towards a price structure for electricity which reflects, as far as
possible, the real cost of generation. It is called real time pricing (RTP). ESKOM
developed this cost structure to coax customers to use more electricity in off-peak
periods (low cost of generation) and less electricity in peak periods (high cost of
generation). However, many industries do not effectively use these price offerings
from ESKOM to the detriment of themselves and ESKOM.
In previous research improvements to this situation for the South African mining
industry were investigated. ESKOM funded research to find the potential for load
shifting on mines using RTP. The RTP investigation focused on the supply side
management (SSM) in the mining context of underground services on gold and
platinum mines. Elements investigated included the ventilation, cooling and pumping
(VCP) systems. (Except for pumps, these plants are generally installed
aboveground.)
Previous research showed a national RTP and SSM potential to shift 500 MW of
electrical load for a period of 5 hours. Through the previous research it became clear that the mines were previously able to
react partially to the price signals. However, it was proved by the research that the
full load shift potential can only be realised through the use of integrated dynamic
simulation and optimisation.
An even higher potential exists for load shift and electricity efficiency through demand
side management (DSM) on the underground services. Therefore, if underground
DSM strategies are combined with SSM strategies, a further and much bigger
potential can be exploited to the benefit of ESKOM and the mines. Due to these
factors this study was undertaken.
Three case study mines were identified for this study. They are Kopanang and
Target, both gold mines, and Amandelbult, a platinum mine. The DSM potential on
each of these mines was calculated using simulation, calibration, verification and
optimisation.
These results were presented to mine management to negotiate the implementation
of the proposed strategies on one of the mines. Kopanang's management agreed to
the implementation of these strategies for a trial period of 3 months after which the
success would be evaluated.
The results of the implementation, together with the case study results, were used to
calculate the national DSM potential in the mining sector through extrapolation. The
DSM potential amounts to 650 MW of load per day as well as 5% on electricity
consumption. This amounts to a potential saving of R72.1 million per year using
current tariffs. This means that ESKOM can save about R5000 million on the
building of a new power station to supply the equivalent load to the DSM potential.
Now that the national impact has been calculated and discussed, all these findings
must be used to motivate the implementation of these strategies throughout the
mining sector. A similar project can be undertaken to look at possible DSM
strategies in the industrial sector.
This might prove to be more difficult as the electricity intensive systems are mostly all
linked to the final production. In the mind of management this out-weighs the
possible cost savings that can be achieved.
ESKOM and the NER will have to rethink their strategy. Through DSM and load
shifting actions alone the pending electricity crisis will not be averted. The current tariff structures should be amended to not only reflect the true cost of electricity but
also provide incentive for DSM and load shifting.
Another problem that must be addressed to achieve the DSM targets set for 2007 is
the time that it takes to complete the study as well as the implementation time.
Software can easily be created to help in the speeding up of the case study itself, as
the process and steps followed, as well as models used, are very generic (at least in the gold and platinum mining sector).Thesis (Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.
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Rademeyer, Brian. "The influence of environmental impacts on tailings impoundment design." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2007. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01292008-172436.
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Mponya, Ereck. "Determination of rock material properties to design robust support at Unki Mine." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/22326.
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A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering.
Johannesburg, 2016Since mining platinum started at Unki Mine in 2005, large and small geologically controlled falls of ground (FOG) have been problematic especially in 2011 where a FOG caused a fatality. This study is about determining the rock properties at Unki Mine and then using the results to design and recommend robust support to reduce the FOG problems that are continuously happening. The study analysed all the FOG data from the mine database from 2010 to 2015 using statistical methods. Rock properties of the hangingwall, ore zone and footwall were determined from the laboratory tests. The geological structures were also mapped carefully. The results were then used as input data to the numerical modelling softwares Phase2 and J-Block. The J-Block program was used to determine the number of keyblocks that were stable, unstable and failed with support in designated and specified bords. A probabilistic approach was used to evaluate the stable span with special reference from small to large hangingwall instabilities for different mining scenarios. It was found out using Phase2 that large spans at Unki Mine are possible provided appropriate and robust support system is adopted. To fully address the issue of FOG problem at Unki Mine, a probabilistic approach is recommended as this is considered to be more appropriate than a deterministic approach that has been the traditional design approach so far.
MT2017
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"Experiences of women working on the mines: a case study from Rustenburg platinum mines." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/134.
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Botha, Quentin. "Development of a mining model and a financial analysis for the Entuba Coalfields - Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/22334.
