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By James E. Rider

"Fractures in mine hoist drumshafts are rare. We know of no previously reported attempts to repair a fractured drumshaft; any feasible method would involve welding and the associated problems of distortion, crack formation and strength.In June 1984, a fracture was discovered in the drumshaft of the production hoist in the Teck Corporation, Lamaque Division Mine at Val d'Or, Quebec. Delivery time on a new shaft would have been at least six months. The shaft was repaired in ten days and the total out -of-service time was four weeks.This paper describes why the shaft failed, how it was repaired, and the special alignment procedures employed during re-installation to minimize stresses in the repaired area.IntroductionThe performance of a mine hoist drumshaft is absolutely critical to mine operation. An inoperable drumshaft means no hoist, which in turn means no production or mine operation.Fractures in mine hoist drumshafts are rare. Previously when they have occurred, no one has seriously considered attempting a repair because of problems involved. Any feasible method would involve welding, which raises several major problems - namely, metallurgical, alignment, and strength.In July 1984 this very situation occurred at the Teck Corporation, Lamaque Division Mine in Val d'Or, Quebec.It was recognized that a new shaft would take at least 6 months' fabrication and delivery time. However, having had some experience at repairing broken shafts in other machines under similarly desperate circumstances, and after due consideration, it was concluded that by applying the correct techniques and engaging the right expertise, it would be possible to perform a repair and have the mine back in operation within a month.Thanks to outstanding efforts by all, the repair was accomplished in ten days and total out-of-service-time was only four weeks. The causes of the failure were determined and the calculated stress levels confirmed by strain gauge measurement during operation.The success of this project was achieved by adhering rigorously to fundamental management and engineering principles."

Jan 1, 1988

By Jorge Lema Patino

"The purpose of this paper is to determine the best techno-economic alternative for the treatment of tin ores, when comparing the various mining and metallurgical methods of preconcentration, concentration, volatilization (fuming) and up to the final stage of selling to the smelter. The study of the influence of the different parameters of cost, recovery and quoted prices has motivated the paper, which aims at determining the best process of ore treatment in terms of its techno-economic feasibility.Method of WorkOn the basis of head grades of 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0% tin, the following alternative methods of treatment are possible:1. Mining-Concentration-Smelting.2. Mining-Preconcentration-Fuming-Smelting.3. Mining-Concentration-Separation, with direct smelting and fuming/smelting of the two fractions produced.The calculations were carried out on the basis of existing information and publications concerning the various experimental recoveries in the operating mills of COMIBOL. In the case of concentrates containing less than 10% or more than 40% tin, extrapolation was required.The final grade of the tin concentrates and the gross weight of the concentrate were calculated on the basis of the estimated recovery curves. The costs of the preconcentration and the concentration stage s were determined per gross metric ton of material treated.The calculation of the cost of the smelting stage is similar for all the alternatives, the royalties and smelting charge varying with the grade of the final concentrate. In the fuming stage, a uniform recovery of 90% was taken in all cases so as to obtain a final concentrate grade of 65% tin, regardless of the head grade of the feed material.For the separation stage, the following considerations apply:a) Separation can be carried out by gravity separation or flotation methods.b) The cost of separation varies depending on the system used.c) The distribution of tin in the two fractions is 100% at this stage. In other words, there is no loss of tin during separation."

Jan 1, 1982

By P. A. Verhey

"This paper describes a series of wear-resistant ceramic materials which have been successfully used in the mineral processing industry in Canada. Applications include use with metallic ores, coal, potash and asbestos, and in other processes where wear degradation is of major concern. The paper will also deal with considerations involving the selection of the different ceramic materials available. It will cover the installation of ceramic materials on support structures under varying process ' conditions, as well as the other physical and chemical factors which have to be taken into account.IntroductionIn the mineral processing industry, large volumes of ores tailings and other materials are handled. The abrasive nature of most of these materials results in extensive wear to both handling and processing equipment.Wear ratios versus cost, production losses due to down time and wear-resistant material suitability for a given application all demand particular attention when viewed against the need for increased efficiencies in existing processes. As a consequence, a very active continuous search for materials with improved wear resistance has been carried out for many years.In this search, starting about 20 years ago, dense ceramic materials were tested and evaluated in certain applications, notably in the iron ore and asbestos operations in Eastern Canada. As a result of substantially better performance both in continuous extended life and ultimate economics realized , wear-resistant ceramic applications developed progressively in many other processing applications, replacing traditionally used materials.In the vast majority of wear-resistant ceramic applications, considerable extended life over previously used materials was established. This invariably was not just a fractional increase but, in most cases , in factors of double, triple and often all the way up to 18 and 20 times the life of alternative materials used previously. In certain applications, extended life could not be measured and appears to be indefinite.Obviously, as a result of such experiences, the progressively wider use of wear-resistant ceramic materials is now an established trend."

