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By Evgueni Jak

Pyrometallurgy is an important sector of modern industrial society actively participating in solving current environmental, economic, materials scarcity and other challenges. Recent advances in analytical methods, experimental techniques, thermodynamic, phase equilibria and process modelling tools provide new opportunities to increase the productivity of pyrometallurgical reactors, the treatment of complex feeds and metal recoveries. Fundamental theoretical models can now be used to make a significant next step towards the development and implementation of computerised models describing real industrial processes—Virtual Reactors, and computer-aided smart-decision-making systems that may be called Pyro-GPS by analogy to GPS; these developments can facilitate knowledge-based improvement and optimization strategies. The implementation of these improvements require ongoing collaboration between researchers, industry and government

By Ralph W. Barbaro

In the mineral industry, the objective of a mining venture is to extract, process, and market a mineral commodity in such a manner that the profit of the venture is maximized. In a mining venture, a company normally has control over mine production scheduling, the selection and location of processing facilities (mineral beneficiation plants, smelting plants, refineries, or blending facilities), processed ore blending, and the selection of markets. The flexibility of the above factors provides many alternatives to satisfy the needs of each market with regard to quantity and quality of ore. The purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model for determining the alternative that yields the maximum profit. Production planning is generally concerned with the best utilization of fixed resources, more specifically, with the determination of production and inventory levels to meet fluctuating demand requirements. A mine can be any source of ore such as an entire mine, a production unit within a mine, or an independent supplier. The objective of production scheduling is to determine the times at which each mine will be used and to allocate a required level of production. Production planning and scheduling problems are intimately associated with the location of new and existing mines and processing facilities. Although the location of the mines is usually fixed, there can be considerable flexibility in locating new processing facilities, in the selection of the processing plant, and in blending the ore before and after processing.

Jan 1, 1983

By M. R. Shahan, C. E. Seaman, S. E. Mischler, T. W. Beck

"Float dust deposits in coal mine return airways pose a risk in the event of a methane ignition. Controlling airborne dust prior to deposition in the return would make current rock dusting practices more effective and reduce risks of coal dust-fueled explosions. The goal of this NIOSH study is to determine the potential of open-air water sprays to reduce concentrations of airborne float coal dust (<75 µm diameter) in longwall face airstreams. This study evaluated unconfined water sprays in a featureless tunnel ventilated at a typical longwall face velocity. Experiments were conducted for two nozzle orientations and two water pressures for hollow cone, full cone, flat fan, air atomizing, and hydraulic atomizing spray nozzles. Gravimetric samples show that airborne float dust removal efficiencies averaged 19.6 percent for all sprays under all conditions. The results indicate that the preferred spray nozzle is operated at high fluid pressures to produce smaller droplets and move more air. These findings can be used to select sprays and design spray arrays to control airborne float dust over the entire longwall ventilated opening. INTRODUCTION Coal mining processes produce airborne dust that naturally deposits on the floor, roof, and ribs of mine airways. These fine dust particles, termed float coal dust when smaller than 75 microns in diameter, are deposited in return entries of coal mines and can be re-entrained by pressure waves induced by methane-air explosions (Rice et al., 1911; Nagy, 1981; NIOSH, 2006). These particles are also those most likely to participate in coal dust-fueled explosions, which can potentiate and propagate explosions resulting in extensive damage. In order to meet compliance requirements of at least 80 percent incombustible content in the composition of material deposited in mine entries (CFR, 2016), coal mines apply an inerting agent, specifically, rock dust (Harris et al., 2009). Should methane be present in the mine atmosphere, the required fraction of incombustible content is further increased by 0.4 percent for each 0.1 percent methane. The removal of airborne float coal dust (AFCD) prior to deposition is an approach intended to make current rock dusting practices more effective by increasing the proportion of inert material to combustible material, resulting in a lower risk of coal dust-fueled explosions. Water sprays are both effective and widely accepted as a method for controlling underground coal mine dust. In fact, water sprays are considered to be the most economical and technically feasible means of reducing dust concentrations in underground coal mines (Courtney and Cheng, 1977; Barker and Humphreys, 1996). Sprays are used in several ways to control dust in mining processes: inhibiting dust formation, immobilizing dust to prevent it from becoming airborne, and capturing airborne dust (Cheng, 1973). Reductions in airborne dust concentrations have frequently been attributed to inertial impaction between water droplets and dust particles, forming larger agglomerates which then quickly precipitate out of the airstream (McPherson, 1993). Inertial impaction activity is generally accepted as the major capture mechanism for airborne particles larger than 0.5 µm in diameter. It is this mechanism that is evaluated in this study."

