AU2003200413A1 - Marking process for broken rock or ore - Google Patents
Marking process for broken rock or ore Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2003200413A1 AU2003200413A1 AU2003200413A AU2003200413A AU2003200413A1 AU 2003200413 A1 AU2003200413 A1 AU 2003200413A1 AU 2003200413 A AU2003200413 A AU 2003200413A AU 2003200413 A AU2003200413 A AU 2003200413A AU 2003200413 A1 AU2003200413 A1 AU 2003200413A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- broken rock
- rock
- marking material
- detectable
- process according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Description
AUSTRALIA
PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original) APPLICATION NO:
LODGED:
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED:
ACCEPTED:
PUBLISHED:
RELATED ART: NAME OF APPLICANT: ACTUAL INVENTOR(S): ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: INVENTION TITLE: BRADLEY TRISTAN JURGANAS VALIUKAS and STEVEN JOHN LOACH BRADLEY TRISTAN JURGANAS VALIUKAS and STEVEN JOHN LOACH LORD COMPANY, Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, of 4 Douro Place, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005, AUSTRALIA.
MARKING PROCESS FOR BROKEN ROCK OR
ORE
DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S: AUSTRALIAN PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NUMBER PS0461 FILED FEBRUARY 13, 2002.
The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us:
TITLE
MARKING PROCESS FOR BROKEN ROCK OR ORE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a marking process for broken rock or ore, in particular broken rock arising from a blasting event.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In most mines ore and waste is routinely delineated by a geologist as "ore", "waste" or "other" at the face of a development drive prior to firing, or in the case of a stope the designation is predetermined. Typically, the geologist makes a written record that is then collated in a database or spreadsheet. In situ rock is fired and the resulting broken rock or ore is bogged into stockpiles from which the broken rock or ore is later collected and loaded into trucks and hauled to the surface.
Unfortunately during this process it often happens that the origin of the material in the stockpile is forgotten or confused, and therefore the broken rock or ore can be misidentified in the stockpile. The absence of a meaningful label can lead to the wrongful disposal of ore and the unprofitable treatment of waste as ore. A means of marking would also allow the purity of the stockpiles to be checked and allow for the monitoring of trucking accuracy.
In some mines, the broken rock or the stope is manually tagged with solid plastic tags.
It is also known to use a magnetic tagging system wherein iron washers are thrown into the broken rock or the stope. The washers are later collected with magnets in the mill crushing circuit, by which time mineral processing of the ore or broken rock has already commenced. These tagging methods are not entirely satisfactory because they rely upon the diligence of the mine personnel on site to firstly place the tags according to the correct designation and then to immediately record the designation for later identification. Further, the tags may be lost or misplaced during transport, or not easily retrieved for correct identification at a later time as described above.
The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part some of the aforementioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a marking process for broken rock resulting from a blasting event comprising disposing a detectable marking material adjacent to a portion of the broken rock after a blasting event then utilizing a bogger to evenly distribute the detectable marking material throughout the broken rock.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a marking process for broken rock resulting from a blasting event comprising disposing a detectable marking material adjacent to a portion of the in situ rock prior to a blasting event then utilizing the force of the blasting event in the in situ rock to evenly distribute the detectable marking material throughout the broken rock.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for identifying marked broken rock resulting from a blasting event, wherein a detectable marking material has been evenly distributed throughout the broken rock, the method comprising the steps of: a) subjecting the marked broken rock to an analytical technique to detect the detectable marking material; b) determining a fingerprint of the marked broken rock from the analytical results arising from step a); c) matching the fingerprint of the marked broken rock with any one of a plurality of fingerprints contained in a database of unique fingerprints corresponding to a plurality of marked broken rock resulting from a respective plurality of blasting events.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a marking process for broken rock resulting from a blasting event comprising disposing a detectable marking material adjacent to a portion of the broken rock then evenly distributing the detectable marking material throughout the broken rock. In the context of the present invention any reference to "broken rock" may also be taken as referring to ore. The marking process can be put into effect in relation to broken rock or in situ rock prior to a blasting event by using a detectable marking material that is arranged to withstand the blasting process and use the force of the blasting process as a means by which the detectable marking material is evenly distributed throughout the broken rock, or be distributed throughout the ore body immediately after the blasting process.
