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By Troy Boisjoli

Since its discovery in February 2014, the Arrow Uranium Deposit has undergone rapid development through aggressive and systematic drilling programs and is now being progressed through advanced engineering and permitting. Based on the 2018 NI 43-101 Technical Report, the Probable Mineral Reserve estimate totals 234.1 million (“M”) pounds (“lbs”) triuranium octoxide (“U3O8”), contained in 3.43 M tonnes at an average grade of 3.09% U3O8. The proposed processing plant at the Rook I Project (the “Project”) will be capable of producing up to 31 M lbs of U3O8 per year, with a projected mine life of nine years based on the Probable Mineral Reserve estimate, although NexGen is permitting a 24-year operating life at the Project assuming the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources are upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued mineral resource development drilling. The Project will be developed through transverse and longitudinal longhole mining methods, pairing primary and secondary stoping techniques with a high degree of equipment mechanization which will provide a combination of good productivity, high extraction, and stable back support. This next generation of uranium operations combines the use of advanced tele-remote equipment and instrumentation with a low-cost bulk mining method and a best-in-class tailings management practice, effectively reducing operating costs and setting a new standard for elite environmental and social practices.

Jan 1, 2020

By Sean Hillacre, Arthur Lieu

NexGen’s approach to uranium processing design including the crushing/grinding and leaching of raw ore through to yellowcake precipitation and tailings management focuses on minimizing surface footprint, freshwater consumption, and human radiation exposure. Applying the concept of best available technologies economically achievable (“BATEA”), NexGen continues to research, evaluate, test and validate various advanced technologies that can be incorporated into the Project design, including distinctive tailings storage techniques. Additionally, NexGen is proposing that tailings generated from the mill processes be used as cemented paste backfill of stopes, as well as stored in a purpose-built, Underground Tailings Management Facility (“UGTMF”) comprised of several dedicated chambers. The paste backfill method of tailings storage is used globally, however, constructing purpose-built tailings chambers in waste rock is a new concept in uranium mining, which would typically be cost prohibitive for most projects given the expense to develop non-economic material for the sole purpose of storing tailings. The Rook I Project is uniquely positioned to implement the UGTMF due to robust Project economics and favourable technical setting which provides NexGen with the opportunity to set an elite standard for tailings management. When compared to conventional surface tailings management facilities, storing tailings underground as cemented paste reduces geotechnical, geochemical, environmental, and human health risks associated with tailings management. Additionally, the UGTMF vastly reduces the area of surface disturbance and allows for progressive decommissioning during the life of mine operations.

Jan 1, 2020

By L. Semushkina

Next generation flotation agents of KSK series for the concentration of complex copper-lead ores and the new ferromagnetic nanosized depressor of galena are introduced in this work. The feature of the KSK flotation agents is that they exhibit both frother and collector properties. KSK-6 can successfully substitute the widely used in Kazakhstani industry reagent ?-80 at the reduced consumption of butyl xanthate by 30 %. The new ferromagnetic nanosized depressor of galena, besides a low consumption rate of 100 g/t, also makes possible to exclude sodium sulfite (3-4 kg/t) and ferrous sulfate (5-6 kg/t) from the separation process, and receive high metal grade concentrates. Keywords: complex copper-lead ore, flotation agent, concentration method, ferromagnetic nanosized depressor

Sep 1, 2012

By Armando Vazquez

Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) and Tenova Goodfellow Inc. (TGI) have successfully commissioned the first hybrid extractive/laser system for continuous and full spectrum analysis (CO, CO2, O2, H2 and H2O vapor) on two twin shell furnaces at Butler, Indiana. NextGen® technology using off-gas analysis as a main tool for EAF practice optimization is a proven effective method for improving plant productivity. Significant benefits attributed to the NextGen® system are operational cost reductions through the use of real-time dynamic control of chemical energy and improved environmental conditions through reduced GHG emissions. Additionally, the implementation of Tenova’s Water Leak Detection Technology® has shown results as an effective tool for operators to identify in real-time the presence of water during both reducing and oxidizing conditions. This paper will include project details, trials and results and will also outline the latest hardware developments and multipoint capabilities

Oct 30, 2017

By Steve Colbum

LTl’s MapStar LPS (laser positioning system) utilize both tripod mounted and hand held reflectorless distance meters. These are eye safe, easy-to-use, and specifically designed to endure the harsh environment characteristic to the mining, quarry and explosives industries. Survey data collected by the systems is digitally stored in a ruggedized data collector and then processed with a specialized, interactive software program, which can be run on any standard PC. Win Prof, the Windows-based analytical software package is used to reduce the data for generating bench face profiles, surfaces, volumes, estimating true burdens and mining ratio calculations. In addition, the software has many other built-in routines to calculate powder factors, toe shear, to map structural contacts and to predict the flyrock potential based on the Burden to Energy ratios. An extensive, built-in library of explosive’s data facilitates these calculations. It will also conform automatically to user-specified minimum and/or maximum burden in relation to the explosive energy, hole diameter and bench geometry - for both vertical and inclined holes. Numerical data can be represented in 2D or 3D to emphasize the hole-burden-face relationships.In this workshop, the MapStar LPS instruments and Win Prof analytical software will be thoroughly demonstrated. Demonstrations include equipment configuration, typical field setups and several effective survey procedures, including processing of some sample data.

