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By C. H. G. Bushell, G. Brown, C. J. Krauss

1N FLOTATION, copper sulphate is used universally for the activation of sphalerite and marmatite and, to some extent, for the activation of other minerals. The copper activated surface readily adsorbs standard collectors such as the xanthates and dialkyl dithiophosphates whereas untreated zir~ sulphide does not. With the host of reagents available, making a mineral float is seldom difficult. The problem is to achieve selective flotation. In zinc flotation, the great value of copper sulphate results from its ability to activate zinc sulphide preferentially to gangue minerals. At the Sullivan Concentrator of The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada Limited, the most abundant gangue mineral in the lead-zinc ore is pyrrhotite, and the zinc mineral is marmatite of somewhat variable zinc to iron ratio. For this Cominco study, selectivity between marmatite and pyrrhotite was therefore the most interesting aspect of copper sulphate activation.

Jan 1, 1961

By G. M. Hughes, R. W. Dunn

"AbstractCurrently installed an analogue instrumentation devices at Sherritt 's Ruttan Concentrator control. and/ or measure mill tonnages, grind, pH, density , some reagent and slurry flows, and cell levels. On-stream analysis is used to assay the main process streams. The history of development of process control is reviewed from startup to the present stage of selection of a process control computer. A pragmatic approach has been taken to process control to ensure compatibility with the needs and resources of Ruttan. Emphasis is made of the need to have the mill performing well from a mechanical and instrumentation point of view and to have opera tor acceptance of the computer through training. Plans for the computer phase to achieve these objectives are outlined.IntroductionTHE COPPER-ZINC OREBODY at Ruttan Lake was discovered by Sherritt exploration personnel in 1969 and by mid-1973 a 10,000-tpd mine and concentrator were in operation. After a typical startup period , the major mechanical problems in the crusher and concentrator have been resolved. Metallurgical performance is now up to standards forecast in the feasibility study.The cost of the original instrumentation installations, including an on- stream analyzer, was about one million dollars or 4% of the cost of the milling complex. Although there was no intention of using a process control computer until the plant was operating smoothly, it was understood that all instrumentation was compatible with .a computer, but this did not prove to be correct. This paper cover s the development of the instrumentation loops to date and the control strategies that will eventually be implemented through a process control computer."

Jan 1, 1977

By J. W. Meier

Introduction The great importance of air warfare during World War II and the introduction of large-scale air transportation and airborne operations created an immediate demand for large quantities of high quality light alloy products. Before this war, the use of magnesium, the lightest structural metal, was barely in the development stage, and considerable research work was needed to overcome difficulties in improving its properties and to attain uniform quality in mass production of magnesium alloy products. The Canadian Bureau of Mines was frequently called upon, by various agencies of the Armed Forces and of the newly established war industries, to examine magnesium alloys that had failed in fabrication or in actual service, and to advise on proper alloys and fabrication methods to be used. Failures in magnesium alloy castings were connected mainly with lack of knowledge of proper founding and surface-protecting techniques. Most of the defects were due to microporosity and faulty heat treatment. To aid the foundry industry, small-scale investigations were started on the effect of various factors in the casting technique in order to improve the quality of the products. These investigations were made in co-operation with representatives of the Armed Forces and the Canadian magnesium industry. This work was later co-ordinated into a broad research programme on magnesium alloys, comprising problems on melting, refining, various casting methods, heat treatment, and testing of properties of standard and special alloys. This research programme? is still in force, and the present paper contains some results of the first series of investigations on magnesium casting alloys carried out at the Experimental Foundry of the Bureau of Mines.

Jan 1, 1948

By A. Mosqueda Martinez, L. C. Trytten, R. P. Kofluk, J. J. Budac

The Corefco ammonia leach nickel refinery treats Ni-Co mixed sulphides from the high-pressure acid leaching of Moa Bay nickel laterite. Due to the low iron content of the feed, the ammonia leach process generates a leach residue with ~10% Ni+Co. Since commissioning a leach residue pressure filtration circuit in 2002, this residue has been stockpiled, dried, and sold commercially. For several years, the residue was sold to nickel smelters overseas. In 2014, re-processing of the residue in the high-pressure acid leach was tested. Lab test work was completed showing excellent extraction of the contained nickel and cobalt, and additional beneficial effects in the high-pressure acid leach circuit. A plant test in Moa confirmed the results, and preparation for shipment of the valuable leach residue for re-processing has begun. This paper outlines the test work and results, and some commercial considerations.

