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By George J. Simandl, Donald F. Gunning

At the beginning of the 20 century, British Columbia produced a wide variety of quality dimension stone products for both domestic and foreign markets. The industry flourished until the 1930s when most of the producing quarries closed as a result of the Depression. During the 1990s, British Columbia experienced the resurgent North American dimensional stone production trend. The industry benefited from increased prospecting activity and from substantial new investment in processing equipment, particularly in the granite sector. These activities resulted in new quarry developments, the reopening of abandoned quarries such as on Granite and Fox Islands <www.quadrastone.com>, and a renaissance in downstream value-added activities. British Columbia has reestablished itself as an important, reliable and innovative source of high-quality stone products.

Jan 1, 2001

By K. D. Bulin

"An interesting brief history review of shovels as the primary excavating tool will permit the reader to see that immeasurable development and resources have preceded the shovel excavators which today are used extensively throughout the mining industry. With this as a background, the shovel manufacturer has the ability to utilize his resources best in those areas of shovel development in which the maximum benefits of increased reliability, performance and ease of maintenance will improve the operating rewards to the user of the equipment. The author explains the function of the shovel as a part of the material handling system. A detailed description of those areas of the shovel in which the most recent developments and major improvements have been implemented in the manufacture of the shovel excavator arc included."

Jan 1, 1973

By D. W. Ginsberg, D. Cieplinski

"The lifetime cost of a material handling system, or any mine system, can be reduced through the application of quality engineering. Dynamic simulation is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance the experience and ingenuity of the design team. It cannot only de-bottleneck the system to improve system productivity, but also define critical design criteria to eliminate over-design and reduce capital cost. Eliminating over-design also reduces operating costs by lowering component replacement costs and by ensuring all parts of the system operate at a higher utilization and efficiency. IntroductionA mine owner’s profitability is improved when a mine is developed at the lowest lifetime cost. This cost relates not only to capital and operating costs, but also, to a great extent, on the efficiency and reliability of the operation. These factors are tied directly to the quality of the engineering which depends on the experience of the engineers involved, and their ability to apply known system information in a rational and constructive manner.It is becoming apparent that it is increasingly more difficult to deliver the quality of engineering expected and needed to provide attractive lifetime costs using traditional design methods. Historically, system information has been evaluated based on a limited amount of information to which global rules-of-thumb and the engineer’s personal experience were applied to develop design criteria. However, market forces are dictating that more system parameters be defined and that they be defined more accurately so that the most economical system can be developed. This increase in the volume of information and the need for more accurate predictions is straining, if not already exceeding, the ability of engineers to apply simple global rules of- thumb and to combine all the information in a rational, comprehensive and representative set of design criteria. Furthermore, as proposed system production rates increase beyond established industry practice, the extrapolation of the engineer’s experience becomes more difficult and increases the risk in the proposed design."

