Abstract: A method and system for detecting electrically conductive objects such as tramp metal embedded in a load of mineral ore/earth within a detection space of an earth moving receptacle. A magnetic signal pulse is projected into a detection space of the receptacle by an antennae loop surrounding the detection space. The magnetic response of the system is monitored and analyzed to determine the presence or absence of electrically conductive objects in the loose material within the detection space.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for electronically testing the safety of sources of energy such as electrical circuits, in explosive atmospheres such as high risk mining situations, using an electronic spark tester (EST) in place of the known mechanical spark test apparatus (STA). The EST typically uses an analogue subsystem (5) and a digital subsystem (6) connected by a digital to analogue converter (7) and an analogue to digital connector (8) to apply a simulated spark load to the energy source and measure the time varying current response to that load.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for monitoring the flow of ore in block cave mining operations by inserting an active magnetic beacon 1 into an ore body 22 and generating an alternating magnetic signal with the beacon 1. The ore is monitored with a magnetometer (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to detect the magnetic flux emitted by the beacon 1 thereby determining a position of the beacon. Successive recordings of the position of the magnetic beacon are taken as it moves along with the ore as it “caves”. In this way, flow patterns of the ore may be revealed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for monitoring the flow of ore in block cave mining operations by inserting an active magnetic beacon 1 into the ore body 12 and generating an alternating magnetic signal with the beacon 1. The ore is monitored with a magnetometer (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to detect the magnetic flux emitted by the beacon 1 thereby determining the position of the beacon. Successive recordings of the position of the magnetic beacon are taken as it moves along with the ore as it “caves”. In this way, the flow patterns of the ore may be revealed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for monitoring the flow of ore in block cave mining operations by inserting an active magnetic beacon 1 into the ore body 12 and generating an alternating magnetic signal with the beacon 1. The ore is monitored with a magnetometer (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to detect the magnetic flux emitted by the beacon 1 thereby determining the position of the beacon. Successive recordings of the position of the magnetic beacon are taken as it moves along with the ore as it “caves”. In this way, the flow patterns of the ore may be revealed.