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SME MINING

ENGINEERING HANDBOOK

!SME_MEH3_TitlePg_Half_F4.indd 1 12/10/10 9:04 AM

THIRD EDITION

VOLUME ONE

E D I T E D B Y P E T E R D A R L I N G

Published by

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.

SMEMINING

ENGINEERINGHANDBOOK

!SME_MEH3_TitlePg_Full_F4.indd 1 12/10/10 9:04 AM

Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. (SME)(303) 948-4200 / (800) 763-3132www.smenet.org

SME advances the worldwide mining and minerals community through information exchange and professional development. With members in more than 70 countries, SME is the world’s largest association of mining and minerals professionals.

Copyright © 2011 Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.

Supported by the Seeley W. Mudd Memorial Fund of AIME.

All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

Information contained in this work has been obtained by SME, Inc., from sources believed to be reliable. However, neither SME nor its authors and editors guarantee the accuracy or complete-ness of any information published herein, and neither SME nor its authors and editors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages arising out of use of this information. This work is published with the understanding that SME and its authors and editors are supplying information but are not attempting to render engineering or other professional services. Any statement or views presented herein are those of individual authors and editors and are not nec-essarily those of SME. The mention of trade names for commercial products does not imply the approval or endorsement of SME.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ISBN 978-0-87335-264-2Ebook 978-0-87335-341-0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

SME mining engineering handbook / edited by Peter Darling. -- 3rd ed.v. cm.Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN 978-0-87335-264-21. Mining engineering--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Darling, Peter, 1956- II. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (U.S.) III. Title: Mining engineering handbook.TN145.S56 2011622--dc222010050815

v

Contents

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ixPreface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiAbout the Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiiiContributing Authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvTechnical Reviewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi

PART 1: Mining: SeTTing The SCene1.1 Mining: Ancient, Modern, and Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.2 Current Trends in Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111.3 Future Trends in Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PART 2: MARkeT eConoMiCS2.1 Economics of the Minerals Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392.2 Pricing and Trading in Metals and Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492.3 Market Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 652.4 Investment Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

PART 3: exPloRATion3.1 Geological Features and Genetic Models of Mineral Deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 833.2 Minerals Prospecting and Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1053.3 Geophysics Prospecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1133.4 Geochemical Prospecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

PART 4: DePoSiT ASSeSSMenT4.1 Geological Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1454.2 Geologic Interpretation, Modeling, and Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1734.3 Sample Preparation and Assaying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1874.4 Ore-Body Sampling and Metallurgical Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1934.5 Mineral Resource Estimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2034.6 Valuation of Mineral Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2194.7 Mineral Property Feasibility Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2274.8 Cost Estimating for Underground Mines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2634.9 Cost Estimating for Surface Mines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

PART 5: MAnAgeMenT AnD ADMiniSTRATion5.1 Mine Economics, Management, and Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2975.2 Economic Principles for Decision Making . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3095.3 Management, Employee Relations, and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3175.4 A Global Perspective on Mining Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

PART 6: Mining MeThoD SeleCTion6.1 Evaluation of Mining Methods and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3416.2 Mining Methods Classification System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3496.3 Selection Process for Hard-Rock Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3576.4 Selection Process for Underground Soft-Rock Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3776.5 Comparison of Underground Mining Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3856.6 Comparison of Surface Mining Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

vi

PART 7: RoCk BReAking MeThoDS7.1 Mechanical Rock Breaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4177.2 Blasthole Drilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4357.3 Explosives and Blasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443

PART 8: gRounD MeChAniCS8.1 Introduction to Ground Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4638.2 Soil Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4718.3 Slope Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4958.4 Rock Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5278.5 Geotechnical Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5518.6 Hard-Rock Ground Control with Steel Mesh and Shotcrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5738.7 Soft-Rock Ground Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5958.8 Ground Control Using Cable and Rock Bolting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6118.9 Mine Subsidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6278.10 Tailings Impoundments and Dams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6458.11 Waste Piles and Dumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 667

PART 9: infRASTRuCTuRe AnD SeRviCeS9.1 Electric Power Distribution and Utilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6839.2 Compressed Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7059.3 Mine Communications, Monitoring, and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7179.4 Mine Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7319.5 Dewatering Surface Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7439.6 Dewatering Underground Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7659.7 Physical Asset Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7819.8 Automation and Robotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8059.9 Mine Infrastructure Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8259.10 Systems Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839

PART 10: SuRfACe exTRACTion10.1 Introduction to Open-Pit Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85710.2 Open-Pit Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87710.3 Mechanical Extraction, Loading, and Hauling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90310.4 Selection and Sizing of Excavating, Loading, and Hauling Equipment . . . . . . . 93110.5 In-Pit Crushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94110.6 Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Haul Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95710.7 Surface Ore Movement, Storage, and Recovery Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97710.8 Strip Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98910.9 Strip Mine Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101310.10 Highwall Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102710.11 Quarrying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1031

PART 11: hyDRAuliC AnD PiPeline Mining11.1 Hydraulic Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104911.2 Placer Mining and Dredging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105711.3 Heap Leaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107311.4 Surface Techniques of Solution Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108711.5 In-Situ Techniques of Solution Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110311.6 Coal-Bed Methane Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1121

