Search Documents

By Randy R. Williams, Brian W. Wilson, George M. Filz, Marina S. W. Li, Donald A. Bruce

"In-situ wet grab sampling and post-installation coring of soil-cement structures are typically carried out for Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) of deep mixing (DM) schemes. Wet grab sampling and testing is used to provide data to indicate that performance requirements are being met during production, in advance of coring, which typically occurs at 28 days or later, following installation. While unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests from wet grab samples provide good production indicators, industry practice often requires that acceptance criteria of soil-cement structures be based on UCS results from representative core samples.This paper outlines the approach adopted for field sampling and QA/QC testing carried out in highly variable subsurface conditions at a site located in northern British Columbia (BC), focusing on postinstallation soil-cement coring and strength testing for an extensive deep mixing scheme. A discussion on suitable methods of coring soil-cement structures and appropriate selection of samples for testing that are representative of the in-situ soil-cement structures is provided. This paper also discusses the selection strategy adopted for verification of strength and modulus parameters used for design, providing spatial and time coverage, as well as the acceptance criteria implemented, and provides comparisons with published industry recommendations.BACKGROUNDAn extensive deep mixing ground improvement scheme was completed for the development of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facility to be located in Bish Cove, BC, Canada. The deep mixing scheme was implemented to treat very weak native deposits in-situ to support two mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls up to 20 m (66 ft) high, and their associated bulk earthworks. Within the DM area, the subsurface conditions were highly variable, ranging from deep (up to 21 m (69 ft) thick) deposits of very soft to soft clayey silt to silty clay, overlying layers of dense to very dense gravelly sand to sand and gravel, to compact deposits of silty sand (up to 15 m (49 ft) thick), overlying dense sand and gravel. Bedrock was encountered beneath the granular deposits and generally comprised granodiorite with occasional andesite dykes."

Jan 1, 2015

By Andrew L. Puwis

Methodologies were presented for computing the thermal gradient associated with single crystal solidification in macroscopic computer modeling. The. heat transfer, and solidification of a shaped investment casting model were simulated using properties from three different alloys. Following the simulation of solidification, the resultant thermal gradients (G) and rates of solidification (R) from representative points were extracted in various ways and compared: It was discovered that alloy properties have a strong influence on the computed thermal gradient and rate of solidification for the three methods investigated. Data also showed that the computed gradient for each model was very different depending on the temperature range used to compute these values.

Jan 1, 1994

By Masayoshi Matswnoto

The Kosaka Smelter and Refinery produces copper and lead, and has a history of more than 100 years as a metallurgical department of Dowa?s Kosaka Mine. The Smelter treats complex sulfide concentrates which are difficult to smelt. Valuable metals are recovered using various processes developed by Kosaka Smelter and Refinery. Effluent waters from the smelter contain large quantities of heavy metals. This paper describes how Kosaka Smelter and Refinery recovers valuable metals from various effluent waters and handles overall waste waters in order to meet strict environmental standards.

Jan 1, 1993

By Aris Tambunan, Nella Lubis, Nurafrianti Saala, Komang Widhiayanto, Herry Saputra, Rudolf Sitorus

Maximizing mining recovery rates and minimizing ore loss are pivotal objectives for economic efficiency and operational effectiveness. This study explores methods to address these imperatives by enhancing ore production and recovery through improved blasting techniques and spillage control in the Martabe Gold Mine Project in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Between 2018 and 2021, the average mining recovery rate stood at 93%, resulting in a potential annual ore loss of 7% and a potential quarterly financial impact of close to $2 million. Maintaining and enhancing mining recovery became crucial, with a planned 30% increase in total material movement for 2022. The mining recovery target for 2022 was set at 96% based on best achievement historical data from 2021 to increase ore tonnage by 203 KTon per annum. To achieve the primary objective of increasing ore production by improving mining recovery, the study focused on predicting and controlling the movement of blasted ore to reduce spillage and enhancing the grade control model to reflect actual conditions post-blasting. Several alternative solutions were explored, primarily emphasizing drilling and blasting activities. Essential methods included capturing the actual blasting movement to adjust the ore block based on blasting design data and post-blasting muckpile topography. This approach minimizes ore loss by providing output as ore block adjustment based on post-blast movement data. In addition, the tie-up design was adjusted to control ore spillage outside the pit ridge. The implementation of these methods yielded significant improvements. Adjusting the ore block based on actual blasting movement contributed $1,545,764 in benefits. Controlling ore spillage outside the pit ridge achieved a 10% reduction in spillage, contributing $79,184 in benefits. These enhancements successfully met the 2022 mining recovery target of 96%, marking a 3% increase from 2021. Consequently, ore loss was reduced by 178 KTon throughout 2022, resulting in a financial impact of $7.3 million. The study underscores the significance of precise blasting techniques and effective spillage control in enhancing mining recovery rates.

