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This paper presents the results of an experimental study undertaken to demonstrate the feasibility of using silica sand as a grinding media in stirred ball mills for ultra-fine coal grinding. Laboratory batch as well as bench scale continuous tests indicate that the use of silica sand can reduce the energy consumption by 50% and more over its steel media counter-part. Moreover, this approach has been found to eliminate the disadvantages observed with grinding using steel media such as high replacement cost, contamination of coal through media wear, greater degree of coal oxidation due to higher slurry temperature and greater level of noise dissipation. Additionally, coal-sand attrition system reduces the manpower time required which is often spent towards cleaning and storing of steel media in inert atmosphere to avoid rust and corrosion problems.

Jan 1, 1991

he leaching behavior of palladium in ammoniacal solutions has been investigated by using the rotating disk technique in an autoclave. The study included the effect of rotating speed, temperature, oxygen pressure, composition of ammoniacal solutions, and catalyst on the overall leaching rate. The dissolution of palladium in ammoniacal solutions was discussed in view of the thermodynamics and a kinetic model. Even though the potential-pH diagram suggests that palladium metal can dissolve in ammoniacal solutions at room temperature, it was found that the dissolution was too slow at temperatures below 100°C but was significantly improved at higher temperatures. It was also found that the rotating speed of palladium disk had no effect on the leaching rate. The apparent activation energy was found to be 69.7 kJ/mole. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the dissolution of palladium is controlled by chemical reaction.

Jan 1, 1997

By M. Hepokoski, M. Klein, L. Yan

"NIOSH research has shown that heat/humidity buildup is a major concern within coal mine refuge alternatives (RAs). These high temperature and humidity levels inside an RA may expose occupants to heat stress. Due to the safety risks associated with testing using human subjects, NIOSH partnered with ThermoAnalytics to create detailed thermal simulation models of RAs with human occupants. The objective of this effort was to predict a miner’s core temperature response and moisture loss in environments that may be encountered in a coal mine RA. These parameters were studied across a range of temperatures and relative humidity values to determine if the current 95°F apparent temperature limit for RAs is reasonable. The results indicated that the 95°F apparent temperature limit is protective, provided that miners are supplied with sufficient water. The results also indicated that the body core temperature did not reach dangerous levels even at an apparent temperature of 130°F. However, the results show that moisture loss increases with apparent temperature. Therefore, if the apparent temperature limit were increased, the water provided in an RA would have to be increased to offset moisture loss. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this effort was to predict a miner’s core temperature and moisture loss (sweating and respiration) in environments that are likely to be encountered in a coal mine refuge alternative (RA). A range of temperatures and relative humidity were studied to determine whether the current 95°F Steadman apparent temperature (AT) limit and 2.25 quart/day water requirements for RAs as mandated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) are reasonable [1, 2]. The effects of metabolic heat rate (activity level), miner size (height and weight), and pose (sitting or lying) on core temperature and moisture loss were also studied. MODEL DESCRIPTION TAITherm thermal modeling software (ThermoAnalytics, Inc.) was used to simulate humans in RA-like environments within a range of temperature and relative humidity combinations. The TAITherm Human Thermal Model (HTM) predicts the dynamic thermal response of the simulated miners while accounting for clothing, human tissue thermal properties, and active thermoregulation. The following sections describe the HTM in more detail, the thermal model setup for this analysis, and core temperature and moisture loss metrics found in published literature. Human Thermal Model Overview The TAITherm human thermal model was used to simulate the heat generated by the shelter occupants, and to predict the miners’ skin and core temperatures along with their sweat evaporation rates. The thermoregulation model simulates the process by which the body attempts to maintain a constant core temperature by considering the effects of shivering, sweating, and changes in skin blood flow. This model calculates surface and deep tissue temperatures within the human body as described by a surface mesh."

