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By G Bickert

Australia is currently developing and engineering a range of specialised processing options for rare earth (RE) (Lynas, 2011, Alkane, 2005), zirconia (Alkane, 2005), lithium (Galaxy Resources, 2008) and other special minerals and metals required in high-tech applications. The processing of lithium, zirconium and RE minerals is based on complex leaching processes which require extensive liquor clarification, solid liquid separation and solids washing. The filtration properties for those leach liquors, residues and precipitates are not well understood and differ drastically according to the process route applied. Thus, filtration test work is essential for equipment selection, sizing and design. Similar types of slurries are filtered in laterite nickel, TiO2 and other chemical oriented processes, while more experience is available here as those processes are applied widely for a number of decades. The increasing need for dry stacking of tailings requires advanced tailings filtration with properties differing drastically depending on tailings properties. More traditional mineral processes such as flotation commonly apply filtration. All of these and other cases require proper filtration test work particularly evaluation of vacuum versus pressure filtration and the need for cake pressing and/or air blowing for filter presses. Bench scale test work and/or pilot plant operation is common to determine filtration rates, achievable cake moisture and wash efficiencies and sometimes filtrate clarity. While those values are important, there is much more valid information to be obtained by filtration test work.This paper discusses the intricacy of filter selection and sizing based on driving forces (vacuum and pressure air, compression by mechanical means and slurry) and parameters (cake thickness, forces and times) and different processes utilised in common filtration equipment. It will discuss the in’s and out’s of filtration test work design, planning, and in particular data gathering, processing, reporting, evaluation and filter sizing from recent examples of bench and pilot scale filtration test work for above applications together with methods for predicting filtration performance for example where test work is lacking. One focus will be the realistic extrapolation of test work results towards different parameters utilised in full scale equipment and plants. The conclusion of the paper will contain checklist for filtration test work.

Aug 8, 2011

By H A. Challenor

Eyewash safety showers located in remote hot environments may be unsafe to use due to excess water temperature and high risk levels of water borne bacteria such as Legionella. Australian Standard AS 4775 specifies that dispensed water shall be bacteria free and have a maximum temperature of 37.8°C. Legionnaires disease is contracted when water aerosols containing Legionella bacteria are inhaled.Laboratory tests show 30 to 70 times more aerosols are generated by showers operating at 38°C than with showers operating at 25°C. Furthermore, excess temperature in flushing water can cause burn injuries leading to hospitalisation, skin grafts and/or permanent scarring. Excess temperature also increases the rate of reaction to corrosive substances, opens pores in the skin to allow greater dermal penetration and can cause dizziness and fainting by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.CITATION:Challenor, H A, 2017. Managing excess temperature and high risk levels of Legionella bacteria in eyewash safety showers, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2017, pp 337–346 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 24, 2017

Cyclone Process for Heavy Metals Decontamination of Sediments

Sep 13, 2010

By G S. Beros

In 2019 the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued guidelines promoting the implementation of ultra-low emissions in the iron and steelmaking industry. These guidelines aim to drive improvements in air quality through the reduction of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). Secondly, it also represents an initial means to commence decarbonisation of the industry. The ultra-low emissions guidelines propose that well over 80 per cent of China’s production capacity will achieve these targets by 2025. In response, many sintering operations have implemented numerous improvements to the process that result in significant efficiency gains. Of note is the adoption of deep bed sintering where, with some modifications to equipment, the sintering bed depth is increased resulting in sizable reductions of SO2 and NOx emissions. This paper will also provide an overview of the requirements to introduce deep-bed sintering into an operation and highlight test work completed which quantifies the resultant reduction in emissions.

Nov 8, 2021

By M D. Rosengren, G Gregor, M F. Young

Over the last 15 years the silver/lead/zinc ore treated at Mount Isa became increasingly complex and lower grade. Metal recoveries dropped dramatically, causing a serious decline in profitability. The ætraditionalÆ response of increasing tonnage to reduce unit cost was unsuccessful, since the additional tonnage was even lower quality ore. A major technical and capital program in the 1990s restored metallurgical performance, but business return was still too low and ore quality continued to decline. In 1996 a new, holistic approach integrated the steps of geology, mining, concentrating, smelting, and refining. Previous assumptions about æfixedÆ and æmarginalÆ costs in mining and processing were shown to be wrong. Detailed analysis showed that some ore sources were reducing profit. This led to a fundamental redesign and downsizing of both Mount Isa and Hilton mines. The result was dramatic increases in head grades, metallurgical performance and plant stability without any capital expenditure. The business is now smaller, but more profitable.