Jan 1, 1981

By Thomas J. Ferree

"There has been a major evolution of mineral processing technology in the past decade. The evolution has been driven by recognition of broad environmental changes which have impacted various areas of the world. Numerous government regulations have required many mining and mineral processing organizations to introduce changes to reduce the undesirable effects on the environment; many mining companies have voluntarily introduced new technologies and practices which surpass the limits imposed by the regulations. Surprisingly, some of the 'new' technologies are modifications of concepts developed decades earlier. Gravity separation technology is in this category.Mineral Deposits Limited, an Australian company, has been a world leader in the development of mining concepts, reclamation practices and equipment technology that is environmentally suited to today's requirements. This paper relates to equipment used for gravity concentration and electrostatic separation systems, including Reichert cones, spirals, and electrostatic separators. The basic devices and technologies were developed more than forty-five years ago, but use of the systems was quite limited until environmental and conservation practices were recognized and introduced. Spiral concentrators, for example, were patented in the mid-l940s by I.B. Humphreys in Denver , Colorado. The two types of spirals marketed (the Model 24A for minerals and the Model 24C for coal) remained essentially unchanged until expiration of the patents. During this early period most spirals were used in iron-ore wash plants on the Mesabi Range to recover fine iron which previously had been discarded. About the same time sand mining plants in Florida incorporated spirals to recover titanium minerals and zircon from lowgrade beach sands. The Labrador Trough opened new opportunities for spirals when hard-rock iron-ore deposits were developed; approximately 10 000 Model 24A Humphreys spirals were installed between 1958 and 1966. About 5000 spirals of this model are still operating in the same capacity, in spite of the fact that extensive improvements have since been made in gravity separation technology."

Jan 1, 1993

By M. Lytle

"The Corbin area of southeastern British Columbia has been a coal mining area since 1908. Byron Creek Collieries Ltd. Has operated its Coal Mountain Mine in this area from 1974 until the present. In February 1981, this company was purchased by Esso Resources Canada Ltd.Coal Mountain is structurally complex and standard computer algorithms are not applicable to model the overturned synclinal structures and faulted bedding surfaces. This paper discusses two approaches used by Esso Resources staff to model the geology of Coal Mountain.The first approach projects digitized cross-section data along trend to develop a large data base which correctly approximates the shape of the structure. The spatial orientation of the structure is corrected by merging the generated data set with drill-hole data. The second approach uses digitized cross-section and bench-plan geology to generate a block model of the coal reserve.HistoryThe Coal Mountain Mine, also known as the Corbin Mine of Byron Creek Collieries Ltd. is located 24 kilometres south of Highway 3 in southeastern B.C.In 1905, two American businessmen recognized the coal potential of the area during a horseback tour. The two businessmen, D.C. Corbin and E.J. Roberts, formed the Corbin Coal and Coke Co. to mine and market coal from their newly acquired 6075 hectares of coal licenses. By 1908, the town of Corbin was under construction, a 22.4-km rail spur was constructed from the mine to the main CPR line and the first underground mine began to produce coal. An open-pit operation was also developed at the 1828-metre elevation using a steam shovel loading into rail cars. The company operated continuously until 1935, when a lengthy strike forced suspension of operations.In 1943, the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company Ltd. (now known as Cominco Ltd.) operated two surface mines to produce coal for its smelters at Kimberley and Trail, B.C. This operation ceased in 1948."

