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1
Alder, Lisa. "Strategies in the Australia-Japan Coking Coal Bilateral Oligopoly Market." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2001. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/227110/1/T%28BS%29%20235_Alder_2001.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Studies of price and output behaviour in the Australia-Japan coking coal market since Ben Smith
(1977) have focused on low and inflexible prices determined with quantities under the contract system,
and the outcomes have been attributed to the cartel behaviour of integrated Japanese Steel Mills
(JSMs). When viewed with theory on oligopoly, these price and associated output outcomes are not
unexpected nor are they necessarily inefficient. Oligopoly theories contribute to an understanding of
the way in which oligopolists comprehend their interdependence and use their knowledge and
experience to achieve joint profit maximisation without coordination or collusion. Yet these oligopoly
theories only serve to explain certain behaviours within the Australia-Japan coking coal market. The
presence oflarge coordinated oligopsonist buyers introduces factors specific to the study of bilateral
oligopoly. Yet the way in which supplier oligopolists use output and costs to survive in the presence of
the countervailing power of large organised buyers (JSMs) has not been fully investigated. Neither
oligopoly suppliers nor oligopsonist buyers in the Australia-Japan coking coal market achieve joint
profit maximisation. Instead, Australian oligopoly coking coal suppliers are price takers, which
oversupply the market, earn reasonable profit, and through internal cost minimisation and risk
diversification strategies, still manage to operate efficiently and effectively in the presence of cartel
buyers. This study redirects the focus on coking coal to the internal behaviour and strategies ( drawing
on game theories and strategic behaviour) of oligopolist suppliers and oligopsonist buyers to explain
price and quantity levels in the presence of countervailing oligopsonists. The study highlights the
strategies open to Australian coking coal oligopolists, and areas for future investigation.
2
Santoso, Binarko. "Petrology of permian coal, Vasse Shelf, Perth Basin, Western Australia." Thesis, Curtin University, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/1466.
Full textAbstract:
The Early Permian coal samples for the study were obtained from the Vasse Shelf, southern Perth Basin, located approximately 200 km south- west of Perth. The selected coal samples for the study were also obtained from the Premier Sub-basin of the Collie Basin and the Irwin Sub-basin of the Perth Basin. The Early Permian coal measures are described as the Sue Coal Measures from the Vasse Shelf, the Ewington Coal Measures from the Premier Sub-basin and the coal measures from the Irwin sub-basin are described as the Irwin River Coal Measures.The Vasse Shelf coal is finely banded and the dominant lithotypes are dull and dull banded types, followed by bright banded and banded types, with minor bright types. The variation of dull and bright lithotypes represents fluctuating conditions of water table level during the growth of peat in the swamp. The maceral composition of the coal is predominantly composed of inertinite, followed by vitrinite and minor exinite and mineral matter. The coal is characterized by very low to medium semifusinite ratio and medium to high vitrinite content, supporting the deposition in anaerobic wet conditions with some degree of oxidation. The coal is classified as sub- bituminous to high volatile bituminous of the Australian classification. In terms of microlithotype group, the predominance of inertite over vitrite suggests the coal was formed under drier conditions with high degree of oxidation during its deposition. On the basis of the interpretations of lithotypes, macerals, microlithotypes and trace elements, the depositional environment of the coal is braided and meandering deltaic-river system without any brackish or marine influence.The maceral composition of the Collie coal predominantly consists of inertinite and vitrinite, with low exinite and mineral matter. The very low to low semifusinite ratio and low to medium vitrinite content of the coal indicate that the coal was formed under aerobic dry to wet conditions with some degree of oxidation. The coal is categorized as sub-bituminous according to the Australian classification. The domination of inertite and durite over vitrite and clarite contents in the coal reflects the deposition under drier conditions with fluctuations in the water table. On the basis of the interpretations of macerals, microlithotypes and trace elements distribution, the depositional environment of the coal is lacustrine, braided to meandering fluvial system, without the influence of any marine influx.The maceral composition of the Irwin River coal consists predominantly of vitrinite and inertinite, and minor exinite and mineral matter. The coal has very low semifusinite ratio and medium to high vitrinite content, suggesting the coal was deposited in anaerobic wet conditions with some degree of oxidation. The coal is classified as sub-bituminous of the Australian classification. The predominance of vitrite and clarite over inertite and durite contents in the coal indicates that the coal was formed in wetter conditions and in high water covers with a low degree of oxidation. Based on macerals and microlithotypes contents, the depositional environment of the coal is braided fluvial to deltaic, which is in accordance with the interpreted non- marine and mixed marine environment of deposition in the sub-basin.The petrological comparisons of Vasse Shelf, Collie and Irwin River coals show that the average vitrinite content of the Irwin River coal is highest (49.1%) and of the Collie coal is lowest (37.3%) of the three. The inertinite content is highest in Collie coal (49.1%), followed by Vasse Shelf (46.4%) and Irwin River (39.2%) coals. The exinite content is low in Irwin River coal (6.3%) as compared with Vasse Shelf (9.0°/,) and Collie (8.3%) coals. The mineral matter content is relatively low for all the three coals. The rank of the Vasse Shelf coal is high as compared with the Collie and Irwin River coals, either due to tectonic uplift after the deposition in post-Permian in the southern Perth Basin, or due to the average depth of burial over Vasse Shelf which is much greater than that of Collie and Irwin River coals.The comparisons of the coal from Western Australia with the selected Gondwana coals show that the predominance of inertinite over vitrinite occurs in the Western Australian coals (Vasse Shelf and Collie Basin). On the other hand, the Brazilian, eastern Australian, Indian and Western Australian (Irwin Sub-basin) coals are dominated by vitrinite over inertinite. The exinite content is highest in the Indian coals and lowest in the eastern Australian coals. The mineral matter content is highest in the Brazilian and Indian coals, and lowest in Western Australian (Vasse Shelf) and eastern Australian (Sydney Basin) coals. The rank of the coals ranges from sub- bituminous to medium volatile bituminous according to the Australian classification.
3
Santoso, Binarko. "Petrology of permian coal, Vasse Shelf, Perth Basin, Western Australia." Curtin University of Technology, School of Applied Geology, 1994. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=14920.
Full textAbstract:
The Early Permian coal samples for the study were obtained from the Vasse Shelf, southern Perth Basin, located approximately 200 km south- west of Perth. The selected coal samples for the study were also obtained from the Premier Sub-basin of the Collie Basin and the Irwin Sub-basin of the Perth Basin. The Early Permian coal measures are described as the Sue Coal Measures from the Vasse Shelf, the Ewington Coal Measures from the Premier Sub-basin and the coal measures from the Irwin sub-basin are described as the Irwin River Coal Measures.The Vasse Shelf coal is finely banded and the dominant lithotypes are dull and dull banded types, followed by bright banded and banded types, with minor bright types. The variation of dull and bright lithotypes represents fluctuating conditions of water table level during the growth of peat in the swamp. The maceral composition of the coal is predominantly composed of inertinite, followed by vitrinite and minor exinite and mineral matter. The coal is characterized by very low to medium semifusinite ratio and medium to high vitrinite content, supporting the deposition in anaerobic wet conditions with some degree of oxidation. The coal is classified as sub- bituminous to high volatile bituminous of the Australian classification. In terms of microlithotype group, the predominance of inertite over vitrite suggests the coal was formed under drier conditions with high degree of oxidation during its deposition. On the basis of the interpretations of lithotypes, macerals, microlithotypes and trace elements, the depositional environment of the coal is braided and meandering deltaic-river system without any brackish or marine influence.The maceral composition of the Collie coal predominantly consists of inertinite and vitrinite, with low exinite and mineral matter. The very low to low semifusinite ratio and low to medium vitrinite content of ++the coal indicate that the coal was formed under aerobic dry to wet conditions with some degree of oxidation. The coal is categorized as sub-bituminous according to the Australian classification. The domination of inertite and durite over vitrite and clarite contents in the coal reflects the deposition under drier conditions with fluctuations in the water table. On the basis of the interpretations of macerals, microlithotypes and trace elements distribution, the depositional environment of the coal is lacustrine, braided to meandering fluvial system, without the influence of any marine influx.The maceral composition of the Irwin River coal consists predominantly of vitrinite and inertinite, and minor exinite and mineral matter. The coal has very low semifusinite ratio and medium to high vitrinite content, suggesting the coal was deposited in anaerobic wet conditions with some degree of oxidation. The coal is classified as sub-bituminous of the Australian classification. The predominance of vitrite and clarite over inertite and durite contents in the coal indicates that the coal was formed in wetter conditions and in high water covers with a low degree of oxidation. Based on macerals and microlithotypes contents, the depositional environment of the coal is braided fluvial to deltaic, which is in accordance with the interpreted non- marine and mixed marine environment of deposition in the sub-basin.The petrological comparisons of Vasse Shelf, Collie and Irwin River coals show that the average vitrinite content of the Irwin River coal is highest (49.1%) and of the Collie coal is lowest (37.3%) of the three. The inertinite content is highest in Collie coal (49.1%), followed by Vasse Shelf (46.4%) and Irwin River (39.2%) coals. The exinite content is low in Irwin River coal (6.3%) as compared with Vasse Shelf (9.0°/,) and Collie (8.3%) coals. The mineral matter content ++
is relatively low for all the three coals. The rank of the Vasse Shelf coal is high as compared with the Collie and Irwin River coals, either due to tectonic uplift after the deposition in post-Permian in the southern Perth Basin, or due to the average depth of burial over Vasse Shelf which is much greater than that of Collie and Irwin River coals.The comparisons of the coal from Western Australia with the selected Gondwana coals show that the predominance of inertinite over vitrinite occurs in the Western Australian coals (Vasse Shelf and Collie Basin). On the other hand, the Brazilian, eastern Australian, Indian and Western Australian (Irwin Sub-basin) coals are dominated by vitrinite over inertinite. The exinite content is highest in the Indian coals and lowest in the eastern Australian coals. The mineral matter content is highest in the Brazilian and Indian coals, and lowest in Western Australian (Vasse Shelf) and eastern Australian (Sydney Basin) coals. The rank of the coals ranges from sub- bituminous to medium volatile bituminous according to the Australian classification.