Jan 1, 1998

By Z Chang, S A. Mrozek

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. Antamina, Peru is the largest Cu-Zn skarn deposit in the world. Skarn mineralisation is focused around a multiphase Miocene intrusive complex comprising at least eight distinct phases identified by cross-cutting relationships, including truncated veins, xenoliths and chilled margins. Skarn alteration and mineralisation, as observed in drill core, remain open at depths exceeding 2.2 vertical kilometres.Porphyry intrusions occur as four major phases with subphases (from oldest to youngest): P1 (a, b), P2 (a, b), P3 (a, b) and two dykes of uncertain timing named Oscarina-1 and Oscarina-2. P1a is a hornblende-biotite quartz diorite porphyry with pervasive K-alteration, local endoskarn and 30–40 per cent sheeted quartz veins, all of which obscure original igneous textures. P1b dacite porphyry is a minor unit with <10 per cent phenocrysts and <3 per cent quartz veins. P1b cuts P1a; P2 dykes cut both units. P2a porphyritic biotite quartz monzonite contains K-feldspar megacrysts up to 4 cm long, local K-alteration and 2–80 per cent quartz stockwork veins. P2b biotite monzonite porphyry contains approximately 50 per cent phenocrysts and typically <10 per cent quartz veins. P3a (brown groundmass porphyry) and P3b (coarse phenocryst porphyry) are minor in volume and extent, and both cut P2 bodies. Oscarina dykes comprise two separate but parallel bodies. Oscarina-1 is a feldspar-phyric rhyolite porphyry, while Oscarina-2 is an intensely chloritised andesite porphyry. Oscarina-1 has a U-Pb (laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)) age of 10.1 ± 0.1 Ma, whereas P2 U-Pb zircon ages (LA-ICP-MS) range from 10.0 ± 0.2 Ma to 9.9 ± 0.3 Ma.All the intrusive phases contain quartz veins, with P1a and P2a having the most intensive K-alteration and most abundant quartz veins ± endoskarns. Each phase may have contributed to mineralisation at the right depths and within favourable wall rocks (ie marble) during uplift of the Antamina structural block. Therefore, a model of multiple intrusions during continuous uplift explains the vertically extensive (>2.2 km) skarn and mineralisation at Antamina.CITATION:Mrozek, S A, Chang, Z and Meinert, L D, 2015. A model for the intrusive sequence and Cu-Zn skarn formation at the Antamina deposit, Peru , in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 423–430 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

By Granholm S

The current emphasis within the mining industry to reduce the cost of production has stimulated interest in the field of maintenance and operational reliability of capital intensive mining equipuent. The failure consequences of these machines have major safety and economic implications for a mine operator. The reliability centered maintenance (RCM) approach has been found cost effective for equipment maintenance and for achieving high level system perform- ance by many organizations such as airline, military, chemical, process and manufac- turing industries. In this paper an attempt has been made to describe in brief the basic concepts of a RCM approach, the methods of RCM analysis and its cost effectiveness for maintenance of equipment. Since this approach is comparatively new for the mining industry, suitable examples are given to illustrate the case.