Jan 1, 1982

By A. Lawson

"Continued and expanded use of underground diesel-powered equipment is considered desirable in order to achieve necessary production capability, particularly when coal becomes increasingly in demand as an energy source. Although diesel engines are derated for underground use, concern has been expressed in many quarters regarding the health effects of worker exposure to diesel-generated particulate and NOx emissions. This concern will increase as Canadian diesel fuel quality becomes heavier and with higher sulphur content. This could result in a requirement to increase ventilation rates by 50%.This paper describes the results of studies of various approaches designed to reduce diesel emissions. Two major approaches have been followed: fuel modification, and emission control hardware development. The results of progress in the development of these approaches will be described.Fuel modification includes the application of water/diesel and methanol/diesel fuel emulsions to the engine. Details of the techniques employed in this approach will be described, together with the effects on diesel emissions. (The paper is concerned with the emission aspects only, not the possible major engine modifications and/ or substitute materials of construction for 100070 methanol.) Use of methanol has the added advantage of acting as a diesel fuel substitute and extender, and there are expectations that underground diesel engines could eventually operate on close to 100% methanol fuel, thereby eliminating particulate emissions. The results of emission control hardware development will also be presented and will include the effects of catalysts, water scrubbers, exhaust filters and exhaust gas recirculation techniques on emissions. A combined systems approach employing a number of these components appears to be the most viable method of controlling the complete array of diesel emissions.This work should culminate in a better understanding of the costs involved in employing fuel modification or emission control hardware relative to the costs of increased ventilation which mpy be necessary to maintain a safe working environment for the underground worker."

Jan 1, 1981

By Ludwig Strah

"The paper outlines the history of rubber mill liners beginning with the awarding of the first North American patent rights in 1923. It includes the early-day applications and installations of the 1920s and 1930s through to their present-day application. Over-all rubber mill liner design is discussed in relation to present day installations employing rubber mill liners in various grinding applications. A brief overview is given of a manufacturer's procedures to produce rubber mill liners.IntroductionIn early 1910, it became apparent that the productive life of the silver mines in Cobalt, Ontario, could be substantially prolonged by mining lower-grade ores.The mining of lower-grade ores required the establishment of treatment facilities which initially employed jaw crushers, stamp mills, jigs and concentrating tables. The recovery of silver in other than a coarse metallic form required the additional step which was introduced at that time: the cyanidation of silver concentrates from the tables. The resultant requirement for increased and improved recovery led to the introduction of grinding mills, i.e. tube mills.Shortly after the introduction of the tube mills to the Nipissing Mine's mill in 1914, the idea of using rubber as a mill liner material was spawned. However, no action was taken due to the advent of World War I. It is interesting to note that the idea of rubber mill liners emanated from having used pieces of solid rubber tire as an emergency repair on a set of liners when a liner had broken and no immediately available spare was on site.The credit for this ingenuity and subsequent application for a patent on rubber mill liners falls to James John Denny, the mill superintendent, and Rolla Barnum Watson, the general manager of Coniagas Mines Limited. The patent application was formally made on December 3, 1921. The U.S. Patent Office issued Patent No. 1,470,597 on October 16, 1923."

Jan 1, 1982

By Bern Klein, A. Tugba Cebeci, Libin Tong

"Sensor based sorting faces two main challenges related to limited capacity/throughput and the ability of sensors to accurately discriminate based on estimated grades. This paper is aimed at improving sensor discrimination. Sensors have the ability to measure more than a single response. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can detect and provide concentration information about a range of elements. Similarly, electromagnetic sensors (EMs) can generate magnetic susceptibility and conductivity responses over a range of frequency levels. The sensors thereby provide a response signature rather than a simply a single response that is a proxy for a metal grade. Furthermore, integrating sensor responses can improve the discrimination of metal bearing rock from waste. A study was conducted on a gold ore to assess sortability using XRF and EM sensors. A multi-variable regression approach was used to develop models that included a range of responses. Correlations improved significantly when compared to single response correlations. The approach showed that both positive and negative correlations contributed to the improved correlations. Stepwise regression simplified the models and showed that 2nd order interaction effects can be important. The approach also showed that combining different responses can improve discrimination accuracy. An important outcome of the study was that an ore that had been consider not to be sortable was determined to be sortable through the application of an approach that used the sensor responses in a more intelligent manner.INTRODUCTIONMining is aimed at recovering valuable minerals from their host rocks. Many methods are used to recover valuable minerals, and finding efficient and cost-effective ways is the key in research and production. . Ore sorting technology is fitting this definition. It not only discards waste rocks away from the concentrator but also recovers metal bearing ore particles that could be lost to the waste dump. The benefits of ore sorting include increased energy efficiency and reduced water and reagent usage in the downstream operations (Bamber, 2008; Gunson, Klein, Veiga, & Dunbar, 2012; Mazhary & Klein, 2015; Robben, Wotruba, Robben, von Ketelhodt, & Kowalzcyk, 2013)."