Jan 1, 1998

By David Thomas, Charles Harper, Brian Watters

The Star-Waddy Lakes area lies withjn the northeasterly-trending early- to mjd-Proterozoic volcanoseilimentary-pl utoruc belt referred to as the La Range Domllin. In the area investigated the domajn is composed of the Central Metavolcaruc Belt which is bordered by metasedimentary belts of the Crew Lake and MacLean Lake Belts to the northwest and southeast respectively. The boundaries between the Central Metavolcanic Belt and the flanking belts are generally marked by prominent zones of shearing. The volcanosed imentary succession is intruded by a variety of ultramafic to felsic plutons which, on the basis of lithology, field relations and geochronology, can be broadly subdivided into three groups or episodes. These are: a) an 'early' (ea. 1866 Ma), possibly subvolcanic, episode marked by composite intrusions ranging from gabbro-diorite to granite, b) an 'intermediate' (ea. 1854 Ma) plutonic event distinguished by more homogeneous felsic intru ions ; and c) a 'later' (ea. 1835 Ma) event characterized by leucocratic quartz-rich grani te intrusions. The La Range Domain has undergone polyphase deformation with a strongly developed northeast-trending structural grain. Large scale folding is manjfested by large regional sy nforms, arcuate and triangular patterns associated with many of the plutons and by tight to isoclinal folds within the adjacent metasedimentary belts. Inhomogeneous strain characterizes much of the Star-Waddy Lakes area. With strain gradients being typically very steep, zones of high strain consisting of zones of extreme extensional fabrics, discrete shearing, as well as broader zones of cataclasis and structural slicing, are often juxtaposed with areas of relatively minimal deformation . Dilation structures tend to favour these zones of highly contrasting strain. Late, brittle fractures, faults and shear zones are widespread and appear to be particularly important as loci for gold mineralization. Metan1orphic mineral assemblages indicate that upper greenschist to middle amphibolite facies conditions were attained. Geological and geochenucal evidence indicates that the Central Metavolcanic Belt evolved in an island arc environment. Metavolcanic rocks from both the Waddy and Star Lakes areas display similar characteristics on variation diagrams (e.g. AFM and the Jensen cation plot) in that the dominant trend is calc-alkaline with some basic to intermediate types having a mildly tholeiitic character. A few samples from the southern end of Lower Waddy lake display komatiitic to basaltic-komatiitic afl'injties. The relatively immobile minor and trace elements (e.g. Ti , Zr, Nb, Y, Cr) provide reliable characterization of the metavolcanics, particularly of the basalts, which have highly distinctive trace element properties. Geochemical patterns for the basalts are similar to those for modem volcanic arc basalts. Low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7017 - 0.7019) are consistent with a subduction-related origin for the volcanics. The major plutons have chemical properties typical of volcanic arc granites and are largely calc-alkaline in character, showing little chemical variation from the volcanics.

Jan 1, 1986

By S. W. Asihene, K. Osseo-Asare

The thermodynamic data necessary for the quantitative treatment of Metal-NH3- H2O systems at elevated temperatures are lacking in the literature. As a result discussions of the chemical basis of high temperature processes, such as leaching and hydrogen reduction, have tended to rely on low temperature thermodynamic data. In this paper a critical review is presented of the available high temperature data for metal ammine formation in aqueous systems, and methods are suggested to enable extrapolation of elevated temperature stability constants from low temperature thermodynamic data. Predictions of the Van&apos;t Hoff Lsobar, the simple cation Correspondence Principle (whereby metal ammine complexes are treated as simple cations) and Helgeson&apos;s Electrostatic-Nonelectrostatic Model are compared with the available high temperature stability constants for nickel ammines. Up to 80 °C all three estimation methods yield results which are in agreement with experimental data. However, serious deviations occur at higher temperatures; the various models overestimate the stability constants in the order Van&apos;t Hoff Isobar > electrostatic-nonelectrostatic model > simple cation Correspondence Principle. Using the experimental nickel data as a basis, a method is presented which permits reasonable estimates to be made of the stability constants of metal ammine complexes for temperatures above 80 °C.

Jan 1, 2004

By John C. Wilmot, Robert E. Brewer, Royce J. Smith

In March 2003, Phelps Dodge started up an innovative pressure leach facility for processing copper concentrates at the Bagdad mine in Arizona. This paper describes the development of the concentrate leaching plant at Bagdad and the operational results from start up to present. Optimization efforts and an approach to mineralogical modeling of the concentrate to calculate oxygen utilization are also presented.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. M. Whiting

"North America has entered a period when greatly increased attention must be given to energy .supply and demand by government, industry and individuals. Such increasing concern about energy will be a long-term phenomenon, accompanied by continuing examination of future resource development and utilization. Those engaged in or associated with mining, a major energy consumer, are likely to experience a variety of problems which are associated with the end of an era of low-cost, virtually unlimited energy supply. Their efforts, furthermore, may be subjected to escalating public and government scrutiny, involvement and control. However, ever-growing recognition of the real and urgent necessity to systematically develop new energy supplies within Canada and the United States will provide unusual challenges and opportunities for those companies and individuals with mining expertise. The vast deposits of coal, tar sands and oil shale provide a relative certainty of supply which only stands to gain in attractive ness with time. In order to benefit from this aspect of certain supply, nevertheless, synthetic fuels will have to be produced at a tolerable cost. This will always require excellent process design and engineering. As synfuels development expands to any significant production level, however, and Jess than ideal reserves are scheduled, the usual geologic-productivity complexities encountered in making ore out of low-value rock will tend to become of prime concern. It is for this reason that the services of experienced mining personnel will be in growing demand in energy production."