Jan 21, 2025

By Jr. Chilson

This paper addresses the slurry pump industry as it exists today by touching on the business aspects, and by discussing research and development for material metallurgy and hydrodynamics for wear improvement which reduce operating and maintenance cost for the customer. It demonstrates why OEM parts give better value for cost.

Jan 1, 1996

By S. Banisi, O. Farshid, M. R. Rozebehi, A. Bahar, A. Arghavani, M. Mahdavi

At the rougher flotation circuit of the Miduk copper concentration plant (Kerman, Iran) five column cells (CISA) with the diameter of 4m and height of 12m using static mixer type (MicrocelTM) spargers have been installed. Based on the initial design, columns should accept a feed rate of 625 t/h with 80% passing size of 90 µm and solids concentration of 28% and produce 88% of the plant concentrate (i.e., 22 t/h) containing 32% copper. Due to mechanical and processing problems this objective was never realized and theses columns were remained out of operation from the commissioning time (2005). A new attempt with the aim of returning these cells into operation started in 2013. The results of an extensive study indicated that spargers plugging due to the entrance of small amount (2 kg) of coarse particles (up to 2.5 cm) because of usual problems at the plant environment was the main reason of columns non functionality. With a change in the recycle pump inlet design to the column, which prevented the entrance of coarse particles to the spargers, the operation of the column significantly improved. It was found that in order to have a stable operation of the columns at the rougher stage the feed rate for each column should be reduced from 125 (design) to 70 t/h. The air superficial rate had to be also reduced from 1.9 (design) to 0.6 cm/s. A period of 10 days of continuous operation showed that the carrying capacity was 0.23 (g/min/cm2) which was significantly lower that of the design value (i.e., 0.58). The gas hold up was found to be lower than 10% beyond which columns started to move to the turbulent state indicated by "boiling" froth. The average life time of spargers was determined to be 20 days which considered to be very short. The average recovery and concentrate grade of these columns were found to be 68% and 32%, respectively. The high wear rates of spargers, unusually high level of maintenance and supervision needed and instability of the operation made the plant managers not to use column cells as the roughers.

Jan 1, 2014

By Sandip K. Mukherjee, Anthony W. Laurito, Madan M. Singh, Jon C. Volkwein

In the past, little attention has been paid to the costs of ventilation, since it seldom represented a significant portion of the total mining cost. However, in recent years adverse mining conditions and increases in power charges have caused ventilation costs to rise. The federal regulations have set minimum standards for volumetric airflow rates in underground coal mines. As a mine develops, the air volume and pressure requirements increase. There are several methods by which the quantity of airflow to the mine and working faces can be increased. Some of the methods include (1) increasing main fan output or replacing the main fan by a new higher capacity fan, (2) reducing leakage across stoppings and overcasts, (3) adding a new ventilation shaft or borehole, (4) reducing resistance to airflow by reducing the resistance factor of the individual airways, increasing the number of airways (especially the parallel airways), or re- arranging the air courses by using the available entries, and (5) using auxiliary ventilation systems. This paper addresses the cost-benefit analysis of several of these alternatives as applied to a large operating coal mine located in southern Illinois. Pressure and quantity surveys were conducted under-ground, and measurements were taken at the main exhaust fans on the surface. The existing ventilation network was modeled by using the Penn State ventilation simulator. The input data included the configuration of branches, resistance of each branch (including a component for shock losses), and changes in pressure and volume. The results of the simulation were compared with the survey data to check the merits and accuracy of the model network. The net- work was designed to take into account shafts, major entries, overcasts, regulators, gob areas, working faces, and major leakage paths. The model network served as the basis for the cost analyses of networks designed for increased airflow. The applicable alternatives for increasing airflow were simulated. Performance data obtained from these simulation runs were utilized to conduct the cost-effectiveness analysis. The costs for each f the alternatives included capital, operating and maintenance costs. These costs were expressed as annual costs in terms of dollars per cfm of circulating air, taking into account the economic life associated with each of the alternatives. The benefits were expressed as increased airflow quantity in the critical sections. The result of these analyses show that for the short-range plans evaluated, the most cost-effective way of increasing airflow at this mine would be to reduce leakage through stoppings and overcasts.

