Vol.

11

No. 12

MONTHLY

July - 2010

EDITORIAL BOARD
Shri V.D. Rajagopal Prof. Dr. - Ing M.A. Ramlu Prof. Sushil Bhandari Shri S.V. Satyanarayana Shri B.K. Mohanty Shri Dipesh Dipu Shri Suresh Chandra Dr. A.K. Raina Dr. K.K. Sharma Chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member
MEAI News Editorial News from the Mining World

CONTENTS
05 06 33 38

Conferences, Seminars, Workshops etc.,

Shri A. Sangameswara Rao Member (A.S. Rao)

TECHNICAL PAPERS
1. Ripping practices in surface mines - A review P. Balamadeswaran, P. Arun Kumar & M. Kalishkumar 12

EDITOR
Dr. K.K. Sharma (Tel : 040 - 23517205)

2.

Design of ultimate pit slopes for opencast limestone mines working under the constraints of surface structures - A Case study J.C. Jhanwar & D.S. Barsagade 28 19

PUBLISHER
Shri A. Sangameswara Rao (A.S. Rao) Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India
3.

Working close to contacts hazards and proactive measures B. Arunachalam

SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Indian Foreign

1. Subscription for 1 Year Rs. 550/- US$60 2 Year Rs. 1000/3 Year Rs. 1350/2. Life Subscription Rs. 6000/(15 Years) 3. Single Copy Rs. 50/-

Correspondence Address
Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India 'A' Block, VI Floor, F-608, Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Ph. : No. 040 - 23200510, Telefax : 040 - 66460479 E-mail : meai1957@gmail.com Website : www.meai1957.com
The Views expressed by the authors in these pages are not necessarily those of publisher / editor / MEAI. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

The magazine will be despatched positively on 29th/30th of every month by post to all the members and subscribers. The publisher is not responsible for its receipt by the addressees.

Mining Engineers' Journal

July 2010

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

Regd. Office : Rungta House, Barbil (Orissa)
National Head Quarters & : Permanent Secretariat

Chapter
Ahmedabad Barajamda Bailadila Bangalore Belgaum Bellary-Hospet Bhubaneswar Culcutta Goa Himalayan Hyderabad Jabalpur Jaipur Jodhpur Nagpur New Delhi Rajasthan Dalli-Rajhara Raipur Rourkela Rayalaseema Sukinda Tamil Nadu Veraval-Porbandar

Chairman
R.L. Arun A.K. D.V. M.P. D.Y. S.R.

Secretary

LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Aarvee Associates, Architects, Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-049) ACC Ltd (LIM - 25) A.P. Mineral Dev. Corp.Ltd., (LIM-12) Aravali Minerals & Chemical Industries (P) Ltd. (LM-048) Associated Mining Co., (LIM-19) Associated Soapstone Distributing Co. (P) Ltd. (LM-057) Bharat Alloys & Energy Ltd., (LIM-36) M/s Designer Rocks (P) Ltd., (LIM-32) Grasim Industries Ltd., (LIM-26) Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd., (LIM-3) Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-6) Gujarat Mineral Dev. Copr Ltd. (LIM-18) Gujarat Sidhee Cements Ltd., (LIM-4) Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. (LIM-9) (Formerly IDL Industries Limited.) India Cements Ltd. (LIM-16) Indian Rare Earths Ltd., (LIM-35) J.K. Cement Ltd (LIM - 058) Jubilee Granites India Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-23) Kariganur Mineral Mining Industry (LIM-41) Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., (LIM-33) Krishna Mines (LIM-27) Madras Cements Ltd., (LIM-17) Manganese Ore (India) Ltd., (LIM-37) M.P.L. Parts & Services Ltd., (LIM-14) MSPL Limited (LIM-30) Mysore Minerals Limited (LIM-45) National Aluminium Co. Ltd, (LIM-1) NMDC Ltd. (LIM-20)
Contd. on page 5

Shri V.D. Rajagopal

MEAI - President 98491 22817, 94408 17700 Vice Presidents : Dr. S.K. Sarangi - 94370 23134 Shri A. Bagchhi - 99899 98600 Shri T. Victor - 98221 23498 Secretary General : Shri A. Sangameswara Rao - 98498 70397 (A.S. Rao) Jt. Secy & Treasurer : Shri Koneru Venkateswara Rao - 92987 59625 COUNCIL MEMBERS EX - OFFICIO

Bhatt S.G. Patel Misra Shailesh Verma Gupta K.K. Basu Pichamuthu D.H.M.V. Swamy Itnal Dr.P.T.Hanamgond Mane Nagesh Shenoy Singh J.K. Hota Not functioning K.D. Kulkarni Kishore B. Haldankar Arun Sharma R.K. Sharma A. Sivasankar G. Sreenivasa Chowdary C.V. Singh V.C.S. Shreemal Anil Mathur V.S. Mathur P.R. Dave M. K. Prasher Prof. B.B. Dhar Prof. G.S. Roonwal A.K.Kothari Dr. S.S. Rathore Merged with Raipur S. Chakraborti P.Y. Dhekne Not functioning P.V. Krishna Yadav S. Ramamoorthy Dr. Vinod P. Sinha H. Behera Dr. L. Ajay Kumar R. Natarajan N.K. Nuwal Shiva Moorthy Swamy

IMM EDIATE PAST PRESIDENT IMMEDIATE Shri R.P. Gupta - 93529 50025
PAST PRESIDENTS Shri Meda Venkataiah - 99002 56797 Shri R.N. Singh - 98190 89120 Shri T.V. Chowdary - 99493 59969 Shri N.S. Malliwal ELECTED Prof. Sushil Bhandari - 98296 71949 Shri Y.C. Gupta - 94142 34746 Shri C.S. Dhaveji - 94220 63909 Shri M. James - 94442 89405 Shri Santosh K Pattanayak - 99370 53927 Prof. Gurdeep Singh - 0326-2206372 Shri S. Chandrasekaran - 94433 91000 Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar - 98480 94373 Shri D.L. Choudhury - 93021 - 63994 Shri K. Madhusudhana - 99002 56759 Shri M. Srinivasa Shetty - 94480 24246 Shri K.U. Rao - 98491 77677 Shri M.C. Thomas - 93345 11343 Dr. T.N. Venugopal - 98452 17692 Shri P. Dharma Rao - 040-23396691 NOMINATED MEMBERS Shri. B. Ramesh Kumar - 98480 99868 Shri S.N. Mathur - 94273 08502 Shri V. Lakshmi Narayana - 94402 79811 Shri C.P. Parihar - 98874 82007 Shri Sohan Singh Rathore - 94141 59605 CO-OPTED MEMBERS Shri N.K. Nanda - 94907 60010 Prof. A.C. Narayana - 99896 25346 Shri S. Tiu - 94386 73600 Shri V. Ramasubba Reddy - 99496 06060 Shri B.P. Pandey - 94482 86155
Period

PAST PRESIDENTS & SECRETARIES

President Secretary/Secretary General Mining Engineers' Association B.L. Verma Late B.N. Kanwar Late N.S. Claire Late R.C. B. Srivastava L.A. Hill Late S. Chandra Late H.L. Chopra M.G. Jhingran S.S. Manjrekar V.S. Rao Late R.C.B. Srivastava M.G. Jhingran Late R.K. Gandhi B. Roy Chowdhury I.N. Marwaha D.D. Sharan Late R.S. Sastry M.S. Vig G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran Mining Engineers' Association of India G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran D.L. Patni A.K. Basu R.C. Mohanty Late S.K. De M.K. Batra R.C. Dutta D.K. Bose S.B. Mukherjee P.R. Merh M.K. Srivastava V.S. Rao L.S. Sinha M.A.Khan D.K. Sen Saligram Singh A. Panigrahi M. Fasihuddin B. Mishra K.K. Biran S. Chandrasekaran N.S. Malliwal Dr. P.V. Rao T.V. Chowdary CLVR Anjaneyulu (S.G.) -do-doR.N. Singh -doMeda Venkataiah -doR.P. Gupta CLVR Anjaneyulu & A.S. Rao

1957-64 1964-67 1967-68 1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72 1972-73 1973-75 1975-76

1975-76 1976-78 1978-80 1980-81 1981-82 1982-84 1984-86 1986-88 1988-90 1990-93 1993-95 1995-97 1997-99 1999-2001 2001-2003 2003-2007 2007-2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

July 2010

Contd. from page 4

EDITORIAL
The government has revised Indias greenhouse emissions estimates after 13 yerars and has found one fact unchanged -- India has one of the lowest per capita emissions of green house gases (GHG) in the emerging economics and at merely 1.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per capita, it continues to be way below that of the developed countries. In 1994, Indian emissions stood at 1.3 b.t. of CO2. But despite this leap in emissions, even on gross basis, Indias emissions continued to be nearly 1/5th of that US, despite being home to nearly 17% of the world population. Twenty Nepali climbers have set off to Mount Everest in the third week of April 2010 to try and remove decades old garbage from the mountain in the worlds highest ever clean-up campaign. Many foreign and Nepali climbers have cleaned Mount Everest in the past but Namgyal Sherpa, leader of Extreme Everest Expedition 2010, said no one had dared to clean above 8,000 metres, an area known as the death zone for lack of oxygen and in view of treacherous terrain. Sherpa and his team of seasoned climbers, carrying empty rucksacks and special bags, will risk the zones thin air and freezing temperatures to pick the garbage lying between the South Col and the 8,850 metre summit. Scientists have known since the 1880s that increased snow over the Himalayas can be linked with weaker summer monsoon rains in India. However, according to Reading University of UK., the mechanisim explaining this correlation has never been properly understood. The latest research shows that greater snowfall reflects more sunlight and produces a cooling effect over the Himalayas. This, in turn, means a weakening of the monsoon winds that bring rain to India. Dr. Andy Turner, lead author of the research at Walker Institute of the University, said, Our work shows how, in the absence of a strong influence from the tropical Pacific, snow conditions over the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau could be used to help forecast seasonal monsoon rainfall for India particularly over northern India during the onset month of June. These findings are highly significant because Indian agriculture is heavily dependent on early rainfall, lack of this in the crucial growing season tends to have a devastating impact on crops, as was experienced last year. The work is a part of Readings Climate Programme of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS). Scientists from Australias University of New South Wales and Purdue University in the United States found that rising temperatures in some places could mean humans would be unable to adapt or survive. It would begin to occur with global mean warming of about 70 C calling the habitability of some regions would spread to encompass the majority of the human population as currently distributed. Researcher Steven Sherwood said that there was no chance of the earth heating up to 70 C this century, but there was a serious risk that the continued burning of fossil fuels could create the problem by 2300. It is estimated that in 300 years, earth will be too hot for humans.

LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Obulapuram Mining Co. (P) Ltd. (LIM-54) Orient Cement (LIM-059) Panduronga - Timblo Industries (LIM-056) Pearl Mineral Ltd., (LIM-39) Priyadarshini Cement Ltd., (LIM-5) Radials International (LIM-29) Rajgarhia Group of Industries (LIM - 050) R.K. Marbles Pvt. Ltd., (LIM - 52) Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals (LIM-053) Sagar Cements Ltd., (LIM-21) Sandvik Asia Limited (LIM-46) Sesa Goa Ltd., (LIM-11) Shree Cement Ltd. (LIM-051) Shri Sharda Cold Retreads (P) Ltd., (LIM-24) Shree Engineering Services (LIM-15) South India Mines & Minerals Industries (LIM-2) South West Mining Ltd. (LIM-40) Sri Kumarswamy Mineral Exports (LIM-43) Sudarshan Group of Industries (LIM-047) Tata Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-7) Tata Iron & Steel Co, Ltd (LIM-8) Terra Reserves Determination Technologies (P) Ltd., (LIM-055) The K.C.P. Ltd., (LIM-22) Thriveni Earthmovers (P) Ltd., (LIM-31) Tungabhadra Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-42) UltraTech Cement Ltd., A.P. Cement Works, (LIM-28) Ultra Tech Cement Ltd. (LIM-10) Veerabhadrappa Sangappa & Company (LIM-44) V. Thirupathi Naidu (LIM-34) VS Lad & Sons (LIM-38) W.B. Engineers International Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-13)

INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS
Singareni Collieries Company Ltd., Voltas Ltd.

(Dr. K.K. SHARMA)

5 July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

NEWS FROM THE MINING WORLD

IRON & STEEL

JSPL to acquire Shadeed Iron & Steel for $464 million Jindal Steel and Power is going to acquire Omans Shadeed Iron and Steel for $464 million. The transaction value includes assumption of liabilities of up to $79 million. The company will finance the deal through $400 million debt that it has already tied up with international banks. Shadeed Iron & Steel has a 1.6 m.t. gas based factory that makes sponge iron used in steel making at Sohar in Oman. The unit happens to be strategically located because of its proximity to the Sohar Industrial Port in Batinah, reducing input transport costs. Largest iron ore pelletizing plant commissioned in the Middle East It is reported that the largest iron ore palletizing plant was inaugurated at Gol Gohar (Middle East) in the presence of Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President and Officials of the Ministry of Industries and Mines of Iran. The plant has the production capacity of 5 m.t.p.a. Indias steel production 59.58 m.t. in 2009 - 10 Indias steel production in 2009-10 was 59.58 m.t., 4.23% higher against 57.16 m.t. in the previous year, according to the Minister of State for Steel, Shri A. Sai Prathap. For the current fiscal year (2010-11), the Steel Ministry has projected a production of 65 m.t. Shri Prathap also said that prices of hot rolled coils in the current month were at Rs. 45,670 ($1028)/t, up 26% from March 2010. To curb illegal iron ore exports, Mines Minister proposes windfall tax The Mines Minister Shri B.K. Handique told the Indian Express, I have taken up the issue of imposing a windfall tax on iron ore exports with Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee recently and also discussed concerns on exports of the mineral extracted illegally. He added, My Ministry is of the opinion that such taxation should address the concerns of soaring iron ore prices and at the same time disincentivise profiteering. We are open to suggestions that will help the government collect a fair portion of windfall profits earned by miners. About 50% of the iron ore produced in the country is exported. Exports have gone up from 37.49 m.t. (2000-01) to 105.86 m.t. (2008-09). Between April 2009 and January 2010, exports surged by 10.5% to 89.20 m.t. Ore fines with 63% Fe were quoting at about $186/t. in the spot market in mid. April 2010. The proposal also seeks to neutralise the Steel Ministrys demand for a 20% ad valorem duty on ore exports. If the Finance Ministry agrees to the idea, in principle the Mines Ministry would work out the modatities of the tax the threshold export price above which the tax--can be imposed, the rate of 6

tax, etc. The official said, What we are concerned about is the money earned through exports by the illegal mining industry. The Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act seeks to encourage value addition to the extent possible.

