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By L G. B Wadley

The Australian gold industry has made large steps forward in the last few years. This progress has been driven by improvements in mining and processing technology, the high price of gold and by a favourable legislative, political and taxation environment. This paper concentrates on improvements in gold project development, process engineering and technology as seen by BHP Engineering, Perth, Australia. The paper describes technical aspects of successful gold project development including metallurgical test work, feasibility studies, choice of process flow sheet (gravity, heap leach, carbon in pulp (CIP), carbon in leach (CIL) or other routes). It sets out our views on plant design, plant construction, procurement and project management. A case study for a small plant recently completed in the Philippines is presented as a solution to the problems often encountered in treating quartz vein gold deposits.

Jan 1, 1990

By Lynn DR, Wadley GB

The Australian gold industry has made large steps forward in the last few years. This progress has been driven by improvements in mining and processing technology, the high price of gold and by a favourable legislative, political and taxation environment. This paper concentrates on improvements in gold project development, process engineering and technology as seen by BHP Engineering, Perth, Australia.The paper describes technical aspects of successful gold project development including metallurgical testwork, feasibility studies, choice of process flowsheet (gravity, heap leach, carbon in pulp (CIP), carbon in leach (CIL) or other routes). It sets out our views on plant design, plant construction, procurement and project management.A case study for a small plant recently completed in the Philippines is presented as a solution to the problems often encountered in treating quartz vein gold deposits.

Jan 1, 1990

By W. R. Bendy

GRINDING is a large and costly part of Portland cement manufacture. Prior to clinkering in the rotary kiln, raw materials are ground to a fineness of 80 to 90 pct passing 200 mesh. Then, after burning and cooling, the resulting clinker is ground to about 92 pct passing 325 mesh. In the cement industry the most favored method of grinding has always been by impact and attrition of a ball charge in a rotating mill. Other types of mills, in which materials are ground between die rings and rollers, or between die rings and large balls, are sometimes used for single-stage grinding and often for preliminary grinding followed by grinding in ball-type mills. Their efficiency is usually high, but maintenance and repair costs are high also, and the ball-type mill continues to be the most widely used.

Jan 10, 1957

By H. J. McQueen

Large-scale industrial production of pipe began with longitudinal hot pressure welding of wrought iron by passage of skelp (narrow strip with beveled edges) through a die or bell that curled it about a longitudinal axis until the edges were forced together. Such small to medium tubes could be reduced by rolling or drawing; with threaded connections, they were excellent for distribution of clean water and of illuminating gas for street, home and industrial lighting. Although steel lacks the fluxing slag for pressure welding it has hot strength similar to iron; hot-pressure bell welding was advantageously transferred to steel in long coiled strip with 50% higher cold strength. For pipe without weld-line defects, hot cupping followed by Pilger mill rolling produced tubing that revolutionized bicycle quality and high-pressure service for boilers and chemical processing. Mannesman hot rotary piercing produced long thick walled tube that permitted reduction or expansion by rolling to provide pipe sections up to 60 cm diameter and 12 m long. During 1910 - 1940, oil and gas pipeline technologies, notably welding evolved markedly as they proliferated in the United States, in response to far-flung petroleum fields, expanding industry consumption and the automobile revolution. In the Second World War combat pipelines were laid rapidly, such as: the Canol line through the Yukon to Alaska, and fuel supply lines across the channel and through liberated France. Perfection of welding techniques for both longitudinal and spiral weld large diameter pipe in combination with controlled-rolling of micro-alloyed steels made possible reliable Arctic pipelines. The development of pipe production and utilization in Canada is recounted. The fabrication techniques and metallurgical controls are explained.