Jan 1, 1973

By J. Ander

About fifteen years age some mines in western Canada commenced using Diesel engines, partly for development work but also for operations on quite a large scale. In the Eastern mining field, the Diesel engine made its appearance some eight years ago and has since, at quite a number of mining plants, proved to be a reliable and economical prime mover. As a result, it is today used more extensively than could have been foreseen only a few years ago, and it is reasonably safe to predict that the next few years will see the Diesel engine utilized to a still greater extent in the Canadian mining industry. It is not much more than thirty years since the first Diesel engine was put in operation. During the early years of this century, the Diesel engine took, so to say, its first faltering steps in public service. Since then it has reached a high state of perfection, and its importance has grown in a most remarkable way, until today it is used in practically every field where power is required. It is slowly but surely superceding steam for a great many purposes, as, for instance, for ship propulsion. While in 1921 only about 8 per cent of all tonnage launched was motor-driven, the proportion had grown to 38 per cent in 1927, and for 1929 it was slightly over 45 per cent. Some of the finest passenger liners afloat are Diesel-driven. In the early days, Diesel engines were built only in comparatively small units. Today engines with a capacity per unit of up to 10,000 horsepower, or even more, are being built for marine and stationary purposes.

Jan 1, 1930

By Simon C. Dominy, Alwyn E. Annels, Mark A. Noppé

Abstract - Mineral Resources and their subsequent conversion to Ore Reserves are of key importance to mining companies. Their reliable estimation is critical to both the confidence in a feasibility study, and also to the day-to-day operation of a mine. Together with sampling, assaying, geological and other errors introduced during interpretation and estimation, additional errors are likely to be introduced during the application of technical and economic parameters used for conversion of resources to reserves. There is thus a requirement for high-quality interpretation and estimation to be supported by high-quality data. Any company expecting to make sound investment or operational decisions must base this on both relevant and reliable information. An Ore Reserve statement generally contains a single set of grade and tonnage figures without a discussion of the potential inherent errors in these estimates. Some sensitivity studies may be run, but confidence limits are rarely quoted and, if they are, often do not take into account many of the factors that cause uncertainty in the grade and tonnage estimates. Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates thus carry certain errors leading to uncertainty and risk; some of these are unquantifiable for various reasons, for which the operator should be aware. This paper presents a review of the potential sources of error that might occur during a resource estimation program, which are carried through into the reserve estimate. A number of methods are discussed that allow the estimator to be more transparent about the inherent risks in his/her estimate. Emphasis is placed on data quality, and the requirement for strong quality management to be linked to continuous improvement.

Jan 1, 2002

By M. Nowak

Extreme high grades often exert too much influence on surrounding block estimates, leading to a smearing of high grades that can cause overestimation of mineral resources. This concern underlies the decision to cap high grades, i.e., to lower the highest grades in a drill hole data set to some level deemed to be reasonable for producing reliable resource estimates. The choice of a capping level can, by itself, have a large influence on the analysis of the economic viability of a project. Despite this, it is often a choice that is made arbitrarily, guided more by art and tradition than by sound technical analysis. This paper makes suggestions for good capping practices, using methods and procedures that have been presented elsewhere, in the technical literature and in conference papers. The authors propose to use capping only if absolutely necessary, and review examples of cases where capping may not be necessary, or where capping does not make the estimates more reliable. It addresses two particular instances where capping is recommended: (1) where there is good reason to believe that estimation with uncapped grades will overstate the true underlying average grade, and (2) where there is potential for overly optimistic assessments of local block grades in the vicinity of some very high grade assays. The proposed capping practice is based on adjustments to only a very few high grade assays. The level of this capping can be assessed by bootstrapping and through analysis of the effect of extreme values on summary statistics like the average and the coefficient of variation. The paper recommends that good practice include an examination of the potential for local overestimation in higher grade areas.

