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Continuous improvement has become the watchword of the 1990s for most iron-ore-processing operations. In many instances, this improvement has been achieved through stepwise application of advanced control techniques to optimize operations. The benefits of this stepwise application have been great. However, they have fallen short of the full potential offered by the prospect of overall plant optimization. The successful integration of computers, instrumentation and control software throughout a plant promises to deliver an additional 3% to 5% of productivity in even the best-run plants (Herbst and Bascur, 1984). LKAB is Europe's largest iron-ore producer and a leading implementer of advanced control technology. In the late 1980s, LKAB introduced advanced control in its concentrator at Kiruna, Sweden to improve plant performance through higher productivity, greater efficiency and lower costs at each processing step.

Jan 1, 1995

By Bruce E. Nesbitt, Paul G. Lhotka

At Lupin mine gold is spatially and genetically linked to zones of hydrothermal alteration in iron-formation which are symmetrically developed adjacent to late Archean quartz veins. Immediately adjacent to the veins, coarse grained, typically gold- and sulfide-poor, calc-silicate rocks are often present. These rocks comprise hedenbergite + quartz ± grossular garnet ± epidote ± scheelite ± calcite. Sulfides (pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite and loellingite) and gold are concentrated in the next zone and occur with hornblende-rich rocks comprised of hornblende, quartz, hedenbergite and grunerite. Furthest from the veins are gold- and sulfide-poor, grunerite-rich iron formation comprising grunerite, quartz, hornblende and sometimes magnetite. Although the alteration assemblages have similarities with skarns, they develop in iron formation, and are at best indirectly related to intrusive igneous rocks. Geological and geochemical data clearly indicate the calc-silicate rocks are metasomatic in origin.

Jan 1, 1990

By Wayne A. McCurdy

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the work and program of the Office of Coal Research. Our programs are oriented to serve the conservation objectives of the Johnson Administration and of the Nation by seeking out the most efficient and best uses for coal. We believe that even if only a portion of our program is successful, the coal industry and the Nation will benefit far out of proportion to our expenditures. Operating with a budget of $7,220,000 in Fiscal Year 1966, OCR sponsors contract research which offers potential for achieving benefits to the coal industry in the form of new production and new markets. This directs us into many areas of research activity: in coal combustion, in advancements in mining methods and coal preparation, in new uses for coal, and in associated economic and marketing research.

Jan 1, 1966

By John L. Shafer

Often an in situ leach is the only practical economic method for copper recovery from small low grade oxide deposits. The decision to develop a copper property by an in-situ blast and leach is strongly dependent on ore grade, tonnage, hydrology, and the copper extraction and acid consumption rates. The inherent "leachability" of the ore will in part determine the desired amount of fracturing of the ore deposit by the blast in order to obtain a copper extraction rate that is economical. For the last several years Occidental Research Corporation (ORC), the corporate R&D for Occidental Petroleum has under-taken a modest effort to address the question of "how to best identify and determine the information necessary to predict and control the operation of an in-situ leach for the economic recovery of copper."

Jan 1, 1977

By S. McTavish

Since mechanically suitable grinding mills were available in 1908, mill operators have been searching for the best material and design with which to line the mills. These liner systems had to fulfill several criteria. First and foremost they had to last long enough in an operating mill to protect the mill structure from the abrasive wear of the ore and the grinding media. In addition they had to be able to efficiently transfer the energy from the mill to the mill charge in order to facilitate the grinding process. The liners also had to be easily attached to the mill when new and removed from the mill when worn out. The first liners used were generally made of cast white iron, Hadfield manganese, unalloyed high carbon steel and composites of steel and concrete or cemented in flint blocks or natural stone. 1

Jan 1, 1989

By R. Stocker

Flotation recovery of molybdenite particles finer than 15 micrones sharpy decreases with decreasing size. A totally hydrophobic latex agglomerant (UBC-1), which was previously reported to be very efficient in agglomerating hydrophobic fine coal, has been found to agglomerate fine molybdenite particles. The agglomeration takes place only in the presence of MIBC which is commonly used as a frother in molybdenite flotation. Adsorption tests confirmed that MIBC is adsorbed onto molybdenite. The effect of the agglomeration on flotation has been studied by floating fine molybdenite from mixtures with quartz using the UBC-l agglomerant and the MIBC frother. A significant improvement in the flotation of fine molybdenite has been observed in the presence of the UBC-l agglomerant. The best results have been obtained around pH 5.5 which corresponds to the iso-electric-point of molybdenite.