PART 12: unDeRgRounD DeveloPMenT12.1 Introduction to Underground Mine Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113512.2 Hard-Rock Equipment Selection and Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114312.3 Soft-Rock Equipment Selection and Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115712.4 Underground Horizontal and Inclined Development Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117912.5 Subsurface Mine Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120312.6 Construction of Underground Openings and Related Infrastructure . . . . . . . . 122312.7 Tunnel Boring Machines in Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125512.8 Underground Ore Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127112.9 Hoisting Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1295

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PART 13: unDeRgRounD exTRACTion13.1 Room-and-Pillar Mining in Hard Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132713.2 Room-and-Pillar Mining in Coal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133913.3 Shrinkage Stoping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134713.4 Sublevel Stoping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135513.5 Cut-and-Fill Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136513.6 Backfill Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137513.7 Cave Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138513.8 Longwall Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139913.9 Sublevel Caving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141713.10 Block Caving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1437

PART 14: MineRAl PRoCeSSing14.1 Introduction to Mineral Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145514.2 Crushing, Milling, and Grinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146114.3 Classification by Screens and Cyclones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148114.4 Gravity Concentration and Heavy Medium Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150714.5 Fundamental Principles of Froth Flotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151714.6 Magnetic and Electrostatic Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153314.7 Dewatering Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1547

PART 15: heAlTh AnD SAfeTy15.1 Mine Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155715.2 Health and Medical Issues in Global Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156715.3 Mine Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157715.4 Gas and Dust Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159515.5 Heat, Humidity, and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161115.6 Radiation Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162515.7 Noise Hazards and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1633

PART 16: enviRonMenTAl iSSueS16.1 Site Environmental Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164316.2 Mining and Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166516.3 Impacts and Control of Blasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168916.4 Water and Sediment Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170516.5 Mitigating Acid Rock Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172116.6 Waste Disposal and Contamination Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173316.7 Closure Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1753

PART 17: CoMMuniTy AnD SoCiAl iSSueS17.1 Community Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176717.2 Social License to Operate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177917.3 Cultural Considerations for Mining and Indigenous Communities . . . . . . . . . 179717.4 Management of the Social Impacts of Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1817

APPenDiCeSA Web Sites Related to Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1827B Coal Mine Gas Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1833C Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1835

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1

viii

Dedication

With deep appreciation for his contributions to the mining industry, we dedicate this 3rd edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook

to the memory of Richard E. Gertsch, 1945–2005.

Richard provided the initial leadership and direction for this edition. His guidance allowed others to carry on with his vision.

Richard was a widely respected and admired mining engineer enjoying an illustrious career spanning decades of work both in industry and academia.

Richard served on the SME Board of Directors and as the Chair of the M&E Division. He was active on many committees working on important SME functions such as peer review,

programming, membership, publications, nominations, scholarships, and awards. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1991.

ix

Foreword

Mining engineers throughout the world are the salt of the earth, and this third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook will be their bible. It builds on the grand tradition begun by highly respected leaders of the mining industry—Peele (1918, 1927, and 1941) and continued by Cummins and Given (1973) and then Hartman (1992).

Handbooks by their nature are often hard to read, but this one is a striking exception. Its readability immediately stands out and allows one to quickly absorb and comprehend its con-tent—not only the text, but also the many tables, figures, and photographs. Artwork has been substantially upgraded and is especially appealing. The superb presentation reflects the manag-ing editor’s technical writing background, as well as the input and skills of Jane Olivier, SME’s manager of book publishing, who spent a decade urging a new edition, and Diane Serafin, an editing specialist, who delved doggedly into the tedious details.

The bar of excellence in the quality and scope of material is well maintained and at a high level throughout. Often a work involving numerous experts can lead to conflicting views on countless aspects. However, the clashing of ideas is notably a hallmark of serious thinking. The clear beneficiary of the high standard is the reader, which in this case is the practicing mining engineer in the worldwide mining industry, as well as others in academia and government.

The strength of this handbook lies clearly in the quality of the chapter authors and peer reviewers. They are indeed talented experts in their specialized technical fields. A decided trend toward internationalism, paralleling similar trends in the supply and demand of mineral and energy raw materials, is evidenced by a cursory perusal of the lists of contributing authors and technical reviewers. Almost half of them are working and living outside the United States. In total, ten countries are represented—primarily English-speaking ones.

Such a diverse cadre of individuals offers wide-ranging views of the worldwide mining industry’s multifaceted problems and potential solutions in a period of accelerated technological and social change. The broad scope is another strength for which no unanimity of thought can be expected or anticipated when taking a global perspective on the various issues.

Carryover material from previous editions is strictly limited, and when included, it is updated to be genuinely contemporary and purposeful. Practical and useful instead of merely theoretical and interesting are the watchwords throughout the work.

