Thesis (M.Econ. (Economics & Economic History)) - Rhodes University, 2009.

M.Tech. Internal Auditing / Mining can have a positive impact on Namibia by contributing towards economic growth and infrastructure development, by creating jobs, and by increasing foreign currency earnings; but on the other hand, the exploration of natural resources often runs in parallel with corruption, exploitation, environmental devastation, and population displacement through migrant labour. It is therefore imperative for mines to be sustainable in their operations: in other words, mines must protect and enhance the economic, social and environmental milieus of Namibia. The main objective of a mining company is profit maximisation through exploitation of natural resources, and the company can therefore be defensive, even antagonistic, towards sustainable operations and sustainability reporting. The pressure from mining companies' stakeholders for them to be transparent in their operations, and to report on all sustainability-related issues is increasing, and research has indicated that mining companies are, in the majority, supportive of the initiative, and realise the advantages of pursuing sustainable operations. Research results from the study indicated that between the different types of companies, and between countries, there is a significant variation in the sustainability reporting performance, both delivered and required. Improvement opportunities were identified in a number of areas with regards to the quality, consistency and extent of sustainability reporting. The rationale and the motivation for this study was therefore to determine the standard of integrated sustainability reporting being achieved by mining companies in Namibia, in order to determine the needs and shortcomings in the sustainability reporting arena. The final deliverable of this study was to develop a reporting framework which could enable enhanced integrated sustainability reporting by providing the mining industry in Namibia with a structured framework that conforms to world class standards.

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Mine reclamation is a long-term process but few long-term (> 15 years) assessment studies are carried out. Considerable effort has gone into test-plot experiments to design revegetation programs prior to termination of mine production but little is known from the results of this work of the long-term effect of competitive interactions between seeded species themselves and between seeded and immigrating native species during the progression to a natural vegetation for that site. The present study revisited and repeated benchmark scientific studies carried out at five mine-sites during the period 1973-1978. The mine-sites were Bull River mine, Coal Creek mine, Cumberland No. 4 mine, Pinchi Lake mine and Texada Iron mines. They were in different biogeoclimatic locations and at each mine, sample sites were located on different waste materials. On-site studies carried out during the 1993 field season included substrate observation and sampling, and visual observation of plant species and percent cover. Substrate samples were later analysed in the laboratory for soil nutrients. The graphical presentation of data honours the original data and is an effective way of assessing the development of substrate health and plant succession. Results show that if sufficient attention is paid to improving land-form then over a long period natural regenerative processes can accomplish remarkable results. Moisture deficiency will restrict growth to deep rooting, drought tolerant species and result in slow encroachment. This may require intensive management if erosion is likely. This type of study performed by staff with interdisciplinary training or experience can be used to make economical long-term assessments of site rehabilitation. They would not in any way replace the detailed quantitative monitoring conducted at critical phases early in the decommissioning process. However, as a complement, such studies could provide data for predicting long-term development on newer sites. In addition, they are an ecologically acceptable alternative to assessments of "productivity" on sites where rehabilitation is slow.

The addressed topic is to investigate the power distribution at a base metal refinery and to identify the potential improvement in power consumption efficiency. The work included in this study revealed that the power consumption efficiency at the evaluated base metal refinery can be improved. The significance of this study relates to Eskom’s tariff increases and directive to mining and large industrial companies to reduce their power consumption as well as the recent incremental increase in power tariffs. Base metal refineries are substantial power consumers and will be required to evaluate the efficiency of their base metal production. A load study was conducted at a base metal refinery in order to determine the current power consumption at the various process areas. The measurements obtained from the load study formed the basis for calculations to determine the potential efficiency improvement. The load study revealed that the electro-winning area contributes to the majority of the power consumed (52% of total apparent power) at the refinery. The potential improvement in efficiency at the electro-winning process area was identified by means of evaluating the rectifier and rectifier transformer power consumption. Methods and technologies for the reduction in power consumption was consequently evaluated and quantified. The potential reduction in conductor losses by converting from global power factor correction to localised power factor correction for the major plant areas was furthermore identified as an area of potential efficiency improvement and consequently evaluated. The improvement in motor efficiency across the base metal refinery was identified by means of comparing the efficiency and power factor of high efficiency motors to that of the standard efficiency motors installed at the refinery. The work included in this study reveals that an improvement in power consumption efficiency is achievable at the evaluated base metal refinery. An efficiency improvement of 1.785% (real power reduction of 2.07%) can be achieved by implementing localised power factor correction and high efficiency motors. An average efficiency improvement of 1.282% (total real power reduction of 2.78%) can be achieved with the additional implementation of specialised, high efficiency rectifier transformer designs. The implementation of localised power factor correction as well as high efficiency motors was identified as short term efficiency improvement projects. A financial study was conducted in order to determine the cost and payback period associated with the reduction in real power consumption for implementation of the recommended efficiency improvement projects. The payback period, required to achieve an average efficiency improvement of 1.785%, was calculated to be approximately 4 years. The initial capital investment required to implement the efficiency improvement projects is about R22.5 million. The monthly electricity utility bill savings associated with the efficiency improvement projects is approximately R455,000. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

During the Protectorate period (1912-1956), the vast majority of Moroccan mines were privately owned. The investors were mainly French. This general picture is in agreement with the fact that Morocco was under the domination of France and consequently a privileged field for French investors. However two major events do not fit into the above description. The first occurred in 1921 : the creation of the Office Chérifien des Phosphates, a public company which had the monopoly of the exploration and the exploitation of Moroccan phosphate. The second occurred in 1928 : the creation of the Bureau de Recherches et de Participations Minières, a public body which acquired one third of the only Moroccan coal mine, and obtained afterwards shares of several mines and directed oil exploration in Morocco. In order to integrate these two events into the global development of the Moroccan mining industry it will be shown that these authoritarian measures on the part of the State were taken because it was necessary to find a way of bypassing the international constraints bearing on Morocco at the beginning of the Protectorate period. European countries did not object to French domination over Morocco as long as French investments would not be favoured against those of other countries. Therefore the open-door regime was established in Morocco. In the twenties, the French Government and the Protectorate administration were increasingly worried by the growing influence of foreign investors and by the very slow rate of development of the Moroccan mining industry. Therefore, as French interests could not be favoured directly, because of the open-door regime, the only solution was to reinforce the power of the State. From the thirties onwards, French investors were in a dominant position and no longer needed State intervention in order to protect them. Consequently, the role of the Bureau de Recherches et de Participations Minières was reduced to that of a public fund which only invested in those sectors which were not considered as profitable by private investors.

Thesis (doctoral)--TU Bergakademie Freiberg, 2006. / "International Mine Water Association." Includes bibliographical references (p. [337]-420) and index.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 2004. / Adviser: Joseph P. Farrell.

Thesis (M. Env. St.)--University of Adelaide, Centre for Environmental Studies, 1991. / Photographs mounted in. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-152).