Jan 1, 1982

By Lifeng Zhang, Zineb Benouahmane, Yaqiong Li

The wettability behavior of graphite with silicon is a key factor for its application as a crucible in silicon making industry. A previous study was carried out to determine the correlation between the physico-chemical behaviors of different types of graphite and the final contact angle for the graphite/silicon system. In this study, experimental vacuum annealing treatment by varying the exposure time at high temperature of 1000 °C processed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and SEM analyses enabled to found a correlation between the oxygen content in the graphite and the final contact angle for the graphite/silicon system. Finally, the experimental results with and without vacuum annealing treatment have shown that a deep infiltration of silicon inside the graphite occurs in case of high level of oxygen content inside the graphite’s pores.

Mar 1, 2017

By J. H. Nead

The experiments herein described were undertaken with a view to investigating thoroughly the influence of carbon on the tensile and impact physical properties of carbon steel. The original comprehensive plan included investigation of a series of steels with varying carbon contents over a wide range of heat treatments. These were to be studied as to their static tensile qualities, and also their resistance to shock as measured by the Charpy impact bending test. A thorough metallographic examination was likewise included in the schedule. The Charpy tests and the metallographic examination have not been completed to date, and are accordingly withheld for another report. All heat treatments, however, have been made, and the static tensile tests have been completed. A description of the procedure of the experiment and the results thus far obtained are therefore reported herein. Conclusions No attempt is made to draw general conclusions from these experiments, but the curves and the data are submitted as being of general importance and wide applicability. Composition of Materials An attempt was made to secure steels increasing in carbon by increments of 0.1 per cent. from 0.1 per cent. up to 0.8 per cent., and from that composition to 1.6 per cent. by increments of 0.2 per cent. Actually, however, steels of the composition given in Table I were procured, and as the carbon contents were arranged sufficiently well so that satisfactory curves could be drawn showing the relation between carbon content and other properties, these steels were used in the experiments.

Jan 1, 1916

By M. M. Fine

One of the most persistent topics at technical gatherings and in the recent scientific press has been the reduction of iron ore. To cite some of them, in May 1960, a symposium on the subject was sponsored by the Electrochemical Society. The proceedings, comprising two dozen papers, were later published.3/ More recently, November 1966, a similar gathering took place at Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich. The latest meeting was the International Congress on Production and Utilization of Reduced Materials, Evian, France, May 1967. If the volume of literature, symposia and conferences is a measure of industry concern, then current interest must be at a high level. To the casual observer of the metallurgical scene, the abiding and recurring attention to iron ore reduction outside the blast furnace must be somewhat puzzling in that so much research endeavor has resulted in so little commercial activity.

Jan 1, 1968

By H. Suharyono

The results of an experimental study of polymer-induced flocculation of clay suspensions in continuous, stirred-tank reactors are presented. The effects of polymer dosage, mixing time and mixing intensity are shown to be generally similar to those observed for equivalent batch systems, but flocculation appears to be generally less effective in the continuous process. Settling rates are lower and supernatant turbidities are higher for the continuous system. It is postulated that non-equilibrium effects due to simultaneous polymer adsorption and floc growth can be exploited so as to enhance flocculation in batch systems. The nature of the continuous process, however, offers less opportunity for taking advantage of such effects. Conditions in a continuous flocculation system inherently lead to a closer approach to equilibrium.

