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By Ellis Thomson

The microscope is now used extensively not only in the examination of solid ore but also in the determination of fragmental mill products. It has therefore become a matter of paramount importance to be able to mount and polish fragmental as well as solid specimens in the easiest and most efficient way, so that the minerals present may be readily determined. In the case of the solid ore the ordinary mount of plasticine set on a glass or metal slide serves for most practical purposes. An improvement on this is furnished by the small brass container inside of which the specimen is mounted in a cementing medium of sealing wax. The latter is the method in use at Harvard University. It has the advantage of uniform height, thus obviating the necessity of a slide of any sort. It is also easily catalogued as the brass holder may be stamped with a convenient series of letters and numbers that will serve as a label. Other advantages of this type are the ease with which any particular part of the section may be re-located, the excellent storing facilities afforded by mounts of uniform size, and the possibility of polishing ten or a dozen sections at the same time by means of a holder which is placed over the polishing wheel, is geared with it, but revolves the opposite way.

Jan 1, 1926

By M. Dupuis

It has been previously demonstrated [1,2] that using selective collector bar rodding has a big impact on the uniformity of the current density at the top surface of the cathode block and hence on the intensity of the horizontal current in the metal pad, The present study investigates the impact of using selective collector bar rodding on the MHD stability of a 500 kA aluminium electrolysis cell, For this purpose the recently developed MHD package for the aluminium reduction cell time dependent behavior is used.

Jan 1, 2005

By M. Muinonen, R. Pandher

Royal Nickel Corporation is developing the Dumont Nickel Project, a large nickel sulphide deposit located near the town of Amos, Québec. The nickel occurs as pentlandite, heazlewoodite, and awaruite. The relatively low grade ore can be processed to a very high grade nickel concentrate, containing 29% Ni. The absence of copper and precious metals in the ore renders this concentrate amenable to processing by dead roasting in a fluid-bed roaster and smelting in an electric furnace to produce ferronickel for sale to stainless steel producers. Laboratory test work and conceptual engineering design was completed to demonstrate the amenability of Dumont concentrate to produce ferro-nickel.

Jan 1, 2015

By H. D. B. Wilson, D. T. Anderson

"Canadian sulphide deposits generally have characteristic compositions. Metal associations in ore deposits and in igneous rocks are similar.Nickel: sulphur ratios, copper-nickel ratios, and nickel :cobalt ratios in copper-nickel sulphide ores are characteristic for most orebodies. Nickel, as sulphide, is highest in ores associated with ultrabasic rocks, whereas copper is highest in ores associated with gabbros. Cobalt is relatively constant. The metal ratios in copper-nickel ores are due, first, to the composition of the related igneous rock or magma; second, to the partition ratios of the metals into the sulphides when separating from the silicate rock or magma; and third, to the conditions at the time of deposition. Each factor is discussed and the evidence indicates the Frood orebody is a magmatic segregation in place and Falconbridge is an injected sulphide melt. Many Canadian orebodies containing copper, zinc, or lead also have relatively constant compositions. •Copper and zinc are concentrated in gabbro and diorite, and copper-zinc ores in northwestern Quebec are spatially related to gabbros and diorites. The same three factors con-trolling metal ratios in. copper-nickel deposits should control the metal ratios in copper-zinc deposits if the metals come from the gabbro-diorite intrusions.The ratios of base metals in common sedimentary rocks are not similar to the ratios in orebodies. Base metal elements are mobilized during high-grade metamorphism, but much fundamental research is needed before the relation between metamorphism and ore deposits can be established on a sound basis. The distribution of elements in sulphide orebodies suggests that cop-per, zinc, and lead are deposited simultaneously .in relatively constant proportions rather than successively in a paragenetic sequence. Zoning may be due to different ratios of metals being deposited under changing temperature, pressure, and chemical environment, or may be the result of other processes."

