MAN-MADE DIAMONDS: TURNING THE DEAD INTO GEMS“The diamond’s evolution has the lab that are as pure as the child labor and exploitation.ended” says the successful natural ones? Although creating diamondscompany behind the man- Yes! You will need a carbon seed from our loved ones is amade diamonds now trending and blast them with hydrogen sensitive market, Burl said thatin the market. In the Forbes and methane gas to grow they have a special approachinterview of the company’s the crystal. Voila! Diamonds that us both intellectually andleader, Harry Burl, he detailed produced will be just like long emotionally appealing when ithow he have come up with lost twin of the mined ones! comes to their customers. Theythe business idea and shared a These synthetic diamonds can are cautious in the process withquick overview of the company. be grown in the laboratory for the customer’s peace of mind asIn 2010, while looking for about eight to twelve weeks. the uppermost priority.domains to purchase and Some say that these diamonds Diamonds should be as pureengage lucrative ventures, also cost 30 percent less than as their own content, thehe came across to a not yet that of the natural ones. company says.registered domain – man- But what if we say that they get They are also producingmadediamonds.com. From these diamonds from the dead? diamonds for wedding andthere, he researched a lot about Would you wear it? engagement rings. You canit and figured out to keep the Harry Burl says that the also order a conflict free ringdomain for himself. After six company gets its feed from with no personal carbon ashes.years, he is running the most the cremated ashes from the Designs and orders of thesesuccessful business in the funeral homes. Basically, we diamonds are available on theirdiamond making industry in can extract carbon from our website. And I can say that theythe country. hairs and dead ashes. In fact, really protrude adamantineAs we all know, diamonds are it is more economical and luster.purely carbon based crystals environment friendly especially Indeed, diamonds are forever.and we can get it naturally to anti-mining movements. Itfrom diamond mines mostly in is also more ethical than theAfrica. But did you know that blood diamonds made out ofwe can now make diamonds in Photo by forbes NOVEMBER 2016 51 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
NICKEL VALUE Photo by flickrTO LESSENIN 2017, BMIREPORTSExperts predict the decline in nickel value in thenext 3 months.Business Monitor International 27.2 thousand tonnes over. Photo by flickror BMI released a research The study also mentions thatreport indicates that the nickel China’s consumption will grow QUEBEC SAYSmarket will loosen in 2017. lesser in the next year for two ‘HELLO’ TO THEIRThey also predicted that refined reasons. First, nickel pig iron FIRST DIAMONDnickel prices will reach $10,000 from Indonesia serves as a MINE- $11,000 per tonne in the more economic alternative asupcoming quarter. This is due compared to refined nickel. Curtains rise as Quebec welcomes their firstto the shortage of 3.1 thousand Second, the effects of the losing diamond mine.tonnes from the Philippines and hype from the housing stimulusother contributing factors from in 2017 will cause deteriorationhigh Chinese imports. Analysts in steel production causing it tocommented that the best price revert to its previous lows.that nickel would reack thenwould be at $12,000 - $13,000per tonne.That said, BMI forecasts thatas soon as 2017 starts, thevalue will start to lessen asthe global market moves into Stornoway Diamond years of work on the Renard Corporation has announced Project, which started from the opening of their Renard a green-field exploration to diamond mine in Quebec a full operational mining last week. Although the system for diamonds. Other mine has already been in the dignitaries that attended the production stage since mid- event were Richard Shecapio, July, it wasn’t until Thursday, Chief of the Cree Nation of Oct 20, when they opened Mistissini, Manon Cyr, mayor their curtains officially. The of Chibougamau, Jean ceremony was attended by Boucher, member of the Quebec’s minister of energy Quebec National Assembly and natural resources, for Ungava, and Steve Pierre Arcand, who is also Gamache, mayor of Chapais. responsible for the plans The mine is situated 250km of revitalizing northern north of the Cree Nation of Quebec’s infrastructures, Mistissini and 350km north Plan Nord. of Chibogamau in north- The ceremony marks the 20 central Quebec. Photo by Imgur52 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Photo by ABCAustralia URANIUM EXPORTS IN AUSTRALIA MAY TRIPLE BY 2040The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal about 800 jobs on a full- Photo by AustralianInvestmentEducationCommission is positive that time basis are expected toSouth Australia’s uranium be created over the next 14exports could triple by years.2040, if they could simply If the growth in value ofmaintain its market share of the uranium mining industrythe global uranium supply steadies at 32% by 2029-sector. The commission 2030 in South Australia, italso predicts that it would would represent significantpotentially increase by a growth in activity in regionalfactor of three as nuclear areas, but little effect on realenergy had doubled. gross state product on anThe findings of the economy-wide basis.commission indicate an South Australian uraniumincrease in uranium mining production in 2014-2015and milling would add amounts to about $346.5more than $300 million to million, with associatedstate GSP; and despite that royalties of $15.9 million.increase, job generationwould go high as much; onlyPhoto by LucaraDiamond NOBODY WANTED TO PAY $70 MILLION FOR THIS DIAMONDLast year, Lucara Diamond to earn $70 million from it- a Canadian mining however, the bid was lowercompany - was able to than what was expecteddiscover the three-billion- during a Sotheby’s auctionyear old diamond at the in London last Wednesday.Lucara’s Karowe mine. The The highest bid it receiveddiamond was called “Lesedi was only $61 million. ReportsLa Rona” which means “our say that trading with Lucaralight”. The diamond was was 16% down in Torontosaid to be the largest type recently.IIa diamond discovered in100 years. Photo by LucaraDiamondIt’s a huge 1,109-carat stonethat is the size of a tennisball. The company expected NOVEMBER 2016 53 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Will Hodgman TASMANIAN GOVERNMENTPhoto by TheAdvocate WILL TAKE OVER AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST