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By R. C. Becker

Welding is playing an important role in the manufacture of construction equipment as used in the mining industry. It provides design possibilities which are unique to this method of manufacture, and normally makes possible lighter weight but stronger products, which can be a definite advantage to a user. Welding is an industry that has experienced major developments over the past decade, all of which have improved our capability to make better welds and make them more economically. International Harvester Company has been introducing these newer welding methods into its manufacturing plants, particularly those producing construction equipment, just as fast as their value has been proven. This paper discusses how modern welding methods are contributing to the manufacture of strip mining equipment.

Jan 1, 1966

By R J. Tremblay, R. R. Hoffman

This paper deals with materials of construction and problems encountered and overcome in leaching and filtration of oxidized sulphuric acid slurry in the Port Radium mill after eight years of operation. The slurry is characterized by a high calcium sulphate content as well as a high chloride level under oxidized conditions, both of which affected initial design and subsequent changes. Leach agitation tanks are of wood with a mild steel superstructure and stainless steel agitator and moving parts below solution level. Electro-polished 316 stainless steel cooling coils are used for temperature control of the slurry. The string filters are of the Oliver type with wood decking. Extensive use is made of wood, Linatex lined mild steel and stainless steel for the slurry handling. A typical analysis of the slurry solution follows:(pH-1.30) ClOa Fe+++ Free Acid UaOs c1-so.--0.10 gms/litre 10.2 gms/litre 6. 7 gms/litre 3.5 gms/litre 2.0 gms/litre 155 gms/litre

Jan 1, 1961

By A. P. E. Dirige

Extensive field study has been performed to assess the capabilities of thin sprayon liners (TSLs) and conventional spray-on support systems for preventing rock and support material damage that often results due to mining-induced rockbursts. Support performance was studied using field scale explosive detonation trials to simulate dynamic failure effects that are known to develop during typical rockburst events. Multiple seismic and high speed photographic monitoring techniques were used to provide detailed information concerning rock motion, surface fracturing, ejected fragment motion, and support liner survivability characteristics. Results of this study have demonstrated that TSL?s and variant layer combinations may be as effective as or better than conventional support materials for mitigating rockburst or like damage in highly stressed mine environments. In this study, field results have been verified using numerical modeling procedures to better understand the support behaviour of TSLs when subjected to highly stressed mine environments and mining-induced rockbursts, a factor that is essential when designing any rock support system. A series of numerical modeling assessments were conducted using FLAC3D modeling of a half circular TSL-lined tunnel, influenced by anisotropic stresses and simulated mining-induced rockbursts, to investigate the support potential of TSLs under prototype conditions. The effect of a mine rockburst was simulated using the three-dimensional dynamic analysis option of FLAC3D. Results of TSL-lined tunnels in highly stressed and mine rockburst conditions indicated exceptional effectiveness of TSLs for suppressing rock deterioration resulting from stresses and rockbursts. The rock support potential of TSLs on tunnel surfaces was compared with that of thin shotcrete linings, and results indicated that thin spray-on lining products currently available may be equally as effective in support as shotcrete materials.

May 1, 2009

By Denis Thibodeau

The selected mining method for the Rodeo lower Zone is slot and slash. Initial design indicated that the stope height should be limited to a maximum of 18 m, thus six levels were needed to extract the ore. Higher stope height in the Rodeo Lower Zone means less development thus less capital required to extract the available reserves. It was proposed to eliminate one level by establishing 30 m and 24 m level intervals. To ensure that no stability problems will be encountered by eliminating one level, a Matthew analysis, based on diamond drill core information, was performed for the Lower Rodeo Ore Body. In addition, comparisons between the rock mass quality of Meikle Main Zone below 1825 L and Meikle East Zone between 1600 L and 1750 L with the rock mass quality of the Lower Rodeo were made

May 1, 2002

By R. D. Lawrence

"Comparable transaction analysis is the best known of the market approaches to valuation of exploration-stage mineral properties. The analysis of option and farm-in agreements can also provide useful guidance to valuators. While such approaches can be distorted by incomplete analysis, market-based methods are capable of providing consistent, credible results when carried out carefully with due consideration paid to all factors which buyers and sellers consider when dealing in the real market. IntroductionMineral properties without defined resources present one of the most challenging tasks to the mineral valuator. This paper will concentrate on market-based approaches to valuation of such properties. Other authors at MM2000 presented papers on cost and income approaches. Sorentino (2000) also provides a useful overview with some provacative commentary on methods.Market based-approaches are based on the principle of substitution and include such techniques as: comparable transaction analysis (sometimes referred to as sales comparison analysis); farm-in commitment (or option agreement) analysis; rules-of-thumb; and comparable market value analysis.Are there any valuation standards available to assist the valuator? In Canada there are none that apply to the valuation of mineral assets or securities. This problem is being addressed, at least in part, by the CIMVal Committee of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)1. Further, the recently established Canadian Association of Mineral Valuators will be giving consideration to the adoption of valuation standards."