Jan 1, 2016

By Neil Schofield

"The estimation of recoverable ore reserves for feasibility in precious metal deposits such as Pine Creek must account not only f or the extreme variability of the ore grade but also for the complexity of the geology. Compatible models f or both must be adopted. Further, very selective mining demands reserve estimates be based on small selection units whose individual grades cannot be estimated reliably from the exploration drilling data.Multigaussian kriging is one method based on a multivariate normal model for estimating recoverable reserves under such conditions. In this paper, a non-mathematical description of the multigaussian model is presented together with its application to the Pine Creek Gold Deposit. The results, when compared to the first year of production, are encouraging for the model but not without surprises.Together, Part 1 and Part 2 of this study combine a detailed and geologically conditioned variogram analysis with an appropriate estimation method for a highly variable low-grade gold deposit. This and other studies of gold deposits familiar to the author show convincingly both that while the appropriate geostatistical skills and techniques are necessary to tackle the question of reserves, equally important but often discounted is the need for an appropriate and compatible geological model. IntroductionThe Pine Creek gold mineralization is associated with saddle reefs, and quartz and quartz- sulphide veining within the Enterprise Anti cline. The anticlinal structure is complex and, prior to mining, the mineralization was considered to be mainly strata controlled. Grades vary up to 160 grams in l .5rn core samples with coefficients of variation in excess of three.The estimation of the recoverable reserves for such a depo sit must account for both the geological complexity and the extreme variability of the gold grade.Part 1 of this work presented the geological model for the deposit and summary statistics 0 f the gold data. A detailed structural and variogram analysis considered both gold grades and the normal score (or gaussian transform) of these gold grades for different composite sizes."

Jan 1, 1988

By Jacque Turgeon, Gontran Foy

"The Mineral Research Centre of the Quebec Department of Energy and Resources has worked extensively on the development of a dry process to extract pure mica flakes from a phlogopite ore. The liberation of mica from the gangue is effected basically by impact crushing, and the ground ore is screened into several fractions, each having a fairly narrow range of grain size. Each sized fraction is then fed to an air separator where heavy grains are separated from light flaky grains. Heavy fractions are returned to hammer mills where gangue minerals are ground finer and blocky mica particles are exfoliated. A second stage of screening is performed and each fraction is sent to an air separator. This sequence is repeated until mica products are virtually free of gangue. These different fractions are then treated in a cage mill in which mica flakes undergo a more orderly exfoliation along cleavage planes. The ground mica is again submitted to a final screening stage, after which each fraction constitutes a final commercial product.This process permits the recovery of about 70% of the mica contained in the ore. The over-all process will be described along with technical details of each unit operation. Recent work on a wet grinding method to produce very fine mica will also be discussed.IntroductionRecords of production of mica in Quebec date back to 1886. Production has been more or less continuous since that time, with peak activity during the war years. Production was interrupted in 1966, but started again in 1972 when Marietta Resources and Laviolette Mining and Metallurgical Corporation started their joint operation in Canton Suzor, northwestern Quebec. Mica deposits of more or less importance exist in different parts of Quebec, of which three have attracted attention in recent years: the Canton Suzor deposit, the Canton Lamy deposit and the Canton Chasseur deposit. The Suzor orebody was first identified by Carl Faesler in 1936, who described the rock as ""brown biotite in flakes half an inch in diameter, with interstitial augite, apatite and feldspar""."

