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By A. F. Mulaba-Bafubiandi

Pseudomonas spp was isolated from mine water and tailings samples collected from mining effluents and mine dumps in the Gauteng and Northern provinces of South Africa respectively. Adsorption properties of Pseudomonas spp were then tested for the removal of Cu and Co initially from their synthetic sulphate solutions, subsequently from effluents derived from metallurgical operations. The effects of experimental conditions such as pH, temperature, time, volume and metal concentration on the efficiency of the biosorption process were studied. Absorption of 45% Cu (pH 6, 37°C, 24 hours) and 40% Co (pH 6, 37°C, 24 hours) was observed from solutions with low concentrations (0.07 M). A maximum of 73% and 65% of Cu and Corespectively were recovered from the mine water samples derived from effluents.

Jan 1, 2009

The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held in the Witbank Golf Club on Thursday, 28th August, 1969 at 5.00 p.m. Mr C. G. Sowry (Chairman) was in the Chair. There were also present: Ten Members: Messrs J. Meintjes (Vice-Chairman), J. E. van Aswegen, A. C. Hofmeyr, I. Botha, B. F. v. d. Merwe, C. H. Coxon, R. Canny, R. C. J. Goode, A. Bain, G. E. Carlyon. Six Associate Members: Messrs B. T. Hosking, R. E. Powell, W. Weber, T. Bulloch, E. J. Jackson, P. J. Muller. Fourteen Visitors. Total Present: 31. The Chairman declared the meeting open and extended a welcome to all visitors including Mr R. C. J. Goode, President of the Institute. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS GENERAL MEETING The Minutes of the General Meeting held on the 26th June, 1969, were read and adopted. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT The Chairman presented a report outlining the activities of the Branch during the past year. Membership of the local Branch had increased from 80 to 99 during the year. DECLARATIONOF OFFICEBEARERS The Chairman announced that owing to his transfer out of the Witbank area, he was unable to accept the nomination as Chairman for a further year of office. The outgoing committee had elected Mr J. Meintjes Chairman and Mr A. Bain Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr J. Meintjes then took the chair. Mr J. Meintjes thanked Mr C. G. Sowry for his successful steering of the Branch during its period of inauguration. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS The Chairman then read the Scrutineers' Report and declared the following eight members elected as Committee Members for the 1969-1970 year: Messrs I. Botha, A. W. Brereton, G. E. Carlyon, B. T. Hosking, E. J. Jackson, B. D. McNeice, P. J. Muller, B. F. van der Merwe. TALK The Chairman then called upon Mr A. Bain to present his talk and film show on 'Impressions of the mining and metallurgy congress tour to Australasia'. CLOSURE After thanking the speaker for an interesting talk, the Chairman declared the Meeting closed at 8.40 p.m.

By E. Schoeman

Ion exchange resins were investigated for the effective recovery of platinum, palladium, and gold from a pregnant cyanide heap leach solution. Screening results indicated that strong-base anion exchange resins proved to be most effective in the recovery of these metal cyanides. Gold was selectively recovered with the use of Minix, while effective recovery of gold, platinum, and palladium over the base metals, copper, and iron, was achieved with Amberlite PWA-5. Successful elution of these metal cyanides was possible from both Minix and Amberlite PWA-5, using a 2M potassium thiocyanate solution at ambient temperature. Acidic thiourea was unable to elute platinum from either Minix or Amberlite PWA-5. Effective elution of palladium and gold were, however, achieved with use of acidic thiourea. Using these results, two conceptual flow diagrams for the recovery of these metals from cyanide solutions are proposed.

Jan 1, 2012

By K. M. Banks

Multiple-pass hot-strip-rolling schedules of carbon steels and niobium-microalloyed ferrite-pearlite steels were simulated on a Gleeble 1500 thermomechanical test apparatus. The effects of finishing temperature, coiling temperature, and chemical composition on the as-deformed ferrite grain size and hardness of the steels were determined. Low finishing temperatures and low coiling temperatures both contributed to ferrite grain refinement. Good agreement was found for the microstructure and hardness of the steels between the as-ruled condition and the results obtained from rolling simulations. The progress of recrystalization and precipitation was followed from examinations of the flow-stress curves during the hot-rolling simulations. The flow-stress behaviour during the finishing passes was consistent with the resulting changes in final ferrite grain size. It was found that the no-recrystalization temperature, TNR, is raised by increased additions of niobium.

