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By Antti J. Niemi

Radioisotope tracers have so far been used for extraction of residence time distributions of flotation devices. They have also been proven applicable to evaluation of rate coefficients k of industrial flotation. It is now shown how values of k are scaled up on the basis of laboratory data on flotation and chemical conditioning, and of laboratory testing of samples from output of industrial conditioning vessel. Subsequently a model of conditioning and flotation is obtained which may be used for simulation and control of the steady state of the combined process. Discussion extends to modelling, simulation, CAD and opti- mization of flotation plants with re- circulation, and of ore dressing systems which consist of grinding and flotation plants.

Jan 1, 1990

By Ch. Arvanitidis

This paper presents the design solution for an actual case of settlement tanks, for a wastewater treatment plant under construction, actually founded on swelling clay (the nature of which had not been appreciated beforehand) and suffering considerable damage as a result. Two points of interest prompted the use of a numerical model as an alternative approach to the traditional method of analysis: First, the desire to compare the in situ measured deformation and displacement of the tanks with the figures calculated by the numerical model. Second the need to check the validity of the suggested solution as a remedy, i.e. the replacement of a certain thickness of clay by graded material.

Jan 1, 2005

By Po-Wei Tun, Kuen-Yuh Wu, Tso-Min Shih, Hsi-Chiang Fang

The purpose of this study is to investgate the coal dust explosion characteristics and to search for the prevention methods of the coal dust explosion as well as the propagation of the explosion flame of the middle-bearing coal formation in Taiwan by an open type coal dust explosion apparatus in laboratory. The coal samples were taken from the typical middle-bearing formations of the Sam-Ming,Tai-Ho and Lee-Fong coal mines The rock dusts, the free water mixture with coal dust samples and the interval clean out the coal dust in the testing chambers were applied for preventing the coal dust explosion and the propagation of the explosion flame.

Jan 1, 1993

By S. K. Kawatra

For efficient control of particle size in a wet grinding circuit, three alternative methods for monitoring pro- duct particle size are available. These methods are based on: 1. Ultrasonic wave absorption. 2. Low-angle forward scattering of a laser beam. 3. Inferential sizing techniques. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed. A particle size monitor can be used on a single grinding line to control the product particle size. To minimize the number of particle size monitors at an operation consisting of many similar grinding lines, a portable multi-stream on-line analyzer can be used. The paper outlines the design and the operational characteristics of the portable multi-stream online analyzer.

Jan 1, 1979

By R. W. Bartlett

Aeration curing, over- a long duration in wet- red stockpiles, shows promise as an affordable pretreatment method for oxidizing gold encapsulating sulfide minerals, and possibly organic matter, in low grade refractory ores. Following aeration pretreatment, the ore is reclaimed, neutralized, and cyanide leached by conventional practices. Large tonnages of subeconomic material, including mine stripping waste, may he converted into ore by this new technology. The results presented show that a successful application of this technology will likely require crushing to about -2 cm (-3/4 in.), followed by aeration in a wet stockpile for long periods, up m three years. Natural convection may he inadequate, hut forced air ventilation, at modest pressures and power consumption, is affordable.

Jan 1, 1991

By T. Tamagawa, I. Iwasaki, N. X. Fu, M. Kobayashi

A low-temperature-chlorination selective oxidation followed by aqueous chloride leaching and SX-EW for producing electrolytic copper, elemental sulfur and ferric oxide was investigated for hydrometallurgical processing of a chalcopyrite concentrate. In this article, the selective oxidation phase of the process is described. The selective oxidation requires a temperature well above the CuCl-FeCl3 eutectic points. The test procedure was developed with a batch reactor and then tested with a continuous reactor. The process was initiated by adding small amounts of chlorinated samples to a fluidizing bed of dead-roasted sulfide concentrate micropellets. The selectively oxidized samples thus prepared were shown to fully dissolve copper, while virtually all the iron remained undissolved.

Jan 1, 2000

By S. D. Thompson

Several discrete-event simulation models have been developed for designing the conveying system capacities of underground coal mines. Most of these models require the use of a step function approach to mimic the loading process at each conveyor loading point. Over the years, practitioners have generally employed one of three versions of the step function approach. An important issue is how these three versions compare to each; other in terms of simulated capacity requirements for belt conveyors. Another issue is how they compare to the peak capacity design. This paper addresses these issues by statistically and quantitatively comparing their simulation results. The consequences and problems associated with using each version are also discussed and summarized.

