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By Ali Montaser

This paper presents an experimental study conducted to facilitate the use of RFID on construction job sites. The study focuses on deployment settings to provide data acquisition with higher accuracy for indoor location sensing. It provides extension to the state-of-the-art in this field as it addresses the impact of metal media proximity to RFID tags, the reasonable duration for data capturing, number of RFID tags employed and the distance between them. Low cost passive RFID tags were used in the experiments where each tag is used as a reference point with a known location. Five hundred and forty (514) experiments were conducted in lab environment using a 3m by 3m test bed that is dynamically rearranged to generate 15 test beds and a total of 67713 data sets were collected and analyzed. The collected data were captured from nine locations for each test bed at four time intervals. Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) was used as the main attribute for signal measurement to process the captured data. Results of the data analysis performed are studied under four main categories: duration, number of tags, locations of tags and metal interference. The best duration was found to be the 15 second in the test bed with the least number of tags; as the short amount of time to capture data did not allow creation of a lot of interference among the emitted signals. Within each test bed, errors occurred most at points where the received signals were not well distributed in a 360 degree vicinity of the data capturing point. It means that the center point of each test bed resulted in lowest errors and the points located on the extremities led to the highest errors. Finally, metal objects were found to have major impact on the accuracy of the captured data; to the level where reliable values for errors could not be calculated in the test beds attached to metal objects. In summary, the results of the experimental study and related findings are expected to provide guidelines to the users of RFID technology for localization in building construction.

Aug 1, 2013

By S. Constantinides

"A major use for many of the rare earths is in permanent magnets. While alternate technologies are in research or already exist, rare earth magnets are unlikely to be supplanted as a major input to clean technologies and high efficiency consumer and industrial devices. We’ll examine where and how the magnet rare earths are utilized and the size of the market. Market growth forecasts based on global markets will be presented. A brief explanation of materials research in the US completes the material.INTRODUCTIONRare earth magnets, first commercialized c.1969, have become essential for a wide range of consumer, industrial and military devices. They are used in the speakers and vibrator motors of cell phones. Rare earth magnets spin the hard discs within the drives and rare earth magnet voice coil motors position the read/write head over the spinning platter. Rare earth magnets are the heart of motors and generators used on airplanes – they are smaller and lighter weight than alternative materials/devices. Now rare earth permanent magnets are being introduced into electric vehicles and wind power generation.Rare earth minerals are difficult to extract from the ores and to separate from one another. The increase in use of rare earth magnets has placed a severe strain on established sources of supply. The establishment of new mines and processing facilities is costly and requires upwards of 15 years to become productive. The combination of rapid rise in use of rare earth minerals coupled with supply shortages has caused rapid price increases and threat of non-delivery of product. The result of this disruptive situation has been a profound response at several levels: corporate, industry-wide and governmental. Let’s learn more about why rare earth magnets are so important to modern society."

Jan 1, 2012

By B. C. Jago, H. Derbuch

"The Freightrain kimberlite is located on the Brodeur Peninsula, Baffin Island, Nunavut. Twin Mining is exploring the pipe and adjacent land (79 claims/655 km2) using a combination of airborne geophysics, soil sampling, diamond drilling, trenching and bulk sample processing. The pipe originally was discovered by Cominco Limited in 1975, re-evaluated in 1993 by Lumina Investment Corporation, when it was staked as the Zulu pipe, and subsequently covered by three claims in 1998 by Helix Resources who called it Freightrain.The Freightrain pipe coincides with a strong, ovoid-shaped aeromagnetic anomaly. It is the only surface exposure of kimberlite within a 30 km long linear trend of fourteen aeromagnetic anomalies that are up to 600 m in diameter.The pipe is exposed in the crater facies, near the transition into diatreme facies as indicated by the occurrence of pyroclastic kimberlite characterized by abundant olivine macrocrysts, juvenile lapilli and kimberlite autoliths set in a serpentine-calcite matrix. Olivine, Cr-pyrope garnet and chromite are the most abundant macrocrysts; clinopyroxene, ilmenite and phlogopite mica occur in minor to trace amounts. Garnet and chromite harzburgite, garnet lherzolite, garnet-spinel lherzolite and rare eclogite dominate the xenolith population.Garnet and chromite mineral chemistry indicate encouraging diamond prospectivity and that potentially diamondiferous garnet and chromite harzburgite were the principal sources of diamond in the mantle at the time of kimberlite eruption.Single clinopyroxene grains define an ~42 mW/m2 sub-continental geotherm that is rooted in the diamond stability field. This compares to a slightly hotter geotherm (~48 mW/m2) for adjacent Somerset Island kimberlites with an origin in the graphite stability field. This data accords with the general lack of sub-calcic Cr-pyrope garnet, diamond inclusion chromite and diamond in Somerset Island kimberlites."

