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By J. Ander

About fifteen years age some mines in western Canada commenced using Diesel engines, partly for development work but also for operations on quite a large scale. In the Eastern mining field, the Diesel engine made its appearance some eight years ago and has since, at quite a number of mining plants, proved to be a reliable and economical prime mover. As a result, it is today used more extensively than could have been foreseen only a few years ago, and it is reasonably safe to predict that the next few years will see the Diesel engine utilized to a still greater extent in the Canadian mining industry. It is not much more than thirty years since the first Diesel engine was put in operation. During the early years of this century, the Diesel engine took, so to say, its first faltering steps in public service. Since then it has reached a high state of perfection, and its importance has grown in a most remarkable way, until today it is used in practically every field where power is required. It is slowly but surely superceding steam for a great many purposes, as, for instance, for ship propulsion. While in 1921 only about 8 per cent of all tonnage launched was motor-driven, the proportion had grown to 38 per cent in 1927, and for 1929 it was slightly over 45 per cent. Some of the finest passenger liners afloat are Diesel-driven. In the early days, Diesel engines were built only in comparatively small units. Today engines with a capacity per unit of up to 10,000 horsepower, or even more, are being built for marine and stationary purposes.

Jan 1, 1930

By Richard D. Moffett

The MineSight® Implicit Modeler arms geologists, engineers and surveyors with a better approach to 3D modeling. Use the tool to quickly retrieve a 3D wireframe from drillhole data and onscreen interpretation. Generate faster and more informed decisions to guide future work and improve reproducibility of results. Implicit Modeling is a mathematical surface fitting method that interpolates points to give a smooth and realistic fit. Control results by mixing planar, sectional and non-orthogonal polygons or polylines, as well as drillhole information to create solids or surfaces. The outcomes are particularly valuable to identify ore body trends, generate 3D contours of drillhole intercepts, or produce cut-off 3D maps. MineSight Implicit Modeler (MSIM) is fully integrated in MineSight?s robust and versatile suite of products, allowing you to interpret, interpolate and calculate while moving between applications. It connects seamlessly with the MineSight Torque SQL database, offering access to extensive filtering options. MSIM makes modeling much faster, allowing geologists more time to analyze data and test theories. The presentation will reveal how MSIM complements MineSight?s geomodeling workflow.

May 1, 2013

By Carol A. Pilon

"IntroductionRECENTLY, the Saskatchewan Research Council (Saskatoon ) marked the completion of one of its coal-related projects with the publication of the Bibliography and Index of Coal in Saskatchewan and Adjoining Provinces and States, hereafter referred to as the Bibliography and Index of Coal. Over a two-year time period, literature was surveyed and indexed and bibliographic data were compiled using a computer-assisted information retrieval system called FAMULUS. The final publication contains 1150 bibliographic references, which are cross-referenced by six indices.The project was initiated in September 1974, in support of Saskatchewan's Coal Resources Evaluation Program , an ongoing research program sponsored by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources (Ottawa) and the Province of Saskatchewan. This program places emphasis on such areas of concern as the occurrence of deposits, chemical and physical properties, calculation of reserves and computer-assisted applications for the evaluation of lignite resources in the Province. Attention is also given to aspects of geophysical exploration, mining conditions and economics, by-products and the transporting of lignite. These are the subject areas .covered by the Bibliography and Index of Coal.The over -all objectives of the literature indexing project may be enumerated as follows: (1) to build a specialized resource library by surveying established public and specialized libraries, and commercial data bases; (2) to enter library data into the FAMULUS information retrieval system, to be used to generate bibliographies and indexes, and to retrieve information by the use of specified searching techniques; (3) to make this library data available to interested persons."

Jan 1, 1977

By Stewart W. Daniel

"Increasing labour costs, the trend to larger mills, the processing of lower grade ores and a diminishing sup-ply of well-trained and experienced mill operators contribute to the necessity of automating a grinding circuit. With sophisticated process control techniques, supervision of the mill line is reduced to an occasional inspection by the shift supervisor. Process operating decisions and/or adjustments are quickly and accurately performed by the electronic devices to be described. When the variables in the grinding circuit are stabilized using the sensors and controllers as discussed, the over-all grinding circuit is maintained at its optimum grinding load level, with ample protection against under-and overloading."