MINEThe Tasmanian government support to Vedanta, the Photo by TheMercuryhas seen a new opportunity Copper Mines of Tasmania.”to bring back to life an The copper mine startedAustralia’s oldest mine. In operating back in 1896 as aan interview with NDTV, the gold mine. It has producedpremier of Tasmania Will around 62 tonnes of gold,Hodgman announced that 1,300 tonnes of silver andthe Tasmanian government over 1.8 million tonnes ofplans to restart a copper copper. Hodgman saidmine that was once the the mine has the capacityproperty of Australia. This to produce around 30,000announcement came after tonnes of copper per year.Hodgman's trade mission to The Mount Lyell mine hasIndia. been under maintenanceThe Mt Lyell copper mine two years ago due to theis set to restart next year. accidents which led to theHe said, \"It is a sizable deaths of three workers. Oneoperation and at its peak died from a mudslide whilecould employ well over the other two were killed in a300 Tasmanians. So it is mine shaft accident.an important opportunityfor us to demonstrate ourTURNING ASTEROIDS INTOSPACECRAFTS FOR MININGSince our mineral resources are starting Reconstituting Asteroids into Mechanical Photo by Space.comto run out, a lot of companies are looking Automata, RAMA. This technology usesinto the possibility of asteroid mining. 3D printing that turns asteroids into self-But wait, it’s not that easy. There are still flying vehicles. An unmanned spacecrafta lot of challenges ahead as companies would be launched into space anddevelop the right technologies for outer goes to an asteroid. It’ll mine mineralsspace mining. At least the US has already and uses these samples into a 3D printworked on the legal aspect of mining in simple propulsion, then sends them toasteroids though. our planet. As soon as it’s done with theBut how is it possible for asteroid mining asteroid, it’ll move on to the next one.to occur when it’s not very economical NASA’s Innovative Advanced Conceptsfor companies to send spacecrafts to program gave $100,000 to the conceptspace and collect minerals? to provide funds for its feasibility studies.A 3D printing company (based in We’ll just have to see if this becomes aMountain View, California) just had a reality for all of us.brilliant idea. Made In Space suggestedthat we’d let the asteroids come tous instead. According to Mike Wallfrom Space.com, this concept is called54 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
10 SURPRISINGTRIVIA ABOUT THEMINING INDUSTRYWhen people hear about the mining industry, the first thing that comes into their mind is, yes, you’ve guessed it—gold anddiamonds. Well, you’re not wrong, but it isn’t simply limited there. Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals, and otheruseful geological materials from the earth that our world uses for different applications. It’s a profession that has helpedand given work to countless countries for hundreds of years. The mining industry has a rich history, and there are a lot ofaspects about the mining indu`stry you might not yet be familiar with.#1 #7Mbaicnkinagsh4a0s0b0eBe.nC.proven to have occurred as far AealorlnygctohpepLearkemSinuepsertihoartaarere, tehsetrime aarteedsetvoerbael around 5000 years old.#2 3-ton copper nugget found in Lake SuperiorThe oldest mine in the world, “Lion’s Cave” Photo by Blogspotdisatloincga,tetdheiyn wSweraezialabnled.toByfinudsinthgeraadgieocoafrbthoinsiron oxide mine—43,000 years old. #8#3 Did you know that Spanish gold was not onef cgeosldsaarinlydfsroilvmerSpthaaint?caTmheerefrwomas tahgerecoatlodneiaalllTahregegstolidn amnicnieesntoEfgNyputb,iait wwearsealnsootthjuestmtohset Americas and then was brought to Spain.extensive. #9Gold mine to expand in Nubian DesertPhoto by Blogspot The most commonly used form of excavation type in mining today is surface mining.#4 #10oThneaRlaormgearnsscawlee.reThtehyedoenveissetdomdeetvheolodps smucinhinagshydraulic mining and hushing. tThheelaBringegshtammaCna-mnyaodne Mexicnaevaloticoanteind tihneUwtaohrldis. Its pit is greater than 0.75 mile in depth and#5 iNtaitsio2n.5al mLainledsminarkwiindt1h9.6I6t.was turned into aTfohremfirinstinrgecwoards oinf tthhee uyseaagre1o6f2b7l,acink pwohwatdeisr Bingham Canyon MinenloocwatiBoannswkaásŠctiaalvlendicaS,elSmloevcabkáian.yBa,acKkintghdeonm, thoef Photo by WikimediaHungary.#6iTnhSeeflimrstecabcaádnyeam, yKifnogrdmoimninogf Hwuansgeasrtyabinlis1h7e6d2.in NOVEMBER 2016 55 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS WHO SHAPED THE MECHANICAL INDUSTRY OF TODAY Mechanical engineering is known as one of the oldest and broadest disciplines that applies and connects the fields of engineering, physics, and material science to be used in design, manufacturing, analysis as well as maintenance of mechanical systems. This field of engineering requires a deep understanding of mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, material science, structural analysis as well as electricity. Here are some notable mechanical engineers who shaped the mechanical industry of today.James Watt FRS FRSE James Hall Nasmyth William George Nikola Tesla1736-1819 James Watt, 1808-1890 James Hall Armstrongwas a Scottish inventor, Nasmyth was a Scottish 1856 –1943 Nikola Teslamechanical engineer, engineer, artist andchemist and scientist who inventor who is well known 1810-1900William George is more well known insignificantly improved for his development ofThomas Newcomen’s the steam hammer. He Armstrong, 1st Baron the field of electricity, but1712 Newcomen steam was the co-founder ofengine with the Watt Nasmyth, Gaskell and Armstrong CB FRS was he is a great mechanicalsteam engine in 1736. Company manufacturersHis new team engine of machine tools. an English industrialist, engineer as well. He iswas a very important tothe changes that were Photo by TodayInSci scientist, inventor and also an electrical engineer,brought about by theIndustrial Revolution in philanthropist who is the physicist as well as aboth Great Britain and thewhole world. He is now founder of Armstrong futurist. He is well knowncalled the Father of theSteam Age, as well as the Whitworth manufacturing for his contributions inFounder of MechanicalEngineering. concern on Tyneside. the design of the modernHe is responsible for theconcept of horsepower, He worked together AC (alternating current)and the SI unit of power,Watt, was coined after with the architect electricity supply system.him. Richard Norman Shaw in He has designed andPhoto by Britannica building the Cragside in invented numerous