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By C. Klauber, H. G. Linge, W. G. Jones

The carbon-in-pulp process for gold processing depends on the adsorption of dissolved Au(CN)2- from solution onto activated carbon. Our work shows that coconut and peat based carbons have the same mechanism and kinetics of adsorption. There is no contribution to the bonding from carbon-oxygen functionalities on the carbon surface, as has been invariably supposed in all previous theories for the mechanism of the reaction. It is shown that Au(CN)2- is reversibly adsorbed intact on, and parallel to, the graphitic planes of the carbon. The physiochemical basis of the measurement of carbon reactivity for gold adsorption is discussed.

Jan 1, 1989

By M. Selamat, J. Nirdosh, S. V. Muthuswami

High-grade uranium ores of Cluff Lake and Key Lake mines from the province of Saskatchewan in Canada are treated with nitric and hydrochloric acids with the objective of leaching 230 Th and 226Ra simultaneously with uranium to produce environmentally safe mill tailings, h is found that optimum conditions for uranium leaching are 50°C, 4 h, 30% solids in leach slurry and an acid concentration of 1 mol/L for HNO, for both the ores. In the case of HCl, a 3 mol/L acid concentration is needed and addition of an oxidant is required because otherwise 230Th and 226Ra extractions remain poor.

Jan 1, 1990

By Lynn B. Hales, John A. Herbst, Thomas L. Gabardi

A system for a continuous determination of the charge volume of grinding media in ball mills and SAG mills has been developed. The system, comprised of a unique measurement device and a model based Kalman filter algorithm, determines grinding media level within a mill and calculates media and liner wear rates. The signal from an instrumented washer mounted on the exterior of the mill shell is used to provide the measurement that, along with mill power and on-line models for media mechanics, result in estimates of mill parameters that can be used in media addition control strategies. Data are presented for a 12.5 x 15 ft. ball mill.

Jan 1, 1990

By R. W. Smith, R. K. Mehta, X. P. Zheng, A. M. Raichur, M. Misra

Experimentation was per formed on the flotation of apatite and dolomite separately using anionic collectors in the presence of Mycobacterium phlei. Also, the flotation of mixtures of dolomite and apatite in the presence of anionic collectors and in the absence and presence of the bacterium were studied. It was found that M.phlei functions as a depressant for both minerals. However, it functions as a better depressant for dolomite than for apatite. Experimentation was extended to two different Florida dolomitic phosphate rocks. In this investigation a concentrate grade of less than 1.0% MgO was achieved with a 75% P2O5 recovery.

Jan 1, 1999

By Alexander I. Feldman, Michael S. Kucker, Robert A. Robinson, Harvey W. Parker

An extensive geotechnical monitoring program was used to assess ground and liner behavior, provide input to a Disputes Review Board, and verify design assumptions during construction of the Mt. Baker Ridge Highway Tunnel along I-90 in Seattle, Washington. The stacked-drift tunnel liner was constructed with twenty-four 2.9 m diameter concrete-filled drifts forming a semi-flexible compression ring, followed by excavation of the 19.4 m diameter soil core. Instrumentation data was used for monitoring hillside stability, liner deflections and loads, impacts on adjacent highway tunnels, for back analyzing soil properties, and for helping to limit construction-induced settlements to about 6 cm.

Jan 1, 1987

By Jerry W. Danni, R. Craig Ford, Kermit C. Benke, Jim B. Finley, Donald D. Runnells

Steady-state water balance models have historically been used in the management of acid drainage at mine sites. Such systems could be more realistically described by non-steady-state conditions. In addition, the evaluation of alternatives for closure and management of acid drainage must consider non-steady-state conditions. Dynamic systems modeling is a method for simulating water management systems, offering flexibility in: (1) simulating either steady-state or non-steady-state conditions, (2) allowing "what-if' scenario testing. and (3) optimization of operation and closure alternatives. A case study is given for acidic drainage management during closure at a heap leach facility that demonstrates the utility of dynamic systems models.