Comprehensiveness is an important feature not to be overlooked in a world-class handbook. This edition sets the standard and will be emulated far into the future. Much attention has been given to what can be instead of what is past. Productiveness received authoritative treatment. Specific emphasis has been given to broad topics that will continue to confront the industry in the years ahead, such as environmental issues, public concerns, health and safety matters, and sustainability. This handbook provides a pathway for the synthesis and solution of many of the complex issues and problems the mining industry is facing in the 21st century.

Raymond L. LowrieEditor of the SME Mining Reference HandbookRecipient of the 2004 SME President’s CitationFebruary 2011

xi

Preface

It was Robert Peele who gathered a group of 46 specialists almost a century ago to write the now classic Mining Engineers’ Handbook, published in 1918 by John Wiley & Sons, with second and third editions published in 1927 and 1941. When Wiley declined to publish further editions, SME began publication of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook. SME published the first edition in 1973 and a second edition in 1992.

From that initial publication in 1918, the handbook has been acknowledged as the reposi-tory of all essential information and useful, practical detail relating to virtually every aspect of mining.

From the beginning of my mining career, I have relied heavily on this book as a source of inspiration and information. With the honor of being asked to take on the somewhat challenging role of managing editor for this third edition, I owe a debt of professional gratitude to several generations of managing editors, authors, and technical reviewers who set the seemingly impos-sible high standards in the previous editions of the handbook.

From the onset, several objectives were established. These objectives included (1) to pro-duce a book that would stand shoulder to shoulder as an equal alongside previous editions, (2) to maintain its tradition of being the “handbook of choice” for every practicing mining engineer, (3) to be practical rather than theoretical in its content and approach, and (4) to be international in its appeal and examples.

Mining is an international business, and the importance of sharing experiences, knowledge, and examples from around the world cannot be overemphasized. A water “problem” in one part of the world may be considered “normal” in another. A “deep” mine on one continent may connote “very deep” on another. Tailings dams in some countries need to be earthquake proof, whereas in other countries they must be free draining.

This edition attempts to take the best of the best from around the world and package it in a standard and logical format for the benefit of the global industry. This internationalism is shown by the subjects covered in each chapter as well as by the nationalities of the world-class authors and technical reviewers represented. It is noteworthy that most significant mining operations have graciously shared their knowledge, techniques, experience, and alternative viewpoints.

The handbook has moved with the times to cover the issues that are exercising the industry, the innovations that are exciting, and how the industry is dealing with changing attitudes toward a number of its constituents such as energy (both electrical generation and carbon/petroleum based), water management, resource maintenance, and the whole subject of sustainable develop-ment. One of the significant areas in which this handbook differs from previous editions is that it includes several chapters on both the social and environmental issues often associated with min-ing, and, more importantly, how these issues and their impacts can be mitigated and managed.

It is important to note that this is a handbook and not an encyclopedia of everything mining. Several subjects previously included as dedicated chapters are now covered in less detail within other chapters. This move was not designed to marginalize or dilute the importance of certain subjects but was done to acknowledge the significant shifts in the way mining has changed as a result of new technologies. It also reflects how the work and the responsibilities of today’s min-ing engineer have changed and developed.

xii

Attempts to encapsulate the essence of so diverse a discipline as mining engineering could not have been possible without the unselfish contributions of the hundreds of authors, coauthors, technical reviewers, and mentors who are very much the unsung heroes of this publication. Much gratitude and thanks are due to the many talented and world-class professionals who have given so freely, patiently, and enthusiastically of their time, hard-earned experiences, and masterful knowledge on a plethora of mining and related subjects to ensure that this handbook was pro-duced on time and to the meteoric standards that the industry has come to expect.

One of the many delights of managing this project has been the acquaintance (usually elec-tronically) of so many helpful, patient, enthusiastic, and friendly people from within the various mining associations, academic establishments, mining companies, and consultancies, as well as retired engineers and specialist editors—everyone an expert in their field. Without their coopera-tion, steady guidance, constructive comment, and encouragement, the managing of this edition would have been an impossible task. I cannot name them all, and to mention some but not others would be ungracious, but tremendous appreciation is due.

These experts are headed by the authors themselves, almost every one of whom is a world leader in their specialist field. Often with the briefest of guidance and without any form of remu-neration, they have passionately undertaken their writing tasks. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism formed the bedrock on which the handbook has been based, and, as a result, they have produced superb and exceptional texts. I salute and thank you all.

Next, I acknowledge the many technical reviewers who, often at short notice and, as this project progressed, with an ever shortening lead time, have been called on to read through many drafts before articulating and listing their comments, suggestions, and observations. It typically was not an easy task and often may have been a marathon requiring skills, diplomacy, and knowledge that went well beyond their original brief. I apologize and thank you.

Thanks are extended to SME’s book publishing team who have been thoroughly profes-sional and efficient in their handling of this edition. This team has checked every comma, word, phrase, sentence, and illustration. They have ensured that copyright rules have not been flaunted in the quest for expedience, checked and rechecked references, standardized units of measure, and performed a hundred and one other tasks to ensure that this finished product is a source of information in a format that at best pleases and at worst does not annoy. Their attention to detail in this exacting task is very much appreciated.