Jan 1, 1994

By H Ishikawa, R Halomoan, S Palaniandy

The Karara iron ore project is a magnetite operation consist of open pit mining and concentrator to produce high-grade magnetite concentrate. The concentrator has adopted three stages of comminution, ie fine crushing in the high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR), primary ball milling and fine grinding in the TowerMill plus magnetic separation in between these comminution devices. Since 2014, the concentrator has increased the plant feed rate by 18 per cent. Meanwhile, the ore hardness has increased by 13 per cent to a Bond work index value of 15 kWh/t that led to a coarser flotation feed. Karara Mine has decided to shift the comminution workload from the primary ball mill to the TowerMill circuit by bypassing the 100 µm fine screen in between the ball mill and TowerMill circuits. This action has increased the circuit feed particle size distribution with a top size close to 1 mm. The specific energy consumption of the TowerMill circuit was approximately 3.4 kWh/t, and the circuit product sizes (P80) were ranged between 38 and 45 µm. A joint process improvement exercise was carried out to reduce the circuit product size closer to the magnetite liberation size, ie 35 µm. Among the activities were circuit audit, recommendation for improvement, modelling and simulation, multicomponent analysis, implementation of recommendations and quantification of the improvement. One of the key findings was the density effect of multicomponent minerals in the hydrocyclone. The analysis revealed that the low density coarser gangue minerals were bypassed to the hydrocyclone overflow stream that has resulted in a coarser particle size distribution. Meanwhile, more than 20 per cent of fine (-35 µm) high-density magnetite particles were recycled back to the mill through the hydrocyclone underflow stream and increased the circulating load. Based on these outcomes, several recommendations such as conversion to bottom feed configuration, use of smaller grinding media, high operating hydrocyclone pressure and additional grinding power to the TowerMill circuit were made to improve the overall circuit performances. Karara Mine has prioritised to implement those recommendations that have a minimal financial implication. Full-scale plant trials with bottom feed configuration and 17 mm grinding media were conducted to evaluate its performances. These trials have indicated that the grinding efficiency in the TowerMill was enhanced by 10 – 30 per cent. In May 2017, all the five TowerMills were converted to the bottom feed configuration. This paper discusses the impact of shifting the comminution workload load from the primary ball mills to TowerMill circuit and the performances enhancement of the TowerMill circuit. CITATION:Palaniandy, S, Halomoan, R and Ishikawa, H, 2018. Shifting the comminution workload from the primary ball mill to TowerMill circuit, in Proceedings 14th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2018, pp 163–176 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 29, 2018

By Alfred Wild

The Kraftile Co. plant, Fremont, Alameda County, Calif.--the largest producer of glazed, structural wall units west of the Rocky Mountains--maintains modern processing facilities to evaluate and blend a wide variety of clays from several sources to produce quality products. The report desribes the prospecting, exploration, and test methods used to locate raw material sources and covers processing methods, cost factors, and trends. Also, the geologic and ceramic factors are considered in a general discussion of the economics, potentials, and requirements of clays as raw materials for ceramic tile manufacturing.

Jan 1, 1963

By M Pizey, M Kingsbury

Since 1950 Stockton Open Cast Mine has excavated over 60 million tonnes of Brunner Coal Measures overburden sandstones and mudstones. The current operator, Solid Energy New Zealand, recognises that acidic drainage from this overburden and from historic underground mines has led to depressed pH levels and elevated levels of metals in streams draining the Stockton Plateau. These streams report to the Ngakawau River. To quantify the effects of mine site acid drainage remediation/mitigation on the lower Ngakawau River water quality, a catchment hydrogeochemical model has been field calibrated and ecotoxicology tests have been undertaken. The hydrogeochemical model indicates that pre-mining and present pH values in the lower Ngakawau River are similar but present aluminium and iron concentrations are elevated. Ecotoxicology tests have semi-quantified the critical metal concentrations and interim water quality targets to achieve ecological recovery are presented. Analyses of long-term total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity monitoring in the lower Ngakawau River and St Patrick's Stream indicate that TSS of 120 mg/L and turbidity of 20 NTU are exceeded for <20% per cent of the time. Hence, specific criteria to protect migratory native fish from turbid water are currently met in the Ngakawau River and St Patrick's Stream.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. Schenck

Goldcorp Inc. has mining operations and exploration projects throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras; as well as partnerships in Argentina and the Dominican Republic. In rural areas of developing countries it is very common to have mining operations surrounded by diverse communities consisting of people with limited, or no formal education. This is fertile ground for anti-mining NGOs to cultivate. The limited educational backgrounds of the people, coupled with a company desire to maintain a low profile can lead to a problematic lack of trust between the local communities and the mining company. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, Goldcorp has implemented various programs to build trust at these operations, as well as incorporating this policy into any new projects prior to commencement of operations. This paper is intended to describe two initiatives that have shown positive results for both the communities and the Marlin Mine.