Jan 1, 1988

By J Theiler, B Beamish

Spontaneous combustion hazard assessment from an environmental impact perspective is not well understood and is seldom given due consideration in environmental impact statements. In surface mining operations, self-heating, leading to spontaneous combustion may occur when rock units containing reactive metal sulphides and organic carbon are disturbed by mining operations and exposed to the atmosphere. When these rocks are present self-heating will occur in situations where the rate of heat generated from oxidation reactions exceeds the rate of heat lost to the surroundings. The processes and mechanisms that lead to spontaneous combustion events are varied and generally complex. To effectively manage spontaneous combustion in surface mining operations, it is necessary to characterise the spontaneous combustion propensity of the geological materials involved. Until recently there has been no testing procedure for assessing the propensity of waste rock to spontaneously combust that has been adopted by industry. However, new developments in adiabatic test methods have proven successful in determining the self-heating behaviour of coal (Beamish and Theiler, 2015) and coal containing reactive pyrite (Beamish and Theiler, 2017). These adiabatic test methods have now been modified to assess the incubation behaviour of waste rocks and can be used for their spontaneous combustion characterisation in advance of mining (Beamish and Theiler, 2016). The new method provides a practical means to establish the likelihood of developing a spontaneous combustion event for the specific site conditions. This paper presents examples of the use of a cost effective first pass filter for assessing spontaneous combustion potential of waste rock based on geochemical data from four surface mines. This is supported by adiabatic Incubation Test results for three of the mines and visual examination of cores for one of the mines. CITATION:Theiler, J and Beamish, B, 2018. Valid spontaneous combustion hazard assessment for surface mine environmental impact statements, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2018, pp 64–67 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 25, 2018

By Tripathy A. K, Satapathy B. K, Nayak B, Mohanty J. N, Dey D. N

The paper deals with the metallographic tudy of heat treated chromite and chromite-coke composite briquettes. The briquettes, prepared from chromite concentrate of Orissa Mines using molasses-lime, dextrinelime and tamarind seed as binders, were subjected to different temperatures and examined metallographically. The change of phase with temperature was analysed by X-ray diffraction.

Jan 1, 1987

By P Andersson, P Marklund

Evaluation of different techniques for bottom fill stabilisation showed that frozen fill was the most economical method. In order to test the method a full-scale field test was performed in the Rehnstr÷m mine. The test was instrumented with temperature gauges and extensometers. Before the field test, frozen fill was tested at the laboratory. The mechanical properties of the frozen fill were determined by uniaxial compression and creep tests. A deformation model for the frozen fill was set up. Calculation procedure for design of spacing between the freezing tubes, time for freezing and calculation of the necessary capacity of the refrigeration plant was developed. These procedures were calibrated against the field test. The results of these investigations allow the following conclusions: From a mechanical point of view, frozen fill has excellent properties as a structural member and it also has excellent properties to support itself and the fill above. Methods for the thermal and mechanical design of freeze stabilisation have been developed and found adequate. The need to place the freezing tubes several years in advance of the future sill pillar mining, requires careful long-term planning and accurate documentation.

Jan 1, 1998

By C Zschiesche, alam, A Abadias Llamas, A K

Lead has the ability to collect and carry valuable metals such as copper, bismuth, antimony, tin and precious metals for their downstream recovery. Therefore, lead metallurgy is key for the raw material supply that our society demands. Lead smelters, excluding lead-acid battery recyclers, tend to process more complex primary and secondary raw materials, which are mostly processed via the pyrometallurgy route. Accordingly, understanding the slag system of these metallurgical processes is key for the efficient industrial operation and recovery of minor elements. Glencore Nordenham is an integrated lead and zinc smelter in northern Germany with a production of 92 000 t of lead and 164 700 t of zinc in 2022. The lead production line processes complex leadbearing raw materials through the direct smelting process. Firstly, the feed mix is smelted in a Top Submerged Lance (TSL – Ausmelt®) furnace, where a lead bullion containing minor metals and a lead-rich slag are produced. Then, the lead-rich slag from the TSL is tapped (via launder) into a Side- Blown Furnace (SBF), where lead oxide is reduced to produce lead bullion (with minor elements) and discard slag. The lead bullion from both stages is refined to produce lead (>99.9 per cent) and recover the minor elements (Cu, Ag, Au, Sb, Te, Bi etc). This paper reflects the experience of operating the SBF after the first five years of operation and describes its ‘PbO-SiO2-FeOx-CaO-ZnO’ slag system. Firstly, the slag system, the furnace operating region and the potential solid phases present are discussed from a theoretical point of view. This theoretical study has been performed using FactSage™ 8.2 and the database developed by the Pyrosearch group at the University of Queensland, Australia (UQPY). Then, the FactSage™ simulations are compared with industrial slag measurements. Finally, some examples on how the slag knowledge gained at Glencore Nordenham can help the industrial operation of the SBF are discussed.