Northumberland, which machines that has helped was the first house in the world, some of these the world that was lit by are the induction motor, hydroelectricity. He is rotating magnetic field, the inventor of modern the Tesla coil, as well as artillery, the hydraulic the Radio remote control crane, hydroelectric vehile (torpedo). machine, accumulator, Photo by Wikimedia as well as the Armstrong Gun. Photo by WondersOfWorldEngineering56 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Kate Gleason Gustaf Dalén Aurel Stodola George Stephenson1865-1933 Kate Gleason is 1859-1942 Aurel Stodola 1781-1848 Known asknown as the first female 1869-1937 Gustaf was an engineer and the ‘Father of Railways’,member of the American inventor in Slovakia. A lot George StephensonSociety of Mechanical Dalén was a Swedish of his work centered on was a pioneer inventorEngineers. She did not thermodynamics and has in the fields of civil andhave any detailed training Nobel Laureate who contributed to several mechanical engineering.in the field of engineering, scientific fields. He spent The British inventor ledbut she was able to make a is responsible for the almost half of his life to the creation of thename for herself as one of teaching at the Institute world’s first inter-citythe very few accomplished invention of automatic of Technology in Zurich railway line that ran usingwomen engineers in and during that time was steam locomotives whichher era. She is also regulators, AGA cooker, consulted for help on the was available for publicknown to be a successful improvement of the gas use. Aside from that bigbusinesswoman, and is a the Dalén light, and turbine. His work as an innovation, Stephensonrole model for many other educator has helped a is also credited with thecareer women in the 19th many others. He founded lot of young minds into creation of Rocket, thecentury America. engineering, including most famous railway the AGA company, an those of the greatest locomotive of his era.Photo by EngineerGirl minds of our age. industrial gas company Photo by History Photo by Wikimedia which later was combined into Line AG. His automatic regulators were used with gas accumulators that were used for illuminating lighthouses and buoys. He then was called \"the benefactor of sailors.\" In 1912, he won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work. Photo by Wikimedia NOVEMBER 2016 57 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
JHARIA, THE HOMEOF INDIA’S BLACK DIAMONDS Jharia, The mining central According to state a cload-mix of toxic fumes. of India in the Dhanbad government, because of This has put the lives of district of Jharkand, is Jharia’s uncontrollable nearby villages and towns in responsible for the highest coal mine fires, the town of danger. A number of people concentration of coal in Jharia will be shifted. These have already died and been India. Although this region coal mine fires have led to displaced, but some are still is considered one of the loss of property and lives. stubbornly staying in the wealthier parts of the The government thinks that town. country due to the quantity shifting the town will help Photographer Seb Heseltine of natural resources, the in exploiting coal, which still visited Jharia town in 2015, locals who live here are one remains unmined, worth to complete his photo of the most underprivileged around RS. 60,000 crores portfolio project for London in the country, and are ($12 Billion) College of Communication. trying to adapt with the Since the fire started His photo shows the lives of consequences that India’s burning in Jharia, the whole the towns people in Jharia. rapid growth has brought. town has been shrouded in Photos by SebHeseltine58 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
NOVEMBER 2016 59Mining Engineering and Its Importance
FEWOQHRUAICTPOMLNIEESNSTTRAUHCETAIDON by Dion Greg ReyesPhoto by WalleniusWilhelsemLogistics construction equipment systems – are engineered we need. Using excavators, to be better than its currentEvery Caterpillar, Komatsu, industrialization began, backhoes, loaders, cranes, and state, they lead to lowerCase, Volvo, and Deere builders and engineers sought rollers, among others we have maintenance costs, decreasedequipment in use at for advanced construction formed and built engineering operation costs, improvedconstruction sites today equipment and machines marvels. Engineers always efficiency and reliability, andare products of a careful that will render smooth site find a way to maximize the longer machine life.developmental study in operations at minimum costs. use of these equipment. Excavators, backhoes, andmanufacturing. Ever since Today, we have all the basic And yet, we could take loaders have hydraulics advantage of modern embedded in them to lift, technology to further exploit load and unload materials the use of these equipment, and objects. Mobility of and to develop more machines these equipment relies in that will help in forwarding this system. What emerging construction methods. hydraulic technologies can There are essentially three do is optimize both hydraulic areas which are the focus flow and pressure, including of construction equipment the ability to modulate both. manufacturers in relating They will largely affect the its past, present, and future. equipment’s efficiency, Once these three – hydraulics, versatility, and lifting engines, and computer capabilities.60 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Photo by HSCBSGThere are still so much to Digitization, including GPS site operations.forward with engine controls, navigation, allows more But there’s a more currentfuel injection systems, and effective monitoring in technology, the 3D printingthe engine combustion machine operations, more or additive manufacturing,process. When engineers analyzed fuel efficiency, much which takes production ofwork to improve these controlled hydraulics, and construction equipment to anareas about the engines in reliable reporting of machine entirely new level. It allowsconstruction equipment, performance – all of which modelling of equipment partsit will yield increased fuel are in the end part of the like cabs, booms, and buckets,efficiency and decreased construction process. as 3D printing provide designamount of harmful emissions While these three are existing allowances not found ininto the air. The greatest areas that seek improvement, conventional manufacturing.impact in redesigning the there is also a room for Efficiency, quality, and safetyengine is in the environment, creativity in the manufacture are the cores of constructionbeing a critical issue in the of construction equipment by equipment. And they remainconstruction equipment producing hybrids and using to be so in the future, justindustry. 