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By Susanne Pignolet-Brandom

Reflected light microscopy, and scanning electron microscope energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis and backscatter electron images were used to determine if a "slick dross" with undesirable handling properties has an assemblage of phases distinct from normal dross. This study has found that in the normal dross the most abundant lead phases are lead sulfide and lead metal and the most common copper phases are copper-iron sulfide and copper sulfide. In the slick dross, the most abundant copper phase is copper-lead sulfide and the most common lead phases are copper-lead sulfide and lead sulfide. The resulting mineralogical information has provided additional insight into the causes of the handling problem and the reaction mechanism for the formation of normal and slick dross

Jan 1, 1988

By J. S. Walker

The Bureau of Mines monitored surface subsidence and water level fluctuations in 10 shallow observation wells above a series of four adjacent longwall panels in southwestern Pennsylvania, for about 4 yr. This study attempted to correlate the changes in the water levels within the observation wells to the measured vertical and horizontal ground movements associated with subsidence. Results of this study indicate that the fluctuation of the water levels appears to be a function of the well location relative to the mine layout and the proximity of mining. Wells are generally unaffected by mining of a preceding panel unless they are located within the angle of draw for that panel. Wells located at the centerline of a longwall panel exhibit the greatest fluctuation and head loss. This relationship may be related to the strain developed by the advancing longwall face. The water levels in the wells monitored fell at the greatest rate when the ground surrounding the well was in tension. The rate of the decline decreased as the dynamic development of the strains was changing from tension to compression. The water levels were found to be near the premining level before the ground was subject to maximum compressive strain. Nine of the ten wells investigated recovered to their premining water level after mining was completed.

Jan 1, 1988

Sufficient time has elapsed since the enactment of the amendments to the mining legislation in 1981 to enable an examination to be made of the way in which the licensing system operates in practice. One of the most important decisions in resource management in New Zealand is whether or not rights of access to the resource should be conferred by the Crown upon an appropriate private sector participant. The licensing system is the means for allocating these rights of access. The manner in which the licensing system is administered, therefore, is crucial to natural resource management in New Zealand. What is the mining licensing system in New Zealand designed to achieve? This simple question admits of no easy answer. Is it the identification and development of the mineral resources of New Zealand? Are these objectives tempered by issues of resource conservation and environmental protection? Is a balance to be achieved among these competing factors? Does the legislation contain any priorities? Does the system respond in an ad hoc manner to particular facts and circumstances or does it operate within a more predictable framework? To what extent are decisions made on access to minerals with reference to the development or conservation of other resources? These questions may be summarised in the title to this paper which poses the question whether mining licences are instruments for resource management.

Jan 1, 1988

By R. Brough

"Over 25 years ago, SKEGA pioneered the use of rubber linings in grinding mills and rubber is today widely accepted and almost standard material chosen for Regrind - and Secondary Hills. There are, however, only a few Primary Hills in operation with ""solid"" rubber linings because available materials and designs are often not cost efficient in comparison with steel alloys on a Cost per ton basis and/or downtime for liner replacement would be to a high.In other words, solid rubber has limits as any other material. However, 'SKEGA started to think, why not try to use the best properties of rubber as well as steel and combine the two materials together.Nearly 10 years ago SKECA started to test this concept in Rod Mills. A steel cap was vulcanized on to the leading face of the lifter bars, to be installed close to the feed end head (fig. 1)."

