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Until recently, nickel laterite projects have been largely ignored, due to their supposedly higher treatment costs compared with sulphides, and to their perceived processing difficulties. A number of laterite projects in the 1970s were abandoned because of high capital and operating costs, while others experienced severe technical difficulties. Conventional wisdom had it that laterites would not be exploited until most of the sulphide orebodies had been depleted. Why then, have Australian mining and exploration companies started a resurgence of interest in the treatment of nickel laterites? It all began with the Bulong project, which has been under study since 1987, while more recently two further projects, Murrin Murrin and Cawse, have been initiated and are being fast-tracked to take advantage of the current high nickel and cobalt prices. A further project in NSW, Syerston, has also been investigated at bench-scale, but no further development has yet been announced. All these projects have the following advantages: 1. Good location near a major mining centre and,reasonably close to power, water, roads, accommodation and a developed service industry. 2. Straightforward, low cost mining. 3. Low cost of acid or sulphur. 4. Good to very good cobalt credits. In addition, there have been significant technological developments in the design and operation of high pressure autoclaves and high rate thickeners, as well as solvent extraction and electrowinning technology. This has helped to decrease capital costs and technical risks, and has allowed the development of alternative flowsheets to the existing laterite operations (Taylor, 1996).

Jan 1, 1996

Wetting Characteristics of Mineral Surfaces - Contact Angle Measurements through Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Sep 13, 2010

A unique sluicing process for recovering tailing impounded in a valley was developed by Electrolytic Zinc Company of Australasia Ltd., West Coast Mines, Rosebery, Tasmania.Earthmoving equipment could not be used as most of the material to be recovered was semi-fluid. A conventional sluking method was also impracticable as there was no suitable working face from which the process could be commenced.Operations started from a flat surface, using special techniques for sinking through the tailing and establishing producing working faces as the sinking process continued.After about 2 years the bottom of the dam was reached and conventional sluicing methods could be used.

Jan 1, 1973

The project to reopen the Tasmania Mine has centred around efforts to reopen the Hart Shaft to access the high grade reef remaining below the old workings, which extend down to 457 in. Efforts in 1982 and 1987 were frustrated by unstable clay ground around the shaft, which resulted in significant subsidence of the shaft collar and lining. A successful program has since been implemented to solve the problems, stabilize the collar and recover the upper shaft which had collapsed down to 90 m.

Jan 1, 1989

By Gibbs R

The objective of this paper is to provide a broad qualitative perspective of the needs and costs of infrastructure associated with typical mining projects. Infrastructure may be defined as anything necessary for the development and operation of a project, which is peripheral to the basic extraction, handling and processing of material. As depicted in Figure 1, infrastructure acts as the link between the technological heart of a project and the outside world.

Jan 1, 1990

It cannot be said that accurate and reliable ore reserve estimation is the fundamental of any mining operation success. Estimation techniques which are used to estimate the grade distribution of an orebody together with the assessment of uncertainty and risk have a vital influence on the success of any optimisation algorithm. Traditional estimation techniques such as kriging or inverse distance weighting are frequently used for assigning grade values to blocks. Various attempts have been made in order to compare geostatistical estimated methods for ore reserve estimation. This paper aims to evaluate the sensitivity of different estimation methods over changing the block dimension. For this reason, several block models with different dimensions were derived in Chador Malu iron ore mine which is located in 180 km northeast of Yazd in the centre of Iran. Each block model was estimated by different estimation methods such as nearest neighbours (NN), inverse distance (ID) and ordinary kriging (OK). The results of each estimation methods were compared against a control block file created by using the assay results of all blastholes drilled in the ore over four benches of the pit. The results signify that by estimating the large block size, no significant improvement occurred due to the employment of different estimation techniques. Furthermore, the grades estimated based on ID method is more reliable, but OK methods estimated more accurate tonnage.

Dec 6, 2010

By Lu S, Zhou S

The flash smelting technology employed in Jinchuan demands a better mineral processing concentrate with an MgO content below 6.5 per cent. Two ways for MgO removal have been investigated in detail based on properties and process mineralogical characteristics of the rich ores in the number one mining area in Jinchuan. The key to the first way is the use of a new flowsheet which has two-stage grinding and separation followed by single-stage regrinding and multi-stage cleaning for the rougher concentrate. The second approach utilises two novel reagents, AT-131 and AT-202, which have been developed recently. Excellent metallurgical performance has been obtained in a commercial test and a batch test, respectively. The MgO content of flotation concentrate can be reduced to about six per cent.