3D printing. catching up with modernComputer systems are only There are already existing technology.a recent integration with hybrid excavators and hybridconstruction equipment, bulldozers, which will continuebut they make waves for to flourish as manufacturersenhanced site performance. look in this area to accelerate NOVEMBER 2016 61 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Photo by SaskatchewanPolytechnic GETTING TO KNOW: MTHIENIWNOGREKNOGFINAEER The field of mining engineering is engineers covers assessment engineer, one needs to have a all about searching for deposits of of mining ventures up to the natural resources and extracting site operations, and even degree in one of these courses: them efficiently while minimizing distribution. Mining engineers risks. It is that discipline in undertake feasibility studies, civil engineering; geology; mine engineering where natural model or design potential mine resources like gravel, coal, copper, sites, and prepares plans for and quarry engineering; minerals iron, tungsten, gold, and silver are mines like tunnels and shafts unearthed. for underground mines. In the surveying; and mining and mineral Other than what the name operations, mining engineers are suggests, it is the job of mining tasked to ensure that procedures engineering. engineers to ensure the safe run smoothly, activities are being and efficient development of monitored, and more importantly Mining engineers can be mines and other surface and the safety of the workers and underground operations. Mining the site or mine is upheld. This employed in mining companies, engineers should be familiar job has high risks especially of these structures on their when underground, so mining mining finance and consultancy surrounding environment paired engineers have the responsibility with the technical knowledge and to oversee underground issues companies, environmental management skills. like lighting and ventilation. The scope of work of mining Being able to work as a mining consultancies, quarrying and extraction companies, and major manufacturing and construction companies. They can earn a median annual salary of $90,160 in May 2014 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.62 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
The Most DangerousEngineering JobsPhoto by Linkedin All jobs have its potential dangers,Photo by SRMax and with developing technology andPhoto by FirstPeopleSolutions computers in our workplaces, injuries and accidents at work are decreasing. However, some jobs in the engineering and technology field are more dangerous than others. Many engineering jobs still involve huge machinery which needs to be used safely to avoid accidents. Here’s a list of some of the most dangerous engineering industries. Construction The construction industry is known for its strict approaches to health and safety. If proper safety rules are not followed or are taken for granted, accidents may happen and this can lead to injuries or even death. In the construction industry, one has always have to be alert when working. Most injuries and deaths was due to falling from heights and being trapped by something collapsing. Manufacturing The manufacturing industry can be dangerous if process manuals are not followed or if manufacturing machines are not operated properly. Accidents like electrocution, falling debris, and machine overload could lead to injuries or worse, death. Such accidents can also happen if employees do not wear proper protective equipment. Mining and quarrying This sector can be considered as one of the most dangerous jobs for engineers. Different accidents can happen, such as cave-ins, flood, gas explosions, chemical leakage, and even electrocution. These days, it is important to be able to work proficiently with both heavy machinery and computers while making sure that health and safety in the workplace is a top priority. NOVEMBER 2016 63 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Photo by ETHZürichTHIS IS HOW MUCH A MINING AND / OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEER EARNSWhat exactly is the difference between a it’s the engineer’s job to plan also a safe way How much are they earning?mining engineer and a geological engineer? of getting the work done efficiently. TheseWhat does each one of them do? Do they engineers also work with geoscientists and Engineers earn different annual wagesget paid enough? How much do they earn metallurgical engineers. in different fields. For those who offerannually? Does working as a mining or To become a mining and /or a geological engineering services, the median annual wagea geological engineer mean working in engineer, one must earn a bachelor’s degree is around $78,560. Those who are part of theisolated areas in mountains? Will one still in an accredited engineering program and metal ore and coal mining industry, they earnhave a social life when working? pass the licensure exam (which vary from around $85,000. While engineers who work inA geological engineer usually does the state to state and country to country). There the oil and gas extraction field are earning theresearch in order to locate where the are states that require engineers to continue most with $115,860.possible mineral deposits are. They go to earning education credits to keep their For the mining and geological engineeringthese sites and evaluate them. If any of licenses. students, the future is bright for them becausethe places becomes a site where they can One must hone in on their analytical skills, by the year 2024, many engineers will retireextract valuable minerals, a geological decision-making and problem solving skills. by then. Also, not everyone can easily becomeengineer plans how to extract them in the These engineers also use a lot of advanced one because of the educational and licensingmost efficient and most environmental math principles, so that’s a lot of math for requirements, so there won’t be too manyfriendly way. them. They also need to develop their writing competition in the field.The mining engineer specializes in one skills since they must prepare reports andparticular mineral and also does the same instructions for everyone in the company.job as the geological engineer in finding the These engineers work in offices of consultingmost efficient way to extract the minerals companies or mining firms so they mostfrom the mining site. likely live in urban areas. Some of them haveTheir work may sound easy but in real life, to work in remote areas where minerals arethe work is hard and dangerous. Mining usually found. Don’t worry, locals from thesites can go deep down under the ground. community will entertain them.With lack of ventilation, power and water,64 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
