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By R. Y. Wan

Acid ferric sulfate solution has been used for heap and dump leaching of low-grade chalcopyrite ores and is being considered as a possible lixiviant for the hydrometallurgical processing of copper sulfide concentrates. For many years, researchers have attempted to explain the leaching behavior of chalcopyrite, since the reaction rate kinetics are extremely slow and seem to be significantly influenced by the nature of the reaction product. A summary of conclusions drawn from reported literature on chalcopyrite leaching is found in the paper by Munoz, Miller, and Wadsworth(1) and more recently by Dutrizac.(2) Lowe(3) and Jones and Peters (4) attributed rate control to a surface reaction. Linge,(5) Dutrizac,(6) Bauer,(7) and researchers at the University of Utah(1,8) reported that the reaction rate is limited by transport in the chalcopyrite lattice or through the elemental sulfur reaction product layer. Munoz et al.(1) presented a model, derived from the Wagner theory of oxidation, which is based on the formation of a protective sulfur layer with rate control by electron transport through the insulating sulfur layer. By utilizing Wagner's parabolic oxidation relationships, (9) the following equation was obtained: [ ] where a is the fraction of CuFeS2 reacted at time t, pB is the molar density of CuFeS2, do is the initial diameter of the particle, e is the electronic charge, s is the total electrical conductivity of the sulfur layer, and ?G is the Gibbs free energy for the reaction:

Jan 1, 1984

By Daniel J. Schulze

Abstract-Eclogite is an important source of diamond in the upper mantle, but is more localized than peridotite. Using eclogitic minerals in kimberlite and diamond exploration is also more problematic than using the well-known peridotite-derived indicator minerals Cr-pyrope and magnesiochromite. The problems include color similarities between orange garnets from eclogites, Cr-poor megacrysts, and crustal garnets, chemical similarities with Cr-poor megacryst suite garnets (specifically elevated Na2O contents), and low abundance of eclogite garnet xenocrysts in most known kimberlites. Chemical screens must be used carefully to distinguish between varieties of orange garnets in exploration samples. For example, most orange garnets of crustal origin have >22 wt% FeO, with mantle eclogite garnets having lower values. Na2O-bearing garnets from the Cr-poor megacryst suite can be distinguished from Na2O-bearing garnets from diamondiferous eclogites by the elevated TiO2 contents of the former. The low abundance of eclogite garnet xenocrysts in kimberlites worldwide, however, may dictate that use of eclogite garnets in diamond exploration in most cases be restricted to advanced stages of kimberlite exploration and evaluation of kimberlite diamond potential. Crpyropes, Mg-ilmenites and Cr-rich chromites are more useful than eclogitic garnets in most stages of diamond exploration. If orange garnet xenocrysts are sought in a kimberlite exploration program, those from the Cr-poor megacryst suite will be more useful than eclogite derived garnets, due to the typical great abundance of the former, although they carry no information of the diamond potential of the host kimberlite.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. D. Miller, C. L. Lin

Filtration of fine particles involves filter cake formation and removal of surface moisture by drawing air through the porous structure. Accurate assessment of the transport properties of porous media (in this case, filter cake) is of major importance in the development of improved filtration processes. Implications from these studies are important in the design and operation of filtration equipment in order to enhance the efficiency of this important solid-liquid separation process. The microstructure and connectivity of pore space are important features necessary to describe detailed fluid flow phenomena in filter cake during fine particle filtration. In this regard, 3D characterization of pore structure is essential. The pore structure has to be described by parameters which are of special relevance to the interpretation of fluid transport phenomena. These parameters should be based on directly measured variables of the pore system and not inferred from indirect variables (such as those determined empirically from transport processes) valid only for a particular pore structure. In this way fundamental relationships between pore structure and fluid transport at the microstructure level can be described. In order to achieve this level of sophistication the three-dimensional interconnected pore structure of filter cake must be determined. Study of fluid transport phenomena in filter cake using x-ray microtomography to characterize the complex three-dimensional pore geometry is discussed. On this basis the Lattice-Boltzmann (LB) method is used to simulate and to establish a fundamental relationship between pore microstructure and effective transport coefficients.

