SME MINING ENGINEERING HANDBOOK
SME MINING ENGINEERING HANDBOOK THIRD EDITION VOL UM E O N E EDITED BY PETER DA R LING
Published by Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Explor ation, Inc.
Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. (SME) (303) 948-4200 / (800) 763-3132 www.smenet.org SME advances the worldwide mining and minerals community through information exchange and professional development. With members in more than 70 countries, SME is the world’s largest association of mining and minerals professionals. Copyright © 2011 Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. Supported by the Seeley W. Mudd Memorial Fund of AIME. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Information contained in this work has been obtained by SME, Inc., from sources believed to be reliable. However, neither SME nor its authors and editors guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein, and neither SME nor its authors and editors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages arising out of use of this information. This work is published with the understanding that SME and its authors and editors are supplying information but are not attempting to render engineering or other professional services. Any statement or views presented herein are those of individual authors and editors and are not necessarily those of SME. The mention of trade names for commercial products does not imply the approval or endorsement of SME. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. ISBN 978-0-87335-264-2 Ebook 978-0-87335-341-0 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data SME mining engineering handbook / edited by Peter Darling. -- 3rd ed. v. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-87335-264-2 1. Mining engineering--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Darling, Peter, 1956- II. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (U.S.) III. Title: Mining engineering handbook. TN145.S56 2011 622--dc22 2010050815
Contents
Foreword ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ix Preface ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� xi About the Managing Editor ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� xiii Contributing Authors �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� xv Technical Reviewers����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� xxi
PART 1: Mining: Setting the Scene 1.1 1.2 1.3
Mining: Ancient, Modern, and Beyond������������������������������������������������������������������ 3 Current Trends in Mining ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 11 Future Trends in Mining �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21
PART 2: Market Economics 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
Economics of the Minerals Industry �������������������������������������������������������������������� 39 Pricing and Trading in Metals and Minerals �������������������������������������������������������� 49 Market Capitalization ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 65 Investment Analysis���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 73
PART 3: Exploration 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
Geological Features and Genetic Models of Mineral Deposits ���������������������������� 83 Minerals Prospecting and Exploration���������������������������������������������������������������� 105 Geophysics Prospecting�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 113 Geochemical Prospecting ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 127
PART 4: Deposit Assessment 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9
Geological Data Collection�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 145 Geologic Interpretation, Modeling, and Representation ������������������������������������ 173 Sample Preparation and Assaying���������������������������������������������������������������������� 187 Ore-Body Sampling and Metallurgical Testing�������������������������������������������������� 193 Mineral Resource Estimation������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 203 Valuation of Mineral Properties�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 219 Mineral Property Feasibility Studies������������������������������������������������������������������ 227 Cost Estimating for Underground Mines������������������������������������������������������������ 263 Cost Estimating for Surface Mines �������������������������������������������������������������������� 281
PART 5: Management and Administration 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4
Mine Economics, Management, and Law ���������������������������������������������������������� 297 Economic Principles for Decision Making �������������������������������������������������������� 309 Management, Employee Relations, and Training ���������������������������������������������� 317 A Global Perspective on Mining Legislation������������������������������������������������������ 331
PART 6: Mining Method Selection 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6
Evaluation of Mining Methods and Systems������������������������������������������������������ 341 Mining Methods Classification System�������������������������������������������������������������� 349 Selection Process for Hard‑Rock Mining ���������������������������������������������������������� 357 Selection Process for Underground Soft‑Rock Mining�������������������������������������� 377 Comparison of Underground Mining Methods �������������������������������������������������� 385 Comparison of Surface Mining Methods������������������������������������������������������������ 405
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PART 7: Rock Breaking Methods 7.1 7.2 7.3
Mechanical Rock Breaking �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 417 Blasthole Drilling ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 435 Explosives and Blasting�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 443
PART 8: Ground Mechanics 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11
Introduction to Ground Mechanics �������������������������������������������������������������������� 463 Soil Mechanics �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 471 Slope Stability���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 495 Rock Mechanics ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 527 Geotechnical Instrumentation ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 551 Hard-Rock Ground Control with Steel Mesh and Shotcrete ������������������������������ 573 Soft-Rock Ground Control���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 595 Ground Control Using Cable and Rock Bolting ������������������������������������������������ 611 Mine Subsidence������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 627 Tailings Impoundments and Dams���������������������������������������������������������������������� 645 Waste Piles and Dumps�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 667
PART 9: Infrastructure and Services 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 9.10
Electric Power Distribution and Utilization�������������������������������������������������������� 683 Compressed Air�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 705 Mine Communications, Monitoring, and Control ���������������������������������������������� 717 Mine Surveying�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 731 Dewatering Surface Operations�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 743 Dewatering Underground Operations ���������������������������������������������������������������� 765 Physical Asset Management ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 781 Automation and Robotics ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 805 Mine Infrastructure Maintenance������������������������������������������������������������������������ 825 Systems Engineering������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 839