HOW DO I BECOME A MININGENGINEER?Mining engineering is one of the smallest fields in engineering but it is one of themost important jobs in our world today—and it is still growing. Photo by forbesMining Engineering jobs are projected processing operations that segregate to finish a bachelor’s degree into rise in the next years, that’s why and refine minerals. mining engineering or geologicalmany are pursuing a course in this There are mining safety engineers engineer. Since there are very fewfield. Relatively, mining engineering as well. They implement the best schools around the globe whichis one of the smallest fields in practices in the field, conduct mine offer mining engineering programs,engineering but it is one of the most and equipment inspections, monitor students who do not have access to aimportant jobs in our world today— the air quality, and make sure that university that offers such may needand it is still growing. To understand their company complies with all to specialize in this area from withinthe nature of this field more, here the safety regulations to keep the general engineering programs. Someis a short description about mining workers safe. programs in mining engineeringengineering. What do Mining Engineers Do? include geology, mine design andWhat is a Mining Engineer? Mainly, mining engineers design safety, physics, and mathematics.Mining engineers are responsible for underground mines as well as Where do Mining Engineers Workdesigning safe and efficient mines open-pit mines, they supervise the Many mining engineers work infor removing coal and metals. They construction of structures in the mining operations in locationsare responsible for optimizing mines mines, planning of transportation that are remote. However, therefor extracting resources in the most of minerals to processing plants, are some that work in sand-and-efficient and effective way that is monitor production, and do reports gravel operations that are foundpossible. They also make sure that as well. nearby cities. As time goes by, somethey extract as much of the resource These professionals assess the may work their way up to office-as possible. geological characteristics of mining based positions in mining firms orMining engineers, more often than sites to find the best structures and consultation companies which arenot, have their own specialization equipment as well as process that fit in business districts or metropolitanin a certain metal or mineral. There the mine best. areas.are those that work together with They also make sure that the Most mining engineers work full time.geologists so they will be able to find operations conducted are Those who work in remote locationsand evaluate new ore deposits. On environmentally sound. have schedules with different shiftsthe other hand, there are those that Get a Mining Engineer Degree that exceed 40 hours per week.specialize in developing or improving To become a mining engineer,mining equipment, manage the first step you have to take is NOVEMBER 2016 65 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
CIVIL John Smeaton Benjamin Wright Squire Whipple Isambard Kingdom BrunelENGINEERS 1724 – 1792 John 1770 – 1842 Benjamin 1804 – 1888 Squire Wright was an American Whipple was a civil 1806 – 1859 IsambardWHO Smeaton was an English civil engineer who was engineer who was Kingdom Brunel, an the chief engineer of born in Hardwick, English mechanical andSHAPED THE civil engineer (the the Erie Canal and the Massachusetts, USA. civil engineer, has been Chesapeake and Ohio He has become well- considered to be oneCONSTRUCTION first self-proclaimed Canal. He started his known as the Father of of the most ingenious career as a surveyor and iron bridge building in and prolific figures inINDUSTRY OF civil engineer) who planner before being the America. His designs engineering history\", chief engineer of these have been used across \"one of the 19thTODAY was responsible canals’ construction. the globe, including century engineering In the year 1969, the Benjamin Wright’s Erie giants\", and \"one of theFrom sturdy bridges to for the design of American Society of Canal. His patents are greatest figures of theenormous skyscrapers, Civil Engineers declared as follows Industrial Revolution,all these are here in numerous bridges, Wright as the \"Father U.S. Patent 2,064 – [who] changed the faceour modern world of American Civil Bowstring iron-bridge of the English landscapethanks to the efforts canals, harbours as Engineering\". He had truss (1841) with his groundbreakingof civil engineers. 9 children, wherein 5 U.S. Patent 134,338 – designs and ingeniousCivil engineering has well as lighthouses. of them followed his Lift draw bridge constructions\". Hebeen one of the oldest footsteps and became built dockyards, theprofessions in the He is commonly civil engineers as well. Photo by Great Western Railway,world, their roots date Oneidacountyhistory numerous steamshipsback to between 4000 called as the Father Photo by which include theand 2000 BC in Ancient ConnecticutHistory first propeller-drivenEgypt, the Indus Valley of Civil Engineering. transatlantic steamship,Civilization, as well and a number ofas Mesopotamia, Thanks to his research important bridges andwhen nomadic people tunnels. His designsdecided to settle and and innovations on have revolutionizedbuild permanent homes public transport as wellas their shelter. waterwheels and as modern engineering.Many civil engineers In 2002, a public pollhave revolutionized windmills, he was named Brunel thethe world with their second greatest Briton.creations, and though able to contribute toa lot of people takethese creations for the efficiency of thegranted, everyoneshould recognize that industrial revolution.almost every modernday structure you see Smeaton was also atoday are all thanksto the genius of these mechanical engineerengineers.Here are some civil and a well-knownengineers who shapedthe construction physicist.industry of today. Photo by Wikimedia Photo by PrimaryFacts66 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Ellen Swallow Dr John