Jan 1, 2002

By A. G. Slade

"This paper deals with the direct application of rock mechanics in the underground mines at the Sudbury Operations of Falconbridge Nickel Mines Ltd. It covers mining methods, the use of photoelastic models, the fore-casting of rock strains and their elimination, closure methods and other common methods of ground control.INTRODUCTIONROCK MECHANICS IS A STUDY IN ROCK BEHAVIOUR and, although it is being termed a new science, it has been practiced since the industry began. Every person involved with rock excavations, from the mine superintendent to the stope driller, is actually practising rock mechanics. They probably call it by another name -experience, and applications of this knowledge are in evidence throughout the Falconbridge operations. Only in recent years have formal rock mechanics studies been employed to provide technical assistance to the mine operators in their primary objective of producing ore safely."

Jan 1, 1968

The process of gold recovery by gravity concentration is incorporated in the metal recovery flowsheet at seven Newmont Mining Corporation owned mining operations in Australia, North America and Africa. In 2009 gold recovered by gravity processing was equivalent to nine percent of Newmont's total gold sales of 5.3 million ounces. This paper will discuss these applications in detail including a review of plant flowsheets and presentation of recent operating results. Operating performance will be discussed with reference to ore characterisation procedures, interpretation of results, design considerations and optimisation practices as they relate to the recovery of gold by gravity concentration.

Jan 1, 2011

By Hans Lundberg

During the last few years, geophysical methods have been introduced to aid mining geologists and mining engineers in locating mineral deposits. These methods have been developed as the result of investigations of various physical characters of minerals and rocks. In prospecting for ore-bodies, electrical methods have proved most successful. These methods are based on the great differences in electrical properties, and especially in conductivity, between ore minerals and rock minerals. The electrical resistance of the common minerals, rocks, and ores in ohms per cubic céntimeter is given in the following table: [ ] The first attempts at electrical prospecting were based on observing currents of polarization around certain ore bodies, which currents it was possible to measure. This method has been developed by Prof. Schlumberger and has been utilized by him successfully. He is represented on this continent by Mr. Sherwin Kelly, who has successfully operated the method here.

Jan 1, 1926

By D. Lopez, D. L. Doerr, T. J. Drake

Automated scanning electron microscopy has been widely used in recent years for gold and other precious metals characterization. However, application of this technology is resource intensive and in most instances needs specialized technical personnel to process the samples and information. Newmont Metallurgical Services (NMS) has recently acquired an ASPEX SEM. The ASPEX SEM offers some significant benefits/improvements in sample preparation and sample processing time. NMS and ASPEX have been working together to develop an approach utilizing this technology for the minerals processing industry and specifically for gold characterization.

Jan 1, 2011

By J. P. Jarrell

Environmental considerations are of increasing importance in determining the acceptability, schedule and cost of expansion ofCanada's uranium processing industry. Environmental considerations must be addressed in the early stages of facility planning. This results in a dilemma, as the process data needed to predict physical environmental impacts are not yet available from process design activities. Hence, a business risk is incurred if plant design is carried forward to meet these requirements prior to project (or site) approval. On the other hand, project scheduling normally mitigates against leaving process design engineering until such time as project approval is obtained. This paper examines the experience gained in Eldorado Nuclear's proposed expansion of refining capacity as viewed by an environmental engineering consultant. The history of the project and the relationship to process design functions in the two-year period prior to the Port Granby environmental hearings are reviewed. During the Port Granby public hearing, there was a consensus that normal operation of the proposed refinery could be successfully integrated with the site's natural environmental constraints. Moreover, the radiological impact from plant operations was demonstrated to be inconsequential. However, concerns were raised relating to plant upset and accident situations. These concerns are summarized. Process data requirements identified during the environmental hearings are discussed. Finally, the concerns for on-site burial of radioactive waste are reviewed. These concerns focussed on long-term stability of the waste in the presence ofgroundwater transport, erosion and glaciers. The AECB's position on waste management with regard to this project is reviewed in light ofthe implications for design.

Jan 1, 1979

By P. L. Drake

This paper comprises a discussion of the role which mineral resources will play in Canada's future export trade and the growing demand for minerals in Canada.

Jan 1, 1979

By Andy Cole

Barrick Gold recently implemented an oxygen roasting process to treat carbonaceous ore from its Goldstrike property in Nevada. One of the key project challenges was the design of the roaster gas cleaning system, which was driven by the requirements of a strict air permit and the need to achieve very high reliability. The roaster gas systems include multiple stages of wet particulate collection, a dual-alkali SO2 scrubber, mercury scrubbing, CO oxidation and NOx reduction. This paper describes the gas system, the influence of regulations on project implementation, and performance of the system.