Jan 1, 2015

By J. C. Gathje

Newmont&apos;s Phoenix Project is located near Battle Mountain, Nevada and is scheduled to produce copper concentrates containing high precious metal values. High temperature pressure oxidation (PDX) of the concentrates was considered as a treatment option during process development. The metals content in Phoenix concentrates range from: 15-25% for Cu, 1-10% for Zn, 0-2% for Pb and ?27% Fe. The precious metals content of the Phoenix concentrates can range up to ?300 g/t Au and >3,000 g/t Ag. As a consequence it was necessary that any process for consideration should have the capability of recovering both the copper and precious metal values. Typically, gold can easily be leached from the autoclave discharge solids, but silver is chemically bound with the jarosite formed and cannot be directly leached. Laboratory investigations led to the development of a patented PDX process that minimizes the formation of jarosite so that the silver can be leached easily along with the gold. The process was confirmed with extensive pilot plant testing. Excellent solution extraction of copper and zinc was achieved, and both iron and lead were precipitated in the PDX residue. The process produces clean PDX discharge liquors with very low iron concentrations. As an example, conventional PDX techniques resulted in pregnant liquors containing ?5 g/L Fe. However, the Newmont process, which controls the iron and sulfate species, achieved high iron precipitation in the PDX solids and pregnant liquors containing <0.5 g/L Fe. High gold and silver recoveries were achieved by direct cyanidation of the PDX solids. This process has the added benefit of producing PDX solids that demonstrate superior settling and filtration characteristics.

Jan 1, 2006

By D. A. Beattie

Talc is a commonly encountered gangue mineral in metal sulfide flotation. Talc is naturally hydrophobic, resulting in high recoveries if polymeric depressants are not used to specifically reject this MgO containing mineral. We have studied the adsorption of a selection of polymers onto talc using a variety of techniques. Adsorption isotherms have been determined using ex situ depletion techniques and in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy has been used to determine adsorption kinetics. Adsorbed layer thicknesses have been determined for the polymers on cleaved talc surfaces using the AFM. The effect of the adsorbed polymer layer on the properties of the talc surface has been quantified through contact angle measurements and single mineral flotation tests. Distinct correlations are observed between the adsorbed layer properties and the flotation performance of the polymers. These observations are discussed with reference to the bubble-particle attachment process and the molecular structure of the polymers.