Jan 1, 1959

By Edouard Asselin, Tasawar Javed

This study was conducted as a part of ongoing work to characterize sulphide concentrate leach residues generated under CESL (Cominco Engineering Services Limited) and Vale pilot and demonstration plant medium temperature (150 °C) process conditions. Three different samples were analyzed. Derivative samples were prepared by extracting gypsum, sulphur and amorphous/poorly crystalline iron oxyhydroxide phases from the leach residues. Thermal behavior of the samples was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) in the temperature range 25 to 800 °C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres, with XRD analyses both before and after heating. Thermal transformation temperatures for different iron oxides/oxyhydroxides present in hydrometallurgical leach residues vary over a wide range which suggests the variable crystallinity of the phases. Raman spectroscopic analysis was carried out to help identify the type of iron phases in the residues. Furthermore, hydroxylamine hydrochloride (HaHC) and oxalate extractions were used to compare the fractionation of the amorphous/poorly crystalline iron phases in the residues. Given the compositions of the residues, any thermal events in the temperature range of 200 °C to 480 °C were attributed to amorphous/poorly crystalline iron phases.

Jan 1, 2014

By Manqiu Xu, Songtao Yang, Zongfu Dai, Robert Pelton

Five years ago, VALE Base Metals (then INCO), approached Pelton's group at McMaster and described a challenging mineral separations problem. The McMaster group has a strong track record in colloids, polymers, and chemical additives for papermaking; however, they had no experience in mineral processing. They proposed employing hydrophobic nanoparticles to replace conventional low molecular weight, water-soluble flotation collectors. Over the last five years, Vale, together with the Ontario Government (OCE) have funded two graduate students at McMaster who have worked closely with flotation experts at Vale. Experiments involving both very clean model mineral suspensions at McMaster and complex ores at Vale, have shown that hydrophobic nanoparticles do indeed function as collectors. Key nanoparticle properties and mechanisms have been identified and the technology has been protected in patent applications. Efforts to commercialize the technology are on-going. We believe that this project is a good case study demonstrating the advantages of industry-university collaboration and the use of outside experts, who may come up with novel solutions to complex problems.

Jan 1, 2011

By A. M. A. Mohamed, F. H. Samuel, S. Valtierra, H. W. Doty, A. M. Samuel

"The influence of Fe, Mn, Cu and Mg alloying additions, Sr modification and grain refinement on the microstructure of as-cast and solution heat-treated Al-10.8% Si alloys was investigated using optical microscopy and EPMA techniques. The results showed that the modification effect of Sr diminished with increasing Cu and Mg additions, due to Sr-Cu-Mg interactions. Strontium caused segregation of AlzCu in areas away from eutectic Si regions, and altered the precipitation sequence of the a-Ah5(Fe,Mn)3Siz iron intermetallic from post-dendritic to pre-dendritic, with the phase observed within the a-Al dendrites. Depending upon the alloy Fe and Mn content, a coarser variation (""sludge"") of the a-Fe phase occurred, in the form of polyhedral shaped particles. The AhCu phase dissolved almost completely during solution heat treatment, while Al5Cu2Mg8Si6, sludge, and a-Aln(Fe,Mn)3Siz phases persisted in all alloys, particularly at high Mg and Fe levels. The f3-Al5(Fe,Mn)Si phase dissolved partially in Sr-modified alloys, the dissolution becoming more pronounced after solution heat treatment."

Jan 1, 2006

By J. S. Stachulak

"The main ventilation design features adopted at Inco to safeguard personnel against the effects of fires are described in this paper. Measures taken to prevent and detect fires due to spontaneous combustion, and fires involving conveyor belts, are described in detail.IntroductionConsidering the over-all picture of present-day mining operations, the expenditure required to provide a proper system of mine ventilation and fife control should be regarded as a sound investment that will pay back in increased mining efficiency, improved safety, health, and morale of the miners.Mine ventilation control and mine fife detection and fighting are inseparable, because a ventilation system can spread deadly products of combustion just as efficiently as it does life-sustaining oxygen. Therefore, the possibility of a mine fife occurring is of particular concern.The first objective is to prevent a fife.The second objective is to design the ventilation system so that a positive fresh air supply can be ensured on each main level regardless of the location of the fife.The third objective is to be able to detect the fife at an early stage and to extinguish it before it can develop into a major fife. Accordingly, at Inco, very extensive measures are taken to prevent fires and to locate, isolate and extinguish them rapidly. To obtain an early warning, it is not sufficient to know that a fife has started, but it is also necessary to know where the fife is burning."

