Mining Engineering Report: Evaluating Fosterville Mine, Australia

This report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Fosterville gold mine in Australia, addressing various aspects of mining engineering. It begins with an introduction to the mine's significance in Australia's mineral industry. The report examines potential hazards faced by site officers, including physical dangers like open pits, dust, noise, and vibrations, along with proposed control measures. The report also delves into the regional geology of the Lachlan Fold Belt, the historical context of gold mining at Fosterville, and the geological exploration efforts that have taken place. It explores the age, style, and genesis of gold mineralization, including the two phases of mineralization and the associated geological features. The report further highlights the importance of Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations in the Australian mining context and specific legislation applied in Victoria. The analysis includes a stratigraphic column diagram and references relevant research to support its findings.

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INTRODUCTION

Australia has been considered to be one of the world potential mineral sources. The
government of the day has been relying on the exploitation of these mineral sources to meet the
demands of the economy in this particular country(Nguyen and Niedbalski 2016). Although
mining has not been regarded as the main economic activity in Australia, its contribution to the
development of the specific regions in this part of the world cannot be overlooked. In Australia,
one of the common mining regions which are known for their mineral production includes
Fosterville.
Just like any other region in the world that is characterized by its own unique features of
mining activities, Fosterville possesses specific properties of the site nature, some of which
favors the exploitation of the valuable minerals in these regions while others are regarded as the
hindrance to the same program. This particular study has focused on the evaluation of different
mining aspects at Fosterville while highlighting the vital factors.
Question One
Part A
While visiting the site of the mining, the officers will be expected to interact with the
unique environment different from what they had been experiencing previously. Considering that
they are just normal human beings, they will be expected to encounter some of the most
dangerous activities in the area from the beginning of the Mine Lease Area(Walker 2018). Some
of the potential Dangerous Activities Expected to be at the Forefront will include the following:
 Having access to the mineral ores may leave the hands with the bruises considering that
they are not used to handling rough materials

 Mining activities are known to leave open pits of varying sizes. The officers will
definitely be engaging in dangerous activities while jumping over some of these pits to
make their way through.
 Some of the exposed mining debris is usually left in unstable equilibrium. When they are
slightly displaced, they roll and can potentially cause accidents to the individuals
accessing the mining sites like the officers(Jensen 2019)
 The officers are expected to breathe in dusty air while at the site of mining. Although it
will be part of the safety requirement to ensure that PPEs are provided, some of them
may be defective.
 The machines that are used in the mining sites are usually characterized by intense
vibration effects.Some of these kinds of vibrations are not recommended especially for
the expectant mothers. When the issue of the vibration becomes too intense, it may lead
to dislocation of the bones. The officers are likely to be part of the victims of intense
vibration at the mining sites.
Part B
Noise
Other than the manufacturing sector and the transport industry, Mining has been associated
with the higher decibel level of sound which is usually beyond human consumption. The
situation is worsening when the PPEs available in the site are very defective. It should be within
the expectation of the visiting team to be exposed to higher levels of noise. Despite that fact that
it may be easier for an individual to become used to a certain level of noise after sometimes, this
may not be possible or applicable in this case. This is because the visiting officers will not take
much time while at the site. It may be possible for some of them to realize potential damage

while at the site due to such levels of noise. As indicated by the research work, being exposed to
too much noise can lead to the defects called ringing ear.
Measures of control
In order for the visiting team to be protected from the excess noise which emanates from
various components in the mining site, the risk assessment plan by the company will be required.
The company may use engineering methods to ensure that the level of noise is reduced. Some of
the engineering methods will include the use of dampers or just the application of the panels with
the absorptive characteristics(Kaksonen et al 2018).
Solution rating: 5
The company has already identified regular maintenance as one of the potential mechanisms
of ensuring that the noise levels which are generated from the moving parts of the machine
components are minimized as possible. This will include oiling and greasing to reduce friction.
Tightening of the loose parts of the machine components like nuts among other solutions.
Solution Rating: 4
Whole Body Vibration
The Whole Body Vibration or WBV as it is commonly referred to. It can be regarded as a
gradual process that is experienced by the workers who are accesses the potential active mining
areas or mining sites. Considering that the visiting team will be accessing the potential active
mining sites at the Fosterville, Vibration is like to affect some of them especially those who have
had a history of the joint disorders.
Measures of control