Jan 1, 2017

By Leon Y. Sadler

Equations which predict the unsteady-state response of the continuous froth flotation cell to changes in operating conditions are necessary for the rational design of an automatic flotation cell control system. Unfortunately application of automatic control to froth flotation separation equipment has lagged behind application to other types of separation equipment (for example distillation columns, absorbers, liquid-liquid extractors, etc). This may be due partly to the unavailability of suitable mathematical models for predicting the dynamics of continuous mechanical froth flotation cell. This paper presents the results of a comparison of four dynamic flotation models (in transfer function form) using the same set of unsteady-state continuous flotation data. One of the transfer functions tested has been presented previously in the literature (1), another (2) has been accepted for publication, and two are given here for the first time. In addition, data are presented which confirm earlier findings that the mixing in the rotor-stator type cell is nearly perfect. The specific purposes of this paper are to: (1) provide the automatic control systems designer with several alternative dynamic mathematical models of the continuous mechanical froth flotation cell (2) give some idea of the relative a¬bility of each model to predict unsteady-state behavior by fitting each model to the same set of experimental stimulus-response flotation data and (3) provide more insight into the macro-mechanisms prevailing in the continuous mechanical flotation cell. The dynamic models which are presented and tested here all relate the time variation of the concentration of a given floatable mineral in the tailings to a time-dependent disturbance in the same floatable mineral concentration in the feed to the flotation cell.

Jan 1, 1972

By M. Gunter, M. Buzon, B. McNamee

"A Google search on talc asbestos will yield over 500,000 hits – the reason being the growing number of civil lawsuits in this area. Historically the litigation was centered on amphibole-containing industrial talc. There was no debate these talcs contained amphiboles, but the issue was the definition of asbestos. Ultramafic hosted talcs, however, are formed in such a way as to not favor the formation of amphiboles in the talc; they can occur in the surrounding black-wall, also the serpentinite host rock is in direct contact with the talc. Thus allegations can be made non-asbestiform amphiboles or non-regulated serpentine group minerals can occur in the final products. INTRODUCTION Gunter (1994) wrote the following in regard to the question “What is asbestos? “The question yields different answers depending upon the audience. To a mineralogist, asbestos is a mineral form. To an engineer, it is an industrial material with several useful properties. To a medical doctor, it is an agent that might cause certain diseases. The third answer invokes several more issues: to a lawyer, a possible lawsuit; to a news reporter, a story; to an asbestos abatement worker, a job; and to a public school administrator or a parent, a nightmare.” The main function of that article was to try and provide background information to be taught at the college level to help students understand some of the issues associated with the use of asbestos in our modern society, and especially its use as a fireproofing agent in schools and public buildings. At that point in time one of the main issues was asbestos abatement as the mining and use of asbestos was waning as its health risks became more clearly known in the occupational setting. Now over 20 years later the current issue we are dealing with herein is “asbestos” occurring naturally in talc. This is a well know concern for those in the talc industry and they have been working on methods to ascertain if their products contained “asbestos” since last century. As such our articles will focus more on issues emerging from recent litigation, and the confusion that occurs, especially in the “asbestos” nomenclature as the mineralogist, engineers, doctors, and lawyers previously mentioned try to communicate. And lastly we need to remain cognizant of the fact that people are still dying of mesothelioma in the US. As a last resort to recoup expenses as they are dying they often respond to the TV advertisements we’ve all no doubt seen."

