INSTITUTO SUPERIOR POLITÉCNICO DE TETE

ENGINEERING DIVISION

MINERAL PROCESSING ENGINEERING COURSE B

2ND YEAR 1ST SEMESTER

ASSIGNMENT 1

ENGLISH III

TEACHER

Dr. Helena Namaripa

AUTHOR

Orlando Mafra

TETE, 2024

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INDEX

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1

OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................ 2

GENERAL ................................................................................................................................. 2

MACHINE SELECTION IN MINING ..................................................................................... 3

MAIN CRITERIA CONSIDERED IN THE SELECTION OF MACHINES ........................... 3

METHODOLOGIES USED TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ....................................... 4

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE CHOICE OF EQUIPMENT ......................................... 4

NATURAL FACTORS .............................................................................................................. 4

DESIGN FACTORS .................................................................................................................. 4

TYPES OF MACHINES ........................................................................................................... 5

SELECTION PROCESS ........................................................................................................... 6

IMPORTANCE OF MACHINE SELECTION IN MINING .................................................... 6

CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................... 7

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES .......................................................................................... 8

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INTRODUCTION
Machine selection is a crucial step in various industrial and engineering processes, directly
influencing efficiency, productivity and operating costs. Choosing the right machines for a
specific application requires careful consideration of a range of factors, such as production
requirements, product features, acquisition and maintenance cost, among others. The author of
this paper will explore the importance of machine selection, the main criteria considered in this
process and the methodologies used to make informed decisions. Additionally, we will examine
case studies and practical examples to illustrate how machine selection can significantly impact
the performance and competitiveness of industrial operations.

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OBJECTIVES

GENERAL

Develop the theme of machine selection in mining.

SPECIFIC

Indicate factors that influence the choice of equipment;

Investigate the criteria considered in the selection of machines;

Mention the equipment selected for the mining project;

Talk about the importance of machine selection in mining.

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MACHINE SELECTION IN MINING

Machine selection in mining involves choosing the most suitable equipment to perform various
tasks in a mining operation. This can include mining ore, transporting materials, drilling for
rocks, and many other activities2.

MAIN CRITERIA CONSIDERED IN THE SELECTION OF MACHINES

The main criteria considered when selecting mining machines include:

Material Properties

The size, shape, and abrasiveness of the ore are considered to determine the most suitable
feeder type.

Productivity Requirements

The desired processing capacity and flow rate of the ore are evaluated to select a feeder that
can meet the production demands.

Environmental Conditions

The operating environment, including temperature, humidity levels, and potential impact on
feeder performance and durability, are considered.

Maintenance and Operation

Serviceability, operational controls, and the potential downtime associated with each type of
feeder are evaluated.

Ore Type

The type of ore influences the choice of machine. For example, hard ores may require robust
crushers.

Ore Size and Hardness

Machines must be sized to handle the size and hardness of the material.

Working Environment

Climatic conditions, available space, and topography all affect selection.

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Operating Costs

The cost of operation and maintenance should be considered.

Production Capacity

The machine must meet the production demand.

Safety

Safe and reliable machines are essential to protect workers.

METHODOLOGIES USED TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

Mining machinery selection involves an integrated approach that utilizes advanced

technologies to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of mining operations. This
includes analyzing historical performance data, assessing geological conditions, and
considering production targets.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE CHOICE OF EQUIPMENT

NATURAL FACTORS

Natural factors are those that depend on the prevailing conditions in the workplace, such as
topography, more or less rugged, nature of the existing soils, presence of water table, rainfall
regime, etc.

DESIGN FACTORS

The design factors are represented by the volume of ore to be moved, the transport distances,
the access ramps and the dimensions of the platforms.

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 Figure 1: Illustrates the consequences of design factors.

ECONOMIC FACTORS

Economic factors can be summed up in the unit cost of labor, which is ultimately the
predominant and often decisive factor in the choice to be made.

TYPES OF MACHINES

There are several types of machines used in mining, each designed for specific functions. Some
examples include:

Crushers: Reduce the size of the ore to facilitate subsequent processing.

Excavators: Remove large amounts of material from the ground.

Dump Trucks: Carry ore and overburden.

Vibrating Screens: Classify material based on particle size.

Draglines: They excavate large volumes of earth.

Loaders: They load ore onto trucks or conveyors.

Conveyor Belts: They move bulk materials from one point to another.

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SELECTION PROCESS

Requirements Analysis

Based on the characteristics of the ore and the operational needs, the requirements are defined.

Market Research

Evaluation of machines available on the market.

Performance Comparison

The performance of different machines is compared.

Pilot Tests

Small-scale testing to verify suitability.

Final Decision

Considering all the factors, the machine is chosen.

Maintenance and Upgrade

The selection does not end after purchase. Regular maintenance and updating of machines are
essential to extend their lifespan and maintain efficiency.

IMPORTANCE OF MACHINE SELECTION IN MINING

Proper machine selection is crucial for the efficiency and productivity of mining
operations. Choosing the right equipment can optimize efficiency, safety, and profitability, as
well as prevent unforeseen events and workplace accidents.

In addition, the selection of suitable machines is essential to establish the mine's handling
capacity and, in association with unit costs, determine the cost estimate.

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CONCLUSION

Proper machine selection becomes essential to ensure the efficiency, quality, and sustainability
of operations. This work highlighted the complexity involved in the machine selection process,
from identifying specific requirements to evaluating different options available on the market.
By carefully considering factors such as performance, cost, durability, and flexibility, engineers
and managers can make more informed and strategic decisions that align with their
organization's goals and needs. Therefore, machine selection should not be seen as an isolated
task, but rather as a fundamental aspect of effective resource management and the continuous
pursuit of operational excellence.

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BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

1. GOMES, P. H.; OLIVEIRA, R. A. Criteria for Selection of Mining Equipment in

Open Pit Mining. Brazilian Journal of Geosciences, vol. 41, no. 2, 2011.
2. MARTINS, A. B.; ALMEIDA, F. S. Comparative Analysis of Equipment Selection
Methods in Mining. Brazilian Journal of Mining Engineering, vol. 72, no. 3, 2019.
3. SILVA, R. C. Mining: Principles and Applications. Casa do Livro, 2018.
4. SOUZA, J. L. Selection of Mining Machinery and Equipment. Technical Publisher,
2020.