Jan 1, 2006

By Sangjian Zhang, Zhu Xiao, Lairong Xiao, Rushi Chen, Mei Fang, Zhou Li

The copper-graphite metal matrix composites were fabricated by two different production methods: directly sintering with copper and graphite (Cu-Gr composite), and in-situ sintering with cuprous copper and graphite (Cu2O-Gr composite). During the in-situ reaction sintering, a redox reaction occurs at the interface of the Cu2O particles and Gr particles, resulting in the improved physical and mechanical properties of Cu2O-Gr composites. Compared with Cu-Gr composite, Cu2O-Gr composite has a higher compression strength at any given graphite content due to the improved interface bonding and uniformly distributed fine graphite particles in the matrix. Increasing graphite content decreases the mechanical properties of the copper-graphite composites. The compression strength of Cu2O-Gr composite is 50-100 MPa higher than that of Cu-Gr composite. INTRODUCTION Copper-graphite composites have been widely used in industry due to their low density, relatively high strength and hardness, good thermal and electrical conductivity, arc ablation resistance and self- lubrication ability (Grandin & Wiklund, 2018; Han & Xu, 1999; Huang et al., 2017). Electric sliding contact friction pair in the high-speed railway system and motor brush in electric contact components have a very high demand on electrical conductivity and self-lubrication ability of materials. The electric devices need to bear both mechanical load and high electric current. Copper-graphite composites with good mechanical, electric and self-lubrication properties are the best candidates for application in multifunctional electric sliding contact frication components. The relative sliding speed of friction pair is developing towards 100 m/s or even faster, which can withstand the electric flow of more than 800 A, and it is often accompanied with vibration and impact (Guo & Ding, 2008). Conventional wear-resistant materials can no longer meet the current requirements and this promotes the development of copper- graphite composites with excellent comprehensive properties (Ding, Chen, Zhu, Zhang, & Zhou, 2009; Yasar, Canakci, & Arslan, 2007). There are many ways to fabricate copper-graphite composites, mainly including powder metallurgy method, liquid immersion infiltration method, rapid sintering method and electrodeposition method (Kalin & Poljanec, 2018; Kim, Lee, & Han, 2014; Liu et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2018). Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the powder metallurgy method is the most commonly used one due to its simple process, high economic benefit, and industrial production applicability. The common steps of the powder metallurgy method are as follows (Samal, Parihar, & Chaira, 2013): firstly mixing the copper (copper alloy) powders and graphite with a certain ratio, following by die-forming, and then sintering at the high temperature with or without pressure. The advantage of copper-graphite composites is that the graphite distributed in the copper matrix uniformly and it can form a carbon diaphragm preventing the wear of the composite (Fu & He, 2010). However, the bonding strength of the interface between the copper matrix and the graphite is relative low as the combination between them is mechanical interlocking but not metallurgical bonding (Ma et al., 2008). It is meaningful to develop new fabrication technology of copper-graphite composites with better interface bonding, which could provide guidance for the design of copper-graphite composites with excellent comprehensive properties.

Jan 1, 2019

By Martha Gellner, Lutz Wuschke, Hans-Georg Jackel, Urs A. Peuker

"Electric vehicles are an alternative to the existing combustion engine driven cars. According to the EU Battery Directive a substantial recycling rate of at least 50 wt.-% has to be met for aged batteries since 2006. Existing recycling techniques are based on energy intensive pyro- and hydrometallurgical process, which are not able to recover all components. Aluminum and lithium for instance are slagged. The EU-Project “ABattReLife” investigated possibilities for a mechanical processing in order to create a sustainable process and a closed material loop from grave to cradle. After a sufficient liberation of the Li-ion batteries, components like the doped carbon black fraction (mainly lamination of electrode foils), the separator foil and the housing material can comparatively easily be separated from the other components by screening and air sifting. The remaining mixture consists of anode and cathode foils which have a similar free-settling ratio and are more difficult to separate from each other. A second comminution and compaction step modifies the particle size and shape as well as the degree of delamination. These changes influence the density of the electrode foils in order to improve the separation efficiency. Yield and purity of the generated metal concentrates were parameters to show if the separation was successful. The specific energy consumption for the different methods of processing was estimated in order to benchmark the cost-benefit ratio for each one.The studies have been accomplished with a zig zag sifter (model TUBAF), a hammer mill (model HM 340 Jehmlich) and with a Petkus-Sifter. Finally a process flow sheet was developed for a Li-ion battery recycling plant in pilot scale."

Jan 1, 2016

By C. Kim

The integration of three-dimensional (3D) data with infrared thermography has received much attention for its potential use as input data for building energy simulations. Therefore, researchers have proposed methods to integrate 3D data with infrared thermography obtained by different sensors. These studies show the potential of the integration of 3D data and infrared thermography using various systems. However, these studies have ignored property aspects of infrared thermography, such as the low resolution of infrared thermography and external environmental influences. Thus, their proposed methods to integrate 3D data and infrared thermography are inadequate because these problems can affect the resulting building energy simulation. This research proposes a framework that integrates infrared thermography and 3D data while accounting for the resolution and shadow effect of infrared thermography. The proposed framework consists of three steps. In the resolution enhancement step, bi-cubic interpolation is proposed. In thermal data correction from the shadow effect, the shadow area is detected from the visible image, and then the shadow effect is removed from the registered infrared thermography. Finally, enhanced infrared thermography is mapped to the 3D data obtained by a laser scanner. The performance of the proposed framework was evaluated using test images obtained from a building in operation. The experimental results show that the proposed framework provides a 3D thermal model that is useful and accurate in simulating building energy. It is expected that the 3D thermal model can be used for accurate energy simulation of existing buildings. In addition, the proposed framework can be applied in defect detection for buildings. Furthermore, this novel approach enhances infrared thermography using visible images.