Jan 1, 2000

New technology for on-line particle size analysis of mineral slurries has opened up new applications for particle size measurement. In some cases the particle size distribution of the final concentrate is an important quality issue. This paper discusses established on-line particle size analysis technologies and presents experiences on the use of a new technique employing laser diffraction in several minerals processing operations. The main innovations in the new instrument are a simple dilution system and multiple scattering correction algorithm, which allows wide solids content variations of diluted sample in the measurement cell. Representative sample for laser measurement is produced by a simple and reliable dilution system. The applications discussed are; Blaine number measurement of Fe concentrate before pelletizing, grinding of variable batches of ore and paste thickener control.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. Larsson

In the pursuit of increased safety the mining industry has worked to develop systems for remote control and autonomous operation of both stationary and mobile equipment. This paper reports on a newly developed system for teleoperation and autonomous tramming of LHD (Load-Haul-Dump) mining vehicles that not only increases the safety of the operators, but also has the potential to increase productivity.

Jan 1, 2010

By M A. Wells

A new approach to more reliably predict the Ni (and Fe, Mg) composition of Ni laterites was tested for RC samples from the (siliceous) oxide–style, Siberia North deposit, Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP), in the north-eastern Yilgarn (WA) using partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis of diffuse reflectance spectra over the 380 - 2500 nm wavelength range with a multi–element chemistry data set. PLSR cross-validation models were developed to predict FeO, MgO and Ni contents in composite samples with bulk composition limits of >0.08 wt per cent Ni and <6 wt per cent MgO. Calibration and validation models showed a strong, linear trend for predicting FeO and, to a lesser extent, Ni content, whereas PLSR models for predicting Mg content were less reliable. This reflected the prevailing mineralogy and associated element deportment within the oxide laterite profile. For example, Fe and Ni distribution is controlled by relatively few minerals, predominantly goethite and, to a lesser extent, the Fe3+-bearing smectite, nontronite. Magnesium is associated with a range of Mg-bearing minerals, some of which are compositionally complex (eg serpentine, talc, chlorite, smectite and carbonates). Magnesium chemistry alone does not reflect the varied mineralogy of samples with relatively high (5 - 6 wt per cent) MgO contents, which can be spectrally distinct. Hence, samples with similar Mg contents, though comprising Mg-bearing minerals with distinct reflectance spectra, were difficult to model (eg smectite versus Mg-carbonates). The findings of this study demonstrate that characterisation of Ni laterite composition may be achieved as part of routine logging of either drill chips or diamond drill core using PLSR analysis, but that a detailed understanding of the mineral-element association is essential for reliable predictive analysis. This has particular relevance to characterising the geometallurgy of Ni laterites, especially where deposits may be classed as the same type, but have distinct compositional and mineralogical differences.

Sep 5, 2011

SOFCs with thin electrolyte of two types: SDC (15um) single-layer and YSZ (5um) + SDC (15um) bi-layer were fabricated by screen printing and co-firing on Ni¬YSZ cermet substrates. Using in-situ sintered Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3 cathode the SDC-cell shows high performance at low temperature, 1180mW/cm2 peak power density around 650°C, while the YSZ+SDC bi-layer cell generates about 340mW/cm2 at 650°C, and good performance at 700-800°C with almost theoretical OCV value. Many Zr-content micro-islands were found on the SDC electrolyte surface. The influence of co-firing temperature and thin film preparation methods on the Zr-islands' appearance was investigated.

Jan 1, 2005

By Raoul Fernandez, Bernard Catalano, Guillaume Roux

The Thaumasia Joint-Venture, composed of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Soletanche- Bachy and Bessac, completed the construction of the underground section of line 2 of the Nice tramway, which comprised a 3.2 km twin track tunnel and four underground stations, in a particularly complex urban and geotechnical context. The density of the surface structures, as well as the presence of many historic buildings on its route made the construction of the tunnel even more sensitive, with a settlement threshold of Half an Inch. The joint venture faced a complex subsoil, varying from one extreme to another from highly plastic clay layers to fibrous peat and to cobbles with very high permeability, with artesian ground water, and with unforeseen anthropogenic obstacles in the tunnel section Due to the diversity of the problems encountered and their variability over short distances, the construction of the underground section of the Nice tramway, in its very sensitive urban context, undeniably constituted an unprecedented challenge.