I also thank SME for affording me this opportunity to repay some of the debt that I believe is owed to an industry that has kept me fed, watered, enthralled, and enthused for more than three decades.

Finally, I trust that any errors in opinion, facts, or perceptions in the handbook are few in number and will not overtly detract from the usefulness of and, I dare say, enjoyment of this third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook.

Peter DarlingFebruary 2011

xiii

Peter Darling, managing editor of the third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook, has more than 30 years of experience as a mining engineer and journalist.

A graduate of the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, Darling worked as an oil industry engineer on offshore projects in Gabon, Congo, Angola, the Gulf of Guinea, the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, Tunisia, Egypt, and Abu Dhabi. He was also involved in underground platinum mines in South Africa and open-pit tin operations in Brazil.

Darling then embarked on a career as a technical writer and editor. His assignments took him to mines, quarries, tunnels, and construction sites stretching from Chile to China, Alaska to Australia, Peru to Papua New Guinea, and Russia to La Reunion. During this period he served as editor for a variety of respected industry publications, including International Mining, Engineering and Mining Journal, Rock Products, Tunnels & Tunnelling International, International Construction, The Cement Edition, Construction Asia, and Coal (North America). Darling also served as the press officer for Rio Tinto in London.

As a Royal Air Force Reserve officer, Darling was deployed to Gulf War II and twice to Afghanistan where he completed the final edit of the handbook. He is a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.

Darling is currently a freelance technical editor, journalist, reporter, and speech writer spe-cializing in mining, quarrying, oil and gas, tunneling, heavy construction, and engineering.

Peter Darling BEng (Hons), ARSM, CEngGothic House, Aylsham, Norfolk, Englandwww.peterdarling.co.uk [email protected]

About the Managing editor

xv

Contributing Authors

L. AdlerProfessor

West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, West Virginia, USA

Tom AlbaneseChief Executive Officer

Rio Tinto Ltd.London, United Kingdom

Breanna L. AlexanderMetallurgical Engineer

Lyntek, Inc.Lakewood, Colorado, USA

Derek B. ApelProfessor, School of Mining & Petroleum Engineering

University of AlbertaEdmonton, Alberta, Canada

Odd G. AskilsrudPresident

Tunnel Engineering and Applications, Inc.Renton, Washington, USA

William F. BawdenPierre Lassonde Chair in Mining Engineering

University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada

Scott BeerChief Operating Officer

Rajant CorporationMalvern, Pennsylvania, USA

Eric N. BerkhimerSenior Applications Engineer

P&H Mining EquipmentMilwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Stephen L. BessingerEngineering Manager

BHP Billiton–San Juan Coal CompanyFarmington, New Mexico, USA

Evelyn L. Jessup BinghamGroup Manager, Closure & Waste

BHP BillitonMelbourne, Victoria, Australia

Martyn BlossManager Long Term Planning, Olympic Dam

BHP BillitonAdelaide, South Australia, Australia

Ernest BohnetVice President of Mining and Geological Services

Pincock Allen & HoltDenver, Colorado, USA

Richard K. BordenPrincipal Advisor Environment

Rio TintoSouth Jordan, Utah, USA

Robert G. BoutilierPresident

Boutilier & AssociatesVancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Cuernavaca, Mexico

Charles A. BrannonManager Underground Planning

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Ian BrownNational Production Manager

Lafarge Aggregates, Mountsorrel QuarryLoughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom

Richard L. BullockProfessor Emeritus, Mining & Nuclear Engineering

Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, Missouri, USA

Jeremy BusfieldPrincipal Consultant

MineCraft Consulting Pty Ltd.Queensland, Australia

Felipe CalizayaAssociate ProfessorUniversity of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Gordon K. CarlsonChief Mine Engineer

Henderson Mine, Climax MolybdenumEmpire, Colorado, USA

Peter G. CarterManager of Mining Engineering


Timothy P. CastenDirector, Underground Planning

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.Phoenix, Arizona, USA

xvi

Joe ClineLead Discipline EngineerCementation USA, Inc.

Sandy, Utah, USA

L. Graham ClossAssociate Professor, Dept. of Geology & Geological Engrg.

Colorado School of MinesGolden, Colorado, USA

Mark ColwellPrincipal

Colwell Geotechnical ServicesQueensland, Australia

Ivan A. ContrerasVice President

Barr Engineering CompanyMinneapolis, Minnesota, USA

J. Alan Coope(Deceased) Former Director of Geochemistry

Newmont Exploration Ltd.Denver, Colorado, USA

Phillip C.F. CrowsonHonorary Professor & Professorial Research Fellow

Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law & PolicyUniversity of Dundee, Scotland

