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By R. B. STEWART

A few days ago, while reading a report of the late Dr. Robert Bell in preparation for this afternoon's meeting, I found some impressive figures concerning the magnitude of the Hudson Bay basin. From the waters of the Bay itself, this great territory extends eastward 500 miles, westward l,300 miles to the Rocky mountains, and southward to the source of the Red river. It has a width of 2,100 miles from east to west, and a length of l,500 miles from north to south. Its area is almost three million square miles. It is not, of course, my intention to review the natural resources of this vast territory, but to confine my remarks to that portion of it adjacent to the waters of Hudson bay. A number of erroneous ideas exist in the minds of many concerning this northern country, especially as regards its latitude and climate. Burwell, at the entrance of Hudson strait, is in the latitude of 60 degrees or roughly that of the north of Scotland. The southern end of James bay has about the same latitude as the northern end of Vancouver .island.

Jan 1, 1928

By Shahé Shnorhokian

Remnant pillars evolve towards the latter stages of mining in an orebody and act as repositories of mining-induced stress. It is therefore crucial to plan ahead as to their dimensions and location with respect to the local geology. A case study of a Canadian base metal mine was examined for the planned mining sequence scenario to identify the stress regimes acting on a future remnant pillar occurring between levels 4800 and 5100, near a brittle dyke. A mine-wide model was constructed in FLAC3D and input parameters included results from field measurements of the direction and magnitude of the principal stresses, and the geomechanical properties of the different formations. Prior to the study, the model was calibrated based on a 6-year record of mining-induced seismicity and rockburst events, focusing on large event clusters. The mining sequence followed at the mine was then used in the model to study the planned future extraction program around the remnant pillar. It is shown that the distance of the remnant pillar from the dyke and another orebody plays an influential role on the stress levels developed in the pillar.

Jun 1, 2012

By H. Rozovsky

This paper deals with the large iron ore concentrating plant owned by the Iron Ore Company of Canada. The plant is part of the Carol Project, which is being developed in the Wabush area of western Labrador. The mining and milling operations were officially opened in July of this year. The handling of fine material has always been considered a serious operational problem. The crushing, grinding and sizing of 50,000 tons of iron ore per day, in a dry state, could present sizeable problems in maintenance and orderliness. The operation, as a whole, embraces many recent developments in the iron ore industry. Mining operations include the latest techniques of jet piercing and blasting. Primary crushing involves a single crusher, which handles the complete production. Grinding of the ore includes the latest concepts of dry autogenous grinding in air-swept mills. The actual concentration of the ore is per-formed, in the wet state, by the use of spiral concentrators, with provision for possible flotation or magnetic separation, if required. The upgraded concentrates are either stored or pelletized, prior to shipment by rail to Seven Islands.

Jan 1, 1962

By A. J. Antony Chettupuzha

During a construction project, it is important to ensure that accurate and pertinent knowledge is delivered on time to appropriate personnel. The criticality of documents exchanged or referred to by various parties, evolves over the course of the project lifecycle. Determining the criticality of documents at different stages of the project can aid companies with managing the flow of information in an organized manner, while providing for the detection of potentially disruptive, erroneous material that could result in delays and costs. Therefore, it is crucial to determine documents which have the potential to disrupt a process (by virtue of being incorrect versions etc.) so that they may be isolated or prevented from entering or interfering with the active flow of information in a project, while also ensuring standard revisions of documents are recognized and accessed accordingly. Electronic Product and Process Management [EPPM] systems provide the capability to establish and map information flow between different parties in a construction project. Analyzing an EPPM system may yield information about the criticality of certain documents within an activity, as well as isolate characteristics peculiar to documents which can assist in risk mitigation. We propose methodology that identifies such critical documents.