Jan 1, 2002

By John Postle, Maureen Jensen, Marcel Vallee, Bernie Haystead, Dan Hora, Graham Clow

The Committee's proposed standards establish definitions and guidelines for the reporting of Exploration Information, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves in Canada and are identified as the "CIM Standards" and referred to as such hereafter in this document. To provide additional clarification to Qualified Persons (QPs), guidelines have been included with the respective definitions. The CIM Standards are applicable to all minerals including industrial minerals, diamonds and other gemstones. Reserve definitions for bitumen, natural gas and oil are not included in these Standards. The CIM Standards are not intended to cover mineral inventory estimates that will be reported to government agencies.

Jan 1, 2001

By K. J. G Hedges

"Once a health based guidance limits for exposure to diesel exhaust have been established, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, the program for exposure reduction should incorporate the plan-do-check-adjust cycle. Setting a suitably protective (health based) occupational exposure limit (OEL) for diesel particulate matter (DPM) and nitrogen dioxide is a key driver to reduce exposure. It is important to go beyond regulations and reduce exposure to diesel exhaust, DPM, as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) such as that prescribed under the Australia, Queensland Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017 where under section 135 Limiting workers exposure, the workers exposure must not exceed the exposure limit applying to the worker for the hazard; and is ALARA. It appears that previously acceptable OELs are no longer safe. Therefore it is important that the internal responsibility system be implemented and the precautionary principle approach be followed, especially as it may be some time before a suitably protective OEL specifically for DPM is in place. One leading multi-national mining company BHP Billiton has acknowledged a significant lag that exists between regulatory action and the level of science that informs health risk. This company is managing exposure to diesel exhaust to as low as technically feasible. This same company that has set an interim target for managing diesel exhaust to 0.03 mg/m3 is achieving these levels which paves the way for other mining companies and general industry including construction. The Occupational Cancer Research Centre 2017 recommends reducing personal exposure to within 0.02 mg/m3 (EC) for underground mining and 0.005 mg/m3 for other workplaces. Controlling DPM is important to prevent cancer however it is also important that that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) be reduced (ALARA) and that careful selection of control technology be considered such as the proper selection of a diesel oxidation catalyst so that the level of NO2 does not in fact increase. The example from BHP Billiton provides a leading practice including using a multi-disciplinary approach and the importance of controlling emission at source and having an auditable diesel emissions based monitoring program in place."

Jan 1, 2019

By T. Gerritsen, C. Martinez, F. Stober, T Ma, J. R. Frias, M. Sedighy, J. Janzen

Electrode control systems regulate power by physically positioning electrodes. Due to the weight and inertia of the electrodes and hoist equipment, this is a relatively slow process where power fluctuations of less than a few seconds are not fully corrected. Nickel laterite AC furnaces operating in high voltage, shielded arc mode typically incur frequent power variations of approximately +/- 20% or more around the power set point. To provide enhanced power control, Hatch has recently supplied, at commercial scale, a thyristor-switched reactance system called an SPLC. The SPLC incorporates predictive control software to operate furnaces at the maximum transformer rating by reducing the large power swings experienced without the SPLC. The resulting higher average power enables higher production, without increasing transformer or power plant capacity. A 60 MW production version of the SPLC has been commissioned on Falconbridge Dominicana's laterite nickel furnace, yielding excellent results with a 3 to 1 reduction in power fluctuations.