Aug 1, 2013

By Peter Moser, Thoma Oberndorfer

"Within the research project “Mine Development” (Fettweis and Moser, 1990) a PC-based mine database has been built up since 1991 and so far includes detailed technical and economic data of about 150 under-ground hardrock mines in industrialized countries worldwide. These data represent about 50% of the underground hardrock mines in west and central Europe, Scandinavia, United States, Canada and Australia (Fig. 1). The mining operations included in the database have been visited directly and analyzed with respect to their deposit conditions, their general design and layout and also their operational and economic performance.The main aim of the Mine Database is to make a contribution to an improved planning of new underground hardrock mines. An analysis of current mine planning practices shows, that both personnel and company experience is still a dominant factor in planning new underground hardrock operations. Through the information included in the Mine Database the experience of a single per-son or company is supplemented by the experience of a wider group of people. The Mine Database makes the huge amount of experience that is available worldwide in the field of under-ground mining accessible for new mining projects. From that a contribution to a more reliable mine planning procedure based on the performance of existing mining operations is expected.In addition to its use in planning new mining operations, the Mine Database can con-tribute to the exchange of technical data among different mining operations, especially on equipment performance, etc. Such an information service is offered by the Department of Mining Engineering & Mineral Economics in Leoben and is already being used by different mining companies. To respect proprietory information, company specific information is not released under any circumstances.The cost of building up the Mine Database, so far, is about US$500.000 — two thirds of which is labour, and one third, travel."

Jan 1, 1996

By A. Hosseini

Full-scale rupture tests were conducted on 508 mm (20 in) diameter API X-60 5.7 mm wall thickness pipes containing either axial semi-elliptical cracks or simulated corrosion defects with equivalent depths ranging from 20 to 60 percent thickness. In the case of the cracks, the failure pressures were predicted with reasonable accuracy when considering a level 3 failure assessment diagram (FAD) procedure based on API 579, as compared to level 2 FAD, since the mechanical properties were known. In both cases, the accuracy improved for shallower cracks. Considering simulated corrosion defects, the RSTRENG approach provided more reliable results on predicting the collapse pressure. For a similar depth and profile, the cracked pipes failed at a lower pressure than those containing simulated corrosion defects of equivalent depth.

Jan 1, 2010

By Nicholas Bonderoff, Amily Xu

The evaluation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in underground mines involves comprehensive business case analysis beyond just the capital and operating costs of the equipment itself. BEVs demonstrate benefits from an EHS perspective, reduced mine ventilation costs, lower energy operating costs, reduced overall GHG emissions (dependent on the source of electricity), elimination of DPM, lower equipment maintenance costs, and reduced cooling requirements in deep mines. When including batteries and supporting infrastructure, BEV capital costs are approx. 80% greater than that of diesel equipment. The project economics are highly dependent on the cost of electricity and diesel fuel, and these can vary widely depending on the location of the mining operation. Battery charging and swapping methodologies must be evaluated as there are a variety of approaches that can be employed which vary by manufacturer and type of equipment. Careful consideration of the cycle times, charging methodologies, and location of the battery charging infrastructure is necessary. Specific operating conditions must also be taken into consideration. For example, the time for blast gases to clear will be increased by reducing ventilation flow, and the potential impact on production needs to be evaluated. Similarly, the electrical distribution system needs to be evaluated for peak loading conditions when BEVs are charging. Criteria including maintainability, reliability, commercial availability, and performance need to be evaluated. BEVs have fewer components than diesel equipment and this correlates to lower overall maintenance costs, however, BEVs require maintenance personnel with specific skill sets in order to maintain the equipment. Battery lifecycle costs need to be considered as battery replacement incurs significant capital expense. Some manufacturers offer services to offset these capital costs through usage agreements. Recycling and disposal of batteries at the end of their lifecycles also need to be considered. With the increased selection of BEV equipment that will be available in the next 2-4 years, 100% BEV adoption is also possible. We recommend a holistic approach when evaluating BEVs for underground mines. This will ensure that everything is considered in order to evaluate the full impact of BEV implementation.