IGC announces 5 year iron ore supply to one Chinese steelmaker It is reported that India Globalisation Capital Inc. (Materials and Infrastructure Company in India) has signed a 5-year contract with a leading Chinese steel manufacturer, to begin supplying iron ore, valued at approximately $160 million. The company will deliver 63.5% Fe iron ore, initially 40,000t/ship load, ramping up to 80,000t/ shipload upto an aggregate of 1,600,000t. over the life of the contract. The iron ore will be supplied from mines in India and shipped out of Visakhapatnam port (eastern coast) and Karwar port (western coast). Shri Ram Mukunda, CEO of IGC commented, "We now have a backlog of $160 million in our ore business, which we will begin to ship in this quarter." Annual benchmark pricing system of iron ore may change to quarterly adjustments Brazils CVRD, Australias Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have insisted their customers switch from the annual benchmark pricing system to a more market oriented mechanism in which prices will be adjusted every three months. CISA had fought in vain to preserve the benchmark system and declared death of annual iron ore pricing, with a senior official telling a press conference that 2010 negotiations had stalled and Chinese steel mills were free to pursue their own deals. The miners have demanded 90% - 100% increase in prices and the current prevailing prices are somewhere between $110-120/t. Chinese buyers are agreeing to the same terms as Japanese and Korean steelmakers have with BHP, Rio Tinto and CVRD. It is understood that Chinese mills were buying from Vale in the second quarter at $110/t fob, equivalent to around $130/t on a delivered basis. Steinbruch says new iron ore pricing means better revenues, more instability CEO of Brazilian iron and steel producer CSN, Mr. Benjamin Steinbruch said, Quarterly changes in the prices of iron ore could lead to instability in steel markets. CSN has been selling iron ore at the new quarterly based prices and is talking to its steel buyers about possible new arrangements for steel pricing. He added, The changes will bring higher revenues for CSNs mining division, but could be disruptive for its key steel consumers. July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

Indian domestic sponge prices continue to fall Indian sponge iron prices declined by Rs. 700 ($16)/t in the beginning of April 2010 on low demand and the falling price of scrap, which is a substitute for sponge iron. Sponge iron offers and bookings have declined to Rs.16,300 16,400/t as compared with Rs. 17,00017,100/t in the last week of March 2010. The demand for sponge iron is slowing and falling scrap prices have also affected sponge iron prices. MMTC looking for overseas company for Neelachal Ispat Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC) is looking overseas for a strategic partner for Neelachal Ispat Nigam. MMTC CMD Shri Sanjiv Batra told Economic Times, Maybe the next best thing for MMTC and NINL will be to have a global tender, but the government will have to take a call on that. MMTC has a controlling 49.9% stake in the pig iron manufacturing company, Orissa Government has a 26% stake and the balance is held by Bharat Heavy Electricals, NMDC and Mecon. MMTC is not happy with the offers of SAIL, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam and NMDC. Shri Batra said, We find the valuations too low, while the buyers find it too high. Essar Steel to add 1.8 m.t.p.a. Essar Steel will commission the first phase of Rs. 13,000 crore expansion project. Shri Malay Mukherjee (Essar Steel Business Group CEO) said to the reporters during FICCI steel summit, The first phase of our expansion 1.8 m.t.p.a. will be commissioned by June end, which is in line with our target of having a run rate of 8 m.t.p.a. by March 2011. The company has 4.6 m.t.p.a. capacity at present at Hazira (Gujarat). Posco may hold 74% stake in SAIL joint venture SAILs board may in its upcoming meet approve granting up to 74% equity to South Korean POSCO in the proposed Rs. 11,000 crore plant to be built jointly in Jharkhand. Posco claimed the stake on the basis of its patented FINEX technology and funding by South Korean government to develop the same. The FINEX technology uses iron ore fines and non-coking coal to produce highgrade steel, which could be further processed by SAIL to make specialized steel items. The proposed 1.5 m.t.p.a. plant in Jharkhand using Poscos technology may come on a site that was originally meant for Bokaro Steel Plants new melting shop. The new JV project is proposed to be operated on iron ore fines of SAIL, largely unutilised. 7

NMDC nearly doubles iron ore prics for foreign mills NMDC CMD Shri Rana Som said, We have concluded a pact with South Korean and Japanese steel mills for supplying iron ore in the present quarter. We have got a 94-99% increase in rates over the previous contracted prices. He added, As of now we are working on the final details of the supply contract. And as per the agreement I am bound not to give you details of the same. The company sealed such a hike as global spot iron ore prices went up by as much as 100% to about $180/t almost double from the price a year ago. SAIL targeting Rs. 1,75,000 crore expenditure by 2020 Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) proposes to spend about Rs. 1,75,000 crore to augment its annual production capacity to 60 m.t. by 2020 from the present 14 m.t. Currently SAIL is in process of expanding its capacity to 23 m.t. by 2012 with an expenditure of Rs. 70,000 crore. SAIL CMD Shri S.K. Roongta said, That remains our target to take the capacity to 60 m.t. It is our directional plan and target.

COPPER

Hindustan Copper share sale may fetch Rs. 5000 crore now Hindustan Copper Ltd. said a planned share sale may fetch about Rs. 5000 crore, 25% more than estimated earlier. The government will sell a 10% stake and the company a further 10% and the sale should be completed in September 2010, according to HCL CMD Shri Shakeel Ahmed. He said, The funds will help meet our immediate expansion needs, including an acquisition if we are able to identify an appropriate asset anywhere in the country or the world. He added, Hindustan Copper aims to increase output by more than six times in five years to tap rising metals demand in India. The company plans to secure the rights to new mines in India and acquire assets overseas through joint ventures. The company mines 3.2 m.t. of ore at present and aims to increase production to more than 20 m.t. by 2015. Of the total production, about 11 m.t. will be mined locally. ICSG forecasts 580,000t refined copper surplus for 2010 According to the International Copper Study Group (ICSG), global market for refined copper will likely show a surplus of some 5,80,000 t. in 2010. The copper market surplus will widen as growth in copper supply exceeds projected weak growth in industrial copper demand. For 2011, it has forecast a smaller surplus of around 240,000t. as increased economic activity is expected to boost demand in copper end-use markets. July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

ALUMINIUM

Mines Ministry says 'no' to Nalco sell off The Ministry of Mines turned down a request from the Finance Ministry on further dilution of government equity in the National Aluminium Company (NALCO). Shri B.K. Handique, Mines Minister said, We are not in favour of any further divestment in Nalco. It does not require any funds. It is doing good. The company would not be in need of funds for the next two years. Norsk Hydro to pay $4.9bn. for Vales aluminium assets It is reported that Norsk Hydro proposes to acquire Vales aluminium, alumina and bauxite assets in a cash and shares deal worth $4.9 billion that will increase its alumina production by 170% and secure long-term bauxite and alumina supplies. Vale will receive $1.1 billion in cash and a 22% stake in Hydro in exchange for a majority stake in Alumina do Norte do Brasil (Alunorte), the worlds largest alumina refinery Paragominas, one of the worlds largest bauxite mines and aluminium smelter Aluminio Brasileiro (Albras). The Norwegian producers alumina capacity will increase to 5.7 m.t.p.a. from 2.1 m.t.p.a. and aluminium production will increase to 2.15 m.t.p.a. from 1.92 m.t.p.a.

small. As a result, a small transfer of investment dollars to the gold market could have a substaintial effect on valuations. We believe we have barely scratched the surface for further potential investment demand. Gold has reasserted itself as an attractive financial asset, as a store of value, a safe-haven investment as an alternative to currencies, stocks and bonds. On the one hand, central banks, which have historically been net gold sellers, appear to be rethinking their portfolio strategies, and are diversifying their holdings into gold," Regent said.

DIAMOND

GOLD

Venezuela may nationalize gold mining concessions, Chavez says Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threatened to nationalize gold mining concessions, adding them to oil, utility and metal assets after he has taken control of the South American country, to prevent deterioration of environment and exploitation of workers. However, Venezuela is only a minor producer of gold. Gold Reserve Inc., a Washington based company, filed for international arbitration against the government of Venezuela for the alleged expropriation of its gold mining projects. "The company had spent $300 million on the projects. Central Bank of Venezuela is considering selling a bond backed by future gold production," former Mining Minister Rodolfo Sanz said. The South American country is seeking partners to develop the Las Cristinas gold deposit, one of the worlds biggest undeveloped deposits. Gold investment demand has barely scratched the surface "It is reported that the growing investment demand for gold, combined with declining mine production levels in the longer term, will continue to support strong prices for the foreseeable future," Barrick Gold CEO Aaron Regent asserted. "Although demand for the metal has strengthened significantly, the gold market remains 8

Known diamond sources are depleting fast and new sources not found As reported in Global Mining News, according to De Beers the world resources of diamonds are depleting and are not being replaced fast enough to meet long term demand. Between 1980 and 1999, the world diamond supply doubled with the discovery of Argyle mine in Australia and Diavik in Canada. Since then no big source has been found except for the Marange diamond field in Zimbabwe. The depletion of the worlds big diamond mines could be exacerbated by the rise in demands from markets like China. Therefore "De Beers has decided to moderate production permanently. Its new normal peak production from 2011 onwards, will be about 40 million carats per annum, against 48 million carats in 2008 and 51 million Carats in 2007" as indicated by Mr. Gareth Penny, Chief Executive De Beers.

COAL

India shops globally for coal It is reported that JSW Energy acquired a majority stake in a South African Coal mine for $85 million in April 2010. Essar Group acquired a coal mine in the US for $600 million in March 2010. Some Indian PSUs like NTPC, NMDC, CIL and RINL have formed International Coal Ventures Ltd., which will look for coal assets abroad. Earlier Tata Steel and Tata Power acquired stakes in coal mining projects in Mozambique and Indonesia respectively. Tata Power had acquired a 30% stake in two Indonesian mines for almost Rs. 5000 crore in 2007. GMR Infra acquired a coal mine in Indonesia in early 2009. Smaller firms such as Gujarat NRE Coke, Binani Cement and Mercator Lines (a shipping company) also got into the fray. KPCL looking for coal mine in Indonesia Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) is exploring to acquire a coal mine in Indonesia. KPCL which presently imports small quantities of coal from Indonesia, is in the process of reducing its dependency July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

on the Indian coal, which is high in ash content. On an average, KPCL requires 7.2 m.t.p.a. to generate about 2000 m.w. power. The company proposes to add another 1400 m.w. within the next three years. In 2009, KPCL imported 9,00,000t of coal from Indonesia and will import the same tonnage in 2010 for their projects in Raichur and Bellary, Karnataka.

material need of its steel business. It has planned to produce 1 m.t. of coal in the first year starting from September 2010 which will go up to 3 m.t. in the third year of operation.

India to import nearly 60 m.t. of thermal coal in 2010 It is reported that India is likely to import 60 m.t. of thermal coal in 2010. Recently, term contracts for Newcastle coal were signed at $97-98/t. between producer Xstrata and Japans Chubu Electic for 20102011, about 40% higher than last year. These were initial contracts which are assumed by many to be a benchmark. MMTC and Adani Enterprises are major importers. Thermal coal spot prices, ruling around contract prices at present, are unlikely to move up further. Most of Indias coal imports come from Indonesia and South Africa. South African coal prices head towards $100/t level South African FOB coal prices are rapidly heading for over $100/t. According to Global Mining News report. July loading South African coal cargo traded at $97.25/t FOB Richards Bay. "Indian buyers will struggle to find cheaper alternatives to South African coal because all origins are in tight supply," traders said. India and China have taken around 50% of South Africas total monthly exports during March and April 2010, which has helped to keep South African prices at a $10/t premium over delivered European values. India has 106 b.t. of proven coal resources Indias Minister of State for Coal Shri Sripakash Jaiswal stated on May 3, 2010, "According to the latest national inventory of Indian coal resources (published by the Geological Survey of India on April 1, 2009), the countrys total coal resources were assessed at about 267 b.t. of which 106 b.t. (about 40%) are proved reserves and are adequate to meet projected demand." The minister added that the, domestic steel plants have recourse to coal imports in view of the current limited availability of coking coal in the country both quantitatively and qualitatively. Non-coking coal is imported by power plants and industries including sponge iron plants for reasons such as environmental regulations, locational advantages and to meet requirements, which exceed the level of supply received from indigenous sources. JSW acquires US coal mines JSW Steel has completed $100 million acquisition of coking coal assets in the US, and will start production from September 2010 to partially meet the rising raw 9

CBI arrests CMD of coal firm for graft The CMD of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Shri M.P. Dixit has been arrested by the CBI in Bilaspur for seeking Rs. 1 crore from a private firm. Four bank lockers of Shri Dixit in Delhi yielded Rs. 1.55 crore.