4
Coffin, Lindsay M. "Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Petrography of the Permian-Triassic Coal-bearing New Lenton Deposit, Bowen Basin, Australia." Thèse, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/23998.
Full textAbstract:
The Bowen Basin is one of the most intensely explored sedimentary basins in Australia and hosts one of the world’s largest coking coal deposits. This study focuses on the Lenton deposit in the north-central part of the Bowen Basin and targets the Rangal Coal Measures, which are the youngest (245 Ma), most areally extensive and least structurally deformed coal measures in the study area. Six lithofacies were identified from detailed bed-by-bed logging of two cores and stratigraphically-upward comprise peatmire deposits of the Permian Blackwater Group overlain unconformably by braided fluvial strata of the Triassic Rewan Group. Coal-bearing strata of the Blackwater Group form a large-scale drying up sequence showing a change from permanent to seasonal waterlogged conditions related to the onset of regional uplift. Sedimentation was then terminated and a regional erosion surface formed by uplift related to the Hunter Bowen Orogeny. This, then, was overlain by braided fluvial strata of the Triassic Rewan Group.
5
Carullo, Livia. "Geostructural analysis of a highwall in Meandu coal mine (QLD, Australia)." Master's thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2019.
Find full textAbstract:
Il lavoro di tesi studia le condizioni geologiche e strutturali della roccia, prima dell'estrazione mineraria, all'interno di uno specifico sito minerario, Meandu Mine, situato nel Queensland, in Australia. Tale analisi è stata condotta nell'ambito di un progetto di ricerca, finanziato dal programma di ricerca associato al carbone australiano (ACARP) e condotto dall'Università di Newcastle e CSIRO (Australia).
In particolare, è stata eseguita l'analisi strutturale di tre strisce di parete appartenente al sito minerario (circa 1000 m di lunghezza × 300 m di larghezza × 100 m di profondità) mediante strumenti di modellazione geo-strutturale e tecnologie sviluppate da CSIRO (Australia).
6
Suwarna, Nana. "Petrology of Jurassic coal, Hill River area, Perth Basin, Western Australia." Thesis, Curtin University, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/675.
Full textAbstract:
The Early Jurassic coal samples for the study were obtained from CRA Exploration Pty Ltd. (CRAE), drilled in the Gairdner and Mintaja Blocks, Gairdner Range of the Hill River Area, northern Perth Basin, Western Australia. The area is located approximately 280 km north of Perth. The coal measures subcrop in a half- graben bounded by the Lesueur-Peron Fault in the west, and the Warradarge Fault in the east. The coal occurs within the shallow sequence of the Cattamarra Member which is also described as the Cattamarra Coal Measures of the Cockleshell Gully Formation. Six sub-seams of seam G, namely G1 to G6, from the six drill cores, were examined for petrological and geochemical investigation. The coal predominantly comprises of banded, dull banded, and dull lithotypes, with minor bright banded, bright and fusainous types. Based on maceral analyses, the dominant maceral groups are vitrinite and inertinite, whilst the exinite and mineral matter are in minor contents. The vitrinite content has a range between 47.2% to 73.0%, and it is composed mainly of telocollinite and desmocollinite. The inertinite is dominated by semifusinite, fusinite, and inertodetrinite, and it has a range from 10.4% to 24.8%. The exinite group varies between 7.2% to 20.8% in content, and it is represented by sporinite, cutinite, alginite and resinite.The mineral matter dominated by clays and pyrite, ranges between 4.5% to 20.6%. The microlithotype analyses shows that the vitrite plus clarite content varies from 47.0% to 70.0%, intermediates between 8.0% to 26.0%, whilst inertite plus durite content is relatively low, varying from 6.55% to 14.0%. The maximum reflectance of vitrinite has a value between 0.47% and 0.53%, which represents rank at sub-bituminous level based on the Australian rank values and corresponding to the sub-bituminous A and B rank of the ASTM classification and to the metalignitous type of the Pareek classification. On the basis of carbon and hydrogen content, the coal is categorised as per-hydrous meta- to ortho-lignitous type. The trace elements As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Th, U, V, Y, Zn, and Zr, are spectrographically analysed in the coal ash. The B content in the coal supports the presence of marine influence during peat deposition in the basin. On the basis of lithotype, maceral, microlithotype, trace element distribution, pyrite and total sulphur in the coal, the depositional environment for coal and the coal measures, is interpreted as an upper to lower delta type within a regressive phase of marine transgression.
7
Suwarna, Nana. "Petrology of Jurassic coal, Hill River area, Perth Basin, Western Australia." Curtin University of Technology, Department of Applied Geology, 1993. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=15765.
Full textAbstract:
The Early Jurassic coal samples for the study were obtained from CRA Exploration Pty Ltd. (CRAE), drilled in the Gairdner and Mintaja Blocks, Gairdner Range of the Hill River Area, northern Perth Basin, Western Australia. The area is located approximately 280 km north of Perth. The coal measures subcrop in a half- graben bounded by the Lesueur-Peron Fault in the west, and the Warradarge Fault in the east. The coal occurs within the shallow sequence of the Cattamarra Member which is also described as the Cattamarra Coal Measures of the Cockleshell Gully Formation.Six sub-seams of seam G, namely G1 to G6, from the six drill cores, were examined for petrological and geochemical investigation. The coal predominantly comprises of banded, dull banded, and dull lithotypes, with minor bright banded, bright and fusainous types. Based on maceral analyses, the dominant maceral groups are vitrinite and inertinite, whilst the exinite and mineral matter are in minor contents. The vitrinite content has a range between 47.2 % to 73.0 %, and it is composed mainly of telocollinite and desmocollinite. The inertinite is dominated by semifusinite, fusinite, and inertodetrinite, and it has a range from 10.4 % to 24.8 %. The exinite group varies between 7.2 % to 20.8 % in content, and it is represented by sporinite, cutinite, alginite and resinite. The mineral matter dominated by clays and pyrite, ranges between 4.5 % to 20.6 %. The microlithotype analyses shows that the vitrite plus clarite content varies from 47.0 % to 70.0 %, intermediates between 8.0% to 26.0 %, whilst inertite plus durite content is relatively low, varying from 6.55 % to 14.0 %. The maximum reflectance of vitrinite has a value between 0.47 % and 0.53 %, which represents rank at sub-bituminous level based on the Australian rank values and corresponding to the sub-bituminous A and B rank of the ASTM classification and ++to the metalignitous type of the Pareek classification. On the basis of carbon and hydrogen content, the coal is categorised as per-hydrous meta- to ortho-lignitous type. The trace elements As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Th, U, V, Y, Zn, and Zr, are spectrographically analysed in the coal ash. The B content in the coal supports the presence of marine influence during peat deposition in the basin.On the basis of lithotype, maceral, microlithotype, trace element distribution, pyrite and total sulphur in the coal, the depositional environment for coal and the coal measures, is interpreted as an upper to lower delta type within a regressive phase of marine transgression.
8
Telfer, Marnie. "Sulphur transformations during pyrolysis of low-rank coals and characterisation of Ca-based sorbents." Title page, summary and contents only, 1999. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09pht2712.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Bibliography: leaves 279-293. Temperature-programmed Pyrolysis experiments employing Bowmans and Lochiel low-rank coal and treated Bowmans coals, were conducted to investigate the sulphur transformations during pyrolysis.
9
Meakin, Simone. "Palynological analysis of the Clinton Coal Measures, northern St. Vincent Basin, South Australia /." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1985. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09SB/09sbm481.pdf.
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Kremor, Andrew George. "Engineering geological factors affecting slope stability in soft brown coal deposits : a South Australian example /." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1992. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phk898.pdf.
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11
Ye, Dong-Ping. "Gasification of South Australian lignite /." Title page, summary and contents only, 1994. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phy37.pdf.
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12
Gray, Jayne L. "Aspects of hydrocarbon migration from a Permian coal seam in the southwest Cooper Basin, South Australia /." Title page, table of contents and abstract only, 1998. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09SB/09sbg779.pdf.
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13
Kramer, Liz. "Monitoring petroleum migration from Permian coal sequences in the Patchawarra Formation, southwest Cooper Basin, South Australia /." Title page, abstract and contents only, 2000. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09SB/09sbk88.pdf.
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14
Wildegger-Gaissmaier, Anna Elisabeth. "Fluidized bed utilization of South Australian coals." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1988. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phw672.pdf.
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15
Thompson, Scott A. "Managing the acidity of abandoned water filled coal mining voids in Collie (Western Australia) using organic matter." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2000. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1352.
Full textAbstract:
The effectiveness of using organic matter additions to increase pH in abandoned water filled coal mining voids in Collie was investigated. Previous studies have demonstrated that passing acidic drainage through organic matter increased the waters pH. Laboratory trials using intact sediment cores (collected from Ewington, Collie, Western Australia) were used to assess the effects of additions of hay, manure and mulched vegetation on pH, nutrients an sulphate levels. In a series of experiments the effect of different quantities of organic material, sulphate reducing bacterial inoculations and alkalinity generation were measured. A subsequent field experiment was conducted to examine the impact that manure and mulch had on mine void water in 18 in situ ponds constructed adjacent to Ewington. It was concluded from the laboratory experiments that mulch and manure treatments were significantly better than hay as an organic matter addition for increasing the pH of acidified mine void water at Ewington. The manure produced the greatest increase in pH, although it contributed less to alkalinity than mulch; suggesting mulch bas a greater ability to release carbonates than did manure. The manure and mulch additions increased the pH in the laboratory and field experiment by 0.5-1.5 pH units. This increase was sustained for most of the 21 week field experiment. An increase in pH in the control ponds was recorded over the last 8 weeks of the experiment which was probably due to the inflow of more alkaline groundwater through the substratum as a consequence of the winter rainfall. pH values measured in the experimental ponds 15 months after the commencement of the project indicated that the ponds treated with manure maintained significantly higher pH levels than either the mulch or the control ponds. There was no difference between the pH values for the ponds treated with mulch and the controls suggesting that manure not only provided a greater increase in pH but also over a longer period. The addition of organic mailer also resulted in an increase in gilvin in the laboratory experiments. Low sulphate and sulphide levels were also recorded in all experiments before and after the introduction of organic materials into mine void water and ponds adjacent to Ewington indicating that sulphate reducing bacterial activity was not the cause for the increase in pH as occurred in other situations, but rather the addition of alkaline organic matter caused the increase in pH. The addition of manure organic material was associated with an increase in the ortho-phosphate levels, resulting in an increase in chlorophyll a concentrations. It is believed to be the first stages of succession processes leading to the establishment of a biologically active wetland system. During this process the emerging ecosystem neutralises the acidic content of the water.