Jan 1, 1994

By J. S. Stacbulak

"The main ventilation design features adopted at Inco to safeguard personnel against the effects of fires are described in this paper. Measures taken to prevent and detect fires due to spontaneous combustion, and fires involving conveyor belts, are described in detail.IntroductionConsidering the over-all picture of present-day mining operations, the expenditure required to provide a proper system of mine ventilation and fife control should be regarded as a sound investment that will pay back in increased mining efficiency, improved safety, health, and morale of the miners.Mine ventilation control and mine fife detection and fighting are inseparable, because a ventilation system can spread deadly products of combustion just as efficiently as it does life-sustaining oxygen. Therefore, the possibility of a mine fife occurring is of particular concern.The flirt objective is to prevent a fife. The second objective is to design the ventilation system so that a positive fresh air supply can be ensured on each main level regardless of the location of the fife. The third objective is to be able to detect the fife at an early stage and to extinguish it before it can develop into a major fife.Accordingly, at Inco, very extensive measures are taken to prevent fires and to locate, isolate and extinguish them rapidly. To obtain an early warning, it is not sufficient to know that a fife has started, but it is also necessary to know where the fife is burning."

Jan 1, 1994

By R. E. Phelan

Introduction The Flin Flon deposit was discovered by Tom Creighton, an experienced prospector and trapper, who in 1914 made his headquarters at The Pas, Manitoba, and still lives there. The discovery was made in the fall of 1914, and Creighton and his associates spent the next summer in investigating the find. In August of 1915 the first claims were located. The property was optioned to Hayden Stone & Company, and in the spring of 1916 they started a diamond-drill campaign. Hayden Stone spent $50,000 on the property and, among other things, completed over 7,500 feet of diamond drilling. The ore not being as high grade as expected, and also being complex in character, Hayden Stone then abandoned their option. In the spring of 1917, Messrs. Earle, Faskin and associates took an option on the property and started an extensive drilling campaign. This campaign accomplished approximately 18,000 feet of drilling and secured for the Faskin interests a 32 per cent interest in the property. In 1920, W. B. Thompson and The Mining Corporation of Canada secured an option, and, while this option was in force, sunk two shafts in the ore-zone and did a considerable amount of drifting and cross-cutting in the ore to study the manner in which it occurred in place, and, by actual channel sampling, to check the grade indicated by the previously accomplished diamond drilling. All of this work had indicated that an ore-body existed on the property containing at least 18,000,000 tons of ore, assaying as follows: gold, 0.074 oz./ton; silver, 1.06 oz./ton; copper, 1.71 per cent; and zinc, ). 45 per cent (1). Complete analyses of composites from the drill holes showed that the ore was very complex in character. It contained the above values in gold, silver, copper, and zinc, as well as large amounts of sulphur and iron, and traces of lead, arsenic, antimony, cobalt, and various other metals. Although the ore was obviously pyritic in character, pyritic smelting, the usual method of treating this class of ore, could not be used to beneficiate the ore with any reasonable expectation of making such a venture a financial success, since coke and coal landed at Flin Flon would be expensive, and siliceous flux was known to be scarce locally and low in grade. The property therefore lay idle until 1925.

Jan 1, 1935

By Egbert Burchardt

The challenge of "ore bodies getting steadily harder and lower in grade" was brought to light during the first oil crisis in the 70's. Shortly afterwards, HPGRs appeared on the scene with the promise of saving energy. This combined with developments in wear protection for the rolls ushered in a period of trade-off studies that considered the HPGR as an option to improve project economics or to even make projects feasible at all. Since then, applications of HPGRs at Cerro Verde (Freeport), PTFI Grasberg (Freeport), Mogalakwena (Anglo Platinum), Tarkwa (Goldfields), Boddington (Newmont), Penasquito (Goldcorp), and others have contributed to the creation of a formidable basket of operating experience. Collected through years of successful operation, this information has been used to validate design criteria, scale-up factors and establishing a clearer picture of what "to do" and what "not to do". This paper compares results from various mining operations using HPGRs in their processing plants. Some of the lessons learnt in different operating environments are reviewed in order to support proper implementation and operation of HPGR's. Some of the development programs that have been initiated to improve wear life of the tyres and to reduce overall operating costs are reviewed. It is timely to summarize today?s experience and analyse its implications for existing and new operations.