Jan 1, 2017

By N Johansson, D Johansson, A Beyglou, H Schunnesson

As demand for optimisation of mining processes increases, more attention is drawn to blast performance and fragmentation improvement. Fractures and discontinuities are among the most influential factors in blast results, therefore one of the initial steps towards blast optimisation is to gather information about the rock mass and integrate it in blast design. This paper presents a method for assessment of rock mass discontinuities and integrating it in production blasts in the Aitik open pit copper mine in Sweden.3D photogrammetric techniques were utilised to map discontinuities and distinguish domains of similar geologic structures in the pit. As a pilot study for a future campaign, four different initiation directions were tested through six pilot blasts in one of the domains. The results were compared in terms of swell and loading efficiency of rope shovels to identify the correlation between blast performance and initiation direction compared to major discontinuity families.It was established that in the trial domain, blasts initiated towards north or north-west yielded larger swell and better performance of loading. Comparing these blasts with discontinuity families show that there is a correlation between blast performance and initiation direction according to the dip and strike of these discontinuities. Such knowledge can be used for future blasts in the same domain to increase long-term operational efficiency through slight modifications in drill pattern and initiation design.CITATION:Beyglou, A, Schunnesson, H, Johansson, D and Johansson, N, 2015. Adjusting initiation direction to domains of rock mass discontinuities in Aitik open pit mine, in Proceedings 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, pp 385–392 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 24, 2015

By E. Godfrey

The average man one meets on the street thinks of an explosive as a medium of death and destruction, something unstable which should be given a wide berth, because he knows little or nothing about its use or its stability. Briefly, explosives are compounds that develop very large quantities of heat and gas in an extremely short time and in a small space, thereby exerting enormous pressure upon surrounding bodies, and by the rapid expansion of this highly heated gas are able to perform a considerable amount of useful work. The amount of heat generated and the volume of gas produced by the decomposition of an explosive determines the amount of mechanical work it can do, and the time occupied by its change from solid or liquid condition to gaseous condition determines its shattering effect. Explosives manufactured by reputable people are not extremely dangerous, on the other hand they are quite safe if handled in a proper manner. Furthermore, before an explosive can be placed on the Canadian market a sample must be submitted to the Explosives Division of the Mines Department, who may condemn or permit its manufacture, according to their findings regarding its safety in handling and its stability during storage.

Jan 1, 1926

By A. L. Hinde

The steady-state and dynamic behaviour of semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mills are arguably best described using a population model that caters for the breakage kinetics and the material trans-port of rock and pulp inside the mill. Breakage kinetics are usually expressed in terms of a specific breakage rate function and a separate primary breakage distribution function. Material transport usually invokes the concept of a specific discharge rate function. Unfortunately, the breakage rate and breakage distribution functions for SAG mills are very difficult to estimate uniquely from plant data alone. Simplifying assumptions must be made to over-come this problem, which leads to many unresolved dilemmas with regard to whether or not the de-rived functions are accurate, precise, and reflect reality. For example, it is sometimes assumed that the breakage distribution function for a SAG mill treating run-of-mine ore can be derived from laboratory dropweight and tumbling tests on small rocks in narrow size ranges. Such tests hardly reflect the environmental conditions likely to be encountered in a pilot or production SAG mill where there is a wide spectrum of particle sizes. It is shown that the dilemmas associated with standard population balance models (models that utilise separate breakage rate and breakage distribution functions) can be overcome by expressing breakage behaviour inside a SAG mill in terms of a single function. This function is an energy-based cumulative breakage rate function defined as the fractional rate at which particles and rocks coarser than a given size break to below that size per unit specific energy input. A model for SAG milling is formulated, which invokes the concept of a cumulative breakage rate function. Comparisons are made between the mathematical structure of this ?simple model? and standard population balance models. Perhaps the most attractive feature of the ?simple model? is that the cumulative breakage rate function can be uniquely estimated from measurements of size distributions and mass flows of the feed and discharge streams together with the size distribution and holdup mass of the mill charge. Such measurement can easily be made at pilot scale. It is concluded that this simplified approach to SAG milling may turn out to be the quickest way to fully describe and quantify the performance of these very complex mills.

Jan 1, 2014

The Marvel Loch Operations (MLO) plant was treating ores from up to six MLO sources and in addition needed to blend externally sourced ores with its own ores. This presented a metallurgical accounting dilemma, which was subsequently addressed by the design, implementation and testing of an automatic sampling system. The MLO automatic sampler was well designed and has been the subject of previous internal and external reviews. The sampling action is fully automated and the unit is essentially self cleaning particularly when sampling primary ores. The purpose of this paper is to document the rationale behind the design, the specific details of the sampling station, its use for ore purchase purposes and an assessment of the sampling system to meet the needs of the operator.

