This book presents a state-of-the-art analysis of energy efficiency as applied to mining processes. From ground fragmentation to mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, experts discuss the current state of knowledge and the nagging questions that call for further research. It offers an excellent resource for all mine managers and engineers who want to improve energy efficiency to boost both production efficiency and sustainability. It will also benefit graduate students and experienced researchers looking for a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge concerning energy efficiency in the minerals industry.

Cable shovel excavation in the Athabasca oil sands is vital given the in-situ excavation of formation. Random occurrence of boulders in the oil sands formation results in varying mechanical energy input and stress loading of the shovel handle-dippertooth assembly. These problems pose significant failure threat to the shovel handledipper- teeth assembly resulting in unplanned downtimes, inefficiency and high production costs. A potential solution is the deployment of an intelligent shovel navigation technology. Currently, there are no prediction models, based on sound theory, for shovel navigation in this formation. This book covers a pioneering research effort toward developing dynamic models to accurately predict the formation resistances, optimal digging schemes and critical formation resistances on the dipper-teeth assembly.