Jan 1, 2002

By Fitterer, G. R.

The impact of the work of Herty "et al" on modern liquid steel technology can only be evaluated by first setting the stage as it existed in 1926. It is important to briefly review not only the steel making process and viewpoints regarding methods of refining, but also to describe the tools which were available for research at the time. One must recall that only 15 years before the beginning of this program, the open hearth production exceeded that of the Bessemer in the United States. Many open hearths were still operating on producer gas (a very inefficient fuel), although some plants were converting to the use of natural gas and very few to oil. Continuous rolling of wide strip started this year. The Faraday Society in England held a World Conference on Physical Chemistry in Steel Making in 1925 and the contributions to this work created considerable interest throughout the world and it appeared that physical chemistry might convert the art of steel making into a science. These papers, however, attempted to solve the problems through the use of the older physical chemical concepts such as Nernst's numbers, etc. and considerable data were missing. In 1923, Lewis and Randall had published their book Thermodynanzicsl and this was later to establish and standardize the steps which are now accepted for the calculation of physico-chemical equations. At the time this research work was started, there were no small high frequency induction furnaces. Northrup had just invented his high frequency furnace and a few large units had been instilled in plants. The vacuum fusion method lor the determination of oxygen in steel was

Jan 1, 1957

By M. Hancer, J. D. Miller

The sign of the surface charge of selected potassium soluble salt minerals namely KClO4 , K2SO4 , KNO3, and KCl was determined from nonequilibrium electrophoresis measurements and found to be negative for each of the salt. Dodecylamine flotation of these salts revealed that the concentration of amine required for flotation increases in the order KClO4< K2SO4< KNO3<KCl. Precipitationof the amine collector colloid was not required for flotation of the oxyanion salts and in this case it appears that adsorption of the dodecylamine cation is sufficient to create the hydrophobic surface state. The order for flotation is explained in terms of surface hydration of these respective potassium salts based on contact angle measurements and FT Raman spectroscopic characterization of water structure.

Jan 1, 1999

By M. Hancer

The sign of the surface charge of selected potassium soluble salt minerals namely KClO4 , K2SO4 , KNO3, and KCl was determined from nonequilibrium electrophoresis measurements and found to be negative for each of the salt. Dodecylamine flotation of these salts revealed that the concentration of amine required for flotation increases in the order KClO4< K2SO4< KNO3<KCI. Precipitation of the amine collector colloid was not required for flotation of the oxyanion salts and in this case it appears that adsorption of the dodecylamine cation is sufficient to create the hydrophobic surface state. The order for flotation is explained in terms of surface hydration of these respective potassium salts based on contact angle measurements and FT Raman spectroscopic characterization of water structure.

Jan 1, 1999

The Significance of Internal Recycle in Froth Flotation

Sep 13, 2010

By F. H. Willcox

IN Bessemer-steel practice, air is blow, through a bath of iron, or projected strongly upon its surface to burn out silicon, manganese, and carbon. Toward the end of the blow, when the iron is not protected. from oxidation by these elements and the excess of air becomes great, there is oxidation of the iron. In open-hearth practice, the same difficulty is experienced with dissolved gas and oxides in the product, though not to as great or severe a degree as in the Bessemer process because the oxidizing conditions grow less severe as the end of the heat is approached, and if the bath is allowed to boil for a time it undoubtedly frees itself from a large part of the gas and oxides which have been absorbed in the earlier part of the process. Basic open-hearth steel is usually assumed to contain a larger proportion of oxides than acid open-hearth steel, but it may be said that all steel, Bessemer and open-hearth, contains more or less oxide of iron dissolved in the fluid metal at the end of the "blow" or "heat." That certain metals are solvents for their respective oxides has been shown, in the case of copper, by Heyn, and, in the case of iron, by Law. It is indicated that the solubility of iron oxide in iron increases with the purity and temperature of the metal. This confirms what is observed and known by operating men, and these observations may be summarized as follows: 1. Cast irons is rarely subject to oxidation, as is logical from its composition. 2. Normal steel, unless deoxidizers are added, contains blow holes. 3. Steel known to be oxidized is full of blow holes. 4. The addition of deoxidizers prevents, to a greater or less degree, the formation of blow holes in normal steel. With these observations in mind, it is logical to deduce that the cause of blowholes lies in part in the presence of dissolved oxide of. iron in the

