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By E. G. Baltuch

Natural Ventilation in mining and metallurgical processing applications is key to proper operation function. There are number of ventilator designs available to a project team or design engineers, the selection of which will affect both the type of building structure required, project costs and design performance which is difficult to rectify or re-engineer once implemented. Research and applied results, such as that performed by Air-Therm Inc., demonstrates that computational fluid dynamic simulation allows for 5 dimensional observation, analysis and optimization at significantly lowered cost than previously possible. These results have been fully implemented on a number of mining and metallurgical applications and the company continues to study, optimize and innovate as new tools become available to provide the best possible engineered solutions for particular applications.

Aug 1, 2013

The reliability of mining systems is generally low due to their harsh working conditions. Currently, efforts for improving mining system reliability are often made in isolation. This practice could substantially limit the effectiveness of the efforts on overall reliability improvement of the mining system. To enhance the overall reliability of mining systems, an integrated improvement approach is necessary. In this paper, we developed a framework for integrated mining system reliability improvement to address this issue. In this framework, there are five major components including data integration, business process integration, hardware integration, software integration, and analysis/decision integration, but we only focus on the integrated reliability analysis which is important to the analysis/decision integration. The reliability analysis considers the interactions between machines, and the impacts of design, operation, maintenance, automation and working environment on the overall system reliability. These multiple interactions present a big challenge to accurate reliability prediction. In this paper, we for the first time systematically investigated integrated reliability analysis approaches for dealing with this challenge using novel models and methods, including covariate hazard models, intelligent reliability prediction approach, and complex system modeling methods. While these models and methods have found some successful applications in other industries, they in general have not been effectively used for the reliability analysis of mining systems. Our study results show that the system integration approach is applicable to mining systems and can be used for developing a computer aided integration system for the implementation of the integrated reliability improvement approach.

Aug 1, 2013

By 000-900-009-492

The flotation has been and is still the most widely used mineral concentration method. Because of its complexity, the flotation process required the development of robust control strategies which was facilitated by the introduction of on-line sensing instruments such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF) on stream analyzer (OSA), gamma density gauges and electromagnetic flowmeters. The interest in developing control strategies has persisted because the benefits to be gained in terms of improved metallurgical performance are substantial. As the flotation control becomes more and more difficult due to the emergence of low grade and complex ore cases, other control strategies have to be introduced. Froth based control is one of the emerging useful control strategy This paper will focus on the state of the art in the on-line froth characterization as obtained by numerical image analysis. The technology of machine vision provides a novel solution to several of the problems encountered in conventional flotation systems for monitoring and control, and constitutes a powerful tool for the investigation and interpretation of the effect of various flotation parameters as driven for the froth phases. Copyright @2001CIM

May 1, 2001

By A. Zangooi, J. A. Finch

Flotation is a separation process based on the collection of particles on the surface of bubbles. Flotation machines disperse air into bubbles using a variety of techniques. The characteristics of the bubble population are strongly affected by the selection of frother type and concentration. As metallurgical results depend on the bubble distribution, the measurement of frother concentration is vital to understand and control performance. A previously developed colorimetric technique was refined to work with low solubility frothers and to increase daily analysis rate. Field-testing demonstrated that the method is robust, reliable and accurate. As well as relating frother concentration to gas dispersion measurements, the results can be used to answer operational questions including: how well a frother dissolves, how reliable and stable frother delivery is, how evenly frother is distributed down a bank, and whether frother distributes between the pulp and froth zones. Some of these points are illustrated from plant experiences. Advances in Mineral Processing Science and Technology Proceedings of the 48th Annual Conference of Metallurgists ofCIM Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Edited by

Jan 1, 2009

By Horst Konig

This paper illustrates that, with the application of new processes, smaller steel plants using local raw materials can be economical and advisable. It also introduces the problems connected with the direct reduction processes, which use non-coking coal or gas as reducing agents, and which are employed in connection with conventional reduction to produce excellent results. Electric smelting is also discussed, and some practical examples of operating plants are given.