Preferably, the detectable marking material includes, but is not limited to, any one of, or a combination of, the following materials: liquid dyes and pigments; solid particulate materials including polystyrene markers, plastics, stone, glass, solid composite materials, and metallics; radioactive agents; fluorescent agents; magnetic materials. It is envisaged that the solid particulate material may be colour coded and/or shaped for easy identification by visual means.
Solid composite materials, such as concrete, may contain a single or combination of coloured pigments that in addition to being readily identifiable by visual means may also afford UV fluorescent properties. The solid composite materials may be manufactured in variable strengths to control the degree of fragmentation and size of the fragmented particles afforded during the blasting event.
It is also envisaged that the detectable marking material may be integrally mixed with explosives used in the blasting process.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the detectable marking material is disposed adjacent to a portion of in situ rock prior to a blasting event. The force of the blast is then utilized to evenly distribute the detectable marking material throughout the broken rock resulting from the blast. Preferably, polystyrene markers are employed as the detectable marking material in the preferred embodiment.
The inventors have found that when a suitably contained detectable marking material is placed adjacent to in situ rock, the force of the blast distributes the detectable marking material relatively evenly throughout the broken rock resulting from the blast, allowing future identification of the broken rock derived from the blast.
The detectable marking material may be contained in plaster or concrete tubes, although it is also envisaged that the detectable marking material could be integrally mixed or packaged with the explosives used in the blasting process. Typically, the plaster or concrete tubes of marking material are placed on the exterior of the rock face or in close proximity to the rock face, or hung from the backs prior to blasting. It is envisaged that this particular embodiment of the marking process would be applied to stripping cuts or long hole stopes.
The inventors have found that it is also possible to effect good distribution of the detectable marking material evenly throughout the ore body when the detectable marking material is disposed "inside" the rock mass of the in situ rock. A suitably contained detectable marking material, as described above, is placed within holes drilled into the rock mass, including reamed holes forming part of a "burn" in a development heading. The force of the blast is then used to evenly distribute the detectable marking material throughout the resultant broken rock. The main areas of application of this particular embodiment of the invention are expected to be development headings that contain a burn including reamed holes.
The preferred detectable marking material employed comprises coloured polystyrene substantially spherical beads with a diameter in the range of about 1 mm 20 mm, preferably of 3 mm diameter. Loose polystyrene prills, polystyrene grist, or compacted polystyrene beads of a similar size may also be used to similar or an improved effect, possibly because their irregular shape and compactable nature affords an increased number of markers per unit volume (m 3 in comparison to spherically shaped polystyrene beads.
Typically, approximately five litres of polystyrene markers including spherical beads, loose prills, polystyrene grist, or compacted beads, are packed into the reamed holes, also know as "reamers", in an approximately central location of an explosive packing pattern typically used as part of a "burn" in a development heading.
Alternatively, the polystyrene markers may be disposed inside reamed holes in other locations in the rock face of the general blasting area where the polystyrene markers are unlikely to come into contact or close proximity with any flame resulting from the blast.
It is known to employ and pack white polystyrene beads in reamed holes in an outer perimeter of a blasting pattern of a blasting face in order to dilute the amount of explosive material in locations where a high concentration of explosive material is unnecessary.
Accordingly, it is an important consideration that if polystyrene markers are employed as the detectable marking material, that the polystyrene markers are coloured or provided with an indicia including numeric, alphabetic or pictorial symbols to allow for ready identification and a means for distinguishing the polystyrene markers from white polystyrene beads that may be ubiquitous in the blasting area.
In another embodiment of the invention, the detectable marking material is disposed adjacent to a portion of the broken rock after it has experienced a blasting event, although it is also possible to introduce and distribute the marking material at a later stage. A bogger is generally used to collect and transport dirt resulting from the blasting event to stockpiles. It is envisaged that the detectable marking material will be evenly distributed throughout the dirt by the conventional movement and action of the bogger.
The means by which the detectable marking material is disposed adjacent to a portion of the broken rock after it has experienced a blasting event may vary. The preferred means is by bombarding the broken rock resulting from the blast with at least one fragile container, such as for example, a balloon, filled with the detectable marking material. The or each fragile container is arranged to burst on impact with the broken rock, thereby distributing the detectable marking material to a certain degree amongst the broken rock. The detectable marking material is further evenly distributed through the broken rock by the bogging process. The main areas of application for this particular embodiment of the invention are expected to be stripping cuts (without a burn cut) and long hole stopes.