Jan 1, 1988

By L. B. Anderson, G. A. Carmody

We wish to comment on the paper by G.W. Heunisch (MINING ENGINEERING, January 1987), which raised several important points regarding treatment of acidic waste waters. This paper confirms, in part, tests carried out by Allyn Corp. Allyn is the manufacturer of the proprietary product Alka-Ment, one of the materials that Heunisch tested. The first point is the extreme sensitivity of the sedimentation rate on the nature of the treatment material used. This apparently results from differences in nucleation of the metal hydroxides, and is consistently higher for Alka-Ment. This decreased sludge volume is also observed when Alka-Ment is combined with flocculants, such as organic polymers (see Table 1). Our second point is to emphasize that Heunisch's work shows how dependent the sludge volume is on pH. It is common practice to overtreat AMD by raising pH to 9 or 10. This practice, in addition to being wasteful of material, actually decreases the density of the resulting sludge, probably by creating charged particles that do not readily coalesce. When treating with Alka-Ment, we recommend that the treatment be monitored by testing both pH and dissolved iron. For both tests, it is important to allow adequate time to elapse between treatment and measurement, so that dissolution of alkali, aerobic oxidation of iron, and precipitation of the metal hydroxides are nearly complete. Our tests have indicated that from 30 minutes to one hour is commonly required. Only in this way can a minimum pH be attained, with adequate treatment, denser sludge, and lower treatment rates achieved. Thirdly, Heunisch correctly recognizes that ASTM titration of Alka-Ment does not reflect the true treatment value available in a unit of Alka-Ment. Our work at Allyn indicates this is a most important consideration when evaluating various materials for the treatment of acidic waste waters. While we were unaware of Mr. Heunisch's work, we welcome comparisons between Alka-Ment and any competitive products readily available for field use. Allyn has hundreds of hours of laboratory and field data we are ready to share with interested parties treating acidic waste water.

Jan 1, 1988

By Y. Ye, J. D. Miller, E. Pacquet, S. Gopalakrishnan

From laboratory research activities during the past five years, it is now evident that effective flotation separations can be achieved with the high-capacity air-sparged hydrocyclone. The effectiveness of the equipment has been demonstrated on a pilot-scale basis (1 tph) for a number of mineral commodities including coal, copper, gold, and industrial minerals using a nominal 5-cm x 50-cm system with separation efficiencies equivalent to those achieved by conventional flotation machines. The high specific capacity of the air-sparged hydrocyclone (100 to 600 tpd per cubic foot of cell volume for a nominal 5 cm x 50 cm system compared to 1 to 2 tpd per cubic foot of cell volume for conventional columns and mechanical machines) makes it especially well-suited for the pro- cessing of low-grade ore. As a result of these pilot-scale successes, a number of plant-scale test programs are planned for larger-diameter units to establish wear characteristics and scale-up relationships for design purposes. The status of the air-sparged hydrocyclone technology is reviewed in the present paper, including a description of the system, fundamental considerations of flotation mechanisms, general discussion regarding the effect of control variables, and the significance of feed characteristics.

Jan 1, 1988

By Debra W. Struhsacker, Jean Kiel, Jeffrey Thatcher

3.1 INTRODUCTION As heap leach precious metal projects become increasingly common in the United States, federal, state and local regulatory agencies are beginning to take a closer look at the short- and long-term environmental consequences of this recovery technology. From an operator's point of view, there is seemingly a confusing regulatory maze to be navigated and a plethora of permits and approvals to be obtained prior to commissioning a heap leach operation. The degree of difficulty associated with obtaining permits for a heap leach project depends largely upon the state in which the project is located. Permit acquisition is generally easiest in those states most familiar with heap leaching technology. For example, heap leaching is well understood in Nevada, and heap leach operations are relatively easy to permit, although permitting conditions in Nevada have recently become more stringent. However, many states are just beginning to become familiar with heap leach operations. Many of these states such as Idaho, Colorado, South Dakota, Oregon, Montana, Washington and South Carolina are in the process of drafting regulations and establishing guidelines for heap leach projects. In most cases, these regulations specify design and operating criteria as well as reclamation and decommissioning procedures. This chapter provides an overview of the regulatory and permitting aspects of heap leach operations. Permitting requirements for projects developed on federal land are discussed in detail. 'The state and local regulatory atmosphere and permitting requirements for various states are also presented. The chapter concludes with a generic permitting strategy. 3.2 KEY ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS The primary concern of most local, state, and federal regulatory agencies is the use, storage and transport of sodium cyanide (NaCn), and potential cyanide contamination of surface and groundwater resources. The toxicity of cyanide to people, fish and wildlife is also an important issue. Unfortunately, in the public eye, cyanide heap leaching has some emotional impacts similar to those associated with radioactivity and uranium mining. This perception and the general lack of understanding of cyanide can lead to unnecessary concern about cyanide contamination, further complicating the regulatory environment.