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Master of Science in Engineering by advanced coursework and research: A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering
Johannesburg, 2016The mining sector plays a significant role in the economy of Zimbabwe. The mining sector is the second largest contributor to the country’s GDP at over 20%. Zimbabwe as a country is endowed with abundant mineral resources. The top three commodities in terms of estimated resources are iron ore, coal and platinum with resources of 30 billion tonnes, 26 billion tonnes and 2.8 billion tonnes respectively. Zimbabwe’s vast mineral resources and reserves are of strategic importance to the Zimbabwe economy. Coal mining is one of the major economic contributors to the mining industry in Zimbabwe. The purpose of the study is to determine the optimal operational model for Makomo Resources from a mining and processing point of view. The study is based on a coal-mining project in the Zimbabwean mining industry. Makomo Resources is the largest privately owned coal mining company in the country, which has a mining licence to perform coal-mining activities in the north-west part of the Bulawayo Mining District of Zimbabwe. Makomo Resources applies a conventional strip mining method by means of truck and shovel to extract the coal reserves. Makomo Resources is supplying over 200,000 tonnes of coal per month to the local and export market. The mine has invested in USD20 million capital to commission a wash plant. The study investigates how to optimise the plant throughput by comparing two mining options: Mining Option 1 - crush and screen 2m power coal, crush & screen and wash a full 7m low ash coal seam and wash 2m of coking coal. Mining Option 2 – crush and screen 2m power coal, crush & screen a 3m low sulphur coal seam and wash low ash coal and coking coal of 4m and 2m respectively. The study investigated all the marketing, geology, mining and financial parameters in the Zimbabwean coal mining context. The study determines the appropriate mining methodology and explore to optimise the coal processing. Two financial models were developed to evaluate and compare the two proposed mining options, determine their feasibility and conclude the optimal mining model. Financial techniques were used to analyse and evaluate the two mining options. The financial models were used to analyse and evaluate the following: The cashflow over the 10-year period. The Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of each mining option. The payback period of the washing plant. Profitability Index per mining option. The NPV of a project determines the economic value of the mining project. The decision on a mining investment is mostly related to the NPV and IRR of the project. Discounted Cash flow (DCF) models were developed for both mining options that shows project cash in and out flows and calculates economic indicators, such as IRR and NPV. The NPV and IRR were the main methods for the evaluation of the two mining options. The resulting DCF models were developed in an Excel spreadsheet format designed for a 10-year Life of Mine (LOM) period. Mining Option 1 has a higher NPV of USD38.2 million in comparison to USD9.7 million for Mining Option 2. The IRR for Mining Option 1 was calculated at 48%, which is bigger than the IRR for Mining Option 2 of 26%. Mining Option 1 has a simple payback period and discounted payback period of 2.7 years and 4.9 years respectively. Mining Option 2 has a simple payback period and discounted payback period of 3.9 years and 11.9 years respectively. Mining Option 1 has a shorter payback period than Mining Option 2. Both mining options have a Profitability Index (PI bigger than one with Mining Option 1 and Mining Option 2 recording values of 1.87 and 1.18 respectively. Mining Option 1 has the better PI value and is therefore more profitable. Based on the economic evaluation, Mining Options 1 is by far more attractive than Mining Option 2, which results in a better return on the investment and profitability, therefore the preferred option.
MT2017
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Sebutsoe, Tshele Christopher. "Empirical characterisation of a mining production system." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/23517.
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A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering.
Johannesburg, 2017The primary objective of any mining business unit is to make profit by extracting, processing and selling minerals from a particular mineral deposit. It is important to optimise the extraction of the mineral resource given time, space and resource constraints. The mineral extraction process is often associated with uncertainty due to variable technical and human factors. Technical factors such as grade distribution, ground conditions and equipment reliability influence the performance of the mining production system (MPS). The performance of the MPS is also impacted by human factors such as employee skills, health and attendance. Uncertainty associated with technical and human factors often leads to planned output being different to actuals obtained. Therefore an in-depth analysis of the significant causes of deviations from the planned outcomes becomes a very important exercise. This research investigated the empirical relationships between inputs and outputs in a MPS in order assist management in directing efforts at key production drivers. A literature review revealed that production output is an end result of a chain of processes dependent and directly linked to each other, often referred to as the Mining Value Chain. The processes can be seen as milestones to be achieved within a production project. The process requires technical and human factors as resources. The literature review also highlighted that the production stage is the most obvious stage for investors to realise their return on investment. The production stage which constitutes a MPS was chosen as a relevant research area for the reason mentioned. Once a MPS has been empirically characterised, more effort and resources can be focused on the key decision making variables (DMVs) in order to meet the planned outcomes. A production function was developed accordingly, based on the production logic and historical data. The research concludes that for a typical platinum mine the face advance, face length mined, number of teams, and team size (independent variables) have a statistically significant relationship with the centares (m²) (dependent variable / response variable) produced which is a key performance indicator (KPI) for a platinum mine. A statistically significant regression equation with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.99835 was obtained for the MPS. The production function can be used to align the physical, technical and human factors together to predict the optimal output level. The production function also highlights that the most significant production lever of the MPS is the face advance, contrary to a commonly held sentiment that lost blasts are the most significant.
MT 2017
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Erasmus, Andries Gustav. "Application of techno-economic modelling in the platinum mining industry of Southern Africa." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/22601.
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A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Mining Engineering
2016/10/5Management does not have an efficient mechanism to test strategic and operational alternatives and to assess the impact of these on the value and underlying trade-off variables of the business. Techno-economic models can be applied for this purpose as they provide a framework for undertaking advanced process simulation and business valuation. The purpose of the research report is to identify key components, principles and best practice as applied in techno-economic models, to improve techno-economic modelling for the purpose of decision-making and business optimization. The integrated techno-economic model requires a mining model with production planning and scheduling abilities. The half-level system method can be applied to create production profiles for different mining options and only after optimisation the best option is taken forward for graphical design and detailed scheduling. A metallurgical model incorporates the logic and efficiencies of the treatment process into the techno-economic model from which the refined products are determined for revenue and costing purposes. The financial model integrates with the mining and metallurgical elements and uses detailed costing models and sound financial principles for operating and capital cost estimates. An accurate techno-economic model includes key cash flow components and applies rigorous valuation practice for investment analysis. Techno-economic models are extensively applied in business planning, major project valuations and stay–in-business project valuations. Learnings from the review of these case studies suggest best practice, which allows the models to be applied to different types of business entities and contributes to the accuracy, consistency and efficiency of techno-economic modelling. Integrated techno-economic modelling is also applicable in strategic planning and mine design optimization as it provides a powerful instrument for decision-making and business optimization. The future of the mining business depends on it as an invaluable direction steering tool.
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Khoza, Nyiko. "Determinants of employment in the Platinum mining industry in South Africa." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1992.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M. Com. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017The study intends to investigate the determinants of employment in the platinum mining industry in South Africa. Employment levels decreased dramatically in the platinum mining industry in South Africa. This is due to decrease in export demand for platinum, high operating cost, labour unrest, low levels of production and other determinants of employment. The specific objective of the study is to determine the nexus between employment, output, domestic demand and export demand. Annual time series data covering the period between 1992-2013 was used. The study employed the Vector Error Correction Model approach. Johansen Cointegration test results confirmed the existence of a long run relationship amongst variables under investigation. Export demand and output are found to be positively related with employment. The speed of adjustment to equilibrium is -0.283202. Impulse response functions and variance decomposition are also generated to explain the response to shock amongst variables. The results of the study vindicate that the platinum mining industry should implement policies and strategies to increase output which will lead to higher levels of employment as well as economic growth. In addition, government should also create a conducive environment to enable the industry to expand and the industry should also intensify its export drive, these findings are envisaged to contribute significantly to the existing but limited literature on the subject under investigation.