Jan 1, 1967

By Arthur Notman

For the period January 1st, 1942, to January 1st, 1946, the American Bureau of Metal Statistics records the gold production of the world as 118,788,000 fine ounces. If we include 1946 at the same rate as 1945 (26,- 590,000), we arrive at a total of 145,378,000 fine ounces in the past five years . Included in these figures are estimates of Russian output at 4,000,000 ounces per annum for the five years, and 1,300,000 ounces per annum for Korea and Japan. The remaining 120,000,000 ounces represent the aggregate production from official reports of the other gold producing areas of the world, with the exception of the 1946 figures, as noted above. At $35.00 per fine ounce, this represents $5,188,230,000. According to the reports of the Federal Reserve System of the United States, on December 31st, 1941, the monetary gold reserves of the United States were $22,736,- 600,000 (at $35.00 per fine ounce) , while on October 31st, 1946 (latest available) , they had fallen to $20,402,000,000, a decline of $2,334,600,000. Adding this decline to the value of the new production for the five years, we have a total of $7,522,830,000, which has been absorbed by the rest of the world since Pearl Harbour, a rate of absorption of over $1,500,000,000 per annum. This has taken place at a rime when the advocates of purely managed currencies had convinced many people that gold performed no really essential function in the world's economy, and that we could get along perfectly well without it. It was pointed out that gold could not be eaten, it could not clothe our nakedness, it could not shelter us from storms, and, therefore, it was a non-essential, even though it could be used to settle international balances of trade. Apparently, the world as a whole still regards it as preferable to the paper promises of governments, however sound, relatively, they may appear. Actually, we have no way of measuring the true strength of this feeling, because the principal governments of the world have made it legally impossible for their citizens to own gold, except in the form of ornaments.

Jan 1, 1947

By L. O. Cooper

IN THE operation of most mines, hoisting ropes, made of steel, play a very important part in the conveying of men and material between surface and the underground workings. It is obvious that, in order to maintain a maximum degree of safety, certain restrictions must be placed on the loads that may be carried by hoisting ropes, as well as on other factors that may affect the life of the rope. It is the purpose of this paper to suggest ?a new method of defining the necessary restrictions. The three main stresses in a hoisting rope are the static stress, bending stress, and dynamic stress. Crushing stresses, which are also present, are largely indeterminate and may best be allowed for by proper grooving of drum and sheaves, by adequate inspection of cross-over points, and by limiting the number of layers on the drum. They will, therefore, not be considered in this analysis. In the ?recent Ontario regulations, the limiting conditions for the main stresses are specified separately. The static stress is limited by setting a minimum static safety factor of 5.0 The dynamic stresses are allowed for by specifying a minimum capacity factor of 8.5, which has the effect of increasing the safety factor required at smaller depths in a uniform manner. The bending stresses are limited by calling for a drum-dia./rope-dia. ratio of at least 60 for ropes up to 1 inch in diameter and 80 for ropes greater than 1 inch in diameter. One disadvantage of this method is that the controls are too rigid and do not allow the operator sufficient freedom of action within safe limits.

Jan 1, 1951

By Ross D. Lawrence

"IntroductionOne of the methods used when applying the Market Approach to the valuation of a mineral exploration property is known as the Joint Venture Terms Method. The method is particularly useful for the valuation of early-stage exploration properties. Unfortunately, valuators are sometimes imprecise in distinguishing between joint ventures and other types of transactions.At VALMIN '94, Bob Appleyard1 proposed that, if one ignores the time value of money and the probability that the expenditure commitment would be completed, the formula to calculate the value ($V) of a property owned by Party B at the time of the deal would be:$V =$Ex (100-1%)/1% (Formula I)Where $V is the value of the property2Where $E is the expenditure commitment by Party A, andWhere 1% is the percentage property interest to be earned by party A.At PACRIM '99, Mike Lawrence and Graham Dewar3 referred to this method and suggested that there was an ambiguity in the formula proposed by Appleyard in 1994. Mike Lawrence referred to this problem again at VALMIN '014•Lawrence & Dewar suggested that the formulashould be:$V100% =($Ell%) x 100 (Formula 2)Where $V 100% is the value of the entire property,Where $E is the expenditure commitment by Party B, andWhere 1% is the percentage property interest to be earned by Party B.Subsequently, there has been considerable discussion in the AuslMM Bulletin5. In my view, this discussion has touched on a number of useful points, but generally has overlooked one essential element needed for an understanding of the correct application of the N Terms method. That essential element is to understand that there is a material difference between (1) entering into a joint venture arrangement and (2) the purchase of an interest in a property."