Jan 1, 2005

By H. McIntire, R. Preston, D. Roberts

"Repeated 3D terrestrial digital photogrammetric surveys were conducted on hard rock mine pillars to characterize damage during secondary mining. Damage was quantified by measuring Depth of Failure, DOF, from spalling material and crack intensity, D21. These damage values were then correlated to visually assessed Pillar Damage Ratings and numerically estimated pillar loads. Measured damage, particularly Depth of Failure, correlated well with Pillar Damage Ratings. Numerical predicted pillar stress vs. damage exhibited the expected trend with shorter pillars being stronger. High resolution photographs and 3D models were also used to characterize damage mechanisms, which were found to be structurally constrained. INTRODUCTIONThe Doe Run companies Southeast Missouri Operations consists of six room and pillar lead mines (Brushy Creek, No. 29, Casteel, Buick, Fletcher and, Sweetwater) (The Doe Run Company, 2014). The mines are hosted in the Carbonates and Shales of the Viburnum trend with mining depths varying from 180 to 300 m. Pillars are commonly cut square with widths varying from 7 to 9 m and heights generally between 5 and 18 m, resulting in extraction ratios between 80 and 85% (Roberts et al., 1999). Figure 1 presents an idealized stratigraphic section through the Viburnum trend and Figure 2 shows a plan view of the five areas spanning the three mines included in this study."

Jan 1, 2015

By M. M. Williams

WESTERN CAN ADA'S coal industry has experienced a serious set-back since 1949, following a pattern well known to its counterpart in the United States. The loss in coal markets in Western Canada has been particularly severe as the discovery of large reserves of oil and natural gas and the subsequent construction of re-fineries and pipelines roughly coincided with the dieselization of both main railways. While the coal industry will have to face a further decline in markets of long standing, others with a large growth potential can be se-cured if present marketing methods are changed where needed and if fundamental and applied research programmes are actively pursued. The energy and chemical potential of Western Canada's coals will eventually find their place in the ever-growing needs of industry and electric power producers. Electric power generation would appear to offer the largest and most immediate market for coal. If the coal industry is to serve this market adequately and gain as much of it as possible, coal operators ? must have a good knowledge of certain characteristics -of the electric utility industry and its fuel requirements. This paper is prepared primarily to set out some of these characteristics, but also discusses other probable markets for coal.

Jan 1, 1958

By H. A. Kramer

The Flin Flon mine is at present hoisting 5,000 tons of ore daily. In 1943, a peak production of 6,188 tons daily was maintained. Before discussing secondary blasting, it is felt that a short review of stoping procedure will be of value. A list of papers dealing with various phases of the mining operation is appended. Stoping Practice Stopes vary in width from 30 to 150 feet, in length from 200 to 450 feet, and in height from 200 to 500 feet. A typical stope would be 300 feet long, 300 feet high, and 90 feet wide. The dip of the orebodies varies from 60° to vertical, with an average of 82°. The ore is heavy, having a specific gravity of 4. Both sub-level benching and radial drilling are practised. Blast-hole diamond drills are responsible for 85 per cent of the total production. Two sizes of hole are drilled at present, 11 7 6 -inch and 1%-inch. For bench drilling, the burden on the 1 7/16-inch hole is six feet, with holes on 8-foot staggered centres; in radial drilling, the burden is six feet, with nine feet between the toes. The burden on the l 5/8-inch hole is eight feet with holes on 11-foot centres, or 13 feet on the toe of fanned holes. Holes are blasted with two No. 8 instantaneous electric caps per hole, using 403 Polar Forcite. A powder charge of 0.15 pounds per ton is used, with a tonnage factor of 5 and 6.4 per foot drilled for the two sizes. Two rows of holes are blasted together. Fragmentation is satisfactory with the above drilling pattern and powder charge. However, some overbreak and fall-off locally results in oversize material. It is estimated that, after primary breaking, 75 per cent of the ore will pass through the grizzly openings and 15 per cent will pass the draw points, leaving 10 per cent that must be broken further to pass the draw points.