National Research Foundation
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Mauve, Anton Christopher. "The platinum market: fundamentals affecting supply and demand." Thesis, 2014.
Find full textAbstract:
The platinum market is best understood through a comprehensive
analysis of supply and demand. Supply is most significantly affected by
production constraints and the erratic draw-down in Russian stockpiles.
Total world supply of platinum for 1998 amounted to 5.915 Moz, 64% of
which was produced from the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The
remainder emanated from Russia, Zimbabwe, the United States, Canada
and the recycling of autocatalysts. Supply is forecast to drop by
320 000 oz in 1999 due to a lower Russian export quota and reduced
Zimbabwean production.
Demand for platinum is unusual, in that it is sought after both as a store of
wealth, and has properties that make it irreplaceable in a host of industrial
applications. Current world demand for the metal is driven by a growing
Eastern jewelry market and increased use in autocatalysts due to vehicle
emissions legislation. Total world demand for 1998 amounted to
5.755 Moz. A predicted steady growth in the consumption of platinum for
jewelry and existing applications, together with development of new uses,
is expected to result in an annual 250 000 oz increase in demand for 1999
and 2000.
The derived supply and demand balance for 1998 shows a small excess
in supply relative to demand. This will be absorbed by inventories and is
likely to have little affect on price, A significant shortfall of 410 000 oz,
however, is predicted for 1999. This is likely to be followed by a further
shortfall in 2000 and will drive up prices, impel consumers towards
substitution and thriving and encourage producers to expand.
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Vos, Cornelius Francois. "The role of long-chain trithiocarbonates in the optimisation of Impala Platinum's flotation circuit." Diss., 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/28821.
Full textAbstract:
Trithiocarbonates (TTCs) with less than six carbon atoms per molecule historically have proved to be better bulk sulphide mineral collectors than conventional dithiocarbonates (DTCs). However, high vapor pressures of the short-chain mercaptan decomposition products prevented them from general industrial use. Impala’s commitment in TTC development changed in 2002 when the nC12-trithiocarbonate indicated strong synergism when added to their existing flotation suite. A concerted research effort at the University of Utah followed, and in particular on their surface chemistry. To compliment current research and development at Impala, fundamental work regarding the surface hydrophobicity of pyrrhotite under electrochemically controlled conditions was undertaken at Utah University. Controlled contact angle measurements showed that the surface hydrophobicity of pyrrhotite can be increased by small additions of nC12-trithiocarbonate to SIBX. It was also found that this improvement in the surface hydrophobicity with the SIBX-TTC mixture was more significant at lower oxidation potentials. Work at Utah University further showed that a C12 decomposition product may or may not be present with an adsorbed TTC molecule. External reflectance infrared spectroscopy in the mid infrared region suggested a “crowding” of the collectors at the surface when SIBX and TTC are combined. This was based on an increase in the absorbance of the -CH2- peaks in the mixed collector system. In bench scale flotation tests on PGM bearing samples from the Merensky reef, it was found that a 5 molar percent replacement of SIBX with nC12-trithiocarbonate improved the flotation activity relative to the standard SIBX-DTP mixture. Improvements were in the recoveries of PGMs, copper and nickel. The addition of TTC also increased the flotation rates of both slow and fast floating valuables as is predicted by the Kelsall equation. The optimum mixture for the pilot plant trials was thus a 5 molar percent replacement of the current collector suite with nC12-TTC. Based on the bench flotation results, research was extended to a pilot plant trial. At a depressant dosage of 100g/ton, the PGM concentrate grades from the first rougher cell improved from 120g/ton to 175g/ton when the TTC was introduced. This was achieved without any effect on the recovery from the first cell. This increase in concentrate grade is believed to arise from the nature of both: - The mineral-collector surface state, and
- The bubble surface interaction.
Dissertation (MEng (Metallurgical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2007.
Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering
MEng
unrestricted
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Brogan, Paul Louis. "The measurement of the viability of PGM-mining projects in a competitive market." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/20976.
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Naude, M. L. "Strategic scenario planning at Lonmin Western Platinum Mine." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6714.
Full textAbstract:
M.B.A.To develop four Strategic Scenario's for Lonmin Western Platinum Mine ( WPM ) based on investigation into outsourcing, financial, productivity and technological aspects to enable Lonmin Western Platinum Mine management to refocus their operating strategies. 1.7 Objective of research 1.7.1 To analyse the current external and internal environment 1.7.2 To evaluate Lonmin Western Platinum Mines current situation 1.7.3 To utilize an appropriate research methodology 1.7.4 To provide strategic scenarios to top management 1.7.5 To evaluate the strategic scenario's and provide a recommendation to management
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Hartman, Wouter. "Validation of the Rock Quality Tunneling Index, Q-system, in underground mine tunneling on a South African platinum mine." Diss., 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/22968.
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Ntswana, Nyonde. "The politics of workers control in South Africa's platinum mines : do workers' committees in the platinum mining industry represent a practice of renewing worker control?" Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/15907.
Full textAbstract:
The 16th of August 2012, has inscribed a never to be forgotten 'moment' in the history of postapartheid
South Africa when the South African Police Service (SAPS) opened fire on striking Lonmin
(Pic) mine workers, killing 34 and injuring 78 in Marikana, North West Province. The workers were
part of an unprecedented strike wave on the platinum belt, which had begun at Impala Platinum
Holdings (Implats) at the beginning of 2012, spread to Lonmin that August and to Anglo American
Platinum (Am plats) in September. At the heart ofthe strikes was the demand for a 'living wage'- a
clarion call that would be taken up by workers at other platinum mines, the gold, coal, transport and
agriculture sectors and for a short while left the country in political and economic turmoil .This
platinum belt strike wave was not led by the unions but by workers themselves. Workers
emphatically refused to be represented by their unions and opted to form alternative structures of
representation called the independent workers committees.