It will be a requirement of the mining company to take appropriate control measures
including filling the open pits with the right materials. This will not only ensure that the land
dereliction is eliminated but also lower the chances of the accident occurrence from these risky
circumstances.
Solution Rating : 3
Thermal stresses
Mining activities are usually associated with the destruction or clearance of the vegetation
cover. This implies that it will be difficult to have required shades in the sites as might have been
expected before. The workers together with the visiting team will be expected to brave the
scorching sun that leads to thermal stresses
Measures of the control
The visiting or the workers will be expected to use some of the effective PPES including
Umbrellas and hats. In some extreme cases, the temporary shades may be erected.
Solution Rating: 4
Particles of Dust
The activities of gold mining are usually characterized by intense dust production which leads to
respiratory diseases. It is, therefore, one of the key areas that any potential mining safety officer
should give much attention and Fosterville is not an option.
Measures of Control

Prior to the commencement of the mining activities, it is recommended that mine workers
be trained on the possible consequences of dust exposure to their health. Personal Protective
Equipment including nose mask should be given to the workers will the excess supply being set
aside to be used by the visitors of the site. There are several legislations within states like
Queensland and Victoria which advocates for the application of the WHS. Apart from Western
Australia and Queensland, the remaining states like
Solution Rating: 4
Part C
Although the mining sites in various regions in Australia have their own unique
requirements as far as the geographical location is concerned, there is a general requirement for
all the states within Australia to properly manage respective mining sites in their territorial
boundaries in a manner that enhance WHS. Apart from Western Australia and Queensland, the
states like Victoria applies the general rules of legislation regarding WHS in attempts to control
risks at the mining sites. There are additional sub-rules which are used to supplement mining
regulations. This is basically done to ensure that safety measures are strictly adhered to in the
mining sites. One of such examples of the WHS regulations will include Work Health Safety Act
2013(Mines)
Table 1: Legislation per state

In Australia particularly Victoria, there is an application of WHS with full support from the
ministry of the industrialization. Some of these laws are taken through harmonization programs
with the main aim being the elimination of laxity which has dominated the sector in terms of the
implementations of such conditions. Such states like Victoria have had amendments in their
safety mining rules to meet the current demands of safety.
Question Two
Overview of the Regional Geology within Lachlan Fold Belt
One of the regions considered as enigmatic part of North-South trending Composite
Paleozoic Tasman Orogenic Belt is the Lachlan Fold Belt. This particular Belt is located along
the Australian Zone Margin. The formation of part of the system which basically constitutes
phanerozozoic organic along Gondwanaland Paleozoic was at eastern belt margin. There is the
presence of huge tracks of sedimentary rocks which lie deep within the marine and are found in
the section of the Lachlan Fold Belt(Nguyen and Niedbalski 2016). The belt is having very
distinct characteristics which make it unique as compared with other belts known to be orogenic
like for the case of the Alps which is orogenic. It has the following properties:
 It has dimensions which are comparable to Cordillera which is found in North America.
 It possesses a system of assemblage within the lithotectonic that has a general exposure
of about 1000 km long
 The assemblage of Lithotechtonic is known to be dominant on Ordovician Quartz-rich
fan that is characterized by turbidite. The components have dimensions of palinspastic.
Early Geological Discovery as covered in the Fosterville Deposits

Gold mining sites was first discovered in Fosterville in the year 1894. The exploration
exercise carried on up to the period of 1903 prior to the production commencement. The
activities of mining were carried out near the surface where there oxide material. Apart from the
cases of tailing which characterized retreatment as evident in the year 1930, there was a lot of
dominance within the area in the year 1988. It was during this period that the production of gold
through the exploitation process was initiated at the Bendigo Gold Associates. This particular
project came to an end by the year 1989 before exploration exercise could pick up immediately.
This is what resulted in the acquisition of the land leases by the potential explorers like
Brunswick.
Exploration that constitutes Geological Work
The exploration in the region has recorded very successful results while considering the
drilling programs. One of the results of such activities includes striking procedures that are
lengthy. The estimated distance for the exploration was between 11 to 15 km. Also, the
exploration program was an indicator of the existence of gold-bearing ore of sulfide in the area.
One of the areas identified to be rich in this particular mineral is Lyell and May Reef. It was also
through such activities that the lines of mineralization which had not been discovered before
came to be known as the West of Russell’s ref and the Goornong Eastern part(Li et al 2018).
Diagram of regional Stratigraphic Column