PART 10: Surface Extraction
10.1 Introduction to Open‑Pit Mining������������������������������������������������������������������������ 857 10.2 Open-Pit Planning and Design���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 877 10.3 Mechanical Extraction, Loading, and Hauling �������������������������������������������������� 903 10.4 Selection and Sizing of Excavating, Loading, and Hauling Equipment�������������� 931 10.5 In-Pit Crushing �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 941 10.6 Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Haul Roads�������������������������������������� 957 10.7 Surface Ore Movement, Storage, and Recovery Systems ���������������������������������� 977 10.8 Strip Mining ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 989 10.9 Strip Mine Planning and Design ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 1013 10.10 Highwall Mining���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1027 10.11 Quarrying���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1031
PART 11: Hydraulic and Pipeline Mining 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6
Hydraulic Mining �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1049 Placer Mining and Dredging���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1057 Heap Leaching�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1073 Surface Techniques of Solution Mining������������������������������������������������������������ 1087 In-Situ Techniques of Solution Mining������������������������������������������������������������ 1103 Coal-Bed Methane Production�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1121
PART 12: Underground Development 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 12.9
Introduction to Underground Mine Planning���������������������������������������������������� 1135 Hard-Rock Equipment Selection and Sizing���������������������������������������������������� 1143 Soft-Rock Equipment Selection and Sizing������������������������������������������������������ 1157 Underground Horizontal and Inclined Development Methods�������������������������� 1179 Subsurface Mine Development������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1203 Construction of Underground Openings and Related Infrastructure ���������������� 1223 Tunnel Boring Machines in Mining������������������������������������������������������������������ 1255 Underground Ore Movement���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1271 Hoisting Systems���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1295
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PART 13: Underground Extraction
13.1 Room-and-Pillar Mining in Hard Rock������������������������������������������������������������ 1327 13.2 Room-and-Pillar Mining in Coal���������������������������������������������������������������������� 1339 13.3 Shrinkage Stoping�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1347 13.4 Sublevel Stoping���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1355 13.5 Cut-and-Fill Mining������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1365 13.6 Backfill Mining������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1375 13.7 Cave Mining ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1385 13.8 Longwall Mining���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1399 13.9 Sublevel Caving������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1417 13.10 Block Caving���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1437
PART 14: Mineral Processing 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7
Introduction to Mineral Processing������������������������������������������������������������������ 1455 Crushing, Milling, and Grinding���������������������������������������������������������������������� 1461 Classification by Screens and Cyclones������������������������������������������������������������ 1481 Gravity Concentration and Heavy Medium Separation������������������������������������ 1507 Fundamental Principles of Froth Flotation ������������������������������������������������������ 1517 Magnetic and Electrostatic Separation�������������������������������������������������������������� 1533 Dewatering Methods���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1547
PART 15: Health and Safety 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7
Mine Safety������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1557 Health and Medical Issues in Global Mining���������������������������������������������������� 1567 Mine Ventilation ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1577 Gas and Dust Control �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1595 Heat, Humidity, and Air Conditioning�������������������������������������������������������������� 1611 Radiation Control �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1625 Noise Hazards and Controls ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1633
PART 16: Environmental Issues 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7
Site Environmental Considerations������������������������������������������������������������������ 1643 Mining and Sustainability�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1665 Impacts and Control of Blasting ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 1689 Water and Sediment Control Systems�������������������������������������������������������������� 1705 Mitigating Acid Rock Drainage������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1721 Waste Disposal and Contamination Management �������������������������������������������� 1733 Closure Planning���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1753
PART 17: Community and Social Issues 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4
Community Issues�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1767 Social License to Operate �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1779 Cultural Considerations for Mining and Indigenous Communities������������������ 1797 Management of the Social Impacts of Mining�������������������������������������������������� 1817
Appendices A B C
Web Sites Related to Mining���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1827 Coal Mine Gas Chart���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1833 Conversion Chart���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1835
Index������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������I-1
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Dedication With deep appreciation for his contributions to the mining industry, we dedicate this 3rd edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook to the memory of Richard E. Gertsch, 1945–2005. Richard provided the initial leadership and direction for this edition. His guidance allowed others to carry on with his vision. Richard was a widely respected and admired mining engineer enjoying an illustrious career spanning decades of work both in industry and academia. Richard served on the SME Board of Directors and as the Chair of the M&E Division. He was active on many committees working on important SME functions such as peer review, programming, membership, publications, nominations, scholarships, and awards. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1991.