Jan 1, 1997

By Alberto Sarmentero

Venezuela, once a world's top gold producer until 1886 Witwatersrand discovery, did let fall its role then because of a serious lack of infrastructure and population, and lately (since World war II times), because of discouraging mining and taxation laws, laying upon an oil prizes bonanza. Recent research leading to estimates of about 5.000 mt. of gold, mainly related to the greenstone belts of the Guiana Precambrian shield outcropping in Venezuela, are opening the scope for both Government and international investing and mining companies, for gold exploration and development projects in the country. This paper overviews Venezuelan Gold mining industry, as seen from the point of view of a participating mining company.

Jan 1, 1989

By G. T. Adel

This paper presents the highlights of a general-purpose simulator for mineral processing plants that is being developed at the University of California, Berkeley. The state-of-the-art structured design methodogy based on a top-down design approach is being used to construct a modular and completely structured simulator such that it is independent of the unit operation models and routines. The simulator provides for two levels of operation allowing prebuilt or user-built simulation flowsheets depending upon the degree of computer knowledge expected of the user. The philosophy used in designing this simulator appears to be unique in the field of flowsheet simulation. The paper also includes a mini-example demonstrating the usage of the simulator.

Jan 1, 1982

By W. Lin, E. Heuze

This paper focuses on tests performed on sandstones and shales from four gas wells in the Mesaverde formation. A previous document showed a comparison of the static and dynamic laboratory moduli. This publication describes how field velocity logs were used to derive field dynamic moduli. A 3-way comparison was then performed for these stiffness properties; the results show no agreement between the three sets of values. Differences between dynamic stiffness coefficients from the field and the laboratory exceed 200%; differences between static and dynamic coefficients range up to 600%. In turn, this indicates that a reliable method of estimating mechanical rock properties for hydraulic fracturing design has not been established, and that such a task should be pursued.

Jan 1, 1986

Cost accounting information is used primarily for (1) planning, control, and performance evaluation; and (2) managerial decision-making. Incremental analysis is a tool for managerial decision-making. It is designed to estimate future financial performance, namely the benefits and costs associated with alternative courses of action. Decisions may be distinguished as pertaining to short-term or long-term activities. Long-term activities frequently focus on capacity decisions and the attendant capital budgeting processes used to quantify the financial effects of these decisions. Short-term decisions typically address short-range production quantity and pricing issues, outsourcing, selection of the optimal mix of products, inventory management, and the acceptance of special orders. This chapter addresses these short-term decisions.

Jan 1, 1999

By B. K. Mishra, R. K. Rajamani

A numerical method known as the discrete element method (DEM) is used to track the motion of individual balls in large-diameter ball mills. As a result, the en masse motion of the charge, force distribution, fall-height distribution, and energy distribution emerges from the simulation. Hence, it is possible to investigate the effect of mill diameter, liner profile and ball size distribution on the force regime created within the mill. Simulation results for 14-, 16- and 18-ft diameter mills are shown. The proportion of energy lost in high-intensity impacts and sliding ball motion is discussed. The DEM simulation technique opens the way for a closer examination of liner profiles on ball-charge motion.

Jan 1, 1992

By Catherine M. Dentan, Yosry A. Attia

The presence of finely divided carbonaceous matter, particularly graphite, in gold ores, adversely affects the adsorption - recovery of gold by activated carbon from cyanide solutions of such ores. Competitive adsorption of gold by graphite and other carbonaceous matter, is thought to be responsible for this deleterious effect In this study, adsorption of gold cyanide complex AU(CN)2- by the activated carbon used in carbon-in- pulp or carbon-in-leach processes, was compared with that by graphite which was chosen to represent the carbonaceous matter. Similar adsorption studies were made with gold chloride complex AuC14-. Correlation of adsorption with surface characteristics and thermodynamics were presented in detail, and a flowsheet for graphite-in-leach was proposed.

