UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

2018 May/June Examinations

Faculty : Engineering
Department : Mining Engineering
Paper Code and Title : Mine Machinery (MIE313)
Duration : 3 Hours
Examiner : Eng. G. Dembetembe
Authorised Materials : Calculator

INSTRUCTIONS
1. This paper contains ONE section and FIVE questions
2. Answer QUESTION ONEand any other THREE (3)questions
3. Each question carries a total of 25 marks.
4. Start each question on a new page
5. This paper comprises 3 printed pages

NB: DO NOT TURN OVER THE QUESTION PAPER OR COMMENCE WRITING

UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO

Page 1 of 3
QUESTION ONE
A green-field platinum mining project requires the service of a mining machinery engineer to
determine an optimum fleet that can deliver 300 000 tonnes of ore to the processing plant every
month. Mining is on-reef and the gently dipping reef has an undulating dip that goes up to a
maximum of 30 degrees. Suggest a fleet of winning, loading, hauling and crushing equipment
that can be employed using the system dimensioning method. [25 marks]

QUESTION TWO
a) Explain why a machine with a rated maximum speed of 60km/h may be seen to only
achieve a maximum of 30km/h. [10 marks]
b) What precautions can an equipment planner take to ensure the right machine for the set
job conditions is selected? [5 marks]
c) If a tractor whose maximum rimpull in the first gear is 13,730lb, weighs 12.4 tons, and is
operated up a haul road with a slope of 2% and a rolling resistance of 100lb per ton, what
is the available pull (lb) for towing a load? [10 marks]

QUESTION THREE
a) Briefly explain five Key Performance Indicators that can be used to assess the efficiency
of a mining loading and haulage fleet. [10 marks]
b) Critically discuss fleet optimization and fleet management for a surface mining operation
employing a shovel/truck haulage system. [10 marks]
c) With the aid of a diagram suggest how the reliability of mining equipment can be
restored to optimal levels over time of usage. [5 marks]

QUESTION FOUR
a) Briefly describe slurry transportation in mines. [5 marks]
b) Explain how modern technology can be usedto monitor an entire mine dewatering and
slurry transportation system toachieve high operational efficiency. [10 marks]
c) What size and type of motor is required to drive a centrifugal pump (of 60%
efficiency)with the following conditions:
-static head 500m
-motor efficiency 90%
-rate of water delivery 25 000 litres/hour [10 marks]

Page 2 of 3
QUESTION FIVE
a) Briefly explain what equipment cost comprises? [4 marks]
b) What equipment procurement options are available for mining project owners and how
can an equipment planner use the knowledge of these methods to optimize equipment
cost? [6 marks]
3
c) A 5m bucket CAT excavator has an initial capital outlay of $105 000. It has an expected
lifespan of 3 years and an annual maintenance expense of $11 000. On the other hand, a
5m3 bucket BELL excavator has an initial capital outlay of $175 000; an expected
lifespan of 5 years; and an annual maintenance expense of $8 500. Which machine would
a firm making a capital budgeting decision choose if the firm’s cost of capital is 5%?
Give a reason for your choice! [15 marks]

END OF EXAMINATION PAPER

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