PROGRAM : BEng.
Tech (Mining)
BEng. Tech (Mine Surveying)
SUBJECT : Mining Surface 2A
SUBJECT CODE : SMMMNA2
TYPICAL QUESTIONS FOR TESTS AND EXAMS
1 INTRODUCTION TO SURFACE MINING
1.1 In your own words, explain the typical global challenges, and associated
solutions, facing the surface mining industry today.
[10]
1.2 In your own words, explain the general advantages of surface mining
[10]
1.3 There are factors that make surface mining relatively more preferable than
underground mining. However, surface faces some development problems.
List and discuss at least five development problems facing surface mining.
Give examples that reflect the essence of each development problem. Give
a typical solution or practical response to each development problem
[10]
1.4 Calculate the average basic production costs (Tp1 and Tp2) and the
economic limit for the stripping ratio (Slim) based on the following mine data.
Ore reserves mined year 1 = 2mt
Ore reserves mined year 2 =3mt
Ore mining costs year 1 and 2 =R180/t
Waste mine year1 =5mt
Waste mined year2 =8mt
Waste mining cost year 1 and 2 =R260/t
If the underground ore mining cost was R300/t, what implications would it hold
for the development of the mine?
[10]
1.5 Given that there are factors that make surface mining relatively more preferable
than underground mining, and the fact that surface mining is more globally
widespread that underground. Would you say that surface mining in one hand
need its own legal framework, laws and regulations (that apply exclusively to
surface,) or, on the other hand, would you say that surface mining and
underground share many fundamental factors that a common legal framework
for both surface and underground is the only reasonable, and practical way to
follow? Justify your response.
1.6 With regards to any operational surface mine of your choice, list and discuss
environmental problems (or challenges) attributable to the mine. How is the
mine managing or controlling these problems? Are the solutions or control
measures implemented by the mine, in your opinion, in line with globally
recognised best practices? Justify your responses?
[10]
1.7 Why is the surface mining industry, and in particular surface mining, important?
Why do we need to conduct any study on surface mining? Justify your answer
[10]
1.8 Relative to a comparable underground mine, the capital and operational costs
of the surface are generally lower than that of the underground mine. Comment
on the reasonableness or unreasonableness of the statement. Typically, which
aspects of an operational mine would justify the reasonableness or
unreasonableness (correctness or incorrectness) of the statement?
[10]
2 SURFACE MINING METHODS
2.1 List and describe at least three classifications of ore reserves suitable for
surface mining
[6]
2.2 Describe in words, and also give figures or diagrammatical representations, of
at least five (5) orebody configurations that lend themselves to surface mining
methods. Give reef or mineral examples for each configuration
[10]
2.3 Describe in words, and also give figures or diagrammatical representations, of
the following surface mining methods:
2.3.1 Open pit mining
2.3.2 Strip mining
2.3.3 Terrace or Quarry mining
(Note: Your answers may, in each case, describe and/or indicate, amongst
others, the direction of mining advance; overburden material; waste
dumping/waste removal; backfilling; characteristics of benches; typical
equipment used; etc.)
[20]
2.4 Describe typical favourable conditions for the following:
2.3.1 Open pit mining
2.3.2 Strip mining
2.3.3 Terrace or Quarry mining
[20]
2.5 Explain the following terms with the aid of sketches, as they apply to an open-
pit operation.
a. Overall slope angle
[2]
b. Bench height
[2]
c. Bench slope
[2]
2.6 With regards to an open-pit operation, explain the relative steepness (i.e. which
one is steeper) between the individual bench slope angle on one hand and the
overall pit slope angle on the other? Justify your answer
[4]
2.7 In an open-pit operation, discuss the concept of stripping ratio and how it
generally impacts on the mine short-, medium, and long-term profitability. Does
the stripping ratio impact on the life-of-mine plan? Justify your answer
[10]
2.8 What is meant by “break-even stripping ratio” and what factors would you
consider when you need to determine its value?
Illustrate with suitable cross-section sketches showing ore and waste
components, how overall stripping ration can be;
a. Constant
b. Increasing
c. Decreasing over the life of an open-pit mine.