Jan 1, 1990

By John Jonkman

Many companies in the mining and minerals processing industry are finding themselves in the transition stage from the Industrial Age to the Information Age and are trying to become prepared for the Knowledge Age. To remain competitive in the decades ahead, they are faced with integrating the enterprise through the use of computers and networks. This paper discusses some common human and organizational barriers to enter- prise integration. It proposes how to develop the organizational and human' networks to match the capabilities of the technical networks which are being' implemented. Ten practical considerations are then presented for consideration in the executive suite in addressing the human side of implementing the computer integrated enterprise.

Jan 1, 1989

By I. Iwasaki, K. A. Smith, X. Cheng

The reaction mechanism for the cathodic decomposition of pyrrhotite in deoxygenated solutions at natural, near neutral pH levels was studied using potential and cyclic voltammetric measurements. Reaction products on the pyrrhotite surfaces were examined by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and by analyzing the voltammograms for the electron balance of the reactions. Surface properties of the pyrrhotite/solution interface were characterized using an ac impedance technique. The parameters of an equivalent circuit were determined by the nonlinear least-squares fit (NLLSF) technique. The effect of cathodic polarization on floatability was investigated by performing microflotation tests. Possible implications to the flotation separation of chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite ores are discussed.

Jan 1, 1995

By André G. Journel

As opposed to graphics applications in medical sciences and mechanical engineering, computer imaging of the subsurface faces a severe problem of data shortage. Most graphics softwares include an interpolation algorithm aimed at producing slick graphic output, irrespective of the attribute being interpolated, the quantity and quality of the data available, and what the map is intended for. It is suggested that the power of modern computers be also used in providing representations of the subsurface that accurately reflect actual spatial variability and the large variety of soft information available beyond hard data. Since any subsurface representation is uncertain, a measure of that uncertainty should be provided which can be used for risk analysis.

Jan 1, 1992

By K. G. Sutterer, P. T. Wang, R. Sweigard

One possible alternative for the disposal of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products is to use it as backfilling support material in highwall mine adits. The finite element method was used to analyze the variation in stresses and displacements within and around a highwall adit backfilled with FGD materials. The engineering properties of the rock material and the optimum mix of the FGD materials were obtained from laboratory tests. Finite element analyses show that, for the case in question, the roof displacement would decrease about 48% and the peak stress could be decreased by about 58%. The study indicates that fairly weak FGD materials can eventually lead to the stability of backfilled highwall adits.

Jan 1, 1998

By I. E. Zevgolis

A comprehensive critical review on the subject of sulfates-induced swelling behavior of lime-treated soils is presented in this study. Starting with the description of a well documented case study, the mechanisms behind the swelling behavior and the factors that affect this behavior are discussed. Then, the major experimental methods of sulfates content determination are briefly presented. Finally, an attempt is made to categorize sulfates level and equivalent risk for civil infrastructure. The paper indicates that limited work has been done, not only on identifying safe conditions for use of chemical stabilizers in presence of sulfate rich soils, but also on developing materials and methods to avoid, or at least mitigate, the problem.

Jan 1, 2008

By M. Menegaki

Restoration of abandoned mine sites is still one of the weak points of mining practice. The latter stands especially for the case of the surface coal and lignite exploitations, where the extended size of the disturbed land and the drastic changes to the geomorphologic features do not facilitate the implementation of a cost effective and environmentally sound reclamation plan. The paper examines the parameters involved towards the legal requirements for the reclamation of the first lignite exploitation in Greece, namely the ?Plakes? mine, located at Euboea, due to the particularities of the site. Then an integrated redesign procedure is presented, aiming at minimizing aesthetic degradation, confronting technical difficulties and preparing the site to accept new uses.

Jan 1, 2005

By G. Davey

High speed stirred milling is a relatively new method of grinding in the metalliferous process industries. However it has been it has been in wide spread use in the industrial mineral field for over 30 years for various minerals. Many existing metallurgical operations are looking to maximize economic return from existing deposits, requiring new thinking and technologies. The operating experience of two existing copper operations will be covered to show the effect of the introduction of the Metso Stirred Media Detritor (SMD) a new type of high speed stirred mill. Both operations have derived significant metallurgical benefits from the introduction of this new technology. The benefits and process difficulties are covered and explained.

Jan 1, 2003