Jan 1, 2005

By B OÆNeil

The Trent-Severn Waterway is a 386 km long navigation route through central Ontario between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay, and is operated by the Parks Canada Agency. Its primary focus is to pass recreational boats through a system of 44 locks. The Big Chute Marine Railway (BCMR) is one site in the system that provides transportation for boats. The BCMR carriage is used to transport boats and their passengers on the inclined railway a distance of 230 m over a natural barrier from one body of water to another, with an elevation difference of 18 m. The unique feature of the haulage system used in this application is the variable angle of the incline from about 20 per cent rise changing to horizontal and followed by 20 per cent decline. In such conditions, unlike as in standard incline haulage, special configuration of hoists and drives is required. On the uphill part of the track, there is a need to have a motoring mode, on the downhill part a regenerating mode and on the horizontal part a combination of motoring and regeneration is required. The original system was built in 1978 and employed four 100 hp dc drive mine hoists to haul the 100 tonne conveyance loaded with 90 tonnes of boats. Due to failures and operational problems with the original system, in 1999 Parks Canada awarded a turnkey contract to ABB for a new, modern system of four single drum hoists. The new system was put into operation in 2000, only six months after receiving the order. The hoists are controlled by digital drives and a digital control system. Due to dramatic changes in the load conditions for individual hoists involved, the new system features many interesting solutions like changing drive modes from speed to torque control and a multiple, regulated braking system. It is a unique hoisting system, which could be also used in mining applications.

Jan 1, 2005

By C. V. O. Hughes

Florida phosphate operations are unique in the ways standard mining equipment is made to meet specialized problems. Hydraulic mining and transportation has evolved in meeting three such special problems: 1) surface mining of a shallow, poorly consolidated but wet material; 2) high pro¬duction rates, necessary because of low prices for phosphate rock in a highly competitive market; and 3) preparation of the value-bearing rock, or matrix, for washing and flotation. The magnitude of the problems is better appreciated if the reader understands the size of operations in the area. The Florida phosphate field produces and ships about 10 million tons per year of phosphate rock. All of this has to be concentrated to its shipping grade, either by scrubbing and screening or by flotation.

Jan 1, 1956

By C. A. Heiland

For a long time it has been known that it is possible to deduce conclusions about the physical constitution of the interior of the earth from the records of natural earthquakes obtained by stationary seismographs. In view of this fact it is surprising how late, relatively speaking, geologic prospecting by seismic methods has been taken up, although the first suggestion was made 40 years ago- that travel-time curves of artificial explosions might be used for the study of the change of the velocity of seismic waves as depth. Further suggestions of practical applications of artificial explosions for geologic purposes were made by Belar,2 by von dem Borne,3 by Benndorf4 and by Galitzin,5 but it was not until 1919 that Mintrop obtained. a patent on the seismic prospecting method which he has applied commercially on a large scale ever since. Dr. Mintrop came to this country with his method at about 1923. Since that time, several. American oil companies have developed seismographs of the mechanical type for the vertical component similar to that of Mintrop's (Humble Oil Co., Dr. Ricker). Other consulting geophysical companies designed other types of seismic devices, the simplest of them for the recording of the first impulse being the geophone (McCollum Geophone Co.). The galvanometric recording method as first proposed by Galitzin is being used (Geophysical Research Corpn.?) and use is being made even of the piezoelectric properties of crystals for portable seismographs (F. Rieber).. There is such an enormous variety of all kinds of portable seismographs, vibrographs, accelerographs, etc., that it is difficult to decide just what kind is preferable. Unfortunately, nothing has been published as yet about American designs of portable seismographs, except the Wood Anderson torsion-seismometer. After Mintrop's design of portable seismographs, other constructions were made.

Jan 1, 1928

I am sure that you are- all familiar with Airborne Magneto-meter Surveying so I shall-spend only a brief moment describing the instrument and techniques and the remainder of the allotted time-on-modern-application-of the instrument.The Airborne Magnetometer used by Aero Service in AUstralia-was designated by Gulf Research and implements the saturable-core flux-gate--principle. The first magnetometers developed'weremagnetic-balances and depended on the counter-torque principle but these required a stable platform and hence are not applicable to airborne surveying. Other methods include the induction methods, the Hall Effect methods, magneto-striction methods., Deflectioh. of,free.electrons, the proton-precession methods.Some: of these are applicable to airborne surveying. As a matter of-fact the nuclear precession magnetometer is the one generally used in the Satellites because it has been miniaturized most successfully.The Gulf Magnetometer is the one most generally used in mineral and petroleum exploration because its sensitivity is sufficient for the problem and-data and instrument techniques have been worked out and standardized.