May 1, 2002

By Smortchevskyk N. J.

THIS paper describes the electrical features of the locomotive now (August, 1962) under construction for Craigmont Mines. Intended for non-specialists, it avoids details of design and calculations interesting to electricians only. The paper is divided into three sections. The first deals very briefly with the mine layout and with operating conditions -existing and expected. Reference is made to economic considerations leading to the selection of the type and size of locomotive, as well as to traction diagrams and the calculations. This material is not included in the paper because of its length and because it does not represent anything new. The second section deals with engineering and economic considerations and shows, in some detail, why the A.C. system was chosen. The third section describes the basic components of the locomotive, including the voltage regulator, the rectifiers, the control arrangement and the filter, and deals with considerations affecting the selection of their rating and design. A concluding sub-section describes, very briefly, the track and trolley details and the power distribution switchgear.

Jan 1, 1963

By J. M. Turnbull

THE primary objective of the young graduate, after the war, will be to obtain a suitable position within the Industry, with adequate pay and opportunity to advance. The positions available to meet this demand will depend on the magnitude and organization of the industry. The size of the mining industry, in particular, will depend on a number of factors, including depletion; new discoveries of mineral deposits; beneficiation of new kinds of mineral deposits, based on research; technical improvements, also based on research, enabling the mining of lower grade deposits; and complex social factors. The organization of the industry will depend on its control and management, which may be greatly affected by social conditions and changes, and may include a wider or a narrower use of technical services. The corresponding training or qualifications of graduates, to meet these conditions, calls for a consideration of educational requirements and facilities in relation to the conditions that are likely to occur. Some forecast of the probable future of the Industry, after the war, based on consideration of. the above factors, is necessary as a basis of discussion, since the graduate must find his place in the industry of that time, and find his work in maintaining and improving it, within the existent social framework. Social factors are pressing and? important at present and their future impact is uncertain. In considering these, a few quotations and extracts may be in order. "A new economic order, based on free access to the sources of raw materials, means free use of the world's wealth by all civilized nations" (The Pope. Also advocated by Churchill and Roosevelt in the Atlantic Charter). "Every citizen should have a voice in the conduct of business or industry which is ?carried on by means of his labour" (Archbishop of Canterbury).

Jan 1, 1943

By Angus W. Davis

The case of the P. G. E. railway is a peculiar one. Traversing, as it does, to a large extent, a mineralized country there are as yet no producing mines along its route although I am convinced that mines will be developed in the region tributary to the railway. The Fitzimmons group of claims, a copper property near Mons station, 37 miles from Squamish is now (unless recently relinquished) under bond to the Granby Company. On Cadwallader creek, in the upper Bridge river country, certain gold properties, referred to later, are being developed. Prospectors are fairly active in the Pemberton meadows area. There are also a large number in the Bridge river, Gun creek, and Whitewater districts. East of Marguerite station some development work is being prosecuted on some copper claims located there. In addition here and there throughout the entire route of the railway prospecting is being undertaken. At Hat creek, 15 miles from Pavilion station there is an enormous deposit of lignite. It is by no means certain that this coal can be profitably mined and hauled to the railway, but as a cheap fuel it offers possibilities in the recovery of by-products by destructive distillation. Logical procedure would ? indicate the expenditure of considerable money on development and, if results justify, the construction of a spur from the main line to the deposit.

Jan 1, 1925

By E. Dernedde

Cell rooms of aluminium smelters have large openings in the sidewalls and in the roof. These openings provide a high ventilation rate, which removes heat and contaminants emitted by the reduction cells and thereby ensures acceptable working conditions inside the cell room. However the large openings make the airflows through the smelter building sensitive to the wind. In this study equations for the airflow through the openings of a smelter building exposed to crosswinds were developed and verified against plant measurements. The equations were then used to estimate the airflows through a two-storeyed smelter building containing VS Soderberg cells. Wind protection by wind-covers over the sidewall openings and by upwind buildings made the airflows through the building less sensitive to the wind. Physical and mathematical modelling showed that working conditions inside the wind-protected cell room would be acceptable for crosswinds at speeds up to 16 km/h. These predictions were confirmed by measurements taken in a VS Soderberg smelter.

Jan 1, 2007

By José J. Suárez

Abstract: Globally, the mining industry is expected to face the following challenges through 2020: 1. Sustaining growth amidst fierce competition 2. Containing cost increases and managing through the cycle 3. Attracting and retaining talent 4. Managing environmental concerns and improving sustainability 5. Managing volatility risks in commodity markets Our experience and research reveals that the higher performing global miners are adopting many of the following strategies: (1) Adopt a Global, Agile Operating Model (2) Be the Developer of Choice (3) Drive Capital Efficiency (4) Be the Employer of Choice (5) Integrate the End-to-End Business Model (6) Move to the Virtual Mining Value Chain This paper/presentation will provide data obtained through research on five (5) challenges facing the mining industry, and on the six (6) strategies that high performing global miners are adopting.