Aug 1, 2013

By William H. White

"AbstractThe value of anomalous metal contents of trees as an aid to the discovery of mineral deposits was tested under field conditions cm four known ore deposits. Results indicate that a base-metal deposit, or any deposit containing zinc or copper, casts a 'metal shadow' into the overlying soil which remains approximately positioned above the deposit, regardless of the type of overburden or the movement of groundwater.The unusually high content of zinc or copper in trees growing within the limits of this 'metal shadow' constitutes an anomaly which can be detected and ,plotted in the field The field kit and certain points of the field technique are described briefly; and the characteristics of plant anomalies and possible limitations of their use are mentioned.IntroductionRecent investigations concerning the metal content of trees indicate not only wide variations in the metal content of different species and in different parts of the same tree but, in addition, suggest that the metal content of a tree is related to that of the subjacent bed-rock. Abnormal values found by Warren, Delavault, and others in trees growing above or near orebodies suggest a new tool which may prove of considerable value in exploration work. Evaluation of this new tool must involve consideration of the following questions:(I) Is the technique one which can be used under field conditions by persons not specially trained; and can results be duplicated within reasonable limits of error? Rather than taking tree samples for subsequent laboratory analysis, it is highly desirable that analyses be made on the spot. This allows anomalous results to be checked and additional samples may be taken at key points."

Jan 1, 1950

By M. F. Ameur, M. Habak, H. Aouici, M. Kenane

Present study interest by aluminium alloy (Al 7175-T5173) drilled without cooling fluid. The influence of the machining parameters (spindle speed and feed rate) on the holes quality was analyzed. Drilling tools are made of carbide (WC); high speed steel (HSS) and TiN coated carbide (WC-Ti).The Experiment design was reinforced by the application of statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA).The results show that the thrust force is influenced principally by the spindle speed and feed rate. Though, both feed rate and tool materials have statistical significance on the surface roughness. In addition, the objective of correlations between spindle speed and feed rate with the evolution of the machining parameters was established. These correlations were obtained by quadratic regression using the response surface methodology. Finally, useful to select optimum values of drilling parameters, that would minimize thrust force, torque, cutting temperature and surface roughness.

Jan 1, 2015

By K. Soucek, J. Ptácek, A. Hastíková, R. Kukutsch, P. Konícek, P. Waclawik

"Cable bolts are used frequently as a secondary support system (with steel arch support) in difficult stress-strain conditions of deep coal mines. The load transfer mechanism of cable bolts depends on several factors, such as the strength, deformation and geometric properties of the bolts, resin and the surrounding rock mass so-called cable-resin-rock system (CRR system). The bonding length and bolt/borehole diameter ratio strongly influence the final bearing capacity of the CRR system.The study presents the behaviour of CRR system during a pull-out test which is usually used in the carboniferous rock mass in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. A series of 28 pull out tests were performed on 3-m-long cable bolts, with various combinations of borehole diameters and bonding lengths, to understand this behaviour. Boreholes were drilled into a solid rock mass consisting of fine-grained sandstone to guarantee similar conditions during the pull-out tests. Video inspection and measurement of borehole diameters were performed to determine their quality and real diameters. Three characteristics were observed from pull-out test results: ultimate pull-out load; displacement of the end of bolt and system stiffness. Numerical modelling by FEM (Finite Element Method) was used to determine the stiffness of the CRR system for variable bolt/borehole ratios and bonding lengths each under constant load. A linear elasto-plastic model and a mohr-coulomb model were used for cable and resin-rock respectively. The results of the experiment may contribute significantly to improving of the methodology of cable bolts installation as well as the design of used cable bolts."