Jan 1, 2016

By S. Middlemiss

The Indentation Fracture technique is being developed as a tool for use in comminution and mineral liberation analysis. Fracture toughness measurements for a number of mineralogical materials were made and comparisons were drawn between these and properties measured with the Ultrafast Load Cell drop weight apparatus. The technique has also been used as a probe to quantify differences in fracture properties at different areas in the microstructure of a material. In both a Utah limestone and a South African quartzite, material near a grain boundary fractures very differently to that in the bulk. Ongoing work is ultimately aimed at producing a comprehensive fracture model for a multi-mineral system based on its micro-fracture characteristics.

Jan 1, 1994

By H. N. Dougherty

"The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) ventilation gallery was used to study methane-air flows around a continuous miner mockup with water sprays and a scrubber fan. Methane gas was released from pipes located at the face to simulate face gas emissions. Methane concentrations and air velocities were measured while varying parameters such as airflow quantity, entry width (sump or slab cut), and face ventilation configuration (blowing or exhausting curtain). Test data showed a similar pattern of methane concentrations at both low and high airflow quantities, but a difference in the distribution of methane concentrations between narrow and wide entry widths. Most tests showed that blowing face ventilation was more efficient in diluting methane than exhausting ventilation, similar to observations made in previous empty gallery studies. The patterns of airflow and methane concentrations observed in this testing can further improve the understanding of airflow in and around the CM and face, promoting effective use of face ventilation to improve the health and safety of miners. INTRODUCTION Attaining an accurate understanding of airflow distribution at the continuous miner face is instrumental in maintaining a safe mining environment. US mining regulations require that sufficient airflow must be directed to the deepest penetration of the face and render harmless contaminant gases, as verified by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Currently, continuous miner face air readings can be taken in the last open crosscut and at the inby end of the curtain mouth. By measuring adequate airflow in a pre-determined area it is accepted that a sufficient quantity of that air exists to sweep the face of harmful dust and gasses. Unfortunately, due to the location inaccessibility, precise face velocity readings cannot be measured in situ. Face velocities may be estimated through computer-simulated programs based on laboratory models. Improving upon previous empty gallery testing and to more effectively determine representative face methane readings, a mockup of a continuous miner with water sprays and a scrubber fan was used in the current study to further refine face airflow conditions that would be closer to actual mining conditions."

Jan 1, 2016

By G. S. Austin

New Mexico produced 83% of domestic potash and 27% of domestic consumption in 1992. The potash industry of New Mexico produces sylvite (KCI), langbeinite (K2SO4-2Mg(SO4)2), and artificial K2SO4. Average sylvite grade in New Mexico today is about 14%. The average grade of langbeinite is 8-10% Kp. Commercial potash occurs in the middle or McNutt Member of the Salado Formation (Upper Permian Ochoan Series). The 120-m-thick McNutt Member dips about 1° east and contains 11 of 12 potential ore zones in the Salado. The mineralogy and proportion of clay minerals, up to 7% of the ore, influence optimum milling procedures and ore grade cutoff.

