DRILL & BLAST


measured x-ray attenuation values. In this example, one of the gold particle candidates appears on the surface of the core and its composition has been verified by a reference method. In total, seven high attenuation particles with average volumes of about 0.018mm3


are present in this


section. So, gold particles show up as high attenuation particles, but what can the data be used for? An interesting path is to use the data to increase the understanding of the mineralisation e.g. in terms of whether the gold is associated with quartz or sulphides, in turn guiding the process steps needed after excavation. Another use case is to identify exactly which veins contain coarse gold and to measure their orientations using the Orexplore Insight software for further use in geological modelling software. Moreover, depending on the gold particle size distribution, and the presence of other kinds of high attenuation particles, it may even be possible to estimate


QUANTIFICATION OF HIGH ATTENUATION PARTICLES Scheelite is a good example of a mineral that will show up as high attenuation particles if resolved (Fig.2.) with scheelite (orange) and quartz (blue) in a host rock (grey). Te mineral can occur at rather high concentrations and can therefore cover a fair fraction of the CT


volume. Detailed studies of particle shapes and size distributions is possible, which gives valuable input to the mineral processing chain. Optimisation of processes such as


Fig.2. Scheelite particles (orange)


gold concentration values, while, being a non-destructive method, still preserving all drill core. Maintaining spacial information may be critical for a structurally controlled deposit.


crushing, grinding and sieving by means of GeoCore X10 data may yield considerable economic benefit to the mining operation.


Alexander Hansson is principle researcher at Orexplore. www.orexplore.com


NEW RIGS JOIN MASTER FLEET AT INDIAN MINE PROJECT M


inemaster recently announced that one unit of its Face Master 2.3 development jumbo and


one unit of its Production Master 2.3 long hole drill rig have arrived safely in India to join their master fleet. These machines will support the company’s partner, GHH BUMI Mining Services, in mine development and production at Hindustan Zinc Zawarmala mine. After the commissioning, the machines will be joining the 11 Mine Master machines already operating in the Zawar area. The Production Master 2.3 is a self-


propelled, longhole drill rig designed for drilling parallel upholes and downholes as well as fans and rings in vertical or inclined planes. A top- hammer system gives the possibility of drilling in a range of 64-165mm holes depending on the configuration. A remote-control panel is included


for easy operation and drilling accuracy. The user-friendly positioning system offers drilling in required directions. The rig has very good stability for fast tramming even in tough road conditions. The Face Master 2.3 is a twin boom


drilling rig intended to drill drifting face holes with diameters from 41 mm to 76mm. The drill-off area covers about 67m2.


Both booms on the machine are


equipped with telescopic feeders. The hole depth may range from 2,150 to 4,010mm, or 2,440 to 4,310mm with corresponding length of the drilling rod. The impact power of the hydraulic perforator is rated at 19,4 kW. The FM 2.3 is characterised by its compact dimensions and good manoeuvrability. It


comes in with an internal turning radius of 3,300 and an external turning radius of 6,650mm. A major advantage is the robust construction of chassis, providing long service life and low maintenance costs. The machine is diesel-powered, features a permanent four-wheel drive and an ergonomic operator´s cabin. It can also be equipped with a system to control working parameters with data transfer via Wi-Fi.


For more information visit www.minemaster.eu


www.engineerlive.com 15


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