Jun 13, 2023

By X. Shi

Magnesium, the lightest structural metal, has not yet been considered as a serious contestant for automotive use due to its weaknesses in corrosion. Electroless nickel-boron alloys are well known for their corrosion resistance and hardness. An electroless nickel-boron layer was successfully deposited first on the chemical conversion pre-treated AZ31 alloy and also on the Ni-P coating which was deposited on the conversion coating. The electroless bath contained nickel sulphate and dimethylamine borane (DMAB) as main salts and the samples were activated by a 5 g/L AgNO3 solution before the electroless plating process. The presence of the conversion coating between the nickel coating and the AZ31 substrate acted as a barrier and prevented corrosion of the alloy. The morphology of the nickel-boron layer was studied using SEM. The crystal structure and the composition were examined by EDS and the hardness was measured. The corrosion behaviour of the nickel-boron layer deposited on the conversion coating and on the Ni-P coating was studied using potentiodynamic polarization in a 0.5M NaC1 solution. A saturated standard calomel electrode was used as a reference electrode. The results show that the nickel-boron coatings had a significantly better corrosion resistance than the AZ31.

Jan 1, 2006

By Eddie C. Chou

Phelps Dodge, Inc. (PD) is currently developing a lateritic nicke/Vcobalt deposit in Madagascar. Hazen Research, Inc. provides technical assistance to PD to investigate recovery processes for nickel and cobalt. Various process options were evaluated in laboratory experiments and pilot plant operations. The process selected for the feasibility study consists of feed preparation, high-pressure acid leach, countercurrent decantation wash, sulfide precipitation, sulfide dissolution, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning. Among these unit processes, high-pressure acid leach, sulfide precipitation, and sulfide dissolution are applications of pressure technologies. Process development work and design criteria for commercial operations of these unit processes are presented in this paper. Concerns related to scaling in the high-pressure acid leach and the sulfide precipitation processes are discussed. Corrosion of various metal coupons under these environments was examined.

Jan 1, 2000

By D. C. R. Espinosa, P. Aliprandini, F. P. C. Silvas, J. A. S. Tenório, M. M. Jiménez Correa

"Nickel ores are divided into two types: sulfide deposits and lateritic deposits. About 60% of nickel resources are found in laterite ore, while the remaining 40% is contained in sulfide ore. Laterite ore is usually processed via pyrometallurgical means or through hydrometallurgical techniques that include acid leaching and metal value recovery from solution. In this study, copper and nickel adsorption by Dowex M4195 ion exchange resin from an acidic sulfate liquor was investigated. The acidic sulfate liquor was collected from an atmospheric leaching process (AL) of laterite ore. Ion exchange experiments were conducted in a batch system by varying parameters such as pH, time, metal concentration and temperature. Initially, mono-elemental synthetic solutions of nickel and copper were used in the experiments and then a synthetic solution simulating AL liquor was tested. Test results showed that the resin exhibited high selectivity towards copper and nickel, however, a high concentration of iron in the synthetic AL solution interfered with the recovery of nickel and cobalt by the resin.INTRODUCTION Nickel is one of the most important industrial metals in the world. It is widely used in industrial applications, such as the production of stainless steel, magnets, electroplating and special alloys (Dizge et al., 2009). The main sources of industrial nickel production are sulphide deposits; only 40% of industrial production uses lateritic ores. However, it is estimated that 60% of global nickel resources are found in nickel laterite deposits (Kuck, 2016). Since industrial nickel demand continues to grow, the development of new technologies for the extraction of nickel from laterite ores has become an interesting research topic (Agatzini-Leonardou, 2009)."

Jan 1, 2017

A new technology for the treatment of copper nickel-containing concentrate after high-grade matte flotation to blister copper with the production of liquid silicate slags in a vertical autogenous unit with upper oxygen blow has been considered. The copper and nickel behavior in the process of sulphide copper concentrate interaction with silicate melt containing oxide copper has been studied. The general mechanisms of such interaction are found.

Jan 1, 2003

By L. Sh. Tsemekhman

A new technology for the treatment of copper nickel-containing concentrate after high-grade matte flotation to blister copper with the production of liquid silicate slags in a vertical autogenous unit with upper oxygen blow has been considered. The copper and nickel behavior in the process of sulphide copper concentrate interaction with silicate melt containing oxide copper has been studied. The general mechanisms of such interaction are found.