Jan 1, 2012

By Michel Carreau

Presentation topic Introduction to Renewable Power in Remote Mining Industry Trend What are the Challenges and How to address them Acceptability (Management Buy-in) ? RP not core business to mining company Significant upfront costs Project Risks - Technological and Delivery Wind and solar power variability Operating hybrid power (Operator Buy-in) Conclusion Introduction ? RP at Remote Mining Sites Mining Project Cost Energy represents 25% of mining project CAPEX Energy represents 25% of OPEX Diesel, HFO, ? cost : 30+ cents/kWh RP - Proven technology - Excellent track record ?Wind (20 years), Solar PV (10+ years)? Hundreds of GW installed ?Reliable, High availability, very small OPEX. ?Wind/Solar cost : 15 to 22 cents/kWh (with good resource) ?Potential 10% to 20% Reduction in net cost of energy ?Price certainty for 20 to 25 years

May 1, 2013

By W. Dziurzynski, St. Wasilewski, T. Palka, A. Krach

"Air parameter monitoring systems, regardless of gasometrical protections, provide a significant number of measurement data. The obtained data broadens the knowledge on processes taking place in underground workings and shows the relationships and influence of machines and technological processes on the variability of ventilation parameters in the areas of longwalls. Nowadays, computer simulation methods are increasingly used to reproduce the flow of air and methane mixture in the area of longwalls equipped with shearers. The paper presents the results of a research experiment covering a long-term observation of a longwall area during mining with a shearer using sensors from the mine's monitoring system. Data from sensors for methane concentration, pressure and velocity were used and additional ventilation measurements were taken to determine the parameters characterising the air flow in the area. The influence of different machine cycles in the longwall on the changes of air parameters in the area of the longwall was shown. A numerical model of the ventilation area was developed and the computer program VentZroby was used for the calculations, which allows for the simulation of the process of ventilating the area of the active longwall during the extraction of coal with the use of a shearer and haulage of the run-of-mine. Computer simulation of the influence of the shearer's operation and the methane inflow associated with the distribution of the mixture of air and methane was carried out. The results of the simulation were compared with the data recorded by the monitoring system’s sensors during the measurement experiment. Comparison of the recorded methane concentration courses with the results of a computer simulation of the air and methane flow conditions in the mining area showed changes in the gassiness. INTRODUCTION Studies carried out in the Polish and global mining industry show that methane is an obvious factor in limiting mining production due to the loss of continuity in the operation of longwall complexes in hard coal mines under methane emission hazard (Schatzel et al., 2008). In addition, methane hazards have a significant impact on the safety of the operators of machinery in the longwall. The requirements of Polish regulations and the practice of safe operation of mining longwalls require correct determination of gas concentration, volume flow, as well as pressure and temperature of the flowing air. As part of the research undertaken in the Budryk (Wasilewski, 2010) and Bielszowice (Dziurzynski et al., 2009) mines to assess the methane hazard in the longwalls and workings in the vicinity of the longwall, research experiments were carried out, during which air parameters were recorded by the mine monitoring system and additional testing equipment in different cycles of shearer operation."