Figure 1: Zones of Lithographies(Andrews 2019).
Age, Style as well as the genesis of Fosterville mineralization of gold
The deposits of gold at Fosterville is specifically found in the area which is found on the
ENE of Bendigo at about 20km. The mineralization period has been grouped into two with some
being delineated across Lachlan Fold Belt Western region. The process took place through
dating which is radiogenic in nature. The initially available options are usually connected to the
vein of quartz which became responsible for 425 to 400Ma mineralization. The occurrence was
from the period of Devonian in Silurian. The extension was thus achieved from Stawell that is
located on the West of Bendigo across to the Victoria(Banerjee et al 2017).
There are basically two suites that are granitic which have effectively had their intrusion
into the zones of Bendigo during the Devonian period( Both early and late).In a similar
evaluation, the intrusion effect is closely connected to the second phase of the whole process of
mineralization gauging values of between 365Ma and 380Ma. The coverage included the
Walhalla belt of Woods Point located in the east starting from Ballarat whose location is the

west. The research work estimation indicates that the Fosterville Mineralization took place
during this particular phase or period. Different in the occurrence that ranges from carbonate of
quartz that has been responsible for hosting free gold characterized the phase. This is the main
reason why this phase has been commonly referred to as sulfide phase by some scholars. The
components included in this period include stibnite, gold, and pyrite. Very deep weathering
accompanied by weathering is believed to have taken place in the late Tertiary period. This type
of weathering was situated at a reasonable depth which was 50m(Andrews 2019).
Possible potential regions of future study
The main potential areas aimed at by mining activities are all zones of ore based underground
and include Phoenix, Harrier and also the central regions. Gold extraction in these potential areas
employs open stopping method of mining. This will further cover the use of cemented Rock Fill
in areas where they possibly applied(Miller, Wan and Diaz 2016). A given Mining method of
gold in a stopping regime is selected on the basis of geometry as well as the past experience
gained from the use of the technique for mining purposes in Fosterville and further geotechnical
states which are the real zones of the ore.
A conventional fleet is applied in the underground extraction method of gold and consists of
ancillary, loaders, jumbos, drill production and trucks. For the open cut mining method, it
includes the application of trucks and excavators in the mining site(Andrews 2019).
The measures concerning the environment
The main factor that is connected with pollution in this sector is explained below.
Noise pollution

The noise pollution is generated from the moving vehicles, processing operators, infrastructure
ancillary and final surface as well as the underground blasting.
Effect of noise pollution
It is considered being a source of disturbance to Fauna.
Noise pollution has a big health impact.
Lead to a reduction in the amenity receptor sensitivity.
The control measures to be taken on noise pollution
 Ensuring maintenance programs in order to reduce any noise from the moving component
of a machine
 Adhering to the legislative policies that involved development and act of planning 2007.
This consists of the responsibilities for the Australian Capital Territory. As well as the
title of the mineral act of 2010 that is being used in the northern territory.
The air quality.
 A lot of specks of dust are produced primarily during the crushing of the rocks.
 The dust is picked up by wind erosion, therefore, leading to an intense production of
smoke as well as a cloud of dust.
The impact of the air quality
 Induction of water carts that are being used in the company on an exposed ground

 Discouraging the clearing of vegetation in order to minimize the land that is in exposure
to wind erosion.
 Ensure that the speed of moving a vehicle is reduced to ensure that the surface dust is
minimized.
 Most of these measure having legislation stipulation through the Mineral Resource Act of
1995 and Sustainable Development Act of 1990o of Victoria.
Glossary
Question 3
Terms Definition
Grade Defines as the percentages of metals that got from the ore
Ore This is the rock that contains minerals that can rich enough
for mining
Mill Recovery Rate This is the percentage of mineral that the machine is capable
to refine at a specific time
Mine recovery rate His is the percentage of mineral which is available and
expected to be there to be sold in the market after the refining
process.
Ore resource The maximum confidence reserve estimate category
Ore resource This entail being available, economical legal as well as being
technically feasible to extract.
Indicated resource This is a sample of economic mineral that occurred to the
extent of making an estimate at a specific level of confidence.
Measure resource These are the resources that are indicated to be have been
sampled as well as declared and accepted by the competent

