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By W. G. Miller, J. D. Scott, D. C. Sego

ABSTRACT: As part of an overall study of properties and processes influencing consolidation of oil sands fine tailings resulting from different extraction processes, self-weight consolidation tests were per-formed. Fourteen 2 m and 1 m high standpipe tests were instrumented to monitor the rate and magnitude of consolidation of seven fine tailings materials. Tests provided valuable information about the variation of consolidation related to differences in fine tailings material properties that result from a change in bitu-men extraction process (caustic versus non-caustic). In addition, the effect of adding a coagulant to caustic fine tailings was measured. Test results are presented and discussed in terms of consolidation rate long-term volume decrease, compressibility, and downward drainage. Non-caustic fine tailings had fasterinitial consolidation, which is important in tailings ponds for reducing storage capacity and returning decant water at a faster rate to the extraction plant. Similar results were obtained for caustic fine tailings with a coagulant addition. However, long-term settlement of the different fine tailings appears to con-verge to a similar value over time because it is then governed by effective stress.

Jan 1, 2011

By A. Cullaj

Several industrial sites suffer from the contamination of soils from heavy metals, which are emitted among others by anthropogenic mining and metallurgical activities. Effective and economic physicochemical technologies for remediation of these sites remain complicated and costly. A new alternative remediation technique is the so-called phytoremediation. This is based on the ability of some plants to accumulate very high concentrations of metals from soils and thus providing the basis for a remediation of the contaminated sites. This technique as an emerging branch of natural biotechnology, has several advantages compared to the sophisticated physicochemical techniques of soil remediation. It is not only environmentally friendly but also its costs are quite low since it is solar driven. Furthermore plants can accumulate metals to such levels that the mineral recovery maybe feasible even in conventional Ni refinery or smelting operations. n this work, the potential of many plants to accumulate nickel has been investigated in order to identify the species which offer the best phytoremedial potential for nickel contaminated soils in Albania. Field surveys have been made in five nickel-containing sites in order to identify the nickel tolerant species that have spontaneously grown in contaminated soils. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry measurements were carried out on 145 different plants collected. 16 of them were identified as having an hyper ability to accumulate nickel since they contained more than 10 000 mg Ni per kg (OW). Seven taxa are of Alyssum genus and one of BornmueIIera genus of Cruciferae. The highest accumulation of nickel was present in aerial parts of Alyssum murale var. chlorocarpum Hausskn (25 500 mg/kg or 2.5%) and Alyssum markgrafii O.E. Schulz (23 700 mg/kg or 2.37%). The seeds germinated are more evidenced at A.m.var. chlorocarpum, about 63%. These plants are suggested as the most promising species to be used for phytoremediation purposes in nickel contaminated soils and phytoextraction of nickel.

Jan 1, 2003

By V. Ross

"Bench-scale flotation tests play a major role in the geometallurgical process value chain. Despite their apparent simplicity, these tests pose pitfalls in terms of operation, as well as the interpretation and modelling of results. In this paper we highlight key aspects to consider in generating accurate and reproducible experimental results, and critically review some assumptions relating to the estimation of entrainment and froth recovery. We subsequently focus on first-order equations to model kinetics and propose a method that accounts more realistically for the decay in kinetics over the duration of a float, and the contributions of froth stability and hence mass pull. The method was applied to three case studies on platinum group metal (PGM) ores and matched or outperformed first-order, two-component models. Also, it allows for a deeper analysis of the integrity of the bench-scale flotation results. IntroductionGeometallurgy is a structured, multidisciplinary approach that integrates key data from the geological, mining, mineralogical, and metallurgical aspects of the value chain to construct spatial models of an ore deposit such that the overall economic benefit and sustainability of an operation can be optimized. Process geometallurgy is aimed primarily at enhancing metallurgical efficiency and plant throughput by the application of appropriate mining and processing strategies, as well as supporting production planning and operational strategies to reduce the impact of highly variable ores. With flotation being the dominant concentrating process in the mineral value chain, the bench-scale flotation test is an important characterization tool – a relatively cheap, simple, and rapid way to obtain key information about the ore and its amenability to economic extraction of valuable minerals. This includes the evaluation of different ore types and the implications of mineralogical composition and texture for comminution and floatability, the effect of the grinding environment on the liberation of minerals, the electrochemical environment in the pulp (Bradshaw et al., 2006), the screening of reagents to improve floatability (Ekmekci et al., 2003), and the role of hydrodynamics in the recovery of valuables and the entrainment of gangue (Amini et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2016). It is also a critical tool in auditing the performance of a flotation plant by hot floats, paving the way for concept and feasibility studies and providing essential data on kinetics for the purposes of scale-up, optimization, and simulation of flotation circuits."