Job Crew Emily Warren William LeBaron \"Kate\" GleasonRichards Bradfield Roebling Jenney 1865 – 1933 Catherine(1842 – 1911) Ellen 1867 – 1943 Dr John 1843 –1903 Emily 1832 – 1907 William Anselm \"Kate\" Warren Roebling is LeBaron Jenney, anSwallow Richards was Job Crew Bradfield is a considered as the American architect Gleason was an world’s first female field and engineer, is well-an American pioneer in prominent Australian engineer. She is known known for building the American engineer for her contribution to first skyscraper in theengineering. She was engineer who the completion of the year 1884. He became and entrepreneur who famous Brooklyn Bridge to be known as thethe first woman ever supervised the design after her husband, Father of the American is known for being an Washington Roebling, Skyscraper.to be admitted into a and construction of had developed caisson In the year 1998, he accomplished woman disease. Her husband was ranked as numberschool of science and the famous and iconic was a civil engineer, 89 in the book “1,000 in the engineering as well as the Chief Years, 1,000 People:technology she was also Sydney Harbour Bridge. Engineer during the Ranking the Men and field where males construction of the Women Who Shapedthe first woman to earn Brooklyn Bridge. Emily, the Millennium”. were dominant. who studied alongsidea degree in chemistry. Photo by Newsapi her husband and PChaottho ebyriPnineteArenstselm She is responsible capable of the taskShe was a key founder at hand, took over as for inventing mass- chief field engineer ofof environmental the construction of the produced, low cost Brooklyn Bridge.engineering. Her housing built out ofcontribution in the field concrete.of civil engineering isher efforts in research Photo by Wikimediaon soil quality.Photo by What-when-how Photo by Wikipedia NOVEMBER 2016 67 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
68 NOVEMBER 2016 Photo by: Express Mining Engineering and Its Importance
TMSEXEHIAPENLFEDOORERRAEIPLNSGWe already have lots of Atlantic and Indian Oceans precautions, like exploremines on land to meet to at least 16 countries. There current and future areas ofthe demands of mankind are parts of the seas, most mining interest as to identifywhen it comes to mineral of which have the minerals proactively which species areresources. But it seems and biodiversity, which are at risk; plan out which miningthat they are not enough, outside the legal jurisdiction regions need to be preservedand so many countries and of countries and therefore at most; and carefully observecompanies now look at the considered heritage global the intensity and scale ofdeep seafloor as new sites resources over which we the disturbances caused byof mining. are all trustees. The group seabed mining once they startSeabed mining is perhaps is responsible for delegating operations.the youngest form of the protection of these areas. If mining companies will notmining. There are only few Deep sea mining is a relatively be careful with the rich, fragiletechnologies that explore new industry, and there are marine life that exists deepthe deep seafloor, under fears that this will be abused. in our seabeds, the damagesthe permission of a special With the use of robotic bulk are irreversible. The challengebody concerned in seabed cutters and other heavy is to take out the mineralsmining exploration called mining machines, it is likely from the seabed, while stillthe International Seabed that the marine environment preserving the marine life –Authority. will be affected once the and that can only be done ifThis organization is created seabed mining activities we understand how speciesby the United Nations will not be regulated or and ecosystems on that partto control the activities monitored. The worst things of the Earth work.of countries interested that could happen with thein mineral riches in the marine ecosystems are theocean. It has so far granted loss of unique species andover one million square the destruction of sensitivekilometers of claims for deep sea habitats.mining exploration in the But ocean scientists aroundhigh seas of the Pacific, the world are suggesting NOVEMBER 2016 69 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
THIS COMPANY WANTS TO MINE GOLD AANSTDEPRLOAITDISNUM ON70 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Photo by PlanetaryResourcesWe all know that our resources of behind the project wants it to launch Aside from Deep Space Industries (DSI),gold and platinum are only limited so soon. another popular company known for itsscientists and engineers want to mine Prospector-X isn’t exactly the giant space projects is Planetary Resources. Itthese elements inside asteroids. Yes, space vehicle you’d expect it to be. It’s launched a similar project called Arkydyou read that right. People are planning as small as a size of a loaf, about 30 cm 3R from the International Space Stationto mine asteroids! long. It really wouldn’t be landing on last year.The Deep Space Industries (DSI) is any asteroids though. What scientists Although both companies don’t haveteaming up with the Luxembourg and engineers plan to do is to have the technology to mine from an asteroidgovernment to work on its project, Prospector-X spend time around a low- yet, it is legally prohibited to do so asProspector-X. This project involves Earth orbit and tests the system designs well. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967designing and deploying a hunting provided by DSI. Equipped with a dual- bans countries from launching weaponsspacecraft for mining explorations. camera optical navigation system and an of mass destruction on space.Although the project doesn’t have a electrothermal thruster, it will test thespecific date for release, the people technologies developed by DSI. NOVEMBER 2016 71 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Photo by ProjectsIQ WORLD’S 40 BIGGEST MINING COMPANIES Listed in PwC’s report called Mine totalling $53 billion; record high off the list are Canada’s First 2015 showed the largest mining leverage of 46%, and operating Quantum and Teck Resources. companies in 2015. Not only expenditure cuts of $83 billion. It’s not entirely bad news that, the report also presented The top 40 list is composed of though, as there is a sector that devastating statistics about the re-entries, that moved up and had an increase in market value, mining industry. down, and new entrants. The which was the rare earths with Mine 2015 indicated that the market capitalization threshold the world's top producer of the top companies suffered their first of the companies remained 17 elements jumping 23 places collective net loss in history which consistent at $4.5 despite the in the ranking. accounts to $27 billion; a decline said declining statistics. Here are the top 40 biggest in collective market capitalization Twelve Chinese companies are on mining companies as of 2015: of 37%; the lowest return on the list and six are from Canada. capital ever; asset impairment Two notable companies that fell72 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Photo by PwCMine2015 NOVEMBER 2016 73Mining Engineering and Its Importance