This thesis examines these structures and the deadly contestation over representation that
developed. It analyses the driving forces behind these committees, why they were formed, how
they were formed and how they managed to self-organise, mobilise the mine workers, and engage
directly in negotiations with management. This thesis argues, that a close examination of the
workers committees is seminal to understanding the current nature of the South African working
class and whether it is reasserting democratic control over trade union organisation, and whether
the workers' committees represent a challenge to the corporatist arrangements that have
underpinned the post-apartheid 'social contract' between labour and capital mediated through the
state, since 1994.
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Motsoeneng, Lefaso Daniel. "Profiling the training needs of engineers in the platinum mining industry." 2013. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1001142.
Full textAbstract:
M. Tech. Human Resources ManagementThe purpose of the research was to develop a list of priority training needs for engineers in the platinum mining industry. In the current skills shortage, it is imperative to reconsider engineering disciplines or qualifications in relation to the engineering skills in the mining industry, taking cognisance of the list of training priorities in the platinum mining sector. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: to develop a list of priority training needs of the engineers in the platinum mining industry; and to determine if there is correlation between the training needs of engineers in the platinum mining industry.
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Chimeri, Munyaradzi Leo. "Worker's perception regarding the introduction of technology at Chiadzwa diamonds mines in Zimbabwe." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/422.
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Mndzebele, Matshedisho. "An assessment of supply chain risk management in Africa : the case of UNKI Platinum mine in Zimbabwe." Diss., 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/40577.
Full textAbstract:
An ever-increasing number of companies have bought into the Africa investment proposition, and are now focusing on how to effectively execute a growth strategy in what remains an inherently complex environment to do business. African markets are progressively open for business. Despite perceptions of elevated risk, in many ways, the continent is no different to others. Sound business practices enable well-run firms to convert business strategies into actual results, regardless of where these firms are placed.
The research shows that AngloAmerican Platinum investment decisions were based on more than cost-benefit returns. There was more to Anglo’s case for investing in Zimbabwe. Political knowledge and organisational structure and national culture were implicitly part of AngloAmerican Platinum decision making. Political criteria have become increasingly entwined with business decisions in emerging economies in Africa where medium-to-long-term stability is questioned.
Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) plays a major role in successfully managing business processes in a proactive manner. Supply chain risk has multiple sources including process, control, demand, supply and environment. Supply chain management, faced with these risks, requires specific and adequate responses such as techniques, attitude and strategies for management of risk. Since every organisation strives for success and uninterrupted operations, efficient supply chain risk management is crucial. Supply chain risk management has the ability to achieve a competitive advantage where a risk is identified, estimated, managed and controlled.
The study assesses development and implementation of supply chain risk management strategies in African markets, by using UNKI Platinum mine in Zimbabwe as a case study. This approach provides insight to a real-world setting that could be applied in a broader context. The aim was met by interviewing nine senior managers and executives who directly or indirectly participated in the development and implementation of supply chain risk management at UNKI Platinum mine. Furthermore, two suppliers and two industry experts were interviewed to ensure validity of the research case study. The data from the interviews were combined with data from the literature review.
The study concludes with a list of factors that can be deemed to be important to the development of entry-strategies into Zimbabwe. Moreover, another list of themes emphasizing the elements of importance in the development and implementation of supply chain risk management strategy were identified. In essence, the leanings are used to propose a conceptual framework for supply chain risk management strategies in Africa.Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
lmgibs2014
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
MBA
Unrestricted
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O', Toole Patrick Francis. "The impact of transformational leadership on the delivery of safety and productivity excellence at Impala Platinum." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8736.
Full textAbstract:
The underground hard rock mining industry in South Africa is faced with the challenge of simultaneously delivering both safety and productivity excellence. Frontline supervisors need to manage the inherent trade-off between safety and productivity to achieve excellence in both. Previous research suggests that supervisors with a transformational leadership style have delivered safety and productivity in separate studies. This study examined the relationship between the transformational leadership style of underground mining supervisors at Impala and the simultaneous delivery of both safety and productivity. It also investigated the mediating effect of group safety climate on the relationship between transformational leadership and injury rate, and the mediating effect of group cohesiveness on the relationship between transformational leadership and productivity. The relationship between transformational leadership and the perception of leader effectiveness was also investigated in the study context.
The research design was a case study using mixed methods in the form of a sequential explanatory design. In the first quantitative main phase of the study, survey questionnaires were completed by respondents to determine the leadership style of the mine overseers who were the unit of analysis. Data was also collected using survey questionnaires for group safety climate and group cohesiveness. The injury rate and productivity data for the mine overseer sections was recorded for a one year period prior to the survey. In the second qualitative phase of the study selected mine overseers were interviewed and a focus group of mine overseers was conducted. Also, underground observations were carried out and documents were scrutinised. The focus of the qualitative research was to interpret and explain the results that were obtained in the quantitative first phase of the study.
The results indicate that transformational leadership is related to the perception of supervisors’ effectiveness. This relationship is partially mediated by group safety climate and group cohesiveness. The relationship between transformational leadership and the objective measures of injury
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rate and productivity were not supported in the quantitative results. This may indicate that these measures were too narrow to determine supervisors’ leadership effectiveness, and/or were contaminated by confounding variables as was suggested in the qualitative phase of the study. The qualitative findings indicated that supervisors’ perception was that transformational leadership style is effective in delivering safety and productivity excellence.
The overall conclusion of this study is that in the context of Impala or similar operations, that the effective supervisor should employ the full range of leadership. This behaviour includes maintaining discipline and using contingent reward to motivate the achievement of goals. The effective supervisor also uses the transformational leadership style giving meaning to work and creating a feeling of team membership. Transformational leadership inspires the diverse workforce to deliver safety and productivity excellence in the difficult and risky mining conditions. Furthermore, supervisors’ behaviour is greatly influenced by management’s priorities.Business Management
D. B. L.
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Hartman, Louis W. "The geology of the Cam and Motor Mine." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/17602.