May 1, 2013

"IntroductionNOTE.-All figures on the supply and consumption of coal in Canada cited in this paper were collected and reported by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics. The friendly and efficient co-operation of the officials of the Bureau. is the foundation upon which it has been my privilege to rely in the preparation of this and two earlier papers ( 1). My thanks are due also to our own staff on the Dominion Coal Board, who spared neither time nor effort in helping to prepare this paper.STATISTICS are comparatively dull and, to many people, coal statistics are duller than most. Coal is, however, the one basic mineral upon which our whole way of life depends and it may be well if attention is drawn to this fact by an occasional statistical review of the coal position in Canada. The recent furore over the oil and gas discoveries has so obscured the basic position of coal in many minds that a little basic coal information may be useful. It is for this reason that, for the third successive year, a factual survey of the coal position is being presented.In the previous papers (1) explanations have been given of the basic considerations in the preparation of these reports and some special phases of the overall picture have been examined. For these explanations, the earlier papers may be consulted."

Jan 1, 1952

By A. Wright, P. Lacombe, R. del Villar, D. Hodouin, C. Sepulveda

"The data acquisition from industrial plants is a fundamental step for process modelling in process optimization, process analysis and automatic control.The introduction, some years ago, of modern distributed control and data acquisition systems in concentrators imposes a new approach in designing experimental schemes for data acquisition campaigns and new criteria for the treatment of the obtained discrete information.This paper presents the methodology applied to sample a zinc flotation circuit at Les Mines Selbaie, Joutel, PQ. Values of 85 process variables were obtained form the Distributed Control and Data Acquisition System (Bailey Network 90) and transferred to the DOS environment. Another 11 variables (flowrates and valve positions) were directly sampled using an IBM-PC compatible computer equipped with a data acquisition card and a signal processing circuit.All variables, under the vector form, were processed in the PC-MATLAB environment to either filter or eliminate the non-linear disturbances and noises, producing useful data for model development. The filtering algorithms are also presented.INTRODUCTIONProcess control does not need to be justified. Whether manual or automatic, any processing plant requires some form of control to accomplish its main objectives: a good quality product and a target throughput. Process control of mineral processing plants has steadily evolved from manual control, where the operator skills and/or experience play an important role, to some level of automatic control, usually considered better, as less human subjectivity is involved, at least when actions have to be taken.The design of these control systems requires the knowledge of the dynamics of the process it is deemed to control. Process modelling is therefore an essential step in the assessment and the design of a control strategy. The choice of model will depend on the available resources and manpower."

Jan 1, 1991

By Hal. Oliver

MR.]. G. TRAILL: My only excuse for contributing to the discussion on Mr. Hall's interesting paper is that I had the good fortune to be employed at Noranda during those romantic years, 1927 and 1928, when construction was at its height. The mine was in course of being rapidly prepared and brought into production, and the initial difficulties in crushing-plant and smelter were being met and overcome. They were stirring days, and perhaps those members who were with the second Empire Mining and Metallurgical Congress in 1927 sensed the atmosphere of excitement and activity that prevailed. Early History. Noranda must surely possess some of the most remarkable ore-bodies known to mining men, and the story of their development is pure romance. Ed. Horne's faith in the property, and the persistence of Thomson and Chadbourne, were richly rewarded in the end, but only after some very thin times had been experienced. In those early days access to the district was by the Kenojevis river and various portages to Osisko lake, on the shores of which the mine and smelter and the town of Noranda now stand. But all the early work was done on the Chadbourne claims, more than a mile to the west; through the b~sh. I have read a log of the events of that period, and through the whole tale of hard work, discouraging developments, occasional shortages of food, and constant danger from forest fires, can be read the faith and persistence of the men in charge. The Chadbourne ore was of that well-known type which, though just too low-grade to pay (with gold at $20 per ounce), is yet sufficiently encouraging to lead one on in the hope of striking something better. It was only as a last resort that work on the Chadbourne claims was suspended and a diamond drill brought to the gossan-covered hill beside the lake. The diamond-driller told me his version (it may be exaggerated) of how the position and direction of the first hole were decided on. He was told, "You might as well set up your drill here, and drill in, say, that direction". I believe that the first hole went through the richest ore ever found at Noranda. After the drill had gone through about 150 feet of solid sulphide ore running 17 per cent copper and 4 dwt. of gold per ton, it passed into barren rock, but the diamond-driller expressed the opinion (I wonder how he knew)) that the hole would come into ore again before long.

Jan 1, 1937