Jan 1, 1970

By Peter Bourke, Marc van Olst, Seppo Ronkainen, Natalie Brown

"Since the early days of flotation, process technicians have known that the speed at which the froth is recovered over the lip of the cell has a very direct and consistent influence on the grade and recovery of the circuit. No plant would deny that, even to this day, one of the most important aspects of a process technician’s job is ensuring that the froth is moving at a desired and controlled speed over the lip. Unfortunately, process technicians cannot watch the froth throughout the entire shift, as there are always a lot of other tasks to do.A considerable amount of work has thus been done to develop a “system” that automatically measures the speed of the froth. This measurement would then be used in simple controllers to emulate the steps taken by the process technician in correcting deviations of the froth speed from its desired level. Many of the earlier attempts to measure speed were ineffective, as they were unable to cope with turbulence on the froth surface. The FrothMasterTM instrument makes use of machine vision technologies to measure the speed of the froth over the lip of a cell at a very high sampling rate. This instrument produces an extremely reliable and accurate measurement of the froth speed (as well as other parameters such as bubble size and froth stability). As we will show, the effectiveness of the speed measurement in controlling the performance of the plant is a testimony to its reliability.Three FrothMasterTM units have recently been installed on the Cadia Hills Gold Mine in New South Wales (Australia). The objectives of this installation were:To control the mass-recovery of two Tank Cells in series on the same level where differences in the hydrostatic head between the two cells result in the cells pulling inconsistently with respect to each other.Control of the concentrate grade (%Copper) from the first rougher.Reduction in the frother consumption in the rougher circuit by monitoring the froth speed.A simple controller was designed to react to disturbances in the same way that human operators react. This was done after consultation with the metallurgists and the process technicians at Cadia. The controller had two functions:Stabilisation: The stabilising controller made use of three manipulated variables (level, frother addition rate and aeration rate) to control the froth speed to a setpoint.Optimisation: The optimising controller adjusted the froth speed setpoint based on deviations of the grade (measured in real-time with an OSA) from a setpoint. The plant metallurgist adjusted the grade setpoint based on information about the ore."

Jan 1, 2001

By G. M. Behrend

A group of mining men attending a recent workshop on "Analysis and Control in the Canadian Minerals Industry" issued, among others, the following statement: "Slurry flow measurement is considered to be one of the most inaccurate in the industry. A special program should be launched to encourage development." In response, this paper starts off the program with an investigation of the principles and the conventional practice of slurry flow measurement and identifies weaknesses which cause inaccuracies. Then it follows with descriptions of nonconventional systems in use at various locations and comments on their degree of success. The paper concludes that relatively simple methods, which it describes, can be applied to obtain an accurate slurry flow measurement.

Jan 1, 1973

By W. D. Bonisteel

In 1976, Rio Algom Limited began the expansion of uranium production facilities at Elliot Lake. Quirke Mine was the only property in operation at the time, and plans were made to expand its milling capacity from 4,500 to 7,000 tons of ore per day. Following this expansion, other properties in the area will be reactivated to fulfill long-term contracts for uranium. As part of the expansion program, it was decided that in view of the escalating cost and impending shortage of energy, heat reclaim and conservation would be employed wherever practicable. In general terms, heat reclaim applications fall into three main classifications: ventilation, utility and process. Two of the ventilation applications and one process application will be described in some detail. Several other systems will be presented briefly as a matter of general interest. Some future possibilities will also be mentioned, together with their potential for economical heat recovery.

Jan 1, 1979

By E. M. Watkin

"Although Canada has achieved one of the highest living standards in the world, people and organizations have, over the past decade, begun to question the cost and means of this achievement. Concern has been expressed about the degree of environmental disturbance arising from industrial activities which have greatly contributed to our increased living standards. These industries include hardrock mining, pit and quarry operations, hydro-electric schemes, various agricultural enterprises and urban land developments.In the construction and operation of the above industries many environmental problems arise because the natural vegetative land cover is destroyed or drastically disturbed. Disturbance may occur to such a degree that revegetation is di ffi cult, often it appears impossible. Portions of the environment around such industries remain aesthetically unacceptable and appear to offer little or no potential for future resource use in wildlife, recreation or agriculture.The general public cannot dissociate itself from the activities of the aforementioned industries. It has, over many years, accepted the benefits and conveniences arising from those activities. Despite this, the increasing level of public concern imposes upon industry a need to alleviate or repair past, present and future environmental disturbance. Therefore it is incumbent upon industry to modify present technology or develop new techniques which would allow the disturbed environment to be easily and rapidly repaired."