Michael J. CruickshankConsulting Marine Mining Engineer

Marine Minerals Technology Center AssociatesHonolulu, Hawaii, USA

Kadri DagdelenProfessor of Mining Engineering

Colorado School of MinesGolden, Colorado, USA

Donald A. Dahlstrom(Deceased) Former Professor Emeritus

University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah, USA

Diana DaltonLawyer and Independent Consultant in Mining Law

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Peter DarlingManaging Editor and Freelance Technical Writer

Aylsham, Norfolk, United Kingdom

J.A.J. (Barry) de WetDirector and Consulting Geophysicist

BDW Geophysics ConsultingBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Malcolm G. DorricottPrincipal Consultant

AMC Consultants Pty Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Charles DowdingProfessor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Northwestern UniversityEvanston, Illinois, USA

Geoff DunstanMining Manager

Newcrest Mining Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Gary DyerManager Strategy

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi AllianceBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Erik EberhardtProfessor of Geological Engineering

University of British ColumbiaVancouver, British Columbia, Canada

A.J. (Joe) Erickson Jr.(Retired) Mining Geology Consultant

Anaconda, UPCM Co., AMAX, EXXON Coal & Minerals Co.Houston, Texas, USA

Reinhold A. ErrathTechnology Manager for Drives

ABB Switzerland Ltd.Baden, Switzerland

Robin EvansSenior Research Fellow, University of Queensland

Sustainable Minerals Inst., Centre for Social Resp. in MiningBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Brian FlintoffSenior VP Tech. Dev., Equipment & Systems Business Line

Metso Mining & Construction TechnologyKelowna, BC, Canada

Frank H. FoxHead of Occupational Health

Anglo American plcJohannesburg, South Africa

Daniel M. FranksResearch Fellow, University of Queensland


Russell FrithAdjunct Professor, School of Mining Engineering

University of New South WalesSydney, New South Wales, Australia

Maurice C. FuerstenauNewmont Professor of Minerals Engineering

University of NevadaReno, Nevada, USA

Rajive GanguliProfessor of Mining EngineeringUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Ginger GibsonAdjunct Professor


Don GrantSuperintendent Life of Asset Planning, Olympic Dam


xvii

Jedediah D. GreenwoodSenior Geotechnical EngineerBarr Engineering Company

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Ed GrygielManager of Six Sigma Engineering

Jim Walter ResourcesBrookwood, Alabama, USA

Bernard J. GuarneraPresident and Chairman of the Board of Directors

Behre Dolbear Group, Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA

John HadjigeorgiouDirector, Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program and

Lassonde Institute for Engrg. Geosciences, Univ. of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada

Douglas F. HambleyAssociate

Agapito Associates, Inc.Golden, Colorado, USA

Kenneth N. HanProfessor Emeritus

South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyRapid City, South Dakota, USA

Jack HaptonstallMining Consultant

Pincock Allen & HoltLakewood, Colorado, USA

John P. HarrisonLassonde Institute, Department of Civil Engineering


Paul HarveyPresident

Ekati BHP BillitonYellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Zaher HashishoAssistant Professor, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engrg.

University of AlbertaEdmonton, Alberta, Canada

Richard HerringtonResearcher, Economic Geology

Natural History MuseumLondon, United Kingdom

Ken HillManaging DirectorXenith Consulting

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Walter E. Hill Jr.(Deceased) Former Chief Chemist

AMAX Exploration, Inc.Lakewood, Colorado, USA

R. Anthony HodgePresident, International Council on Mining & Metals

Professor, Mining & Sustainability, Queen’s UniversityKingston, Ontario, Canada

Lok HomePresident

The Robbins CompanySolon, Ohio, USA

John HooperManaging DirectorJoem Promotions

Deal, Kent, United Kingdom

Paul B. HughesResearch Assistant, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining


James D. HumphreyMarket Professional–Mining

Caterpillar, Inc., Global Mining DivisionDecatur, Illinois, USA

David HumphreysIndependent Consultant

Former Chief Economist at Rio Tinto & Norilsk NickelLondon, United Kingdom

Partha V. IyerConsultant

Reading, Pennsylvania, USA

Jeffrey A. JaacksPresident

Geochemical Applications International, Inc.Centennial, Colorado, USA

Andrew JaroszAssociate Professor, Curtin UniversityWestern Australian School of Mines

Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia

Daniel W. KappesPresident

Kappes, Cassiday and AssociatesReno, Nevada, USA

S. Komar KawatraProfessor of Chemical EngineeringMichigan Technological University

Houghton, Michigan, USA

Deanna KempSenior Research Fellow, University of Queensland


Thomas KerrPresident

Knight Piésold and CompanyDenver, Colorado, USA

Philip KingTechnical Director

Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Charles A. KlicheProfessor of Mining Engineering


xviii

Peter KnightsBMA Chair and Professor of Mining Engineering

University of QueenslandBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Abby KorteProject Hydrologist

Lidstone and Associates, Inc.Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Ronald Kuehl IIGeneral Manager, Vibrating Equip. & Systems Business Line