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Foreword Mining engineers throughout the world are the salt of the earth, and this third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook will be their bible. It builds on the grand tradition begun by highly respected leaders of the mining industry—Peele (1918, 1927, and 1941) and continued by Cummins and Given (1973) and then Hartman (1992). Handbooks by their nature are often hard to read, but this one is a striking exception. Its readability immediately stands out and allows one to quickly absorb and comprehend its content—not only the text, but also the many tables, figures, and photographs. Artwork has been substantially upgraded and is especially appealing. The superb presentation reflects the managing editor’s technical writing background, as well as the input and skills of Jane Olivier, SME’s manager of book publishing, who spent a decade urging a new edition, and Diane Serafin, an editing specialist, who delved doggedly into the tedious details. The bar of excellence in the quality and scope of material is well maintained and at a high level throughout. Often a work involving numerous experts can lead to conflicting views on countless aspects. However, the clashing of ideas is notably a hallmark of serious thinking. The clear beneficiary of the high standard is the reader, which in this case is the practicing mining engineer in the worldwide mining industry, as well as others in academia and government. The strength of this handbook lies clearly in the quality of the chapter authors and peer reviewers. They are indeed talented experts in their specialized technical fields. A decided trend toward internationalism, paralleling similar trends in the supply and demand of mineral and energy raw materials, is evidenced by a cursory perusal of the lists of contributing authors and technical reviewers. Almost half of them are working and living outside the United States. In total, ten countries are represented—primarily English-speaking ones. Such a diverse cadre of individuals offers wide-ranging views of the worldwide mining industry’s multifaceted problems and potential solutions in a period of accelerated technological and social change. The broad scope is another strength for which no unanimity of thought can be expected or anticipated when taking a global perspective on the various issues. Carryover material from previous editions is strictly limited, and when included, it is updated to be genuinely contemporary and purposeful. Practical and useful instead of merely theoretical and interesting are the watchwords throughout the work. Comprehensiveness is an important feature not to be overlooked in a world-class handbook. This edition sets the standard and will be emulated far into the future. Much attention has been given to what can be instead of what is past. Productiveness received authoritative treatment. Specific emphasis has been given to broad topics that will continue to confront the industry in the years ahead, such as environmental issues, public concerns, health and safety matters, and sustainability. This handbook provides a pathway for the synthesis and solution of many of the complex issues and problems the mining industry is facing in the 21st century. Raymond L. Lowrie Editor of the SME Mining Reference Handbook Recipient of the 2004 SME President’s Citation February 2011
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Preface It was Robert Peele who gathered a group of 46 specialists almost a century ago to write the now classic Mining Engineers’ Handbook, published in 1918 by John Wiley & Sons, with second and third editions published in 1927 and 1941. When Wiley declined to publish further editions, SME began publication of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook. SME published the first edition in 1973 and a second edition in 1992. From that initial publication in 1918, the handbook has been acknowledged as the repository of all essential information and useful, practical detail relating to virtually every aspect of mining. From the beginning of my mining career, I have relied heavily on this book as a source of inspiration and information. With the honor of being asked to take on the somewhat challenging role of managing editor for this third edition, I owe a debt of professional gratitude to several generations of managing editors, authors, and technical reviewers who set the seemingly impossible high standards in the previous editions of the handbook. From the onset, several objectives were established. These objectives included (1) to produce a book that would stand shoulder to shoulder as an equal alongside previous editions, (2) to maintain its tradition of being the “handbook of choice” for every practicing mining engineer, (3) to be practical rather than theoretical in its content and approach, and (4) to be international in its appeal and examples. Mining is an international business, and the importance of sharing experiences, knowledge, and examples from around the world cannot be overemphasized. A water “problem” in one part of the world may be considered “normal” in another. A “deep” mine on one continent may connote “very deep” on another. Tailings dams in some countries need to be earthquake proof, whereas in other countries they must be free draining. This edition attempts to take the best of the best from around the world and package it in a standard and logical format for the benefit of the global industry. This internationalism is shown by the subjects covered in each chapter as well as by the nationalities of the world-class authors and technical reviewers represented. It is noteworthy that most significant mining operations have graciously shared their knowledge, techniques, experience, and alternative viewpoints. The handbook has moved with the times to cover the issues that are exercising the industry, the innovations that are exciting, and how the industry is dealing with changing attitudes toward a number of its constituents such as energy (both electrical generation and carbon/petroleum based), water management, resource maintenance, and the whole subject of sustainable development. One of the significant areas in which this handbook differs from previous editions is that it includes several chapters on both the social and environmental issues often associated with mining, and, more importantly, how these issues and their impacts can be mitigated and managed. It is important to note that this is a handbook and not an encyclopedia of everything mining. Several subjects previously included as dedicated chapters are now covered in less detail within other chapters. This move was not designed to marginalize or dilute the importance of certain subjects but was done to acknowledge the significant shifts in the way mining has changed as a result of new technologies. It also reflects how the work and the responsibilities of today’s mining engineer have changed and developed.