Jan 1, 1982

By Törbjorn Naarttijärvi, Bengt Ludvig, Agne Rustan

"Falling rock is one of the major causes of serious injuries and deaths in Swedish mines. The research at the Division of Mining and Underground Construction was therefore directed toward controlled blasting in hard intense jointed rock.The project was started with an extensive literature review. Model tests with a new equivalent model material have been initiated to find ways of improving blasting techniques. The result showed that long cracks arise at the perimeter holes when there is a long time delay between adjacent holes. This led to the theoretical development of a new initiation method with ultra short delays (1,5 ms) f or controlled blasting, called ""Cutblasting"".Full-scale tests have been done at LKAB in Malmberget in hard intense jointed magnetite ore. Four different types of perimeter charges have been tested, namely: tube charges, ANFO mixed with plastic beads, detonating cord and linear shaped charges. Three types of initiation of the perimeter holes have been used, conventional (half-second delay detonators), instantaneous and ultra short ""cutblasting initiation"" (1,5 ms delay). The change in rock strength before and after blasting has been studied with bore hole periscope, vibration measurement and ocular observation of the rock surfaces.Thefull-scale tests showed that ""cutblasting"" with detonating cord in the perimeter holes gave the smallest damage to the surrounding rock. A combination of cutblasting initiation and tube charges are anticipated to give an even better result. A new method of controlled blasting using linear-shaped charges has also been tested, however, this charge type needs further development.The full- scale test also showed that the damage which can be seen on the rock surf ace is about the same for different controlled blasting methods but the not-visual-damage zone varies as much as from 0,1 to 0,7 m.A new classification system for controlled blasting regarding the damage to the surrounding rock has been devised."

Jan 1, 1985

By G. Macfarlane

"In 1985, a crushing plant, located in the feed preparation area of Kidd Creek's copper smelter, was modified. The plant, which originally had treated only copper-bearing materials for the smeller, at a rate of 10 tonnes per hour, was expanded to 40 tonnes per hour capacity and modified to treat silica ores to meet the smelter’s flux requirement and also gold ores from the company's Hoyle Pond property. In the storage area adjacent to the crushing plant a 300 tonne per day gold mill was constructed.This paper outlines the construction and first year of operation of the crushing plant and gold mill with emphasis placed on the capital and operating advantages to be gained by utilizing an existing metallurgical infrastructure.IntroductionThe Kidd Creek Mines Ltd. copper-zinc-silver orebody is located 24 km north of Timmins, in Northern Ontario . Mining of this massive sulphide de posit commenced in 1966 and, in the ensuing years, a concentrator and zinc plant were constructed at the metallurgical complex, approximately 17 km by rail from the mine site . At this same site, in 1981, a copper smelter and refinery were commissioned. The smelter which utilizes the Mitsubishi smelting process for the continuous production of blister copper from copper concentrate, has been comprehensively described in previous papers.At the time of the smelter construction, a small (10 tonnes per hour) crushing plant was installed in the smelter's feed preparation area. This plant was used to treat the copper-bearing revert material produced by the smelter, and, apart from periods when slags and matte were produced through furnace drainage at the end of each operating campaign, it was generally under-utilized. This fact, together with the requirement to devise a more cost effective method of providing silica flux for the smelting operation, was the basic rationale for modifying and expanding and crushing plan t. At the same time, development at Kidd's Hoyle Pond orebody had progressed to such a stage that a gold mill of 300 tonnes per day was warranted."

Jan 1, 1988

By A. McLean, D. K. A Donyina, R. S. Segsworth

"Various aspects of processing ferro-manganese fines generated during the crushing of standard ferro-manganese have been studied in laboratory-scaleplasma furnaces. These laboratory furnaces are based on the use of conventional graphite electrodes rather than water-cooled non-consumable torch devices. The reactor system has separate, distinct zones for pre-healing, melting and smelting. This unique feature assists in the removal of undesirable elements from the molten alloy. Ferro-manganese alloys containing over 82% manganese, 0.004% sulphur, less than 0.01% silicon, 0.006% nitrogen, 0.001% oxygen and 0.0006% hydrogen have been produced from the offgrade ferro-manganese fines.IntroductionThe major application of manganese is as an alloying additive to numerous metals such as steel, aluminum, copper and magnesium. Manganese is mainly consumed in the ferrous industry in the form of ferro-manganese and silicon-manganese, or in its pure state as electrolytic manganese when certain impurities inherent in the manufacture of ferro-manganese and silicon-manganese alloys must be avoided. Before being sold on the market, ferro-manganese is crushed and during this process alloy fines are generated. Due to the nature of the casting process, the fines produced are contaminated with silica sand. In addition, due to segregation effect s, the pho sphorus content of the alloy fines is higher than that found in the bulk of the material produced. Because of the smaller particle size and the higher impurity content, there is only a limited market available for the alloy fines. For this reason, there has been increasing attention directed toward the development of processes for recycling fines through the conventional smelting furnaces. The fines may be charged to the furnace either directly or after agglomeration. The detrimental effects of charging the fines directly include:(1) decrease in gas permeability, causing irregular gas flow;(2) increase in the amount of dust produced;(3) packing and bridging; and(4) intensive reactions due to sudden flow in hot zones."