Jan 1, 2003

By I. Southern, S. Kelebek

"Smelting furnace bricks contain significant quantity of base metals trapped in refractory material. A series of flotation tests were carried out on samples of old bricks from Sudbury area to examine upgrading behaviour for recycling purposes. Depending on the grind size used nickel recoveries varied from 60 to 90.6% with corresponding grades of 20% and 14.7%Ni. There is a trade-off between nickel and copper. The nickel has responded well to fine grinding, however, the copper recovery suffered from it. Mineralogical characteristics and flotation behaviour of the brick material are discussed in reference to those from the primary ore. INTRODUCTIONMineral processing is well recognized as a mature technology not only for the mining industry, but also for the environmental industry for the purpose of remediation and recycling. Materials available for recycling are usually the products of many years ago. There are multiple stake holders in this area. In general, when the processing results in a product that can be reused or sold, the company carrying out the remediation makes a profit, while the regulators and the public are pleased due to a cleaner environment. From these points of view, there have been many papers published over the years on various mineral processing techniques applied to separation of many different materials including from mining and metallurgical industries (Wilson et al., 1994; Tsunekawa et al., 2005; Saikia et al., 2012).Flotation may be viewed as the backbone of the mining and metallurgical industry since its invention for separation of solids from one another almost a century ago. It is capable of recovering a variety of finely divided different solids following their liberation from each other. Its versatility and highly competitive nature in terms of cost per tonne of material processed, accounts for its occasional uses in the environment engineering area. In the mining industry, flotation is the standard method used for the sulphide ores. It can be applied as a bulk flotation and/or differential flotation. Bulk flotation, which refers to co-flotation of several components from their source, is most suitable for environmental cleanup objectives. Desulphurisation of various plant tailings is a typical example of this (Benzazzoua et al., 2000)."

Jan 1, 2012

By C. Landolt

Inco's Copper Cliff Smelter Complex produces some 11 5,000 tonnes per year of nickel and 120,000 tonnes per year of copper. The Smelter flowsheet has changed a number of times over the years. The most recent changes were effected in the mid-1980's in response to new realities in metal markets and heightened awareness about the workplace environment. By 1994, the flowsheet will undergo yet another metamorphosis as part of Inco's SO2 Abatement Program. The paper discusses the improvements implemented during the 1980's and projects the processing in the Smelter through 1994.

Jan 1, 1993

By A. J. WADHAMS

THE relative importance of things is a fascinating subject for thought. As we look about us we realize the Creator of all things has provided the metals for our use, each in the quantity needed-iron in vast quantities gold in small quantities. Had gold been given us in the quantities of iron, the mechanical age mould Eave been very different. You may find some pleasure in running over in your mind this question of the quantity available of an element and man's need of it in the scheme of things. Nickel in this sense is a middle group element. It was not essential to man's early development. Its usefulness dates back only about one hundred years. The quantity available to man has increased as his needs in- creased. On two occasions more nickel became available than was needed and on both of these occasions the ex- cess was soon absorbed by new and useful developments.

Jan 1, 1929

By Robert J. McKay, F. P. Huston, WILLIAM G. HUMPTON

THE manufacture of nickel-clad steel plate and the fabrication of articles from it has progressed far enough to permit a general description of the working methods used. The manufacture of sheets made up of layers of nickel and steel is not new as a sheet of this character was patented in Germany in 1893. Present development differs mainly in the size and finish of the product. The earlier light-gage highly finished products have been limited in their application due to their similarity, in certain respects, to electro-plated and highly finished alloy sheets. The new product is a relatively heavy plate 1/4 or 3/s in. thick and heavier, with one side coated with nickel, the weight of nickel being of the order of 10 per cent of the whole. The finish is that of hot-rolled steel plate.

Jan 1, 1931

By F. E. Senftle

Preliminary geophysical surveys for nickel deposits are usually carried out by airborne magnetometer and surface electrical methods. Once an anomaly is discovered by these techniques, one must resort to chemistry to identify nickel and determine its concentration. Consequently, a method to determine nickel quickly and quantitatively at the exploration site could help guide detailed sampling and provide analytical data that might otherwise be delayed at distant laboratories. In addition, borehole probes capable of indicating nickel in the rock adjacent to the hole, should prove attractive to the exploration geologist. With these needs in mind, preliminary investigations have been made to demonstrate an in situ analytical technique which appears feasible for nickel exploration. The method depends on the very high energy gamma rays emitted when nickel absorbs a thermal or low energy neutron. These neutron capture gamma rays should be distinguished from the lower energy gamma rays emitted during decay of radioactive nuclides as in conventional activation analysis.

Jan 1, 1971