GENERAL

Tandur limestone industry facing labour shortage The severe shortage of labour coupled with a two day power holiday is crippling the limestone (napa stone) industry in A.P.s Ranga Reddy district. Blue and white limestone slabs from Tandur (about 125 km away from Hyderabad) are preferred flooring material as the granite and marble slabs are expensive. The industry of about 350 units has suffered in the last few months due to the agitations for and against a separate Telangana. The shortage of labour is attributed to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Shri C. Vijaya Rama Rao (Member of the Tandur Stone Merchants Association) says, People are getting work in their villages and are not coming to work in the slab industry. Also the units do not pay any wages during the power holidays resulting in reduction of wages almost by 50%. MOEF calls for regulating mining of minor minerals The Ministry of Environment and Forests has recommended bringing the minor minerals under a simple but strict regulatory regime to limit its adverse environmental impact. The recommendations are aimed at curbing illegal and unregulated mining of minor minerals such as marble, stones used for making household utensils, slate and shale, sandstone, saltpeter and boulder. In India, the classification of minerals into minor and major categories is done on the basis of enduse. The global practice for such a classification is based on level of production, mechanization, export and import. In terms of economic cost and revenue, the total value of minor minerals is about 10% of the total value of mineral produced. South Africa richest country in the world South Africa is the worlds richest country in terms of its mineral reserves worth $2.5 thousand billion according to research by the American banking group Citigroup, reports Bloomberg. In this respect Russia comes second and Australia third. The Citigroup report compiled by mining analyst, Craig Sainsbury says that South Africa, Guinea, Ukraine, India and Kazakhstan all have mineral reserves, unrelated to energy, worth more than $200 bn. July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

Mines in these countries have an average life span of more than 100 years at current rates of exploitation. South Africa is rated richest mainly due to its deposits of platinum group metals (PGMs) nearly 90% of the worlds Top 10 richest nations Country South Africa Russia Australia Canada Brazil China Chile USA Ukraine Peru Value of resources, excluding energy ($bn) 2,494 1,636 1,588 1,000 726 717 661 613 516 328

PGMs. However, the country is also one of the most under producing regions in the world, with an average resource life of 184 years. Average mine life Country Guinea South Africa India Ukraine Kazakhstan Russia Mexico Canada USA Australia Average mine life (years) 444 184 164 161 117 99 62 56 44 43

Mining mission from South Australia seeks Indian investment The Government of South Australia in association with the Australian Trade Commission recently organized a seminar on Investment Opportunities & Technology Partnership in Mining in South Australia at Hotel Taj President, Mumbai. The mission seeks investment from large Indian Corporations in South Australias mining and exploration projects. The delegation included high Government officials and companies from South Australia which offered products / expertise for the mining sector. South Australia has vast deposits of precious minerals like uranium, gold, silver, copper and high quality coal. South Australia needs Indian investment, skills and manpower. It would also have to develop necessary infrastructure for excavating, prospecting, transporting and processing them into usable final products. Call to ban loading of iron ore in old vessels It is reported that members of the Indian National Shipping Board urged the Centre to ban bulk loading of iron ore in 25 year old vessels in Indian ports to avoid casualties. Referring to MV Black Rose and MV Asian Forest vessels that sank off the Indian coast soon after loading iron ore, the Chairman Shri PVK Mohan said, We do not want such type of incidents to happen. We also do not want sub-standard ships to enter our ports. Currently we do not have any regulation to ban loading of iron ore into junk or age old ships. To salvage the situation during monsoon period, we will have more tugs and manpower so that the reaction time will be quick. MSPL Gases Ltd. Commissioned an Air Separation Plant MSPL Gases Ltd. set a new benchmark as it 10

commissioned an Air Separation Plant for the Indian Railways, within a record time of nine months from the date of signing contract. The 650 cum/hr. Oxygen Plant at Yelahanka was inaugurated by His Excellency, the Governor of Karnataka, Shri H.R. Bhardwaj in a ceremony organized in February 2010. Shri R.K. Upadhyay, GM Rail Wheel Factory was also present.

His Excellency, The Governor of Karnataka Shri H.R. Bhardwaj inaugurating the plant This is the first Air Separation Plant installed on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis, and promises to become a role medal for other railway units. A similar plant with 50 TPD capacity, installed and commissioned by MSPL Gases Ltd. for Steel Authority of India, Ltd. (SAIL), Bhadravati is performing successfully for the past three years. July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

60% Orissa mines are illegal It is reported in Times of India on June 14, 2010 by Shri Nitin Sethi that 60% mines in Orissa are illegal and some have been in the business for more than 20 years. The Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has found that 215 out of 341 working mines (more than 60%) in Orissa are operating without statutory central government clearances. Some mines have been in business for years without even submitting a statutory mining plan to the authorities. Fifteen of these mines have been operating without clearances for more than 20 years while 17 operators have done so for 15 20 years. This is how the scheme works; if a mine operator applies for renewal of a lease within the prescribed time, then under Rule 24A(6) of the Minerals Concession Rules 1960 introduced in 1994 - the lease is automatically deemed to have been extended till the state government actually deals with the applications. Factors behind the rise of the Maoists Two articles by S/ Shri Shankar Raghuraman and Nitin Sethi published in Times of India on 5.6.2010 have given various factors behind the rise of Maoists. Some important excerpts are reproduced below - - - - - - On seeing the map of India it can be seen that the bulk of countrys most important mineral wealth is found in thickly forested areas and those are the territories over which Maoists are dominant. So the connection between the Maoist menace and forests and mining has to be visualized. There has been long history of traditional forest dwellers being denied the right to live off the forests, a process that can not but lead to alienation. Add to that a mining policy regime that has allowed massive scaling up of mining in the same areas for super profits and it is not difficult to see why many tribals believe the state is hostile to their interests, but in tune with corporate interests. For understanding how mining policy has actually helped the Maoists, the specific case of iron ore in Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand may be reviewed, where a serious Maoist problem exists. In 2000 01 India exported iron ore worth a measly Rs 358 crore which rose to Rs 21, 725 crore by 2008 09 recording a sixty (60) fold jump in just seven years, providing all the benefits to the miners and nothing to the inhabitants of these forests. Outraged by the massive margins generated by iron ore exporters, the Karnataka Lok Ayukta in a December 2008 report advocated a total ban, not just on export of ore, but also on its trading. The profit in iron ore export is more than Rs 1000/- per tonne.

For understanding forest alienation, one example of Andhra Pradesh may be reviewed. The official records note that 77, 661 acres of land in reserve forests were under cultivation by adivasis prior to the enactment of the Forest Conservation Act in 1980. Similar conditions exist in Orissa and other places. 60% of Indias forest land lies in the 187 adivasi districts, which in turn comprise 33% of the countrys geographical area. But 62.9% of advasis are either landless or own less than one hectare of land. Successive governments worked to turn their lands into reserved or protected forest, alienating the adivasis. The three tribal dominated states of Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are the most productive mineral bearing states in the country. They account for 70% of Indias coal reserves, 80% of its high grade iron ore, 60% of its bauxite and almost 100% of its chromite reserves. Of the top 50 mineral producing districts in the country, almost half are tribal. The average forest cover in the 50 mineral producing districts is 28%, much more than the national average with Chhattisgarh having around 43%, Jharkhand 30%, Orissa 27% and M.P. 26%. An estimated 1.64 lakh hectares of forest land has already been diverted for mining in the country. The tribals, who are the original inhabitants here, dont own much of these rich forests; they once did. But when the forest laws were brought into force, first by the Raj and then by independent India, thousands were evicted and their property converted into state property. Most of the tribals ended up working on their own forestlands, in some cases as bonded labour. To make matters worse, the Indian Government named many of them encroachers and began a violent phase of forced eviction. The courts, which too wanted to protect forests, but not necessarily the forest dwellers, often added to their misery. With the above facts it is no wonder that Maoists find ready refuge among these tribals. In another article, Shri Rajaram Satapathy from Bhubaneswar, published in Times of India on 5.6.2010, reports that the Orissa mining scam has been billed by some as the biggest loot of public property ever. In a nutshell, ores were extracted from mines much beyond the permitted limit. In many cases, mining was done in without any permission in hand. The trend is still continuing. A majority of these shady mines are located in the Maoists dominated areas of Keonjhar and Sundergarh districts. These two distrcts have often reported incidents of Maoists attacking construction companies and other establishments for money. But there has been no report as yet of the extremists touching the mining mafia. 11 July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

RIPPING PRACTICES IN SURFACE MINES A REVIEW

P. Balamadeswaran*, P. Arunkumar** and M. Kalishkumar***

1. INTRODUCTION Mining technologies are very complicated due to a great variety of mineral deposits, their occurrence conditions and geographical location, properties of ores and host rocks as well as mining-induced impact. A mining-and-technical system is a group of mining equipment and technologies as well as the subsoil environment. Projecting such systems and selecting parameters of the mining methods and equipment is a task that is very responsible in terms of the consequence effect as the source information is uncertain and the project lead time is long. Here, fragmentation of the rock into a size which can be easily handled by the excavation machinery is the primary requirement of any mining system. The desired degree of fragmentation can be achieved usually by drilling and blasting in the conventional methods. But, the ripper has a long recorded history as it was the first means for fragmenting the rock in-situ (Panda and Mishra, 1989). The evolution of rippers can be dated back to 312 B.C. as a wheel mounted plough drawn by oxen was used for building the Roman Appian way. The rippers drawn by tractors were developed by R.G.Tomeau in 1931 on the Hoover dam project. At that time the rippers weighed about 3400 kgs and were pulled by tractors with about 75 hp. With the passage of time, rippers have undergone several technological developments and today we have the heaviest ripper weighing about 131350 Kg being pulled by more than 1050 hp tractors with 783 kW.

Presently, ripper dozers, which take care of environment and safety and are also economical in operation when compared to drilling and blasting, pose a challenge to drilling and blasting even in terms of cost (Parihar et al, 2005). However, it is essential that the rock properties are characterized to evaluate the feasibility of ripper for ripping and also ripper productivity. Ripping is still more of an art than a science as it depends heavily on the skill and experience of the tractor operator. In addition to the above, several other parameters such as geotechnical properties of rock mass and type of ripper-dozer influence the ripping performance. The present day demand of the mining is to use environmental friendly techniques of excavation. Therefore, the general trend is towards the use of mechanical excavation equipment even for increasingly difficult to fragment rocks. Many rocks which were not considered rippable a few years back are now successfully being ripped using high powered ripper-dozer. 2.0 SURFACE EXCAVATING METHODS The surface mining methods are commonly more economical and profitable than underground mining methods. Here, it is essential that proper care should be considered while selecting suitable method of working and suitable machineries to extract the full benefit of that method of working and technology. The selection of suitable excavating method such as Continuous mining system and Discontinuous mining system also depends on the following factors,

* Faculty, Department of Mining Engineering, Anna University, Chennai -25. ** Mining Engineer, Dalmia Cements (B) Limited, Dalmiapuram, Tamilnadu. *** Mining Engineer, Thriveni Earth Movers Private Limited, Joda, Orissa. Mining Engineers' Journal 12 July 2010

Rock parameters Geological parameters Geotechnical parameters Physico -mechanical parameters Production requirement Environmental conditions Availability and Resources

However, the continuous mining method involving Bucket Wheel Excavator - Spreader combination restricted to soft and favourable rock conditions. In the case of conventional discontinuous mining method which involves Shovel and Dumper combination, it is necessary to ensure that properly fragmented material should be prepared for the efficient operation of machines. Traditionally, the material has been prepared by drilling and blasting in many mines over the decades. But the pressure from environmentalists has been prevailing over the mine operators to adopt suitable method for preparing the material to the loading, hauling and transporting equipments. It has provided a path for the ripper to perform and produce in soft and hard conditions. 3.0 RIPPER 3.1 Ripper - Design It is a farmers plough type steel shank (furrow) mounted with cutting tooth and attached with a steel beam at an interval of 1 to more than 2m apart and the whole unit is attached at the rear side of the crawler track mounted heavy duty diesel operated ripper. However tractor pulled type ripper comprising a draw tongue and a frame attached with a shank is shown in the Figure 1. The steel plough body attachment has a cutting tool at the bottom of it which dips into the ground (to be ripped) at a depth varying from 0.4m to more than 1.2m depending upon the design of the machine, by the thrust applied through the hydraulic system. When the tractor starts moving over the friable soft to medium hard rock or mineral body, it has been broken properly and then loaded either with the help of the scraper or a loader or a simply dozed.