Aug 1, 2013

By J. Mrozowski, R. Kurowski, A. Chmielarz, Z. Szolomicki

PbSO4 is a commonly encountered component of the materials used in lead recycling (e.g. battery paste) and in by-products of metallurgical processes (e.g. residues from zinc hydrometallurgy, dust from copper smelting). Smelting of battery paste results in SO2 emission and in generation of significant amounts of hazardous ‘white slag’. Those adverse phenomena can be eliminated by removal of sulphur from the paste. Lead-bearing by-product materials are of polymetallic character with usually low Pb content, which makes lead recovery technologically difficult and uneconomic. However it can be successfully achieved by extraction of lead sulphate from solid phase with triethylenetetramine (TETA) water solutions. That compound has capability for selective solvation of a whole lead sulphate molecule. Virtually pure lead carbonate can be precipitated by means of saturation of lead-loaded aqueous TETA solution with carbon dioxide, and complete regeneration of the extractant is achieved by fixing of sulphate ion into gypsum through operation of calcium hydroxide suspension. The paper presents results of the lab and pilot scale studies into process of battery paste desulphurisation and recovery of lead from the residue of zinc calcine leaching.

Jan 1, 2014

By D. H. Ryan, B. Abdul, M. Pernechele, E. Asselin

Hydrometallurgical processing of sulphide concentrates at medium temperature (150°C) produces residues, which contain valuable metals (Cu, Ni) as well as sulphur and iron bearing minerals and phases. The low solubility of iron during the medium temperature processing of sulphide ores can favour the formation of poorly crystalline, nano-scale iron oxide/oxyhydroxide phases. A better understanding of the formation and structure of these iron precipitates may elucidate key factors that would ultimately result in lower valuable metal losses and more stable leach residues. Residues from two medium temperature leach processes were characterized by Mössbauer Spectroscopy. Some portions of the Mössbauer Spectrum were suspected to be linked to jarosite but could not be positively identified as such. There was a broad range of disorder and substitution present in the material and solely attributing it to jarosite proved difficult. Various synthetic jarosites with Cu substitution were precipitated for Mössbauer analysis. These were then characterized by Quantitative X-Ray Diffraction (QXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and Mössbauer Spectroscopy. The Mössbauer Spectra of the synthetic jarosites is compared with that of the residues from medium temperature (150°C) sulphide concentrate leaching.

Jan 1, 2014

By Kevin B. Doyle

"Canada now supplies 23 per cent of the world demand for potash. Although potash is produced by many countries, Russia and Canada have the greatest reserves and capability to supply the future substantial demand over the next decade. It is estimated that demand will grow from 38,000,000 mt KCl in 1975-76 to 60,000,000 mt KCl in 1985-86. Current firm expansion plans and development underway in the world will move Russia to the forefront in supplying this demand growth. Russia will move from supplying 40 per cent of world demand in 1975 to supplying as much as 52 per cent in 1981. Canadian deposits suffer from natural disadvantages, such as high costs and risks of mine development and operation, and high-cost transportation to international markets, but experience has shown that these natural barriers can be surmounted to effectively compete in these international markets. However, Canadian potash is losing out in the race to supply the growth in the world potash demand over the next ten years because of artificial barriers raised through the unhealthy environment created by the current battle between different levels of government and the industry over resource taxation and legislation."

Jan 1, 1976

By Wm Petruk

"The tungsten-bismuth-molybdenum deposit in southwestern New Brunswick occurs in greisenized and silicified tuffite * and feldspar porphyry in and adjacent to volcanic necks. The ore minerals occur as veins and veinlets and as disseminated grains in gangue. These minerals can be grouped into three assemblages. Assemblage 1 consists of oxides and phosphates of W, Ti, Fe, Nb, Sn, Ta and rare-earth elements, with the main minerals being deposited in the sequence wolframite, rutile, cassiterite. Assemblage 2 consists of arsenopyrite, molybdenite and bismuth, and assemblage 3 of sulphides with minor cassiterite and arsenopyrite. Sphalerite is the main sulphide mineral, but it contains minute inclusions of copper-tin- and indium-bearing minerals. Textural relations suggest that most of the elements can be recovered from this ore by conventional mineral beneficiation and extraction methods, but a variety of techniques must be employed. It is expected that the wolframite and molybdenite can be recovered satisfactorily, but poor recoveries are expected for bismuth and cassiterite. A sphalerite concentrate can be readily obtained by flotation, but it would contain a wide variety of elements. It is suggested that leaching be used to recover the bismuth and the elements in the sphalerite concentrate."