16
Misich, Ian J. "Subsidence prediction and mine design for underground coal mining in the Collie Basin." Thesis, Curtin University, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/88.
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The subsidence characteristics of the Collie Basin sediments have been investigated to provide site specific design criteria for the Wongawilli method of coal extraction. As historical coal extraction (bord and pillar) methods did not generally give rise to large scale subsidence, there were very few details on mining subsidence in the Collie Basin available to base any design methodology on. Consequently, the investigation was conducted on a Green fields basis. Firstly, the mechanisms involved in the development of mining subsidence needed to be investigated and identified. It was then necessary to determine the effects that mining subsidence would have on mine and ground mass (specifically aquitards) structures and surface features. Once these two areas of work were completed, design criteria were formulated to manage the effects of mining subsidence by controlling the critical mechanisms of subsidence development.The results from this study have greatly enhanced the level of understanding of the subsidence mechanisms involved, and allowed for the development of predictive models which can be used for the design of coal extraction by the panel/pillar mining method in the Collie Basin. Mine planning engineers can now use this design information to derive the most cost effective methods for the extraction of coal within the Collie Basin.
17
Cortez, Febres Jaime Arturo. "Diseño e implementación de un programa de mejora continua para minería: Mina Blair Athol, Río Tinto Coal Australia." Bachelor's thesis, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12404/18990.
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En línea con la Industria y Comercio mundiales, la minería moderna se ha visto en la
necesidad de implementar programas estructurados de Mejora Continua ante la necesidad de
optimizar el uso de sus recursos. En el sector de recursos naturales, tener costos bajos es
imperativo (de ser posible ubicarse en el 1er cuartil de costos), dada la naturaleza cíclica de
los precios de los commoditites.
El presente reporte es sobre mi experiencia profesional como Analista Senior de
Mejora Continua para la mina de carbón Blair Athol, propiedad de Rio Tinto Coal Australia,
en el estado de Queensland, Australia. Mi tarea se basó en diseñar e implementar, en
coordinación con la división corporativa, un Programa de Mejoramiento Continuo de
Procesos de Negocios (PMC), que se adaptara a las condiciones y circunstancias de la mina.
Blair Athol, una de las minas de carbón más antiguas del estado y una de las mayores en el
mundo en producción de carbón termal, llegaba a sus últimos años de vida. Adicionalmente,
las industrias generadoras de combustibles fósiles comenzaban a enfrentar oposición por
consideraciones ambientales. Debido a esto, la estrategia seguida tenía que considerar los
siguientes condicionantes:
La cercanía de la etapa de cierre de mina, obliga a dar menor prioridad al
cambio cultural profundo, el cual puede demandar mucho tiempo;
Conforme la etapa de cierre se acerca, se espera un aumento en la rotación de
personal, lo cual demanda que los procedimientos estén muy bien
documentados (institucionalizados) y no dependan de las personas;
Contracción en el margen de utilidad, por el incremento de los costos
operativos, paralelo a la disminución de las ventas por la baja en la calidad del
carbón remanente; y
Nuevos desafíos propios del final de la etapa comercial de la mina (medio
ambientales, laborales, logísticos, financieros, etc.), incrementándose el riesgo
general del negocio.
Por todo lo anterior el Programa de Mejora Continua de la Mina Blair Athol debía ser
enfocado en el rendimiento económico de los procesos y en la mitigación de riesgos. El
programa debería contemplar al cambio cultural como consecuencia de la implementación de
los proyectos de mejora, y debía ser altamente estructurado y documentado.
El programa se diseñó basado en la arquitectura de un Sistema de Gestión, con
similitud a un Sistema de Gestión de Seguridad, Salud e Higiene. Una ventaja de esta
estrategia es que el Sistema de Gestión de Mejoramiento Continuo puede en algún momento
fusionarse con los Sistemas de Gestión mencionados y lograr sinergias en las plataformas y
herramientas de gestión utilizadas.
El fin último de todo programa de mejora continua es alinear la cultura de la
organización, sus procesos de negocios y sus sistemas de gestión con la estrategia corporativa
de negocios; se utiliza como recurso primario la iniciativa y el compromiso con la
organización de cada colaborador, quien idealmente deberá actuar como si fuera el “dueño”
del negocio. Este esfuerzo requiere del diseño e implementación de sistemas y herramientas
de gestión ad hoc.
El modelo de programa contenido en el presente reporte es el resultado de la
aplicación de metodologías de mejora continua en diversas organizaciones mineras de gran
escala a nivel nacional e internacional, en las cuales el autor ha prestado servicios.
El PMC propuesto va a necesitar de los siguientes elementos estratégicos para lograr
resultados sostenibles y congruentes con los principios de gestión moderna.
1. Principios Éticos de Negocios – representan la base moral que debe tener la
empresa, sobre la cual se deben desarrollar todas las actividades relativas al
negocio, incluyendo las relacionadas al PMC;
2. Dirección Estratégica – proveen dirección y foco al PMC. Están
determinadas por la Visión, Misión y Objetivos;
3. Estructura de Gobierno – determina los roles y responsabilidades para la
implementación efectiva del PMC;
4. Elementos Impulsores del PMC – son herramientas y sistemas que permiten
la ejecución exitosa del PMC. A saber:
a. Generadores de Motivación y Comportamiento; El
Reconocimiento, El Desarrollo Profesional e incentivos
económicos servirán como medios para desarrollar
compromiso en los participantes del PMC.
b. Sistema Operativo de Gestión; los mecanismos que permiten
la administración y control de la implementación del PMC.
Por ejemplo, el registro de ideas de mejora o los procesos de
reporte sobre rendimiento y avances.
c. Metodología de Mejora Continua; el método general a seguir
en la implementación de proyectos de mejora, incluyendo
técnicas de análisis y gestión de proyectos.
d. Proceso de Desarrollo de Proyecto; el proceso que sigue una
Idea de Mejora hasta llegar a ser Proyecto de Mejora.
e. Reuniones y Sesiones de Trabajo; se llevan a cabo de acuerdo
a estándares de eficiencia predeterminados.
f. Adquisición de Habilidades y Entrenamiento; una propuesta
para adquirir los conocimientos y habilidades sobre las
metodologías de mejoramiento continuo.
g. Gestión de Cambio; es crítico para generar aceptación e
involucramiento por parte de los miembros de la
organización a todo nivel.
h. Gestión de Conocimiento; el sistema que captura, documenta
y permite compartir el conocimiento adquirido a través de la
implementación del PMC.
5. Plan de Implementación – es el paquete de instalación del PMC, el cual
incluye un cronograma de actividades conducentes al lanzamiento del PMC;
6. Procesos de Revisión y Reporte – monitorean el desarrollo del PMC
brindando información oportuna a la Gerencia y permitiendo la aplicación de
medidas correctivas en caso haya desviaciones del plan original;
7. Herramientas Generales y Recursos – facilitan la estandarización de las
actividades relacionadas a la implementación de proyectos de mejora continua
El PMC, al ser ejecutado y ser probado en circunstancias reales, generará
oportunidades de mejora y/o cambios en sí mismo, que pueden ser de formato, metodología e
incluso de estrategia. Así. el PMC, se considera un Sistema Vivo y autorregulado.
A continuación, un cuadro esquemático que muestra el flujograma del proceso de
implementación del programa como también, los pasos requeridos para su revisión y
modificación o mejoramiento.
18
Misich, Ian J. "Subsidence prediction and mine design for underground coal mining in the Collie Basin." Curtin University of Technology, School of Civil Engineering, 1997. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=12359.
Full textAbstract:
The subsidence characteristics of the Collie Basin sediments have been investigated to provide site specific design criteria for the Wongawilli method of coal extraction. As historical coal extraction (bord and pillar) methods did not generally give rise to large scale subsidence, there were very few details on mining subsidence in the Collie Basin available to base any design methodology on. Consequently, the investigation was conducted on a Green fields basis. Firstly, the mechanisms involved in the development of mining subsidence needed to be investigated and identified. It was then necessary to determine the effects that mining subsidence would have on mine and ground mass (specifically aquitards) structures and surface features. Once these two areas of work were completed, design criteria were formulated to manage the effects of mining subsidence by controlling the critical mechanisms of subsidence development.The results from this study have greatly enhanced the level of understanding of the subsidence mechanisms involved, and allowed for the development of predictive models which can be used for the design of coal extraction by the panel/pillar mining method in the Collie Basin. Mine planning engineers can now use this design information to derive the most cost effective methods for the extraction of coal within the Collie Basin.
19
Scott, Justin Robert. "Fractal and multifractal fault simulation : application using soft data and analogues at Wyong, New South Wales, Australia /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2005. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe19562.pdf.
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Moya, Claudio Enrique. "Hydrostratigraphic and hydrochemical characterisation of aquifers, aquitards and coal seams in the Galilee and Eromanga basins, Central Queensland, Australia." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2015. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/84153/14/84153%20Claudio%20Moya%20Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Inter-aquifer mixing studies are usually made carrying out hydrochemical and isotopic techniques only. In this thesis these techniques have been integrated with three-dimensional geological modelling proving to be a better approach for inter—aquifer mixing assessment in regional areas, and also highlighting the influence of faulting in the understanding of groundwater and gas migration, which could not be possible using the two fist techniques alone. The results are of particular interest for coal seam gas basins and can even be used as exploration tools as areas of higher permeability and gas migration were identified.
21
Mikli, Markus H. "Revegetation of coal mine dumps to ameliorate effects of acidic seepage." Thesis, Curtin University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/213.