Jun 17, 2024

Advanced Jig Separation of Shredded Plastics The authors have reported that the RETAC jig is very useful in separating relatively low density particles such as plastics, and demonstrated that highly efficient jig separation of plastic components in discarded office machines is possible in pilot-scale tests. To further improve the separation efficiency, a hybrid jig (RETAC jig with air bubbler under the particle bed) which can separate plastics having similar specific gravities using differences in wettability produced by a pretreatment, and a reverse jig (modified RETAC jig for plastics lighter than water) were developed. This paper reviews the separation of shredded plastics using advanced jig separation technology (RETAC, hybrid and reverse jigs). Wettability control of the plastics for the advanced jig separation is also reported.

Sep 13, 2010

To the industrial geologist, as wen as to the general or historic geologist, the possession of a reliable key to the true order or sequence of the stratigraphy or position of the various upper rocky envelopes of the earth's crust, is, equally, a desideratum of the utmost importance. Of similar value to the two groups of students is the possession of facts which throw light upon the relationships which subsist between the puccessive rock formation of different countries, especially between countries lying close to each other, or within the same great geographical division.But there is necessarily a fundamental distinction which marks the respective limits of the field of observations of the industrial geologist, and the purely historic interest of the general geologist. The former has a more definite though less extensive scope. The scope of the latter is wide and indeterminate. In short, the observations of the industrial geologist are, 'from a commercial or economic point of view, of a more practical character, and are, therefore, intentionally restricted to the study of all geological questions which throw light upon the rocks which yield products of economic value and only include the study of the character and history of other rocks, in so far, as they afford aid to the more perfect comprehension of the best manner in which materials of economic value are likely to be sought, and the best means whereby these products may be secured for the material advantage of the community. The motive of the general geologist-in most cases-is a love of the study of some particular branch or province of the geological field, and the fascination of opening a new volume in nature's library, and the hope of extending the realm of knowledge, however slight, are often sufficient, as a motive, to enlist the energy and life's devotion of the true brethren of the hammer, irrespective of considerations regarding the commercial utility of the pursuit.

It's my privilege to welcome you here this afternoon on behalf of the Sydney Branch of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. This is a most important gathering. You, the delegates, represent what is probably the most influential cross-section of the mining investment community and the oil and gas investment community to meet as a group during the last decade. We are meeting today and tomorrow to review two related issues that will have far reaching implications for the effective use of capital by the natural resources sector in the 1990's. The views which will emerge over the two days will almost certainly 'influence the availability of new capital to the companies in the natural resources sector for the decade ahead. The two principal themes of Minval '89 are, first, the valuation of mining and oil and gas assets and securities, and second, disclosure and reporting requirements in the capital markets which relate specifically to natural resources companies. This conference is taking place at a time when further consolidation and rationalisation appears likely within the mining industry. Although the base metals and other sectors of the industry are enjoying profitability not seen since the early 1980's there is caution about committing to new capacity which could bring about a return to the low prices and excess supply which prevailed during much of the last ten years. These conditions have led to increased takeover activity within the mining industry overseas, and similar trends are as evident here in Australia as they are elsewhere. Recognition of value is therefore likely to become more important than ever before in preserving shareholder wealth, for creating new wealth and for preserving the financial health of the resources industry in the future. Valuation therefore is the first theme of the conference.

Jan 1, 1989

This report will differ slightly from the traditional scientific and technical discussions given at this type of conference. It will focus on the personal experiences and choices that I undertook when deciding on my graduate position and location after completing university studies. Throughout the duration of my course I had experience in both fly-in, fly-out operations in the Pilbara and residential operations in the West Australian Goldfields. These experiences, though limited, allowed me to explore the two different methods and their pros and cons, and consequently to make my choice for graduate employment. Throughout the duration of my degree I believed it was important to gain a basic understanding of the two methods, focusing on lifestyle and personal interactions. The decision that a residential site suited my personality and lifestyle then allowed me to refine my job applications to a more specific list of mine sites and companies, resulting in a residential position with BHP Billiton at their Iron Ore operations in the Pilbara, Western Australia.