Jan 1, 1994

By M. J. Raffaldi, L. A. Sandbak, K. K. Dehn, S. N. Warren, J. B. Seymour

"Confidence in the design and stability of an undercut cemented rockfill (CRF) span requires a thorough understanding of its emplaced material properties. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of cast 6×12-inch QA/QC cylinders is typically used as an index test to track the performance of a backfill plant. However, these strengths need to be adjusted for oversize aggregate removal and sample size effects if used to estimate the emplaced UCS. UCS testing of 6×12, 12×24, and 18×36-inch cast CRF cylinders was used to quantify the relationship between readily available 6×12-inch QA/QC strength data and the emplaced UCS. Test results indicate that the UCS of 18×36-inch cylinders is roughly 40% of the 6×12-inch UCS for similarly compacted samples. Mine QA/QC data indicate that the UCS of CRF is highly dependent on the degree of compaction as measured by bulk density. Based on these results, knowledge of the emplaced CRF density compared to 6×12-inch QA/QC density is also necessary to estimate the emplaced UCS. The scale effect reported in this study is more pronounced, compared to current understanding of backfill properties discussed in the literature, and underscores the need for further site-specific testing. INTRODUCTION The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Mining Research Division (SRMD), in cooperation with Barrick Gold Corporation, is conducting research with the goal of determining a relationship between 6-inch QA/QC cylinder strengths and the in-place strength of cemented rockfill (CRF). CRF cylinders with dimensions (diameter × length) of 6×12, 12×24, and 18×36 inches were cast onsite at the Turquoise Ridge Joint Venture (TRJV) and Cortez Hills Underground (CHUG) mines using CRF mixed at the mines’ respective batch plants. UCS tests were performed after 28 days of curing to estimate the size correction factor for each mine’s CRF. This paper presents an overview of the mix designs, sample collections, testing methods, test results, and an estimate of the UCS size correction factor for CRF at these mines. BACKGROUND Underhand cut and fill mining methods utilizing cemented backfill are common in underground metal mines in the United States. These methods are advantageous for controlling weak or highly stressed rock mass conditions by creating an engineered material that can be placed in openings, forming a beam that provides a safe, stable back for the next undercut. Increased use of underhand methods in the last 30 years has greatly improved safety in many cut-and-fill mines. However, with the continual push for more efficient and cost effective mining, there is a need to thoroughly understand the geotechnical properties of cemented backfill to assist in designing safe, stable openings while optimizing costs and production schedules."

Jan 1, 2018

By W.J. Atkinson

The first recorded discovery of diamonds in Australia was in 1851 from New South Wales. Subsequent prospecting has shown alluvial occurrences of diamond to be relatively widespread through much of the Tasman Fold Belts of Eastern Australia and production to date is estimated to be some 500 000 carats from a number of &apos;small alluvial fields. Despite extensive exploration though, no primary rock source carrying significant diamond contents has ever been confirmed in Eastern Australia. Conversely, diamond exploration of the older Western and Central Cratons of Australia over the past 30 years has discovered 12 fields containing 360 kimberlites, lamproites and lamprophyric volcanic pipes, dykes and other intrusives, of which 180 have been confirmed to be diamondiferous. Only one pipe however, the 1200 Ma high grade Argyle lamproite and associated near-by alluvials, has proved to be economically exploitable with current annual production of 40 million carats valued at approximately US$400 million. Production from the open-pit will be sustainable until at least 2003. This paper briefly summarizes the history of diamond discovery in Australia, principal diamondiferous provinces and deposits, current exploration activities and the potential for future discoveries.

Jan 1, 1995

By Yisa Liu, Lili Xu, Shina Li, Kang Li, Jiong Dong, Zichen Yin, Ruixin Ma

With the evolving landscape of gold mineral resource development and utilization, the easily treatable gold resources are continuously decreasing, while refractory gold minerals are becoming the most important resources in the field of gold extraction. In these original ores, most of the gold is encapsulated in the lattice of pyrite and arsenopyrite, resulting in difficulty of gold transfer into the solution during the leaching process. The most effective method to solve the problem of insufficient contact between gold particles and leaching reagent is oxidation pretreatment before leaching. Different from traditional high-temperature roasting, concentrated sulfuric acid was used as both an oxidant and leaching agent in a sulfideencapsulated refractory gold ore to decompose the pyrite in the curing environment to expose the gold and improve the leaching efficiency. The experimental results showed that under the conditions of liquid solid ratio 3:1, curing temperature 240 °C and the reaction time 1.5 h, the weight loss rate and iron removal rate of the ore sample reached the highest value of 60.01% and 99.68%, respectively. The main phase of curing residue was Fe2( SO4)3, and silica was nearly the only phase after washing. At the same time, by combining the sodium thiosulfate system gold leaching method, the gold leaching rate increased from 3.67% to 81.30% before and after pretreatment with concentrated sulfuric acid.