Full textAbstract:
Species prescriptions are developed for revegetating abandoned acidic coal overburden seepage sites in the Collie region of Western Australia. The research involved selecting appropriate plant species and determining successful methods of enhancing revegetation. Candidate species were screened for tolerance to acidic overburden materials, local climate conditions and metal toxicity. Methods tested included improving spoil conditions and trialing an alternative method for seeding.Twelve species of native plants were tested for tolerance in two acid overburden materials in pot and field trials. Eucalyptus robusta is the most tolerant, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus cladocalyx are highly tolerant, Eucalyptus rudis and Melaleuca hamulosa demonstrate potential, provided adequate soil moisture is available.An important growth restriction factor in acid soils is the presence of free aluminium ions. A glasshouse trial performed on seven species for tolerance to aluminium toxicity revealed E. robusta as most tolerant and E. camaldulensis and Kunzea ericifolia a highly tolerant. E. rudis and M. hamulosa are moderately tolerant, but E. cladocalyx and Eucalyptus diversicolor are very sensitive to aluminium.Various methods were trialed to increase growth of seedlings transplanted on to acidic overburden sites. Both commercial cow manure and slow-release fertiliser tablets increase growth, whereas commercial potting mix and lime do not. Inoculation of plants with the ectomycorrhiza fungus Pisolithus tinctorius increases the amount of infection in roots but does not enhance plant growth.Supplementary fertilisation is necessary to maintain growth (nitrogen) and restore chlorophyll production (phosphorus) in fast growing eucalypt seedlings planted into typical acidic spoils. Poor levels of nutrient availability in such acidic sites appear to be the primary factor in retarding growth. In the absence of supplementation, foliage reddening is observed in several species.An alternative method of seeding dumps is fascining. Prepared dump surfaces may be covered with capsule-laden branchwood of myrtaceous species. Material of the locally available Kunzea ericifolia is effective in producing many seedlings. Subsequent seedling growth is enhanced with fertiliser and lime addition.
22
Jones, Ralph Michael. "The depositional setting and oil generation potential of the Early Permian Vc coal seam, Patchawarra Formation, Cooper Basin, South Australia /." Title page, abstract and contents only, 2000. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09SB/09sbj786.pdf.
Full text
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Turton, David James. "Australia's Coal Seam Gas Debate: Perspectives across Time, Space, Law and Selected Professions." Phd thesis, Canberra, ACT : The Australian National University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/142834.
Full textAbstract:
Coal seam gas (CSG) extraction is a source of ongoing controversy
in the Australian States of New South Wales and Queensland.
Primarily composed of methane, CSG has evolved from a gas
extracted in the interests of coal miner safety, to a profitable
concern, source of electricity generation and, arguably, a
transition fuel in a carbon-constrained future. Efforts to
develop Australia’s CSG industry since the early 2000s has
brought the sector into increased geographical proximity with
existing land uses. Arguments over CSG and its potential risks
and benefits remain ongoing, yet the nation’s CSG debate often
lacks historical context, geographical insights, justice research
perspectives and viewpoints from key professionals associated
with this resource. This thesis therefore poses the overarching
question: how can environmental history, legal geography,
procedural and distributive justice, and profession-specific
insights from lawyers, judges and planners, shed light upon this
controversial resource?
Drawing on a typology of relevance for environmental history,
current CSG land access conflicts in Queensland are
contextualised within past efforts in that State to promote
coexistence between grain growers and coal miners, comparing the
State’s statutorily enshrined Land Access Code 2010 with a
voluntary Explorer-Landholder Procedures Guide produced in 1982
by agricultural and mining stakeholders. Building on this
temporal aspect of formal and informal land access agreements, a
legal geography lens is taken to unconventional gas in Australia,
highlighting its value as a tool for investigating CSG –
particularly for investigating the involvement of lawyers and
judges in land use disputes.
Acknowledging that lawyers are multifaceted participants in
Australia’s CSG discussion, an extended study of their
participation in recorded community forums in Queensland and New
South Wales demonstrates this profession’s significant role in
informing community forum audiences about land access laws
concerning CSG, while also critiquing these laws by referring to
personal experiences with the legal process. Viewpoints from
judges associated with CSG-related litigation were also sought
out and framed by both legal geography and procedural and
distributive justice. An examination of a selection of court
judgments concerning CSG revealed that procedural and
distributive justice issues have arisen in New South Wales and
Queensland. These judgments attend to the place of Australian
local governments in negotiations with CSG operators, the
provision of accurate mapping information to landholders by CSG
companies and the nature of effective engagement in community
consultation. Judges were also shown to engage with geographical
concepts in their rulings, namely scale.
Finally, this thesis examines planners in Australia’s CSG
controversy. Advancing research into the roles and
self-perceptions of planners through interviews with planners in
New South Wales and Queensland and related documentary sources,
these professionals were found to be flexible in their approach
to the industry, adopting community advocate, facilitator of
development and social gatekeeper roles as needed. The discussion
and findings of this research pose important questions about CSG
and the multifaceted impacts of this unconventional fossil fuel
– stressing the utility of analysis that is informed by space,
law, history, justice and the expertise of professionals.
24
Mikli, Markus H. "Revegetation of coal mine dumps to ameliorate effects of acidic seepage." Curtin University of Technology, Department of Environmental Biology, 2001. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=12531.
Full textAbstract:
Species prescriptions are developed for revegetating abandoned acidic coal overburden seepage sites in the Collie region of Western Australia. The research involved selecting appropriate plant species and determining successful methods of enhancing revegetation. Candidate species were screened for tolerance to acidic overburden materials, local climate conditions and metal toxicity. Methods tested included improving spoil conditions and trialing an alternative method for seeding.Twelve species of native plants were tested for tolerance in two acid overburden materials in pot and field trials. Eucalyptus robusta is the most tolerant, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus cladocalyx are highly tolerant, Eucalyptus rudis and Melaleuca hamulosa demonstrate potential, provided adequate soil moisture is available.An important growth restriction factor in acid soils is the presence of free aluminium ions. A glasshouse trial performed on seven species for tolerance to aluminium toxicity revealed E. robusta as most tolerant and E. camaldulensis and Kunzea ericifolia a highly tolerant. E. rudis and M. hamulosa are moderately tolerant, but E. cladocalyx and Eucalyptus diversicolor are very sensitive to aluminium.Various methods were trialed to increase growth of seedlings transplanted on to acidic overburden sites. Both commercial cow manure and slow-release fertiliser tablets increase growth, whereas commercial potting mix and lime do not. Inoculation of plants with the ectomycorrhiza fungus Pisolithus tinctorius increases the amount of infection in roots but does not enhance plant growth.Supplementary fertilisation is necessary to maintain growth (nitrogen) and restore chlorophyll production (phosphorus) in fast growing eucalypt seedlings planted into typical acidic spoils. Poor levels of nutrient availability in such acidic sites appear to be the primary factor in ++retarding growth. In the absence of supplementation, foliage reddening is observed in several species.An alternative method of seeding dumps is fascining. Prepared dump surfaces may be covered with capsule-laden branchwood of myrtaceous species. Material of the locally available Kunzea ericifolia is effective in producing many seedlings. Subsequent seedling growth is enhanced with fertiliser and lime addition.
25
Gosling, Christine, University of Western Sydney, and School of Civic Engineering and Environment. "Co-disposal of rejects from coal and sand mining operations in the Blue Mountains : a feasibility study." THESIS_XXXX_CEE_Gosling_C.xml, 1999. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/824.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis presents details of investigations into the potential for co-disposal of the two rejects from Clarence Colliery and Kable's Transport Sand Mine. Column experiments were undertaken to simulate field conditions. The experiment consisted of: 1/. creating the required co-disposal arrangement and structure in containers 2/. infiltrating water through each container and measuring the rates of infiltration and overflow 3/. measuring the chemical properties of the leachate water. Geotechnical tests of co-disposal pile stability were undertaken using a specially constructed shear box. Results of this study suggest the co-disposal of course coal washery reject from Clarence Colliery with clay tailings from Kable's Transport Sand Mine is a feasible option for managing the generation of acetic drainage. It is recommended that field trials comprise layers of coal reject and clay tailings in a 9:1 ratio. Layering the coal reject with clay tailings creates a semi-permeable barrier which acts to restrict water percolation through the reject as well as reacting with the leachate to increase the leachate pH and adsorb metalsMaster of Engineering (Hons)
26
Vitarana, Meenu Chathurika. "Lichens as a biomonitoring tool for detecting heavy metal air pollution associated with industrial activities in Collie, south-western Australia." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2013. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/679.