Jan 1, 2003

By N. R. Thornton

This paper discusses the rapid growth in the application of instrumentation for metallurgical process control. It covers such methods as ultrasonics, pulp density measurements, on-stream X-ray analysis and reagent control, as well as the expanding use of computer control and data acquisition.

Jan 1, 1971

By G. A. Moruzi

Two sulphide dust secondacy explosions have occurred in the mines of the SUdbury operations of Falconbridge Ltd. during the past 18 months. 'Ihe main similarity between the occurrences is that they both happened in vertical crater retreat blasthole stopes. A relatively high p:,v.tier factor was noted in both instances. other details are enumerated and examined, as well as some results of tests done by Noranda Research on company ore samples.

May 11, 1988

By F. E. Millett

The following notes deal chiefly with changes from steam to electric drives, or, in the case of the Bellevue pumps, from air to electric. Where electric power can be purchased or generated cheaply it can be used to advantage and is generally more economical than steam, especially in places remote from the central power-plant. Nothing could be more simple than the operation of electrical gear. It does not require a competent engineer constantly on the alert, oiling and watching bearings, and maintenance is at a minimum. The ease with which the current is transmitted from its source to where it must do its work is one of its greatest advantages. Transmission losses are very low. Generally speaking, the smaller the plant the lower the loss and 90 per cent, and better, efficiency is easily attained. In and around Bellevue 2300-volt, three-phase, is the standard distributing pressure; our power requirements and the distances transmitted, for the present, do not require more than this. Most of the heavier motors are 2300-volt .machines, which eliminates the cost and possible troubles of step-down transformers, and makes for a cheaper and less bulky motor. This applies to two fan, two hoist, and two compressor motors, the smallest being 75 and the largest 520 horse power. The standard pressure on power lines to all inside pumps is 550 volts, and 220 volts is general for the the tipple. While 110 volts is used for house and office lighting service, it is not economical around and in the mine. No matter what kind of device is used to lock and protect the lamps, they are invariably missing.

Jan 1, 1926

By N. Ginouse, S. Reny

"In the mining industry time is critical as production depends on the speed of the mining cycle. During the mining process, the time required to re-open access for the next phase of an underground heading is a key point that strongly depends on the ability of the selected ground support technique to promptly ensure the safety of workers. Fiber reinforced dry-mix shotcrete has been proven to be an efficient and well adapted technique, able to produce a ground support material with the required energy absorption or flexural toughness in a single application phase. In this context, this paper demonstrates the possibility of significantly speeding up the mining process by using a new fiber reinforced dry-mix shotcrete. The new fiber reinforced dry-mix shotcrete is capable of developing flexural toughness in only 24 hours that is equivalent to what is typically achieved after 28 days using current fiber reinforced drymix shotcrete technology.INTRODUCTIONShotcrete is often used for ground support when using the drill and blast method or other tunnelling methods. But before re-opening access for the next phase of the underground heading, the applied shotcrete is required to reach a minimum compressive strength and in case of fiber reinforced shotcrete, a minimum flexural toughness (energy absorption) in order to ensure the safety of the workers going into the heading. Combined with bolts, the use of conventional fiber reinforced shotcrete becomes an interesting method for ground support as it is applied very soon after excavation and works to stabilize ground movements (Bernard E. S., 2009). In this case, the toughness development of fiber reinforced shotcrete becomes an important feature of the material when looking to speedup the mining cycle. However, early re-entry criteria in underground openings are difficult to ascertain as the load carrying capacity of fiber reinforced shotcrete is usually assessed after 7 or 28 days. For this reason, re-entry criteria varies from one mining area to another and are usually based on compressive strength requirements. For example, in northern Ontario, Canada, one of the current practices in the mining industry consists of allowing safe re-entry once fiber reinforced shotcrete has developed a compressive strength of higher than 4 MPa (Dufour, O’Donnell, & Ballou, 2003). Flexural toughness requirements on fiber reinforced shotcrete are also typically based on evaluation after 28 days."