Metso Mining & Construction TechnologyColumbia, South Carolina, USA

Uday KumarProfessor of Operation and Maintenance Engineering

Luleå University of TechnologyLuleå, Sweden

Mahinda KuruppuSenior Lecturer

Curtin University of TechnologyKalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia

John I. KyleVice President


Dennis H. LaubscherMining Consultant

Bushmans River Mouth, South Africa

David LaurenceActing Director, School of Mining Engineering


G. Aubrey LeeSenior Consultant

SESCO Management ConsultantsBristol, Tennessee, USA

José L. Lee-MorenoAdjunct Professor, Dept. of Mining and Geological Engineering

University of ArizonaTucson, Arizona, USA

Jennifer B. LeinartCostMine Division Manager

InfoMine USASpokane Valley, Washington, USA

Paul LeverProf. and CRCMining Chair, Mech. & Mining Engrg. School

University of QueenslandBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Christopher D. LidstonePresident


Braden LuskAssistant Professor, Mining Engineering Department

University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA

Alistair MacDonaldEnvironmental Assessment Specialist

SENES Consultants LimitedEdmonton, Alberta, Canada

Travis J. ManningMetallurgical Engineeer

Kappes, Cassiday & AssociatesReno, Nevada, USA

John MarksConsultant

Lead, South Dakota, USA

Michael D. MartinSenior Associate

Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA

Douglas K. MaxwellSenior Process Engineer


Peter L. McCarthyChairman and Principal Mining Consultant


John McGaghHead of Innovation

Rio Tinto Ltd.Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

John MosherExecutive Vice President–Operations

PT Freeport IndonesiaTembagapura, Papua, Indonesia

Michael G. NelsonDepartment Chair, Mining Engineering

College of Mines & Earth Sciences, University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah, USA

Jerry M. NettletonEnvironmental Manager

Peabody EnergySteamboat Springs, Colorado, USA

Antonio NietoAssociate Professor, Energy and Minerals Engineering Dept.

Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, Pennsylvania, USA

Alan C. NoblePrincipal Engineer and Owner

Ore Reserves EngineeringLakewood, Colorado, USA

Ciaran O’FaircheallaighProfessor, Politics and Public Policy

Griffith UniversityBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Marc OrmanSenior Geotechnical Engineer

Ausenco VectorGrass Valley, California, USA

xix

Jeffrey T. PadgettConsulting Geologist

Monterey Coal CompanyCarlinville, Illinois, USA

Rimas T. PakalnisAssociate Professor, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining


Rich PeeversSenior EngineerAusenco Vector

Grass Valley, California, USA

Paul R. PeppersSupt. Central Maintenance & Projects, Sierrita Operations

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Co.Green Valley, Arizona, USA

Fiona Perrott-HumphreyConsultant to NM Rothschild (mining team)

Dir. of AIM Mining Research & PURE P-H Strategic ConsultingLondon, United Kingdom

Edwin V. Post (Retired) Former President of Skyline Labs, Inc.

Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA

Yves PotvinDirector of the Australian Centre for Geomechanics

University of Western AustraliaPerth, Western Australia, Australia

Gavin PowerDirector

Power Geotechnical Pty Ltd.Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Marc RademacherDirector, Western Operations, Minerals Services Div.

SGS North America, Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA

Marcus RandolphGroup Executive & Chief Executive, Ferrous & Coal


Michael RawlinsonDirector and Head of Mining and Metals

Liberum CapitalLondon, United Kingdom

Mark RichardsMines Manager

Imerys Minerals LimitedCornwall, United Kingdom

Jamal RostamiAssistant Professor, Energy and Mineral Engineering


Cameron RoutleySuperintendent Five Year Planning, Olympic Dam


Ian RungeFounder

Runge Ltd.Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Kristin SampleStaff Engineer

Ausenco VectorFort Collins, Colorado, USA

W. Joseph SchlittPresident

Hydrometal, Inc.Knightsen, California, USA

Ross SeedsmanDirector

Seedsman GeotechnicsWollongong, New South Wales, Australia

Ian SherrellBusiness Development Engineer

OutotecJacksonville, Florida, USA

Ernest T. Shonts Jr.Senior Mining Engineer

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Rod StaceAssociate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering

University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom

Doug SteadProfessor of Resource Geoscience and Geotechnics

Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Scott A. StebbinsPresident

Aventurine Mine Cost EngineeringSpokane, Washington, USA

George StephanSenior Consulting Engineer

Stantec MiningTempe, Arizona, USA

Nimal SubasingheAssociate Professor of Minerals Engineering

Curtin University (Western Australian School of Mines)Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia

Pramod ThakurManager, Coal Seam Degasification

CONSOL Energy, Inc.Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

Roger J. ThompsonProfessor of Mining Engineering


S.D. ThompsonAssistant Professor

University of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignChampaign, Illinois, USA

xx

Ian ThomsonPrincipal

On Common Ground Consultants, Inc.Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Jerry C. TienDepartment of Mining and Nuclear Energy