Jan 1, 2019

By A. G. Ballachey

Introduction This paper will describe the mining plant and underground operations at Quemont. Details of geology and milling are beyond its scope. Papers on these subjects will be prepared and presented separately. A detailed account of the exploration and development, 1944 to 1947, has been given by W. L. Brown (1). Location The mining concessions of Quemont Mining Corporation, Limited, are in Rouyn township, Rouyn-Noranda county, northwestern Quebec. These concessions total about 640 acres in area. They lie within the limits of the City of Noranda, contiguous to, and directly north of, the Horne mine of Noranda Mines, Limited. A large area in the southern part of the property is covered by the north arm of Osisko lake. Production The present operating rate is about 2,100 tons per day. Three flotation concentrates are produced: copper, containing a large proportion of the gold and silver in the ore; zinc; and pyrite, which carries an appreciable additional proportion of gold. The copper and zinc concentrates are shipped to smelters as produced. The pyrite concentrate is cyanided to recover additional gold, after which it is filtered, dried, and shipped for the manufacture of sulphuric acid. The principal revenue metals are copper, gold, and zinc. Silver and pyrite are important by-products.

Jan 1, 1952

By Ahmad Ghahreman, James McNeice

"Cerium is the most abundant rare earth metal and is often found in deposits along with small amounts of more valuable metals such as neodymium and gadolinium1. As a result, the production of cerium oxide often exceeds market demands, thus in some cases it would make more sense to remove the cerium from the process solutions before further purification. A common method of cerium removal is to precipitate CeO2 from the acidic leach liquors by raising the pH to oxidize cerium(III) to cerium(IV). This study investigates the oxidation kinetics using three oxidants; hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and potassium permanganate. The effect of oxidant, pH, cerium concentration and temperature on the oxidation kinetics will be discussed. Cerium oxidation in solutions with pH ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 was investigated at cerium concentrations ranging from 2.0 g/L to 16.0 g/L. A cerium recovery of 40% can be achieved at different conditions with each oxidant at room temperature, with higher recovery at 60°C.INTRODUCTION Over the last 70 years, the rare earth elements (REE) have become crucial components of modern technology. These metals are categorized as light rare earths (LREE) or heavy rare earths (HREE) by governments and miners based on weight, abundance, and therefore value. The minerals bastnaesite, monazite, and xenotime compose the majority of the world?s exploitable sources of these metals (Binnemans, 2013; Parker and Baroch, 1971). Geologists classify the LREE ores as „cerium group? minerals, approximately 50% cerium oxide by weight. The cerium group minerals monazite and bastnaesite compose the majority of world production, leading to an overproduction of cerium relative to world demand. This ratio of light to heavy REE in deposits has led to a phenomenon referred to as the balance problem (Binnemans et al., 2013). As an example, to produce 1 tonne of europium oxide from a bastnaesite deposit 450 tonnes of cerium oxide must be processed. This means that any push to increase production and access the value of the HREE metals will drive down the value of the LREE metals leading to diminishing returns (Zepf, 2016). These ores also contain measurable levels of thorium, subjecting them to complex radioactive waste regulations. During the 20th century, the USA was the largest producer of rare earth metals (REMs), primarily sourced from the Mountain Pass mine in California. However, due to a combination of market dynamics and regulations, China has dominated the market for the last two decades. The largest Chinese REE mine, Bayan Obo, produces rare earth (RE) concentrate as a byproduct of iron mining, decreasing their relative production costs (Gupta and Krishnamurthy, 2005). This mine alone represents about half of world bastnaesite production (Zhi and Yang, 2014). Rising demand for high-tech products has forced Chinese producers to commission other large mines, climbing to 90% of world production in the early years of the new millennium (Mancheri, 2016). This presents the west with a looming supply risk of these critical metals in the future."

Jan 1, 2017

By W. J. Taylor, T. D. Parris

"Over 90,000 feet of raise have been bored at International Nickel underground mining operations throughout the Sudbury District since the advent of raise boring in the early part of July, 1964. With a total of 10 raise borers on hand at this time, techniques have improved steadily since introduction at INCO mines. The first unit, designed for use in rock of low compressive strength, had to be modified and redesigned to cope with Sudbury Area Precambrian rock. As equipment and boring techniques improved, a specially designed machine for larger holes was developed and is now in use. More powerful units, with a thrust capacity of up to 750,000 pounds, are under investigation. Raises have been bored up to 84-inch diameter, and the changeover to 5- and 6-foot flat reaming heads with improved cutter design has increased performance substantially. As a result, 5-foot-diameter raises have been completed to a length of 750 feet and 6- and 7-foot raises to over 500 feet. Reference is also made to the drilling of over 23,000 feet of drainage and sand-fill holes, ranging up to 7% inches in diameter, with smaller underground rotary drill equipment.Finally, a look into the future indicates the need for further improvements in equipment design to permit economic boring of 7- to 8-foot-diameter raises in Sudbury Area ground types."