Feb 19, 2024

By Serdar Aktaş, Burcu Nilgün Çetiner

According to critical statistical studies, antimony is one of the rarest elements in the world, and global resources could be exhausted by 2050. In light of these observations, its extraction will be costly due to poor-quality ore, deep mining, remote locations, and high energy consumption. In the present study, an alkaline leaching process was carried out on stibnite concentrate to evaluate the effect of reaction parameters on the percentage of antimony extraction. The leaching efficiencies of different sulfur and hydroxide sources were studied and compared to one another to create a better understanding of the reaction process. Kinetic models were investigated to identify the reaction pathway and calculate the activation energy. The activation energy of the stibnite dissolution was assessed as 19.13 kJ/mol using a two-dimensional diffusion-reaction model. The value of activation energy indicates the quantity of energy necessary for a reaction to proceed. As expected, potassium hydroxide leaching was significantly more successful than was sodium hydroxide; however, in terms of economics, the use of sodium hydroxide was found to be more cost-efficient. Interestingly, this finding indicated that caustic leaching is still the most effective method for stibnite extraction.

Jul 23, 2020

By F. J. Susko

The Bureau of Mines applied a flotation model to the hydrodynamics of the Bureau-developed rapid flotation system. Rapid flotation is a process which separates the bubble-particle attachment and froth-pulp separation stages of the flotation sequence into two discrete unit operations allowing the operations to be individually optimized. Both an air-injected hydrocyclone and an in-line mixer were used as the bubble-particle attachment unit and a shallow-depth froth separator was used to separate the ore-laden froth from the pulp. A 10-L/min batch system was tested on a coarse coal feed sample. The system was tested using two different bubble-particle attachment units at various aeration levels in order to test the flotation model. The results of the flotation model reflect general trends observed in the experimental data.

Jan 1, 1993

The roasting process of copper concentrates containing variable quantities of arsenic in a fluidized bed regime was analyzed, considering the technical literature published on the topic in the last quarter century. Although emphasis has been given to the analysis in the fluidized bed regime, other processes have also been considered, under a reducing, neutral or oxidizing atmosphere. The kinetic mechanisms of roasting, as well as the models that have been applied or those likely to be used to explain the kinetics of arsenic removal, are analyzed. Regarding the kinetic mechanisms, those that have been applied to copper concentrates with both high and low arsenic content are included. The roasting kinetic model includes the kinetic data analysis techniques, general models, equations and an estimation of the conversion degree through dynamic, differential and integral methods, as well as particular models for mineralogical components, such as smelter dust and copper concentrates with low and high arsenic content.

May 1, 2012

By Scott Rosenthal, Dave Gilkey, Theresa Stack, Daniel Autenrieth, Ciara Kremer

Jackleg drill operators are exposed to harmful levels of hand-arm vibration (HAV). Anti-vibration handles and gloves provide modest reductions in HAV exposures and forearm muscle exertion from the use of anti-vibration handles and gloves by jackleg drill operators. The goal of this pilot study was to investigate changes in HAV with the use of anti-vibration gloves and handles compared to forearm muscle exertion experienced by operators and measured with surface electromyography (EMG). Five subjects operated the drill under four different cases: no anti-vibration controls, anti-vibration gloves only, anti-vibration handle only, and simultaneous anti-vibration handle and glove use. Muscle exertion was expressed as a percent of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) and was compared using Welch’s ANOVA with Games-Howell post hoc comparisons. The case with both anti-vibration controls in use simultaneously (largest grip diameter) was associated with a mean %MVC of 36.13% during operation for all forearm muscles combined, which was significantly higher than that of the other cases (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in mean HAV exposures. The anti-vibration handle with anti-vibration glove case only increased the maximum allowable exposure time by 8 min as compared to the control case without any anti-vibration controls. These results suggest that the modest HAV exposure reductions from the use of anti-vibration handles and gloves may pale in comparison to the increased muscle exertion resulting from their use, and this trade-off among jackleg drill operators is a potential concern that warrants further investigation.