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Attempts to encapsulate the essence of so diverse a discipline as mining engineering could not have been possible without the unselfish contributions of the hundreds of authors, coauthors, technical reviewers, and mentors who are very much the unsung heroes of this publication. Much gratitude and thanks are due to the many talented and world-class professionals who have given so freely, patiently, and enthusiastically of their time, hard-earned experiences, and masterful knowledge on a plethora of mining and related subjects to ensure that this handbook was produced on time and to the meteoric standards that the industry has come to expect. One of the many delights of managing this project has been the acquaintance (usually electronically) of so many helpful, patient, enthusiastic, and friendly people from within the various mining associations, academic establishments, mining companies, and consultancies, as well as retired engineers and specialist editors—everyone an expert in their field. Without their cooperation, steady guidance, constructive comment, and encouragement, the managing of this edition would have been an impossible task. I cannot name them all, and to mention some but not others would be ungracious, but tremendous appreciation is due. These experts are headed by the authors themselves, almost every one of whom is a world leader in their specialist field. Often with the briefest of guidance and without any form of remuneration, they have passionately undertaken their writing tasks. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism formed the bedrock on which the handbook has been based, and, as a result, they have produced superb and exceptional texts. I salute and thank you all. Next, I acknowledge the many technical reviewers who, often at short notice and, as this project progressed, with an ever shortening lead time, have been called on to read through many drafts before articulating and listing their comments, suggestions, and observations. It typically was not an easy task and often may have been a marathon requiring skills, diplomacy, and knowledge that went well beyond their original brief. I apologize and thank you. Thanks are extended to SME’s book publishing team who have been thoroughly professional and efficient in their handling of this edition. This team has checked every comma, word, phrase, sentence, and illustration. They have ensured that copyright rules have not been flaunted in the quest for expedience, checked and rechecked references, standardized units of measure, and performed a hundred and one other tasks to ensure that this finished product is a source of information in a format that at best pleases and at worst does not annoy. Their attention to detail in this exacting task is very much appreciated. I also thank SME for affording me this opportunity to repay some of the debt that I believe is owed to an industry that has kept me fed, watered, enthralled, and enthused for more than three decades. Finally, I trust that any errors in opinion, facts, or perceptions in the handbook are few in number and will not overtly detract from the usefulness of and, I dare say, enjoyment of this third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook. Peter Darling February 2011
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About the Managing Editor
Peter Darling, managing editor of the third edition of the SME Mining Engineering Handbook, has more than 30 years of experience as a mining engineer and journalist. A graduate of the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, Darling worked as an oil industry engineer on offshore projects in Gabon, Congo, Angola, the Gulf of Guinea, the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, Tunisia, Egypt, and Abu Dhabi. He was also involved in underground platinum mines in South Africa and open-pit tin operations in Brazil. Darling then embarked on a career as a technical writer and editor. His assignments took him to mines, quarries, tunnels, and construction sites stretching from Chile to China, Alaska to Australia, Peru to Papua New Guinea, and Russia to La Reunion. During this period he served as editor for a variety of respected industry publications, including International Mining, Engineering and Mining Journal, Rock Products, Tunnels & Tunnelling International, International Construction, The Cement Edition, Construction Asia, and Coal (North America). Darling also served as the press officer for Rio Tinto in London. As a Royal Air Force Reserve officer, Darling was deployed to Gulf War II and twice to Afghanistan where he completed the final edit of the handbook. He is a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration. Darling is currently a freelance technical editor, journalist, reporter, and speech writer specializing in mining, quarrying, oil and gas, tunneling, heavy construction, and engineering. Peter Darling BEng (Hons), ARSM, CEng Gothic House, Aylsham, Norfolk, England www.peterdarling.co.uk
[email protected]
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Contributing Authors
L. Adler
Ernest Bohnet
Professor West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Vice President of Mining and Geological Services Pincock Allen & Holt Denver, Colorado, USA
Tom Albanese
Richard K. Borden
Chief Executive Officer Rio Tinto Ltd. London, United Kingdom
Principal Advisor Environment Rio Tinto South Jordan, Utah, USA
Breanna L. Alexander
Robert G. Boutilier
Metallurgical Engineer Lyntek, Inc. Lakewood, Colorado, USA
President Boutilier & Associates Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Cuernavaca, Mexico
Derek B. Apel
Charles A. Brannon
Professor, School of Mining & Petroleum Engineering University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Manager Underground Planning Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Odd G. Askilsrud
Ian Brown
President Tunnel Engineering and Applications, Inc. Renton, Washington, USA
National Production Manager Lafarge Aggregates, Mountsorrel Quarry Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
William F. Bawden
Richard L. Bullock
Pierre Lassonde Chair in Mining Engineering University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Professor Emeritus, Mining & Nuclear Engineering Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri, USA
Scott Beer
Jeremy Busfield
Chief Operating Officer Rajant Corporation Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA
Principal Consultant MineCraft Consulting Pty Ltd. Queensland, Australia
Eric N. Berkhimer
Felipe Calizaya
Senior Applications Engineer P&H Mining Equipment Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Associate Professor University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Stephen L. Bessinger
Gordon K. Carlson
Engineering Manager BHP Billiton–San Juan Coal Company Farmington, New Mexico, USA
Chief Mine Engineer Henderson Mine, Climax Molybdenum Empire, Colorado, USA
Evelyn L. Jessup Bingham
Peter G. Carter
Group Manager, Closure & Waste BHP Billiton Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Manager of Mining Engineering BHP Billiton Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Martyn Bloss
Timothy P. Casten
Manager Long Term Planning, Olympic Dam BHP Billiton Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Director, Underground Planning Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Phoenix, Arizona, USA xv
Joe Cline
Geoff Dunstan
Lead Discipline Engineer Cementation USA, Inc. Sandy, Utah, USA
Mining Manager Newcrest Mining Ltd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
L. Graham Closs
Gary Dyer
Associate Professor, Dept. of Geology & Geological Engrg. Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado, USA
Manager Strategy BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Mark Colwell
Erik Eberhardt
Principal Colwell Geotechnical Services Queensland, Australia
Professor of Geological Engineering University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Ivan A. Contreras
A.J. (Joe) Erickson Jr.