Jan 1, 1993

Historical Background. South Africa's industrial history began with the discovery of gold and diamonds during the last century, and the mining industry was the first chief component of our technological development. During the past six decades, quantum leaps were made in other fields, too, when other industries and research bodies such as Escom, NDC, Iscor, Sasol, Foskor, Alusaf, Mintek, cs I R, SA B S, and A E C were established. These meaningful additions have two outstanding characteristics. Firstly, they were linked mainly to primary activities such as energy and minerals and, secondly, their establishment was to a large extent due to the driving force of individuals such as Van der Bijl, Van Eck, Rossouw, Schonland, and Roux, rather than to impersonal government policy. Encouraging signs of the evolution of such policy has emerged during the past few years.

Jan 1, 1989

By A. Ward, A. Smith, D. Harpley

Methods for the prediction of seepage quality from waste-disposal facilities are evaluated for input to the design of desalination treatment facilities. This is done by reference to a waste dump seeping into a near-surface aquifer, the contaminated seepage being collected by scavenger wells. As the quality of contaminated water intercepted by the wells will vary with both space and time, it is necessary for predictive methods to accommodate such variations. One-dimensional and two-dimensional predictive solute transport models are described and applied to the seepage and scavenger-well example mentioned above. The advantages and disadvantages, interims of overall applicability, data requirements, and possible accuracy, are described and discussed. While one-dimensional models have the advantages of speed, simplicity, and cost, the frequent requirement of prediction in both space and time necessitates more complex, two-dimensional simulation.

Jan 1, 1987

By R. P. Plasket, D. A. Ireland

Ancillary smelter operations and sulphuric acid manufacture at Impala Platinum Limited by R. P. PLASKET. Pr. Eng.. M.Sc. (Chem. Tech.). Natal (Fellow) and D. A. IRELAND. Pr. Eng.. B.Sc. (Chem. Tech.). Natal (Member) The de-watering, spray drying, and converter operations at Impala are described, aspects that may be new to the minerals industry in South Africa being elaborated. Air-pollution control necessitated the installation of a sulphuric acid plant to limit the emission of sulphur dioxide to the atmosphere. Closer control of the smelting and converting operations was required for successful operation of the acid plant on the inherently Iow and varied concentration of feed gas from converter blowing. Approximately 82 per cent of the sulphur entering the smelter is converted to sulphur dioxide, of which 67 per cent is fed into the sulphuric acid plant.

Jan 8, 1976

The 101 st Annual General Meeting of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy was held in the Gold Room, Transvaal Automobile Club, 60 5th Street, Lower Houghton, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 12th August, 1998. Obituaries The President announced the death, during the year, of the following members: Honorary Life Fellows and Past Presidents H.E. Cross, D.G. Malan, P.W.J. van Rensburg Life Fellows J.B. Rolfes, W.C. Walmsley Fellows H.F. Boshoff, M.L.A. Fitzgerald, J. Humphriss Retired Fellows H.S. Botha, E.Collier, J.L. Curtis, A.H.H. Davison, D.I. Legge, B.D. McNeice, J.A. Northcott, D. de V. Oxford, S.S.K. Penney, P.C. Pirow, J. Pope, A.J. Rossouw, A.N. Shand, E.P. Smit, H.V. Solomon, S.G. Taussig

Jan 1, 1998

By J van Rooyen, S. Archer, M. Fox

The use of dilute sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas mixtures for the oxidation/precipitation of manganese has been explored widely in recent years. The technical merit of the concept is well proven and implementation of the technology on commercial scale is imminent. This paper reviews the technology of manganese removal by means of dilute SO2 gas mixtures and highlights some of the challenges associated with its implementation on industrial scale. A brief review of the technology is presented; the review considers both the mechanism and chemistry of manganese oxidation/precipitation with dilute SO2 gas mixtures. The impact of variables such as temperature, pH and SO2 concentrations on the manganese removal process is assessed. Challenges associated with implementation of the technology on industrial scale are discussed. Gas dispersion is highlighted as a critical design consideration.

Jan 1, 2007

By L. Dison

There are many potential uses in gold mining for an initially stiff element of backfill that will yield at a predetermined load and maintain that load to beyond a compression of 30%. Such elements could be used as yielding rib pillars, as replacements for more conventional supporting packs, as con- fining bulkheads for mass backfill, as supports to provide lateral constraint, and load-carrying augmentation to overloaded rock pillars. The paper describes a system of reinforced cemented backfill that can be used to provide the above requirements. The necessary characteristics of the reinforcing and the cemented tailings are described together with the method of design to obtain a predetermined stiffness and yield load. The load-compression characteristics of the reinforced tailings elements are described and the effect of changing various of the design parameters is demonstrated.