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Dzvinamurungu, Thomas. "Geometallurgical characterisation of Merensky Reef and UG2 at the Lonmin Marikana mine, Bushveld Complex, South Africa." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8553.
Full textAbstract:
M.Sc. (Geology)The study aims to provide a geometallurgical assessment, including an evaluation of the response of different facies types of the Merensky Reef to mineral processing, and the identification of critical characteristics that determine processing behaviour. This is accomplished by obtaining quantitative mineralogical information, combined with chemical assay, laboratory scale milling and flotation testing. Lonmin Platinum’s Marikana Mine is located on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex to the east of Rustenburg. Platinum group elements (PGE) occur in, and are mined from, a variety of facies types of the Merensky Reef, and the UG2. For the purpose of the present study, three facies types of Merensky Reef samples and one sample of UG2 were used. The Merensky facies samples comprise of the BK, RPM, and Western Platinum variants. The mineral assemblages of the various Merensky Reef facies types at this locality comprise varying amounts of orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, olivine, talc, serpentine, chlorite, chromite, magnetite and sulphides (mainly pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite). Approximately 20 individual 10 cm channel samples were collected from each of the facies variants of the Merensky Reef, and the UG2. These are coarsely crushed, mineral modal abundances determined using the MLA, and then analysed for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, S and 6 PGE. The samples were then combined per facies type, and each of these composites subjected to laboratory scale milling and flotation testing. Abundant sulphide typically occurs with (is associated with) thin chromitite stringers, as is commonly observed in the Merensky Reef throughout the whole of the Bushveld Complex. Chromitite stringers are characterized by high PGE concentrations. The milling behaviour of the various facies samples, as well as flotation behaviour, was observed to be a function of mineralogy. The influence of ore mineralogy on the various stages of flotation, the mineralogical makeup of the various flotation concentrates, and the level of recovery of the PGE’s during flotation, were also investigated. Ore facies having the most abundant anorthite required the longest milling time to achieve the target grind of 60wt.% passing 75μm; and the ore with the most abundant enstatite produced the largest mass pull on floating. The facies with higher PGE grade, modal abundance of base metal sulphides, higher degree of liberation of base metal sulphides and least enstatite abundance produced the most favourable set of characteristics for efficient PGE recovery.
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Kersten, Rudiger Welf Olgert. "A probabilistic structural design process for bord and pillar workings in chrome and platinum mines in South Africa." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/22290.
Full textAbstract:
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Johannesburg, September 2016The aim of this research was to investigate the bord and pillar design procedure in use at the time on chrome and platinum mines and subject it to a critical appraisal and, if necessary, propose an improved methodology. An analysis of the current method and some of the alternatives proposed in the literature has shown that the methodologies suffer from drawbacks that can be detrimental to the mining industry due to overdesign or rendering an excavation unsafe. The conclusion was that improvement is essential. The influence of the variability of the rock mass properties input parameters on the factor of safety in the current equation was calculated and the findings were that the value of the factor of safety can vary by up to 30 percent due to these variation. The proposed process adopted FLAC2D Hoek-Brown simulations to develop full stress deformation curves for typical pillars. The mine stiffness concept was introduced to determine the pillar load which automatically included the influence of the pillar and strata stiffness, excavation spans, pillar yield and failure. The factor of safety was obtained by dividing the pillar strength by the stress value of the intersection point of the two linear equations for the stiffness of the system and the pillar respectively. The proposed methodology was calibrated by applying it to two mines in the Bushveld. The conclusion was that the methodology is a significant improvement over the one in use. It was shown that a combination of the FLAC2D Hoek Brown and the System Pillar Equilibrium Concept can predict the extent of the fracture zones and, to certain extent, the pillar stresses. The stage has been reached where the methodology can be used to predict the most likely commencement of failure of pillars at greater depth and alternative pillar mining methods can be modelled.
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Walker, Shonagh. "Characterisation of geotechnical, geochemical and metallurgical properties for mine-to-mill optimisation at Sandsloot open pit platinum mine, South Africa." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/1039.
Full textAbstract:
Sandsloot open pit mine extracts platinum, copper and nickel from the Platreef orebody in the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. At present, it is the world's largest open pit platinum mine, but it is one of the smaller of six pits to be mined in this area by Potgietersrust Platinums Limited (PPRust). As mining progresses and the mine operations expand, sound knowledge of the subsurface ground, the orebody properties and their performance in the processing plant is imperative. An accurately characterised orebody, in terms of its geotechnical, geochemical and metallurgical properties, will facilitate the development of appropriate and cost effective mining practices and processing plant design. It will improve the prediction and performance of materials in each of the steps involved in converting the orebody rock mass into a concentrate /marketable product, which ultimately leads to mine-to-mill optimisation. This dissertation has focused on the geotechnical and metallurgical strength properties of the Platreef orebody at Sandsloot; the geochemical properties of the various lithologies and defined for each orebody rock type the associations and correlations within and between these properties. The petrography of the orebody material was studied to identify and classify the rock types. A rigorous testing programme was conducted and an extensive database of petrographic, geotechnical, geochemical and metallurgical information was assembled. The corresponding results within and across the different studies were grouped together and statistical analysis and interrogation of the data sets were performed. The research identified diverse rock types with contrasting physical properties in the Sandsloot open pit orebody. For each of the rock types the distinguishing characteristics and the variations in properties were identified. Significant differences and relationships between rock types for each property were assessed for predictability in mining. Statistical associations and correlations between the properties of each study were defined and models for predicting strength and rock type were developed.Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2008.
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Taruvinga, Gwinyai Regis. "The governance of natural resources in Zimbabwe: the case study of the Marange diamonds." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21867.