Jan 1, 2015

By L. M. Lowe, D. B. Chambers, D. G. Feasby

"Potentially economic deposits of rare earth elements (REE) often contain elevated levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), primarily thorium and uranium and their associated radioactive decay products. The concentrations of NORM usually exceed typical background levels of natural radioactivity, sometimes by factors of ten or more, and can be of concern relative to occupational radiation protection and the management and disposal of REE mineral processing and metallurgical wastes. This paper provides a summary of the radiological issues normally encountered in the REE concentrate production industry. In addition to an introduction to background radiation and radioactivity, including the thorium and uranium radioactive decay series, radiation levels expected to be encountered in REE concentrate production are outlined. The occupational, environmental and regulatory aspects of REE production related to NORM, including radiation dose limits, radioactive waste disposal guidelines, and threshold VALUES (for the application of transport regulations, are presented.INTRODUCTIONConcurrent with the increasing demand for new sources of rare earth elements (REE) to meet modern industrial needs, there is also an increasing awareness of the radioactivity associated with the REE ores and resources. This is an especially important consideration in addressing questions from the public and local communities who are often concerned about “radiation” and “radioactivity”. Public concern is heightened by reference to legacy issues that arose during times of less regulatory oversight; as well, the benefits of modern technologies, practices and regulation are overlooked. Such concerns are also often inflamed by unfounded claims by non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). Thus, it is important that all concerned have a full understanding of just what the potential risks from radiation associated with REE are, or are not. This paper provides an overview of the sources of radioactivity, the potential implications of radiation and radioactivity in the REE industry, and a brief discussion of established and reliable methods of managing exposure to radiation and radioactivity."

Jan 1, 2012

By Adam Turcotte

Mining operations consume a considerable amount of energy, and while reduced energy consumption is desirable, it is not always clear how to achieve this goal. Understanding the opportunities to optimize energy consumption is crucial, and the key to understanding is visualization. One option is the Sankey diagram, which has been used for over 100 years to visualize the flow of energy, materials, or cost through various processes. However, there are drawbacks to this approach that must be addressed. In a Sankey diagram, each flow is represented by an arrow possessing a width proportional to the magnitude of the flow it represents. The diagrams show input flows, how energy is converted and into what form, and also output flows. As per the first law of thermodynamics, the total energy output is equivalent to the total energy input, so any energy that is not transferred to another process is considered to be wasted. These waste flows are depicted in Sankey diagrams and make it straightforward to associate energy sources, sinks and waste flows. Unfortunately, Sankey diagrams do not convey all information required to support practical decision making for redirecting individual energy flows. Based only on a Sankey diagram, it may become evident that a significant flow of waste heat is of the appropriate grade (temperature) and volume to meet an on-site heat demand currently being met with paid-for, possibly carbon intensive fuel. However without augmenting the Sankey diagram with 3D spatial, true geometric analysis, the practicalities of the concept or idea may not be fully appreciated. Another issue with a Sankey diagram is that the magnitude of the energy flowing between processes may have temporal fluctuation or variability on different timescales (diurnal, seasonal, interannual). Currently, Sankey diagrams only provide a static picture of energy conversion and consumption, so that, for example, 4 separate diagrams could have to be prepared for each season. A new energy flow visualization technique which we have called Sankey Trees has been developed. Process locations are defined within a 3D model of the site being studied, and the magnitude of the flow between each pair of processes considered is replaced with a time series. Branches of sustained and diminishing flows are represented through variation of the geometric properties of the branches of the trees. These branches are animated to indicate the direction of flow, and branch joints are used to indicate that a process is transporting one form of energy to multiple processes.