Vice President Barr Engineering Company Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
(Retired) Mining Geology Consultant Anaconda, UPCM Co., AMAX, EXXON Coal & Minerals Co. Houston, Texas, USA
J. Alan Coope
Reinhold A. Errath
(Deceased) Former Director of Geochemistry Newmont Exploration Ltd. Denver, Colorado, USA
Technology Manager for Drives ABB Switzerland Ltd. Baden, Switzerland
Phillip C.F. Crowson
Robin Evans
Honorary Professor & Professorial Research Fellow Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law & Policy University of Dundee, Scotland
Senior Research Fellow, University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Inst., Centre for Social Resp. in Mining Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Michael J. Cruickshank
Brian Flintoff
Consulting Marine Mining Engineer Marine Minerals Technology Center Associates Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Senior VP Tech. Dev., Equipment & Systems Business Line Metso Mining & Construction Technology Kelowna, BC, Canada
Kadri Dagdelen
Frank H. Fox
Professor of Mining Engineering Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado, USA
Head of Occupational Health Anglo American plc Johannesburg, South Africa
Donald A. Dahlstrom
Daniel M. Franks
(Deceased) Former Professor Emeritus University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Research Fellow, University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Inst., Centre for Social Resp. in Mining Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Diana Dalton
Russell Frith
Lawyer and Independent Consultant in Mining Law Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Adjunct Professor, School of Mining Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Peter Darling
Maurice C. Fuerstenau
Managing Editor and Freelance Technical Writer Aylsham, Norfolk, United Kingdom
J.A.J. (Barry) de Wet
Newmont Professor of Minerals Engineering University of Nevada Reno, Nevada, USA
Malcolm G. Dorricott
Professor of Mining Engineering University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Charles Dowding
Adjunct Professor University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Director and Consulting Geophysicist BDW Geophysics Consulting Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Rajive Ganguli
Principal Consultant AMC Consultants Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Ginger Gibson
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois, USA
Don Grant
Superintendent Life of Asset Planning, Olympic Dam BHP Billiton Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Jedediah D. Greenwood
Lok Home
Senior Geotechnical Engineer Barr Engineering Company Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
President The Robbins Company Solon, Ohio, USA
Ed Grygiel
John Hooper
Manager of Six Sigma Engineering Jim Walter Resources Brookwood, Alabama, USA
Managing Director Joem Promotions Deal, Kent, United Kingdom
Bernard J. Guarnera
Paul B. Hughes
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors Behre Dolbear Group, Inc. Denver, Colorado, USA
Research Assistant, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
John Hadjigeorgiou
James D. Humphrey
Director, Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program and Lassonde Institute for Engrg. Geosciences, Univ. of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Market Professional–Mining Caterpillar, Inc., Global Mining Division Decatur, Illinois, USA
Douglas F. Hambley
David Humphreys
Associate Agapito Associates, Inc. Golden, Colorado, USA
Independent Consultant Former Chief Economist at Rio Tinto & Norilsk Nickel London, United Kingdom
Kenneth N. Han
Partha V. Iyer
Professor Emeritus South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, South Dakota, USA
Consultant Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Jack Haptonstall
President Geochemical Applications International, Inc. Centennial, Colorado, USA
John P. Harrison
Associate Professor, Curtin University Western Australian School of Mines Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
Jeffrey A. Jaacks
Mining Consultant Pincock Allen & Holt Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Andrew Jarosz
Lassonde Institute, Department of Civil Engineering University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Daniel W. Kappes
Paul Harvey
President Kappes, Cassiday and Associates Reno, Nevada, USA
Zaher Hashisho
Professor of Chemical Engineering Michigan Technological University Houghton, Michigan, USA
Richard Herrington
Senior Research Fellow, University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Inst., Centre for Social Resp. in Mining Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
President Ekati BHP Billiton Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
S. Komar Kawatra
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engrg. University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Deanna Kemp
Researcher, Economic Geology Natural History Museum London, United Kingdom
Thomas Kerr
Ken Hill
President Knight Piésold and Company Denver, Colorado, USA
Walter E. Hill Jr.
