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In the mining industry, a run-of-mine (ROM) stockpile is a temporary storage unit, but it is also widely accepted as an effective method to reduce the short-term variations of ore grade. However, tracing ore grade at ROM stockpiles accurately using most current fleet management systems is challenging, due to insufficient information available in real time. This study aims to build a three-dimensional (3D) model for ROM stockpiles continuously based on fine-grained grade information through integrating data from a number of ore grade tracking sources.

Following a literature review, a framework for a new stockpile management system is proposed. In this system, near real-time high-resolution 3D ROM stockpile models are created based on dump/load locations measured from global positioning system sensors. Each stockpile model contains a group of layers which are separated by different qualities.

Acquiring the geometric shapes of all the layers in a stockpile and cuts made by front wheel loaders provides a better understanding about the quality and quality distribution within a stockpile when it is stacked/reclaimed. Such a ROM stockpile model can provide information on predicating ore blend quality with high accuracy and high efficiency. Furthermore, a 3D stockyard model created based on such ROM stockpile models can help organisations optimise material flow and reduce the cost.

The modelling algorithm is evaluated using a laboratory scaled stockpile at this stage. The authors expect to scan a real stockpile and create a reference model from it. Meanwhile, the geometric model cannot represent slump or collapse during reclaiming faithfully. Therefore, the model is expected to be reconcile monthly using laser scanning data.

The proposed model is currently translated to the operations at OZ Minerals. The use of such model will reduce the handling costs and improve the efficiency of existing grade management systems in the mining industry.

This study provides a solution to build a near real-time high-resolution multi-layered 3D stockpile model through using currently available information and resources. Such novel and low-cost stockpile model will improve the production rates with good output product quality control.

This paper sets out to propose a new cut‐off optimization algorithm for effective decision making at the open pit mine planning stage.

The determination of optimum cut‐off grade to maximize the net present value of an open pit mining operation is influenced by the economic parameters including metal price and operating costs, the capacities of mine, mill, and refining stages, and grade distribution of the mineral deposit. The market plays a vital role in changing the economic parameters; therefore, they may escalate during mine life. The effect of these changes could be enormous on optimum cut‐off grade policy. The main motive is to introduce economic parameters escalation into the established theory of optimum cut‐off grades and study the impact of these changes on overall economics of the operation. Therefore, a cut‐off grade optimization algorithm is developed, which considers dynamic metal price and cost escalation during mine life.

A copper deposit case study shows that, keeping the metal price escalation at a minimum, the impact of mining and milling costs escalation is relatively higher than refining and administrative costs. Hence, a high‐escalation rate in mining and milling costs may change an economic operation into an uneconomic scenario.

Management of stockpiles as a policy may be introduced in the algorithm for improvement in economy through maximum utilization of mineral resources.

The algorithm due to its flexibility allows analysis of various options in the least possible time, which makes it valuable to mine planners in decision making for major mining investments.

Highly efficient heat‐resistant paint formulations based on Egyptian manganese ore (high and medium grades) and silicon resin were prepared. The heat‐resistance efficiency as well as the physico‐mechanical properties of the painted films were evaluated. Promising results were deduced, showing that manganese ore imparts heat‐resistance protection for painted substrate up to 450°C. The anticorrosive properties of these paint formulations were moderate but their efficiency as heat‐resistant anticorrosive paints was improved by adding 1 per cent of melamine to the paint constituents.

Ores and minerals are extracted from the earth’s crust depending on the type of deposit. Iron ore mines come under massive deposit patterns and have their own mine development and life cycles. This study aims to depict the development and life cycle of large open-pit iron ore mines and the intertwined organizational design of the departments/sections operated within the industry.

Primary data were collected on the site by participant observation, in-depth interviews of the field staff and executives, and field notes. Secondary data were collected from the literature review to compare and cite similar or previous studies on each mining activity. Finally, interactions were conducted with academic experts and top field executives to validate the findings. An organizational ethnography methodology was employed to study and analyse four large-scale iron ore mines of India’s largest iron-producing state, Odisha, from January to April 2023.

Six stages were observed for development and life cycle, and the operations have been depicted in a schematic diagram for ease of understanding. The intertwined functioning of organizational set-up is also discovered.

The paper will benefit entrepreneurs, mining and geology students, new recruits, and professionals in allied services linked to large iron ore mines. It offers valuable insights for knowledge enhancement, operational manual preparation and further research endeavours.

The corrosion protective properties of the primer films prepared from Egyptian manganese ore (high and medium grades) and epoxy resin have been determined by immersing coated films in artificial sea water for 28 days. The good corrosion protective properties indicate that the Egyptian manganese ore can be satisfactorily used in anticorrosive primer formulations for steel surface protection.

The purpose of this paper is to examine a unique sociotechnical system in its historical context to better understand and appreciate how a naturalistic organization enacted five key characteristics identified as critical to sociotechnical systems by theorists hundreds of years after the fact.

The paper presents an examination of the history and context of this unique method of organizing. The literature of sociotechnical systems was examined and five guiding principles are identified which provide the framework for this evaluation.

A sociotechnical system with naturalistic origins is identified, described, and discussed; providing fresh insights into the nature of sociotechnical systems and there enactment.

This is a unique case not previously identified in the literature of management and organizations. It should be of particular interest to scholars interested in sociotechnical systems.

The paper considers the development of the unique fiscal relationship that exists between the government of Fiji and Emperor gold mines. Over a period of 40 years Emperor has not only paid negligible amounts of taxes and royalties it has frequently been directly subsidised by the state. In 1983 the government signed the Vatukoula tax agreement which effectively gave new mines a tax holiday for over 20 years. At the time of writing, Emperor regularly declares a dividend, is profitable in comparison to similar mines and pays no corporate taxes. The tax agreement stands as unique among developing countries in terms of allowing all potential rents from the mine to pass directly to the mine owners and almost nothing to the resource owner.

Mr. Sajjan Jindal, MD of JVSL (nos JSW) wanted to bring the latest technology of iron making into India. His project went to several cost overrun and time overrun due to several foreseen and unforessen circumstances. This case discusses the issues new technology introduction in iron making area, problem faced by inexperienced contractor. It shows the need for proper risk management is required. It also shows the criticality of the project does not mean time cost trade off, but many other factors like reliability of the equipment, process and reliability of the equipment and plants.