Jan 1, 1996

By D Connelly

There is now a new generation of mobile crushing and screening plant systems available which have been developed based on the motivation of reducing truck haulage. Newly designed mobile crushing and screening plant systems have the advantages of mobility, flexibility, economy and reliable performance, making this system very appealing for small- to medium-sized projects or projects where a number of resources are separated by distance.A brief review of the past history and experience with transportable crushing plants provides an insight into some of the issues with transportable plants in mineral processing. A closer look at a simple model based on exploiting small but high-grade orebodies suggests the concept has merit, however there are many more engineering, logistics, legal, technical and management aspects which have limited the application of such a concept in the resource sector. This paper explores the concept in detail and endeavours to analyse the preferred commodities and scenarios under which the concept could be used and the economic and logistical limitations for iron ore. The paper also looks at the risk assessment criteria to be applied in selecting the type of resource projects where the model could be applied successfully. Other aspects considered in this paper are the project planning requirements, technical and economic feasibility, bankability and operability. Reference is made to the operating experience of contractors at a number of sites and feedback from the resource companies as managers of the projects.CITATION:Connelly, D, 2013. Mobile crushing and screening plant applications for small- to medium-sized iron ore projects, in Proceedings Iron Ore 20 13, pp 349-354 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 12, 2013

In, one stage of the purification sequence of the zinc sulphate electrolyte used at Risdon, cobalt is, precipitated as cobalt nitroso-,B-naphtholate, which is separated from the solution by filtration. Owing to the method of conducting the purification the filter cake contains much gypsum, unconsumed calcium hydroxide, basic zinc sulphate, and entrained zinc sulphate solution, Small amounts of iron and copper that have escaped previous purification steps are also precipitated with the cobalt as nitroso-,B-naphtholate. Thisprecipitate, normally carrying about 18% cobalt, is the raw material for the production of cobalt oxide, cobalt sulphate and cobalt metal.COBALT OXIDEThe main problem in the preparation of a reasonable grade of cobalt oxide from the filter cake is the economic separation ,of the cobalt nitroso-,B-naphtholate from the gypsum. This was solved by the application of flotation. It was discovered that the cobalt nitroso-,B-naphtholate, under correct conditions, would float without any addition agent, giving a relatively high grade concentrate. A plant, was built and has been in operation since 1936. The filter cake is pulped with water and pumped to one of two mechanically agitated tanks, eath capable of holding one day's output. Sulphuric acid is added until the free acid concentration reaches about 3 gm. per litre. Basic zinc sulphate is dissolved and calcium hydroxide converted to gypsum. The pulp, carrying about 2t lb. of solids per gallon, is pumped at a suitable rate to the first of a series of 10 flotation, boxes.. Each box is 3 ft. by 2 ft. 9 in. by 5 ft. deep, and, all have a common, pulp level, since the...

Jan 1, 1949

By Knevitt L. T

PART 1Details of Kiewa Scheme.Introduction.Topography.Preliminary Investigations.Geology.Description of Project.Details of Main Works.Main Transmission of Power.Construction Facilities.PART 2Underground Works.Summary of Projected Works.Administration.Labour.Surveying.Safety and Accident Prevention.Medical Attention and First Aid.PART 3No. 4 Head Race Tunnel.Summary.Geology.

Jan 1, 1950

By H Chen

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. The Mesozoic iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) mineralisation in southern Perú and the northern Chile coastal IOCG belt have emerged as two of the major exploration targets in the Central Andes in the last two decades. These Mesozoic Andean IOCG deposits formed in two mineralisation epochs, the Middle-Late Jurassic (170–150 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (130–110 Ma), with the major Cu-rich IOCG deposits located in the Early Cretaceous mineralisation belt. The early studies in some IOCG centres support a magmtic-hydrothermal model for both Cu-rich IOCG deposits and broadly contemporaneous Cu-poor ‘Kiruna-type’ magnetite deposits. However, recent evidence from field, geochronology, fluid inclusions and stable isotopes show that in the major Central Andean deposits (eg Raúl-Condestable, Mina Justa in southern Perú, La Candelaria-Punta del Cobre and Mantoverde in northern Chile), the incursion of evaporite-sourced basinal brines or sea water may be a prerequisite for economic Cu mineralisation. Moreover, the Cu-poor massive magnetite deposits could be interpreted as a product from iron oxide melt, with minimal intervention by non-magmatic fluids. Therefore, they could represent two contrasted deposit types and contain little genetic relationships. The different roles of magmatism during the Mesozoic are responsible for the variable mineralisation in the Central Andes, including IOCG, magnetite and ‘manto-type’ deposits. The ore modelling for both the Middle-Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous metallogenic epochs in the Central Andes are reconstructed.CITATION:Chen, H, 2015. The Mesozoic iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) mineralisation in the Central Andes – a refined IOCG ore-forming model in the Palaeozoic Continental Margin, in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 251–254 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

