ETD Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/104


Please note: Digitised content is made available at the best possible quality range, taking into consideration file size and the condition of the original item. These restrictions may sometimes affect the quality of the final published item. For queries regarding content of ETD collection please contact IR specialists by email : IR specialists or Tel : 011 717 4652 / 1954

Follow the link below for important information about Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Library Guide about ETD

Browse

Filters

2011 - 201922020 - 20241

Settings

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Mining

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Structural analysis and geological modelling of a stratiform copper-cobalt deposit at Konkola, Central African Copper Belt, Zambia
    (2024) Mulonda, Sitwala
    The Konkola east mining block is one of the six mining blocks at Konkola mine owned by Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Chililabombwe Zambia. A structural analysis was carried out on the Konkola east mining block that assessed the main geological structures in the area and how they fit into the regional deformation history. The impact of the geological structures on short term mine planning was also assessed. The second part of this study involved creating a geological model and documenting the steps taken to create a workflow that can be applied to other parts of the mine. Geological mapping was carried out on underground crosscuts and 23 boreholes were logged. Ten thin sections were studied using an Olympus BX53M/DP74 microscope. Old mine working plans containing historical geological information were scanned and digitized. A database was created and validated data was used to create a geological model of the ore bearing rock; the ore shale unit using Surpac mining software. This study established that Konkola east has major normal faults striking north-south and low angle reverse faults striking east-west and sub- parallel to the regional fold axis. Parasitic folds were also identified. This configuration led to the interpretation of Konkola east as part of a larger dextral strike-slip fault system formed by north-south directed compression and east-west extension. Three main deformation phases were identified in this study and correlated with previous regional work. The earliest deformation resulted in the development of a bedding-parallel foliation due to burial. The second phase of deformation included the development of bedding parallel veins and the main folding event. The third phase involved the development of brittle structures including faults and three main joint sets. The main faults identified in this third deformation phase are thrust faults where the hangingwall block is observed to have moved up relative to the footwall block and normal faults where the hangingwall is observed to have moved down relative to the footwall. These structures were found to have major implications for the short-term mining plan especially regarding ground stability and the mine hydrogeological environment. A geological model was successfully created and the total volume of the ore shale unit was estimated to be 1,032,199 m3 .
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Load haul dump units for safe, productive stope cleaning operations
    (2015-01-21) Fourie, Johannes Louis;
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The changing roles of the state and transnational corporations in the development of mining in Zambia : an evaluation of influences on the transition from state to private ownership of the mining sector
    (2011-12-13) Ahmed, Rahima
    This dissertation principally analyses: (i) the privatisation of Zambia’s copper mines; (ii) the impact of state and private ownership and control of the mines on development; and (iii) the roles of mining TNCs in the Zambian economy. The research covers the period from independence in 1964 to 2006/7, but mainly focuses on the 1991 to 2006/7 period. The validity of several neo-classical theoretical views and counter-arguments pertaining to the social and economic benefits of privatisation and the private ownership and the activities of mining TNCs is tested in the mining sector study. The methodology is based on a case study comprising fieldwork and literature research, utilising a qualitative approach and an inductive method. The conclusions of the study could enhance knowledge from which other developing countries intent on privatising their SOEs could draw, as privatisation studies of sub-Saharan countries have mostly overlooked analyses of the social impact of the private ownership of enterprises. Key findings of the study are that the privatisation and private ownership of the mines by TNCs have failed to produce net positive socio-economic outcomes for Zambia. Furthermore, under private ownership of the mines, the political-economic benefits have shifted, mainly concentrating the surpluses from mining in favour of mining TNCs. The primary recommendations from the study are that certain measures, in particular a strong state capacity, are fundamental in enabling greater and more equitable redistribution of benefits for the country from privatisation, private ownership and the economic activities of mining TNCs.