Peter TileyConsulting Engineer

G.L. Tiley & Associates Ltd.Flamborough, Ontario, Canada

Michael A. TuckAssociate Professor of Mining Engineering

University of BallaratBallarat, Victoria, Australia

Bryan UlrichSenior Vice President

Knight Piésold and CompanyElko, Nevada, USA

Ronald W. UtleyConsultant

FLSmidth, Inc.Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Klaas Peter van der WielenResearch Assistant

Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter)Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Rens VerburgPrincipal Geochemist

Golder Associates, Inc.Redmond, Washington, USA

Joshua D. WagnerMarketing Product Consultant

Caterpillar, Inc., Global Mining DivisionPeoria, Illinois, USA

Gary E. WalterPrincipal Consultant

Primo Safety and Health Services, LLCWilmington, Delaware, USA

Mark WatsonTechnical Services Group

Alliance Coal LLCLexington, Kentucky, USA

Andrew WethereltSenior Lecturer in Mining Engrg., Prog. Dir. BEng Mining Engrg.


David WhittleGlobal Manager, Planning Leadership Program


John WoodhouseChief Executive

The Woodhouse Partnership Ltd.Kingsclere, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Paul WorseyProfessor, Mining and Nuclear Engineering Department


Sergio ZamoranoTechnical Director of Conveyor Technologies

FLSmidthSpokane, Washington, USA

xxi

David M. Abbott Jr.Senior Associate and Principal


Mark AdamsChief Operating Officer

BarmincoHazelmere, Western Australia, Australia

Hugh E.K. AllenMining ConsultantAllen Associates

Harrow-on-the Hill, London, United Kingdom

Timothy D. ArnoldGeneral Manager

General Moly, Inc.Eureka, Nevada, USA

Doug AustinSenior Vice President

M3 Engineering and Technology CorporationTucson, Arizona, USA

Peter BalkaChief Mining Engineer

Tigers Realm Minerals Pty Ltd.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

John C. BarberTechnical Director and Principal Mining Engineer

AMEC E & CMesa, Arizona, USA

Michael BarberSelf-Employed Blasting Consultant

Parker, Colorado, USA

William F. BawdenPierre Lassonde Chair in Mining Engineering


John Baz-DreschManager–Technical Services

Cia. Minera del Cubo S.A. de C.V.Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico

Douglas L. BeahmPrincipal EngineerBRS Engineering

Riverton, Wyoming, USA

Carmen BernedoLead/Supervising Engineer

MWH Americas, Inc.Denver, Colorado, USA

Stephen L. BessingerEngineering Manager

BHP Billiton–San Juan Coal CompanyFarmington, New Mexico, USA

Patricia BilligEnvironmental Toxicologist

Boulder, Colorado, USA

Christopher BiseProfessor and Chairman, Mining Engineering Department

West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, West Virginia, USA

Steve BoydstonSenior Consultant

DNV Business AssuranceCentennial, Colorado, USA

Bill Bradford(Retired) Mineral Processing Consultant

Formerly with Selection Trust Ltd. & UN Dev. Prog.Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Wade W. BristolGeneral Manager–Nevada Underground

Newmont Mining CorporationCarlin, Nevada, USA

Richard L. BullockProfessor Emeritus, Mining & Nuclear Engineering


Al CampoliVice President Special Projects

Jennmar CorporationPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Mark ChalmersChair

Uranium Council of AustraliaAdelaide, South Australia, Australia

Rebecca ChouinardRegulatory Specialist

Wek’eezhii Land and Water BoardYellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Technical Reviewers

xxii

Phillip C.F. CrowsonHonorary Professor & Professorial Research Fellow

Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law & PolicyUniversity of Dundee, Scotland

James DavidsonGeneral Manager

Urtek LLCAdelaide, South Australia, Australia

Gary DavisonManaging DirectorMiningOne Pty Ltd.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Fred DelabbioGen. Mgr. Innovation–Underground, Technology and Innovation

Rio TintoBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phil DightWinthrop Professor of Geotechnical Engineering

Australian Ctr. for Geomechanics, Univ. of Western AustraliaPerth, Western Australia, Australia

Mal G. DorricottPrinciple Consultant


Sjoerd Rein DuimDirector, Principal Consultant (Mining)

SRK ConsultingPerth, Western Australia, Australia

W. Scott DunbarProfessor, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering


Roger EllisMinerals Industry Consultant

Senior Geological Associate with ACA Howe InternationalHertfordshire, United Kingdom

Richmond FennDirector Resource Development

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.Oro Valley, Arizona, USA

Courtney FidlerDepartment of Geography and Planning

University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Russell FrithAdjunct Professor, School of Mining Engineering


Steven GardnerPresident and CEO

Engineering Consulting Services, Inc.Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Barry GassGeneral Manager Asset Management

Rio Tinto Copper ProjectsSalt Lake City, Utah, USA

Mike GleasonEnergy Superintendent

Climax Molybdenum CompanyEmpire, Colorado, USA

John GrievesProject ManagerNew Hope Group

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Douglas F. HambleyAssociate


Jack HaptonstallMining Consultant


Alex HathornVice President Technical Services and Continuous Improvement

Peabody Energy AustraliaBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Bruce HebblewhiteProfessor & Head of the School of Mining Engineering