Jan 1, 1982

By R. W. Boyle, W. Dyck

"Scientists throughout the world have observed radioactive disequilibrium in the uranium decay series. Radiometric and fluorometric determinations of U in plants from the Goldfields district and in sediments and rocks from the Beaverlodge district exhibit marked radioactive disequilibrium. The eU/U ratio in plants rooted in mineralized ground shifts from greater than unity to less than unity for those rooted in background soils. A similar shift is observed in the transition from rocks to stream sediments and to lake sediments in the Beaverlodge district.Results of a Rn-Ra-U survey of lake bottoms in the Key Lake district show that anomalous hydromorphic U from U mineralization is parallelled by anomalous Rn, even though there is much less Ra in the lake-bottom sediments than one would expect from the amount of U present. IntroductionDisequilibrium in the U decay series has been studied for many years and is observed in almost all surficial environments. Rosholt (1959) measured U, 234Pa, 23O'fh, 226Ra, 222Rn, and 210Pb in a large number of U ores and outlined six types of situations to explain disequilibrium. Davy (1974) outlines the geological significance of radioactive disequilibrium situations with respect to exploration. Levinson and Coetzee (1978) discuss possible mechanisms by which separations of parent and daughter elements are affected and suggest analytical pitfalls that may be encountered in the use of radiometric techniques when disequilibrium has occurred. Generally, it is the oxyphile and easily complexed parent 238U (with its associated isotopes 235 U and 234U) that is leached from rocks and soils at a faster rate than are the daughters, 230Th, 226Ra, 2loPb, and 206Pb. This mobilized U is adsorbed on sediments in streams and lakes, or enters groundwaters, where it is eventually precipitated under reducing conditions, occasionally in oregrade concentrations. This surface leaching and"

Jan 1, 1980

By Sabine Noelte, Mikko Petteri Rantamäki, Christopher Robben, Anssi Takala, Karl-Erik Rånman

"Sensor-based ore sorting is on its way to establish as a standard option for physical separation. The increasing number of installations in coal, iron ore, industrial minerals and hard-rock metal mining segments underlines the technological and financial potential that is beginning to be untapped. The Ma’aden Phosphate installation with 1.650 t/h sensor-based ore sorter feed sets a new benchmark for the possible capacity of stationary installations. Besides stationary installations, including multiple sorters parallel in different size ranges and multiple stages, containerised semi-mobile plants are applied. These offer two advantages, first being the reduction of transport costs when applied close to the mining face. The second is that semi-mobile systems enable processing of tens of thousands of tonnes of ore in a piloting phase with an approximate duration of 0.5 to six months, verifying the results laboratory mini-bulk tests on 5–10 tonnes of sample. This is especially important for low-grade metal ores because of the inherent Fundamental Sampling Error, as well as the Grouping and Segregation Error. The paper elaborates the results achieved within the I2MINE project, treating polymetallic ore at the Boliden Concentrator in Sweden.INTRODUCTIONSensor-based ore sorting (SBS) is becoming a standard option for physical separation, applied in all segments of mineral production. The Umm Wu’al project sets the bar for stationary SBS installations with 1,650 t/h feed (TOMRA, 2015). TOMRA Sorting Solutions has finalised an agreement in cooperation with Outotec to supply Outotec-branded sorting solutions for the mining and metallurgical industry (TOMRA, 2014). Especially for low-grade hard rock metal ores, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary applying experts for all aspects of mineral production. Due to the impact on the whole process stream, it is important on the end user side to have high level managerial support and involve all disciplines to ensure that all stake holders are involved in the analysis."