Jan 1, 1972

By E. J. Wade

The general location, climatic conditions and access of the Tasu mine are covered briefly, with comments on the Jack of conventional transportation and communication facilities. The Haïda story of Tasu and early at-tempts at production are presented, together with a discussion of the government legislation which throttled exploration and production in the late fifties. General and specific details of local geology, mineralogy and current ore reserves are also covered.

Jan 1, 1968

By N. Hosking, M. Nichols

Aluminum alloys are increasingly used for automotive body construction but are susceptible to filiform corrosion or paint blistering in service. Filiform corrosion resistance of two 6000-series aluminum alloys was investigated in this work. Test panels were produced with full automotive coating layers and scribed parallel and perpendicular to the rolling direction. The corrosion exposure comprised an inoculation step with acidified salt solution followed by a 6-week exposure period at 95% relative humidity and either 25°C or 70°C. Greatest corrosion activity was measured on the alloy with higher copper content, AA6111. Higher temperature exposure led to greatly enhanced corrosion activity for AA6111 compared to the lower temperature exposure. The 70°C exposure also led to greater mean corrosion-affected area measurements for the low copper aluminum alloy, AA6022, but the effect was not as stark as that observed for AA6111. Rolling direction affected the propagation direction, and possibly mechanism, of the corrosion effects. Cross-sectional analysis revealed dense corrosion products within the filament, comprising mostly aluminum and oxygen but with traces of chloride and sulphate. Development of varying filament and blister types on a single test panel and the progression of corrosion underneath a filament into the substrate indicate that several corrosion mechanisms can develop on the test panel, testament to the complexity of the corroding surface developed on an aluminum automotive body panel.

Jan 1, 2015

By Wm. Snow, J. R. Wallace, E. P. Duchemin

"GeneralA NOT INCONSIDERABLE proportion of the Canadian economy is dependent on the coal mining industry. This is particularly true of the eastern portion of Canada and especially so of the ( authors') province of Nova Scotia. Much has been said about the trying economic straits of the coal industry in Nova Scotia ( 1), faced, as it is, with difficult mining problems, with considerable distance from large markets, and with •competition from other (and usually foreign) fuels. It is of particular interest, at this time, therefore, to discuss one of the larger outlets for coal -that of the production of metallurgical coke.Scope of PaperWhile the title of this paper indicates that it deals with Metallurgical Coke in Canada, the authors beg leave to treat the Canadian industry very briefly and to deal specifically with coal, •coke, and smelting problems with which they are familiar, namely, the operation of the Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation in the Sydney, N.S., area. No mention is made of metallurgical coke for use in the •many foundries in Canada or in the non-ferrons metallurgical industries.Coal and Coke StatisticsA few statistics of the total output of .Canadian coal, production of metallurgical coke, and similar figures for the Dosco holdings (Sydney area only) are shown in Table I."

Jan 1, 1955

By F J. Pearce

The Steel Company of Canada, utilizing the S-L process, has produced partially and highly reduced pellets for use in the blast furnace. Experimental blast furnace tests, using reduced pellet burdens, have been carried out. The changes in production rate, fuel rate and general performance of both the S-L and the blast furnace processes are indicated. Introduction T HE ore burdens for a blast furnace may be improved in two ways: chemically, by concentrating the ore to a high degree of purity; and physically, by agglomerating or closely sizing the ore particles. Today, many b1ast furnaces are charged with closely sized agglomerates, some of which contain upwards of 66 per cent iron. The further improvement of these burdens by chemical concentration may, in many instances, be uneconomic due to the large losses of iron that occur during processing. Assuming that it would be possible to reject all of the gangue minerals, the maximum level of concentration of iron in the hematitic ores would be only about 70 per cent.

Jan 1, 1964