[10]
3 SURFACE MINE BLAST DESIGN
3.1 Why is carefully engineered blasting a requirement in modern surface mine
operations? Justify your answer
[10]
3.2 Through the use of an appropriate figure, illustrate and explain the common
terms used in a blast design (i.e. blast terminology)
[10]
3.3 Describe fragmentation from a two-step process perspective
[4]
3.4 List five ways in which the energy produced in rock blasting is used
[10]
3.5 The outcomes of an engineered blasting is dependent on a ‘marriage’ of a
number of factors. List and describe the factors on which an engineered blast
depends
[10]
3.6 Using the analogy of a typical transformation process, explain the salient
relationships between (and amongst) blast design parameters [Note: the use
of a figure/sketch is recommended]
[10]
POWDER FACTOR
3.7 Define Powder Density Factor (PDF)
[2]
3.8 Calculate the Powder Density Factor (PDF) for a non-jointed massive iron-ore
(hematite) of which the following data is known:
Data:
ρ = 4,8t/m3
UCS (σc) = 220 MPa
(φ+i) = 39°
RQD = 56%
Borehole diameter = 130mm
ω = 2m
Af = 13
The explosive that is used is ANFO at a specific gravity (sg) of 0,8 (or density
of 800kg/m3 ).
[3]
ANFO
3.9 Your classmate has given the chemical equation below. It is intended to
represent the combination of (NH4 NO3 ) - (the “AN”) ; and the No. 2 diesel
oil/fuel oil ((CH2 ) – (the “FO”). The combination is called ANFO
NH4 NO3 + CH2 ==> H2O + CO2 + 3 N2
3.9.1 Write down the correct balanced equation for the combination of (NH4 NO3 ) -
(the “AN”); and the No. 2 diesel oil/fuel oil ((CH 2 ) – (the “FO”).
[3]
3.9.2 Your classmate also alleges that both ammonium nitrate and diesel oil is
explosive are separately, in themselves explosive, and will always detonate to
spread mayhem to those found in their respective vicinity.
Comment on the correctness of your classmate’s allegations
[2]
3.9.3 A borehole 300mm in diameter (D) and 12m in length (L) is filled with ANFO
having a density (pe ) of 0.8 g/𝑐𝑚3
Given:
• Amount of energy liberated in a form of heat (ANFO): 912 calories per gram of
ANFO
• Velocity of detonation (VOD) for ANFO is of the order of 4529 m/second
• To convert kilocalories into kilojoules, multiply by a factor of 4.184
3.9.3.1 Calculate the explosive volume in the column
[4]
3.9.3.2 Calculate the mass of explosive in the column
[2]
3.9.3.3 Calculate the energy released
[2]
3.9.3.4 Calculate the time required for the entire column of explosive to
detonate
[2]
3.9.3.5 Calculate the power generated
[2]
3.10 A general empirical rule, which is applicable to your mine, based on bench
height (H) to the borehole diameter (d) ratio is given:
200 > (H/d) > 60
For a bench height of 12m (H), one of the recommendations you have received
is the use of a borehole of 500mm in diameter (d). Would you consider
implementing the recommendation?
[3]
4 LOADING SHOVELS
5 HAULAGE AND TRUCK PROCUCTITIVTY
5.1 Compare and contrast the manoeuvrability of the following trucks:
5.1.1 Two-axle rigid dump truck versus a three-axle rigid dump truck
[2]
5.1.2 A three-axle articulated dump (ADT) versus a three-axle rigid
dump truck
[2]
5.2 Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of a three-axle rear-
end dump truck on one hand and a three-axle bottom dump truck on the other
[6]
5.3 Rear-dump trucks are often used on open pit mines, and either rear- or
bottom-dump truck are used on strip mine. Justify these occurrences
[6]
5.4 A typical 250t truck is laden to 400t GVM. Calculate the following:
5.4.1 The load on each back wheel (assume 4 wheel on dual
assembly)
State your assumptions
[4]
5.4.2 Calculate the load on each front wheel
[1]
5.5 List the advantages and disadvantages of a double tyre system
[10]
5.6 List the two most important criteria that determine tyre selection
[4]
5.7 A CAT789 with a laden weight of 300t (GVM) and an unladen weight of 120t
(EVM). The back axle is equipped with double wheels which carry 68% of the
GVM. What is the minimum TKPH rating for the tyre on a 5km haul running 6
trips per hour? Would you recommend radial or crossply tyres for this
machine? Justify your answer
[8]
5.8 Using the data given below, calculate the BCM hauled per truck in wet and
dry conditions. State all your assumptions
Truck: CAT 789 195t capacity using 36.00R51 tyres, 317t GVM
Route length: 4,6 km (up and down) against a 6% uphill slope for the
loaded trucks.