Jan 1, 1997

By Richard L. Wedertz

Although the physical appearance of excavating equipment doesn't seem to have radically changed over the past decade, important changes within the products and an innovative attitude on the part of the engineer in his design approach is becoming increasingly evident. The new philosophy is to go beyond simple refinements of existing designs that simply produce a machine which further reduces overall cost per ton or per cubic yard of material moved and to do it more efficiently than ever before. Standard ideas and preconceived notions have been discarded and have given way to providing a design and a machine that is best suited to get the job done. Understanding that the application will not always fit the machine, but, in most cases, the machine should fit or suit the application is a foremost consideration in the engineers' design criteria.

Jan 1, 1973

By Johann Knecht

Due to lower specific investment and operating costs the tendency towards large scale equipment will remain. For the design engineers not only the stresses in the mill structure and manufacturing are of importance but also transportation to and erection on site. A scale up of the design of smaller sized units on the pantograph principle may not always give the best approach to the job in this respect. This paper covers recent developments in the design of large size equipment where the huge dimensions call for designs being different to the well known ball and SAG mill concept with cast conical endwalls. The first part describes the features of the biggest ball mill in the world, whereas the second part provides some details of the largest shell supported SAG mills being currently in the manufacturing process.

Jan 1, 1993

By Katherine Hynard, Colin Eustace

Development quarterly mine plans is generally time-consuming and requires consideration for many operational constraints and competing objectives. With lengthy turnaround times, there is often limited opportunity to adjust the quarterly plan details to account for differences between actual state of the mine operation at the time of execution and expected state at the time that the plan was developed. Actual mining task completion times can vary significantly from the expected task completion times, due to many factors. In the absence of revision to account for differences between the planned and actual state, resource allocations and mining sequences, embodied in the quarterly mine plan may no longer be the best approach at the time of execution to achieve an efficient mining operation. Simulation and optimisation tools can be used to support rapid refinements for development and execution of weekly mine plans. When initialized with an operations data feed to establish the actual state of the mine operation, optimisation models can be used to facilitate both automation and revision of the quarterly plan to produce a weekly or daily plan for execution. This approach can remove much of the manual burden of revision if the existing quarterly plan no longer represents the best approach to meeting production objectives. Following initialisation with mining actuals, simulation models can provide a representation of the range of likely mine operations outcomes. The models can be used to accelerate the planning process by providing visibility of future performance and identifying likely operational issues. They can also be used to test the robustness of the plan with respect to performance variability and response to disturbances. Following identification of issues, simulation models can also be used for evaluating mitigation measures, through automated testing of alternative plans. Integration of mine data feeds with simulation and optimisation tools enables automated optimal responses to variations between the quarterly mine plan and actuals to be tested prior to release of and execution plan and implementation. The use of simulation and optimisation in weekly mine planning will be discussed in this paper with reference to surface mining examples.

Jun 25, 2023

By Jr. Raleigh

Three run-of-mine bituminous coals, which ranged in rank from low volatile to high volatile A, were floated at nominal -28 mesh (590 µ m), -100 mesh (150 µ m), and -400 mesh (37 µ m) feed particle sizes with selected pyrite depressants and a dispersant. For the coals tested, pyrite and ash-forming minerals were usually rejected best at a -100 mesh feed particle size. Depressant additions tended to improve flotation selectivity between pyrite and coal. When joint dispersant-depressant systems were used at -100 mesh (150 µ m) feed particle sizes, the total sulfur content of the clean coal decreased further. For a comparable coal yield, less fuel oil collector was required for the flotation of -100 mesh coal than was required for the flotation of either -28 or -400 mesh feed.

Jan 1, 1990

By G. K. Wilson

This paper will discuss some of the more important aspects to be considered when selecting pumps for mill discharge, cyclone feed or other severe-duty applications Included will be the selection of the pump based on such factors as particle size, particle distribution, head, flow, temperature and pH Other specifics to be covered: The relationship of impeller speed, head and wear factors as they affect pump performance and wear life; the importance of selecting a pump whose performance curve best suits the application; and how the addition of service factors applied to the actual operating conditions can lead to severe operational problems such as premature wear, pump running out on curve, and exceeding horse power limitations.

