The extraction of pillars, largely by trackless mining methods, at Randfontein Estates Gold Mining Company (Witwatersrand) Ltd.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014-04-03
Authors
Sweet, Clem Albert Foster
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This dissertation covers the strategy applied in
extracting Gold ore from geologically
disturbed areas with dips ranging from flat
through to ±60°. A further complicating factor
was that the reef thickness varied from around
1 meter up to 3,5 meters wide.
This project covers the aspects from system
planning and investigation of mining methods,
the computer simulations of pillar dimensions
and the predicted stress patterns. The project
then proceeds to explain the mining methods
applied aiid some reasons for having chosen
these particular methods.
The results of these mining operations are
evaluated and comments are made on
relevant matters. Some of the problems
encountered are explained and finally some of
the lessons learned are enumerated so as to
assist ether persons who are faced with
similar type of problems.