Jan 1, 2016

By G. R. Tostengard

"The paper identifies functional areas which frequently can yield significant productivity improvement. Emphasis is placed on the repair and maintenance, material supply and training functions. Successful approaches are discussed in some detail, and typical results which have been achieved are reviewed.IntroductionA challenge which at all times confronts the manager o f any mineral operation is the potential to improve his operation no matter how effective it might be a t the present time. The challenge has been present through my entire lifetime and I suspect a good many years prior to that and, I expect, will continue many year s and decades in the future. The competitive and economic situation in which we in the minerals industry find ourselves today makes the challenge eve n more important during the 1980s. In many cases it’s a question of survival, not simply pr of it improvement.There are, of course, many avenues to improving profitability; technological changes, new equipment and facilities, improved products, improved mine plans, etc. All of these are important and must be addressed by each manager. This paper focusses on just one avenue to improvement and that is ""improved management"", not so much of management at the boardroom level but of improved management o f the facilities and workforce as the y currently exist. Management implies control. There are three areas where control is often found lacking:1, Repair and maintenance of equipment and facilities;2. Material supply including procurement, inventory control and warehousing; and3. Training.These three areas are all complex and difficult to manage and they are all but ignored in the formal education which our industry's manager s normally receive. They are areas which can be improved with relatively small investments and therefore, they represent especially attractive improvement targets during the 80s when, for most of us, investment dollars are very difficult to come by."

Jan 1, 1983

By James H. Savory

"In recent years, there has become a growing interest toward a better understanding of balance rope behaviour. With this in mind, the auth or will present a comprehensive summary of field experience, as well as conclusions. In presenting this overview, it is the intent to stimulate further interest as well as provide a framework from which further in-depth investigation can be initiated.Topics which will be covered include rope cores, lubrication practices, loop dividers, rope failures, etc.IntroductionThe first friction hoist was designed in Belgium in J862 by Lemielle. However, it was not until 1877 when Carl Frederich Koepe installed a friction winder sheave at the Hanover Colliery in Germany, that the design was given serious consideration. The winder consisted of a motor-powered sheave over which a single rope was installed, and the end s attached to two conveyance s. Beneath the conveyances a rope was connected, designed to reduce the chance of slip. This was the first balance rope.This earl y mod el is a far cry from the modern tower or ground mounted Koepe winders employed throughout the mining industry today. There have been vast improvements in all aspects of the Koepe winders. One such improvement is in the balance ropes used. This particular area will be concentrated on, with emphasis on selection, maintenance and field experience.SelectionThe sale purpose o f a balance rope is to counter the head rope weight. Obviously then, in selection o f balance ropes, weight is of primary concern. Usually the head and balance ropes are equal in weight. However, sometimes balance ropes which are 5 to 10070 heavier than the head ropes are employed. These reduce horsepower demands during peak acceleration periods, and assist in overcoming inertia during retardation periods. As well, it is sometimes preferred to reduce the balance rope weight, in order to compensate for the eventual weight buildup of lubricant, dirt and debris."

Jan 1, 1983

By D. S. Rogers

"Throughout the history of mining at the Dome, gold has been found in a number of different rock types and in association with a number of different structural settings. Diamond drilling plays an important role in the evaluation of the stratigraphic and structural features which control ore deposition. The main function of diamond drilling is to locate favourable areas of mineralization.To date, over 20,000 diamond drill holes have been drilled from combined surface and underground programs. Needless to say, a great many significant intersections, carrying a wide range of gold values, have resulted from the total of over 756 miles of drill cores which these programs have produced.However, the term ""significant"" takes on new meaning in light of the experience of diamond drilling in a number of ore-type situations at the Dome Mine. Drilling through individual ore veins, such as the Fuchsite Vein or the Quartz-Tourmaline Vein, often intersect the vein structure; however, assays from the veins frequently fail to yield any ore grades. Similarly, drill cores through stringer-type occurrences such as dacite or conglomerate, when assayed, fail to indicate the true size or grade of the orebody ultimately mined.IntroductionOver the years, those who explore for gold and those who have the slightly less fickle task of actually mining gold have shared a common dilemma. That dilemma lies in the failure to relate the results of diamond drill information to a positive ore situation, or ultimately to reconcile ""diamond drill indicated ore"" to actual ore reserve tonnages.Drawing on the knowledge of more than 72 years of mining history at the Dome operation in the famous Porcupine Camp, this paper will review a number of drift and stope situations in which the grades of the ore material extracted will be compared with the anticipated grade of that same drift or zone as calculated solely on the basis of diamond drill assays."