Jan 1, 2000

By David D. Gallagher, Edmond J. O’Donovan

It has been well accepted for many decades that hard starting of conveyors has associated problems. It is particularity damaging to the belt and splices. Recent measurements of hard starts on a long conveyor with a low modulus belt showed very unusual responses. These included violent accelerations and repeated "whip cracking" of the belt. Laboratory investigations of the very high strain rates experienced by the belt during the whip cracking, show mechanisms for belt damage that are not associated with normal usage. This paper outlines the measurement to show that for long, low modulus conveyors, constant torque controls are inappropriate and time ramp controls are really essential.

Jan 1, 1998

By S. G. Malghan, V. K. Pujari

Detailed characterization of all the powder constituents during powder processing is necessary for the reproducible manufacture of ceramic components that will perform reliably in intended applications. In this paper, selected physical and surface chemical techniques for characterization of silicon nitride powder are evaluated. The characterization data are discussed in the context of how these data, through their influence on powder processing unit operations, can affect the final microstructure. In the forming of ceramics, some of the major variables of injection molding are evaluated. Accurate measurement and control of these variables is emphasized for manufacture of Si3N4 ceramics with a high degree of reliability.

Jan 1, 1990

By G. Oswald

The fatty acid flotation process has been used to produce phosphate for decades, yet the chemical mechanism involved has never been thoroughly investigated. A basic knowledge of the process is lacking, and as such, industry has had to develop their own guidelines for the design and operation of conditioning and flotation equipment. These guidelines are the result of many trial and error attempts, and are not by any means universally endorsed. There are almost as many opinions about how to operate a plant as there are practitioners of the art. This paper covers the currently recommended rules for design as viewed by one practicing phosphate metallurgist.

Jan 1, 1993

By J. C. Ransdell

A conventional paddle-type mixer and a gravity-flow mixing device were evaluated for conditioning of fine phosphate feed (- 35 + 150 mesh) with fatty acid and fuel oil, and for acid scrubbing prior to cationic flotation. Gravity-flow mixing re- quired less residence time but slightly higher reagent concentrations to achieve recovery levels similar to conventional conditioning. Grade was less sensitive to reagent concentration using the gravity-flow mixer. For acid scrubbing, the gravity-flow mixer proved equally effective. In this paper, the effect of time, pulp density, reagent concentration, and emulsification on conditioning and acid scrubbing efficiency of the two devices is discussed.

Jan 1, 1987

By Robert Irvine

Exploration activity for diamonds in Canada has recently experienced a dramatic increase. Disclosure of a diamond discovery exhibiting features of a potentially economic deposit contained in a kimberlite pipe in the Lac de Gras area of Canada's Northwest Territories has sparked substantial interest in-Canada and abroad and has triggered the largest staking rush in terms of area in the history of Canadian exploration. In this paper, we report on the nature and extent of current exploration activity in Canada for diamonds (with special attention to Arctic regions), the results of this activity to date, and the context in terms of current world markets for diamonds.

Jan 1, 1995

By D. M. Larsen, K. R. Gardner, P. B. Altringer

The Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, is conducting batch and small- scale continuous laboratory studies on the biologically assisted removal of selenium from process waste waters. Mixed cultures of gram- negative bacteria isolated from several brackish water marshes are capable of reducing selenate [Se(VI)I to selenite [Se(IV)I and precipitating an amorphous elemental selenium product. Selenium extractions ranged from 80 to 96% regardless of the initial selenium concentration. The conditions for rapid bacterial growth and reactor design for optimal selenium removal have been investigated. The mechanisms of bacterial reduction and the rate of selenium removal for scaleup to larger systems is discussed.

Jan 1, 1989

By Donald S. Clarke

The Umuna epithermal precious metal deposit has provided the target for a simulated rock geochemistry exploration program, directed at bedrock exposed in the drainage system of eastern Misima Island. A geochemical halo to the deposit is readily recognised in the mafic meta-volcanic country rock. This halo is defined by anomalous results for both major (K, Na, Ca, Mg) and minor (Au, As, Sb, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ba, Rb, Sr, Cs, Bi, Ga, S) element geochemistry, extending further than 1km from the deposit. Such halos are sufficiently extensive to provide adequate exploration targets in the search for epithermal mineralisation, complementing mineralogic and secondary media geochemical investigations.