Jan 1, 1988

By Choon Kooi Quan

Water availability is essential for mining and minerals processing. To provide government and industry with recent data for water use planning and management, the Bureau of Mines canvassed a number of U.S. producers of nonfuel minerals to determine their water use in 1984. Data were analyzed and compared with previously published data in order to examine historical trends in water utilization in the nonfuel minerals industry and to estimate water requirements in the year 2000. Total water use in the domestic nonfuel minerals industry during 1984 was estimated at 2,267 billion gal, of which 571 billion gal was new water and 1,696 billion gal recirculated water. The largest users of water were the phosphate rock, iron ore, copper, sand and gravel, and crushed stone industries, together accounting for almost 90% of total used. More than one-half of all water was used in Florida, Michigan, and Minnesota. In the year 2000, total water use will amount to an estimated 2,679 billion gal, of which 810 billion gal will be new water and 1,869 billion gal recirculated water. Most of this water would be used in producing the foregoing suite of minerals,

Jan 1, 1988

By Molloy GR, Eaton RA

The crusher development programme for 7ft Super Extra Heavy Duty (SXHD) Symons cone crushers commenced in 1984. The main objective of the programme was to run the crushers at maxi- mum power for the full life of the liners. This would give a finer product sizing enabling grinding and flotation plant throughput to be maximised. The study was conducted along two basic lines of attack, the first main- taining an effective profile through the life of the liners, the second improv- ing the properties of the liners. It has been found that crusher liner life can be extended and crushing efficiency improved by modification of liner composition and profile.

Jan 1, 1988

By Gordon Holcomb, George R. St. Pierre, Robert A. Rapp

Carbon/Carbon composites offer promise as high-temperature structural materials. A primary limitation on their application is the need to provide protection against oxidation in hot oxidizing environments. Silicon carbide conversion coatings have been shown to provide extended protection at temperatures of 1600°C. SiC coated C/C components have been used in several aerospace applications. In the present paper, the preparation of carbon fibers and their treatment during subsequent processing into coated components are discussed with particular emphasis on the processing variables that can result in improved oxidation resistance. In particular, the influence of substrate inhibitors and selective sealants for cracks in coated C/C components are analysed.

Jan 1, 1988

By H. Robert Ensminger

As a result of the new mining law implemented in August 1985 and the programs conducted by the Institute Ecustoriano de Mineria (INEMIN), which was created by this legislation, there was considerably greater activity in the nonfuels mineral sector during 1986. Over the next 2 years, INEMIN will be developing a national mining plan that will guide Ecuadorean mineral development for the balance of this century. As stage one of INEMIN's mineral study, historical records were reviewed and 300 abandoned mines and 1,200 unexplored mineral deposits were available for further investigation. In 1986, INEMIN established 5 branch offices and negotiated 250 new mining contracts with foreign companies valued at $16 million. Despite all this activity, INEMIN officials estimate that 100,000 square kilometers remain available for claim staking. Technical assistance contracts were signed with Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, to assist in a variety of assignments ranging from helping prepare the national minion plan to the development of industrial mineral deposits.

Jan 1, 1988

The introduction of gravimetric sampling of respirable dust in the mining industry ne- cessitated the standardisation of techniques. The paper reviews the legislation con- trolling respirable dust monitoring for risk assessment purposes, it discusses the actions taken to introduce gravimetric sampling in collieries and it summarises the proposed guidelines. In conclusion, some of the results of dust surveys conducted in accordance with the proposed strategy are discussed.

Jan 1, 1988

Compare the dust control efficiency and bit life of surface coal mine drills using standard water injection and water injection with water separation. Approach A research study was conducted to determine if a water separation technique affects wet suppression dust control. Dust control efficiency and bit life of surface coal mine drills were compared during tests using both standard water injection (wet drill bit cutting) and water injection with water separation (dry drill bit cutting). Background Surface coal mine blast hole drills typically generate a substantial amount of dust during the drilling cycle. One method used to control this dust is the injection of water into the bailing air. This is known as wet suppression.