Jan 1, 2015

By Veerendra Singh, Y. Rama Murthy, Sunil Kumar Tripathy, Nikkam Suresh

"High intensity dry magnetic separation is commonly employed to separate different para-magnetic minerals including mineral sand. Separation in these separators is majorly influenced by the combined effect of gravity, centrifugal and magnetic forces on a particle. These separators are included in the process flow-sheets either for pre-concentration purposes or for the beneficiation of paramagnetic minerals. Separation in these separators is majorly influenced by the difference in the magnetic susceptibility of the associated minerals, particle size and shape along with the process variables of the machine. Particle size is one of the major parameter that plays an important role and decides its probability of selectivity under the magnetic field. However, effect of particle size on the performance of these separators are not well understood which is evident from the literature.In the present investigation, an effort is made to bring out the effect of particle size on particle separation in an induced roll magnetic separator while treating ilmenite fines. Effects of operating parameters, such as; magnetic field intensity, roll speed, feed rate and splitter position have been studied and their influence on particle size has been analysed in terms of yield (wt.%) to magnetic product, particle size distribution characteristics in terms of D50 and D80 size, skewness, kurtosis. Also, the particle size distribution of each test was fitted in Rosin-Rammler equation. The test results were analysed statistically to understand and quantify the influence of each variable on particle separation. It is found that, rotor speed of the separator had maximum influence on yield to the magnetic product whereas splitter position had major influence on D50 and D80 (µm) size of the product."

Jan 1, 2016

By Guojun Wang, Zejun Chen, Wenchang Liu

Al/Mg/Ti laminated metal composite sheet (LMCS) can combine the merits of each of metal components, and obtain excellent performances. It incorporates the advantages of high strength, light weight, easy melt and atomization, and good space adaptability to substitute for the bumper Al sheet of Whipple shield structure for space debris shield. The Al/Mg/Ti LMCS was fabricated by hot roll bonding technology in a certain sequence. The manufacturing process and parameters were analyzed and studied, including the first rolling reduction, roll boding temperature and stacking structure of each metal. The microstructure of dissimilar metals and bonding interface were characterized and analyzed. The optimized manufacturing procedures and parameters were presented based on the microstructure and mechanical properties of LMCS. The research results offer some guides and references for controlling the shape of bonding interface, optimizing the annealing process, improving the mechanical properties of Al/Mg/Ti LMCS.

Jan 1, 2015

By M. Tardif, F. L. -Lavoie, M. Ruel

"In mineral processing, it is often very difficult to reliably measure several key operation variables. The harsh environment and high temperature encountered in pyrometallurgy processes lead to some difficulties when selecting the instruments, valves and actuators. If an important variable cannot be measured or manipulated adequately, controlling it can really become a big challenge. Sometimes, it is simply impossible to find the perfect equipment for the task. To help overcome these difficulties, a different approach is required. This approach will not correct the inherent problems related to the instruments and valves, but will cope with these problems. This article will demonstrate how modern process control techniques can be used to solve complex problems while remaining easy to implement. In this article we will described how soft sensors and multivariable fuzzy logic control were implemented at Koniambo Nickel to stabilize the furnace feed and allow for safe and reliable operation of an 80 MW DC arc furnace.INTRODUCTION Process Overview The process plant at Koniambo Nickel SAS is located in the North Province of New Caledonia, 310 km north of Noumea. The nickel-bearing ore is mined in the nearby Koniambo massif. After being screened and crushed, the ore is transported to the processing plant using a 12 km conveyor. After stacking in two blending piles, the ore, containing 2.3% nickel, is fed to the processing plant where it will go through the NST process (Nickel Smelting Technology) before being sent to refining and shotting. This article will focus on the improvement to control of the NST processes. The first steps of this process consist of milling the ore and removing all moisture through calcining (Figure 1)."

Jan 1, 2017

By J. Kouam

Al-Si-Cu and Al-Si-Mg alloys are widely used in several applications. Although they can be produced near-net-shapes, products made of these alloys very often require some machining. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the machinability of A319 and A356 under TO and T6 conditions. The machinability was assessed using during dry drilling machining process and the machinability indexes used are the chip form, the chip breakability and the cutting forces. It is found that 319 and 356 exhibit different machinability behaviors, especially in the T6-condition in terms of forces requirements, chip breakability and chip segmentation. It is also found that both the microstructure of the workpiece materials and the machining conditions significantly affect the chip formation mechanism, and therefore, the machining parameters could be selected to promote a chip form that is easily manageable in production.