Jan 2, 1917

EDMUND NEWTON, Minneapolis, Minn. (communication to the Secretary?).-In discussing the question of the deoxidation of steel and material suitable for performing this function at the end of the heat, it would seem logical also to include the question of prevention of oxidation in the steel or the formation of iron oxide, FeO. I refer to the use of manganese in the basic open-hearth and basic Bessemer processes. The advantages of high manganese in pig iron for these processes have evidently been clearly understood in Germany for a number of years, although little has been written in regard to the exact manner in which the benefits are obtained. In this country, while we make no steel by the basic Bessemer process, our basic open-hearth process is becoming more and more important. Until 10 years ago, in this country, manganese in the pig iron for this process was considered of little value and by many writers it was spoken of as a disadvantage. During the past 10 years, however, in certain parts of the United States, higher contents of manganese in basic pig have been used with considerable success, although there is apparently nothing in our technical literature to show the reasons for this trend. A German book, "The Basic Open-Hearth Steel Process" by Carl Dichmann does, however, offer an explanation. Dichmann says that if the charge for either of the above-mentioned processes contains 3 per cent. of manganese or above, satisfactory steel.

Jan 6, 1917

By G. D. Just

INTRODUCTION Large scale underground mining involves the bulk handling of fragmented material. The cost and efficiency of the mining systems is there- fore significantly influenced by material flow characteristics. Flow problems may occur in the form of ore pass blockages which interrupt the free flow at extraction openings. The costs of such delays can be readily assessed and compared to the costs incurred in reducing blockages by improved fragmentation or larger ore passes. In practice the problem is more complex than this statement suggests because it is generally un- economic to design for zero ore blockages. Another major flow problem occurs in the form of relative movement of ore and waste as the fragmented material is extracted. This produces waste dilution in the recovered ore and influences total ore recovery. This flow problem is much more complex than the ore block- age phenomena. Many questions concerning the precise flow characteristics remain unanswered because of the variability of size distributions, particle shapes, material properties and the total extraction layout and design. Model studies can provide a visual and quantitative illustration of probable flow characteristics but full scale data collection is necessary to evaluate the precision of such information. The methods and types of data obtained must be carefully selected to recover the maximum volume of useful information for operational control and future design. It is essential that honest precision levels are assigned to the data and any subsequent analyses. Grade control data may give misleading short term information on flow characteristics because of the difficulty in knowing the true grade of the mass of material before extraction commences. However, in the long term control of extraction grades is vital to the profitable operation of the mining system. The most efficient extraction design and operational schedule can only be determined after all of the facts and variables are known. This is usually only possible after the orebody has been completely extracted. However, if design and operational personnel have a full appreciation of the nature and variability of material flow under different conditions the best possible results should be achieved. The most significant features of material flow are out- lined in this paper in order to provide mine planning and mine management personnel with some of the necessary information relating to material flow. Available facts and reliable figures from selected publications are noted in association with unbiased and hopefully accurate opinions of the relevance of the data to mine design and mine system control. Possible future developments and profitable areas for research into material flow problems are also detailed. MATERIAL FLOW AND MINING METHODS The effects of material flow on the design and operation of an integrated underground ore handling system is one factor which is common to most mining methods. Analysis of the system as detailed by Just, 1980, permits the identification of unit process objectives. For example, a typical underground ore handling system as illustrated in Figure 1, involves the following unit operations:- (i) Gravity flow of ore in stope (ii) Ore extraction at base of stope (iii) Ore haulage on the production level (iv) Dumping of ore into ore pass system (v) Gravity flow of ore in the ore pass (vi) Underground crushing of ore (vii) Haulage of crushed ore to shaft (viii) Hoisting of ore to the surface. Average flow rates in each of these unit operations can be misleading due to variability in incremental capacity caused by flow blockages and machine delays. Thus to effectively analyse the probable performance of the system, it is necessary to have a measure of the flow loading and haulage rate variability. Mechanical equipment performance specifications can be used to provide such information for loading, haulage and crushing; however, in the case of the gravity flow of material field measurements are required to relate the probability of "hang-ups" to the degree of fragmentation. Factors affecting the frequency of flow stoppages are, size, distribution and cohesiveness of broken material and the geometry and size of the flow channel. Ore pass channel design is relatively simple since regular cross-sectional shapes are used

