Abstract

GERMIQUET, J. P.  and  MINNITT, R.C.A.. Rock Strength and Geometallurgical Modelling, Mogalakwena Mine. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2016, vol.116, n.3, pp.247-250. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2016/v116n3a5.

Rock properties have a material impact on mining processes, including drilling performance. An investigation using point loaded index (PLI) data converted to uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) has revealed that a direct relationship between grain size and UCS exists at Mogalakwena Mine. This correlation is best seen in unaltered rock, with lower correlations for altered rock types. Measurements from the new RockMa system installed on drill rigs can be used to obtain rock strength data to validate the current rock strength domains and create additional data for the next benches below. An investigation of penetration rates in different lithologies shows that rock composition plays an important role in determining drill performance. Additionally, there is an inverse relationship between rock strength and drilling penetration rate - a measure of how efficiently a hole is drilled. The domaining of grain-size-adjusted UCS at Mogalakwena Mine will allow more accurate scheduling of drill rigs through increased knowledge of rock strength in various areas. Successful rock strength domaining has the potential to be incorporated into blast indexing and predicting crushing/milling performance.

Keywords : geometallurgy; rock strength; point load; comminution; drilling rate of penetration; crushing.

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