Mar 1, 2019

By R. H. Fernald, C. D. Smith

When the United States Geological Survey began operations at the coal-testing plant erected at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, Mo., in 1904, it had already outlined a comprehensive plan for the systematic study of coals, lignites, and other mineral fuels with reference to their suitability for particular purposes and the methods by which they could be utilized most efficiently. Recognizing the need of information on the relative economy of producer gas as compared with steam for power purposes and the lack of comparable tests of American coals in the gas producer, the Geological Survey undertook investigations of the merits of different coals as producer fuel for the purpose of promoting efficiency in the utilization of the nation's fuel supplies. These investigations were carried on at St. Louis, Mo., and, later, at Norfolk, Va., and Pittsburg, Pa. The aet of Congress approved May 16, 1910, transferred the fueltesting work being carried on by the Geological Survey to the Bureau of Mines. This bureau is conducting producer-gas tests at P~ttsburg, Pa., and is publishing and distributing reports relating to all the fuel tests made by the Survey. These investigations into the possibility of generating producer gas in a commercial way for power purposes from the various fuels of the country have been associated with steaming, briquetting, coking, and other tests, all of which supplemented an examination into the nature, extent, and distribution of the fuels. The tests have all been made with carefully selected representative samples and carload lots of materials procured specially for the purpose by experienced collectors.

Jan 1, 1911

By Jenna Wundrack, Evan Thibaud

The advanced cryogenic treatment is a post-manufacturing metallurgical process that involves subjecting off-theshelf materials to extremely low temperatures, significantly improving wear resistance and reliability. These case studies explore whether the claims of Enrich Bits & Tools benefit metals and their specific in-field application to drill bits in the blasting industry. This paper reviews the application of the treatment to button drill bits for enhanced wear resistance in two operations. The first is a civil construction project with highly abrasive rock. To confirm the remarkable benefits of the treatment, a second case study was performed. This case study utilized measure-while-drilling technology in consistent rock characteristics to reduce variables in the field study.

Feb 1, 2024

By D. Kruse, M. Sanaei

"3D finite element models of the Segmentally Lined Shaft (SLS) structure are simulated as means of numerical analyses of the system’s structural behavior. Top-down constructed rings, comprised of precast concrete segments, create a large diameter, relatively shallow underground space that can be utilized for various applications. To further investigate the effects of soil conditions and different loadings on the shaft structure, the FE model was run under various boundary conditions. Simulations include a) effects of various soil layers on the SLS, including a circumferential boundary of modified ground, b) effects of various soil layers on the SLS without any ground modification, c) Seismic analysis of the SLS with ground modification and d) Seismic analysis of the SLS without any ground modification. Comparing the analyses outcomes emphasizes the significance of the inclusion of the ground modification boundary in the structural performance of the SLS. INTRODUCTION TO SLS Underground structures are classically built rectangular in shape, which normally requires a two-step construction process beginning with installation of temporary shoring to support earth loads during the excavation, followed by the construction of the permanent structure. Attractive and practical alternatives are circular shafts referred to as segmentally lined shafts (SLS). The structure consists of a stacked series of rings formed from an assemblage of precast concrete segments. Top-down constructed systems of large diameter, relatively shallow SLS structures provide both temporary earth support during excavation and permanent structural support for many civil and building applications. The circular shafts sustain the lateral earth pressure mainly through hoop-stress mechanism, resulting in improved stability and structural efficiency. Cylindrical shell structures with large diameter to wall thickness ratios are prone to buckling under external pressure. In typical designs of small diameter shafts and tunnel linings with small diameter to wall thickness ratios, nonlinear buckling analysis (i.e., nonlinear geometric analysis) is usually not considered, since the buckling capacities for those structures are much higher than typical pressures encountered at their design depths. With an economically viable wall thickness, buckling becomes a critical issue, which should be addressed, for circular shafts with very large diameters. In the design and construction of the SLS, the stability of the structure can be improved by modifying the soil surrounding the circumference of the shaft to a limited thickness and to about 10 ft below the finished shaft structure. This thick wall of soil mixed with cement creates a composite integrated structure while serving additional purposes such as ground control and ground water seepage cutoff."