INSIDE THEWORLD’S LARGESTUNDERGROUNDMINE 74 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
In the Chilean community of Diablo Regimiento and Pipa Machali in Cachapoal Province, Norte. in the Andes mountain The operations of Codelco are range, lies the world’s largest divided into seven, namely underground mine. Called the El Chuquicamata, Radomiro Teniente, it holds underground Tomic, Ministro Hales, Andina, El copper operations, which is the Teniente, Salvador, and Gabriela sixth biggest in the world by Mistral. reserve size. Codelco, the state- Massive ores are hauled daily owned copper miner and the through a railroad system, world’s largest copper producer, leading to the surface. They are owns and operates El Teniente. crushed in plants and conveyed As of 2015, the underground to a concentrator where a mine has more than 3,000 copper concentrate is produced. kilometers of tunnels and about This is sent to a nearby smelter. 1,500 kilometers of underground This underground copper mine roads. It yields more than boasts as one of the first mines 400,000 metric tons of refined to deploy a semi-automated copper per year – in 2013, they load haul dumpers for ore managed to reach a 450,000- extraction. They did it in 2004. tonne output; and in January El Teniente’s huge copper to November of 2014, about deposit was discovered early in 423,100 tonnes of copper were the 19th century. It was in 1905 mined. It comprises six mining when U.S.-based Braden Copper blocks around the Braden Pipe Company started operations on at different elevations including the site, with block caving used the Esmeralda, Reservas Norte, for extracting ore.All Photos by CodelcoViaMining.com NOVEMBER 2016 75 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
OLD COUPLE WOKE UP TO SINKHOLE CAUSED BY OLD MINING SHAFT What if you wake up one day to find Photo by QuietCorner out that your simple garden had a Photo by BrisbaneTimes huge sinkhole on it? That is exactly what happened to a retired couple’s backyard one Monday where a sinkhole suddenly appeared and grew to a diameter of 15 meters on Tuesday night. This was the result of an old mining shaft which wasn’t used for decades already. Lynnette McKay and her husband had people from the mines department review the sinkhole to find out who should be responsible in repairing the hole. According to McKay, people were bringing in pumps and other things to check the situation. She adds, “ “We were seriously shocked. It was 1885 apparently all the mining started out around these areas. I just got that bit of information from a person [whose] father worked in the mines.” While the sinkhole happened because of a shaft used for mining below the ground, this isn’t the first time that sinkholes and collapsed surfaces have occurred in Ipswich. The place used to be known for its underground mines but has been a residential suburbs for some time already. According to Jim Leggate, a former mines department environmental officer, “The engineering of those mines was pretty good but part of their operations was the collaptive roof supports [timber pillars and beams that inevitably rot] and in certain locations that would cause surface subsidence. And it was an inevitability that was conveniently ignored in the [mining leases].The problem is a lot of those underground mines there were operated under mining leases that didn’t extend to the surface.” These days, Ipswich no longer has a mining industry. But it definitely shows everyone that the past finds a way to haunt us.76 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
LITHIUM DEMANDBOOMS AHEAD byFarrelPinto Lithium Australia mulls deeper in one of the worst weeks in the He also added that the lithium carbonate is at $10,000 per ton project and funding in lithium as trading history. This however and the lithium hydroxide at $14,000 per ton spotting a very potential demand grows in the added potentials to its business significant price increase in the late 2015. For instance, Lithium emergence of renewable and model for a $29 million fundraising carbonate was at low trade in early December for $10, 0540 but portable storage technology. The drive. Lithium Australia’s stock increased highly late in December at $14,362. Pilgangoora project in Western trading jumped 13.3% higher, It is expected that more companies will be investing in Australia is expected to expand representing 80% more since the lithium production as stocks have been increasing due to forecasted its scope for mining lithium as mid-January. demands of lithium batteries in the future. the area was confirmed to be a The company’s confidence for plan pegmatite zone. Pegmatite is the expansion was led by its recent ore containing lithium successful production of lithium “I think we’re talking about a hydroxide. Lithium hydroxide is anPhoto by EarthsPhysicsTeaching paradigm shift in the way people added chemical used in production think about power”, Adrian of batteries and represents a big Griffin, Managing Director of market at the back of increased Lithium Australia, said pertaining electric car manufacture. Adrian to renewables and storage like Griffin believes that lithium can lithium-ion batteries. be traded either as carbonate or The company recently completed hydroxide and that the market is a $6.55 million share replacement hungry for both.Photo by Weebly NOVEMBER 2016 77 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Photo by ResolutionPossible Photo by SMIPhoto by BritanniaMining Photo by RoyalBafokengPlatinumHow Mining CompaniesGive Back To CommunitiesMining companies get a bad reputation involved. Whether it benefits the locals community.for most people who do not understand socially, economically or environmentally, Jobs are also given to the locals. Notthe importance of what they are doing. mining companies would take the initiative only are the jobs available to provideFor anti-mining activists, the extraction of to