Abstract

CLAASSEN, J.O.. Testing for heterogeneity in complex mining environments. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2016, vol.116, n.2, pp.181-188. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2016/v116n2a9.

Homogeneous populations are required to perform descriptive, probabilistic, and inference statistics and to support stable, predictable mining operations. The geological and downstream processing environments are, however, highly heterogeneous. The complex nature of mining environments requires means to identify and define multi-population environments that could affect the performance of mining value chains. A study performed at several operating mines suggests that the impact of heterogeneous or variable geological, mining, and plant processing environments on overall mining value chain performance may not be a key focus area at these operations. This was illustrated through the use of basic and spatial statistics, which included the log-probability plot, a modified range equation, and chronovariography. The findings reflect high relative variability in the geological and processing environments studied and mining operators' inability to effectively deal with the sources and consequences of variability. The study suggests that a focus on heterogeneity in complex mining operations may significantly enhance overall mining performance.

Keywords : heterogeneity; mining variability; variography; chronovariography.

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