Full textAbstract:
During the last few decades, various techniques for using lichens as biomonitors have been developed for monitoring air pollution and forest ecosystem health. Lichens have been used effectively to determine the dispersion of heavy metals emitted by industrial point-sources; however the approach has not been commonly used in Australia. This thesis aimed to determine the effectiveness of using a lichen biomonitoring approach to measure the heavy metal pollutants emitted from coal-fired power stations and related industries in Collie, south-western Australia, an area with concern over poor air quality. Three different approaches to lichen biomonitoring were investigated. The first explored lichen community composition patterns in thirty-six study sites across an identified pollution gradient in the jarrah forest ecosystems of Collie. The second measured in situ Usnea inermis lichens for heavy metals, across wet and dry seasons in Collie. The third approach used lichen transplant bags of Usnea inermis to determine seasonal heavy metal accumulation patterns. Because the gaseous pollutants NO2 and SO2 are known to have a significant effect on lichen vitality and distribution, they were monitored by means of a direct measurement approach using Radiello® passive air samplers, to determine any confounding effects. A total of twenty lichen taxa were recorded in the lichen community study, with an average species diversity of ten per site. The lichens Usnea inermis and Cladonia rigida occurred at all thirty-six study sites. High lichen diversity and abundance values were recorded from control sites, and crustose and squamulose species were more abundant across all study sites. The grouping of lichen communities into pollution-tolerant classes, based on information from other studies, showed that the jarrah forests surrounding the industries in Collie were dominated by pollution-tolerant lichen species, while sensitive species were infrequent and rare. Spatial distribution maps of lichen diversity indices showed areas with low diversity values downwind from the coal mines and coal-fired power stations and near an alumina refinery, indicating a possible influence from these point-sources on lichen community composition. Pollution effects on lichen communities were observed with little influence from forest management practices, demonstrating the effectiveness of this method for monitoring air pollution influences in managed jarrah forests. The study also identified Usnea inermis as a suitable species for both the in situ and transplant lichen biomonitoring experiments to explore heavy metal pollution in the area, because of its widespread distribution across the pollution gradient. Low concentrations of NO2 and SO2 were recorded by Radiello® passive samplers, suggesting that these pollutants had very little confounding influence on lichen community composition and heavy metal accumulation patterns. However, seasonal differences in the dispersion of gaseous pollutants were observed, particularly in the summer season. The areas influenced by gaseous pollutants were also found to be those with low lichen diversity, suggesting that although low in concentration, the gaseous pollutants were having a demonstrable influence on the lichens in the jarrah forests in Collie. Mean concentrations for the metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni and Zn were low for in situ Usnea inermis lichens; however elevated concentrations of some metals were recorded at certain locations. Arsenic concentrations in spring were high from sites close to the coal mines and Mn was elevated in both seasons from sites near an alumina refinery. Higher metal concentrations were recorded in the higher rainfall autumn season compared with spring for most metals. The fallout patterns of heavy metals were explained by a power curve showing exponential decreases in concentrations, with very low concentrations found beyond the 8 - 10 km distance range from the closest pollution source. Spatial dispersion maps showed interpolated concentrations consistent with that expected if point-sources were responsible for the generation of high atmospheric heavy metal concentrations. Transplanted Usnea inermis lichens did not show elevated metal concentrations, however seasonal variations were observed, with the highest concentrations recorded in the wet winter season. Metal uptake in both the in situ and transplanted lichen studies was favoured by low temperature and high rainfall, suggesting that metal uptake was promoted during periods of wet deposition. This highlights the importance of season of sampling if lichen biomonitoring studies are to be deployed in WA. The wetter and cooler winter season with more consistent rainfall patterns is recommended as optimal for conducting lichen biomonitoring studies in Collie. The transplants exposed over a 48 week period recorded the highest concentrations for most metals, however they also showed a loss of metal accumulation ability at the high exposure sites. Exposure periods of 24 – 32 weeks (6 – 8 months) are recommended for more reliable results when using lichen transplants. The transplant study also identified that the control sites were affected by industrial emissions, suggesting that reference sites should be located at distances greater than those used in this study. The results from all three biomonitoring approaches identified pollution dispersion patterns associated with industrial point-sources, and also identified a pollution influence at the control sites, an area previously considered to be unaffected by industrial pollution. Findings from this study support the idea that a lichen biomonitoring approach can be used as an effective tool for monitoring heavy metal air pollution in Western Australia and if used correctly it could replace the more expensive active sampling techniques. The study also provided essential baseline information for future studies on the effect of industrial pollution on lichen communities in WA.
27
Hardiputra, Bingah Astuti. "Properties of rehabilitated coalmine soils at Collie." University of Western Australia. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Discipline Group, 2004. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2005.0041.
Full textAbstract:
[Truncated abstract] Many soil properties are involved in supporting the growth of plants and in limiting soil degradation. The present study was carried out to provide a basis for minimising environmental impact by providing a firm understanding of the soil properties that affect plant growth for soils developed from mining waste from the Wesfarmers Premier coalmine at Collie. The purpose of this study was to provide an understanding of the soil materials and to identify the potential interactions between soil properties and plants for soils developed on coalmine materials at the Premier mine, Collie. This research was to identify the nature of the manmade soils so as to determine if soil forming processes are active, to determine soil acidity including pH buffering capacity and the lime requirement of soils, to measure water retention characteristics and soil available water for plant growth, to relate soil properties to possible effects on plant growth, and to identify management strategies to improve soil conditions and overcome plant growth constraints. Seventy-seven manmade horizons from pits in 18 constructed soils, ranging from 9 to 21-years old, were analyzed throughout this study. These samples are classified based on soil depth, layer (topsoil and subsoil), and age of soil since rehabilitation. The methods for doing most of the analyses follow the Australian Soil and Land Survey handbook by Rayment and Higginson (1992). The results are presented quantitatively and soil properties are compared to provide information on pedogenic processes, the extent of soil development, the ability of the soils to resist degradation and to provide an indication of soil parent materials
28
Millar, Anthony. "An economic/financial, environmental/health and political analysis of the impact of replacing coal-fuelled power stations with renewable technology in Australia." Thesis, Millar, Anthony (2016) An economic/financial, environmental/health and political analysis of the impact of replacing coal-fuelled power stations with renewable technology in Australia. Masters by Coursework thesis, Murdoch University, 2016. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/33985/.
Full textAbstract:
The question to be examined in this dissertation involves the analysis of the economic/financial, environmental/health and political impact of replacing Australia’s coal fuelled power stations with renewable technology mix. The quantitative analysis was conducted using RETScreen software package and raised some fascinating results.
The RETScreen extensive quantitative analysis of the financial and economic impact of renewable energy for Australia has been conducted in this report. It shows the Net Present Value (NPV) for solar thermal was $26,061,592,811; a positive amount indicating a good investment proposition; and a reasonable Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of $3,683.37p.a. Solar thermal also offered a relatively high Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 12.1%, as well as a short Simple Payback Period (SPP) of 7.4 years. The NPV for solar photovoltaic was $43,686,592,811 making it an economically viable proposition; and a LCOE of $6,174.37 p.a. Solar PV also offered a high IRR of 20.7%, as well as a short SPP of 4.7 years. The NPV for wind was $122,850,329,916, making it a highly economically viable proposition, and a LCOE of $8,681.42. Wind also offered a high IRR of 50.1% and an extremely short SPP of 2.0 years [19]. The macroeconomic impact of the replacement of coal-fuelled power stations with renewable technology has also been calculated in this report. The switch from coal fuelled power stations to renewables would result in; 318,563 additional jobs for Australia, and increase of $24,591,152,220 annually to GDP or an increase of 1.206%.
The environmental/health aspects of the switch to renewables have been ascertained in this report. In the extraction of the coal, there is the inherent land degradation for open cut mines and the land subsidence issues for underground mines. The spontaneous combustion of coal occurs with alarming regularity in Australia with the interaction of oxygen in the air and the pulverised coal powder. The contamination of the water supply is also an issue of major concern in the extraction process. Then the issues of carbon dioxide (and other GHG’s) released into the atmosphere when the coal is combusted in the power plant solar thermal and solar PV will each save 12,252,065 tCO2 per annum, and wind will save 24,504,129 tCO2 annually; a total of 49,008,259 tCO2 annually. Other gases released from burning coal include sulphur dioxide, mercury and other particulates. These are known to cause respiratory health problems as well as acid rain and could be the direct result of human death and increase this mortality by up to 4% [46].
The current political standing and Renewable Energy Target (RET) have been assessed in this report. As at 23/02/2016, the most current renewable energy target (RET) for Australia is from the Department of the Environment (DET) media release from 23 June 2015. It states that the new target for large scale generation of “33,000GWh in 2020 will double the amount of large scale renewable energy being delivered...compared to current levels” [48]. This means the current level of large scale renewable energy in the mix of 13.47% [49] will almost double to 23.5% of the total energy supply. However, some exemptions in the RET legislation have resulted in a redistribution of wealth from retail consumers of electricity to the manufacturing export sector.
The findings of this report is that an energy mix of 50% wind, 25% solar thermal and 25% solar photovoltaic would suit Australia’s climate and economic standing. The replacement of coal fuelled power stations with 100% renewable is in the best interests for the Australian people in an economic/financial, environmental/health, and political aspects. While the rest of the planet is embracing the renewable energy renaissance, Australia has the resources and opportunity to move forward but seems to lack only motivation; the onus is on the people to demand change via their elected politicians.
29
Napier, Malcolm B. "An integrated hydrological and hydrochemical study of surface and groundwaters in the Bungawalbin Creek catchment, northeast NSW, Australia." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2017. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/103979/1/Malcolm_Napier_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This catchment-wide study examines the connections between surface waters and groundwaters in the Bungawalbin Creek drainage system, northern NSW, by integration of a variety of geoscientific techniques. A 3D geological model of the catchment was developed based on mapping and geophysical surveys, and geochemical, isotopic and hydrological data were used to established dynamic processes within this. The central role of the shallow, alluvial aquifer and its hydrological connections to surface waters was highlighted. Research outcomes have application in the future management of water resources, land management and climate variability in the area.
30
Weyer, Vanessa Derryn. "Surface-strip coal mine rehabilitation risk assessment : the development of an integrated rehabilitation risk assessment model for use in South Africa and Australia." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/77899.
Full textAbstract:
Surface-strip coal mine rehabilitation planning in South Africa and Australia is immature.
Rehabilitation risk assessment, despite being advocated by leading practice guidelines
and in some instances by legislation, is conducted with minimum requirements often met
by rehabilitation professionals. Specialist data is gathered during mine approval and for
the environmental impact assessment process. However, the focus of this is toward
assessing mining impacts and not for rehabilitation risk assessment. Quantitative,
integrated, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation risk assessment is seldom undertaken. This
thesis provides a methodology towards the development of a quantitative, integrative,
multi-disciplinary rehabilitation risk assessment model. Its purpose being to 'profile'
surface-strip coal mine sites, in terms of their rehabilitation risk and potential for
rehabilitation failure, from the outset of mine operations, with adjustments possible
progressively during mine operations. The methodology was developed by first
reviewing techniques suitable for the development of the model, as well as techniques
developed by others. Bayesian networks (BN) were found to be the most suited. A R2AIN
framework was then provided as a process towards developing several BN risk event
models that can amalgamate to form a synthesis rehabilitation risk assessment model. A
case study soil compaction BN model was used to demonstrate the framework in South
Africa and Australia. The case study showed that it is possible to integrate and quantify
rehabilitation risk, and most importantly to segregate risk into discrete contributing multidisciplines
for analysis. Risk percentages can be calculated per multi-discipline, per mine
phase, per site, to aid site risk ‘profiling’. It is recommended that further risk event BN
models be prioritised for development and that a rehabilitation risk assessment model be
developed to synthesise these into one model. This will require continuous improvements
in the method, to build confidence, including extensive risk event and synthesis BN
model evaluation and testing; improved BN input node states and values; and
simplification of the conditional probability table construction method. Adaptation to
other mining types, development activities and other regions should be investigated, as
well as spatial linkages to geographic information systems. This research contribution
improves upfront mine rehabilitation planning and decision making, providing improved
tools and techniques than what currently exist.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020.
Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology
PhD
Unrestricted
31
Elliot, Alexander Dean. "An investigation into the hydrothermal processing of coal fly ash to produce zeolite for controlled release fertiliser applications." Thesis, Curtin University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/1698.