Aug 1, 2013

By Joanna LaForte

"In response to “Arctic Mineral Wealth —Equitable Participation with Aboriginal Landowners – A slow or fast process?”, this author’s impression is one that, to her, seems obvious — this is definitely going to be a slow process. To question this issue seems ridiculous, unless the mining industry is considering following the same patters of the past, thereby adding to the suppression and injustices to which the aboriginals are so accustomed. To make genuine progress, where trust and good communication has been achieved with time as a factor in proceeding, the author feels, without a doubt, that the triangle of industry, government and aboriginals will seriously have to be restructured or eliminated. Anytime you mix government with progress, along with other problems, you are looking at bureaucracy, and that takes time. Issues such as the settlement of land claims have not been resolved, and in all likelihood could take forty years to finalize. Aboriginals have been suppressed for centuries by governments and industries with ethnocentric ideologies, and now that they are in a position to reclaim their lands, attain their own economies and government, and truly secure a wealthy, self-sufficient legacy for their descendants, how can anyone imagine they’ll move quickly? This author also strongly disagrees to some sections of Mr. Wakefeld’s article and will expand on her objections.We question whether aboriginals under-stand the process of mine development. If we encounter an electrical problem in our home, o we not call an electrician without having to learn the trade ourselves? This comparison seems simplistic, but does convey a point. As cited, “there are now over 100 000 aboriginals who have completed post-secondary education.” Are the numbers revealed in Mr. Wakefeld’s paper there to scare us? Is he suggesting that without the industry’s haste, the aboriginal’s new found intelligence could pose a problem to the mineral explorer. While it is true that not all are highly educated, the aboriginals have specialists in market fluctuations, feasibility studies and the needed skills. They have specialists, such as their representative organization of COPE 1984, (the Committee for Original People’s Entitlement), who under-stand their cultures, language and desires. Their education should expedite the negotiations and end the power struggles equitably. Aboriginal people are not stupid. Once they have reason to be proud, regain their communities and know the direction that they’re headed, their self-determination will return."

Jan 1, 1996

By L. Mercier, R. Narendrula, F. Desmarais, L. Amaratunga, A. Aledresse

Thiosulfate is recognized as a promising alternative lixiviant to cyanide for the extraction of gold from ore bodies. Gold thiosulfate ([Au(S2O3)2]2), however, is not well-adsorbed by activated charcoal, making industrial scale use of thiosulfate for gold leaching impractical at present. Because of their high specific surface areas (500-1000 m2g-1) and uniform open-framework nanoporosity (pore channel diameters in the range 3-10 nm), functionalized mesoporous silicas are widely recognized as highly effective materials for the selective, rapid and high capacity uptake of mercury, gold and platinum group ions. In the present work, the efficient and rapid adsorption of gold thiosulfate by thiol-functionalized mesoporous silica (hereafter designated MP-HMS) is demonstrated, whereby the thiol groups in the materials bind with the gold complexes by ligand displacement. The adsorbed gold could be leached out using cyanide, regenerating the adsorbent for further uptake cycles. Functionalized mesoporous silica is thus a promising candidate for the preconcentration of gold from thiosulfate leachate solutions.

Jan 1, 2011

By A. H. Lang

THE recent production of important quantities of high-grade muscovite at the Purdy mine, near Eau Claire, Ontario, bas brought that district into prominence and bas added another strategic mineral to the list of Canadian products. The discoveries are thirteen miles west of Mattawa and about two miles north of the Trans-Canada highway and the Canadian Pacific railway. HISTORY Clear mica of low power factor is in considerable demand in Canada and in the United States for war purposes such as radio and telephone condensers, aircraft spark-plugs, radio tubes, and transformers. Some muscovite (white mica) bas been produced in North Carolina and New Hampshire, but the United States trade bas depended largely on importations of muscovite from India and of phlogopite (amber mica) from Madagascar. For many years Canada bas been a substantial producer of phlogopite, but was unable to compete extensively in the United States with importations from abroad. Canadian production of muscovite bas been negligible as no important deposits were known. Ever since the construction of the Canadian Pacific railway, attempts have been made from time to time to mine the pegmatite dykes in and near the Eau Claire area, but, although some feldspar has been mined, no appreciable muscovite was produced. Lace in 1941, J. Purdy and H. MacDonald discovered a dyke containing large crystals of high-grade muscovite from which they are reported to have sold $700 worth of mica. They recorded claims 35974 and 35975 in December, 1941, and claim 36095 in May, 1942.