Jan 1, 2016

By M McCurd, M Lynch, B H. Yin, S Mendoza, C W. Bumby, Y Iwasaki, B Rumsey

Iron and steel production is responsible for approximately 6.3 per cent of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Direct reduction of iron with hydrogen is a potential route for decarbonising the iron and steel industry. Extensive small-scale laboratory experiments have been performed to test the feasibility of hydrogen-direct reduction of iron ores sourced from diverse geographical locations. However, test results from the batch reduction of small-sample do not necessarily translate to continuous commercial-scale processes. Establishing a small-scale continuous test reactor for H2- DRI process is challenging, requiring substantial resources and investment. The limited availability of small-scale reactors that enable testing under relevant conditions has become a major obstacle for H2-DRI development, leaving a big gap between laboratory success and proof of commercial feasibility. Here, we report on the recent commissioning of a continuous counter-flow vertical shaft reactor, which has a processing capacity of 6 kg/hr iron ore pellets at up to 100 NL/min H2 flow. We believe this to currently be the largest H2-DRI facility in the Southern Hemisphere. In this talk, we will discuss the design and construction journey for this reactor, starting from the initial system design to the initial demonstration of H2 reduction of titanomagnetite ironsand pellets. This reactor now enables a range of research capacities, including the validation of laboratory results on a larger scale with practical operational variables, feasibility assessment of hydrogen direct reduction of different iron ores on a commercial scale; identification of scalability, sticking, and other potential issues before building a full-scale plant; and a viable solution for producing small-quantity DRIs for downstream melting investigations. Overall, this new research facility offers significant benefits for assisting the transformation of iron and steel production to a more sustainable and green industry.

Sep 18, 2023

By D. J. Parker

Owing to its flexibility, convenience, economy, ands availability, electric power is peculiarly adapted to the needs of the coal -mining industry. Because of such obvious advantages, the application of electricity has in recent years become more and more extensive and is now a most important factor in the Nation's coal prediction. With the introduction of this type of power into coal mines certain new, specific, and well-recognized hazards resulted. The question arises, therefore: Has the industry met these hazards squarely and. effectively? With respect to some individual companies, the answer happily is in the affirmative; with respect to the industry as a whole, there is much room for improvement.

Jan 1, 1933

By Curtis G. Kremer, Jeffrey L. Brummert

Blue Circle Cement's Ravena, New York quarry mines approximately 6.7 million tons of limestone per year. Blasting occurs approximately twice a week on three separate benches. Shots average 60,000 tons but can range up to 140,000 tons. Ongoing scrutiny of the drilling and blasting program allows for maximum blast efficiency which results in lower overall mining and crushing costs. Close cooperation between management and explosives supplier assures Blue Circle Cement's objective, "To develop, implement, and continuously improve a measurable drilling and blasting system that will optimize the total mining and crushing costs while ensuring compliance to safety and maintaining or reducing the environmental impacts of blasting".

Jan 1, 1994

By J. E. Warm

Florida’s ancient beach ridge sand deposits, mined for construction aggregate, are highly variable. Rinker Materials utilizes a small reverse-circulation drill rig to prospect and profile unconsolidated fine aggregate deposits more effectively and inexpensively than other drilling methods. Sample data is stored in a spreadsheet that calculates yield and volume. Rinker also uses a Trimble ProXR backpack GPS to locate boreholes in the field, track mine progression on a monthly basis, and to map restrictive features such as wetlands. Autodesk Land software is used to create detailed deposit maps and mine plans. Rinker believes that these practices have led to improved awareness of deposit characteristics and deposit utilization.

Jan 1, 2004

By H. B. Oblad

The WEMCO® SmartCell™ flotation machine is a continuously-stirred tank reactor in which solids are suspended in water and are contacted with air. The reaction is particle flotation resulting in the separation of valuable material from gangue. The effects of several operating variables on the flows of water and air and on motor power were measured. A miniature magnetic flowmeter was installed in the draft tube that allowed measurement of the water flows into the rotor. This work has led to a better understanding of machine function which will lead to improved performance and better operation. General equations for optimization, design, and scale-up were inferred.

Jan 1, 2002

By Hans von Michaelis

There has been a renaissance in gold and silver extraction and recovery that has taken place over the last fifteen years, since the price of gold was freed from the $3510~ level. Despite major advances in such areas as carbon adsorption processes for gold recovery, refractory gold ore treatment, crushing and grinding, process control, etc., there still remain several gold and silver mineral processing frontiers. Frontiers related to environmental management present significant challenges especially in the USA. More than ever it is appropriate to optimize total economics by adopting a "systems approach" that integrates mining, mineral processing and environmental management.