Jan 1, 1996

By William Mayrsohn

INTRODUCTION The net smelter return (NSR) calculations made on various smelter-refiner alternatives, is usually done by taking the gross metal value less metal deductions, smelter-refiner charges and transportation-insurance costs. An important further step in the calculations is the financial charges imputed by refining time, transportation delays, to the time gold is returned (if tolled) or paid for if bought by the refiner. Metal that is priced in advance of payment also requires a forward premium that the mine may or may not be getting. This is a hidden cost that is often omitted from the calculations. Segmentation of each of the above costs are vital to see where improvements can be made through negotiations, better choice of metal pricing or transportation alternatives. BASIC NSR CALCULATIONS SMELTER-REFINER CHARGES Payable Metals - Treatment Refining Charges: Since these can vary from one smelter to another, the effect of a $25 per ounce price increase/decrease should be calculated and kept in mind. This effect is compared to differences in refining/treatment charge and a total smelter/refiner cost on a cost per ounce of dore, gold, or a dry ton of concentrate. Transportation - Insurance: Research has to be done on transportation alternatives perhaps with some assistance from the smelters, railroads or trucking companies. For dore, the U.S. postal service is viable and inexpensive. For railroads, deal with the regional office ie., B&N El Paso, if production warrants regular bulk shipments. Spot rates tend to be higher. A small mine producing concentrates usually goes to the nearest smelter due to extremely high transportation costs. Here is where a refiner can help. Insurance-Quotes for rates on dore/ concentrates are easily obtainable, but the mine has to shop for the best rates. Your insurance broker is the best source of this information. Differences between Mine and Smelter/Refiners Metal losses can be caused by the following: - Concentrate dry weight differences caused by moisture determination or faulty scales (often at the mine). - Sample bias by poor preparation practices on either side ie., grinding of the sample removing gold; or a poorly mixed concentrate. Dore bullion has no such difficulties.

Jan 1, 1987

By W. M. Jr. Aubrey, R. L. Stone

INTRODUCTION Most metallic minerals and some industrial minerals have a relatively high specific gravity and most have at one time or another been concentrated by gravity methods. The principles of gravity concentration are straightforward, well documented and easy to understand, but in practice there are many pitfalls that await the engineer in the development of an integrated flowsheet. Gravity concentration equipment has a long history of use and there is a great diversity available. The equipment is capable of treating material over a broad size range, only falling off in efficiency in the very fine sizes. Gravity concentration is also inexpensive, generally free of environmental problems, and commercial equipment can process large tonnages of ore with a minimum of capital cost. As might be expected of an efficient and low cost process, the bulk of the tonnage quickly and inexpensively. Another obvious application is treating mineral deposits such as hematite and manganese ores that are sufficiently liberated after a minimum of crushing to allow production of a coarse concentrate that will meet market specifications. Except for hand picking and mechanical sorting, there is no competing process on coarse size material. Conversely, it is sometimes obvious that gravity concentration does not warrant consideration. Examples are ores that require very fine grinding to attain liberation, for ores where the minerals of interest have a gravity similar to the gangue, and ores that are strongly magnetic. Actually a mineral processing engineer may not know if gravity is the best way to concentrate an ore, but he should have little difficulty recognizing when gravity concentration deserves consideration based upon specific gravity differences and liberation gravity concentration has wide use. size. His challenge then is to At times its selection as the identify and test the applicable primary concentration process is processes, to develop a obvious. Low grade placer deposits metallurgical balance and flowsheet of tin, gold and beach sands usually for the best process, to estimate are only profitable because gravity production rate over the life of concentration is able to throw away the deposit and to make equipment

Jan 1, 1986

By Cliff Holloway

The past year has been difficult for Canada's primary industries. The mining, oil and forestry industries have been hit by low prices and a reduced demand for natural resources. Foreign competition, militant environmentalists, the breakdown of the Asian and European economies and Canada's shrinking dollar have all put additional pressures on the commodity purchaser to buy smarter. It is easy to appreciate why operations and maintenance supervisors want the best performing product. It makes good sense. The challenge is to source that quality product while staying within the budget. The bottom line (price), however, often becomes the control- ling factor, usually at the expense of quality and performance. This is short-term thinking, often with expensive consequences.

Jan 1, 1999

By W. L. Zhong

Probability function integration method is one of the influence function method. It is a widely accepted method in many mining districts in China and Poland mainly because its theory and formulae can well-represent the surface subsidence basins due to longwall mining of flat or near-flat seams. This paper introduces the basic theory of the probability function integration method and determines its 4 basic parameters by analyzing the measured subsidence profiles in eight longwall panels in Northern Appalachian Coal field. It also discusses the two methods for determining the 4 parameters. Finally the acquired parameters are used to predict the subsidence and deformation of the houses for damage assessment. Comparisons are made between the measured and the predicted subsidence. Probability Function Integration Method The probability function integration method for predicting surface movements and deformations is widely used in China and Poland. The governing equation of the method contains five parameters: subsidence factor, a, offset of inflection point, d, tangent of the major influence angle, tan fl, horizontal movement constant, b, and major dispersion angle e (e = 90. for flat seams). Its applicable range iis much larger including seams less than 30' from the horizontal, critical and noncritical mining and soft to hard overburden.