Jan 1, 1981

By C. Gasparrini

Mineralogy may be applied to the selection of appropriate separation techniques, as well as to assist in the evaluation of problems causing loss of metals and other economically important elements during plant processing. Mineralogic studies may thus help develop techniques to optimize metal recoveries. The present paper describes how such factors as the minerals in which the elements of interest are concentrated, their chemistry, the chemistry of the associated minerals, grain size and textural associations with other minerals in the ore, may affect decisions on separation techniques for the recovery of economic elements. A number of case studies are described in which the mineralogical observation of ore samples has revealed the cause of problems experienced in the extraction of select precious and base metals, or has been decisive in the choice of appropriate techniques for recovery.

Jan 1, 1981

By X. T. Feng, Y. H. Hatzor, Y. Tal, G. Yagoda-Biran

"When studying jointed rock mass deformation around underground openings it is of great importance to model correctly the excavation sequence during the numerical simulation. This is because for effective arching mechanism to develop in the roof minute block displacements must take place and some of the available discontinuities shear strength must be mobilized. If from the beginning of the simulation the underground opening already exists in the numerical model, block displacements into the excavation space will initiate and develop from time zero, before the initial stresses in the model have attained their actual initial level in the field. These initial block displacements are therefore artificial and exist only in the numerical model, not in the physical reality, and may lead to erroneous assessment of the stability of the designed structure, typically on the conservative side. We have introduced sequence excavation capabilities both in the numerical manifold (NMM) and the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) methods and show here the advantages of this modification using three different case studies, each illuminating a different aspect of this enhancement.We begin with the 25 meter deep 2000 year old underground Zedekiah limestone quarry below the old city of Jerusalem, Israel, which is still standing today unsupported with a free span of 40 m. We show that when the opening exists from the beginning of the numerical simulation the required friction angle for roof stability is 25 degrees, whereas when the opening is removed after all stresses and displacements in the model have been stabilized the required friction angle for stability is only 15 degrees.We then model the excavation sequence of a tunnel model representing a 2500 meter deep research tunnel in the Jinping hydroelectric project, China, in order to determine the in situ stress field at this depth by a grid search inversion of displacement data obtained using the sliding micrometer technology in the course of tunnel excavation. Thus we are able to constrain the in situ stress field at these depths where standard in situ stress measurement procedures are extremely difficult to execute properly.Finally, we use sequence excavation modeling capability to find the total height of the expected loosening zone around tunnels excavated through columnar jointed basalts which pose a great engineering challenge because of the characteristic dense network of slender prismatic blocks that transect the opening at a steep inclination. We use MPBX data obtained during excavation of a deep tunnel through such a rock mass to validate our numerical results and show that application of standard empirical guidelines for dimensioning rock bolt reinforcement in such rock masses may in fact result in very un-conservative design because existing empirical approaches typically ignore the anisotropic nature of the structure of such rock masses which, as we show, plays a very significant role in determination of the extent, shape, and geometry of the loosening zone around the opening."