Full textAbstract:
During the year that concluded prior to the commencement of this PhD (2001) 11.7 million tonnes of fly ash was produced in Australia, of which only 32% was utilised is some way, near its conclusion, the latest statistics (2004), reveal that 12.5 million tonnes was produced with only 35% utilised in some way (ADAA 2006), with the remainder being accumulated in landfills and ash dams. This low level of ash utilisation in Australia is inevitable due to the combination of inherently high transport costs, and relatively low value products. This situation argues for more value-added utilisation of coal ash to overcome the transport cost barrier.Zeolite synthesised from fly ash for agricultural application as a controlled release fertiliser, is a technology which offers considerable advantages in terms of economic, technical and environmental performance. This fertiliser market is both a high value and high volume market, with the potential to consume significant quantities of fly ash. Studies using natural zeolite have demonstrated significant improvements in fertiliser efficiency for zeolite compared to soluble salts.This thesis looks at the issues behind fly ash utilisation in the broader sense, evaluates the potential markets for zeolite products in Australia, assesses the established science behind producing zeolite materials from fly ash, and examines the direct hydrothermal treatment process for producing zeolites (including analcime, cancrinite, zeolite ZK-14, and zeolite P1) from coal fly ash, including the relationship between zeolite types produced and operating conditions, desirable zeolite properties for controlled release fertilisers, optimal production conditions, economic implications, and avenues for future research.The hydrothermal treatment process was studied through the control of reaction temperature (T), reaction time (t), the Si/Al mole ratio (n), the cation type (M), the pH, the H2O/Al mole ratio (p), and the M+/Al mole ratio in excess of unity (m), where MNO3 was used to control m independent of pH. A number of different zeolite types were produced from fly ash with a maximum zeolite yield of 57%. Due to impurities present in the fly ash, it is impossible to selectively synthesise pure zeolite of any kind using the direct hydrothermal treatment method, but this is adequate for the intended fertiliser applications.A systematic quantitative refinement method was developed using Rietica to characterise the mineralogy of fly ash and hydrothermal treatment products, resulting in substantially more information regarding the transformations taking place than has previous been available in the study of the synthesis of zeolites from fly ash. This in conjunction with SEM has provided unprecedented detail regarding the reactivity of fly ash components, namely glass, quartz, and mullite phases, as well as the independent role of M+ and OH− within the hydrothermal system, and the encapsulation of fly ash reactants by products.Notably quartz is more reactive than mullite; however at a pH of 14.6 mullite is completely dissolved while quartz is not, probably due to the significantly smaller size of mullite crystals relative to quartz particles; and for small increases in m with constant pH starting from x = 1, the total yield of zeolite increases, and the yields of different zeolite types change from low to a maxima back to low as functions of both pH and m.From the experiments conducted it appears that the processes of gel formation and zeolite crystal growth can be manipulated through the continuous presence of zeolites with fly ash reactants, and through the manipulation and control of M+ and OH− concentrations as well as temperature to balance the suppression of fly ash dissolution while enhancing crystallisation to minimise the encapsulation of reactants by products, increasing the productivity of hydrothermal treatment process, therefore improve its economic viability, which is key to its possible future implementation.
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Krawczynski, Lukasz. "Sequence stratigraphic interpretation integrated with 3-D seismic attribute analysis in an intracratonic setting : Toolachee Formation, Cooper Basin, Australia." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2004. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/16087/1/Lukasz_Krawcynski_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This study integrates sequence stratigraphy of the Late Permian Toolachee Formation in the non-marine intracratonic Permian-Triassic Cooper Basin, Australia with 3-D seismic attribute analysis to predict the extent of depositional environments identified on wireline and well core data. The low resolution seismic data (tuning thickness 23 - 31 m) comprised of six seismic horizons allowed the successful testing of sequence stratigraphic interpretations of the productive Toolachee Formation that were based on wireline data. The analysis of 29 well logs and three 20 m core intervals resulted in the identification of eleven parasequences that comprise the building blocks of an overall transitional systems tract, characterised by a gradual increase in accommodation. The parasequences reflect cyclic transitions between braided and meandering fluvial systems as a result of fluctuations in sediment flux, possibly driven by Milankovitch climatic-forcing. The seismic horizon attribute maps image mostly the meandering fluvial bodies within the upper parts of the parasequences, but some maps image the lower amalgamated sand sheets and show no channel structures. Categorisation of the fluvial bodies in the overbank successions reflects a gradual decrease in sinuosity, channel width, and channel belt width up-section, supporting the overall increase in accommodation up-section. Similar acoustic impedance values for shales and sands do not suggest successful seismic forward modelling between the two lithologies. Geological interpretations suggest most imaged channel fill to be made up predominantly of fine sediments, as channel avulsion and abandonment is common and increases with time. Seismic forward modelling resulted in the interpretation of carbonaceous shale as a possible channel fill, supporting the geological interpretations. The three major identified fluvial styles; braided, meanders, and distributaries are potential targets for future exploration. Extensive sand sheets deposited from braided fluvial systems require structural traps for closure. Meandering and anastomosing channel systems represent excellent stratigraphic traps, such as the basal sands/gravels of laterally accreted point bars.
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Krawczynski, Lukasz. "Sequence Stratigraphic Interpretation integrated with 3-D Seismic Attribute Analysis in an Intracratonic Setting: Toolachee Formation, Cooper Basin, Australia." Queensland University of Technology, 2004. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16087/.
Full textAbstract:
This study integrates sequence stratigraphy of the Late Permian Toolachee Formation in the non-marine intracratonic Permian-Triassic Cooper Basin, Australia with 3-D seismic attribute analysis to predict the extent of depositional environments identified on wireline and well core data. The low resolution seismic data (tuning thickness 23 - 31 m) comprised of six seismic horizons allowed the successful testing of sequence stratigraphic interpretations of the productive Toolachee Formation that were based on wireline data. The analysis of 29 well logs and three 20 m core intervals resulted in the identification of eleven parasequences that comprise the building blocks of an overall transitional systems tract, characterised by a gradual increase in accommodation. The parasequences reflect cyclic transitions between braided and meandering fluvial systems as a result of fluctuations in sediment flux, possibly driven by Milankovitch climatic-forcing. The seismic horizon attribute maps image mostly the meandering fluvial bodies within the upper parts of the parasequences, but some maps image the lower amalgamated sand sheets and show no channel structures. Categorisation of the fluvial bodies in the overbank successions reflects a gradual decrease in sinuosity, channel width, and channel belt width up-section, supporting the overall increase in accommodation up-section. Similar acoustic impedance values for shales and sands do not suggest successful seismic forward modelling between the two lithologies. Geological interpretations suggest most imaged channel fill to be made up predominantly of fine sediments, as channel avulsion and abandonment is common and increases with time. Seismic forward modelling resulted in the interpretation of carbonaceous shale as a possible channel fill, supporting the geological interpretations. The three major identified fluvial styles; braided, meanders, and distributaries are potential targets for future exploration. Extensive sand sheets deposited from braided fluvial systems require structural traps for closure. Meandering and anastomosing channel systems represent excellent stratigraphic traps, such as the basal sands/gravels of laterally accreted point bars.
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Habib, Ramy. "Life cycle GHG emissions and water consumption for a hypothetical 400 MW coal-fired power plant in Western Australia: Impacts of carbon capture and a comparison of two prevailing carbon capture technologies." Thesis, Habib, Ramy (2017) Life cycle GHG emissions and water consumption for a hypothetical 400 MW coal-fired power plant in Western Australia: Impacts of carbon capture and a comparison of two prevailing carbon capture technologies. Masters by Coursework thesis, Murdoch University, 2017. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/40483/.
Full textAbstract:
Carbon capture technology is expected to play a significant role in Australia to meet its long-term commitment for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, so it is important to evaluate its impact by conducting an environmental life cycle assessment to evaluate the total GHG emissions and total lifecycle water consumption.
In this study, a hypothetical 400MW sub-critical coal-fired power plant in Western Australia without carbon capture is considered as the base case. The total life cycle GHG emissions and life cycle water consumption are compared with two prevailing carbon capture technologies (e.g. oxy-fuel combustion and post-combustion carbon capture).
The results show that both carbon capture technologies will reduce the total GHG emissions but will result in an increase of the total life cycle water consumption during the power plant operation and coal mining as a result of the energy penalty imposed by the use of carbon capture technology and the additional water requirement of the carbon capture system (e.g. direct contact cooler in case of post-combustion carbon capture). The study, also, shows that oxy-fuel combustion with carbon capture is more efficient in carbon abatement with less water requirement compared to post-combustion carbon capture.
A sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the effect of using different combustion technologies for the base case and the effect of reducing the percentage of carbon captured on the total GHG emissions and water consumption for all scenarios.
This trade-off between GHG abatement and water consumption as a result of using carbon capture technology will require the use of an environmental indicator that assess the water requirement for different low-carbon technologies against the base case. The Water-Carbon Abated Ratio indicator (WCAR) is proposed as a single indicator that measures the amount of water consumed or saved for each kilogram of carbon abated.
The study shows that oxy-fuel combustion is more efficient in reducing GHG emissions with lower impact on water consumption compared to post-combustion carbon capture (e.g. oxy-fuel combustion has higher WCAR values compared to post-combustion carbon capture).
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Huber, Anita. "Internal mixing in a mine lake." University of Western Australia. School of Environmental Systems Engineering, 2007. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2007.0103.