Full textAbstract:
A dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement of the Master of Arts in Political Studies, Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016The governance of natural resources plays an important role in the distribution of resources in any state. The failure of a government to effectively administer natural resources will result in a country failing to benefit from the resources economically. This research paper explores how from 2006 to 2013 the Zimbabwean government handled the discovery of diamonds in the Marange area which is situated just outside Zimbabwe’s third largest city, Mutare. Zimbabwe has had a tumultuous millennium which has seen farm invasions, controversial elections and a crippled economy. The discovery of the diamonds was expected to aid the country’s faltering economy, but instead the diamonds only benefitted a close knit group of individuals who were aligned to the ruling party, ZANU PF. The ruling party in Zimbabwe has enjoyed a stranglehold on the Zimbabwean political landscape and the discovery of the Marange diamonds solidified this stranglehold. The diamonds helped ZANU PF revive its waning political fortunes after the party had joined a coalition government with MDC T after the controversial elections in 2008. The diamonds in Marange are an example of how ZANU PF has been able to use the country’s resources to prop up its waning influence on the Zimbabwean political landscape. The discovery of the diamonds in Zimbabwe mirrors other African countries where rather than being a blessing to local communities natural resources become a curse.
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Brynard, Hermanus Johannes. "Mineralogie en petrografie van die Merenskyrif in die Western platinum-myn, naby Marikana." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10802.
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"The safe mindset of managers, shiftbosses and miners on a platinum mine in South Africa." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3451.
Full textAbstract:
M.Phil.The mining industry in South Africa is in a process of transformation, which can be ascribed to various influences. First and foremost is the process of the conversion of mineral rights, employment equity and black economic empowerment. The ethnic distribution of mining employees at the time of the study reflected that Managers were predominantly white, the majority of Shift bosses were white and Miners were predominantly black. Central to the transformation process is maintaining and improving production output in a safe manner. Leadership in addition also impacts on health and safety in the workplace and the process to transform the organisation to world- class status commences with leadership. Transforming health and safety in the organisation to world-class status is a leadership imperative. The fatality rates in South African mines are continuously being addressed not only through initiatives from the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, but also through the various mining houses. The introduction of the Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulations 29 of 1996 made a profound impact on health and safety management on South African Mines. The introduction of blasting certificate holders replaced the scheduled person (contract miner). Various mining houses grasped the opportunity and trained their own miners from previously disadvantaged communities. This also assisted in achieving transformation objectives. The fatalities on platinum mines in South Africa since 1995 have remained constant up to 2007 although a slight decrease is reported. Nevertheless, injuries and fatalities in South African mines are attracting negative attention from society and the investment community. This is not in the interest of the mining industry. Research indicates that unsafe behaviour contributes 87% and more to incidents and injuries (including fatalities) on mines. The study of behaviour as a contributing factor in organisational safety is a relatively young science since the first reported studies in the 1980's. Research in this domain strives to develop an understanding of behaviour as a contributing factor in organisational safety.
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Bye, Alan Russell. "The development and application of a 3D geotechnical model for mining optimisation Sandsloot open pit platinum mine South Africa." Thesis, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4114.
Full textAbstract:
Detailed geological knowledge is often a major unknown factor in open pit mining and design, and
therefore poses a significant risk in the mining venture. As the knowledge of the geology improves
so the risk of unforeseen conditions reduces and therefore safety and productivity can be increased.
Historically, geotechnical methods and information have predominantly been used exclusively for
pit slope optimisation. This research documents the procedures and developments undertaken to
compile a comprehensive geotechnical database, and the application of the geotechnical data to
open pit mining, beneficiation and planning. The utilisation of the geotechnical information has
been enhanced through the novel development and application of a computerised, 3D geotechnical
model.
Sandsloot open pit was developed to extract the Platreef pyroxenite orebody, which is hosted within
the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. Sandsloot is currently the world's largest open pit
exploiting Platinum Group Metals. Interaction of the basic magma with the footwall sediments of
the Transvaal Supergroup and varying degrees of assimilation has resulted in a unique suite of
hybrid rock types. These various rock types provide significant engineering geological challenges.
Geology and the detailed understanding of its properties are fundamental to the optimal design and
successful operation of any mine. Extensive fieldwork was conducted to collect geotechnical
information, both from exploration boreholes and in-pit mining faces. Over a 5-year period,
geotechnical data were collected from 29,213 m of exploration core and 6,873 m of exposed
mining faces. Extensive field and laboratory testing was undertaken in order to define the complete
set of geotechnical properties for each rock type in the Sandsloot mining area.
The geotechnical information relating to each borehole and facemap was stored in the Datamine®
software package. The information was collected in the form of rock mass rating (RMR), uniaxial
compressive strength (DCS), fracture frequency (FF/m) and rock quality designation (RQD). The
architecture of the database was developed along the principals used for generating an ore reserve
model.
One of the novel applications was the development of a computerized 3D, geotechnical model in
Datamine®. The geotechnical parameters, namely RMR, DCS, FF/m and RQD, were modelled for
each rock type, using geostatistics, to generate a 3D model. The data were interpolated between
exploration boreholes and exposed mining faces and the modelling was constrained using
wireframes separated by rock type. The result is a 3D model containing 15 m3 model blocks
populated with interpolated geotechnical information. The dimensions of the model blocks are
linked to the mining bench height of 15 m. The model can be queried to give predictions on rock
mass conditions for any planned mining area, as is the case with the ore reserve model, which
provides predictions on platinum grades.
The crux of the innovative research is the practical application of the 3D geotechnical model. This
was achieved through the development of both a fragmentation and a slope design model, which
read the interpolated geotechnical information. These models provided an engineering tool to optimise mining and milling perfonnance.
Rather than viewing the drill and blast department as an isolated cost centre and focussing on
minimising drill and blast costs, the application of the model concentrated on the fragmentation
requirements of the milling and mining business areas. Two hundred and thirty-eight blasts were
assessed to detennine the optimum fragmentation requirements for ore and waste. Based on the
study a mean fragmentation target of 150 mm was set for delivery to the crushing circuit and a
mean fragmentation of 230 mm was set for waste loading from the pit.
The mine operates autogenous mills, which are sensitive to the fragmentation profile delivered.