Mar 1, 2010

By Leonhard Weixler

The Bauer company was founded in 1790 by coppersmith Sebastian Bauer in Schrobenhausen, a small town north-west of Munich. The original workshop business carried out works including repairs to church roofs and brew kettles. Later the company expanded its operations to encompass water pipe installation, which it continued through to the 1980s. In addition to installing water pipes it then also began drilling wells, which were sometimes constructed using very simple methods, such as tripod frames (Figure 1).

Jan 1, 2011

By Alphonse Hennin

It is well known that under certain conditions ammonia is found in the gas produced by the distillation of coal. Until recently it was held, and many still believe, that this ammonia exists in the coal, and is a natural product of the destructive distillation, varying in percentage, like the other products, according to the nature of the coal, but not formed synthetically beyond that limit. This opinion is in contradiction with well-established facts concerning the formation of ammonia from the elements of the coal. If any ammonia exists as such in the coal, the quantity is insignificant. The purpose of this paper is to explain the theory of the formation of ammonia during distillation, and call the attention of the members of the Institute to its application in connection with the production of heating-gas for metallurgical purposes, etc. For many years little or no importance was attached to the presence of ammonia in coal-gas. It was deemed by the gas-manufacturers an undesirable product of the process, as one of the impurities to be removed; and no attempt was made for its recovery. Not until its practical extraction and utilization was found possible, did scientists commence to investigate the question. Little was known about the nitrogen of the coal, and still less about the reactions leading to its transformation into ammonia. A. W. Hofmann, I believe, was the first to establish a relation between the percentage of nitrogen in the coal and the proportion of ammonia in the coal-gas. As early as 1863 he pointed out that, in dry distillation, such as is practiced in the manufacture of illuminating-gas, only one-third of the total nitrogen in the coal is liberated, two-thirds remaining in the coke. It is no longer possible to doubt that the ammonia is a synthetical product, resulting, under certain conditions, from the combination of the,elements of the coal. Chemistry teaches that ammonia is formed in many cases when

Jan 1, 1893

By A Campbell

Open pit blasting at Ernest Henry Mining has the potential to cause damage to nearby underground workings. This paper is a case study of the blast vibration management project that was conducted to ensure open pit blasting did not adversely affect the stability of upper production levels or cause damage to the underground primary fan units. The two upper levels of the underground mine surround the lower portion of the open pit mine. The remaining underground mine workings are directly below the open pit mine. This paper details the process developed to prevent open pit blasting causing excess vibration in the underground mine. Measurement of test blasts combined with historic blast monitoring data was used to determine site specific blast vibration parameters. Threshold vibration levels for blast-induced damage to underground drives and the fan chambers were developed from benchmarking and non-linear numerical modelling. A Monte Carlo simulation model was used to predict vibration levels in critical underground areas. Blasts predicted to exceed maximum vibration levels could then be redesigned to avoid damage.A scale distance law for determining peak particle velocity (PPV) from the distance and charge weight of blasts was developed. Underground observations were used to develop a site-specific relationship between PPV and ground support/rock mass damage. A Monte Carlo superposition prediction model was developed and compared to measured data to refine input parameters. Standards for redesigning open pit blasts in order to reduce blast vibrations whilst minimising impacts on productivity are described. Non-linear numerical modelling was used to establish the dynamic capacity of the fan chambers, and set a PPV of 250 mm/s as a threshold for damage. The numerical model captured the full dynamic behaviour of the fan chambers and installed support, including transient stresses, strains and induced damage, when subjected to a simulated open pit blast.This case study also outlines a procedure for monitoring and predicting blast vibrations at other mine sites where open pit blasting has the potential to impact on a nearby underground mine.

Nov 8, 2011

By R. S. Bradley

WHAT are known as insulating firebrick are lightweight firebrick with low thermal conductivity designed primarily for use in direct contact with furnace gases. These are a recent development in the refractories industry, and are really an outgrowth of the type of insulating brick suitable for use behind refractory walls developed by the insulation manufacturers. To differentiate between these two types of brick, the manufacturers have recently agreed upon the use of the term "Insulating Firebrick" to apply to the type of brick suited for use in direct contact with furnace gases, and the term "Insulating Brick" for the type suitable for use behind refractory walls. Insulation was applied to steam pipes as far back as 1900. This was a low-temperature insulation, the most common type being magnesia blocks. The next development was applying insulation to the outside of furnace walls, a service which necessitated an insulating material of higher temperature resistance. Natural diatomaceous earth, both in the powdered and brick form, was used; this was efficient and is still used extensively for backing up refractory walls where the inner surface temperature of the insulation does not exceed 1600° F.