Technical Director Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Managing Director Xenith Consulting Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Philip King
(Deceased) Former Chief Chemist AMAX Exploration, Inc. Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Charles A. Kliche
Professor of Mining Engineering South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, South Dakota, USA
R. Anthony Hodge
President, International Council on Mining & Metals Professor, Mining & Sustainability, Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Peter Knights
Alistair MacDonald
BMA Chair and Professor of Mining Engineering University of Queensland Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Environmental Assessment Specialist SENES Consultants Limited Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Abby Korte
Travis J. Manning
Project Hydrologist Lidstone and Associates, Inc. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Metallurgical Engineeer Kappes, Cassiday & Associates Reno, Nevada, USA
Ronald Kuehl II
John Marks
General Manager, Vibrating Equip. & Systems Business Line Metso Mining & Construction Technology Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Consultant Lead, South Dakota, USA
Uday Kumar
Senior Associate Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc. Denver, Colorado, USA
Mahinda Kuruppu
Senior Process Engineer Lyntek, Inc. Lakewood, Colorado, USA
John I. Kyle
Chairman and Principal Mining Consultant AMC Consultants Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Dennis H. Laubscher
Head of Innovation Rio Tinto Ltd. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Michael D. Martin
Professor of Operation and Maintenance Engineering Luleå University of Technology Luleå, Sweden
Douglas K. Maxwell
Senior Lecturer Curtin University of Technology Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
Peter L. McCarthy
Vice President Lyntek, Inc. Lakewood, Colorado, USA
John McGagh
Mining Consultant Bushmans River Mouth, South Africa
David Laurence
John Mosher
Acting Director, School of Mining Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Executive Vice President–Operations PT Freeport Indonesia Tembagapura, Papua, Indonesia
G. Aubrey Lee
Michael G. Nelson
Senior Consultant SESCO Management Consultants Bristol, Tennessee, USA
Department Chair, Mining Engineering College of Mines & Earth Sciences, University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
José L. Lee-Moreno
Jerry M. Nettleton
Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Mining and Geological Engineering University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona, USA
Environmental Manager Peabody Energy Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
Jennifer B. Leinart
Antonio Nieto
CostMine Division Manager InfoMine USA Spokane Valley, Washington, USA
Associate Professor, Energy and Minerals Engineering Dept. Pennsylvania State University University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Paul Lever
Alan C. Noble
Prof. and CRCMining Chair, Mech. & Mining Engrg. School University of Queensland Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Principal Engineer and Owner Ore Reserves Engineering Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Christopher D. Lidstone
Ciaran O’Faircheallaigh
President Lidstone and Associates, Inc. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Professor, Politics and Public Policy Griffith University Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Braden Lusk
Marc Orman
Assistant Professor, Mining Engineering Department University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Senior Geotechnical Engineer Ausenco Vector Grass Valley, California, USA
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Jeffrey T. Padgett
Ian Runge
Consulting Geologist Monterey Coal Company Carlinville, Illinois, USA
Founder Runge Ltd. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Rimas T. Pakalnis
Kristin Sample
Associate Professor, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Staff Engineer Ausenco Vector Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Rich Peevers
W. Joseph Schlitt
Senior Engineer Ausenco Vector Grass Valley, California, USA
President Hydrometal, Inc. Knightsen, California, USA
Paul R. Peppers
Ross Seedsman
Supt. Central Maintenance & Projects, Sierrita Operations Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Co. Green Valley, Arizona, USA
Director Seedsman Geotechnics Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Fiona Perrott-Humphrey
Ian Sherrell
Consultant to NM Rothschild (mining team) Dir. of AIM Mining Research & PURE P-H Strategic Consulting London, United Kingdom
Business Development Engineer Outotec Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Edwin V. Post
Ernest T. Shonts Jr.