Jan 1, 1986

By J. W. Jamieson, J. Escartin, A. Steinführer

Evidence of hydrothermal activity on two Mid-Atlantic Ridge oceanic core complexes (OCCs), at 13º30’N (the Semyenov 1 through 5 fields) and 13º20’N (the Irinovskoe field) (Fig. 1) were studied using CTD casts, dredges, TV-grabs and SP surveys during previous research cruises to these sites (Cherkashev et al., 2013, McLeod et al., 2009). In late 2013, the Semyenov and Irinovskoe fields were revisited, this time with an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) during the ODEMAR (Oceanic Detachments at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge) cruise on the French research vessel "Pourqoui Pas ?". Here we present the first visual surveys and direct sampling of these vent sites. High-resolution (~2 m) bathymetry of the 13º30’N and 13º20’N OCCs and their associated vent fields was collected during 4 and 5 AUV dives, respectively, using the GEOMAR AUV "ABYSS" (Fig. 1). These surveys were flown between 70 m and 100 m above the seafloor, typically at a constant height to reduce vehicle movement. The AUV was equipped with Eh, turbidity, and temperature sensors in order to detect active hydrothermal venting. Over twenty ROV dives with the ROV "VICTOR 6000" allowed for the visual exploration of the OCCs and collection of 59 hydrothermal rock samples from the vent fields. As a result of these exploration activities, the first robust estimates of the size of the deposits, and the geologic controls on sulfide accumulation at these sites can be determined.

Sep 1, 2014

By Bruno Mattle, Max John

For tunnels with low overburden, the shotcrete lining is the main element of ground support, which is why shotcrete behavior is of prime importance. Following its application, shotcrete not only gains strength and stiffness with time but—if loaded at an early stage—it is also subject to creep which in turn leads to stress relaxation. For two-dimensional FE calculations, a computational modulus of elasticity of shotcrete is to be used. Based on parameter studies it was found that the modulus of elasticity of shotcrete depends on both shotcrete mix and ground behavior. While the Young’s Modulus used for young shotcrete may range from 1,000 to 7,000 MPa, the Young’s Modulus used for hardened shotcrete is best represented by a value of 15,000 MPa.

Jan 1, 2003

By Oscar Letelier Gonzalez

The goal of mine planning is to determine "the best" strategy to exploit an ore deposit during its workable life. Such strategy must be consistent with the objectives of the company and must be subject to the contraints imposed by economical, physical and geological conditions. Mine planning process may be broken down into three categories, according to the planning horizon: Long range, Short range and Operational. The shorter the scope of planning, the higher the level of details and the lower the degree of freedom associated to each plan. A long range plan defines the economic limit of mining at the mining life end of the deposit; it also can be used as an aid in the evaluation of the economical potential of a mineral deposit and as a guide for short range plans.

Jan 1, 1979

By F. F. Aplan, C. E. Raleigh

Three run-of-mine bituminous coals, ranging in rank from low volatile to high volatile A, were floated at nominal -28 mesh (590 µm), -100 mesh (150 µm), and -400 mesh (37µm) feed particle sizes with selected pyrite depressants and a dispersant. For the three coals tested, pyrite and ash -forming minerals were usually rejected best at -100 mesh feed particle size. Depressant additions tended to improve flotation selectivity between pyrite and coal. When joint dispersant-depressant systems were used at -100 mesh (150 µm) feed particle sizes, the total sulfur content of the clean coal decreased further. For a comparable coal yield, less fuel oil collector was required for the flotation of -100 mesh coal than was required for the flotation of either -28 or -400 mesh feed.

Jan 1, 1992

By S. P. Girrens

A coupled finite element geomechanical- hydrology code is currently under development for application to the problem of predicting groundwater disturbances associated with mine subsidence. The structural-fluid coupling is addressed by calculating the subsided mine geometry, with emphasis placed on determining the strata disturbance and locating damaged regions, for input into a hydrology code, which determines localized volume flow rates and aquifer fluctuations. Benefits from coupling will be best realized when field measurements, an additional aspect of the study concurrent with analytical investigations, indicating the relationship between increasing rock strain and increasing permeability are incorporated into hydraulic material descriptions. Hydrologic and struc- tural calculations are presented to demonstrate computational capabilities applicable to mine subsidence

Jan 1, 1982