Jan 1, 2005

By M Zaluski, D Bless

An innovative, biological treatment process has been designed by MSE Technology Applications, Inc to treat and control acid mine drainage (AMD). A field-scale demonstration is being conducted under the Mine Waste Technology Program using water flowing from a historic mine in Montana. A successful demonstration of an in situ process will allow it to be employed at numerous other abandoned or remote mines, which discharge AMD, an acidic, metal-contaminated water. Conventional treatment methods are costly and are often impossible to use at remote locations. MSEÆs technology uses a biological system to clean up AMD. The In situ Passive Biological Treatment Process utilises nonpathogenic bacteria, which are able to neutralise acidic mine water and remove contained toxic metals. These bacteria live within a series of pile-type reactors inside the mine. The bacteria are fed inexpensive waste products. The resulting discharge is clean water flowing from the mine. This presentation will show that this technology offers a natural cleanup method for the nationÆs numerous abandoned mines. Work on this project was conducted under Interagency Agreement No DW899388-70-01-1 between the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy (DOE), and was performed at the Western Environmental Technology Office through the DOE National Environmental Technology Laboratory (DOE Contract No. DE-AC22-96EW96405).

Jan 1, 2003

By Fejes G

An integral part of the Brisbane Suburban Railway Electrification involved the relining, refurbishment and track lowering in the Roma Street, Brunswick Street and Gloucester Street double track tunnels. The design and the construction procedures had to satisfy the Queensland Railways electrification clearance and track standards and the requirements of maintaining track services through the tunnels during work. Refurbishing of the tunnel linings was carried out to extend the life of the tunnels.

Jan 1, 1981

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) is a professional society for all those associated with the activities of the mineral industry. Differences of opinion exist within the membership of the AusIMM on the role it should play in the future as a professional society in a changing industry and world environment. This same dilemma is concerning other professional societies of which the author is a member. Some of the activities and priorities of the AusIMM are reviewed in order to clarify a frequently expressed opinion that it identifies with and supports industry at the expense of representing the interests of its individual members. By definition and by action this is certainly not the case and it is concluded that all activities whether seen to be industry or member orientated serve to benefit both. The AusIMM plays a most important role in integrating and promoting the interests of all sections of the mineral industry whether corporate or individual and the Presidential activities in education this year provide an excellent example of this.

Jan 1, 1997

In the human body, the balance between heat production and heat loss is continuously being disturbed, either by changes in metabolic rate (work being the most influential) or by changes in the external environment (heat stress), which alters heat loss. These changes in body temperature can adversely affect the function of body systems and organs. As a result, heat production or heat loss processes are triggered in order to restore normal body temperature (36 - 37¦C). If the heat generating systems of the body are excessive or the environment hostile then the capacity of the body to maintain thermal homeostasis is exceeded and can lead to a serious threat to health, or even death. This health deficit can severely affect an individualÆs capacity to work optimally; the end result is both poor productivity and health. Strategies to minimise or eliminate this effort will benefit both the health of workers and the productivity of companies. The principal strategies to reduce the effects of the environment on workers are: engineering interventions: to improve environmental conditions and reduce heat stress; and a comprehensive working in heat protocol: with provisions to identify risk situations and procedures to be adopted in relation to these. The above points will be discussed in detail with practical and simple strategies proposed to combat the deleterious effects of heat in mining.

Jan 1, 2005

Radio Detection and Ranging is an active form of remote sensing. The-imaging system sends out a source of electromagnetic energy to 'illuminate' the terrain and then records the energy returned. The wavelengths used by radar are in the microwave region and vary from a few millimetres to about a metre. Radar systems are independent of lighting conditions and weather. In addition, targets may be illuminated in the optimum direction to enhance features of interest. New Zealand was one of the principal investigators on the Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-B) experiment, part of the payload on Challenger Mission 41-G in October 1984. Data collected over New Zealand was restricted to two very poor quality optical images and one poor quality digital data take. The digital image covered the ranges between the Hawke Bay-Wairoa Basin and the Volcanic Plateau. Variations of texture in this image frequently were indicative of variations in lithology and induration. The image also clearly depicted major faults where these had had a significant effect on the topography.

Jan 1, 1986