3.2 Ripper - Applicability This type of machine is suitable for ripping alluvial soil, soft rock, medium hard well stratified rock, weathered sand stone or shale type rock, soft to medium hard lime stone, laterite deposits, coal, well fractured hematite iron ore etc. The degree of rippability depends upon the brittleness of the rock, degree of stratification and lamination of rocks, well defined fractured plane, and moisture content of the rock, geological disturbances like fault and other fractures, grain size, degree of consolidation and weathering, wet condition, physicomechanical properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, etc. Occasionally pre-fracturing of the consolidated ground (by blasting) may be done for efficient ripping operation. The rippability of rocks can be determined by measuring the magnitude of the seismic wave velocity in the rock mass. Lower the velocity may enhance the rippability of the rock. A seismic wave velocity less than 3000 m/s in the rock is amenable for ripping (Gupta, 1995). The ripping stratification generally depends upon the nature of the ground, power and type of ripper, the downward thrust to the shank tooth, weight of the tractor unit, etc. The economical speed of the ripper is around 2 to 3km/hour when drawbar pull is available. A speed more than the above will result in consumption of more power with excessive track slippage, wear in the undercarriage unit and the cutting tooth, etc. It will also generate excessive heat and will cause low production. The ripping depth depends upon the thickness of the lamination, degree of hardness of the material and fracturing, efficiency and conditions of the machines such as the cutting teeth, tractive force of the machine, etc. Higher the ripping depth means increased rate of production at the lesser operating cost. It is always preferred to maintain the depth of penetration equal to the depth of lamination of the strata. In such condition, the requirement of the motor power will be low. However, the depth of the ripper should be ensured such that the driving sprockets should not touch the ripping ground. The spacing between the teeth mounted on the steel shank depends upon the use of mineral or rock, the size type of the loading equipments, size and type of the crusher, size and type of transporting equipments, tractive effort of the equipment, fracturing characteristics of the ripped rock or mineral body (Kumar, 1984). If the spacing between the two shanks is more, then there will be the formation of coarser materials. Hence the spacing should be optimum. The direction of the ripping depends upon the presence of the vertical laminations or fracture plane; direction of ripper and scraper movements etc. 3.3 Ripper - Types Hinge type ripper: The linkage hinge is provided with fixed position at the rear end of the ripper, as shown in the Figure 2. Various differential movements of the ripper teeth in the vertical direction due to the up and down movement of the ripper causes the change of the teeth angle to meet the various rock conditions. 13 July 2010

Fig 1: Basic components of the ripper Mining Engineers' Journal

Parallelogram type ripper: As shown in the Figure 3, the parallelogram type ripper is provided with the linkages carrying the beam and the shank which has the constant teeth angle regardless of the teeth depth and has excellent penetration characteristics.

It has features of both hinge type and parallelogram type as shown in the Figure 4. It can vary the tip angle beyond vertical for improved penetration and can be hydraulically adjusted while ripping to provide the optimum ripping angle in most materials. Adjustable Radial Ripper:

Fig-2: Hinge type ripper Fig-5: Adjustable Radial Ripper The adjustable radial ripper as shown in Figure 5 combines the features of hinge type rippers with the shank angles and more reach which is useful when ripping away from a high wall. It automatically provides a more aggressive shank penetrations angle at ground entry and after penetration a more optimum angle for advancement through the material. Impact ripper: In this type of ripper the engine power is converted into hydraulic power to impact rapidly to a specially made ripper shank as shown in the Figure 6.

Fig-3: Parallelogram type ripper The ground clearance between the tracks and the shank of the ripper, and the raising height of the ripper is more which enables to rip more blocky lumps and facilitates the checking of the shank tip respectively. Adjustable parallelogram type Ripper: Fig-6: Impact ripper The energy obtained from those impact pulses transmitted into the ripper tip, causing heavy fracturing and increasing the penetration depth into the rock or mineral, it also reduces the drawbar pull. With this type of machine, ripping of hardest rippable rock is possible.

Fig-4: Adjustable parallelogram type ripper Mining Engineers' Journal 14

4.0 RIPPING MECHANISM The shank is generally attached at the rear end of the dozer. During the process of ripping, the shank is lowered down on July 2010

the ground by applying the hydraulic forces as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. These hydraulic forces are continued till the initial penetration of the bit occurs. The application of hydraulic forces will cause the stress concentration near the tip edge when exceeds the compressive strength of the rock causes shear failure of the rock allowing initial tip penetration. Drawbars pull further causes the tensile breaking of the rock. Drawbar pull is actually the product of weight of the machine and the horsepower of the machine. In jointed rock formations, the failure will occur as a result of the overcoming of the cohesion between the structural blocks by the drawbar pull of the machine.

The Cutting force depends on the tip edge angle. An increase in the ripping angle from 45 degree to 60 degree doubles the resistance to ripping. 5.0 TYPES OF RIPPING METHODS

Fig-9: Straight line ripping Straight line ripping: In this method rip passes should be first driven along dip direction or strike direction that is in longitudinal or transverse direction as shown in the Figure 9. Once the rip passes are driven, ripped materials will be further dozed to form a heap. This type of ripping method can be used for soft formations.

Fig-7: Basic components of ripping The extend of breaking of rock depends on three parameters, Y: Cutting angle Q: Clearance angle W: Tip edge angle

Fig-10: Cross ripping Cross ripping: Here, rip passes should be driven in both the longitudinal and transverse directions as shown in the Figure 10. Ripped materials will be dozed to form a heap. This method of ripping can be used for soft to medium formations. Diamond ripping: In this method rip passes are driven similar to cross ripping. But, in addition to cross ripping, rip passes are driven diagonally as shown in Figure 11. This method of ripping can be used for soft to hard rock formations. 15 July 2010

Fig-8: Rip passes Mining Engineers' Journal

geological features prevailing in the site. The above figure also suggests the method of ripping should be selected based on the geological features prevailing in the ripping area.

Fig-11: Diamond ripping Tandem ripping: Here, as shown in Figure 12-a and 12-b, two rippers are used simultaneously in this method to facilitate the increased performance resulting in higher production.

Fig - 13 Geological Features Ripping speed: Ripping speed is required to be maintained at slow rate, in low range with even throttle. Generally, 2/3 throttle is recommended for the smooth operation of ripper (Mitra, 1972). Proper care should be maintained as raise in ripping speed increases the wearing of the components which results in reduce of the life. Ripping direction: Ripping should be performed in one direction and in straight line. Zigzag passes leave unripe ridges and hard spots which may slow down dozing and loading operation. Hence, the direction should not be changed during ripping operation. Ripping downhill in the tight or tough materials may provide the extra power that is needed. Wetting the area: In hard rock formations, the water may be applied to make the area easier for ripping and also it extends point life. If the material is sandy, the working area is wet down on the previous day to make rips easily in the next day operation. Shank selection and position: A straight or semi-straight shank may be preferred to create breakage in large scale. The number of ripping shanks used and depth of ripping, usually determines the size of material broken loose. If desired size of material is smaller, the number of shanks may be increased the number of shanks, even the ripping depth is less. Operation in the slope: Operating the rippers in the slopes may result in increasing the performance of dozing and ripping 16 July 2010

Fig-12-a: Tandem ripping-Sectional view

Fig-12-b: Tandem ripping-Plan view Here, one ripper will rip the material and other equipment may be used to doze the material at some times. 6. FACTORS INFLUENCING THE RIPPING OPERATION To improve the productivity and efficiency of the rippers, following factors should be considered in any rock condition: Geological features: Geological features like joints, fractures, cleat angles etc will affect ripping operation as shown in Figure 13. This requires change of ripping method for the improvement of ripping operation and better fragmentation of material according to the ground conditions which is based on the Mining Engineers' Journal

which results in preparing more quantity of material for the loading. Number of rip passes and ripping depth: Fewer ripping passes are usually required if dozers are used to load the material and more passes may be required if scrapers or excavators are used to excavate the material. Ripping depth should be uniform when material is to be excavated by scrapers or excavators. When ripping in rocky ground, containing wide variations in material density or hardness, select a ripping depth that will be workable over the entire area and maintain at the same depth. The result will be better production and a cleaner, easier to handle work area. Penetration: The ripper may be ensured to penetrate ground and rip at proper angle which results in tractor getting better traction with less wear on tyres and undercarriage. Radial rippers and parallel rippers with a hydraulic pitch adjustment feature or the option of a modified parallel position can provide a steeper angle of entry for the point, resulting in easier, faster penetration and longer pointer life. 7.0 RIPPER PRODUCTIVITY IN SURFACE MINES To enhance the productivity of ripper, the following methodology may be adopted after ascertaining the rock conditions 1. Proper work plan Proper day-to-day planning should be carried out for the ripping operations. It should consider the ripping area, required ripping depth, ripping length and need of dislocating any other machinery, targeted production, etc. Planning only will not give proper result, implementation be properly done. 2. Proper Truck Dispatch System (TDS) Truck dispatch system means dynamic allocation of dumpers / tippers to the excavator or the loading equipment. Assume two excavators are performing loading operation, dumpers / tippers should be allocated properly and in proper time by not allowing both equipments in idle condition. 3. Experience and skill of the operator Ripping is not science, it is an art. Anybody can practice science, because it has some procedure for performing a work. But, for art, there is no procedure for performing any task. Experience only plays the crucial role in the ripping. So, for efficient and effective production, ripping need experienced ripper operators. 4. Availability of the machinery / spares Availability of the machinery is one of the main things for improving the productivity. Maintenance time and machinery idle time should be reasonably decreased. If any part of the machinery gets damaged, it should be changed immediately. For that, we should maintain required number of spare parts Mining Engineers' Journal 17

for the machineries. Machinery parts which cost less and are needed more, are to be purchased and maintain the stock of the same. Spare parts which are of high cost and are not required often can be purchased in less number. 5. Proper maintenance Maintenance of the machinery is one of the essential operations. Scheduled maintenance should be performed for every machinery used. 6. Method of ripping Selection of proper method of ripping mainly influences the increase of the productivity. For soft or medium rock, we can practice parallel or cross ripping. But, for hard rocks, diamond ripping should be used. This will increase the production and productivity. Improper selection of ripping method will result in increased cost of production, increased time and formation of big size boulders. 7. Geology of the deposit If the deposit is highly compact, ripping may pose a difficult task for the operator. Suppose the rock mass is jointed and it possesses more number of cleavages, then ripping will be easier. Joints will increase the better fragmentation of the material. 8. Seismic property of the rock Field seismic velocity data has been widely used to predict ease of excavation. Caterpillar Ltd., for example, provides velocity data charts for a range of its equipment (Anon. 1982). Seismic velocity is a function of strength, hardness, stratification, degree of fracturing, extent of weathering and confining stress. It has been indicated to result sometimes in misleading estimation of the ease of excavation. The potential sources of error in seismic velocity studies are summarized as follows: For the system to function correctly each layer must be underlain by one of lower velocity. The presence of non-rippable large boulders cannot be detected if present within easily rippable material, (Smith 1986). Geological peculiarities not relevant to rippability may cause variations in the seismic velocity, (Kirsten 1982). No distinction is made of variations in the ground water table and / or degree of saturation of the material. The action of ripping results in rock fracturing. Seismic velocity provides a method of rock characterization which is not necessarily an accurate estimate of the rock fracture strength. Compressional wave recordings although popular due to their ease of detection arising from their high velocity, do not distinguish discontinuities as well as shear waves

Seismic velocity is one of the major property which is used to evaluate the feasibility of ripping process. If the seismic July 2010

velocity falls between 0 and 3000 m/s, it can be easily rippable. Here, the range between 3000 3500 m/s is marginal. It shows that the rock can be rippable, but with little difficulty. Above 3500 m/s, it is difficult to carryout ripping operation.

Hence, seismic velocity of the rock mass should be measured properly. Figure 14 will give the clear perspective about the range of seismic velocity for ripping (Anon, 1982).

Fig-14: Range of seismic velocity for ripping in various rocks 9. Ergonomics: Working condition of the operator cabin should be improved, for the efficient operation by the operator. Ergonomics also important for improving the working capability of the operator. 10. CONCLUSION Ripping is still an art. Experience of operators will give more production resulting in economy of operation. Presently, the drilling and blasting, which is considered to be predominant method used for rock fragmentation produces boulders, vibration, noise, dust and fly rocks, etc. To overcome these problems, ripping technology can be adopted in a surface mine subjected to type of formation and quantum of production involved in the project. However, hourly production estimations from the ripping classification are compared to the actual field productions from direct ripping runs on the panels to check the performance of the developed ripping operation for a type of rock. 9.0 REFERENCES 1. Anon. (1982), Caterpillar Tractor Company. Cat. Performance Handbook, 13th Edition, Cal. Trac. Co., Peoria, Illinois, pp. 516. Mining Engineers' Journal 18 2. Panda, P.K and Mishra, S.K. (1989),Ripping an aid to primary system, The NALCO experience, 3rd National seminar on Surface mining, Dhanbad, p.2.3.1-2.3.11. Gupta, R.N, (1995), Rock fragmentation by Rippers an environmental friendly method, The Indian Mining &Engineering Journal, pp.45-56. Kirsten, H.A.D., (1982), A Ciassification System for Excavation in Natural Materials. Civ. Engr., S.Afr., Vol. 24, pp. 293-306. Mitra, D.K, (1972), Some Aspects of Ripping in Mines, Journal of Minel, Metals & Fuels, Vol- 20, No-07,pp.211213 Kumar, T.K.P, (1984), Ripping - An improved mining technology, Proceedings of 12th World Mining Congress, New Delhi, III/309, p.1-7 Parihar, S.K, Palria, V.S and Abhishek sharma (2005), A Critical Comparison of Rock breakers and others alternatives, The Indian Mining &Engineering Journal, Vol-44, No-06, pp.28-32. Smith, H.J., (1986) Estimating Rippability by Rock Mass Classification. 27th US Symp. on Rock mechanics, Aiabama, pp. 443-448. July 2010

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

DESIGN OF ULTIMATE PIT SLOPES FOR OPENCAST LIMESTONE MINES WORKING UNDER THE CONSTRAINTS OF SURFACE STRUCTURES - A CASE STUDY
J C Jhanwar1 and D S Barsagade2

1.0 INTRODUCTION The stability of slopes is vitally important for both safety and economics of opencast mines. An optimum slope design is a prerequisite for overall productivity of open-pit mining operations. The ever increasing pit depths and production requirements from opencast mines subject the design engineers and planners to the pressure of working under the constraints of two conflicting requirements. On the one side, economics could be improved by steepening the slope thereby reducing the amount of waste excavation. On the other side, excessive steepening of slope could result in slope failure leading to the loss of life and damage to property. This scenario poses a big question as to how to achieve an optimum design - a compromise between a slope that is flat enough to be safe and steep enough to be economically acceptable. The practical approach to slope stability is guided by the basic geological data, geo-technical information, ground water details and a good measure of engineering judgment (Jhanwar & Chakraborty, 2009).