Assume that the rolling resistance is 2% when dry, 4% when wet
road.
Rock density: 2t/m3 loaded or 2,5t/m3 in-situ
Loading time: 3,4min for full load
Dump time: 2,4min
5.9 Typical data for a CAT 789 truck is given below. The truck completes 3 trips
per hour over a total distance of 10km (loader to dump and back). The current
tyre TKPH is 385. Comment on the suitability of this tyre choice under the
given conditions.
Truck GVM (t) 283
Truck EVM (t) 129
Mass distribution when fully laden:
Front axle (t) 90,56
Rear dual axle (t) 192,44
5.10 Discuss the limitations on truck size in terms of:
1. Tyres
2. Frame
3. Power train
4. Width of road and stripping ratio
5. Selection of loaders.
5.11 To improve production it is necessary to reduce waiting times right through the
production cycle. List the various points at which truck waiting time should be
reduced in the production cycle
[10]
5.12 A mine wishes to improve the productivity of its existing fleet of trucks and
loaders. Discuss the various parameters that can be analysed, modified,
implemented or improved to bring about an increase in the SYSTEM t/hr
productivity, for the following types of mining:
(a) A strip mine
(b) An open pit mine?
6 DRILLING EQUIPMENT
6.1 List the range of machines that are currently available for surface mine drilling
[4]
6.2 Explain the capability of a typical rotary drill machine
[2]
6.3 List the main components, and functions, of a typical rotary drill machine
[10]
6.4 List, and explain three factors that determine (i.e. or primarily influence) the
choice of a specific rotary drilling model
[10]
6.5 Using the rule of thumb guidelines, indicate your choice of drill machine for
the following:
1. Hard rock (Qc > 150 MPa) , diameter approximately 120mm
2. Hard rock (Qc > 150 MPa) , diameter approximately 154mm
3. The largest diameter in hard rock mines are 180 – 400 mm
4. Strip mines, and open-pit mines
[8]
6.6 For drilling overburden at a strip mine in the Witbank area, 250mm tricone
button drill bit was suggested. The overburden material comprises siltstone and
sandstone with compressive strengths of 110MPa and 140MPa respectively.
The total overburden is 20m which the upper 8m is siltstone
1. Find the maximum pulldown that the can be applied on the drill bit
2. Given the rotation tempo of 80rpm which is constant throughout drilling the
hole, if the maximum pulldown is applied, how long will it take to drill the
hole?
3. If the drilling pattern comprises 60 boreholes and there is a pullout time of 2
minute, a travelling time of 3 minute and a positioning time of 1 minute
between the holes, calculate the time it will take to drill the pattern (assume
single-pass drilling)
[10]
7 MINE HAUL ROAD DESIGN
7.1 What are mine haul roads used for? In your own words, explain the objectives
of mine haul road design
[10]
7.2 Explain rolling resistance. With the aid of a figure or diagram, indicate the point
of maximum rolling resistance between the tyre of a laden truck and a contact
surface. Comment on the deformation that may occur as attributable to a soft
surface contact as opposed to a hard surface contact
[10]
7.3 Not all the energy needed for deformation or movement of the wheel, roadbed,
etc., is recovered when pressure is removed. List three main forms of energy
losses in which in energy not recovered manifests
[10]
7.4 List two primary aims of integrated haul road design
[4]
7.5 List three issues that must be considered in the empirical design and
management of mine haul roads.
[6]
7.6 List the typical features of a mine haul road
[10]
7.7 In your own words, list and explain all conceivable aspects and issues of
integrated haul mine haul road design
[20]