Each embodiment of the present invention provides a way in which a detectable marking material, which is readily detected and identifiable at a later time, can be introduced into the broken rock near to or at the time that it is classified by mine personnel. The correct marker is evenly distributed throughout the broken rock, as a result of the force of the blast or through the conventional collection and transport action of the bogger. The detectable marking material is arranged to be readily detectable, by visual means or by a suitable detection means.
Typically, the marking step is completed before broken material from the marked broken rock is bogged and transported away from the blast site so that it can be correctly identified at any time later in the mineral extraction process. This identification also means that mixing of two material types of a later stage, can be detected and that ore fired onto waste (and vice versa) can be selectively bogged.
One of the advantages of the present invention is that identification of the marked broken rock can be performed using a portable instrument, such as a UV lamp which makes a fluorescent marking agent highly visible, so that identification can be undertaken in the field without the need for laboratory based instnunentation. In addition, the level of skill required to operate the analytical instrumentation is relatively low and can be taught quickly.
Where the detectable marking material comprises, or is combined with, magnetic material, it is envisaged that the detectable marking material could be detected by means of magnetic strips either hand held or disposed on loader buckets or other ore handling equipment.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for identifying marked broken rock, wherein a detectable marking material has been evenly distributed throughout the broken rock. The method comprises the steps of first subjecting the marked broken rock to an analytical technique to detect the detectable marking material as described previously and then to determine a unique labeling fingerprint of the marked broken rock from the analytical results. The unique fingerprint is arranged to correspond to a unique detectable marking material or unique combination of detectable marking materials corresponding to the designation given to the ore body by mine personnel.
The method further comprises matching the unique fingerprint of the marked broken rock with any one of a plurality of fingerprints contained in a database of unique fingerprints corresponding to a plurality of marked broken rock arising from a plurality of blasting events.
Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (11)
1. A marking process for broken rock resulting from a blasting event comprising disposing a detectable marking material adjacent to a portion of the in situ rock prior to a blasting event then utilizing the force of the blasting event in the in situ rock to evenly distribute the detectable marking material throughout the resultant broken rock.
2. The marking process according to claim 1, wherein the detectable marking material is integrally mixed or packaged with explosive agents used in the blasting event.
3. The marking process according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the detectable marking material is contained within plaster or concrete tubes, whereby the plaster or concrete tubes are disposed on an exterior of a rock face, in close proximity to the rock face, hung from the backs prior to the blasting event, or disposed and packed in reamed holes in the rock face.
4. A marking process for broken rock resulting from a blasting event comprising disposing a detectable marking material adjacent to a portion of the broken rock then evenly distributing the detectable marking material throughout the broken rock immediately after the blasting event.
The marking process according to claim 4, wherein a bogger is utilized to evenly distribute the detectable marking material throughout the broken rock.
6. The marking process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detectable marking material includes, but is not limited to, any one of, or a combination of, the following: liquid dyes, pigments; solid particulate materials including polystyrene markers, plastics, stone, glass, solid composite materials, and metallics; radioactive agents; fluorescent agents; magnetic materials.
7. The marking process according to claim 6, wherein the polystyrene markers comprise substantially spherical polystyrene beads, loose polystyrene prills, polystyrene grist, or compacted polystyrene beads.
8. The marking process according to claim 7, wherein the substantially spherical polystyrene beads have a diameter in the range of about 1 mm
9. The marking process according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the solid particulate material is colour coded and/or shaped for ready identification by visual means.
The marking process according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the solid composite materials may be manufactured in variable strengths to control the degree of fragmentation and size of the fragmented particles afforded during the blasting event.