Full textAbstract:
[Truncated abstract] Mine lakes are a water body created after an open-cut mine ceases operating. The lakes develop in the former mine-pit due to the combination of groundwater inflow, surface run-off and, in some cases, due to rapid filling from river diversion. While potentially valuable water resources, these lakes often have poor water quality and managing the water body is an important part of the overall process of mine site rehabilitation. As mine lakes form in man-made pits, they have a bathymetry that is typically quite distinct from natural lakes and this can, in turn, strongly influence the hydrodynamics and hence the water quality of the water body. Despite the potential importance of these water bodies, there have been very few studies on the hydrodynamics of mine lakes. This study describes a field investigation of the hydrodynamics of a former coal mine lake, Lake Kepwari, in south-western Western Australia. In particular, this study examines the hydrodynamic processes in both the surface mixing layers and the internal mixing in the density stratified lake. Wind sheltering in the surface mixing layer occurs due to the presence of the steep walls and lake embankments. A week long field experiment was conducted in December 2003 using a combination of moored thermistor chains with meteorological stations and the deployment of rapid vertical profiling turbulent microstructure instruments and CTD drops from two boats operating on the lake. ... Simulations indicated that inclusion of a site specific sheltering effect, based on the results of the field campaign, significantly improved the models‘ performance in capturing the surface mixed layer deepening associated with episodic strong wind events that occur on the lake. Considerable internal mixing was indicated by the high dissipation rates observed, particularly near the boundaries. Large basin-wide diffusivities were also calculated from the heat budget method over long periods, showed a consistency with time, and were slightly higher in summer than during the Autumn Winter period. Although light, there are persistent winds over the lake and yet little basin-scale internal wave activity or seiching. It is hypothesized that any seiching motion was rapidly damped by strong mixing over the hydraulically rough bathymetry bathymetry created by the remnant benches from the open cut mining operation itself. This boundary mixing, in turn, drives secondary relaxation currents that transport mixed fluid from the boundaries to the interior, resulting in high effective basin-wide diffusivities. A simple boundary mixing model is proposed to describe this process.
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Clark, David. "Terotechnology : its application to the Australian coal mining industry." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 1995. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/36236/1/36236_Clark_1995.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Tererotechnology evolved between 1970 and 1975. In 1968 PA Management Consultants Ltd., was commissioned by the then Minister of Technology of the UK to carry out a study of engineering maintenance in British manufacturing industry.
It reported that:-
a) the total direct cost of engineering maintenance was approximately 1, 100 Million Pounds per annum (circa 1968)
b) improved productivity of maintenance staff could have led to a reduction in
maintenance expenditure of around 250 Million Pounds per annum.
c) better maintenance could have saved about 300 Million Pounds per annum of lost
production caused by unavailability.
Using this and other information a UK Ministry of Technology working party reporting in 1970 emphasised among other things, the importance of the link between maintenance costs and the feedback of information to the designers of the plant. A steering committee ( The Committee for Terotechnology) was then set up to examine the broader findings of this report and in 1972
published their conclusions, central to which was the statement - "the nature of the maintenance activity was determined by the manner in which plant and equipment was designed, selected, installed, commissioned, operated, removed and replaced. Major benefits could come to British Industry from the adoption of a broadly based technology which embraces all these areas, and because no suitable word exited to describe such a multidisciplinary
concept, the name "terotechnology" (based on the Greek word "terin" - to look after) was adopted." In 1975 the Committee for Terotechnology defined terotechnology as follows:- " a combination of management, financial, engineering and other practices applied to physical assets in pursuit of economic life cycle costs."
The following was then added: " .... its practice is concerned with the specification and design for reliability and maintainability of plant , machinery equipment, buildings and structures, with their
installation and replacement, and with the feedback of information on design, performance and costs." (1)
The definition was subsequently utilised in BS.3811 1984.
The concept ofterotechnology is therefore, a total concept, colloquially called whom to tomb.
The Australian underground coal mining industry is a. two billion dollar a year industry, contributing greatly to the Australian economy, particularly the export economy. Appendix CI-1 gives an overview of the industry. (2)
Having spent over 30 years in the industry, most of which was in engineering and maintenance, I was acutely aware that the industry committed many millions of dollars maintaining its plant and equipment. I was also aware that the equipment design was, in the main, maintenance
unfriendly. Also, equipment failures were responsible for many lengthy and expensive delays resulting in interruptions to the production process and loss of production.
Whilst many endeavours were made to improve the situation, I became persuaded that a much deeper problem existed, the results of which were being addressed but little effort seemed to be spent on addressing the fundamental causes of the problems resulting in equipment downtime and its consequences. Having been exposed to the discipline of terotechnology through studies for a Graduate Diploma in Maintenance Management (Terotechnology), I sought to study the industry's perception of itself in the terotechnological perspective. This resulted in my initial industry survey in 1985, of its maintenance and its management. The results identified that indeed a problem did exist but
needed a more indepth and expanded industry analysis for the real details to be quantified. To my knowledge, no previous research has been conducted into the terotechnological aspects of the coal mining industry.
Consequently, the research was commenced through QUT for a Master of Engineering Degree.
This Thesis is the results of that research.
The research sought to address the fundamental issues addressed in the UK study and to determine if indeed similar savings could be achieved in the Australian coal industry. That is a) to determine the cost of engineering maintenance b) to detennine the maintenance cost savings achievable if maintenance could be improved.
c) to determine the costs of lost production costs through maintenance causes.
The research commenced by issuing a survey document in 1989 and followed this up with detailed analysis of coal industry records. Two visits to the USA in 1991 and 1992, to discuss
equipment performance and design with designers and users also contributed to the research.
The underground coal mining industry uses two basic methods of mining to mine the coal in Australia. One is Bord and Pillar extraction method using continuous miner systems and the other is Longwall extraction methods. The research concentrated heavily on continuous miners as they were identified as having the greatest impact on maintenance and productivity in the immediate
future. Longwall is the technology of the future analysed but to a lesser extent than continuous miners, as a detailed industry analysis was being conducted by the coal industry of this technology during my research of continuous miners. The Australian underground coal mining industry is being forced to become more world wide
competitive than at any time in its history. It follows therefore, that whatever the technology used
to produce the coal, the four elements of:-
a) Fit for purpose equipment b) Competent people
c) Safe work procedures
d) Controlled work environment
must be addressed. This is consistent with the terotechnological approach of this research.
Results of the research follow in this document.
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Wood, Ian Burton. "Trace metal release from a Western Australian coal fly ash." Thesis, Wood, Ian Burton (1985) Trace metal release from a Western Australian coal fly ash. Honours thesis, Murdoch University, 1985. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/38371/.
Full textAbstract:
Coal fly ash is the major solid residue from coal fired electric power generation. Although composed predominantly of a sparingly soluble aluminosilicate matrix, fly ash also has an appreciable soluble surface layer which is reported in the literature as containing significant concentrations of various toxic trace metals. Fly ash is therefore considered to have the potential to generate leachates with significant environmental impact.
A series of experiments were conducted to determine the leaching characteristics and extent of trace metal release from a Western Australian coal fly ash under static and dynamic conditions. It was found that the leachates generated were particularly acidic (pH values' less than 4) compared to values reported in the literature. This acidity is attributed to the adsorbed sulphur oxides on the ash and the relatively low concentrations of calcium, magnesium and sodium oxides. As expected from the acidic nature of the leachates, the trace metal concentrations observed were relatively high with respect to the levels reported in the literature. The concentrations were generally in the order of several parts per million, often exceeding the accepted Australian water quality criteria for drinking and irrigation waters.
The effectiveness of two alternative approaches to reducing the trace metal concentrations in the leachates were 1nvestigated. Alkalisation of the slurries using sodium hydroxide or lime effectively reduced all trace metals to below their detection limits.
Of these two alkalis, lime proved the most effective under dynamic leaching conditions. Of the three possible ash dam substrates investigated (sand, limestone and clay), limestone proved the most effective - reducing most trace metals to below their detection limits. The performance of the clay layer was surprisingly poor and is partially attributed to the acidic nature of the leachate. The sand layer, as expected had no detectable effect on the leachate.
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Dunbar, Cameron A. "Walking a Fine Line: Britain, the Commonwealth, and European Integration, 1945-1955." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1505144142763366.
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Radford, Benedict. "Cross-shelf coral reef biodiversity : does data and ecological theory fit with habitat-based species conservation models?" University of Western Australia. School of Earth and Geographical Sciences, 2007. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2007.0212.
Full textAbstract:
[Truncated abstract] Selection of priority areas for Marine Park conservation is often compromised by the lack of comprehensive biodiversity data and the resources and expertise necessary to gain this information directly by sampling. One cost effective alternative is the use of species groups or indicator species as surrogates for total biodiversity. However use of these surrogates requires an ecological understanding of how they reflect biodiversity gradients. A framework for unravelling these relationships has been suggested that involves relating species biodiversity to different and competing ecological models using appropriate statistical analysis. I use this framework to explore coral species biodiversity over a range of environmental gradients encompassing the North West Shelf of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef in North East Australia. ... I assessed physiological responses of corals to physical factors to corroborate crossshelf patterns in species biodiversity. Finally, I investigated to what extent coral cooccurrence based species groups (or guilds) can be used as surrogates for total coral biodiversity. The major findings of this thesis were: i) coral biodiversity along cross-shelf environments was highly correlated to specific gradients of abiotic reef conditions; ii) larval modelling indicates the potential for significant connectivity across continentalshelf environments such that differences in species distribution are not simply as a result of self seeding. iii) similar correlative patterns were demonstrated for coral species that occur along comparable abiotic gradients in reef areas of both Eastern and Western Australia, suggesting a causal relationship between the physical environment and coral biodiversity; iv) coral physiological parameters measured using lipid fractions independently corroborated the hypothesis that there is a biological basis for observed coral distributions; v) reef coral communities are not highly structured across abiotic physical gradients and biodiversity across the shelf increases as conditions become suitable for a wider range of species; vi) total coral biodiversity can be estimated very accurately (within r2 values ranging from 0.75 to 0.90) using a small number (15-30) of optimally chosen indictor species using the randomForest statistical method. These results suggest coral biodiversity over cross-shelf environments conforms most closely to the
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Stafford-Smith, Mary Gillian. "The effect of sediments on Australian scleractinian corals." Thesis, University of York, 1990. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/4244/.
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Daniel, Richard F. "Carbonate sediments of a cool-water embayment, Streaky Bay, South Australia /." Title page, contents and abstract only, 2002. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phd1847.pdf.
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Parkin, Raymond John Mining Engineering Faculty of Engineering UNSW. "The impact of legislation and other factors on the safety performance of Australian coal mines." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. Mining Engineering, 2009. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/43757.