The harder zones occurring in the ore zone have a major impact on the plant's perfonnance. The
geotechnical parameters in the model were related to Lilly's Blastability Index, and in turn to
required explosive volumes and the associated drill and blast costs. Having defmed the
fragmentation targets, the Kuz-Ram equation was used in the fragmentation model to predict the
explosive volumes required to ensure consistent mining and milling perfonnance. The
geotechnical model is used to predict changes in geotechnical conditions and therefore the blasting
parameters can be adjusted in advance to ensure the milling and mining fragmentation
requirements are met. Through the application of the fragmentation model over an eighteen-month
period the loading and milling efficiencies improved by 8.5% and 8.8% respectively, resulting in
additional revenue ofR29 million for PPL.
Based on the mining rock mass rating (MRMR) values within the geotechnical model a stable slope
design model was created in order to calculate optimum inter-ramp angles. From a slope design
perspective the model was used to target data-deficient zones and highlight potentially weak rock
mass areas. As this can be viewed in 3D, the open pit slopes were designed to accommodate the
poor quality areas before they are excavated. It also follows that competent geotechnical zones can
be readily identified and the slope optimised accordingly.
Due to the detailed geotechnical infonnation being available in three dimensions, the open pit
slopes were designed based on a risk versus reward profile. As a significant geotechnical database
was available, more accurate and reliable designs were generated resulting in the overall slope
angle increasing by 3 degrees. This optimisation process will result in a revenue gain of R900
million over the life of the mine. The revenue and safety benefits associated with this design
methodology are substantial and have potential application to all open pit mining operations.
The research has enabled detailed geotechnical infonnation to be available in three dimensions.
This information can be readily accessed and interpreted, thus providing a powerful planning and
financial tool from which production optimisations, feasibility studies and planning initiatives can
be implemented. The development and application of a 3D geotechnical model has added a new
dimension to the constant strive for business improvement and reflects a novel and successful
approach towards the application of engineering geology at the Sandsloot mining operation.Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.
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Ololade, Olusola Oluwayemisi. "Evaluation of the sustainability and environmental impacts of mining in the Rustenburg Region." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8087.
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Ph.D.This study evaluates the environmental impacts of platinum mining in the Rustenburg region and the development of the region into a sustainable society, post the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in 2002. The region has been the location of intensive mining and metallurgical processing of platinum group minerals and chromium for more than three decades. Many studies have focused on the impacts of individual mines on their immediate environment and the sustainability of their operations. This study takes an holistic approach, looking at environmental changes across a larger area and the evaluation of the implementation of sustainable development principles in the region in the decade following the Johannesburg WSSD summit, using a multi-disciplinary approach. The debate concerning a suitable definition for sustainability within the mining context was followed through a literature review. In a strict sense, there is a paradox - mining is inherently unsustainable because of the finite, non-renewable nature of mineral resources. To resolve this paradox, two concepts of sustainability emerged: weak sustainability, in which economic capital replaces natural capital; and strong sustainability, prevention and minimising any environmental damage. These two concepts of sustainability were examined within the mining context, and the conclusion reached in this study is that the weak sustainability concept is more realistic and useful in the mining industry, since diverse environmental impacts cannot be avoided during mineral extraction. However, this does not mean that the environmental impacts should be neglected; instead they should be minimised. Sustainability is then achieved when the total amount of capital (i.e. both natural and economic) is constant or increases. Medium-resolution satellite data (Landsat and ASTER images) were used to map land cover/use to quantify the changes between 1973 and 2007, over 205 209 hectares of the Rustenburg region. The most important land cover/use change was the conversion of grassland to agricultural lands and mining areas. Changes in mine tailings storage facilities in terms of size and vegetation status were analysed. Landscape metrics (fragmentation index) were used to interpret the statistics derived from the land cover/use change to give an indication of the functioning of the ecosystem. Tailings samples were collected from two tailings storage facilities. Grain size analysis of the tailings samples was conducted to determine the percentage of particles with diameter ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm. Chemical analyses of samples were performed to determine elements of major concern because of their enrichment in the tailings and their potential toxicity. An analysis of the weather data acquired from the weather station located within the area was presented in the form of wind roses. Information on particle-size distributions obtained from the tailings samples and local meteorological data were used to carry out a detailed dispersion model of fugitive dust from mine tailings storage facilities.
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Hlahane, Dawid. "Factors that sustain small and medium enterprises at Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg." 2013. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1001465.
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M. Tech. Business AdministrationThe aim of this research it to investigate factors that can sustain T1 category small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that provides service at Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg. The population for the study was 53 SMEs owners/directors, convenient sampling was used and a sample of 26 percent responded to the questionnaire.
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Sam, Lusanda. "The impact of violence and intimidation on strike actions and their effect on union membership in the platinum mining industry." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/45048.
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This study investigates the impact of violence and intimidation, especially the extent to which these have an effect on the behaviour of union joining and leaving in the platinum mining site located in the North-West Province. Accepting the premise that unions have substantial leverage, both in terms of legislative provisions of the Labour Relations Act for bargaining for wage increases and the capacity for organized industrial action, the study zoned in on the localized offshoots of the experience of union domination as intimidation
This has particular value in understanding the often-ignored reasons why employees behave in ways that express solidarity, on the one hand, and rivalry, on the other—both of which articulate to a propensity to behave in ways that mask or avoid vulnerability. One of these ways is union-joining behaviour.
Framed on a qualitative methodology, this study measured the aforesaid behaviour through research questions and hypothesis that scale intentions to join through normative beliefs above organizational justice. In order to provide a logical link between its independent variables of violence/intimidation and the union-joining dependent variable, it marshalled scientific constructs gleaned from Icek Azjen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour. Accordingly, it used convenient sampling to manage the data gathered from the Theory of Planned Behaviour Questionnaire, which was apt to accurately and validly score the values of research constructs—such as they were ranged against moderators and mediators.
The study arrived at the following significant findings: the propensity to join unions is as much prompted by an urgent sense of threat to job security and personal safety as it is by the need to leverage organizational justice. On the basis of these findings, the study makes bold recommendations to all concerned stakeholders.Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2014.
lmgibs2015
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
Unrestricted
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Madzanire, Daniel. "An education strategy to reduce cultural conflict in schools administered by mines in Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/21603.