Jan 1, 1946

By J-F. Turgeon, Y. Pépin, G. Hudon

The high temperature hydrochloric acid leaching of titanium slag in the QIT upgraded slag process (UGS) creates a harsh environment for materials of construction. Because of their excellent chemical and heat resistance, furan mortars are a key component in the lining system of the UGS pressure leach reactors. Similar products coming from different manufacturers have however shown unequal performances in service. In some cases, cracking of the brick lining has occurred during curing of the mortar. This study was initiated to investigate the impact of the curing conditions on the properties of carbon filled furan mortars. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess the effects of temperature and exposure to water and HCl solutions on mortar shrinkage and mechanical properties (tensile, compressive and bond strength). Three commercial furan mortars that have been used in the UGS leach reactors were thus characterized. Mortar properties were found to vary significantly among the products tested. Moreover, the curing conditions were shown to have a significant impact on mortar shrinkage and mechanical strength. The experimental findings provide explanations for the unequal performances of the mortars in service and for the problems of brick lining cracking that occurred in the UGS leach reactors. This study demonstrates that excessive mortar shrinkage compromises the integrity of a brick lining system.

Jan 1, 2004

By Lorne Roberts

"This paper describes: how Falconbridge's fire protection system meets the needs of the Lockerby Mine; why the system was chosen over other alternatives; how it is unique, but can be applied to any underground situation; details of the system; how it was installed; the role of a fire protection company; and general considerations when choosing afire-suppresant system.IntroductionIn May 1981, after about three years of searching for the best fire protection system for the re-opened Lockerby nickel mine at Whitefish, near Sudbury, Ontario, Falconbridge Nickel Mines Ltd. installed an AFFF type of fire suppression system. It was designed and supplied by the Fire Protection Systems Division of Levitt -Safety Ltd.The system protects against loss of life, equipment and/or production, and it complies with legislation should fire occur in a fuel storage area and/or scooptram garage and service bay at any or all of the three levels near Shaft No.2.About 18 months after Levitt-Safety began working with Falconbridge, the system was designed and installed at a cost considerably less than that which would be incurred if fire damage caused the loss of two days of production.The fire protection system, which overcomes a limited water supply, is a self-contained balanced pressure proportioning system. It senses the flow and automatically determines the correct concentration of foam to water. It is triggered by a release mechanism which operates a bank of nitrogen cylinders, which in turn pressurize a pressure vessel to expel the foam concentrate and water from the tanks. This solution is piped to sprinkler heads in the specific area."

Jan 1, 1982

By D. Kovachevich, M. A. Pfeifer

"A t remote locations typical of mines and associated ore processing plants, diesel electric generators are ideally suited for power plants due to their inherent operating flexibility, efficiency and reliability. In recent years rapid escalation in fuel and related transportation costs has made extensive waste heat recovery from generating sets financially attractive to a much greater extent than previously.The paper outlines key considerations during planning and design stages for utilizing the various waste heat sources available to best advantage. Based on two /980 mining projects built in the Canadian Arctic, data is presented on potential operating and capital costs savings. A review of heat balances, engineering flow diagrams and major equipment selections for process and building heating systems utilizing waste heat is included.IntroductionResource projects increasingly occur in remote areas requiring on-site self sufficiency in electrical power generation. For such projects, the low- or medium-speed turbo-charged diesel engine is very often the preferred choice as a prime mover for the generating sets . It is inherently reliable, has good response to load changes and has comparatively high fuel efficiency over a wide load range . From a project execution standpoint, It is capital cost- competitive and procurement lead-time normally ' fits ' within tight schedule constraints. In addition, its potential for waste heat recovery is excellent , particularly in northern climates where space heating requirements are usually substantial, and also where there a re requirements for heat for process and plant services.The high cost of fuel , with add-on transportation costs , provides a major incentive to fully exploit the available waste heat recovery potential o f such installations.As a result of the rapid escalation in the price of petroleum products following major crude oil price increases in 1973 and again in 1978-79, liquid petroleum fuels, having the desirable properties of comparatively high heat content and transportability, are no longer 'cheap' commodities and have become so valuable that industry has widely undertaken serious conservation efforts.Currently, it appears that petroleum cost trends of the 1970s may not continue, at least in the near term, and that we may see somewhat reduced energy costs for a time. In the longer term , and certainly within the life spa n of major projects, however, it is generally believed to be inevitable that these fuels will be increasingly expensive . Energy costs are today a major operating cost for remote minerals processing plants and will remain so for the foreseeable future.In order to meet the economic challenge posed by high energy costs, future projects should be thoughtfully planned from the outset with the goal of minimizing energy requirements and maximizing the use of waste heat recovery to meet such requirements. There is also considerable potential for significant energy savings by retrofitting of existing installations."