The factors, which mainly influence the stability of a typical opencast slope, are the shear strength parameters of slope mass, the presence of structural features, their characteristics and orientation vis--vis the slope and ground water conditions. Structural features in the form of joint, faults, etc. play an important role in defining the failure characteristics and the stability of slopes. The other extraneous factors that influence the slope design are presence of surface structures near the ultimate pit limits, influence of blasting etc. The authors have conducted investigations in two opencast limestone mines each having two separate pits and working under the constraints of important structures in the form of highway and village, etc. with a view to design ultimate pit slopes for optimum recovery of limestone during the final mining operations. 2.0 GEO - MINING DETAILS OF THE MINES 2.1 General The Kallakkudi (KLK) and Kovandakurichi (KVK) limestone mines belong to Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited and lie in the

1Scientist, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Regional Centre, 3rd Floor, MECL Complex, Seminary Hills, Nagpur - 440 006, India 2Project Assistant, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Regional Centre, 3rd Floor, MECL Complex, Seminary Hills, Nagpur - 440 006, India Mining Engineers' Journal 19 July 2010

Lalgudi Taluka of Tiruchirapally district of Tamil Nadu. The mines are situated at a distance of 40 Km from Trichy on the Trichy Chidambaram state highway. The mines are operated by conventional opencast method of working. Hydraulic breakers are used instead of drilling and blasting at these mines on account of nearby structures. The limestone deposit of the mining lease area is a gentle sloping terrain. The slope is about 100 toward east. The limestone deposits of Kallakkudi area and Kovandakurichi area are of sedimentary origin and referred to as Uttathur stage of Upper Cretaceous formation and are of marine transgression series. The Uttathur formation is the oldest stage among the Cretaceous formation. The basement rocks are of Archean age with granite and granitic gneiss. The order of superposition of the rocks has the Archean as the basement with conglomerate and sandstone, the massive coral limestone followed by bedded clastic limestone and bedded marl and soft marl with black clay or red earth as the top soil. Coral algal limestone, marl bedded limestone and marl limestone are the main varieties identified in this area. Pink coloured coral limestone is a high grade limestone, which is present mostly in the bottom regions of these mines. Marl is very weak to weak and low grade limestone and is present

mostly in the top regions. The slope forming materials are marl and bedded marl limestone followed by coral limestone in the bottom. The ground water in both the mine areas occurs in the three different geological formations viz. marine limestone and tertiary formations. In the tertiary formations, the ground water occurs predominantly in semi-confined aquifers. The general ground water level obtained in and around the mining area ranges between 4.50 and 6.70 m during post - monsoon period and from 9.70 to 12.20 m during pre - monsoon period. The average annual rainfall in the mining area is of the order of 750 - 900 mm. The observation of mine workings during field visits has revealed that there was practically no significant seepage of water from any part of the mine workings. 2.2 Kallakkudi (KLK) Limestone mine The mining lease area of KLK mine is divided into two pits, which are named as Pit 1 and Pit 2. The average length and width of current workings in Pits 1 and 2 are at (445.2 and 254.3 m) and (1292.00 and 438.30 m) respectively. The deposit in these pits falls between Latitude N 1005825 and N 1005930 and Longitude E 7805639 and E 7805711. A surface plan showing these pits is shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 - Surface plan of the KLK mine The mine workings have already reached their ultimate limits in the three directions in both the pits, thus the general direction of advance will be mainly towards the north and west Sides in Pits 1 and 2 respectively. The existing bench height and width are kept at 4 - 9 m and 8 - 20 m respectively. The proposed ultimate depth will be 37 and 45 m in Pits 1 & 2 respectively. The average annual limestone production from this mine is about 1.08 million tonne. Coral limestone is present at the bottom, which is overlain by the bedded marl limestone. Horizontal bedding joints are present in all the rock mass, only east side of Pit 1 shows the inclined bedding joints otherwise all the rock mass shows horizontal bedding joints in both the pits. A state highway road exists along the northern side of Pit 1(Fig. 1). A typical view of this mine is shown in Fig.2.

Fig. 2 - A typical view of the KLK mine

Fig. 2a - Pit 1 Mining Engineers' Journal

Fig. 2b - Pit 2 20 July 2010

2.3 Kovandakurichi (KVK) Limestone Mine The lease area of KVK mine is divided into two pits namely Pits 3 and 4. The average length and width of workings in Pits 3 and 4 are at (590.30 and 340.20 m) and (931.60 and 313.80 m) respectively. The top bench workings in Pit 3 have already reached near the ultimate limits in all sides except north side and the remaining work involves advance of lower benches and the deepening by another 5 m or so. In respect of Pit 4, the workings will mainly progress towards north and north -

west only. The mine workings have already reached its ultimate limit in all the directions in both the pits, but there is a possibility of progress in the north-northeast side in Pit 3 and northwest side in Pit 4. The average annual limestone production from this mine is about 1.0 million tonne. Hydraulic breakers are employed for limestone excavation in this mine in view of the presence of various surface structures nearby. A surface plan showing these pits is shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 - Surface plan of the KVK mine The existing bench height and width in these pits are at 4 - 8 m and 8 - 20 m respectively. The ultimate depth of these pits is proposed to be at 55 m. The current depth varies from 38 to 40 m and from 23 to 32 m in Pits 3 and 4 respectively. Bedding joints are common in both the pits which are horizontal in all the places except in north-eastern and eastern side of Pit 3. A typical view of the KVK mine is shown in Fig.4.

Fig. 4a - Pit 3 Fig. 4 - Typical views of the KVK mine 3.0 GEOLOGY 3.1 Local Geology The rocks in this region form part of the marine sedimentary formation of Cretaceous age referred to as Uttatur stage. The Uttatur formation is the oldest stage among the Cretaceous formation. The Uttatur formation is widely spread all along the southwest boundary over 9 to 10 Km. The general strike of the occurrence is north-south and width is ranging about 200 to 300 m. The depth of occurrence observed is 40 m. The Uttatur formation comprises of gray shale, which is the lower- most and oldest unit overlain by Kallakudi limestone (Dalmiapuram formation) which comprises coral algal limestone, marl bedded limestone and marl limestone which is overlain by Karai shale. Mining Engineers' Journal 21

Fig. 4b - Pit 4

Granite and granite gneisses form the basement, which is of Archean age. The order of super position of the rocks is clearly observed by the presence of overlying conglomerate horizons above which deposition of cretaceous age took place. 3.2 Local Geology The limestone deposit of the area dips at an angle of 50 to 100 towards west with N-S strike. The limestone is of sedimentary origin and referred to as Uttatur stage of upper Cretaceous formation and is of marine transgression series. The basement rocks are of Archean age with granite and granitic gneiss. The order of superposition of the rocks have the Archeans as the basement with conglomerate and July 2010

sandstone, the massive coral limestone followed by bedded clastic limestone and bedded marl and soft marl with black clay or red earth as the top soil. The geological succession of the mine area is shown in Table 1. Table 1 - Geological succession of the deposit --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Geological Age Lithology / Rock type --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recent Alluvium, soil and moorrum Tertiary Ferruginous sandstone Upper Cretaceous Marl and marly limestone Clastic bedded limestone and marl Massive pink coral limestone

Fig. 5b - Rock mass with tight inclined beds

Lower Cretaceous Grey shale --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Upper Gondwana Conglomerate and sandstone --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Archaean Amphibole gneiss --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The limestone in this mine can be broadly classified as low grade (marl type with 20 - 30 % silica), medium grade (with 10 - 20% silica) and high grade (coral type with 0 - 10% silica) types. 4.0 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION 4.1 Structural Mapping In these mines, it is found that the bedding joint is predominant and forms a set with a joint spacing of 10 - 50 cm (Fig. 5a). It is persistent, sub - horizontal to semi vertical and strikes almost normal to the slope in pits 1 & 3 on the eastern side. The orientation of this joint has hardly any adverse influence on the overall pit slope stability in this region. This Joint is quite open at some places with minor filling material mostly of calcareous. This joint is typically prominent in the bedded marl limestone. The coral limestone is moderately strong, is relatively massive in nature and is present in the bottom region. Marl is weak, homogenous and devoid of any bedding joints.

Fig. 5 - View of limestone rock mass in KVK and KLK mines The mine area generally has an alluvium soil cover of up to 1 m thickness. The limestone rock mass in these mines with its typical bedding joints is shown in Fig. 5. The intact rock strength was estimated at different locations in these pits using Schmidt hammer rebound tests. The compressive strength of limestone so obtained in Pits 1, 2 and 3 have varied from 17 to 43 Mpa, 22 to 37 MPa and 22 to 22 July 2010

Fig. 5a - Rock mass with horizontal beds Mining Engineers' Journal

47 MPa respectively, which signifies poor to medium strong rock types. The Uni-axial Compressive strength (UCS) of intact rock of Pit 3 and Pit 4 as determined from the laboratory testing of rock cores varied from 26 to 42 MPa and from 21 to 55 MPa respectively.

The RQD was measured from the rock cores obtained from core drilling in all the pits. The RQD values so obtained are 43, 27, 27 and 35 for Pits 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively (Fig. 6). The RQD of limestone in these mines signified poor rock conditions.

Fig. 6 - RQD of limestone of KLK and KVK mines 4.2 Rock Mass Classification 4.2.1 Rock mass rating The rock mass quality in different areas of these mines were assessed on the basis of a rock mass classification approach of Rock Mass Rating (RMR) as proposed by Bieniawski, 1989 (Tables 2 & 3.). The basic RMR so determined has varied from 38 - 60 in KLK mine and 42 - 62 in KVK mine, which signified poor to fair and fair to good rock mass and conditions respectively.

Table 2 - Details of rock mass characterization for RMR evaluation at different locations in KLK mine Location UCS, MPa RQD Spacing, cm Condition Pit 1 North Rating Eastern 3-8 2 17 - 43 Poor 8 Poor 20 - 30 8 15 - 25 Slightly rough surface 10 - 20 Slightly rough surface Separation 1- 5 mm inclined beds 15 - 25 Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm, massive rock 15 - 25 Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm 15 - 25 Damp to Dry 10 - 15 Sump is present at the bottom 7 - 15 Dry 40 - 60 38 - 48 Ground water Total

Rating South

2-4 Up to 34

8 Poor

8 20 - 40

Rating West Rating

2-4 5 - 28 2-4

8 Poor 8

8 7 - 20 6

15 Dry 15

48 - 60

46 - 58

Pit 2
West Up to 5 Poor < 50 Slightly rough surface Tight joints, Separation up to 1mm 10 - 20 23 Dry

Rating

10

15

44 - 54 July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

South Rating Eastern Rating North Rating

5 - 35 2-4 5 -10 3 20- 27 2-4

Poor 8 Poor 8 Poor 8

20 - 60 8 - 10 15 - 45 8 - 10 15 - 35 8

Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm 15 - 20 Rough, weathered rock, 10 -20 Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm 10 - 20

Dry 15 Damp to dry 10-15 Damp to Dry 10 - 15 38 - 50 39 - 56 48 - 57

Table 3 - Details of rock mass characterization for RMR evaluation in KVK mine Location UCS (MPa) RQD, % (cm) 25 - 40 4 25- 30 4 10 - 25 25 - 50 8 25 - 50 8 25 - 50 Spacing Condition Ground water RMR

Pit 3
South Rating West Rating North 15 to 20 8 15 to 30 8 - 10 30 to 80 Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm 20 - 25 Very rough surface No separation 20 - 25 Slightly rough surface, Separation <1mm Inclined beds 10 - 20 Slightly rough surface & Weathered rock walls, Separation 1- 5 mm 20 Slightly rough surface & Weathered rock walls, Separation 1-5 mm 15 - 25 Dry 15 Dry 15 Dry 55 - 62 55 - 60

Rating

8 25 - 50

10 - 15 20 to 40

13 Damp to dry

43 - 58

North-Eastern 25 - 40

Rating East

4 25 - 48

8 25 - 50

10 20 - 50

10-15 Wet to Dry

52 - 57

Rating East Rating North Rating North - West Rating South

4 5 - 25 2 10 - 30 2-4 25 - 40 4 10 - 25

8 25 - 50 8 25 - 50 8 25 - 50 8 25 - 50

8 - 10 7 - 20 8 17 - 30 8 - 10 20 - 60 10 20 - 30

7 - 15 Damp to dry 10 Dry 15 Dry 15 Dry

42 - 62

Pit 4
Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm 15 - 25 Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm 15 - 25 Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm 15 - 25 Slightly rough surface Separation <1mm, slightly weathered 15 - 25 24

43 - 53

48-62

52 - 62

Rating

2-4

8 - 10

15

48 - 62 July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

4.2.2 Slope mass rating Slope Mass Rating, SMR (Romana, 1985) was also assessed in respect of slope rock mass on eastern sides in Pits 1 and 3 of KLK and KVK mines respectively where the bedding joints were inclined. The SMR so determined using following relation was found in the ranges of 44 - 66 and 40 - 61 for bench slope and overall slope respectively, which signify normal to good rock mass with fairly stable conditions. SMR = RMR basic - (F1. F2. F3) + F4 (1)

respectively in these sides. The ultimate slope height/pit depth in cases of Pits 1 & 2 were considered at 37 - 45 m and 45 m respectively. For Pit 1, the overall slope angles were suggested at 51 - 530, 50 - 510 and 58 - 600 for the ultimate slope heights of 37 m in north side (towards highway), 45 m in eastern side and 37 m in other sides respectively. In respect of Pit 2, an overall slope angle of 55 - 560 was suggested for an ultimate slope height of 45 m. The bench heights was suggested in the range of 8 10 m. Bench height of up to 12 m, however may be kept in the final stage in limestones other than marl/bedded limestone in Pit 2 and in west and south side slopes of Pit 1. It was suggested that a minimum distance of 25 m be maintained between the slope crest and the highway in the north side and the slope crest and the village road/any human dwellings on the eastern side of Pit 1. The above ultimate pit slope will be achieved during the final mining operations by the progressive reduction of bench widths. During the normal operations, it was however suggested that the bench width be maintained as per the statutory and the operational requirements. The typical results of stability analysis are shown in Figs.7 and 8.