Jan 1, 1937

By Antonio Rivera

On Nov. 13, 1985, Colombia's Ruiz volcano erupted, killing an estimated 25,000 people and burying several villages. Damages were estimated to be about $US300 million. The following is an account by SME member Antonio Rivera of the volcanic activity that led to the eruption. His account also includes a description of the geography and some geology of the affected area. Mining operations in the area were mostly unaffected, although some operations were forced to close until the roads leading to them could be repaired. Introduction The Ruiz volcano is located on the Central Cordillera of Colombia about 28 km (17 miles) southeast of Manizales, the capital of the state of Caldas. Ruiz is one of nine volcanoes that form a complex volcanic chain within the middle portion of the Central Cordillera. The Cordillera has 30 other volcanoes in the southern part of Colombia. Ruiz volcano Ruiz's elevation is 5200 m (17,060 ft). It is covered by an ice cap estimated to be 20 m (66 ft) thick at its summit, an area that covers 17 km2 (6.5 sq miles). Drainage is composed of several rivers that flow into the Magdalena River on the east and Cauca River on the west. The rivers flowing to the east are Guali, Azufrado, Lagunillas, and Recio. The rivers that flow to the west are Claro, Molinos, and Chinchina. There is a road from Manizales to El Refugio, a ski area located on the northeast flank of the volcano at 4800 m (15,750 ft) in elevation. The Ruiz volcanic complex was built in two stages. The first is a shield type of volcano (mainly lavas) formed about a million years ago. The second is a younger stratovolcano overlaying the ancient one. It consists of lavas and pyroclastics and was built over the past 500,000 years. Twenty-four eruptions of Ruiz are known to have occurred during the last 14,000 years. Its products mainly consist of lava flows, pyroclastic flows, mudflows (lahars), and directed lateral explosions. Historic eruptive record 1595 - Debris avalanche, blast, pyroclastic flows, mudflows, ash flows, and ash fall. 1828-1829 - Ashes (phreatic). 1831-1833 - Gas emissions and ashes. 1845 - Mudflows and pyroclastic flows. 1985 - Sept. 11- Fumarolic activity, phreatic eruption, ash fall, and small mudflows. 1985 - Nov. 13 - Ash and pyroclastic fall, major destructive mudflows (magmato-phreatic eruption). From 1845 through 1984, Ruiz volcano always had a slight fumarolic activity. It was restricted to the crater area. In November and December 1984, the fumarolic activity increased and the first ash emission and vapor-sulfur formation started. Small local earthquakes accompanied these volcanic activities. The volcano had a small erup¬tion on Sept. 11, 1985. It was manifested by phreatic explosions that ejected fragments of the vent and formed ash deposits 25 mm (1 in.) thick around an area 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the crater. Fine material was blown by the wind and reached Manizales and neighboring areas, producing a small layer of ash up to 10 mm (0.4 in.) thick.

Jan 2, 1986

By William P. Diamond

This report presents results of a cooperative research project between the U.S. Bureau of Mines and BethEnergy Mines, Inc. Four coreholes (two before mining and two after mining) were drilled at a longwall mine operating in the Lower Kittanning Coalbed to obtain coal and rock samples from over-lying strata to determine their gas content at various times in the mining cycle. The results of those tests indicate that 91 pct of the gas removed from the overlying strata came from coalbeds. Material balance calculations were made to compare the volume of gas produced both from gob gas vent holes drilled on the panel and gas removed by the mine's ventilation system with the volume of gas removed from strata directly overlying the panel to a height of 275 ft. This analysis indicates that only 40 pct of the total gas produced from the panel actually came from the strata directly overlying the panel. The remaining volume of gas production probably migrated to the longwall gob from overlying, and perhaps underlying, strata immediately adjacent to the panel and perhaps from greater distances downdip because of the establishment of a long-term pressure gradient in the study area.