Jan 1, 1984

By J. S. Vanderploeg

I WILL begin this presentation by citing the annual per capita use of copper in Canada. This is best calculated by taking refinery domestic sales, plus imports of the products of foreign fabricating mills (very little refinery copper is imported), and deducting the exports of Canadian mills. No attempt has been made to estimate the copper content of imports or exports of machinery, motors, etc., but the trade balance here is probably against Canada. In any event, we find that, though varying somewhat since the war, the estimated yearly per capita figure has reached a high of 18 pounds. This is practically on a par with the United States. The rest of the world uses an average of about 2 pounds per capita, yearly, though this includes some countries, such as Sweden, Germany and England, which consume much better than average quantities. It looks, therefore, as if the Canadian copper industry has not (as has been generally charged) been asleep after all.

Jan 1, 1962

By Rick Wilkins

The stability of steep embankments is a major safety issue in open pit mining, highway passes, and earth filled dams. A failure in any one of these situations could mean a loss of very expensive equipment, a long term inconvenience, and more importantly, a loss of life. These possible catastrophes could be avoided by installing a reliable real time monitoring system. Robotic total stations (RTSs) give one possible cost effective solution to creating a near real time monitoring system. Repeated surveys at predetermined time intervals can automatically generate warnings if slope movements exceed a preset tolerance level. The variation in atmospheric refraction, combined with possible instabilities in reference targets, can make a monitoring system based on RTSs produce false alarms. A methodology has been developed at the Canadian Centre for Geodetic Engineering (CCGE) for reducing these systematic error effects. The methodology has been realized in the creation of a software package that has been successfully implemented at large earthen dams in California and at an open pit mine operation in British Columbia.

May 1, 2002

By Franz Xaver Spachtholz

K+S Potash Canada GP (KSPC) is part of the K+S Group, one of the world's leading suppliers of standard and speciality fertilizers and the world?s leading salt producer. Globally, the K+S Group employs more than 14,000 people. The K+S share ? the only commodities stock on the German DAX index ? is listed on all German stock exchanges. Legacy, K+S Group?s most recent project, is a greenfield solution potash mine and production plant in the south of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Therefore K+S will invest 4.1 billion CAD. With the expected commissioning in summer 2016 the company projects to reach the two-million-tonnesmark of production capacity at the new location at the end of 2017. The gradual extension of the annual capacity to 2.86 million tonnes of potash products will occur afterwards. The Legacy Project will be Saskatchewan?s first new potash mine in nearly 40 years. It is one of the world?s most economically attractive potash projects. The project will contribute to Saskatchewan?s growth through employment, tax revenues, utilities, and local partnerships. Located in the southern part of Saskatchewan?s potash belt, the deposit is too deep to be mined conventionally due to rock mechanics and high temperatures. Legacy will therefore be a solution mine. Proximity to the urban centers of Regina and Moose Jaw is imperative, with their workforces and economy, as well as access to highways, railway carriers and, most importantly in the prairies, water. With this unique project setting and mining technique, we are convinced that Legacy will be one of the most efficient, economic, sustainable and safe potash facilities in the world.