By Bothe C

Froth flotation processes use different surface properties of the minerals to be sorted. In an aqueous environment the hydrophobic mineral attaches selectively to air bubbles and is lifted to the surface of a separation vessel, while the tailings settle towards its bottom. Besides the surface properties, the hydrodynamic conditions play an important role. With respect to the hydrodynamics the flotation process can be divided, for simplicity, in two sub-processes. The attachment of hydrophobic particles to air bubbles, the so-called mineralisation, demands a large number of collisions and therefore high turbulences. The phase separation however needs a deterministic movement of both the particle-bubbles-aggregates and the tailings particles and therefore a quiescent flow field. The optimisation of the overall process requires a separation of both sub-processes, especially when fine particles have to be sorted. In conventional mechanically agitated flotation cells both sub-processes take place in the same turbulent volume. For this reason they suffer from a decreasing selectivity with decreasing particle size. In flotation columns the mineralisation of air bubbles and the phase separation are performed in a quiescent environment. This results in high concentrate grades and at the same time in a very slow attachment kinetics, which must, especially for fine particles, be counterbalanced by a long residence time of the slurry.

Jan 1, 1993

Viking Holdings Ltd, a Todd Corporation company, is active in the mineral industry through operations, joint ventures and equity investments. Identification and management of risk is key to the success of the company. This paper discusses risk in general terms and in the context of Vikings activities. Reference is made to the current environment and the impact of risk and environment on profitability.

Jan 1, 1997

Media Type Effect on Grinding Efficiency

Sep 13, 2010

After a five year period representing the strongest resource and commodity rally ever experienced, we are now faced with a subdued recovery following the global financial crisis. This renewed economic growth will be steady but eventually attain levels that reignite export demand out of China and other emerging nations, which are now reliant on increasing domestic demand to support their economies. This backdrop of weaker share prices and less available investment capital creates a greater imperative for company management to ensure that its share price is fully valued. The mining geologist plays an important role in achieving this outcome through direct estimation of asset value (resources) but also in strongly communicating the æupsideÆ value opportunity in both mine site and adjacent brownfields exploration and an efficient and technically sound mining operation. The contribution of mining geologists to assist in conducting analyst site visits should not be underestimated, particularly with reduced analyst coverage of the resources sector and some simplification in company analysis through ranking companies on Reserve and Resource positions.

Jan 1, 2009

Research on Reduction-Magnetic Separation of Bayan Obo Ore

Sep 13, 2010

An Integrated Solid Waste Management Method for Western Macedonia, Greece

Sep 13, 2010

By Restarick C. J & Stewart P S B, Kelsall D. P

Over a four-hour period of steady plant operation samples were taken at regular intervals from points within the grinding and flotation circuits. Size fractions of each composite sample were analysed for lead and zinc values and a comparison made of the behaviour of the lead, zinc and gangue minerals, size by size throughout the whole circuit. Analysis of the breakage behaviour using dynamic mathematical models gave the rates of breakage of each size fraction of each main component. Simulated grinding experiments showed that the main grinding circuit had sane reserve capacity. In the lead flotation circuit all lead values between 150 mesh (Tyler) and 5 microns had excellent flotation characteristics, and a major proportion had a high rate of flotation which was practically the same for all sizes. Increase in overall lead recovery would require improvement of the flotation behaviour of ultra-fine lead minerals. These were slow floating and were responsible for approximately half the lead losses in the final zinc concentrate and one third of the lead losses in the final tails.

Jan 1, 1980

By K Bojarska

Examination of wastes aimed at evaluation of their usefulness for utilisation needs applying modern chemical testing methods. The XRD-XRF-ICP-GC/MS set of test methods constitutes an integrated testing system enabling ecochemical examination of wastes. As far as the problem of time-consuming operations is concerned, the offered system fits in a market-oriented field of activity of accredited chemical laboratories. Within a reasonable period of time, it allows to obtain information about mineralogical and chemical properties of wastes. It provides full range of information beginning from mineral composition (XRD) through chemical composition including the number of elements and organic compounds (XRF-ICP-GC/MS) up to the contents relating to the amounts of ingredients, both organic and inorganic in the leaching tests (ICP-GC/MS). The XRD-XRF-ICP-GC/MS testing system proves to be of particular importance in obtaining reliable results enabling to perform precise assessment (from ecochemical point of view) of wastes to evaluate their usefulness for utilisation in building materials, in civil engineering and reclamation works.

Jan 1, 2003

Low tonnage quartz vein-hosted stibnite lodes are widely distributed in rocks of the Tasman Fold Belt System in eastern Queensland, with particular concentrations in the Hodgkinson - Broken River Fold Belt and to a lesser extent in the Gympie Province of the New England Fold Belt: Higher grade deposits have been worked intermittently on a small scale since 1873, resulting in the production of about 5500 tonnes of antimony ore/concentrate with an estimated grade of about 55% Sb. Future production of antimony may be as a by-product from deposits, currently being explored/mined for gold in the Hodgkinson/Mitchell River area and the Amanda Bel goldfield. Establishment of an antimony processing plant in Queensland using the Quelar Process would provide a more reliable market for small producers and could stimulate future exploration and production.

Jan 1, 1990