Jan 1, 2010

By L. J. Cabri

Although no complete mineralogical balances have been published, the background knowledge and proven, highly sensitive analytical techniques to produce them already exist. For PGE-Cu-Ni sulphide ores a combination of ore microscopy, image analysis and electron microprobe analysis with proton microprobe analysis of sulphides for Pd, Rh and Ru and ion microprobe analysis for Pt, Ir and Rh (in some minerals) should provide the necessary data when combined with reliable assays. Other sulphide ores, such as the Cu-Ni-(PGE) ores of Sudbury, Ontario, require a similar approach except that the ion microprobe would be more suitable for the analysis of Pd, Pt and Rh because of its greater sensitivity. Oxide-silicate ores may be harder to deal with quantitatively, although the potential to confirm the presence of trace PGE within silicates and oxides may be greater than in PGE sulphide and Cu-Ni-(PGE) sulphide ores. However, solid solution of PGE in oxides and silicates still requires thorough documentation and evaluation in terms of their significance for the overall metallurgical balance

Apr 1, 1994

By J. B. Cocanour

Pioneering work at the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has produced a personal computer (PC)-based, software-driven video photometric color sensor for real time process control of metallurgical streams. The video photometer is an inexpensive optical sensor which operates in the visual area of the electromagnetic spectrum and collects color information through plastic optical fiber. The red, green, and blue (R/G/B) voltage components of the color video signal are digitized and characterized through software and then presented as the control variable for software-based proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. This sensor has been successfully employed in the control of a laboratory copper electrolytic circuit. With this sensor, copper solutions were analyzed on-line without the need for sample removal, dilution, mixing or reagent addition, thereby allowing for the real time control of the circuit.

Jan 1, 1994

By H. Warren Newcomen, Dennis C. Martin

"This paper describes the investigation of a large, progressive slope failure on the southeast wall of the east pit at Highmont Mine, British Columbia Geotechnical investigation s consisted of geological and structural mapping, assessment of blasthole drilling records, review of rock core information, slope movement monitoring and back analysis of various possible failure modes. Climate records and mining history were also assessed to determine their relationship to slope movement .Analysis of movement monitoring records and geotechnical information indicates that the failure is deep seated. The upper portion of the failure surf ace occurs along clay filled discontinuities. The lower portion of the failure surf ace appears to occur through the highly altered rock mass. High groundwater pressures and mining at the toe of the slope are documented to have had a major influence on stability at various times during the failure. Stability analyses results are presented and possible remedial measures are discussed.IntroductionHighmont Mine is located near Logan Lake in the Highland Valley approximately 50 km southwest of Karnloops, British Columbia (Fig. I). Mining of the porphyry copper and molydenum ore bodies began in 1980. In May, 1983, when mining in the east pit had progressed to a depth of about 60 m (200 feet) , a failure (designated the Southeast Failure) began to develop in the southeast corner of the east pit. Subsequent mining to a depth of 110m (360 feet) was accompanied by frequent and substantial slope movements involving between 500000 and I 000 000 m3 of rock . The slope was monitored extensively to assess short-term movement trends for operational safety. Geological mapping, core logging and rock mechanics testing were used in conjunction with the long-term monitoring information to determine the failure mechanism, conduct stability analyses, assess the effects of instability on pit design and enable design and installation of remedial measures."

Jan 1, 1988

By H. Warren Newcomen, Dennis C. Martin

"This paper describes the investigation of a large, progressive slope failure on the southeast wall of the east pit at Highmont Mine, British Columbia Geotechnical investigation s consisted of geological and structural mapping, assessment of blasthole drilling records, review of rock core information, slope movement monitoring and back analysis of various possible failure modes. Climate records and mining history were also assessed to determine their relationship to slope movement.Analysis of movement monitoring records and geotechnical information indicates that the failure is deep seated. The upper portion of the failure surf ace occurs along clay filled discontinuities. The lower portion of the failure surf ace appears to occur through the highly altered rock mass. High groundwater pressures and mining at the toe of the slope are documented to have had a major influence on stability at various times during the failure. Stability analyses results are presented and possible remedial measures are discussed.IntroductionHighmont Mine is located near Logan Lake in the Highland Valley approximately 50 km southwest of Karnloops, British Columbia (Fig. I). Mining of the porphyry copper and molydenum ore bodies began in 1980. In May, 1983, when mining in the east pit had progressed to a depth of about 60 m (200 feet) , a failure (designated the Southeast Failure) began to develop in the southeast corner of the east pit. Subsequent mining to a depth of 110m (360 feet) was accompanied by frequent and substantial slope movements involving between 500000 and I 000 000 m3 of rock . The slope was monitored extensively to assess short-term movement trends for operational safety. Geological mapping, core logging and rock mechanics testing were used in conjunction with the long-term monitoring information to determine the failure mechanism, conduct stability analyses, assess the effects of instability on pit design and enable design and installation of remedial measures."