Where, F1, F2 and F3 are adjustment factors related to joint orientation with respect to slope orientation and F4 is a correction factor with regard to the method of excavation. 5.0 STABILITY ANALYSIS FOR SLOPE DESIGN 5.1 General The rock masses in these mines are moderately jointed with the presence of one joint set and random sub-vertical joints. The bedding joint is quite prominent in almost all the pits. The rock mass in KLK and KVK mines can essentially be considered as largely homogeneous type from the view point of slope stability considerations except the eastern side rock masses in Pits 1 and 3 of KLK and KVK mines respectively. This scenario also doesnt suggest any influence on slope stability on account of the structural considerations. The analysis of joint orientation vis--vis slope orientation does not suggest the possibility of any large-scale instability defined by structural features. In view of the above, it is expected that in the event of any instability, the failure surface would either completely pass through the intact rock mass or through the combination of intact rock mass and joint planes. To design the ultimate slope of these pits, stability analysis was performed using the Slope Stability Analysis Software, GALENA (v 4.0). This software works on limit equilibrium method of analysis to determine the factor of safety (FOS). The stability analysis has been performed considering noncircular and circular failure surfaces. Bishops simplified method of multiple analysis was used for circular failure analysis. The analysis was performed considering non circular and circular failure surfaces located at different positions, localized failures and deep seated failures. The unit weight, cohesion and friction angles were considered at 19 - 25 KN/m3, 60 - 130 KPa and 25 - 320 respectively based on the estimates from Bieniawskis RMR and engineering judgment. 5.2 Slope Design of Kallakkudi (KLK) Limestone Mine The final slope designs were formulated considering a Safety Factor of 1.2 - 1.3. However, in cases of east and northern sides of Pit 1, a higher factor of safety of around 1.5 was considered in view of the presence of village road and highway Mining Engineers' Journal 25

Fig. 7 - Stability analysis of north side slope of Pit 1 (height = 37 m and angle = 520)

Fig. 8 - Stability analysis of Pit 2 slope (height = 45 m and angle = 550) July 2010

5.3 Slope Design of Kovandakurichi (KVK) Limestone Mine Based on the results of stability analysis, the following slope designs were suggested for KVK mine. The final design was formulated for a safety factor of 1.2 - 1.3. A higher factor of safety was however, considered for slope designs in respect of Pit 4 slope along the highway side and pits 3 slopes along the village road and cemetery. The overall slope angle for an ultimate slope height of 55 m was suggested at 55 - 560 considering a factor of safety of about 1.2 - 1.3 in respect of the slopes of Pit 3 and Pit 4 of KVK mine except the east side slope of Pit 3 along the village road and the highway side slope of Pit 4. In the case of north side slope of Pit 3, it was suggested that a minimum distance of 20 m be maintained between the slope crest and the cemetery boundary line. This minimum distance should be maintained for a slope length, which was equal to the length of the Cemetery (around 75 m) plus 25 m each on either side of it. The bench height may be maintained in the range of 8 10 m in marl/bedded limestone and up to 12 m in massive limestone. The overall slope angle in respect of the east side slope of Pit 3 and the highway (NE - SW) side slope of Pit 4 was suggested at 50 - 510 for an ultimate slope height of up to 55 m. The corresponding bench height for these slopes may be maintained in the range of 8 - 10 m. The above mentioned ultimate pit slope will be achieved during the final mining operations by the progressive reduction of bench widths up to a minimum of 4.0 - 5.0 m. During the normal operations, it was however suggested that the bench width be maintained as per the statutory and the operational requirements. It was further suggested that a minimum distance of 25 m be maintained between the ultimate slope crest of highway (NE-SW) side slope of Pit 4 and the highway for the slope length, which runs along this highway. In the case of Pit 3, a minimum distance of 25 m be maintained from the east side slope crest and the village road/dwellings. Typical results of stability analysis are shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

Fig. 10 - Stability analysis of highway side slope of Pit 4 (Slope angle = 500) 6.0 CONCLUSIONS The following conclusions were drawn from this study. i. The rock mass in KLK and KVK mines was classified as poor to good with Bieniawskis basic RMR varying from 38 to 62. The rock mass was moderately jointed with the presence of one prominent joint set and random sub vertical joints. The analysis of joint orientation vis-vis the slope orientation, did not suggest the possibility of any large-scale instability controlled by structural features. ii. There was no significant sign of seepage and ground water problem in these mines. With this state of workings coupled with relatively low rainfall in this area, it was expected that ground water will not pose any significant problem as regards slope stability in future period also when the workings will reach ultimate depths. iii. The workings in KLK and KVK mines had almost reached near ultimate pit limits. The remaining work mainly involved deepening by another 5-10 m and optimum extraction of limestone through the reduction of bench widths during final mining operations. Further, highway and village roads were present near the north and east side boundaries of Pit 1 and Pit 3. Also, state highway road was located along and near the NW side boundary of Pit 4. The stability analysis was particularly carried out to optimize the safe distance/barrier to be maintained between these structures and the mine workings with a view to optimize the limestone extraction, which was otherwise locked up in the barriers. Accordingly, safe distances/barrier widths were recommended along with slope designs in these cases. iv. In Pit 1, the east and north side slopes will move towards the village road and highway respectively. The slope designs in these sides were thus worked out accordingly. For Pit 1, the overall slope angles were suggested at 51 - 530, 50 - 510 and 58 - 600 for the ultimate slope heights of 37 m in north side, 45 m in east side and 37 m in other sides respectively. In respect of Pit 2, an overall slope angle of 55 - 560 was suggested for an ultimate pit depth of 45 m. The overall slope angles in respect of the east side slope of Pit 3 and the highway side slope of 26 July 2010

Fig. 9 - Stability analysis of East side Slope of Pit 3 (Slope angle = 510) Mining Engineers' Journal

v.

vi.

pit 4 were suggested at 50 - 510 for an ultimate slope height of 55 m. The overall slope angle in the other sides of pits 3 and 4 were suggested at 55 - 560 for an ultimate Pit depth of 55 m. It was suggested that a minimum distance of 25 m be maintained between the slope crest and the highway in the north side of Pit 1 and the slope crest and the village road/human dwellings on the east side. In the case of north side slope of Pit 3, a minimum distance of 20 m was suggested between the slope crest and the cemetery boundary line. The bench height was suggested in the range of 8 - 10 m in marl/bedded limestone and up to 12 m in massive limestone. Further, a minimum distance of 25 m was suggested between the ultimate slope crest of highway (NE-SW) side slope of Pit 4 and the highway for the slope length, which ran along this highway. In case of Pit 3, a minimum distance of 25 m was suggested between the east side slope crest and the village road/dwellings. The case study had demonstrated that scientifically designed ultimate pit slopes helped in optimizing the recovery of limestone, which was otherwise locked up in the barriers. Further, it was suggested that systematic monitoring of pit slope of those sides, which will move towards surface structures operations be carried out during the final mining operations. This will help in ascertaining the stability of slopes as the pit depth reaches ultimate and in formulating appropriate preventive and control measures, if required.

ADVERTISE IN MINING ENGINEERS' JOURNAL

(The Official Organ of Mining Engineer's Association of India)
It reaches to more than 3500 core professionals in mining and allied industries by first week of every month. Mechanical Data : Overall size Print Area No. of Columns Width of Column Advertisement Tariff : Centre spread 44 cm x 27.5 cm (multi colour) Front cover page (multi colour) (Print area - 18.5 cm x 18 cm) Front inside cover page (in multi colour) Back cover page (in multi colour) Back inside cover page (in multi colour) Inside page (black & white) Inside half page (black & white) Inside quarter page (black & white) Classifieds : Consultants, positions vacant, Positions wanted etc., (4 cm x 9 cm) Note : 1) Transperancies shall be supplied by the advertiser. 2) For every five continuous insertions one next immediate insertion shall be given free of charge. 3) Life institutional members of MEAI shall be given 25% discount on the above tariff. 4) All life members of MEAI shall be given 20% discount on the above tariff. 5) For contractual terms please contact the publisher. 6) All payments should be made by D.D./Banker's cheque / Local cheque in favour of "Mining Engineers' Association of india" payble at Hyderabad / Secunderabad or by cash. Out station cheques must include Rs. 25/- extra towards colletion charges. For further details, if any, please contact :

21.5 cm x 27.5 cm 18.5 cm x 23.0 cm Two 9 cm Rate per insertion Rs. 20,000/Rs. 16.000/-

Rs. 12,000/Rs. 16,000/Rs. 12,000/Rs. 6,000/Rs. 3,000/Rs. 2,000/-

7.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors are thankful to the Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd. for sponsoring this study. Thanks are also due to the Director, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad for his kind permission for this study. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily of the institute they belong to. 8.0 REFERENCES
i. ii. Bieniawski, Z. T. (1989), Engineering rock mass classification, John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp. 251. CIMFR Report of Investigations (2009), Design of open-pit slopes at Kallakkudi (KLK) and Kovandakurichi (KVK) limestone mines, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, Project No. GC/MT/N/09/2008-09, p.1 - 25. GALENA (Version 4.0) Slope Stability Analysis System and Users Guide, Clover Technology. Australia. J. C. Jhanwar and A. K. Chakraborty (2009), Slope stability of opencast mines in India - Design and Control Measures. In: Proc. International Conference on Advanced Technology in Exploration and Exploitation of Minerals, MEAI Jodhpur, February 14 - 16, pp. 299-305. Mining Plan and Hydrogeological Report of limestone mining area in and around Kallakudi and Kovandakurichi Mines, Dalmia Cement. Romana, M. (1985), New adjustment ratings for application of Bieniawskis classification to slopes, International Symposium on the role of Rock Mechanics, Zacatecas, pp. 49-53.

Rs. 1000/-

iii. iv.

v.

Secretary General Mining Engineers' Association of India

Block 'A", F-608, Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Ph. 040-23200510, 66460479, E-mail : meai1957@gmail.com Website : www.meai1957.com

vi.

Mining Engineers' Journal

27

July 2010

WORKING CLOSE TO CONTACTS, HAZARDS AND PRO ACTIVE MEASURES

* B.Arunachalam Mineral resources are exhaustible. They cannot be replenished. This emphasizes that we should mine out every single tonne of ore. Such conservation cannot be at the cost of safety by creating hazardous conditions. Exploiting the last tonne of ore safely is the need. To achieve this we may have to handle some additional tonnes of waste and adopt certain measures and make the environment and working safe. This can marginally increase the unit cost. At the same time this extra cost would get offset by minimum dilution due to mix up of waste with ore which goes at a premium. To get a higher profit margin, handling of waste is often avoided or postponed. Cause and effect of non/less handling of waste 1. Cost constraints 2. Lack of equipment 3. Hard strata requiring more drilling and blasting 4. Production constraints 5. Space constraints (Many a time we run into the crisis of accommodating such waste and therefore avoid handling) 6. Environmental constraint (dust menace, water pollution) 7. Contact zone on lease boundary or just outside resulting in inability to handle waste 8. Strike of ore body perpendicular or at tangent to long axis of lease boundary 9. Irregular local bulging of ore or waste The reasons could be many but the hazards due to non handling of waste will be 1. Potential slope stability risk. 2. High development cost at later date. 3. Lack of control over break even ratio which keeps on changing throwing profitability out of prediction. 4. By not handling waste and handling ore only, creates steeper slope and leads to slope failure. Slope failure amongst others cost time, material loss, industrial trauma due to accident, handling of additional waste for bench width/ height correction, grade pollution and loss of ore, loss of organisations image, 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Over all slope of waste benches on hanging wall, Over all slope of ore benches on hanging wall side, Over all slope of waste benches on foot wall, Over all slope of ore benches on foot wall, Maximum bench height and minimum bench width, Maximum quantity explosives that can be detonated at any one time In case where over all permissible slope is flatter than slopes of hanging wall, ore or foot wall of any section (ref 1-7 above ) whether safety factor will take care of such variation (Sketches 11&12)

10. Permissible slope for different pit depths (slope tends to go flatter as the depth increases Refer annexure 1) 11. Permissible angle of working prior to mine closure. 12. Possibility of filling at lower levels to support for retreating and effect it would have on water table below Study would also be influenced with data like 1. Annual rain fall over a period of time 2. Highest rainfall over a unit period of time say 24 hrs 3. Catchment area including variation on a yearly base 4. Quantity of water likely to flow through drains on the benches 5. Coursing out of rain water 6. Drainage conditions 7. Rise in water table level in monsoon and/or dropping down in fair season 8. Rate of pumping out facility available and result of peak rain fall 9. Swell and contraction characteristics of different material 10. Proximity of river and corresponding changes in water level with reference to river and vice versa 11. Development and propagation of internal cracks after blast especially thin bedded hard mass like BHQ 12. Degree of weathering and its effect on crumbling 13. Degree of permeability in different strata 14. Degree of solubility 15. Blast vibration levels in ore body, hanging wall and foot wall This therefore boils down to the fact that study cannot be conducted in isolation by an external team. It should have

The study recommendations for any slope determination should include 1. 2. Over all pit slope on hanging wall side, Over all pit slope on foot wall side,

*Manager, Mines Group Vocational Training Society, Hospet. Mining Engineers' Journal 28 July 2010

whole hearted co operation and participation by management for data collection compilation, implementation of recommendations, monitoring and fine tuning as a regular activity. So long as natural conditions exist stability remains. The stability is disturbed by triggering activities. Few of the triggers and control measures are Flow of water through contact zone (Sketch 1) As we start loading the in situ mass, the topography changes from virgin slope of say 20-25 degrees to 35 degrees and above. The moment we exceed the natural angle of repose and keep on changing, stability changes from stable to meta stable and then unstable condition at which time it starts sliding down. By far flow of water through contact zone, fault plane etc ., percolating in and along the dip down acts as a medium fo the mass to slide down when stability is disturbed.