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Cultural conflict is endemic in diverse societies and schools. It manifests in both subtle and overt ways, permeating the whole school environment and posing tremendous challenges for society. The purpose of this study is to devise an education strategy to reduce cultural conflict in schools administered by mines in Zimbabwe, with a particular reference to language and teacher capacity to cope with diversity in mining-town schools. This study was guided by three theoretical frameworks: Bourdieu’s capital theory, Nussbaum’s cosmopolitan education theory and unhu/ubuntu moral theory. Nine models for the reduction of cultural conflict in diversity were reviewed in order to gain insight relating to cultural conflict in mining-town schools. The qualitative research design of the study was approached from a phenomenological perspective with regard to document analysis, face-to-face and focus group interviews as well as classroom observation. Three school administrators, three SDC members, two company managers, three Grade 2 teachers and 30 Grade 6 learners were purposively selected to participate in the study. It emerged from the study that conflict was attributable to teachers with no command of language(s) spoken by the school-going population and lacked training and apititude for the task of dealing with language and cultural diversity in the classroom. It was also found that cultural conflict as described above could be reduced by establishing well-resourced language learning centres that foster essentially civilised values like respect, tolerance and dialogue. Participants also saw an ethnic match between staff and learners as significant in averting cultural conflict. The study recommended that the government should provide services that address diverse learners’ unique needs.Early Childhood Education
D. Ed. (Socio-Education)
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Wushe, Tawaziwa. "Corporate community engagement (CCE) in Zimbabwe's mining industry from the Stakeholder Theory perspective." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/14154.
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Questionnaires translated into ShonaMineral extraction is one of the key drivers of Africa’s economies and is also one of the largest industries in the world. In many African countries, including Zimbabwe, mining contributes to profound parts of the economy and remain the engine for economic growth. In recent years, and following the continual exploitation of minerals, mining companies have been scrutinized as a major cause of social, environmental, and economic problems faced mainly by communities at the margins. In this regard, mining companies are widely perceived to be prospering at the expense of adjacent communities, who are the primary recipients of the externalities, mainly negative, from mining operations. Due to incongruent stakeholder interests conflicts have erupted given the peculiar case of the extractive industries in Zimbabwe. Having realised the differences among stakeholder interests over minerals, in the extractive industry the study sought to answer this question: how is CCE understood by different stakeholders? And how is CCE measured by the same stakeholders?. The focus of the study is to evaluate the meaning of CCE from multiple stakeholders in the extractive industry in Zimbabwe; and to analyse how CCE is measured by identified stakeholders. In order to satisfy the stated objectives, the study employed mixed research method. This study revealed similarity in understanding of CCE and its usefulness amongst the different stakeholder groups. Of cognitive importance is the realisation by stakeholders on the need for proactive communities and corporate investment into community for effective partnerships. Collaboration, empowerment, inclusion, trust and organisation emerged to be the major facilitators for CCE. The study presents operative CCE according to the obligations and expectations of stakeholders. Having realised that mining industries are particularly susceptible to conflict between stakeholders, the study suggests proactive desire to mitigate these conflicts through CCE in the mining industry. In this respect, community development, peace and stability and strong economy are the major outcomes of effective CCE. The study recommends participation of resource owners in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation as well as dividends sharing of mining projects as advocated for by the CCE Model. It is also recommended that the adoption of the CCE Model will ensure a sustainable and harmonious coexistence between the predominantly capitalistic mining concerns and the resource owners and solve part of the current impasse to business and community development.
Business Management
D.B.L.
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Mokhuane, Seadimo Joseph. "A security risk management approach to the prevention of theft of platinum group metals: case study of Impala Platinum Mines and Refinery." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22196.
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Text in EnglishThe purpose of this study was to establish the vulnerabilities of the security control measures that are being used at Impala Platinum mines and refinery to prevent the theft of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). It is important to ensure that the security control measures in place are effective and efficient in preventing the occurrence of such theft. The research examined the security risk management approach to the prevention of theft of PGMs and the causes of theft of PGMs by organised crime syndicates operating in South Africa and abroad. The study found that Impala Platinum employees, in collusion with contractors and members of mine security services, are involved in the theft of PGMs. To achieve the goals and objective of the research study, effective security control measures were identified that will help Impala Platinum mines and refinery to overcome the risks and challenges related to the theft of PGMs.
Security Risk Management
M. Tech. (Security Management)
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Laisani, John. "Assessment of impact of corporate social responsiblity on sustainable development of Shamva Mining Community in Zimbabwe." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/858.
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Lourens, Philippus Jacobus. "The design of a disaster prevention centre for Modikwa Platinum Mine in Burgersfort." Thesis, 2012. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000504.
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Thesis (MTech. degree in Architecture: Professional)--Tshwane University of Technology, 2012.The aim of this thesis is to design a Disaster Prevention Centre for the platinum mining sector which will save lives and aid in the South African Department of Mineral and Resources' campaign towards "zero fatalities" within the mining industry. The facility is intended to be a prototype for the preventative training of platinum miners around the world by examining past, present and predicted future mining incidents and using this information to create a safe simulated learning environment or mock-up scenario of possible mining hazards.
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Tshikovhi, Elelwani Rosemary. "Training and development programme : performance of employees at a South Africa platinum mine." Diss., 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/9044.
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This study sought to determine the impact of a training and development (T&D) programme on the perceived performance of human resource assistants at a platinum mine in South Africa according to the following four performance dimensions: (i) personal (ii) customer; (iii) internal business; and (iv) learning and growth. A non-experimental design was used for this study, which was predominately quantitative in nature. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, which consisted of closed-ended questions.
Based on the results obtained in this study, it was apparent that the T&D programme contributed significantly to an increase in the performance of employees. However, there are certain areas that can be improved in order to maximise and optimise the learning of employees. Recommendations were made regarding areas for improvement and possible future research.Human Resource Management
M. Tech. (Human Resources Development)