11. A method for identifying marked broken rock, wherein a detectable marking material has been evenly distributed throughout the broken rock, the method comprising the steps of: a) subjecting the marked broken rock to an analytical technique to detect the detectable marking material; b) determining a fingerprint of the marked broken rock from the analytical results arising from step a); c) matching the fingerprint of the marked broken rock with any one of a plurality of fingerprints contained in a database of unique fingerprints 12 corresponding to a plurality of marked broken rock arising from a respective plurality of blasting events. DATED THIS 10TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2003 BRADLEY TRISTAN JURGANAS VALIUKAS and STEVEN JOHN LOACH By their Patent Attorneys LORD COMPANY PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2003200413A AU2003200413A1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2003-02-07 | Marking process for broken rock or ore |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPS0461A AUPS046102A0 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2002-02-13 | Marking process for broken rock |
| AUPS0461 | 2002-02-13 | ||
| AU2003200413A AU2003200413A1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2003-02-07 | Marking process for broken rock or ore |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2003200413A8 AU2003200413A8 (en) | 2003-08-28 |
| AU2003200413A1 true AU2003200413A1 (en) | 2003-08-28 |
Family
ID=34063886
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2003200413A Abandoned AU2003200413A1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2003-02-07 | Marking process for broken rock or ore |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2003200413A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008122068A1 (en) * | 2007-04-05 | 2008-10-16 | Metso Minerals (Australia) Limited | An ore block marker and a sysytem for tracking progression of an ore through a process |
| US11694044B2 (en) | 2018-09-18 | 2023-07-04 | Topvu Ltd. | Ore tag assembly and system and method re same |
-
2003
- 2003-02-07 AU AU2003200413A patent/AU2003200413A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008122068A1 (en) * | 2007-04-05 | 2008-10-16 | Metso Minerals (Australia) Limited | An ore block marker and a sysytem for tracking progression of an ore through a process |
| US11694044B2 (en) | 2018-09-18 | 2023-07-04 | Topvu Ltd. | Ore tag assembly and system and method re same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2003200413A8 (en) | 2003-08-28 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CN101611267B (en) | Tracking system for blast holes | |
| US8122830B2 (en) | System and method for tracking identifiable initiators | |
| US8398175B2 (en) | Use of post-blast markers in the mining of mineral deposits | |
| Koeberl et al. | Evidence for a meteoritic component in impact melt rock from the Chicxulub structure | |
| Noble et al. | Mineral dust emissions at metalliferous mine sites | |
| AU2003200413A1 (en) | Marking process for broken rock or ore | |
| WO2008122068A1 (en) | An ore block marker and a sysytem for tracking progression of an ore through a process | |
| US2770736A (en) | Radioactive method for marking borehole formations | |
| Gustafson et al. | Face to Surface: a fragmentation study | |
| Jansen et al. | Tracer-based mine-mill ore tracking via process hold-ups at Northparkes mine | |
| Kiviets et al. | 40Ar/39Ar dating of yimengite from the Turkey Well kimberlite, Australia. The oldest and the rarest. | |
| Balamadeswaran et al. | Investigations Into The Influence Of Decking On Rock Fragmentation And Ground Vibrations By Blasting In Shallow Benches Of Limestone Quarries –A Case Study | |
| JP2003266054A (en) | Method for treating lead bullet contaminated soil | |
| AU2009227553A1 (en) | A marker for an ore block and a method for tracking the travel of an ore block within a stream of particulate ore material travelling along an ore travel path | |
| Rabe et al. | Development of a RF tracer for use in the mining and minerals processing industry | |
| CN117052400A (en) | Control method for improving mining quality of limestone ore | |
| RU2101094C1 (en) | Method of separation of mined bulk into metallic and nonmetallic parts and device for its embodiment | |
| Mustaffa | The management and valuation of quarries | |
| Moldoveanu et al. | Occupational Safety Risk Assessment for Wola Heavy-Duty Machinery Operator in a Romanian Diabase Open–Pit Mine. | |
| Hammond | An application of GIS in underground mining | |
| Šottník et al. | Characterization and environmental risk assessment of potential mining waste from Detva–Biely vrch deposit | |
| Kelly et al. | Geology and mining history of the Barton garnet mine, Gore Mt. and the NL ilmenite mine, Tahawus, NY with a temporal excursion to the MacIntyre iron plantation of 1857 | |
| EP3570026A2 (en) | Method with tracing agent for detecting a quantity of building material | |
| Elliott | Field Sampling Plan for Operable Unit 10-04 Security Training Facility Gun Range (Final) | |
| Mojtabai | The relations between energy input and block and particle size during rock fragmentation |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| TH | Corrigenda |
Free format text: IN VOL 17, NO 34, PAGE(S) 12271 UNDER THE HEADING APPLICATIONS OPI - NAME INDEX UNDER THE NAME VALIUKAS, BRADLEY AND LOACH, STEPHEN, APPLICATION NO. 2003200413, UNDER INID (71) CORRECT THE NAME TO READ VALIUKAS, BRADLEY AND LOACH, STEVEN, AND UNDER INID (72) CORRECT THE INVENTORS TO READ VALIUKAS, BRADLEY T J AND LOACH STEVEN J. |
|
| MK1 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(a) - no request for examination in relevant period |