(Retired) Former President of Skyline Labs, Inc. Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA
Senior Mining Engineer Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Yves Potvin
Rod Stace
Director of the Australian Centre for Geomechanics University of Western Australia Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering University of Nottingham Nottingham, United Kingdom
Gavin Power
Doug Stead
Director Power Geotechnical Pty Ltd. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Professor of Resource Geoscience and Geotechnics Simon Fraser University Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Marc Rademacher
Scott A. Stebbins
Director, Western Operations, Minerals Services Div. SGS North America, Inc. Denver, Colorado, USA
President Aventurine Mine Cost Engineering Spokane, Washington, USA
Marcus Randolph
George Stephan
Group Executive & Chief Executive, Ferrous & Coal BHP Billiton Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Senior Consulting Engineer Stantec Mining Tempe, Arizona, USA
Michael Rawlinson
Nimal Subasinghe
Director and Head of Mining and Metals Liberum Capital London, United Kingdom
Associate Professor of Minerals Engineering Curtin University (Western Australian School of Mines) Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
Mark Richards
Pramod Thakur
Mines Manager Imerys Minerals Limited Cornwall, United Kingdom
Manager, Coal Seam Degasification CONSOL Energy, Inc. Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Jamal Rostami
Roger J. Thompson
Assistant Professor, Energy and Mineral Engineering Pennsylvania State University University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Professor of Mining Engineering Curtin University (Western Australian School of Mines) Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
Cameron Routley
S.D. Thompson
Superintendent Five Year Planning, Olympic Dam BHP Billiton Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Assistant Professor University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign Champaign, Illinois, USA
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Ian Thomson
Joshua D. Wagner
Principal On Common Ground Consultants, Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Marketing Product Consultant Caterpillar, Inc., Global Mining Division Peoria, Illinois, USA
Jerry C. Tien
Gary E. Walter
Department of Mining and Nuclear Energy Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri, USA
Principal Consultant Primo Safety and Health Services, LLC Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Peter Tiley
Mark Watson
Consulting Engineer G.L. Tiley & Associates Ltd. Flamborough, Ontario, Canada
Technical Services Group Alliance Coal LLC Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Michael A. Tuck
Andrew Wetherelt
Associate Professor of Mining Engineering University of Ballarat Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Senior Lecturer in Mining Engrg., Prog. Dir. BEng Mining Engrg. Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter) Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Bryan Ulrich
David Whittle
Senior Vice President Knight Piésold and Company Elko, Nevada, USA
Global Manager, Planning Leadership Program BHP Billiton Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Ronald W. Utley
John Woodhouse
Consultant FLSmidth, Inc. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
Chief Executive The Woodhouse Partnership Ltd. Kingsclere, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Klaas Peter van der Wielen
Paul Worsey
Research Assistant Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter) Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Professor, Mining and Nuclear Engineering Department Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri, USA
Rens Verburg
Sergio Zamorano
Principal Geochemist Golder Associates, Inc. Redmond, Washington, USA
Technical Director of Conveyor Technologies FLSmidth Spokane, Washington, USA
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Technical Reviewers
David M. Abbott Jr.
Carmen Bernedo
Senior Associate and Principal Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc. Denver, Colorado, USA
Lead/Supervising Engineer MWH Americas, Inc. Denver, Colorado, USA
Mark Adams
Stephen L. Bessinger
Chief Operating Officer Barminco Hazelmere, Western Australia, Australia
Engineering Manager BHP Billiton–San Juan Coal Company Farmington, New Mexico, USA
Hugh E.K. Allen
Patricia Billig
Mining Consultant Allen Associates Harrow-on-the Hill, London, United Kingdom
Environmental Toxicologist Boulder, Colorado, USA
Timothy D. Arnold
Professor and Chairman, Mining Engineering Department West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Doug Austin
Senior Consultant DNV Business Assurance Centennial, Colorado, USA
Peter Balka
(Retired) Mineral Processing Consultant Formerly with Selection Trust Ltd. & UN Dev. Prog. Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
John C. Barber
General Manager–Nevada Underground Newmont Mining Corporation Carlin, Nevada, USA
Michael Barber
Professor Emeritus, Mining & Nuclear Engineering Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri, USA
Christopher Bise
General Manager General Moly, Inc. Eureka, Nevada, USA
Steve Boydston
Senior Vice President M3 Engineering and Technology Corporation Tucson, Arizona, USA
Bill Bradford
Chief Mining Engineer Tigers Realm Minerals Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Wade W. Bristol
Technical Director and Principal Mining Engineer AMEC E & C Mesa, Arizona, USA
Richard L. Bullock
Self-Employed Blasting Consultant Parker, Colorado, USA
William F. Bawden
Al Campoli
Pierre Lassonde Chair in Mining Engineering University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vice President Special Projects Jennmar Corporation Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
John Baz-Dresch
Mark Chalmers
Manager–Technical Services Cia. Minera del Cubo S.A. de C.V. Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
Chair Uranium Council of Australia Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Douglas L. Beahm
Rebecca Chouinard
Principal Engineer BRS Engineering Riverton, Wyoming, USA
Regulatory Specialist Wek’eezhii Land and Water Board Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
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Phillip C.F. Crowson
Mike Gleason
Honorary Professor & Professorial Research Fellow Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law & Policy University of Dundee, Scotland
Energy Superintendent Climax Molybdenum Company Empire, Colorado, USA
James Davidson
John Grieves
General Manager Urtek LLC Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Project Manager New Hope Group Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Gary Davison
Douglas F. Hambley
Managing Director MiningOne Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Associate Agapito Associates, Inc. Golden, Colorado, USA
Fred Delabbio
Jack Haptonstall
Gen. Mgr. Innovation–Underground, Technology and Innovation Rio Tinto Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Mining Consultant Pincock Allen & Holt Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Phil Dight