person,
Exploration drilling These are techniques applied in the mining industry in
assisting in probing the ore deposit content that is defined in
any site and considered to be potential.
Underground exploration development Mineral extraction from the underground that includes
several structural constructions.
Brief History
Gold deposits are at Victoria to the north-central regions with an approximate distance of 20
kilometers from Bendigo. The deposits of gold have components which are the remains of
controlled fault that results along and adjacent to the minerals structural sequence that assumes
the shoot form at 8 km interludes of its formation. Between the year 1894 and 1903, gold was
first identified at Fosterville through mining and produced a total of 0.8 tons of gold. The activity
of mining of gold in Fosterville was allowed in 1991 as per the systematic plan of reverse
circulation drilling together with the trend of gold in Fosterville as well as O’Dwyers which were
separated apart by some kilometers to indicate ore accumulations of sources of each oxide. As a
result, the operations were initiated on the built-up leaching from shallow oxide open pits. At
around 1998 and 2001, large tone of gold amounting to around 7.5 t was realized by the use of
cessation of oxide mining(Andrews 2019). Prior to the extinction of oxide mining, the
underlying resources of sulfide were literally recognized and tasted. The feasibility research
work in mining sulfide operation was completed come the year 2003 and open pit as a mining
technique as well as its development was adopted in the year 2004.
The total amount of Tones and revenue produced in year 2018 is as indicated in the figure :

Figure 2: A figure illustrating how the produced tone of gold is determined(Andrews 2018).
Methods of mining
Traditional methods
The open pit mining technique was employed for the extraction of gold between the year 2005
and 2007. The open pit technique was appropriate for obtaining the minerals which occur some
few distances below the earth surface by excavating large pits or a quarry. This necessitated the
construction of roads to facilitate the transportation of products and people to the mine or away

from the mine. The roads were also to advance maneuvering and operation of heavy mining
machines like crushers and screens.
Modern methods of mining
Underground method of mining is currently predominantly preferred for the process of
gold extraction. This is because there is no access to the required resources granted by the
underground method of mining. In addition to that, the consideration may be after the minerals at
the surface have been exhausted. The underground method of mining consists of the construction
of erected or horizontal ramps, tunnels, and shafts by which the gold far away from the surface
of the earth is deposited(Andrews 2018).
This mining method is technical, labor-intensive and extremely complex since it consists of
holes drilling for explosives, setting off the explosives as well as the use of machines to clear the
debris. Actually, the costs that are incurred in both the methods of mining, that is, underground
mining method and open pit mining technique for the extraction of gold in Fosterville are
somehow equal with only further additional electricity requirement at the mine that makes the
difference.
Gold mining method and processing

Figure 3: A figure showing gold processing and treatment method
Amalgamation
Amalgamation is the ancient treatment method of gold in which the gold particles are mixed with
metal mercury to produce amalgam. The alloy is then heated in retorts to distillation point of
mercury separate the gold with mercury. Amalgamation treatment method is applied mostly for
the coarse gold of minimum size 30 microns in diameter. The current treatment method for gold
in Fosterville does not, however, apply amalgamation as a method since mercury is a very toxic
substance.
Gravity concentration
The gravity concentration operates under the notion that the ore containing the gold is at higher
gravity compared to the major rock in which gold is found. The specific gravity of elemental go
lhs is 19.3 and the specific gravity is approximately 2.5 for the typical gold. The devices of

concentration are designed in a way that the motion created between the gold and the main rock
separyhates the light particles from the heavy particles.
Floatation
Floatation consists of the use of chemical agents to concentrate the gold mineral. After that, a
deep agitation is done. To generate a mineralized concentrated ore, air sparging is conducted for
the agitated ore.
Grouping Ounces of gold Degree
Reserves of the minerals 1004500 14.56
Resources indicated or
estimated
1656000 18.66
Resource Inferred 2500000 28.85
Table 2: Resources costs(Andrews 2018)
The projected value slightly differs with the exact value if it is assumed that the price of gold per
ounce is $1600. This only occurs when other production factors are held constant.
CONCLUSION
To bring this to an end, the deposits of gold have components which are the remains of
controlled fault that results along and adjacent to the minerals structural sequence that assumes
the shoot form at 8 km interludes of its formation(Asamoah et al 2016). The analysis of the
program indicates the availability of bearing gold of sulfide more particularly at regions of Lyell

and May Reef. This has however left some mineral lines undiscovered at the eastern regions
Goornong and western parts of Russell reef. The research work has revealed that Fosterville is
potentially capable of remaining an active region of mining.

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