Jan 1, 2023

By J. Paturaud, A. G. Villemiane, J. Y. Buffiere, D. Fabregue, M. Perrier

In this work, a detailed characterization of the cyclic damage mechanisms on duty in car heat exchangers has been carried out in order to improve their reliability. The material which consists in very thin (<0.3 mm thick) sheets formed of 3 co-rolled aluminum alloys (4045 /3916/ 4045) has been brazed in order to obtain metallurgical and surface conditions representative of those of the real components. Fatigue tests at constant stress amplitude have been performed at room temperature and 120°C in order i) to characterize the cyclic resistance of the studied materials and ii) to study the effect of temperature on the fatigue damage mechanism. The mechanisms leading to failure have been identified from post mortem fractographic analysis. The Wohler curves obtained show that, contrary to common structural Al alloys, this type of thin sheet brazed multi material can be cycled for several hundred thousand cycles at very high stress level (> ~ 80 % of the tensile strength). This behaviour is analysed with respect to the microstructure resulting from the brazing process and the low number of grains present in the sample thickness (around 5 grains).

Jan 1, 2015

By Wilson Pascheto

One of the main outcomes of a capital project is the reliability of a new plant, system or equipment. During 20 years of experience working in various capital projects for the mining industry, the author experienced failures which have caused significant losses to Owners, in many cases amounting to millions of dollars and almost jeopardizing entire projects. Often, failures were related to faulty design, shop fabrication and/or construction. Therefore, significant opportunities exist in the Mining Industry to improve the success rate of capital projects, improve on-line time at start-up, minimize the occurrence of unplanned maintenance due to equipment failures, and all this with positive contribution to health and safety. This paper presents some examples of failures and how they could have been prevented by proper Quality Assurance methodology. It also discusses some of the main challenges in the implementation of such methodology, including awareness of the Materials discipline and availability of trained Engineers.

Jan 1, 2015

By Iain Sommerville, Hugh Mountford, Dawid D. Smith, Claude Dube, Brett Hixson

JW Aluminum use lean and Six Sigma techniques to continuously improve their target of reliable, repeatable and reproducible (3R) manufacturing. Six Sigma’s second stage gate, known as "Measure" involves identification and qualifying appropriate measuring systems. Metal quality (inclusions) are known in the industry to be an important element in 3R casting. The measurement of inclusions at JW Aluminum historically depended on outside vendors. In order to establish real time inclusion measurement ability within JW Aluminum, inclusion measurement systems in the marketplace were investigated. The qualification of a MetalVision MV20/20 ultrasonic inclusion analyzer are discussed as well as the subsequent application of the system in melting and casting improvement projects.

Jan 1, 2015

By M. Zavvari

Flotation, as with most engineering disciplines, involves testwork. Commonly this means going from lab scale to pilot scale to industrial scale. It is important to conduct tests to identify key parameters and to optimize even at the lab scale. To reduce the number of tests while maximizing the information, it is necessary to use Design of Experiment and Statistical Analysis. In this communication Fractional Factorial Design was used to identify the effect of 7 main factors on barite flotation recovery from jig gravity tailings at the Dorrin Kashan operation. The factors include: pH, collector and depressant dosage, impeller speed (RPM), pulp dilution, particle size and flotation time. By analysis of the output with Minitab software all factors were shown to have an effect. Among the factors, pH and flotation time have an interaction effect but the others have wise effect as an interaction effect and main effect. Finally, reliability tests at pH= 9, RPM= 1000, collector 1 000g/ton, depressant l 750g/ton, particle size 90 µm, flotation time 90 s, pulp dilution 23 % solids, the optimum level of each factor, were done. At the optimum level a barite concentrate with average specific gravity 4.308 g/cm3, average grade 93.72% and average recovery 90.04% was produced from the jig tail.