Jan 1, 1989

By George W. Toth

This chapter describes the development of a computer code which rapidly estimates the cost of producing coal from either surface or underground mining situations. The computer code, termed the coal production cost (CPC) code, was developed under an NUS corporate research grant and was based on the findings of several coal mining and cost research analyses performed by NUS over a three-year period. The studies which served as the primary basis for the CPC code were the coal mining cost models developed by NUS for the Electric Power Research Institute. These models were designed for use in manual analyses and have been published by EPRI (Toth, 1977; and Stinnett, 1977).

Jan 1, 1979

By M. M. Rajkovich, L. Adams, J. J. Zaluski, S. Gardner

In 1998, a group called Kentuckians for the Commonwealth filed an Administrative Petition with the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet to designate 8,903± hm2 (22,000± acres) on Black Mountain, which contains the state's highest point, as unsuitable for mining. A fast track legislative process was triggered that could have "taken" 91 Mt (100 million st) of coal reserves or, in the alternative, imposed severe restrictions on mining. Even with all parties represented by reasonable individuals, this process can be extremely cumbersome and expensive. The legal and technical preparation for this unusual hearing process as well as issues and strategies of the negotiated resolution are reviewed

Jan 1, 2002

By D. W. Fuerstenau, G. S. Sudhir, P. C. Kapur

Quartz-limestone feed mixtures were ground in a laboratory-size, choke-fed, high- pressure roll mill. As compared to individually ground minerals, the harder component (quartz) in the product mixture is coarser, and the softer component (limestone) is finer. An energy split index is introduced for quantifying the disproportionate split of the mill energy between the feed constituents. This index is incorporated into a grinding kinetic model for simulation of the product size distributions of the mineral components as a function of energy input to the mill. The self-similar character of the size distributions is analyzed and an energy-size reduction relationship for the roll mill is highlighted.

Jan 1, 1992

By Robert Snow, Francisco Sotillo

Six types of amines were evaluated in the cleaning step of the rougher concentrate for the Crago “Double Float” process in terms of relative selectivity. Selectivity of these amines was ranked based on both batch and locked cycle flotation tests. Two parameters were used for selectivity ranking, the Selectivity Index, SI, and the ratio of insol rejection to the tailings weight percentage, R*. The comparison of the flotation results of the batch tests of the cleaning step of the Crago process for an unsized amine feed generated the following ranking from the most selective to the least selective mine: Quaternary > Primary [ ]Tertiary [ ] Condensate > Ether > Secondary(?).

Jan 1, 2002

By Yanmin Wang, Eric Forssberg

This paper presents recent experimental results in wet ultra-fine grinding and classification of industrial minerals carbonates and kaolin clays using a stirred ball mill and a high performance centrifuge. The studies have been focused on the effect of beads (size, density and load) on the grinding efficiency. The use of chemical additives for the control of slurry rheology in the stirred ball milling is presented. The role of pre-crushing with a high-pressure roller mill on subsequent ultra-fine grinding is discussed for energy saving and size reduction. The use of a disc-stack nozzle centrifuge for ultra-fine classification duties at high solids contents is presented.

Jan 1, 1998

By A. J. Abraham, K. E. Seitz, J. D. Humphrey

Caterpillar has led the way for sound reduction in off highway trucks (OHT) used for mining. In 2000 Caterpillar introduced the 793CXQ sound reduction OHT (Figure 4) to meet local noise level demands in the Hunter Valley near Sydney, Australia. The sound level of the mining equipment in the Hunter Valley is being reduced to pre-serve the quality of life for the residents of the area. To meet the levels established required a major redesign of the 793C, as a result the sound power level was reduced by 9 dB (A), which is a less than 1/8the original sound level.

Jan 1, 2004

By A. E. Reisenauer, R. W. Nelson, G. W. Gee

A model assessment was made to evaluate contaminant transport to ground water from clay-lined and unlined tailings pits. The input hydrologic soil characteristics were measured on materials typical of those found at the Morton Ranch uranium mill site in central Wyoming. The assessment involved combined saturated and partially saturated flow and contaminant transport models for two-dimensional cross-sections typical of the proposed Morton Ranch burial pits. Specifically obtained from the models were contaminant flow paths, the advancing contaminant flow fronts for sorbed and non-sorbed constituents, and travel times of contaminants along flow paths. Such results enable evaluation of the environmental consequences for the alternative control methods.

Jan 1, 1980