It is therefore essential that 1) Water does not cross contact zones in unlined drains 2) Garland drains are made on hill top to course away water and in cases varying porosity /drains protected against seepage. Preferably such garland drains do not pass through contacts 3) Where they have to cross the contacts the drainage is lined with impervious material in the contact point to avoid its entry 4) Blasted material in contact areas is loaded out to avoid water collecting in the contact zone 5) Water does not enter holes which pass through waste and ore or vice-versa and kept plugged 6) Holes are drilled and blasted with least back crack. (Back cracks terminate at middle levels creating a belly formation and lead to sliding down of back cracked mass at the time of loading operations) 7) In contact zones the contact to be located if possible in individual holes which should also be the stemming or decking area to avoid loss of energy. In the case of concentration of explosive energy at the bottom of the hole the softer strata overlying would remain as an over hang while the underlying harder strata would come out while loading blasted mass with excavator leaving behind an overhang. 8) Unless it is unavoidable, benches in contact zones should not get submerged in water in monsoon( over and above stability problems ore gets diluted with waste).For the same reason it is essential that maximum quantity of surface run off should be diverted out from higher levels and not allowed to enter the sump 9) Benches especially those closer to contacts as well faces should be regularly inspected for development of cracks. 10) Cracks if any, observed should first be barricaded to prevent entry of water and simultaneously width measured and monitored for its widening 11) Cracks could develop even if there is no inrush of water due to swell in presence of moisture and shrinkage later. In sufficient Bench width or excessive bench height As per statute bench height should not exceed reach of boom, in contact areas where the dip is not steep load on haul road in the bench would not pose a problem. In steep dips there would be benches having both ore and waste. In such cases the waste may be ripped and dozed for loading or the handling is done from the top only to the extent it does not create a under cut when loaded from below. Height of bench in excess of boom reach leaves undercuts. Statute specifies the minimum requirement. Width should be sufficient enough so that the loaded trucks or excavator need not come to the bench edge. Depending upon the gross vehicle weight the distance from edge should be more than 2m plus embankment width 29 July 2010

Garland drains (Sketch-2) Garland drains Should be lined and constructed away from contacts and area liable to slide. Should it cross contacts such zones should be made leak proof. Size would be dependant upon peak flow characteristics MOEF recommends the size as twice the peak quantity. Mining Engineers' Journal

Blasting In steeply dipping ore body, while blasting near contact zones ,the hanging wall (waste rock ) overlies the ore body or foot wall (waste) lies below the ore body and in most of these cases the drill hole penetrates the hanging wall or foot wall.. Depending upon the hardness of such waste rock, concentration zones of explosives or use of varying strengths need to be done. Uniform concentration without deck loading in such instances will lead to heavily crushed zone at one horizon and non blasted or toe at the other. In case if the hard ore is at the bottom and charge is concentrated below it would result in a concealed overhang which will get exposed and act as sliding plane while loading out. This over and above contaminating the ore also poses a hazard. (Sketch 3) In case of steeply dipping BHQ/BHJ blasting of which from top may not always be possible. (Drill hammer gets jammed, hole penetrates only few layers). Blasting in such case results in crumbled zone close to the hole periphery and mass cracked along and across separation planes. Loading out such mass needs extra care as large chunks get dislodged and roll down to excavator track. Also this breaks to smaller size, hits the cabin or glass causing injury to operator. On occasions this results in damage to equipment itself. Problem is more aggravated in case of horizontal or snake holes when the mass below is broken to smaller fragments and the one above remains as large chunks creating difficulties in handling. In case of horizontal holes the burden above should not exceed the depth of hole and as far as possible the hole needs to be about five degrees above horizontal. Steeper downward inclination of drill hole will increase the burden and the toe would not get cleared. However the cracks which develop will result in to difficulty in drilling as also exhaust from hammer going through such cracks. Holes may not get flushed as well (Sketch 4)

Vibrations due to blasting Post blast vibrations tend to assist sliding down due to discontinuity between two layers and also differ in transmitting of vibrations waves. In certain strata the vibration waves may get dampened while the same would have effected the zone immediately adjacent to it. This can cause sliding down especially the hanging wall contact where dip is towards free face. Therefore it becomes necessary that post blast vibrations are kept under control. Studies should determine the maximum quantity of charge that can detonated and delay pattern that would need to be used. Use of ripper dozer is a strong choice in favour maintaining stability and in case of harder strata shallow holes widely placed is drilled. Geological features We do not have control over geological features. Nevertheless we need to know the behaviour to take pro active control measures. Otherwise we may be in for surprise. Knowledge and understanding of structure at macro and micro level is therefore necessary. Mine planning cannot be done without knowledge of structural geology a) Folds Partial exposure of tightly folded anticlinal or synclinal limb poses the danger of slide. Recumbent fold is yet another hazard if not located. The problem gets complicated in the case of recumbent folds. More so when slope angle of limb is steeper (Sketch 5) In cases where there is local change in dip or benches laid along the dip due to lease oundary or other constraints individual face advance will be in dip direction which can assist slide (Sketch 6) b) Faults Slide takes place along fault plane which gets triggered in the presence of water (Sketch 7) Dyke intrusions Dykes where present exposes strata of two different nature and when the natural support to dyke gets disturbed due to mining the dyke tends to slide down (Sketch 8)

Charging of Hole in clay contact, Sketch 3

Drilling in vertically dipping BHQ, Sketch 4 Mining Engineers' Journal 30 July 2010

It therefore becomes very essential that face mapping is done as regular work. Bench wise longitudinal section and cross section are required for monitoring. This would need continuous updating.

Waste dump close to top of mine would exert pressure on lower side of contact. Also in the case of sloping topography seepage of water from below dump would result in sliding of dump to benches below (Sketch 7)

(Sketch 7) Presence of thin ore bands in hanging wall This by virtue of its size cannot be mined out separately. Since this will have same dip but different characteristics tends to slide when remains unsupported. Depending upon the width this can be ripped and dozed Cavities If cavities get filled with water the water would percolate through and create failures. Cavities at times can be noticed in drill holes

Mining Engineers' Journal

31

July 2010

5)

6)

In this case any seepage of water not taken care would spell doom

Two separate power lines shall be ensured for pumping wherever possible Diesel Generator sets with independent power lines shall be maintained (i) In opencast mines wherever pontoon pumps are installed it shall be ensured that pontoons of adequate design are properly maintained (ii) Standing order for safe operation and maintenance of pontoons and pumps shall be formed and strictly enforced.

Annexure 2 Source Study of Sonshi Mines Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research, Regional Centre, Nagpur Ref. Mining Engineer's Journal. Jan 2010, PP27-32. S.No 1. 2. A Steep slope with jointed rocks 3. 4. 5. Slope Height (m) 70-75 90-95 120-125 140-145 180 Over all slope angle (degree) 34-33 30-29 28-27 26-25 < 24

OBITUARY
With profound sorrow and grief it is informed that Shri Sridhara Venugopal (LM - 0168) expired on June 4, 2010 after suffering for almost one year from respiratory trouble. Late Shri Venugopal, born on 30-01-1938, after completing diploma in Mining Engineering from Government Mining Institute, Gudur (A.P.) in 1960, joined the Neyveli Lignite Corporation and served till October 1962. He joined Indian Bureau of Mines in November 1962 and retired as Asst. Controller of Mines in 1966. Late Shri Venugopal was a popular actor and singer during his college days and while in service. He participated in many drama and singing competitions and won several awards. He organised several programmes on drama and singing during his service at Nagpur. He took active part in constructing 'Krishna Temple' at Nellore, A.P. where he used to deliver lectures on religion and society. His wife passed away about 10 years ago. He is survived by his adopted son, Shri Jagadeeshwara Rao. MEAI expresses heart felt condolences to his son and other family members. 32 July 2010

Clay - iron ore contact plane of failure In this case any seepage of water not taken care would spell doom Annexure 1 No. DGMS/SOMA/(Tech) Circular No.6 dated Dhanbad 22nd June, 2004 Apart from ensuring the system as comprised in DGMS cir no 2 of 1978 following additional arrangements shall also be made 1) Surface cracks ,pot holes and subsidence area shall be filled up and leveled; boreholes if any shall be plugged/ covered effectively 2) Surface garland drains shall be made around mine especially in hilly terrain and in ground sloping towards mine openings so that water flows away from the mine 3) Water dams and pumping capacities shall be suitably enhanced to accommodate increase in seepage water. 4) Additional pumps and delivery lines of suitable capacity shall be maintained for group of mines in each area Mining Engineers' Journal

MEAI NEWS
I - HYDERABAD CHAPTER MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter organised a guest lecture on Public Private Participation in Coal Mining with focus on Africa on 26-05-2010 at 18.00 hrs. in NMDC, Training Centre, Masab Tank, Hyderabad. The lecture was delivered by Shri Tushar Chawla (Partner Economic Laws Practice, 405-406, World Trade Centre, Barakhamba Lane, New Delhi 110 001, +91 98103 83149) who is an advocate and negotiates in finalizing mining leases for coal in Africa, in Public Private Participation Mode. The Chief Guest and Speaker of the evening was Shri Tushar Chawla and the meeting was presided over by Shri Sivasankar, Chairman, MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter. Other dignitaries included Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President MEAI, Shri B. Ramesh Kumar, Former Chairman NMDC, Shri T.V. Chowdary, Former President, MEAI, Shri S. Venkatesan, Director (Production), NMDC and Shri S. Thygarajan, Director (Finance) NMDC. II MEAI, HYDERABAD CHAPTER 6TH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING The sixth executive committee meeting of MEAI, Hyderabad chapter was held in the Training Centre of NMDC, Masab Tank, Hyderabad on 26-05-2010 at 17.00 hrs. The meeting was presided over by Shri A. Sivasankar, MEAI Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter. The following were the main points. (a) The resignation submitted by Shri A. Kundu, Secretary, consequent upon his transfer to Bailadila (BIOP-14) in Chhattisgarh was accepted and in his place Shri G. Sreenivasa Chowdary, Jt. Secretary was unanimously nominated as Secretary. (b) Shri Rajan Kumar from NMDC was nominated as Secretary in place of Shri G. Sreenivasa Chowdary. (c) It was decided to organise AGM-2010 of MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter on July 16, 2010 followed by a one day workshop on July 26, 2010 at Hyderabad. The meeting ended with vote of thanks proposed by Shri G. Sreenivasa Chowdary, Secretary, MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter. III MEAI, RAJASTHAN CHAPTER Mining Engineers' Association of India, Rajasthan Chapter celibrated the National Technology Day on May 11, 2010, jointly with Institution of Engineers (India), Udaipur, Vigyan Samiti and Mahaveer International of Udaipur and Department of Science & Technology, Government of Rajasthan. At the outset Dr. K.L. Kothari, Founder member, Vigyan Samiti welcomed the gathering. Er. H.V. Paliwal, Former President, Vigyan Samiti highlighted the importance of National Technology Day. Er. V.K. Ladia, Chairman of Rajasthan Syntex, Dungarpur was the Chief Guest who shared his views about the recent developments in the field of Communication Technology which made life comfortable in cities as well as in rural areas. Dr. (Mrs.) Amita Gill, Director and Dy. Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Rajasthan, who was the Guest of Honour commented that these days attraction for communication technology of students at school level is less and at college level good researchers are not available. Therefore, Dept. of Science & Technology at Centre and State Government levels have introduced many schemes to attract good students towards science subjects. Shri Prakhar Kumar, Scientist, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Keynote speaker observed that the energy is important for the development of any country and with the depleting fossil fuel energy one has to depend on nuclear energy. In most of the European countries, minimum 40% power generation is by nuclear resources whereas in India less than 5% power generation is by nuclear resources. 33 July 2010

Dignitaries on the dais (L R) S/Shri S. Venkatesan, T. Chawla, Sivasankar, V.D. Rajagopal, B. Ramesh Kumar, T.V. Chowdary and S. Thyagarajan. After giving flower bouquets to the dignitaries on the dais, Shri Sivasankar welcomed the gathering and introduced the Speaker of the evening. Shri V.D. Rajagopal and Shri B. Ramesh Kumar highlighted the importance of the topic and suggested that a separate workshop may be organized to discuss the present scenario of mining in India. Shri T.V. Chowdary then invited Shri Chawla to start his lecture as everybody was eager to listin to him. Shri Chawla in his talk first discussed the mining scenario in India and then in South Africa, Ghana and Mozambique in greater detail. The lecture generated lot of interaction from the audience and was highly appreciated. Shri Tushar Chawla was presented with a memento by Shri B. Ramesh Kumar and the meeting ended with vote of thanks proposed by Shri Sreenivasa Chowdary, Secretary, MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter. Mining Engineers' Journal

An exhibition was also arranged to display the various products and technology developed by the innovators. About 150 members from MEAI, IEI and other organizations including the exhibitors were present in the programme including Shri R.P. Gupta, Former President, MEAI, Shri Y.C. Gupta, Council Member, Shri P.L. Agarwal, Former President Vigyan Samiti, Shri R.K. Chatur, Shri M.S. Khamesra, Shri R.C. Kumawat and Dr. S.C. Jain. The programme ended with vote of thanks proposed by Dr. S.S. Rathore, Secretary MEAI, Rajasthan Chapter. IV - CHANGE OF ADDRESS The latest addresses of MEAI, Life members who have changed their jobs or residences are as follows. 1. Shri Prabhat Kumar (LM-3000) Mine Foreman, Tollem Mine Flat No.5, Akara Manzil, Cariamoddi, Curchorem, Goa - 403 706. Shri Saravanan. P (LM-3176) Mine Surveyor Gavisiddashwara Nager T.c.h collage back side, Jambunath Road, Hospet-583201. Shri Manohar Murli (LM-926/f-010) Flat No. 411, Shree Homes Suha, Hanuman Nagar Colony, Puppalaguda P.O., Hyderabad 500 089. Shri Reddy Degapudi Radhakrishna (LM-371) Mines Manager Door No.1-211-8a, Opp-NSP colony, Podili Road, Chimakurti, Prakasham Dist. (A.P.) Shri Kailasam Sundar Rajan (LM-2870) Block-7, Flat SE, Jain Sudarsana, Rajakilpakkam, 174, Madambakkam Main Road, Chennai - 600 073. Shri Venkatesh Raju (LM-2536) Mines Manager C/o Siddeswara Nilaya, House No. 68, Vieswaraiha Layout/ Colony, J.M.I.T. College Backside, Chitradurga - 577 502. Shri Rajagopal V.D. (LM-2171) President, MEAI, 1-1-538/1, Flat No. 103, Sai Mayuri Apartments, Gandhi Nagar, Hyderabad - 500 080. 34

8.