Jan 1, 2015

By M. L. Requa

EVERY forward step in civilization brings with it an increase in population and increasing demand for raw materials. Modern civilization, because of its industrial development, depends more and more for its well-being on ample supplies of raw materials; the higher the type of that civilization, the greater its dependence. No fact is more obvious than that the raw materials should be put to use with greatest prudence and efficiency. National life is not a matter of a decade or a century. Conservation is no longer a matter for political discussion; it is a vital element in the future welfare of all nations. Unfortunately, to the minds of many, conservation means the locking up of natural resources, their arbitrary withdrawal, bringing about, in short, a condition of industrial stagnation. This has occurred in past centuries through misdirected governmental effort. Two eminent engineers have variously defined conservation as follows:

Jan 1, 1925

By Jr. Smith

Silver-gold ratios were studied at the Tayoltita epithermal vein deposit using channel sample, channel sample line, stope, ore body and vein sample populations. The ratios are highly variable among individual channel samples (25:1 to greater than 500:1) with both high and low values randomly distributed within ore bodies and veins. Whole vein ratios for the fourteen most important ore producing structures range from 44:1 to 105:1, and show zonal distribution relative to two small granitic stocks, low values closest to the intrusives. The zoned nature of the deposit suggests that the stocks, apophyses of an underlying batholith of Late Eocene age, were the heat engines which powered the hydrothermal system responsible for ore deposition.

Jan 1, 1978

By Douglas M. Smith

Silver-gold ratios were studied at the Tayoltita epithermal vein deposit using channel sample, channel sample line, stope, ore body, and vein sample populations. The ratios are highly variable among individual channel samples (25:1 to greater than 500: 1) with both high and low values randomly distributed within ore bodies and veins. Whole vein ratios for the 14 most important ore producing structures range from 44: 1 to 105:1, and show zonal distribution relative to two small granitic stocks, low values closest to the intrusives. The zoned nature of the deposit suggests that the stocks, apophyses of an underlying batholith of late Eocene age, were the heat engines which powered the hydrothermal system responsible for ore deposition.

Jan 1, 1980

By Thomas M. Barczak

The intent of this paper is to make mine operators and engineers aware of parameters which affect the loading behavior of passive roof support systems. The strength of a passive roof support element alone is not a meaningful measure of support performance. Passive roof support elements and the surrounding strata act as a system, responding to changes in the physical mine environment due to the extraction of coal and associated redistribution of stresses. The load- ing of a passive roof support element is a function of the stiffness of the roof support structure; a stiffer structure will react a higher load to a converging mine roof than will a more flexible structure. If the stiffness if the support structure is not properly designed, excessive loading will result due to the displacement of the mine roof, causing premature failure of the support. Ideally, the yield strength of a passive support needs to be no greater than that required to support the dead weight of the immediate mine roof, providing the post yield characteristics of the support are compatible with the irresistible convergence of the overburden strata and the support system continues to provide this resistance after reaching its yield load. Idealized design considerations for passive roof support systems in terms load-displacement characteristics discussed. The stiffness and yield characteristics of wood concrete cribbing, as determined controlled tests in the Bureau&apos;s Roof Simulator, are compared preliminary recommendations passive roof support utilization also provided.

Jan 1, 1987

By J M. Galvin

The traditional engineering approach to assessing stability is based on comparing resisting force (capacity) to driving force (demand), or strength to working stress. In underground coal geomechanics, considerable effort has been expended on quantifying the strength of rock structures. However, this has not been matched by advances in determining the load acting on these structures, reflecting a reluctance by some to embrace numerical modelling to assess load magnitudes and distributions. Numerical modelling is a valuable aid as loading environments are a function of both the stiffness of the mine workings and the stiffness of the superincumbent strata and are statically indeterminate in most cases.This paper defines stiffness, which is often confused with elastic modulus. It shows that, effectively, stiffness encapsulates geology, depth of mining, panel width, pillar width and mining height. Therefore, these factors are variables that need to be taken into account when determining stress magnitudes and distributions about mine workings. A range of examples are presented that illustrate the significance of the stiffness of the superincumbent strata on surface subsidence; the magnitude and distribution of pillar and abutment load; and aspects of bord and pillar mining, pillar extraction and longwall mining. These examples provide bases for identifying the limitations of some empirical approaches to mine design, identifying how to compensate for some of these in design processes; and emphasising the need to make greater use of numerical modelling in understanding and quantifying loading environments in underground coal mining.CITATION:Galvin, J M, 2014. The significance of superincumbent strata stiffness and its impacts on coalmine design, in Proceedings AusRock 2014: Third Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference , pp 3–16 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 5, 2014