Jul 12, 2021

By Alper Kirmaci, Taghi Sherizadeh, Dogukan Guner, Samuel Nowak, Khaled Mohamed, Morgan Sears

Coal ribs present a major safety hazard in underground mines, and there is currently no unified approach for their design in the United States. To tackle this issue, this study investigated the stability of underground coal pillar ribs under development load. Utilizing over a thousand 3DEC models, a framework for calculating coal pillar rib rating (CPRR) was developed. A detailed step-by-step method was outlined for computing the CPRR based on a 3DEC analysis, which was then validated with various 3DEC models, demonstrating a strong correlation between the two models. The results demonstrated that the rib factor of safety (RibFOS) under development load is directly proportional to CPRR, coal mine roof rating (CMRR), and floor strength, and inversely proportional to the overburden depth and rib height. Moreover, a regression equation was formulated to predict the RibFOS based on the aforementioned parameters. Furthermore, empirical relationships were developed between the RibFOS and the applied primary rib support density (PRSD) in U.S. coal mines. To ease the calculations, a stand-alone application, Design of Rib Support (DORS), was developed. This application can be used to assess rib stability and easily calculate CPRR, RibFOS, and PRSD.

Jul 1, 2023

By A. N. Pritchard

The development of vibrating screens over the last century has seen many variations to suit the exacting requirements of industry. Indeed, as each year passes, industry has presented the challenge to screen manufacturers of supplying larger machines than those used in the past and the question is often posed - what is the maximum limit? Not only must size or screen area be considered but excellence of performance in terms of screening efficiency must be maintained or maximized.

Jan 1, 1983

By Gordon B. French

In order to better understand the relation- ship of underground and surface oil shale processing systems, a block flow chart is presented in Fig. I. From this figure only modified in-situ and Room and Pillar underground mining are currently committed and into the Detailed Design and Construction phases. Figure II illustrates the times required (Federal land site) to bring oil shale operation into production. As this example shows, only those companies having progressed beyond the exploration stage have a chance to obtain oil shale production within the next 10 years. A more detailed breakdown of the oil shale development for those on private lands or having already obtained Federal lease lands is shown in Fig. III for shale oil development (without major regulatory changes).

Jan 1, 1981

By Kevin A. Foo, Murray D. Bath, John H. Canterford, Arnaldo Ismay

There is no doubt that the dominant future source of gold will be the so-called refractory ores, especially those with gold in a pyrite/arsenopyrite matrix. Minproc Engineers is taking an active role in establishing detailed design criteria for a number of apparently competing processes. This involves generating a detailed understanding of the metallurgy involved, systematic pilot plant testing, and the application of advanced engineering technologies. This presentation outlines the approach adopted by Minproc as well as the design criteria for several current projects.

Jan 1, 1989

By Mason L. Dicks

For many years The Hanna Mining Company has been investigating the flotation of the non-magnetic iron ores located in the Western Mesabi Range of Minnesota.1 During the 1950&apos;s a number of anionic iron procedures were evaluated and in the late 1950&apos;s and early 1960&apos;s the anionic silica floats and the cationic silica floats were tested with improved results.2 The cationic float became more attractive and effective by the use of the improved ether amines. About 1962 a desliming process by selective flocculation was developed by the U.S. Bureau of Hines at Minneapolis&apos;, Minnesota.3, 4, 5 This is a very efficient method of desliming and was first tried with the anionic silica float and then the more practical cationic silica float. In the mid 1960&apos;s The Hanna Research Laboratory began studies to optimize the selective flocculation process for our ores. This was followed by studies to optimize the cationic silica float after desliming by selective flocculation. This testwork was done on large, 500 to 1000 tonne bulk samples of oxidized taconite which were later successfully piloted at .68t/h (1500 Lbs. /hr.). A program was then begun to test the oxidized portions of numerous taconite drill holes to outline the ore bodies and develop mining plans. This paper will discuss our optimization results of both the selective flocculation and the cationic silica float as applied to our various ores. In addition the pilot plant studies and drill core testwork will be discussed.

Jan 1, 1978