Shri Bhatia R. L. (LM-1137) A-4, Rajat Utsav II, Amaravati Road, Nagpur - 440 033. Shri Subrata Chattopadhyay (LM-2700) D.No. 370, New 29th Ward, 3rd Cross Main, M.J. Nagar, Hospet 583 203, Bellary Dist., Karnataka. Shri Nagesh Shenoy (LM-2781) Dy General Manager #2, Sri Mangesh Mahalakshmi Nilayam Annapoorna Badavane, Near Municipal School, Hospet - 583 201, Karnataka Shri Gupta Saibal Prasad (LM-254) General Maneger (Mines) Dristinandan Apartment: 3A, 1/12, Deshbandhunagar: P.O. Baguiati : Kolkata - 700 059. Shri Rajeev Shrimali (LM-2327) AGM - Mines Qtr No. NC-2, Zinc Colony Post Hurda, Dist - Bhilwara Rajasthan - 311042. Shri R.K. Yadav (LM-122) Vice President(Mines) J-36. Gama-2, P.O. : Greater Noida - 201308. Distt- Gautambudh Nager (UP) Shri Venu Kumar N (LM-2428) Dy. Chief Engineer, CMPDI C-301, Mantri Aparments, JP Nagar, 4th Phase, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore - 560 078. Shri Anshuman Dutta Gupta (LM-2856) Regional Geologist (Chrome) Natural Resources Division Sukinda Chromite Mine Tata Steel Limited, P.O. Kalaringatta Dist. Jajpur, Orissa - 755 028 Shri Sanjeeva Reddy. B (lm-3033) C/o Manjunatha Opticals Boppa Rajupalli, P.O., Chitoor Dist. - 517 102, A.P. Shri Sugunakar Reddy K (LM-1760) Chief General Manager, Corporate Safety Department, Head Office, The SCCL, Kothagudem - 507 101, Khammam Dist., A.P. July 2010

9.

10.

11.

2.

12.

3.

13.

4.

14.

5.

15.

6.

16.

7.

17.

Mining Engineers' Journal

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

CIRCULAR
This is to inform that the 5th Council Meeting 2009-11 of Mining Engineers Association of India will be held in the office of MEAI, Hyderabad on 15/07/2010 at 17:00 hrs. with the following agenda. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Review and confirmation of the minutes of 4th Council Meeting held at Bhubaneswar. Approval of accounts of MEAI. Approval of Annual Awards. Approval of final draft amendments to some of the existing Rules and Regulations of MEAI. Approval of new membership applications. Discussion on the performance of some chapters. Other points with the permission of the Chair.

All the office Bearers, Council Members and Past Presidents ( Special Invitees) are requested to make it convenient to attend to the meeting. Members interested in advance reservation in hotels may please contact the Secretary General (Rs.1000/- is minimum per day in medium range hotels). A.S.Rao Secretary General, MEAI.

U
MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
HYDERABAD CHAPTER

CIRCULAR
It is proposed to organise an interactive meet on 'Management of Mineral Resource Utilisation with Special Reference to Coal and Iron Ore' On 26-07-2010 from 09.30 hrs to 17.15 hrs. at Hotel Golconda, Hyderabad, jointly with National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd, Hyderabad.

V.K. Verma Convener

G. Sreenivasa Chowdary Secretary MEAI, Hyd. Chapter

A. Sivasankar Chairman MEAI, Hyd. Chapter

Mining Engineers' Journal

35

July 2010

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

GUIDE LINES TO AUTHORS WHO WISH TO PUBLISH THEIR ARTICLES / PAPERS IN 'MEJ' OR IN SEMINARS ORGANISED BY MEAI
The authors of the papers are requested to follow the guide lines given below: 1. 2. 3. The paper should be prepared in A-4 size in 'M.S. Word' format. Two sets of hard copies and also a floppy should be sent to the Secretary General, MEAI. The heading of the paper should be in capital letters (bold) followed by name/s of the author/s in smaller font size. Their designation, address, e.mail etc., be given at the bottom of the first page duly giving asterisk mark of reference. The starting para should be with 'Abstract' in italics. Margins of at least 25 mm be left on all sides of the paper and the matter should be printed on one side of the paper only. The paper should be free from grammatical and spelling mistakes. However, we shall reserve the right to edit to the extent it is necessary for clarity and coherent reading. If there are too many mistakes the paper shall be returned to the author. Therefore, the authors are requested to make it doubly sure that the paper should be of standard. The formulae/calculations/special symbols if any should be clearly read and easily presentable and in printable format. Drawings if any should be prepared in Indian Ink with due clarity and easy reference to the main body of the paper. Use different methods of hatching on the drawings instead of colouring. Annexures, appendices if any should be clearly and chronologically tagged or tandomly printed.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

10. In case of multiple authors, only first named author shall be contacted. 11. Authors should note that the paper sent for publication should not have been presented in any forum/seminar before. This is to request all the authors who may send their technical papers for publication in Mining Engineers' Journal that they should send a CD with a hard copy as many times in the papers send by e-mail portions and figures are not clear or are missing.

Secretary General,

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

'A' Block, VI Floor, F-608, Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Ph. No. 040 - 23200510 E-mail : meai1957@gmail.com Website : www.meai1957.in
Mining Engineers' Journal 36 July 2010

MEAI/HYD/37/2010

05.06.2010

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

37TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
It is proposed to organize the 37th Annual General Meeting of MEAI on 16th July 2010 at Hotel Woodbridge, Lakdi-ka-pul, Hyderabad between 9:30 hrs. and 13.30 hrs. All the Office Bearers, Council Members, Life & Ordinary and Institutional Members are requested to make it convenient to attend to the meeting.

AGENDA
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Paying homage to the departed members during 2009 -10. Welcome address by the President. Presentation of Annual Report by the Secretary General. Presentation of MEAI Accounts (by the Jt. Secretary) & approval. Presentation of SME Trust Fund Accounts (by the Secretary General, Trustee) & approval. Presentation of LMTF Accounts (by the Managing Trusty, LMTF) and approval. Presentation of Annual Awards 2010. Presentation of draft amendments to some existing Rules & Regulations of MEAI (by Chairman, Amendments Committee) & approval. Discussion on performance of chapters. Other points with the permission of the chair.

Members seeking accommodation at Hyderabad may contact the Secretary General indicating the type of accommodation (Lowest is Rs 1,000/- per day in a medium range hotel). A.S.Rao Secretary General , MEAI.

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

Hyderabad Chapter
This is to inform that the Annual General Meeting of Hyderabad Chapter of MEAI 2010 will be held on 16-07-2010 between 14.30 hrs. and 16.30 hrs. at Hotel Woodbridge, Lakdi-ka-pul, Hyderabad. All the members of MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter are requested to attend to the meeting.

AGENDA
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Welcome address by Chairman. Presentation of Secretary's Report for 2009-10. Presentation and approval of Audited Accounts. Felicitation to the members retired from service during the year 2010. Discussion on future programme of the chapter. Other points with the permission of the Chair. G. Sreenivasa Chowdary Secretary, MEAI, Hyd. Chapter 37 July 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS ETC.,

INDIA 2010 26 July 2010 : An interactive meet on 'Management of Mineral Resource Utilisation with Special Reference to Coal and Iron Ore' at Hotel Golconda, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, organised by MEAI, Hyderabad chapter jointly with NMDC. Contact : The Secretary, MEAI, Hyderabad chapter, Mining Engineers' Association of India, 'A' Block, VI Floor, F-608,
Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Ph. : No. 040 - 23200510, Telefax : 040 - 66460479, E-mail : meai1957@gmail.com Website : www.meai1957.com

6123; Facsimile : +61 3 9662 3662. Conference website : http:// www.impc2010.org/ 12 - 15 September 2010 : International Conference on Hoisting and Haulage, Las Vegas, USA. www.smenet.org 15 - 17 September 2010 : MiningWorld Central Aisa - 16th International Exhibition for the Mining and Processing of Metals and Minerals, Almaty, Kazakhstan. www.ite-exhibitions.com 21 - 22 September 2010 : Gravity Gold 2010, Ballarat, Australia. www.ausimm.com.au/gravitygold2010 27 September to 1 October 2010 : First International Seminar on the Reduction of Risk in the Management of Tailings and Mine Waste. Perth, Australia. www.minewaste2010.com 4 - 8 October 2010 : electramining : africa2010, MTN Expo Centre at Nasrec, South Africa. Contact : The Exhibition Director, Specialised Exhibitions. Tel.: +27(0)118351565, Fax : +27())114961363, Email : veda@ SPECIALISED.COM/CWOOD@SPECIALISED.COM/ WWW.ELECTRAMINES.CO.ZA 16 - 18 November 2010 : World's Premier Mining Congress & Exhibition at Tianjin China. Hosted by Ministry of Land & Resources, China. Contact : SinoConfex. Tel.: +86-10-64466855, Fax : +86-10-58857006/64465825, Email : info@china-mining.org www.china-mining.org

27 - 28 November 2010 : International Seminar on 'Development of Chromite, Nickel and PGM Resources', at Bhubaneswar organised by Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT). Contact : B.K. Mohanty, Advisor; SGAT, D-20, BJB Nagar, Bhubaneswar - 751 014. Email : bkmohanty@mail.com; Mob.: 09437355664, Fax : 0687 - 2390687 10 - 12 December 2010 : Short term course on 'Environmental Management in Mining & Allied Industries' at N.I.T. Rourkela. Contact : Prof. D.P. Tripathy, Dept. of Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela - 769 008 (ODISHA). Tel.: 91-661-2462608, Email : debi_tripathy@yahoo.co.in ABROAD 2010 8 - 10 July 2010 : Iron Ore Summit at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali (Indonesia). Contact : Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, FIMI House, B-311, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase - I, New Delhi - 110 020 (India) Tel. :+91-11-26814596, Fax : +91-11-26814593, 26814594, Email : fimi@fedmin.com, Website : www.fedmin.com 26 July 2010 : Open Pit Rock Mass Modelling Seminar, Perth, Australia. www.acg.uwa.edu.au 27 - 28 July 2010 : Seventh Large Open Pit Mining Conference, Perth, Australia. www.ausimm.com.au/lop2010 27 - 29 July 2010 : Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition, Queensland, Australia. www.reedminingevents.com.au 2 - 4 August 2010 : Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum 2010, Kalgoorlie, Australia www.diggersndealers.com.au 15 - 18 August 2010 : Uranium 2010, 3rd International Conference on Uranium, Saskatoon, Canada. www.cim.org 25 - 28 August 2010 : I Expominerals, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.montebello@montebelloeventos.com.br 06 - 10 September 2010 : XXV International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, QLD. Contact : Alison McKenzie; Telephone : +61 3 9658

23 - 26 November 2010 : V International Conference on Mine Closure, Santiago, Chile. www.mineclosure2010.com 01 December 2010 : MPES 2010 - Mine Planning and Equipment Selection Perth, WA Contact : The AusIMM Events Department; Telephone : +61 3 9662 3166; Facsimile : +61 3 9662 3662 6 - 9 February 2011 : ISEE's 37th Annual Conference on Explosives & Blasting Technique, San Diego, CA USA, Lynn Mangol, mangol@isee.org 22 - 26 March 2011 : ConExpo-Con/Agg, Las Vegas, NV USA, www.conexpoconagg.com 27 - 29 April 2011 : 24th Annual Best in the West Drill & Blast Conference Spearfish, SD USA, Ron Eastman, (307) 680-8805 18 - 20 September 2011 : 6th EFEE World Conference, Lisbon, Portugal www.efee.eu 12 - 14 October 2011 : 12th International Symposium on 'Mine Planning & Equipment Selection MPES 2011' at Almaty, Kazakhstan. Contact : Dr. Raj K. Singhal (singhal@shaw.ca) Prof. Vera Muzgina, 132 Dostyk Ave., Almaty, the Republic of Kazakhstan, 05051. Fax : +77272 980839, Email : veramuzgina@mail.ru Official Website : www.mpes2011cmrp.kz

Printed by A.S. Rao, Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India, Published by A.S. Rao, Secretary General, on behalf of Mining Engineers' Association of India and printed at Deepu Printers at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor), Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. and published at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor), Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Editor : Dr. K.K. Sharma

Mining Engineers' Journal

38

July 2010