Jan 1, 1962

By A. Rohkohl, R. Piillenberg

The QSL plant at "BERZELIUS" Stolberg GmbH in Stolberg, Germany was commissioned in 1990, introducing a new era of lead smelting in the more than 150-year-old history of the lead smelter. The lead smelter in Stolberg has changed its appearance several times during its existence. Therefore, at many locations on the site, old and obsolete buildings and equipment parts can still be seen. They are often located side by side with new modern constructions like the QSL-plant and the mercury removal plant, and reflect the specific contrast between tradition and modern technology. After a brief description of the development of the smelter and its decision to implement the current novel plant, the most recent operating results are reported. Following some modifications to the process and equipment, which had become necessary along with the implementation of the new technology, the plant is in operation today at approximately 30% above its design capacity. These achieved production levels are not restricted by the QSL-reactor but by precedent and subsequent available equipment. The QSL-plant entirely complies with the demands of modern, energy-saving, ecologically compatible lead production technology. Stringent environmental standards are maintained on a continuing basis. The demonstrated viability and flexibility of the overall process permits the operation to adapt quickly to the prevailing economical situation worldwide.

Jan 1, 2000

By Gajraj Rathore

With the advent of modern HRM ( Hot rolling mills) with capacities beyond 5 Million tons with corresponding enriched CRM (Cold Rolling Mill) capacities, the throughput per hour exceeds invariably beyond 50 coils per hour making it possible to manage, track, handle, transport, store and dispatch inevitably with an automation system supplemented by corresponding software and hardware. This is true with respect to the production of Cold rolled Annealed, Galvanized, Continuously Annealed, Galvalume, CRGO, CRNGO and Colour coated coils which need total care in handling, tracking and dispatch. Understanding the above needs precisely JSW, Vijayanagar, India, has rightly gone in for a total automatic Yard management system and ASRS wherein the coils are handled as much as possible automatically in cradles without any damage insuring the receipt of coils to the customer as was produced. This CRM 2 has been commissioned and is operating with maximum automation with least manpower and max productivity with assured quality and safety. Pesmel OY Finland had the opportunity to Design, Supply and Commission this system which is first in the country and this technical paper analyses the above project as a case study enlisting the sound technical aspects as well as emphasis on the techno economics with assured ROI (Return on investment) and enhanced efficiency.

Aug 16, 2017

By A. P. Fletcher, K. Croteau

The intent of this paper is to cover some aspects of preventive maintenance methods which have come into wider usage in recent years as a means of increasing operating efficiencies. Particular emphasis is placed on lubrication and related servicing.

Jan 1, 1967

Modern Management Systems for Higher Margins By Malcolm Roberts, Catalyst for Corporate Performance Ltd Malcolm Roberts put the case for changing systems in order to change behaviours and attitudes and improve productivity. ""The key to lifting margins is changing systems."" A system is anything that drives ways of doing things. Sometimes these are formal, and documented, and sometimes they are not. Improving productivity The way to dramatically improve performance is to use the systems. Roberts stressed that if systems and processes are under control, the benefits of automation are huge. If they are not, the benefit of automation will be lost. To improve productivity, you need to: ò identify what to change in the process, ò use the proven methodology to systematically improve the process, and ò change what people do - change work practices.

Jan 1, 1997

Maximising margins in highly competitive international markets demands superior productivity. A key to superior productivity is using a process approach to enable rapid, ongoing improvement of production, commercial, administrative, marketing

Jan 1, 1998

Maximising margins in today's competitive international commodity markets demands superior productivity. This requires more than selecting the best equipment. It requires continually improving the efficiency of production, commercial, marketing and administrative processes under the control of solid modern management systems.This paper introduces an integrated way of working that includes proven management systems for successfully changing work practices and attitudes, developing managers and increasing accountability. It introduces a proven methodology for systematically involving people in sustained true continuous improvement of processes for maximising productivity, safety and revenue while minimising costs.

Jan 1, 1998

Maximising margins in competitive markets demands superior productivity. Unfortunately, management systems developed early this century for other industries often drive counterproductive behaviours choking mining productivity. Many executives and managers waste valuable time and effort relying on simply training and communicating to improve managerial practices and attitudes. In covering practical human behaviour, the paper explains why this fails - and explains how to use systems to successfully drive improved managerial practices and attitudes. It highlights use of modern performance Measurement, Analysis and Reporting systems to drive behaviours and improve margins - without capital investment - and make executive and managerial work easier and more effective.