Jan 1, 2009

By J. Douglas Causey

In 1984, at the request of the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Mines studied 29,020 acres of the 43,165-acre Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area (MT-024-684) in order to evaluate its mineral resources. Within this report, these 29,020 acres are referred to as the study area. Located in Custer and Prairie Counties, MT, the study area is about 2 miles northwest of Terry. The study area is underlain by essentially flat-lying units of the Fort Union Formation of Paleocene age with some Quaternary alluvial deposits in stream valleys. No mines or prospects were found in the study area. Bentonitic clays and lignite coal units were examined and sampled; however, no clay resources or coal reserves were identified. Estimates of coal resources will be reported by the U.S. Geological Survey in a joint U.S. Geological Survey-U.S. Bureau of Mines publication. Gravel along the Yellowstone River, a source of agate for private collectors, could also be used as sand and gravel aggregate although material on the south bank of the river is closer to population centers and road systems. Clinker found in the study area could be a source of road metal, but is not well situated in relationship to areas of use. No geothermal resources have been identified although water suitable for direct heat applications may underlie the study area. All the area is leased for oil and gas exploration.

Jan 1, 1985

By B. S. Spottiswoode

Lack of visibility makes it difficult for continuous miner (CM) operators to judge the desired sump depth. The resulting inaccuracies have proven to lead to significant production losses. This problem of measuring the depth of sump has been addressed in the past and a few measurement techniques have evolved. Despite various attempts, a suitable commercial depth of sump sensor does not yet exist. A system using the Doppler effect has been patented, developed and successfully tested. The method is non-intrusive and involves a beam of microwaves being projected obliquely at the roof. The received signal is analysed with respect to the transmitted signal, yielding the desired measure of displacement. Surface tests have revealed an accuracy of a few centimetres. Underground simulation tests on a load haulage dump (LHD) machine have verified the repeatability under the harsh conditions of interest. The system is presently being installed on a CM where it is to undergo a long-term performance evaluation. This paper presents the theory behind such a system, the hardware developed, the signal processing requirements and an analysis of the test results.

Sep 1, 2001

By Alfred Wild

The Kraftile Co. plant, Fremont, Alameda County, Calif.--the largest producer of glazed, structural wall units west of the Rocky Mountains-- maintains modern processing facilities to evaluate and blend a wide variety of clays from several sources to produce quality products. The report desribes the prospecting, exploration, and test methods used to locate raw material sources and covers processing methods, cost factors, and trends. Also, the geologic and ceramic factors are considered in a general discussion of the economics, potentials, and requirements of clays as raw materials for ceramic tile manufacturing.

Jan 1, 1963

By Garth Howlett

In 1998 the Matanuska-Susitna Borough formed the new port district at Point MacKenzie, known as Port MacKenzie, located directly across the Knik Arm from Anchorage. In 1991 PND Engineers Inc. (PND), working with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough manager and port director, envisioned a fill structure at Port MacKenzie with a 500-foot-long Open Cell? sheet-pile bulkhead face extending to EL -20 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) at the face. Now under operation the fill created 5.5 acres of tideland property using local materials for fill. The fill is protected from 2- to-3 foot-thick ice pans and 9 feet per second (fps) tidal currents by an envelope of armor rock. Construction required working in water with 30 to 40 feet of tidal variation. Construction required placement of frozen fill in water depths possibly exceeding 50 feet, creating real concerns about soil consolidation and long-term maintenance issues. A plan was prepared to consolidate the soils using Vibracompaction. Soil Density and consolidation were monitored during the work. In 2003 the port district and NPI, a wood chip export company, formalized an agreement to construct a deep water port facility at Port MacKenzie for cape-class bulk carriers. PND provided planning, studies, geotechnical investigation, design documents and construction inspection for a 500-foot-long trestle with a platform dockhead and dolphins providing 1,100 feet of dock face in EL -70 MLLW as shown in Figure 1. Design included installation of large-diameter spin-fin piles driven on a 2V:1H batter. Also included was a 300-ton tension test of smaller spin-fin piles.

Jan 1, 2006

By Floyd G. Anderson

Bureau of Mines studies show than an electronic counter can be used for determining just concentrations from midget impinger samples collected in bituminous coal mines. A sample correlation coefficient of 0.91 for data obtained using the electronic counter and the Bureau of Mines microprojector procedures indicates a significant linear relationship between the methods. The electronic counter provides better counting precision and reduces analytical time.

Jan 1, 1968