Jan 1, 1988

By L. A. Jagger

The world?s second largest producer of platinum, Impala Platinum Ltd, approved two new twin shaft projects at the end of September 2004, Nos. 16 and 20 Shafts. Both shaft projects are stand-alone entities and are being sunk from surface. Previously Impala had embarked on a strategy of extending the life of its third generation shafts by means declines. No. 16 Shaft is the first of a new fourth generation shaft complex, while No. 20 Shaft is the last of the third generation type shafts in the so-called shallow to intermediate mining zone. This paper details the basic designs of each project and covers the initial implementation. Although both projects are twin shaft systems, the access methods from the shafts to the reef horizon differ. Initiatives implemented to speed up the projects are also briefly covered.

Jan 1, 2006

By J. C. R. van Schoor

In this study the applicability of a batch press to predict the energy consumption and particle size distributions for medium-pressure roller presses was investigated. The relationships between energy consumption, feed size and product size are discussed with reference to Hukki?s interpretation of Bond?s and Rittinger?s laws, as well as the particle size parameter used. It was found that the comminution laws have limited utility for the characterization of the performance of the medium-pressure roller crushers or the batch press used, and also depend on the particle size distribution indicator used. It was also found that the batch press is not a suitable simulator for medium-pressure roller mills as it was notable to predict the energy requirements, or to predict the size distributions that would be obtained for the ores evaluated.

Jan 1, 2012

By I. Mc Dougall

Water-cooled copper tap-hole blocks provide an effective means of extending the life of tap-hole refractories, as the lower temperature of the refractory material inhibits wear and other damage and promotes the formation of a protective frozen slag layer. This is particularly beneficial during prolonged tapping cycles. The copper block forms an integral part of the lining, and provides mechanical support to the refractory, facilitating rapid replacement of tapping channel bricks without disturbing the surrounding lining. Safety considerations are an important design factor, and the positioning of the water channels is optimized to prevent leaks although the copper is not in direct contact with the molten fluids during normal operation. Water-cooled copper blocks designed by Tenova Pyromet have successfully been utilized on metal, matte, and slag tap-holes for a number of processes, including nickel, platinum group metals, and mineral wool.

Jan 1, 2014

By Yuandong Qiao, Erdong Li, Chao Lv, Junjian Ye

The gas-based CO reduction of Panzhihua vanadium titanomagnetite concentrate from 1100°C- 1250°C was investigated in this paper. The reduction degree increased with increasing temperature and increasing reduction time. At a temperature of 1250°C and a reduction time of 20 minutes, the metallisation degree reached 92%. The iron-titanium oxide phase transformation during reduction process was Fe2.75Ti0.25O5→Fe2.5Ti0.5O4→FeTiO3→FeTi2O5 according to the X-ray diffraction analysis. The SEM and map scan by energy spectrum of results of reduced samples at different temperatures indicated that the metallic iron particle size increased gradually as the reduction temperature increased. These results can serve as a reference for the reduction of vanadium titanomagnetite by CO. Keywords: Vanadium titanomagnetite concentrate, CO reduction, phase transformation, reaction mechanism

Jan 1, 2020

By J. Keyser

The realization of an Integrated Technical Resource Asset Management System (ITRAMS) has so far evaded all software developers in the mining industry. The major factors that have prevented the development of such a system are limitations on software, hardware and network systems. Several factors have come together at Venetia Mine, which has made the undertaking of such a project both possible and desirable. This has led to the formation of a strategic partnership between Venetia Mine and Gemcom Software International Inc. This partnership is dedicated to develop and provide an Integrated Technical Resource Asset Management System based on Microsoft Back Office architecture, Gemcom for Windows™ and the MinRas system. This paper will elaborate on the phased approach of the integration of systems into the core repository, mechanisms of integration, the functionality of the system, final results, techno-economic benefits and general project management issues.

Sep 1, 2001

1. New books from The Institute of Metals Physical and elastic characterisation, edited by M. McLean. 1989. 228 pp. £25.00.High nitrogen steels, edited by J. Foct and A. Hendry. 1989. 461 pp. £49.50. Proceedings of the First International Calcium Treatment Symposium. 1988. 116 pp. £15.Design for recyc/ability, by Michael E. Henstock. 1988. 150 pp. £15. Solidification processing. 1988. 549 pp. £45.Proceedings of the First International Calcium Treatment Symposium. 1988. 116 pp. £15.Marine engineering with copper-nickel. 1988. 103 pp. £18.Sir Henry Bessemer: An autobiography. 1989.380 pp. £16.95. 2. Other publishers Occupational safety and accident prevention. Behavioural strategies and methods, by C.G. Hoyos and B.M. Zimolong. Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1988. 218 pp. Dfl. 180.00. Algorithms in real algebraic geometry, edited by Denis S. Arnon and Bruno Buchberger. London, Academic Press, 1988. 274 pp. £15.95.