Jan 1, 2011

By Jozef S. Stachula

"INCO Limited operates eleven under-ground mines in the Sudbury area. The mines are located on the rim of the Sudbury Basin, an oval with the axis in the range of 27 km and 60 km. The ore dips to at least 3000 m below surface. The ores are mined primarily for nickel and copper. Total ore production from underground is in excess of 55 000tonnes per day.Over 40 surface fans have been installed since the late 1960s. All of the fans are adjustable pitch, axial flow units. A major factor influencing ventilation design in the last 30years has been the introduction of diesel equipment underground. Volumes per fan have ranged from 60 m3/sec. to 330 m3/sec., with motors from 100 hp to 2500 hp.Fans of the axial flow type have been commonly used for main fan installations at Canadian mines for many years. The standard arrangement has been to mount these fans horizontally, i.e. with the fan shaft and the long axis of the housing horizontal. This is a natural arrangement for an underground fan, but for a surface installation, a vertically mounted fan has definite advantages.The surface area taken up by a typical vertical fan installation is generally about one quarter that of a horizontal fan of the same capacity (Rutherford, 1957). This is not a problem with isolated fans and fat surface out crop sites, but where the installation is to be near existing buildings, or where there are poor surface soil conditions, space and cost considerations greatly flavour vertical fans."

Jan 1, 1996

By Martin P. Raffield

Placer Domes? Campbell Mine, situated in northwestern Ontario, is undergoing an assessment of the efficiency of the operation which is necessitated by the low gold price and a reducing ore reserve grade. A decision has recently been taken to move away from a functional based departmental structure (underground, engineering, geology, etc.) towards a team-based system where crews, engineers, geologists and supervisors are responsible for the planning and operation of a particular area of the mine. The objective is to improve communication and understanding of the goals and achievements and to ensure a forum is available for the generation of ideas. It is intended to increase the accountability and decision-making ability of the teams in an effort to achieve the mines? safety and production targets. This paper presents a critical review of the progress of this organisational change process and its successes and failures at the time of writing.

Oct 1, 2001

By Deborah A. McCombe

"One of the cornerstones of NI43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects is the technical report. The purpose of the report is to provide a summary of the scientific and technical information concerning mineral exploration, development, and production activities on a mineral property that is material to an issuer. The reports must be prepared in accordance with NI43101 and Form 43-101F1 Technical Report and the information must be current as of the date of the filing of the technical report. As these reports provide important information to the investing public, qualified persons preparing these reports should, as much as possible, write in plain, simple language that can be easily read and understood by people who are not geoscientists or engineers. So let’s review some of the common deficiencies with technical reports. Non-current technical report Some of the factors you should consider when determining if your previously filed technical report is still current are as follows: •,Is there new technical information on the property, such as drilling, assays, metallurgical testwork? •,Have you made changes to key assumptions, parameters relating to mineral resources or mineral reserves, or economic analysis? If you have completed the previously recommended work, are your recommendations still current? Similarly, are your report recommendations consistent with what you are telling your shareholders or disclosing in the use of proceeds in your offering documents? For example, if the recommendations in the report consist of further exploration and metallurgical test-work prior to completing a preliminary feasibility study and you have completed the proposed work and are now raising money for a final feasibility study, the report is probably not current."

Jan 1, 2003

By Richard E. Barrett

SOME YEARS AGO I was associated with a mining operation which, because of its isolated location, burned wood for heating purposes. Year after year the tractors and tucks hauled the cordwood in from the edge of the ever-growing clearing. Each year the cartage costs became greater. The degree to which transportation distances affect the economics of fuels obviously varies with many factors, but the main criterion is the amount of heat a unit weight of the fuel will produce. For in-stance, wood is limited in most cases to a haulage distance of a few miles. Coal can be shipped hundreds of miles, whereas petroleum and gas ?can be transported thousands of miles. The world is now on the brink of having a new fuel -uranium. It has the virtue of being so concentrated that transportation costs can, for all practical purposes, be disregarded.

Jan 1, 1958