Jan 1, 1988

By A S. Kurilko

For mines located in the cryolitic zone, thermal conditions are an important factor for all kinds of mining works, especially for ventilation of workings. In the present paper, some models of mine air heat transfer considering air distribution in a net of mine workings are developed. A combined solution is suggested for heat transfer and air distribution problems in mine workings and other underground structures located in the cryolitic zone. A software package is also presented for calculating temperature conditions in an underground refrigeration plant and for optimisation of ventilation conditions. This software uses a special 3D mathematical model to describe heat transfer in a freezing chamber between surrounding rock massif and stored product as well as between atmospheric air and the daylight surface of rock massif. A problem requiring strengthening of a backfill material and its thermal interaction with surrounding rocks during underground deposit mining by horizontal layers in conditions of the cryolitic zone is also discussed. The developed program takes into account cement consumption, geometrical dimensions of workings filled and a sequence of deposit mining.

Jan 1, 2005

By J. E. Carrasco, J. D. Stinnette, R. A. Alvarez

"Chuquicamata Underground Mine is one of the main projects for the Chilean government copper company (CODELCO). Underground mine project has been under construction since 2013 and presents a solution for the lower production levels of the open pit and prolongs the life of the mine for the next 40 years. Currently, around 2000 workers operate in the mine daily. Dozens of trucks and heavy machines drives through all main routes and access in the mine. As a mine under construction not all the infrastructure necessary to operate safely in the mine has been completed. Risk of a truck or fixed facility fire is always a challenge to keep under control. One important part of fire simulation relays on what we can do prevent a fire and what can be done with the existing infrastructure to control a declared fire and start evacuation plans. This study has been made as a feasible emergency plan to implement, in this case, of a mine under construction, were limited resources are available. Several fire scenarios have been made to support all the emergency plan strategy and a detailed step by step procedure indicates what the elements of a fire emergency plan and risk analysis are.INTRODUCTIONThe main objective of this study is to describe the importance of fire risk analyses (FRAs) and different methods to be used before commencing fire simulation and methodology steps utilized for a fire emergency plan strategy (EPS) at the Chuquicamata underground mine. It also describes how to classify zones which are going to be affected by fumes and gases propagation derived from the exact location of a fire event. Fire simulation study is helpful to determine the impact on a ventilation system with the main purpose of providing relevant information to complement emergency plans and stablished control techniques in ventilation design and its operation. Most fire simulation studies only concentrates in simulation techniques on itself. But what is the next following step in developing an emergency plan? How can we evaluate, classify and treat risky areas? This study is focused mainly in the phases before and after a fire simulation process. Phases corresponds to a good FRA and how output data can be used for an EPS."

Jan 1, 2019

By D Reid

Characterisation of non-plastic segregating tailings presents a number of challenges: the material cannot typically be sampled in an undisturbed state, remoulded samples exhibit different behaviour to undisturbed samples, penetration test interpretation methods suffer from uncertainty in their application to many tailings and the tailings gradation changes considerably over relatively small lateral distances and depth. In addition, the process liquor of many Western Australian tailings contains large quantities of salt and other dissolved solids, which can further complicate laboratory test programs. To provide an insight into the variability at a typical gold tailings facility, four gradations of the material were tested to obtain critical state parameters. Historic surficial tube samples were collated and organised by gradation to establish the range of densities typical after settling and air drying. These were then compared to laboratory-accessible densities. Finally, tube samples were tested in the laboratory to observe if the large-strain material behaviour was consistent with the inferred critical state parameters for similar gradations. Site pore fluid was used in the testing of the tube samples in an attempt to assess if the pore fluid modified the critical state conditions of the material.The tube samples tested all exhibited strongly dilative behaviour in undrained shear. Of the four samples tested, only one exhibited behaviour consistent with the inferred location of the critical state line relevant to the material’s gradation. The reasons for the unexpected behaviour of the other three samples include layering within the samples, the potential influence of large quantities of salt in the pore fluid and likely differences in the gradation of the fines components of samples taken from mid-beach and the decant area.CITATION:Reid, D, 2015. Observations on the behaviour of a gold tailings with hypersaline pore fluid, in Proceedings Tailings and Mine Waste Management for the 21st Century , pp 191–200 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 27, 2015