Yield improvement at a mid-sized coal mine in the Witbank coalfields
JO Claassen
A study was initiated and solutions implemented to address the root
causes of a 30%–40% lower than predicted product yield achieved
at a Mpumalanga coal mine. A holistic MRTM approach, which
focused on improving exploration, geological sampling and analysis,
geological modelling, planning, mining, and beneficiation practices,
was used. The study indicated that deviations in the planned versus
actual yields at the DMS plant were caused mainly by incorrect
geological yield predictions, high and variable levels of dilution, and
near-dense material, as well as the textural properties of the ore.
Keywords: MRTM, mining value chain improvement, Witbank coalfields,
complex geology.