Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting surface failure of a surface, for example a method comprising the steps of: obtaining a group of measured datasets, each including: a measurement value of at least a first type for each of a plurality of grid elements, each grid element associated with a location on the surface; and a time value, such that the group of datasets includes datasets associated with a plurality of unique time values, identifying an interface set of grid elements for each measured dataset, each interface set comprising grid elements of the associated measured dataset meeting a connection threshold according to a connection rule in dependence on the measurement values of the grid elements, determining a risk of surface failure in accordance with identification of a pattern of grid elements of the interface set which has a persistent location with respect to the surface of interface sets over a plurality of measured datasets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting surface failure of a surface, for example a method comprising the steps of: obtaining a group of measured datasets, each including: a measurement value of at least a first type for each of a plurality of grid elements, each grid element associated with a location on the surface; and a time value, such that the group of datasets includes datasets associated with a plurality of unique time values, identifying an interface set of grid elements for each measured dataset, each interface set comprising grid elements of the associated measured dataset meeting a connection threshold according to a connection rule in dependence on the measurement values of the grid elements, determining a risk of surface failure in accordance with identification of a pattern of grid elements of the interface set which has a persistent location with respect to the surface of interface sets over a plurality of measured datasets.

Abstract: A steelmaking process is disclosed. The process includes producing molten steel and molten steelmaking slag in a steelmaking process, the steelmaking slag including iron units and flux units, and thereafter producing molten iron in a molten bath based direct smelting process using a substantial portion of the steelmaking slag as part of the feed material requirements for the direct smelting process. A direct smelting process is also disclosed. The process includes pre-treating ferrous material including steelmaking slag and thereafter direct smelting molten iron using the pretreated ferrous material as part of the feed material for the process.

Abstract: A roll crusher assembly for use in the mining industry is disclosed. The assembly includes one or more than one roll (3) for crushing a feed material. The roll or rolls has an outer surface that is formed from a wear resistant material. The assembly also includes a means, such as a welding assembly (13), for depositing a hard facing material onto the surface of the roll or rolls as the roll or rolls rotate during a crushing operation.

Abstract: A method of treating ore particles to facilitate subsequent processing of the ore particles to recover valuable components from the ore is disclosed. The method includes exposing the ore particles to microwave energy and causing structural alteration of the ore particles. In one embodiment structural alteration is achieve without significantly altering the mineralogy, i.e., composition, of the ore. In another embodiment structural alteration is achieved with minimal change to the sizes of the ore particles. In another embodiment the method includes exposing the ore particles to short duration, high energy pulses of microwave energy.

Abstract: A method of leaching a metal value from a heap of a metal-containing ore and a heap leaching operation are disclosed. The method includes establishing a downward flow of a leach liquor through a section of the heap by supplying the leach liquor onto a top surface of the section and allowing the leach liquor (containing metal values in solution) to drain from a lower part of the section. The method is characterized by supplying the leach liquor onto the top surface of the section at a flow rate that is sufficient so that the downwardly flowing leach liquor saturates the section of the heap.