Jan 1, 1988

COUNCIL FOR 1987/88 President B.C. Alberts President-elect C.E. Fivaz Vice Presidents Senior Junior Dr O.K.H. Steffen H.G. Mosenthal Immediate Past President Dr H. Wagner Honorary Treasurer Dr H. Wagner

Jan 1, 1988

By L. A. Melis, J. W. Rowson

"Cluff Mining operates the Phase II uranium mine and mill at Cluff Lake, northern Saskatchewan. During the Phase I operation, uranium tailings were generated by acid leaching of a gravity concentrate and high-grade ore for uranium recovery. The pre-treatment gravity process, as well as the high-grade nature of the ore, led to a concentration of gold in the tailings which justified the installation of a small circuit to recover the contained gold. The operating circuit consists of tailings repulping, grinding, cyanidation, carbon-in-pulp, gold recovery, and cyanide destruction by acidification, volatilization and re-neutralization. The process is described and typical operating parameters are provided. 1.0 INTRODUCTIONCluff Mining, a Saskatchewan partnership, is owned 20 percent by Saskatchewan Mining Development Corporation (SMDC) and 80 percent by Amok Ltd./Ltee. (Amok), manager and operator of the partnership.The current operation includes the Phase II uranium mining and milling facilities, located at Cluff Lake 700 km north of Saskatoon, capable of processing 300,000 tonnes of ore to produce about 4,000,000 lbs. U308 (1500 tonnes of uranium) per year.The Phase I operation was initially established to process the very high grade ""D"" uranium orebody from 1980 to 1983. The leach tailings from the operation Phase I mill operation were found to contain elevated levels of gold. These high gold values were partially due to the gravity pre-concentration step included in the uranium recovery circuit, and to the naturally high levels of gold associated with the uranium mineralization in the ""D"" orebody."

Jan 1, 1988

By W. D. Watson

"Early in mine development at Quintette Coal Limited major problems were encountered with the fleets of primary equipment which seriously hampered production. These major fleets (cable shovels, hydraulic shovels, hydraulic drills and electric trucks) have consequently been the focal point of maintenance efforts. Some were prototypes in the Canadian mining scene and brought with them new concerns to test their skills. The problems were studied and the category and areas which were having the greatest impact on the reliability of the equipment were determined. Once defined, priorities were established and a program was initiated which was designed to accomplish a resolution. Resulting from implementation of this systematic approach, over the past three and one-half years, the fleets are now giving good reliability and industry standard availabilities. Along with these significant achievements, cost per operating hour on some of the equipment fleets has decreased substantially and continue a downtrend through 1987. This paper identifies the problems and describes the resolutions. IntroductionIn the early years of the mine development, Quintette Coal Limited (QCL) experienced production shortfalls due to problems with the major excavator and haulage fleets. A large fleet of hydraulic excavators had been purchased, and QCL was among the first northern users of all hydraulic blasthole drills. They were also using some prototype equipment and encountered problems which were not common on other types of equipment or were unknown.Because of these unique problems and lack of experience from other mines to draw on, an analytical approach was taken to areas and associated causes of the delays affecting the availability and reliability of equipment. This was done by dividing the equipment downtime into seven classifications of delays, i.e. maintenance, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, damage, service and preventative maintenance, and tires; and then each was expressed as a percentage of total downtime. Subsequently each of the delay classification was divided into categories e.g. electrical to six categories - wheel motors, main alternator, relays, cards, no propel, lighting and 24 V system. Then, the basis for further study had been established.From this preliminary analysis of historic records, it was possible to determine the areas which were causing the majority of the downtime. These areas were then analyzed to evaluate causes and to determine possible solutions to the problem s. This paper addresses the major fleets, their problems and eventual solutions. Plea se bear in mind that the over-all objectives were to increase physical availability and reliability."

Jan 1, 1988

By E. G. Davis

Under a memorandum of agreement with Reynolds Metals Co., Richmond, VA, the Bureau of Mines studied the problem of corundum formation on refractory linings in aluminum recycling furnaces. A laboratory test was developed for evaluating refractories in contact with molten recycled aluminum and identifying the mechanism of corundum formation. A test apparatus was designed and constructed to evaluate the performance of refractory samples. Corundum mechanism formation studies indicated that corundum formed on refractories when there is metal penetration. Once corundum forms, it acts as a wick allowing the molten aluminum to move to the surface where it is oxidized, thus causing further growth of the corundum. Phosphoric acid treatment or a spinel mortar coating prevented corundum formation on the 70-and 90-pct-A1203 refractories.