Jan 1, 2009

"An innovative concept is proposed whereby the operating power for haul trucks in certain areas of an underground mine are reduced in order to lower ventilation costs. Airflow that must be provided for diesel-powered equipment in most jurisdictions are regulated based on engine peak power capability and engine emissions, both of which can be lowered by artificially reducing the capacity of the engine through the engine control unit. Advances in asset tracking and ventilation on demand enable this methodology and this study demonstrates that it could represent significant value for mine operators. An examination of haul truck duty cycle indicates that de-rating of engine operating power based on the truck’s location in the mine can enable a step change in ventilation rates, often with no material impact on working conditions. Methods for implementation and estimate of cost savings will be defined.INTRODUCTION Ventilation of underground workings remains a significant operating cost burden for modern mine operators. In particular, ventilation rates for underground diesel mining equipment are often defined by local regulatory bodies and are assumed to present minimal opportunity for optimization or savings, at least until battery propulsion systems can be adopted. Commonly, the quantity of air flow required is defined by the peak rated engine output power of diesel equipment. For example, Ontario Regulation 854 SS 183.1 (3) states that “The flow of air must be at least 0.06 cubic metres per second for each kilowatt of power of the diesel-powered equipment operating in the workplace”. Jurisdictions that define air flow using the prescribed CANMET or MSHA ratings use peak engine emissions to calculate air flow required for dilution ventilation. These approaches are similar in that the maximum power capability of a vehicle’s engine is used to define the ventilation rate in all areas where it travels, regardless of what power output is actually used in any of those areas. Examination of the duty cycle of a typical underground haul truck identifies a large variance in the power output of the vehicle depending on its location in the mine and the activities undertaken at these locations. For example, travel on a mining sub-level requires a fraction of the truck’s peak power due to the minimal grade and significantly reduced travel speed. So if we can reliably reduce the peak engine power capacity and engine emissions in areas where peak power is not required, we can logically cut the ventilation rates for those areas."

Jan 1, 2017

By R. U. Seneviratne, B. K. Ahlgren

In this paper we follow various technological discoveries and developments in the purification of minerals and metals in the mining industry by ion exchange. For approximately 100 years, ion exchange has been a known and variously applied purification and separation technology used by scientists and producers. It would seem obvious that the producer’s objectives have always been to achieve the highest quality products and the lowest operation costs, but also with the least amount of technological complexity. As a strategy to reach these goals, much effort has been expended in the quest to improve continuous ion exchange (CIX) systems by reducing utility needs and resin degradation or loss while at the same time improving productivity and reliability. Recent developments from a number of companies have pushed equipment boundaries, resulting in a variety of unique commercial equipment designs each with a varying degree of success. The challenge set forth for all new designs has been a truly continuous process with no sacrifice in the afore mentioned benefits. One very recent equipment design based on system symmetry appears to meet many of these objectives with greater flexibility and less complexity resulting in better economics for the producer.

Jan 1, 2014

By G. C. Mackenzie

At the last Annual Meeting of the Institute, Dr. C. V. Corless sketched the potential mineral wealth of Canada so clearly, graphically and with-all so entertainingly that one&apos;s imagination was fired with the promise held out to future generations for the tremendous expansion of the mining industry in the Dominion. Posterity will undoubtedly witness the fruit of much of the geographical search and survey that is now carried on by our government mining departments. Year after year the work advances, slowly but surely, new areas are . explored, older areas are surveyed in detail, the information being compiled in maps and reports of incalculable value to the prospector, the engineer and the general public. The immensity of the task of exploring, geologically, the outlying portions of the country, with the ultimate view of making valuable mineral discoveries, may be visualized from a study of Dr. Corless&apos; paper and the subsequent discussion which took place and one becomes impressed with the fact that three-quarters or more of the problem can be included under the word "transportation". For instance Dr. Corless said, "The few geological explorers who have penetrated to these remoter regions . . . . . . have as a rule been compelled to stick closely to canoe routes,"; Dr. Goodwin remarked, "This barren Laurentian granite, which is put down on the maps as covering the greater part of this area, is the best guess the geologist could make from travelling along watercourses Within the next few years . . . . . . the Timiskaming and Northern Ontario railway will undoubtedly be extended to James Bay . . . . . . In order that we may be prepared for the probable influx of prospectors when transportation facilities to tidewater are provided, I think all available information on this district should be gathered together in handy form." All three-Corless, Goodwin and Cole-emphasize the well-known fact that explorers, geologists and prospectors working in new country must stick to the watercourses and that transportation by rail, road or water has always been the all-important deciding factor in facilitating the exploration and development of remote districts. Dr. Corless did, however, suggest other means of transportation in stating, "The aeroplane will be of assistance in future study of some parts of these remote areas."

Jan 1, 1924