Jan 1, 1982

By Rory S. McLaren

"Cost per ton as it relates to mobile underground vehicle maintenance and repair is invariably astronomical. The reason: the mechanic replaced a ten micron filter with a 250 micron filter because it appeared to be physically identical; the purchasing agent bought ""Brand X's"" filter because it was 25% cheaper- the result, a filter life 30% less; the hydraulic pump was sent for repair at a cost of $2000.00 and failed shortly after installation; pumps are failing because there is no testing equipment available in the workshop.This paper will identify a number of the common pitfalls resulting in high costs, and offer solutions to bring these costs to within acceptable limits.The following key issues will be discussed:A. Genuine parts replacement versus ""Brand X""B. Evaluating outside repair shopsC. The influence of environmental conditions on optional equipmentD. Personnel trainingE. Servicing and testing equipmentIntroductionThere is an old English aphorism, ""Look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves"".This paper is aimed at the pennies.Genuine Parts Replacement versus ""Brand X""High interest rates and floundering mineral prices are forcing many equipment owners and operators to purchase ""Brand X"" or ""Pirate"" parts in order to survive. ""Pirate"" part manufacturers invariably offer lucrative discounts which are most appealing to the average purchasing agent whose responsibility it is to save money. Unfortunately, in most cases, there is a tradeoff involved; when the price drops so does the quality, which can adversely affect owning and operating costs. Unless totally obvious, ""original"" or ""pirate"" part metamorphosis requires scrupulous analysis by competent individuals.Hydrostatic transmissions have been used successfully for many year s in various industries. They found their way into mobile underground loaders in the early seventies and have since become very unpopular in mining circles due to their apparent ""inherent unreliability"" and near ""prohibitive"" repair costs. The big benefit of the hydrostatic transmission is compact component packaging which enables the machine to work in very small headings."

Jan 1, 1983

By G. Wang, L. R. Moore, Y. Xiong, A. Gorken

"Mining is a very water intensive industry. As such, the industry has become dependent on applying alternate sources in efforts to minimize the impact on the locally available fresh water. Sources such as recycled water, sea water, and even acid mine drainage have been applied at some limited applications, while other mines may not even have the option of fresh water available in their region. However, the different sources of water will have varying concentrations and types of soluble salts and suspended solids, which can lead to dramatic differences in mineral processing when comparing these types of waters. Water quality is known to affect bubble generation and strength, mineral surface charge, and even reagent coordination properties. This paper focuses on the exploration of how water quality and soluble salts affect the flotation of iron and titanium containing minerals from feldspar, and the design of flotation collectors for optimal performance in this water.INTRODUCTIONFeldspar is defined as a tectosilicate mineral with the generic structure of MAlxSixO8, where M represents the cation (Celik, 2001). Feldspar is most often found naturally occurring with quartz, iron containing minerals (i.e mica), and titanium containing minerals (i.e. rutile). The alumina component of feldspar is of interest to glass making, while the alkali metal component is of interest to ceramics (Vidyadhar, 2002). In glass making, the alumina is known to improve product hardness, durability, and resistance to chemical corrosion. In ceramics, the alkalis act as a flux; a flux lowers the melting temperature of the mineral mixture, and assists in connecting the other components present in ceramics. Quartz is stated as having a negative effect on the melting point of the feldspar. Although quartz is typically not removed during the feldspar applications in the glass industry, it needs to be reduced for the ceramics industry. Iron and titanium based minerals are known to have negative effects on color and quality of the products in both glass and ceramics. Thus, these “contaminants” must be reduced to a certain product specification via feldspar beneficiation (Table 1)."

Jan 1, 2016