Jan 1, 1973

By Andrea Lisjak

The mechanical behaviour of Opalinus Clay, an indurated over-consolidated argillaceous rock, is heavily influenced by the presence of preferably oriented bedding planes. The objective of this study is to illustrate a new modeling approach aimed at capturing the bedding-induced anisotropy of Opalinus Clay as observed in the laboratory and in situ. The combined finite-discrete element method (FEM/DEM) is employed as the main simulation tool. FEM/DEM is a numerical method that models material damage processes by explicitly considering fracture nucleation and propagation. A transversely isotropic elastic constitutive law is used to account for different elastic property values in the direction parallel and perpendicular to the layering, while strength anisotropy is captured using a directional cohesive fracture model. Quantitative calibration and validation of the model is based on laboratory results of indirect tensile tests and uniaxial compression tests. Emergent strength and deformation properties, together with the simulated damage mechanisms, are shown to be in good agreement with experimental observations. Preliminary results relative to the analysis of a circular tunnel show that the approach is able to reproduce the main Excavation Damaged Zone (EDZ) formation mechanisms as observed in the field.

Jun 1, 2012

High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) are said to be a good option in new grinding circuits. Due to their low energy consumption compared to other grinding systems such as SAG milling, there is a strong incentive to check their behaviour for certain ore types. With rising energy prices the operation will become even more beneficial in future. As published in the past, the HPGR is claimed to increase the liberation of the valuable mineral component within an ore. An investigation at the research centre of Polysius was conducted to substantiate the liberation behaviour in finish grinding operations. A pilot scale HPGR test unit (POLYCOM MAGRO) with a roll diameter of 950 mm and processing capacity of 80 t/h was used. Grinding tests were completed with a screen and a two stage drying air separation process (SEPOL). Analysis included standard screen analysis, fractional XRF and modern MLA technology. A technique was developed to oppose the amount of produced slimes (resuming bad flotation) against the positive effect of producing high mass fraction at flotation-easy sizes. The paper shows how effective the use of a dry grinding separation could be in terms of production of mass of liberated metal.

Jan 1, 2012

By R. E. Martin

"The Westerose Leduc (D-3) pool, a Devonian reef reservoir situated in Central Alberta, Canada, has now been producing for over seven years. As a unit operation, the pool pro-vides an interesting example of the full exploitation of gravity segregation tendencies. The reef has a 238-foot oil column, underlain •by bottom water and over-lain by a substantial gas cap. The original hydrocarbons in place were 147.96 million STB oil and 94.4 MMMCF of Taw gas cap gas. Nine-teen producing wells on 80-acre spacing have been completed, most of which are highly productive. Gas injection operations return solution gas to the gas cap. A study of the rock and fluid properties of the pool show it to be conducive to production by gravity segregation at high rates. Monthly average producing rates have varied between 800 B/D and 8,000 B/D and have recently totalled 3,000 BID to 5,000 B /D. Recovery and performance predictions under partial pres-sure maintenance at 10,000 BID indicate an ultimate recovery of 66 per cent of the original oil in place. In the absence of pressure maintenance, recovery would be only slightly less."

Jan 1, 1960

By Colin E. Dunn

The high mobility of gold within the plant kingdom results in detectable accumulations of gold in many plants. Concentrations vary within individuals, among species, and with seasons. From an evaluation of the chemistry of easily acce sible organs of common pecies in the northern forests, it is concluded that alder twigs (or leaves) and conifer bark scales are the vegetation components of greatest use in the earch for concealed gold mineralization. Maximum anomaly enhancement is obtained from twigs collected in the spring. Examples are given of urvey conducted in the La Ronge Domain using 1) jack pine bark (A nglo-Rouyn and Upise Lake areas) ; 2) alder twig (McLennan Lake) ; 3) black spruce bark (Rod Zone near Mallard Lake, and at Waddy Lake) ; and 4) multi-media (Tower Lake). At the latter two sites gold-bearing till is blanketed with late glacial material. Gold enrichment in the plants suggest that the roots are ab orbing gold from the underlying till. Complex processe control the uptake and retention of gold in plants. An understanding of these processes pem1its biogeochemistry to assist in locating near- urface mineralization .

