The development of a computer model for confirming mechanisation decisions for the Longwall Mining Method in gold mines
Date
1991
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The viability of mechanisation in the gold mines requires new approaches to the problems of mine design and layout. Many of these new approaches have not been tested in practice and they require careful analysis before implementation. There is a need to test such decisions and to assess their effect on ti1e operation of the mine. The development of an appropriate model would effectively meet this need. A development that was enhanced considerably with the introduction of mechanisation, is the use of the Longwall Mining Method where geological conditions permit. A typical Longwall Development 1nay consist of a tabular ore-body, supported by a complex of underlying tunnels. These tunnels function as the road system for the transportation of the ore and waste rock from the working faces to a central ore/rock-pass-system. Access to the central ore/ rock-pass-system takes place vi, a spiral roadway or ramp which enables mechanised vehicles to reach all points i n the Longwall Development. over the lifetime of the Lo1qwall Mining system the distances between the working faces and the central ore/rock-pass-system will vary between zero and a maximum point. This maximum point will be fixed by a number of factors such as ventilation constraints, optimum cycle times for vehicles, etc. Because of the dynamic character of the Longwall Mining Method, it has rather unique requirements in terms of logistical support for the Trackless Mechanised Mining Method that is used. The essence of This thesis has been to develop a computer model which will be able to produce guidelines regarding logistical support decisions that have to be taken as the Longwall Mining progresses. The model analyses the effect of increasing distances between the central ore/rock-pass system and the advancing working faces in the Longwall Mining setup on mechanisation decisions. For given geologi cal conditions and mining constraints, the model supplies the user with a tool to carry out the primarily exercise of predicting the long-term build-up of the fleet of mechanised trucks which will be needed to cope with the dynamic ore/rock transportation requirements of the gold mine. A further enhancement of the computer model supplies the user with the option of calculating the mechanised truck requirements for individual Longwalls on a day-to-day operational basis. The model has been developed specifically for the Freddies Gold Mine No.1 Shaft Project of the Anglo American corporation. However, with minor alterations the application of the model can be broadened. The Freddies Gold Mine is situated outside Odendaalsrus in the Orange Free State.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die suksesvolle toepassing van meganisasie in die goumynbedryf vereis nuwe benaderings ten opsigte van die aspekte van mynontwerp en die uitleg van myne. Baie van hierdie nuwe beanderings is nog nie in die praktyk bewys nie, en vereis dus sorgvuldige evaluasie voor implementasie kan plaasvind. Daar is dus 'n behoefte om sulke nuwe benaderings te toets en hul invloed te ondersoek op die funksionering van die myn. Die ontwikkeling van toepaslike modelle/simulasies sal hierdie behoefte effektief kan bevredig.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die suksesvolle toepassing van meganisasie in die goumynbedryf vereis nuwe benaderings ten opsigte van die aspekte van mynontwerp en die uitleg van myne. Baie van hierdie nuwe beanderings is nog nie in die praktyk bewys nie, en vereis dus sorgvuldige evaluasie voor implementasie kan plaasvind. Daar is dus 'n behoefte om sulke nuwe benaderings te toets en hul invloed te ondersoek op die funksionering van die myn. Die ontwikkeling van toepaslike modelle/simulasies sal hierdie behoefte effektief kan bevredig.
Description
Thesis (MIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 1991.