Jan 1, 1943

By S. K. Dimitrov

?Ellatzite Med? is one of the biggest mining companies in Bulgaria, processing about 12,000,000 t of ore per year. Waste materials left after extraction of copper concentrate are deposited in tailings dam ?Benkovski 2?. The hydraulic structure is built according to the downstream method, through hydrocyclonization where the downstream batter and the body of the wall are formed by the separated coarse sand particles of the separated tailings. In connection with the prolonged concession of Ellatzite Med and the enlarged capacity of Benkovski 2, the tailings dam has expanded on to the surrounding terrain. To guarantee a normal hydrocyclonization and build up of a tailings wall during waste deposition from the ore mill, the technological scheme of the hydraulic transport system of Benkovski 2 has been changed.

Aug 1, 2013

By Hal. Oliver

MR.]. G. TRAILL: My only excuse for contributing to the discussion on Mr. Hall's interesting paper is that I had the good fortune to be employed at Noranda during those romantic years, 1927 and 1928, when construction was at its height. The mine was in course of being rapidly prepared and brought into production, and the initial difficulties in crushing-plant and smelter were being met and overcome. They were stirring days, and perhaps those members who were with the second Empire Mining and Metallurgical Congress in 1927 sensed the atmosphere of excitement and activity that prevailed. Early History. Noranda must surely possess some of the most remarkable ore-bodies known to mining men, and the story of their development is pure romance. Ed. Horne's faith in the property, and the persistence of Thomson and Chadbourne, were richly rewarded in the end, but only after some very thin times had been experienced. In those early days access to the district was by the Kenojevis river and various portages to Osisko lake, on the shores of which the mine and smelter and the town of Noranda now stand. But all the early work was done on the Chadbourne claims, more than a mile to the west; through the b~sh. I have read a log of the events of that period, and through the whole tale of hard work, discouraging developments, occasional shortages of food, and constant danger from forest fires, can be read the faith and persistence of the men in charge. The Chadbourne ore was of that well-known type which, though just too low-grade to pay (with gold at $20 per ounce), is yet sufficiently encouraging to lead one on in the hope of striking something better. It was only as a last resort that work on the Chadbourne claims was suspended and a diamond drill brought to the gossan-covered hill beside the lake. The diamond-driller told me his version (it may be exaggerated) of how the position and direction of the first hole were decided on. He was told, "You might as well set up your drill here, and drill in, say, that direction". I believe that the first hole went through the richest ore ever found at Noranda. After the drill had gone through about 150 feet of solid sulphide ore running 17 per cent copper and 4 dwt. of gold per ton, it passed into barren rock, but the diamond-driller expressed the opinion (I wonder how he knew)) that the hole would come into ore again before long.

Jan 1, 1937

By G. Barrasso

REACH was proposed by the EU Commission in October 2003 and stands for the Registration Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It requires that all substances identified as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic, whether the risk of those chemicals being released is real or perceived, require registration prior to them being allowed to be imported into the European Union. An internal investigation by the metals industry indicates that almost all primary raw materials streams would be classified as hazardous due to the potential health or environmental hazard properties of one or more of their ingredients. REACH uses a wide definition for chemicals and metals and as such its implications greatly impact the entire supply chain of the metals industry. The process of registration would require the producer/ importer to produce a dossier. Initiatives along the same lines as the EU REACH are also coming up in other parts of the world. REACH requires registration of at least four substances manufactured by the aluminium industry: aluminium metal, including powder, aluminium oxide, and aluminium hydroxide. The proposed legislation permits the affected companies to band together to form a consortium to develop certain aspects of the registration application. The aluminium industry has established a consortium and testing is currently underway.

Jan 1, 2006

By E. Goodwin

The mechanics of formation of wear-metal suspensions in lubricants is discussed, along with the relationship of the concentration of the metals and other particles to the wear of lubricated machinery parts. The importance of particle and suspension analysis of used lubricants in a preventative maintenance program is stressed, in particular with regard to mobile equipment in a mining operation.

Jan 1, 1978