Full textAbstract:
The theme of the thesis is to investigate the current safety paradigm in the Australian coal mining industry and establish if the safety performance is improving. The number of fatalities, serious bodily injuries and high potential injuries is unsatisfactory according to community standards. People are still being killed and there is little evidence of a sustained improvement trend over the last decade. Lost time injuries have reduced dramatically, but are now plateauing and over the last few years along with high potential injuries and other safety indicators are trending upwards. This research has found that hundreds of serious injuries are not being reported which would have a significant effect on safety indicators in the Industry. Fatigue and awareness issues as well as travel times to work are having a major impact on safety at work, which is particularly evident when employees are working 12-hour shifts. The rapid expansion of the mining industry has required the growing use of contractors, hence creating a more inexperienced workforce. Another significant finding is that there is a close association between the level of fatalities recorded and the growing use of contract labour in the industry. This research has demonstrated that the current approach to prosecution is counter productive, as it inhibits thorough safety investigation and creates a defensive rather than a proactive safety culture. This approach has resulted in unwillingness by companies to examine the root causes of accidents and incidents for the fear of being prosecuted. This research has shown there is a lack of trust between mining companies, the unions and the inspectorate. It has been stated that miners lives are at risk because of the shortage of Inspectors in Queensland and that the inspectorate was not meeting its compliance obligations. There is a "disconnect" between what mining companies aspire to achieve at the corporate level with their safety management systems and what is achieved at the coal face. The thesis has demonstrated that safety performance is deteriorating and in order to improve this situation recommendations have been made regarding prosecution, contractors, fatigue, safety and health management systems, hours of work, audits and remuneration for inspectors.
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Glasspool, Ian James. "The palaeoecology of a South African Early Permian, and a Late Permian Australian, Gondwana coal." Thesis, Royal Holloway, University of London, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.325691.
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Ceh, Janja. "Coral-associated microbial communities in reef-building corals of Ningaloo Reef Western Australia." Thesis, Ceh, Janja (2011) Coral-associated microbial communities in reef-building corals of Ningaloo Reef Western Australia. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2011. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/8480/.
Full textAbstract:
Coral reefs are at risk and human-induced environmental stressors in synergism with microorganisms have been shown to be the key players for their deterioration. Little is known about the dynamics of coral-microbial associations through different life stages of the coral holobiont and virtually nothing is known about coral-microbial partners in Western Australian coral reef systems. This project intended to investigate the presence, diversity, community structure and role of coral-associated microbes in Ningaloo Reef spawning and brooding corals. Different coral life stages were assessed.
To determine ‘normal ranges’ of coral-associated microbes, three coral species (Acropora tenuis, Pocillopora damicornis and Favites abdita) were tagged and examined over a period of one year, with sampling deployed every three months. One coral species was additionally sampled on Rottnest Island, 1200km south of Ningaloo Reef, to provide comparisons between coral-associated microbes in different geographical areas. The community structure of the coral-associated microorganisms was analysed by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that samples grouped according to time and not species, indicating that coral-microbial associations may be a result of environmental drivers such as oceanographic characteristics, benthic community structure and temperature. Tissue samples from Rottnest Island corals revealed similarities in bacteria to the samples at Ningaloo Reef. This study highlights that coral-associated microbial communities are highly diverse; however, the complex interactions that determine the stability of these associations are not necessarily dependant on coral host specificity.
Reproduction plays a crucial role in the survival of species, therefore, data was acquired from three adult coral colonies, Acropora tenuis (broadcast spawner), Pocillopora damicornis (brooder) and Tubastrea faulkneri (ahermatypic), before and after coral mass spawning to determine if and through which drivers coral microbial communities changed through this event. A contemporary 454 sequencing approach was implemented and results revealed distinct bacterial shifts through coral mass spawning for all corals, independently of reproductive activity. Clear changes in bacterial assemblages were also detected for brooders after planulation. This infers that coral-associated microbial communities change through a coral mass spawning event and are likely driven by environmental factors and the respective bacterial community in the seawater, as well as by actual coral reproduction. Differences in coral-microbial communities reflected different life styles between brooding and spawning corals. Most α-Proteobacteria increased in abundance after spawning as well as after planulation, suggesting that specific bacteria are involved in coral reproduction irrespective of reproductive strategies; particularly bacteria affiliated with the Roseobacter clade followed this pattern.
The assessment of seawater collected from the broadcast spawning coral A. tenuis and P. damicornis after spawning and planulation, respectively revealed that adult corals, irrespective of their reproductive strategy release bacteria with their offspring which likely increases the fitness in the following processes involved in settlement and survival. Species affiliated with the genera Roseobacter and Alteromonas appear to play important roles in coral reproduction and early life history in corals.
Isolates from P. damicornis planulae were mainly affiliated with the genera Vibrio and Alteromonas and were found to be similar to bacteria released by the mother colony during planulation.
Finally the establishment of coral-microbial partnerships in coral larval stages and the potential role of these symbiotic relationships were studied. The early onset of bacterial associations in brooding and broadcast spawning corals was visualized, exploring bacterial presence and their location in the coral organism, determining when and how bacteria enter coral tissues and their cycling of nutrients towards the coral-symbiotic algal partners. Nano-scale Second Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) was applied to detect, image and map the uptake and translocation of 15N from bacteria into coral larvae on a sub-cellular level. The study also combined Fluorescent In Situ Hybridisation (FISH) to co-localize the labelled substrate with bacteria and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to allow for ultra-structural resolution images to provide high resolution images. This study for the first time demonstrated the beneficial role of specific bacteria in translocating nitrogen into the coral holobiont, which is particularly important in the nutrient-poor environments corals live in.
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Marxsen, Blake. "Techno-economic analysis of microalgal CO2-bioremediation from a West Australian coal-fired power station’s flue-gas." Thesis, Marxsen, Blake (2020) Techno-economic analysis of microalgal CO2-bioremediation from a West Australian coal-fired power station’s flue-gas. Honours thesis, Murdoch University, 2020. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/58804/.
Full textAbstract:
Executive Summary
The increase in the use of typical renewable forms of power generation has lowered the dominance of traditional coal-fired baseload power generation for Australia’s south-western electricity grid known as the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) [2].This increase has prompted the retirement of two of the four operating units at Synergy's Muja Power Station located near the town of Collie from October 2022 [2]. Workers have been affected from the phasing out of Muja’s units although, having minimal impact on coal production [3]; thus, the greenhouse gas emission of CO2 will continue. There is a demand for a project which will promote employment in Collie as well as a decrease CO2 emission.
The following thesis investigates the techno-economics of microalgal CO2 bioremediation in order to create employment in Collie and decrease CO2 emissions from Bluewaters Power Station II (BPS). Four designs have been created assessing the ability of two microalgae strains grown in a variety of conditions, all under the influence of BPS’s bulk flue gas. Consultation with the Shire of Collie has aided in a multiple-criteria analysis to select the most suitable design presented as ‘Case 3’. Case 3 uses Bluewater Power Station’s human wastewater and freshwater from the Collie Basin to grow the freshwater microalgae strain Chlorella vulgaris. The Chlorella produced is then sold as a whole-biomass animal feed product at 12,000 USD/ metric tonne. Case 3 provides 37 jobs for Collie as well as decreasing the carbon emission of BPS.
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Blackmore, Malin. "Corny or Cool. Swedish Teenagers' Attitudes towards Australian and British English Accents." Thesis, University of Gävle, Department of Humanities, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-6756.
Full textAbstract:
This essay investigated Swedish teenagers' attitudes towards Australian and British English accents. The respondents were exposed to four different accents as part of a modified version of the Matched Guise Technique. They were then asked to fill out a questionnaire assessing the accents in terms of psychological qualities, social evaluation, job suitability and likability. The results show that previous research on attitudes to accents in other countries is applicable on Swedish teenagers' and that stereotyping is an influence as well.
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Easton, E. W. (Ernest Wright). "Rail charges and costs : transport of export coal / by E.W. Easton." 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/18944.
Full textAbstract:
Bibliography: leaves 182-190.xv, 192 leaves [7] leaves of plates : ill., maps (chiefly col.) ; 30 cm.
Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Economics, 1997
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Boyd, Robert John. "Trace elements in coal from Collinsville, Bowen Basin, Australia : in-ground mode of occurrence and behaviour during utilisation /." 2004. http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/1417.
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Springbett, Gavin. "Coal facies and palaeoenvironments of the middle eocene to early oligocene Bowmans and Lochiel deposits, Northern St. Vincent Basin, South Australia." 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/57411.
Full textAbstract:
Title page, table of contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library.The middle eocene to early oligocene Bowmans and Lochiel coal deposits of the northern St. Vincent Basin, South Australia have been studied to elucidate their depositional environments. These coals occur within predominantly fluvio-lacustrine transgressive system tract sequences that formed during the initial phase of basin infill. The aforementioned facies are unevenly distributed and their stratigraphic succession highlights evolutionary changes in local palaeoenvironments. Within individual seams the transition from subaquatic to topogenous forest swamps and ultimately ombrogenous conditions is most common. However, over the coal sequence as a whole, conditions evolved from exclusively terrestrial through mixed terrestrial and subaquatic to open water. Also detected were multiple rapid reversals of the water table, especially higher in the sequence, and cyclic patterns reflecting a brief basal subaquatic phase prior to the onset of sustained terrestrial conditions. These patterns suggest a fluctuating, although progressively rising, water table and a balance between accommodation and accumulation.
http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1280880
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007
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Springbett, Gavin. "Coal facies and palaeoenvironments of the middle eocene to early oligocene Bowmans and Lochiel deposits, Northern St. Vincent Basin, South Australia." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2440/57411.
Full textAbstract:
The middle eocene to early oligocene Bowmans and Lochiel coal deposits of the northern St. Vincent Basin, South Australia have been studied to elucidate their depositional environments. These coals occur within predominantly fluvio-lacustrine transgressive system tract sequences that formed during the initial phase of basin infill. The aforementioned facies are unevenly distributed and their stratigraphic succession highlights evolutionary changes in local palaeoenvironments. Within individual seams the transition from subaquatic to topogenous forest swamps and ultimately ombrogenous conditions is most common. However, over the coal sequence as a whole, conditions evolved from exclusively terrestrial through mixed terrestrial and subaquatic to open water. Also detected were multiple rapid reversals of the water table, especially higher in the sequence, and cyclic patterns reflecting a brief basal subaquatic phase prior to the onset of sustained terrestrial conditions. These patterns suggest a fluctuating, although progressively rising, water table and a balance between accommodation and accumulation.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2007