Jan 1, 1986

By E P. Graham

Orebodies occur in an infinite variety of grades, shapes and sizes, and take many millions of years to grow. When extraction starts there is only one possible end -the mine sooner or later will run out of ore and shut down. If the mineral industry is to supply the ever increasing demands of modern civilizations, more and more metals must be found and mined. This will require a never-ending search for ore, and the development of every economic body, large or small. To justify the mining of a small orebody, it first of all must pay its way. If the size of the burden imposed by the capital cost estimates is not carefully worked out, an otherwise promising situation could be killed. The very nature of mining, as a transient industry, re-leases a steady stream of good used equipment, and the trained personnel to install and operate it. All manner of plans and layouts, which can be utilized at a new property, are available. Working these and other economies into the estimates will sometimes make enough difference to give a prospect the green light.

Jan 1, 1964

By Allan F. Lawrence

"I AM SURE you do not expect from me any learned dissertation on the problems and opportunities of the mining industry. Y our program committee must have recognized my limitations when issuing the invitation to speak to you, because they very thoughtfully left the subject wide open.With the leeway thus granted, I hope that you will bear with me for a few minutes while I try to clarify the impressions of the mining industry that I have gained in the very short time I have held the Mines portfolio and some of the parts that government bas or should have in furthering its development.As I see it, it is the duty of the Mines Department, as an arm of the provincial government, to balance the proprietary rights of all the people against the interests to whom the privilege of developing our resources are, in a s e n s e, leased. To strike a fair balance is not always easy, nor is it possible always to satisfy both sides. Still, under the free enterprise democratie form of government to which I think we al! subscribe, no better way of handling the problem has yet been discovered."

Jan 1, 1968

By L Tafaghodi Khajavi, M. Barati

The distribution of phosphorus between solid silicon and iron-silicon melt was determined to investigate the degree of phosphorus removal from silicon by solvent refining with iron-silicon alloys. The distribution coefficient which is the ratio of the mole fraction of phosphorus in solid to that of liquid is as follows: 0.22±0.02 (1310°C), 0.29±0.02 (1260°C) and 0.33±0.02 (1210°C). The removal percentage of phosphorus is: 84.2% (1310°C), 72.5% (1260°C), and 63.7% (1210°C). The average phosphorus content of produced silicon in the proposed solvent refining process would be over two times less than that of the conventional directional solidification. The values of interaction coefficient of phosphorus on iron at different temperatures were obtained as -3460±155 (1310°C), -3595±159 (1260°C) and -3694±119 (1210°C). Self interaction parameter of phosphorus at different temperatures are as follows: 68±4 (1310 ?C), 78±10 (1260 ?C) and 103±19 (1210 ?C). The calculated values for distribution coefficient of phosphorus at infinite dilution are: 0.22±0.00 (1310°C), 0.30±0.00 (1260°C) and 0.34±0.00 (1210 °C).

Jan 1, 2015

By A Turek

The Lake Cinch deposit occurs in the Tazin gneisses on the footwall side of the Black Bay fault. Ore is localized by two faults, the Main Ore fault and the Cracking-stone River fault, occurring in shoots along the former and on tension fractures between the two faults. Faulting leading to the localization of the deposit is analyzed in detail and tied into the regional pattern. Pitchblende, the chief radioactive mineral, is investigated by X-ray and found to be of very small particle size. The relation-ships of U, Fe and Mn in the ore are established quantitatively, and Fe is found to bear a catalytic relation to U. The deposit is classed as belonging to Lindgren's mesothermal class. Mineralization is attributed to carbonate solutions, and the uranium is believed to have been trans-ported in the hexavalent state as the uranyl tricarbonate ion; analogy is drawn to a recently developed hydro-metallurgical technique for the production of uranium dioxide. Introduction THE Lake Cinch deposit is located in the Beaver-lodge Camp, Saskatchewan. The property was staked in 1948 and went into production in 1957