By J. D. Miller

On the basis of nonequilibrium zeta potential measurements by laser-Doppler electrophoresis, the sign of the surface charge of alkali halides in their saturated brines has been established. The results are generally as expected from simplified lattice ion hydration theory. This recent electrokinetic information coupled with the stability and prevalence of collector colloids in such soluble-salt flotation systems suggests that the selective flotation of alkali halides is due to the adsorption of oppositely charged collector colloids by heterocoagulation. Experimental flotation results confirm this surface-charge/collector-colloid adsorption model and are presented herein.

Jan 1, 1992

By Charles White Merrill

Mankind&apos;s progress is measured in minerals. Man&apos;s emergence from prehistory is marked by passage through a Stone Age and a Bronze Age and into the present era, sometimes called the Iron Age or the Age of Metals. With the evolution of civilization and the development of a modem industrial economy, minerals become more and more important. Structures, roads, and machines are built largely of minerals; the energy to heat the structures and to drive the machines is mostly mineral; agricultural fertility is maintained by mineral fertilizers and water; and military strength is provided by fortresses, armaments, and munitions, largely of mineral origin. Thus in the material world, in the productivity of the economy, access to minerals has paramount importance. Every evidence indicates increasing dependence on minerals in the modem economy, particularly on the mineral fuels as energy sources to provide the power base for advancing industrialization. Both the total and the per capita consumption of almost every mineral is increasing in the industrialized nations. Moreover, nations with predominantly agrarian economies call themselves underdeveloped and universally strive to industrialize. Most mineral consumption trends in the more advanced economies have been greatly exceeding population growth-which itself has been advancing at an accelerating rate--and sometimes have surpassed the growth in real income. Some minerals have only recently been adopted or grown to importance in use. Titanium as a metal appeared as a commercial product only in 1948, and even coal seriously displaced wood as a source of heat less than two centuries ago. On the other hand, minerals have always played an important role in construction. The prehistoric megaliths that form the dolmens of Salisbury Plain are stone; the pyramids are andesite faced with limestone; and many other ancient structures are built of mineral materials. In modem times the whole course of architecture has been redirected by new building materials, mostly mineral. Most conspicuous is the sky-

Jan 1, 1959

By Charles White Merrill

Mankind&apos;s progress is measured in minerals. Man&apos;s emergence from prehistory is marked by passage through a Stone Age and a Bronze Age and into the present era, sometimes called the Iron Age or the Age of Metals. With the evolution of civilization and the development of a modem industrial economy, minerals become more and more important. Structures, roads, and machines are built largely of minerals; the energy to heat the structures and to drive the machines is mostly mineral; agricultural fertility is maintained by mineral fertilizers and water; and military strength is provided by fortresses, armaments, and munitions, largely of mineral origin. Thus in the material world, in the productivity of the economy, access to minerals has paramount importance. Every evidence indicates increasing dependence on minerals in the modem economy, particularly on the mineral fuels as energy sources to provide the power base for advancing industrialization. Both the total and the per capita consumption of almost every mineral is increasing in the industrialized nations. Moreover, nations with predominantly agrarian economies call themselves underdeveloped and universally strive to industrialize. Most mineral consumption trends in the more advanced economies have been greatly exceeding population growth-which itself has been advancing at an accelerating rate-and sometimes have surpassed the growth in real income. Some minerals have only recently been adopted or grown to importance in use. Titanium metal did not appear as a commercial product until 1948, and even coal seriously displaced wood as a source of heat less than two centuries ago. On the other hand, minerals have always played an important role in construction. The prehistoric megaliths that form the dolmens of Salisbury Plain are stone; the pyramids are andesite faced with limestone; and many other ancient structures are built of mineral materials. In modem times the whole course of architecture has been redirected by new building materials, mostly mineral. Most conspicuous is the sky-

Jan 1, 1964