Jan 1, 1989

By E. J. Magri

This paper describes a geostatistical study of the relative merits of diamond-saw sampling and conventional chip sampling, using results from experimental work carried out on Randfontein Estates Gold Mine and Western Areas Gold Mine. The diamond-saw sampling procedure is described, and it is concluded that this is a very efficient operation and leads to good-quality sampling that is clearly an improvement over conventional chip sampling. The study principally involved the computation of the errors of estimation of the mea gold value of mining panels for the two sampling methods, revealing that, in the normal production environment, the diamond-saw sampling method is a significant improvement over conventional chip sampling, as evidenced by the reduced estimation errors achieved. The question of optimum sample spacing is discussed, and it is concluded that the required spacing for chip sampling needs to be smaller than for the diamond-saw method.

Jan 1, 1986

The Water Year Office for South Africa has supplied a provisional list of scientific congresses and meetings due to be held during 1970 with "Water" as the main or secondary theme, as follows: February: SARCCUS conference on "Water for Progress," Lourenco Marques. March 16-20: Annual Congress, Institute for Water Pollution Control, Cape Town. May: Possible S.A. Akademie conference on Cooling Tower Experiments, Pretoria. May: Annual Meeting of Association of Municipal Electricity Undertakings, Potchefstroom. May 27-29: Congress on "Water Resources of Natal", Durban. June 29/July 4: Annual Congress, South African Association for the Advancement of Science, Cape Town. July 2: Joint meeting of South African Association for the Advancement of Science and S.A. Akademie, Stellenbosch. July: Winter School, Federation of University Engineering Students. July: Youth Science Week. Foundation for Education, Science and Technology. July 21-24: The South African Tunneling Conference. September: Proposed SARCCUS conference on water in Nature Conservation, Skukuza. November 16-20: International Convention on "Water for the Future", Pretoria.

Council Members 1988/1989, left to right: Row 1 (seated): H.E. James, P.W.J. van Rensburg, Dr H. Wagner, B.C. Alberts, C.E. Flvaz (President), H.G. Mosenthal, R.D. Beck, Professor A.N. Brown, Dr P.R. Jochens Row 2 (standing): P.C. van Aswegen, J.P. Hoftman, D. Wllson, P.M.T. White, K.A. van Gessel, Dr LA. Cramer, J.S. Freer, V.J. Moore, G.A. Brown, R.A. Snodgrass, J.D. Austin Row 3 (standing): Dr G.A. Fourle, Dr J. Lurle, A.M.P. Henderson, R.P. Mohring, J.A. Cruise, J.L. Nel, H. Scott Russell, J.P. Deetlefs, D.A.J. Ross-Watt Inserts, top row: K.R. Beard, N.J. De~ine, R.J. Dlppenaar, G.T.G. Emere, Dr J-P. Franzidls, Professor R.P. King, J.G. McCallum. Bottom row: G.Y. Nisblt, Professor R.P. Plewman, Dr R.E. Roblnson, Dr O.K.H. Steften, P.A. van Wlelllgh

Jan 1, 1989

By R. C. Urquhart, D. D. Howat, R. I. L. Guthrie

Heat losses from ladles during teeming by R. C. URQUHART, M.Eng. (McGiII), Ph.D. (Visitor). R. I. L. GUTHRIE, B.Sc. (Eng.) (London), A.R.S.M., Ph.D., D.I.C. (Visitor), and D. D. HOWAT, B.Sc. (Glas.), Ph.D. (Fellow) In an investigation of the loss of temperature by liquid steel during a teeming operation, a numerical technique was used to calculate the heat flows and the rate of temperature drop over the entire teeming operation. The calculations show that, before teeming, approximately 50 per cent of the heat loss is into the ladle wall at the level of the metal. As teeming progresses, the amount of heat lost by radiation to the wall above the metalline increases. The effect of variables, such as initial metal temperature, the preheat of the ladle and ladle cover, and delays, on the rate of temperature loss by the metal were determined.

Jan 11, 1973