Jan 1, 1999

Maximizing margins in competitive markets demands superior productivity. Unfortunately, management systems developed early this century for other industries often drive counterproductive behaviors choking mining productivity. Many executives and managers waste valuable time and effort relying on simply training and communicating to improve managerial practices and attitudes. In covering practical human behaviour, the paper explains why this fails -and explains how to use systems to successfully drive improved managerial practices and attitudes. It highlights use of modern performance Measurement, Analysis and Reporting systems to drive behaviors and improve margins -without capital investment -and make executive and managerial work easier and more effective.

Jan 1, 1999

By M. McChesney

Modern materials for underground support* by M. McChesney The properties required of a support material for underground tunnels are discussed and, because concrete is both economical and easy to apply, a number of new reinforcing materials for concrete are examined with particular reference to these properties. From about thirty tests on different types of reinforced concrete, it is concluded that the addition of polymer to a concrete does not seem to influence the concrete's post-failure behaviour, and the on'y benefit to be achieved by this addition is to increase its flexibility (or to decrease it, depending on the polymer). Steel fibres tend to increase both the strength and stiffness of the concrete, but polypropylene fibres, although having definite loadcarrying capacities, provide non-stable failure, also known as brittle failure. The best result was obtained for concrete reinforced with steel wire: the post-cracking strength was very good and was maintained for a considerable deformation.

Jan 12, 1976

By V. V. Morozov, Ganbaatar Zorigt, Delgerbat Lodoy, Y. P. Morozov

"At the processing plant Erdenet, a new facility for advanced ore diagnostics in-stream (at the conveyor), based on optical analyser of mineral composition, was tested. Such systems provide highly accurate in-stream measurements of ore properties. The system provided information on the ore mineralogical composition, the particle size distribution and the impregnation of minerals. A special flatbed facility for optical spectrum-based estimation of fine-crushed ore has been developed, being incorporated into the existing system of ore sampling and analysis. Application of the flatbed facility renders possible a high accuracy of determining ore mineralogical composition. High precision of the optical spectrum-based estimation is achieved using special devices, installed in the sampling and the sample analysis flow sheet, applied by the technical control department. Modern systems for optical spectrum-based estimation of ore grade provide a basis for effective automated control of ore benefication processes, based on the principle of advanced ore grade control. Process management task of grinding and flotation was to choose options that take into account the composition and grade of the ore coming. The calculation data array comprises consumption of reagents, ore processing, grind size etc. The systems implemented at the processing plant contributed to increasing copper and molybdenum recovery. INTRODUCTION In-stream ore grade analysis is a new trend in effective control of ore benefication processes. This is realised based on radiometric measurements in the X-ray and visible spectrum regions, in which mineral components of the initial ore (Sbárbaro and Villar, 2010) or the benefication products become apparent (Hyotyniemi and Ylinen, 1998; Haavisto and Hyötyniemi, 2010). An important advantage of such methods is in-stream measuring ore parameters, including mass fractions of individual minerals, which makes it possible to use the information obtained in the processes of automated control."

Jan 1, 2018

By Frederick G. Tickell

GEOLOGISTS have been quick to adopt new methods in locating new oil fields and in finding the extensions, laterally or at depth, of the old fields. For most of these new methods he is indebted to the physicist, the engineer, and the chemist, although he has also drawn from such ordinarily unrelated sciences as bacteriology and protozoölogy. These last-named sciences have been of help in problems dealing with the origin of petroleum and, although not of direct application to oil finding, have furnished evidence of value in learning what oil is made from and what are the natural agencies involved in its formation.

Jan 1, 1932

By T. Rudolph, M. Pawlik, J. Benndorf, X. Yin, J. F. Brune, P. Goerke-Mallet

The long and often undefined period in the post-mining phase challenges geo-monitoring with its various responsibilities, like the detection of environmental changes, ground movements and water management. Modern methods of geo- and environmental monitoring observe numerous aspects using active and passive sensors with multispectral, hyperspectral and microwave sensors, with diverse spatial dimensions and spatiotemporal resolutions from satellites, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in-situ sensors. Data integration, together with on-site knowledge and experience, provides the basis for comprehensive modeling, which improves the understanding of the environmental changes and their related causes, which is an essential step for public acceptance. In this paper, we aim to give a brief overview of various geo- and environmental monitoring methods.

Mar 2, 2022