Jan 1, 1975

By A. G. Roach

HISTORY AND LOCATION SEAL HARBOR GOLD MINES, LIMITED, was incorporated in January, 1934, to take over 116 acres of mining lands in the Stormont gold district, Guysboro county, Nova Scotia. The nearby ten-stamp Mulgrave mill was also purchased, and since that time 974 acres of adjoining properties have been secured from the Government by direct lease. The property is served by a motor road and is about two miles from the village of Goldboro, situated on the shore of Isaac's harbour. The bulk of ?the supplies are brought in by coastal steamer from Halifax, a distance of about 100 miles, since the nearest railway connections are at Antigonish, some 40 miles distant. EARLYY WORK The Seal Harbor properties include the old Partington and Beaver Hat mines. A small tonnage of ore was mined from each and treated on the properties in stamp mills, which were later torn. down . A survey of old records shows that this ore averaged about $8.00 gold per ton. Development work by the present Company was confined to the 100-foot level until February, 1935, but after that rime the incline shaft was deepened to 425 feet and the 300-foot level was explored east and west of the shaft. Six belts of ore were intersected to the west of the shaft. The ore from these belts was hand sorted and the ore portion was put through the 10-stamp Mulgrave mill to defray operating expenses and to serve as a sample of the deposits. The average recovery per ton from this sorted ore was $6.10. Samples of the ore were sent to the testing laboratories of the Mines Branch, at Ottawa, and of Canadian Industries, Limited, at Toronto. Recommendations from both of these authorities were for removal of the coarse gold by concentration and barrel amalgamation, followed by cyanidation of the residue.

Jan 1, 1937

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 Andrukaitis. E.

The increasing use of electronic equipment by the Canadian Forces has increased the importance of electric power. A power source that is packed with energy and yet light, small and durable is the common request of military users. However, this needs to be achieved while also addressing the requirements of safety, reliability and low temperature performance. The potential use of fuel cells in a military environment has become a possibility in several areas in the 21st century. Some examples of power source requirements and the materials related R&D required to give better, higher energy power systems in the future will be discussed.

Jan 1, 2005

By J. -C. Sztuke, M. Cao

ABSTRACT The correlations between froth recovery of coal and air recovery were investigated using a hybrid mechanical flotation column. The particle slurry was fed onto the surface of air-water two phase froths to carry out the tests. Froth recovery was taken as the recovery of particles into the froth product, whereas air recovery was determined by the froth height method. The relationships between froth recovery and air recovery were nearly linear, with greater slopes for more hydrophobic particles. Inside the froth phase, the particles were stratified, with hydrophobic particles concentrated in the upper region and hydrophilic particles in the lower region.

Jan 1, 2013

By Allan A. Este, Bruce Arthur

"Rio Algom's Stanleigh Mine and Mill Operation Was' officially started up in August 1983. In September 1982, Rio Algom contracted Estonix International Inc. from Lively, Ontario, to develop and implement two innovative programs: (1) Work Renovation Planning, and (2) Systems Performance Training. This paper deals with the development and implementation of these two concepts relative to the plants technology from start-up to present and the exceptional results achieved. This paper discusses how a small but motivated workforce resulted in the smooth transition from startup to full production. It also deals with how these concepts were applied elsewhere in the organization which permitted a successful transition and downsizing of the over-all operation.IntroductionRio Algom Limited produces uranium in Elliot Lake, Ontario. In the late 1970s Rio Algom entered a contract with Ontario Hydro to supply uranium from its Stanleigh property, which had been idle since 1960. The mine was subsequently upgraded, and a new modem mill was designed and built, commencing operation in 1983.From then until September 1990,Rio Algom had three producing mines and mills in the Elliot Lake area. Quirke mill, with a capacity of 6350 tonnes per day, operated continuously from 1968. The Panel mill with a 3000 tonnes per day capacity, operated since 1979. Stanleigh mill continues to operate under long-term contracts, although at a production rate about 25070 lower than its rated capacity of 5000 tonnes per day.Both the Quirke and Panel mills, although not entirely similar, were conventional uranium mills utilizing crushing, grinding, leaching and ion exchange. As such, and in keeping with the traditional management style, there was a rather large mill operating workforce, which utilized a line-of-progression job classification system."

Jan 1, 1993

By P. M. Daignault

"Fording Coal Limited is one of Canada's largest producers of metallurgical coal for the export market. Medium- to highvolatile coals are mined at its Fording River operations in southeastern British Columbia. This paper discusses some of the mine design and production related problems encountered, and how they have been resolved. Other aspects of the operation such as geography, geology and standard mining methods employed are also covered.IntroductionFording Coal Limited was formed in 1968 to mine and market metallurgical coal resources held by the company in the East Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia<1>. The company, at its Fording River operations, holds approximately 19,635 hectares of coal lands, having an estimated resource of 3.5 billion tonnes of metallurgical coal. Total reserves are approximately 520 million tonnes.Fording Coal is owned 600Jo by Canadian Pacific Enterprises Limited and 400Jo by Cominco Limited. Cominco itself is owned approximately 540Jo by Canadian Pacific Enterprises. The company, originally staffed and managed by Cominco, has been independent since January 1978, with its own board of directors, management, staff and employees. The head office is in Calgary, Alberta. The Fording River operations are located in British Columbia, approximately 70 km north of the Crowsnest Pass, near the Alberta/ British Columbia boundary, only 150 km by air and 320 km by road from Calgary.A contract was signed in 1969 with the Japanese steel mills to provide 45. 7 million tonnes of metallurgical coal over fifteen years, commencing in 1972, at an annual rate of 3 .05 million tonnes per year. The mine is presently expanding annual production capacity from the original 3.0 million long tons (3.05 million tonnes) to in excess of 5.0 million tonnes.Concurrent with this production expansion, a vigorous marketing effort has diversified Fording's customers to include additional countries in the Pacific Rim area. Three cleaned coal products are now marketed compared to the single ""standard blend"" product originally shipped to satisfy the Japanese contract. The product specifications are listed in Table I."