offer programs that could help people people with income, some companiesminerals and metals from different lands and have a better relationship with them. offer jobs that involve training to preparelead to the destruction of the environment. As we all know, the future of a mining these people for a sustainable living.This is what some people would like to company depends on the relations These programs may be beneficial to thebelieve. Forget the importance of the between the company and the locals. If community even if mining companiesmetals and minerals extracted to supply the locals don’t support a mining company, leave them after operation.society’s demands - mining is bad for the chances are there will be delays on future Lastly, CSR programs may involve buildingenvironment, mining is bad for us. That’s projects and problems in getting permits social capital. To give back to communities,exactly what anti-mining organizations for an operation to push through. companies can provide free educationwant us to believe. So what exactly do these companies offer for the children to go to school to. TheyBut through responsible mining and in their CSR programs? can provide families on different typesproper information dissemination, mining There are a lot of choices for different of information including family planning,companies can shed some light on the communities. The most common HIV prevention, proper hygiene and manybenefits of the activity and how it’s not program involves development of more.necessarily bad for the environment at different infrastructure. Roads will be While some people still question theall. Another thing they do is to involve the built to provide better transportation ulterior motives of mining companies incommunities where mining companies while hospitals and schools will become having the initiative to do these programs,are located in their activities through available for the community as well. Since we really can’t help but approve of theseCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mining companies are found in rural areas, CSR programs. After all, they still get toprograms. These are voluntary actions electricity may also be prioritized for the help different communities improve theirthat will help benefit the communities way of life.78 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
South Africa MININGPhoto by 911Metallurgist DISASTERS YOU NEVER WANTFrance TO WITNESSPhoto by WikimediaChina Working in a mining site is not an easy job. In fact, working in one meansPhoto by 911Metallurgist knowing you may never get to live to see the bright skies and your families ifWales (United Kingdom) you’re not too careful at your job. Sometimes, unfortunate accidents happenPhoto by WalesOnline and cause a lot of consequences to different mining companies. Given the risksJapan involved in mining, a lot of companies make sure that they practice safe workPhoto by 911Metallurgist ethics. Of course, one still couldn’t avoid an accident. The world witnessed a lot of horrifying accidents that caused a lot of lives. If there’s one thing people can learn from these events, it’s that companies should invest a lot on making sure everyone who works for them are safe in the workplace. It also pays to hire the best crisis management team in case of emergencies. In this article, we list down some of the mining industry’s worst accidents that ever happened: In South Africa The mine disaster in Coalbrook, South Africa urged the South Africans to change the way companies dealt with the work safety issues. Back in 1960, 437 miners were trapped in a section of the Coalbrook mine because of a rock fall. Due to methane poisoning, only 20 people survived because no equipment was able to take the workers out of the mine. This lead the companies to invest on a suitable rescue drilling equipment. In France Around 1099 people died when a coal-dust explosion destroyed the Courrieres mine in 1906. Two-thirds of the miners working there died. Children also died in the explosion. Those who survived suffered from burns and got sick by the gases. In China In the Benxihu Colliery, a coal-dust explosion occurred back in 1942. The accident cost 1,549 lives and it took around 10 days to remove all the bodies. In Wales (United Kingdom) Back in 1913, the famous Senghenydd Colliery disaster happened. A methane explosion occurred which ignited a coal dust. Around 439 miners were killed and is considered the most deadly mine accident in United Kingdom. In Japan An accident occurred in the Japanese Mitsubishi Hojyo coal mine. Back in 1914, a gas explosion killed around 687 workers. Another accident occurred in 1963 which killed 458 miners in the Mitsui Miike coal mine from carbon monoxide poisoning. NOVEMBER 2016 79 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
BEAUTIFULMINERALSANDSTONESYOUWANTFOR YOURCOLLECTIONContrary to popular belief, not minerals and stones in order for amazed at how beautiful theyeverything you dig out of land us to pass. What was once an are. Some of my classmates evenis dirty and ugly. Some of the assumption that these types of wanted to steal them given theirjewelry most powerful men and classes would be boring turned value and beauty.women wear came from the into one of the best classes Now, we see more of them on theground. Before it went through we’ve ever had. You see, most of internet. As we surf the internetall the refining and polishing us believed that these minerals and search for beautiful mineralsprocesses, miners, scientists and and stones would only be boring and stones, we see beautiful onesengineers had to use different to look at. We expected to see that really exist! Here are someprocesses to extract these different shades of gray and of the most beautiful mineralsminerals and gemstones from black. When the professors and stones we found on thethe deepest parts of Earth. started showing us the minerals internet.Back in college, we had to and stones they’ve collectedidentify different types of around the world, we were80 NOVEMBER 2016 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
Azurite Rose Quartz Geode UvarovitePhoto by BoredPanda Photo by BlazePress Photo by BlazePressBismuth Opal Fossil FluoritePhoto by BoredPanda Photo by BoredPanda Photo by BoredPandaTitanium Quartz Amethyst Geode TourmalinePhoto by BlazePress Photo by BoredPanda Photo by BoredPandaOpal Chrysocolia in MalachitePhoto by BlazePress Photo by BoredPanda NOVEMBER 2016 81 Mining Engineering and Its Importance
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