Aug 1, 2013

By A. R. Sorta, D. C. Sego

ABSTRACT Temperature, solute, texture, and thixotropic effects on time domain reflectometry (TDR) measurements of water content in oil sands tailings are investigated. Results indicate that TDR water content measurements are influenced by temperature, residual bitumen, and percent clay in the tailings. A correction of 0.03–0.10/ °C must be applied to the apparent dielectric constant (Ka) to account for the effect of temperature. The Ka-volumetric water content relationships of slurries differ significantly from the commonly used Topp calibration equation. The age of the tailings and the addition of phosphogypsum did not influence TDR water content measurements.

Jan 1, 2013

By CIM Standing Committee

The CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves (CIM Definition Standards) establish definitions and guidance on the definitions for Mineral Resources, Mineral Reserves, and mining studies used in Canada. The Mineral Resource, Mineral Reserve, and mining study definitions are incorporated, by reference, into National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). The CIM Definition Standards can be viewed at mrmr.cim.org. Readers should be aware that reports written by persons issuing technical reports that disclose information about exploration or other mining properties to the public in Canada are governed by a number of securities regulations.

May 10, 2014

By L. T. Pasiechnyk

After a brief review of the various hydrocarbon storage methods currently being utilized and statistics on underground hydrocarbon storage, this paper will briefly describe the technology involved in solution mining salt to create caverns of engineered shape and size and briefly discuss the economical and environmental advantages of hydrocarbon storage in solution-mined salt caverns. Other possible uses of salt caverns will be mentioned.

Jan 1, 1978

By Clifford S. Gibson

THE Workmen's Compensation Ace defines Silicosis as "a fibrocic condition of the lungs caused by the inhalation of silica dust sufficient co produce a lessened capacity for work". This fibrocic condition muse exhibit a specific appearance in the X-ray picture of the chest-an appearance which is not characteristic of several lung conditions which can cause lessened capacity for work and which are not due co silicosis. The layman is sufficiently familiar with this subject co know chat, as far as our knowledge goes, quartz is one of the principal objectionable factors in the production of this condition. He should also know that silicosis respects neither geographical nor industrial boundaries. It is as much a factor in some industrial processes (e.g. foundry work, sandblasting) as it is in mines handling ores containing quartz. Its development co a recognizable stage is usually a matter of many years. As yet, its cure is unknown. Its prevention is possible in varying degrees. The layman should also know that the development of fibrosis may be accelerated by breathing in, or living in, any atmosphere containing dust. Few normal adults, particularly those above a certain age, have clear lungs, and fibrosis in varying degrees is noted in the farmer, the steel worker, the clerk, and many others in varied occupations. It is not restricted to miners. Medical and industrial journals, and at times the press, are crammed with data pertaining to this subject, much of which is misinformation. This is particularly true of certain !laces where the preventive and compensation measures for the good o those earning their livelihood in an industry in which silicosis may be contracted are not so far advanced as in our own Province. A great many of these publishings are alarming to the layman. They leave him with the impression that he is taking his life in his hands if he elects to work underground, particularly in a gold mine-that he has at once sold his heritage of health and chat sooner or later he will succumb to the ravages of this ailment. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Actually, under present conditions in Ontario mines, a very small percentage of the men employed ever become impaired by silicosis to the extent chat they must withdraw from the industry. I propose to tell you briefly something of this subject as it affects our mines.

Jan 1, 1937

By Harry Perry

By 1980, the free world's need for economic sources of energy is expected to double. As a result, there will be a tremendous potential for all energy sources working together to supply the demand. For coal to continue its dominant role as a low-cost energy source, means must be found for it to meet the challenge of nuclear power and to overcome obstacles placed on its use by air and water pollution regulations. As the more limited reserves of gas and oil diminish, economic ways are also required for converting coal to synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and to chemicals, thus resulting in optimum utility of the most abundant low-cost fuel resource. The means for accomplishing these ends can only come about by a vigorous research and development program. Successful efforts by industry and government working together, both in America and abroad, will assure the continued use of coal to meet the world's energy demands. This paper discusses the emerging patterns of energy sources throughout the world and the role that research and development on coal will play in supplying future energy requirements.

Jan 1, 1967