Jan 1, 1988

By T. Yalcin

"This paper describes a study carried out to determine the behaviour of Cu-Ni mill tailings during natural and flocculated sedimentations. Settling rates were examined under various conditions through standard laboratory batch settling tests. Flocculation was found to improve the sedimentation process significantly, but its effectiveness depended on several factors such as the pulp density of feed, the type and dosage of flocculating reagent, the pH of pulp, the intensity of mixing flocculant with tailings sand the use of stirring during compaction.It is shown that. for a sedimentation process taking place under given conditions, underflow pulp density (P) and sedimentation time (t) are related by the expression P = k.tn, where k and n are constants. A procedure is described for the use of this expression in thickener size estimations. IntroductionOften a considerable proportion of the mill feed is disposed as tailing, because the valuable mineral recovered usually forms a small fraction of the ore. Moreover, wet concentration processes result in liquid wastes that are several times more voluminous than the ore itself. Thus the handling and disposal of these wastes become an important cost item in most milling operations. The principal unit process employed in tailing disposal is solid-liquid separation which is traditionally carried out by gravity sedimentation in thickeners or tailing dams. Direct disposal of tailings into tailing dams is common practice where sufficiently large areas of land are available but it frequently becomes more economical or practical to densify the tailings in a thickener beforehand.Successful thickener operation depends essentially on correct thickener size which is in turn governed by the sedimentation characteristics of the tailings handled. Flocculation can aid the sedimentation process and bring about significant savings in thickener size, but its effective use requires a detailed study to identify the optimum conditions of application."

Jan 1, 1988

By W. R. Wrzensinski

This report presents the findings from a l-yr Bureau of Mines program in which sulfur concrete reinforcing materials were tested and evaluated to determine their resistance to corrosion. It also summarizes the permeation characteristics of sulfur concrete and the exemplary performance of precast, reinforced sulfur concrete structures in various industrial environments. The Bureau is furthering the development of sulfur concrete technology as part of a larger effort to find uses for the Nation's plentiful sulfur resources in construction materials. Sulfur concrete is a corrosion-resistant material that can be used in acid and salt environ-ments where conventional materials fail. Penetration of corrosion-inducing agents is minimized because of the low permeation characteristics of sulfur concrete.

Jan 1, 1988

By B. Ozturk, K. Ito, R. J. Fruehan

"A simulation model for bath smelting processes for the production of iron was developed which predicts the coal, flux, ore, and oxygen consumptions and the off gas volume, temperature and composition. The model is comprehensive in that it takes into account all of the important variables including coal composition, metal composition, ore composition, slag basicity, post combustion ratio, (PCR), prereduction degree (PRO), heat transfer coefficient (HTC) , flux, scrap charge, and heat losses. Four basic cases were considered: I. 30% PRO-50% PCR; II. 90% PRO-O% PCR; III. 60% PRO-30% PCR; and IV. 0% PRO-50% PCR. Several different coals were considered and a sensitivity analysis of the critical variables was performed. The model also estimates the sulfur content of the metal. The major conclusions included:1. Post combustion significantly reduces coal consumption but above 20% PCR little reduction of FeO to Fe can be performed with the off gas.2. Prereducing to FeO (Case I) and having as much post combustion as consistent with good heat transfer is an attractive process. This process only requires a simple pre reducer, uses less coal, and is relatively insensitive to the type of coal used.3. High off gas temperatures may pose a potential problem. The off gas temperature can be reduced by using an 02-Air mixture for post combustion, limiting post combustion or adding water to the gas.4. The use of CaC03 in place of CaO or of supplemental electricity does not appear attractive.5. The melting unit is theoretically an energy efficient scrap melter. For Case I using 200 kg of scrap as part of the charge the coal consumption decreases by about 80 kg.6. With PCR > 30% the FeO content of the slag is expected to be 2-5%, and the metal will not be saturated with carbon. These factors and the increased sulfur load since coal is the fuel indicate the sulfur content of the metal may exceed 0.25%"

Jan 1, 1988