Jan 1, 1993

By Doris Hiam-Galvez

The latest technologies that improve mining and mineral processing efficiency and significantly reduce the emissions and effluents will be briefly reviewed. In this sense, the paper point out that the water treatment using techniques such as nanofiltration through membranes to achieve purity levels equal to the incoming water supply is now possible and examples of how this is done will be presented. Membrane technology using nanofiltration can be effectively used for recovering valuable products in water from mining operations and also to remove contaminants. The resulting water is of prime quality equalling potable water standards. The technology can be adapted to most mining operations.

Sep 12, 2011

By Wang Yingmin, Xu Zhuyun

The optimum of general mine ventilation networks is very difficult and has a considerable significance. Based on the content model, this paper presents a more general nonlinear programming model whose number of variables equals that of independent meshes. The constrained conditions are linear inequalities only. The model is changed into an unconstrained problem with multiper method. The optimum results are computed with DFP algorithm and the Improved Golden section method is used in its linear searching. The computer program written in Quick BASIC is suitable to the optimum of any type of large mine ventilation networks with different regulating devices. The paper presents two examples for optimum of ventilation networks.

Jan 1, 1991

By George H. Klein, B. Kent Merritt, Anthony Crisci

During the past decade, over 114-km (71-mi) of 0.25-m (10-in) to 3.7-m (144-in) finished diameter tunnels have been driven below Metropolitan Houston as part of a major program of water and wastewater improvements. This large effort has seen the introduction of midwestern technology with over 18-km (11-mi) of man-entry pipe jacking and European and Japanese technology with over 21-km (13-mi) of microtunneling. Owing to the high water table; a stratigraphy consisting of stiff fissured clays containing numerous layers, channels, and lenses of water-charged sands and silts; and active faults, many challenges existed for designers and contractors alike.

Jan 1, 1991

By Douglas R. Malicoat, Christopher J. Pritchard

Tg Soda Ash operates an underground trona mine located In southwestern Wyoming, which utilizes continuous mining machinery to produce 2.OM tpy (2.2M stpy) by shortwall and room and pillar methods. As the mine developed, the Increasing distance from the shafts caused travel times to be a significant factor in planning for mine emergencies. It was decided to construct a barricade chamber, a modified refuge chamber, to Increase safety and to provide an additional escape option in the case of a mine emergency. Fortunately, there has been no need to use these facilities during the last 9 years, but mine emergency planning has been greatly improved.

Jan 1, 1993

By E. W. Felegy

THE need for improved mine communication to increase efficiency and to insure greater safety has long been recognized. General and unrestricted communication between all points underground, and between the surface and all points underground, is probably the least advanced phase of the mining industry. An ideal system of mine communication must re- quire no fixed wire installations. The equipment must be small, lightweight, and readily portable, and the power requirements low. A system that can be used not only under normal circumstances but also in an emergency, when the continuity of wires, tracks, and pipelines may be disrupted, must function independently of any aid furnished by standard installations.

Jan 5, 1953

By Arvindh Gupta

BC Hydro proposed to improve the stability of the existing Seven Mile Dam with 54 corrosion protected, re-stressable anchors comprising 92/0.6? strands each, in phase 2 of the program. Being globally the largest capacity anchors ever build, coupled with extra ordinary specifications, the project was a challenge for the entire post tensioning industry. The paper discusses the challenges associated with the anchor material supply as per specifications, extensive research and development carried out by Con-Tech Systems ltd. to overcome the challenges and contribute in making the project a success. The substance of this article is published in the Aug/Sep issue of ADSC magazine.

Jan 1, 2004

By R. N. Torbin

The degree to which automation, remote control and robotics have been used in the mining industry is far less compared to general industry. Reasons include the adverse working environment, the difficult work operations and the generally lower incentive for capital investments in new mining equipment. The author and his employer has been involved in the development of advanced mining and underground construction equipment. This equipment is designed to he remotely operated, to improve both productivity and worker safety. Many of these machines employ advanced electronics and robotic features. The types of machines that will be discussed include remote shaft lining and placement, remote excavation and mining operations, and automated conveyor systems.

Jan 1, 1991

By Richard G. Geyer

One aspect of a program to improve the chances of survival following coal mine disasters is the development of a communications system which will allow surviving miners to make their circumstances known to rescue teams. Various communications techniques can be considered, including electromagnetic systems, acoustic systems, and hybrid systems. The electromagnetic and acoustic systems would be independent of existing mine communications systems and set up specifically for use in emergencies. Hybrid systems might use a short emergency link to existing telephone systems in the mine. Many variations are technically possible, and the primary task is in evaluating the relative merits of each, so that the most workable system can be selected.

Jan 1, 1973