Alex Hathorn
Winthrop Professor of Geotechnical Engineering Australian Ctr. for Geomechanics, Univ. of Western Australia Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Vice President Technical Services and Continuous Improvement Peabody Energy Australia Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Mal G. Dorricott
Bruce Hebblewhite
Principle Consultant AMC Consultants Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Professor & Head of the School of Mining Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sjoerd Rein Duim
Michael G. Hester
Director, Principal Consultant (Mining) SRK Consulting Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Vice President Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. Tucson, Arizona, USA
W. Scott Dunbar
Ronald R. Hewitt Cohen
Professor, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering Colorado School of Mines Denver, Colorado, USA
Roger Ellis
Evert Hoek
Minerals Industry Consultant Senior Geological Associate with ACA Howe International Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
(Retired) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Richmond Fenn
Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Director SRK Consulting Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Courtney Fidler
General Manager–Ray Operations Asarco LLC Hayden, Arizona, USA
Russell Frith
Chair, Educational Advisory Committee to the South Africa Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors Johannesburg, South Africa
Steven Gardner
Senior Consultant (Rock Mechanics) SRK Consulting Australasia Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Barry Gass
Independent Consultant Former Chief Economist at Rio Tinto & Norilsk Nickel London, United Kingdom
Kevin Holley
Director Resource Development Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. Oro Valley, Arizona, USA
Steven Holmes
Department of Geography and Planning University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
David Hull
Adjunct Professor, School of Mining Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Louie Human
President and CEO Engineering Consulting Services, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky, USA
David Humphreys
General Manager Asset Management Rio Tinto Copper Projects Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Conrad Huss
Peter L. McCarthy
Chairman of the Board M3 Engineering and Technology Corporation Tucson, Arizona, USA
Chairman and Principal Mining Consultant AMC Consultants Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Nils I. Johansen
Stefan Muller
Pott College of Science and Engineering University of Southern Indiana Evansville, Indiana, USA
Principal Hydrogeologist SRK Consulting Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Daniel W. Kappes
Jan M. Mutmansky
President Kappes, Cassiday and Associates Reno, Nevada, USA
Professor Emeritus of Mining Engineering Pennsylvania State University University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Patrick Killeen
Michael G. Nelson
(Retired) Research Scientist Geological Survey of Canada Ompah, Ontario, Canada
Department Chair, Mining Engineering College of Mines & Earth Sciences, University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Linton Kirk
Dave Osborne
Senior Principal and Chief Mining Engineer Coffey Mining Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Group Manager (Coal Technology–Business Development) Xstrata Coal Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Charles A. Kliche
Paul R. Peppers
Professor of Mining Engineering South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, South Dakota, USA
Supt. Central Maintenance & Projects, Sierrita Operations Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Co. Green Valley, Arizona, USA
David Krizek
Clyde Peppin
Principal Tetra Tech Tucson, Arizona, USA
Consulting Engineer Stantec – Mining (Formerly Mcintosh Engineering) Tempe, Arizona, USA
Stanley T. Krukowski
Fiona Perrott-Humphrey
Industrial Minerals Geologist IV Oklahoma Geological Survey Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Consultant to NM Rothschild (mining team) Dir. of AIM Mining Research & PURE P-H Strategic Consulting London, United Kingdom
Katherine Laudon
Gavin Power
Vice President Lidstone and Associates, Inc. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Director Power Geotechnical Pty Ltd. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Christopher D. Lidstone
Jerry Ran
President Lidstone and Associates, Inc. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Manager of Geotechnical Engineering Barrick Gold Corporation Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Joe Luxford
Donald E. Ranta
Principal Luxford Mine Management Services Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
President and CEO Rare Elements Resources Ltd. Golden, Colorado, USA
Michael D. Martin
Larry Reimann
Senior Associate Behre Dolbear & Company (USA), Inc. Denver, Colorado, USA
Manager Technical Services Cameco Resources Casper, Wyoming, USA
Bill McAuley
Abani Samal
Former Managing Director British Oxygen Corporation (BOC) Group Camberley, Surrey, United Kingdom
Geologist/Geostatistician Pincock Allen & Holt Denver, Colorado, USA
Michael K. McCarter
Lee W. Saperstein
Professor, Department of Mining Engineering University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Dean Emeritus, School of Mines and Metallurgy Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri, USA
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Scott A. Stebbins
Bill Warfield
President Aventurine Mine Cost Engineering Spokane, Washington, USA
Product Manager (Ground Engineering Products) Atlas Copco Construction Mining Technique Roseville, California, USA
Doug Stiles
Alan Weakly
Assistant General Manager Carlota Copper Company–QuadraFnx Mining Globe, Arizona, USA
Consultant Innovative Mining Solutions Story, Wyoming, USA
Barton Stone
Andrew Wetherelt
Chief Geologist Pincock Allen & Holt Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Senior Lecturer in Mining Engrg., Prog. Dir. BEng Mining Engrg. Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter) Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Nimal Subasinghe
David Whittle
Associate Professor of Minerals Engineering Curtin University (Western Australian School of Mines) Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia
Global Manager, Planning Leadership Program BHP Billiton Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Edward Thomas
Anne L. Williamson
Professor (private practice) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Principle Scientist/Senior Project Manager URS Corporation Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Tom Vandergrift
Johnny Zhan
Senior Associate Agapito Associates, Inc. Golden, Colorado, USA
Senior Environmental Manager (Hydrology) Barrick Gold Corporation Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Gary E. Walter
Principle Consultant Primo Safety and Health Services, LLC Wilmington, Delaware, USA
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