Michael G. HesterVice President

Independent Mining Consultants, Inc.Tucson, Arizona, USA

Ronald R. Hewitt CohenProfessor of Environmental Science and Engineering

Colorado School of MinesDenver, Colorado, USA

Evert Hoek(Retired)

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Kevin HolleyPrincipal Geotechnical Engineer, Director

SRK ConsultingBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Steven HolmesGeneral Manager–Ray Operations

Asarco LLCHayden, Arizona, USA

David HullChair, Educational Advisory Committee to the South Africa

Council for Professional and Technical SurveyorsJohannesburg, South Africa

Louie HumanSenior Consultant (Rock Mechanics)

SRK Consulting AustralasiaPerth, Western Australia, Australia

David HumphreysIndependent Consultant

Former Chief Economist at Rio Tinto & Norilsk NickelLondon, United Kingdom

xxiii

Conrad HussChairman of the Board

M3 Engineering and Technology CorporationTucson, Arizona, USA

Nils I. JohansenPott College of Science and Engineering

University of Southern IndianaEvansville, Indiana, USA

Daniel W. KappesPresident

Kappes, Cassiday and AssociatesReno, Nevada, USA

Patrick Killeen(Retired) Research Scientist

Geological Survey of CanadaOmpah, Ontario, Canada

Linton KirkSenior Principal and Chief Mining Engineer

Coffey MiningBelo Horizonte, Brazil

Charles A. KlicheProfessor of Mining Engineering


David KrizekPrincipal

Tetra TechTucson, Arizona, USA

Stanley T. KrukowskiIndustrial Minerals Geologist IV

Oklahoma Geological SurveyNorman, Oklahoma, USA

Katherine LaudonVice President


Christopher D. LidstonePresident


Joe LuxfordPrincipal

Luxford Mine Management ServicesBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Michael D. MartinSenior Associate


Bill McAuleyFormer Managing Director

British Oxygen Corporation (BOC) GroupCamberley, Surrey, United Kingdom

Michael K. McCarterProfessor, Department of Mining Engineering

University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah, USA

Peter L. McCarthyChairman and Principal Mining Consultant


Stefan MullerPrincipal Hydrogeologist

SRK ConsultingPerth, Western Australia, Australia

Jan M. MutmanskyProfessor Emeritus of Mining Engineering


Michael G. NelsonDepartment Chair, Mining Engineering

College of Mines & Earth Sciences, University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah, USA

Dave OsborneGroup Manager (Coal Technology–Business Development)

Xstrata CoalBrisbane, Queensland, Australia

Paul R. PeppersSupt. Central Maintenance & Projects, Sierrita Operations

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Co.Green Valley, Arizona, USA

Clyde PeppinConsulting Engineer

Stantec – Mining (Formerly Mcintosh Engineering)Tempe, Arizona, USA

Fiona Perrott-HumphreyConsultant to NM Rothschild (mining team)

Dir. of AIM Mining Research & PURE P-H Strategic ConsultingLondon, United Kingdom

Gavin PowerDirector

Power Geotechnical Pty Ltd.Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Jerry RanManager of Geotechnical Engineering

Barrick Gold CorporationToronto, Ontario, Canada

Donald E. RantaPresident and CEO

Rare Elements Resources Ltd.Golden, Colorado, USA

Larry ReimannManager Technical Services

Cameco ResourcesCasper, Wyoming, USA

Abani SamalGeologist/Geostatistician

Pincock Allen & HoltDenver, Colorado, USA

Lee W. SapersteinDean Emeritus, School of Mines and MetallurgyMissouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, Missouri, USA

xxiv

Scott A. StebbinsPresident

Aventurine Mine Cost EngineeringSpokane, Washington, USA

Doug StilesAssistant General Manager

Carlota Copper Company–QuadraFnx MiningGlobe, Arizona, USA

Barton StoneChief Geologist


Nimal SubasingheAssociate Professor of Minerals Engineering


Edward ThomasProfessor (private practice)

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Tom VandergriftSenior Associate


Gary E. WalterPrinciple Consultant

Primo Safety and Health Services, LLCWilmington, Delaware, USA

Bill WarfieldProduct Manager (Ground Engineering Products)

Atlas Copco Construction Mining TechniqueRoseville, California, USA

Alan WeaklyConsultant

Innovative Mining SolutionsStory, Wyoming, USA

Andrew WethereltSenior Lecturer in Mining Engrg., Prog. Dir. BEng Mining Engrg.


David WhittleGlobal Manager, Planning Leadership Program


Anne L. WilliamsonPrinciple Scientist/Senior Project Manager

URS CorporationPhoenix, Arizona, USA

Johnny ZhanSenior Environmental Manager (Hydrology)

Barrick Gold CorporationSalt Lake City, Utah, USA

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