Jan 1, 1985

By Y. Wang

In this study, homogeneous (unseeded) precipitation of nesquehonite (MgCO3.3H20) by the reaction of MgC12 with (NH4)2CO3 in supersaturated solutions at 30 °C was investigated. Factors which influence the precipitation of MgCO3.3H20, such as initial concentration, temperature, stirring speed, titration speed, equilibration time, have been studied. SEM images show that the initial concentration and titration speed have significant effect on nesquehonite&apos;s crystal morphology and particle size. In addition, stirring speed and equilibration time also have some influence on its properties. With the optimization of operating conditions, the crystals can grow up to a length of about 40µm and a width of 5µm, indicating good filtration properties. High purity nesquehonite obtained in this study was calcined to produce highly pure MgO at 800 °C as shown by XRD results. The novel process may be used to separate Mg and Li from high Mg/Li ratio brines in Qinghai, China.

Jan 1, 2007

By Ed McConaghy, P. LaRochelle

The Ambatovy Nickel Project comprises the development of mine, hydrometallurgical processing facilities and necessary infrastructure in Madagascar, positioning Ambatovy as one of the world’s largest producers of nickel and cobalt from lateritic ore. SNC-Lavalin successfully provided comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management (EPCM) services for this major capital project which, apart from its sheer size, scope, and engineering design, represented significant location, infrastructure, labour, environmental and climatic challenges. Today, the project has reached 90% of its nameplate capacity and is in its final performance optimization stage. This paper will discuss the significant project management effort that was required to successfully address the complexity of this major project. It will cover the main project management control systems and the engineering tools and processes used during the detail engineering, procurement, and construction phases to achieve optimum project execution.

Jan 1, 2015

By J. Güntner

A significant portion of Outotec&apos;s business relates to the application of fluidized bed for processing a wide range of industrial materials, including gold ore and gold concentrate. As part of the former Lurgi and Boliden organization, our division constructed the first industrial reactor for roasting sulphur-bearing materials in 1950, based on the principles of fluidized bed technology. This process, when combined with efficient heat recovery and off-gas treatment and its conversion to sulphuric acid, became the standard for processing sulphur-bearing ores. In the last 60 years we have delivered more than 265 plants and developed (in addition to the standard fluidized bed solution) variants of the fluidization technology, such as the circulating fluidized bed and the bubbling fluidized bed. This paper describes the different options of the fluidized bed technology for gold roasting reflecting on main process design criteria.

Jan 1, 2011

By Rolf A. Knopp

This paper discusses how design differences in FLP diesel equipment in underground coal mines came about. "Design standards" tend to create differences between countries while fostering uniformity among products of competing manufacturers. "Performance requirements," on the other hand, tend to eliminate differences between countries while encouraging competitive development of better products. Examples of regulations from the U.S., Canada. Great Britain. Australia. South Africa, etc., are used to illustrate differences in the design and certification of diesel equipment for underground coal mines.

Jan 1, 1978

By G. E. Viens, R. A. Campbell, G. N. Banks

A survey of the literature reveals wide differences in the procedures used in making iron ore pellets and in the properties of the pellets obtained. In this paper, the methods of production and the properties of pellets, as reported in the literature, are examined in an effort to determine what correlations exist between them. An attempt is also made to determine the levels of the properties of pellets which are considered acceptable and desirable in modern practice. M UCH has been written regarding the important changes which have been taking place recently in the iron ore industry. As the demand for ore has increased and the supply of direct-shipping ore has dwindled, tl1e problems associated with the utilization of lower grade ores ha\•e been intensely investigated and important advances in both beneficiation and agglomeration techniques have taken place. In particular, there has been a great deal of activity in connection with the pelletizing method of agglomeration. The superiority of pellets over raw ore has been demonstrated in blast furnace tests

Jan 1, 1962