Jan 1, 1965

By M. H. Cullender

THE determination of the flow characteristics of gas wells depends upon the analysis of pressure data obtained under shut-in conditions and under one or more known flow conditions. These data are commonly referred to as back-pres-sure test data, and I know you are all familiar with the back-pressure equation where, Q rate of flow, Mcfd @ standard conditions C coefficient of the back-pres-sure curve P 1 formation pressure, psia P • sand face flowing pressure, psia P2 (psia)2/1000 n exponent of the back-pres-sure curve Figure 1 is a graphical presentation of the back-pressure equation; the coefficient is the rate of flow at a difference in squared pressures of 1, in this case 2250 Mcfd, and the exponent defines the manner in which the rate of flow changes with a change in the difference in squared pressures. In Figure 1, the exponent of the back-pressure curve is 0.554 which means that for a 10-fold change in the difference in squared pressures, there will be a 3.58-fold (10 raised to the 0.554 power) change in the rate of flow.

Jan 1, 1961

By A. J. Goodman

Introduction The position of Turner Valley in the foothills of Alberta, some thirty-five miles southwest of Calgary, is too well known to need further description. This attempt to interpret in detail the nature of the structure, and its relationship to neighbouring structures, together with general observations on the foothills belt, is based on work carried out in the office of the Supervisory Mining Engineer, at Calgary. The object in view was the correlation of the mass of evidence which had accumulated from the detailed examination of drill cuttings, and to discover, if possible, its structural significance. Unfortunately it is not possible to publish most of this detail owing to its confidential nature, and in consequence the reader is asked to accept certain statements, which under other circumstances would not be made without supporting evidence. The main argument for the general structural interpretation rests on evidence which has already been made public, and it is possible to proceed to logical conclusions on the main points. The evolution of ideas concerning the structure of Turner Valley is somewhat difficult to follow, as, compared with all that has been said on the subject, there is not a great deal on record.

Jan 1, 1930

By J. O. G. Sanderson

Introduction In this paper it is proposed to review the history of petroleum geology in western Canada, to discuss some of the main events which have affected its progress, to mention its relationship to the petroleum industry, and, finally, to appraise its present status and possible future importance. It will be useful first to consider the meanings of the terms petroleum geology, petroleum geologist, and the petroleum geology of a terrain. Petroleum Geology. - In simplest terms, geology is the science of the earth. Hence petroleum geology is the science of that portion of the earth that encloses pools of petroleum. The systematic delineation and study of stratigraphic geology began about 1820. The systematic development and study of petroleum geology started about 1910. It is a relatively immature branch of geology. Petroleum Geologist. - This term may be applied to a fully qualified geologist who is engaged for a time, be it a job, a contract, or a lifetime, in the work of finding and developing deposits of petroleum and related substances. No man may properly be called a petroleum geologist who is not first a fully qualified geologist.

Jan 1, 1946

By Leonardo F. Trivino

Despite the significant economical and safety implications of poor blasting practice in mining and quarrying operations, the default practice in many large operations, including both design and control, is considerably below standard when compared to other engineering disciplines. Blast dynamics includes a number of complex phenomena, such as the generation, propagation and interaction of stress waves, the expansion of high pressure, high temperature gases from the explosive components, and their combined effects upon the rock mass, including fracturing, fragmentation and displacement. In order to tackle this non-trivial problem, a combined finite and discrete element software (Y-code) capable of accounting for the dynamic behaviour of stress waves, simulating fracturing processes and modeling the expansion of gases is under development. The constitutive models used in this particular software are fundamentally simple, however, non-linearity and chaotic behaviour result as natural consequences of the interaction of relatively simple processes and mechanisms, such as propagation of stress waves in the immediate vicinity of the exploding borehole, and the creation and propagation of fractures. Advances on its development and comparisons with experimental data show realistic propagation of stress waves and fracture networks.

May 1, 2013