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By J. Bouchard, A. Clapperton, L. Ebacher, N. Singh

"Canadian Royalties Inc. owns and exploits the Nunavik Nickel project: a copper and nickel deposit in Nunavik, Quebec. Froth flotation is used to produce nickel and copper concentrates. As is the case at other operations, the presence of magnesium is detrimental to the flotation products. In the past year, the exploitation of a new deposit has increased magnesium in the feed. Thus, it has been challenging to meet the required ratio in the final nickel concentrate. In search for a consistent solution for this problematic, an empirical flotation simulator making use of selectivity curves was developed. The circuit was expressed as a system of linear equations, which considered the distribution of copper, nickel and gangue minerals in the different streams. The relative quantities of each mineral are given by the separation efficiency curves of the various banks in the circuit. Three sources of data were used to calibrate the simulator: historical plant data (metallurgical balance), infinite dilution bench-scale flotation tests, and direct sampling of flotation cells. The calibrated separation curves were used to predict the recovery of the different species based on a single mineral recovery. Validation of the simulator showed good fit for the valuable minerals. The simulator was then used to infer the optimal operating conditions of the flotation circuit to optimise magnesium oxide content of the nickel concentrate. Simulation of two re-arrangements of the circuit gave a promising solution with a Fe:MgO ratio 2.42 times higher than the minimum value.INTRODUCTION Canadian Royalties Inc. owns and exploits the Nunavik Nickel project: a copper and nickel deposit in Nunavik, Quebec. Figure 1 shows the location of the mine site. After crushing and grinding, froth flotation is used to produce nickel and copper concentrates. The flotation circuit is designed with multiple stages consisting of bulk copper/nickel flotation, copper/nickel separation, and a separate nickel circuit (bulk float and cleaning)."

Jan 1, 2018

By H Jones

Closure cost estimates may be generated at any stage of a mining operationÆs life; commencing with the initial prefeasibility studies and continuing through to the final decommissioning cost estimates. However, not all mine closure cost estimates are necessarily the same. Cost estimates will vary depending on the purpose for which they are prepared, the organisations requiring or undertaking the estimate and the stage of the mining operation. Different organisations can legitimately arrive at disparate cost estimates for closing the same mine because the organisations have different reasons for requiring the estimates. Another, equally valid, reason for potentially wide variations in cost estimates by different organisations on the same mine site is the different definitions of æclosure costsÆ used by different estimators. This paper considers the different approaches by different organisations including operating companies, government authorities and financial organisations and uses a hypothetical example based on practical experience to illustrate some of these differences in estimation methods.The paper suggest that a more consistent approach to closure cost estimating in the Australian mining industry would assist mining companies, governments, the accounting industry and the broader community to better understand this complex component of mine planning. One possible approach to closure cost estimating is briefly outlined.CITATION:Jones, H, 2012. Closure cost estimation - All things to all men?, in Proceedings International Mine Management 2012, pp 115-124 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 20, 2012

By T. Kagawa

Ever-increasing demands for non-ferrous metals owing to population growth and improvements in the standard of living in the world, under the constraint of limited availability of natural resources, would easily make us imagine that more efficient and sustainable developments in mining and smelting activities are required in the near future with due consideration for environmental concerns. In order to realize the efficient and sustainable development of mining and smelting activities and operations, the following issues are indispensable: (1) to investigate the up-to-date pollution control technologies of mine and smelter, (2) to promote those technologies, (3) to develop technologies which are environmentally friendly. This paper discusses the recent technologies for environmental conservation/prevention and their diffusion in the world, and also the key technologies required for the most desirable sustainable development.

Jan 1, 2007

By W. Bryszewski

As a result of strategic analysis in respect of the needs for air quality management a new advanced and holistic approach to air quality management process was introduced in the North West Province (NWP) of South Africa. The process is based on the principle of co-operative management. It involves both active participation of all Interested and Affected Parties (I&AP) and the holistic approach to solving problems with the underlying principles of shared ownership and sustainable development. The process consists of the followings phases: ? Industrial process quantification ? Quantification of impacts ? Formulation of the required control measures ? Definitions of certificate conditions ? Implementation of an adequate compliance management system at company level ? Ongoing co-operative air quality and system management with the strategic objective of continuous improvements The system has been successfully introduced in the North Province and proved to be an effective management tool and aids assurance of sustained environmental ability to cope with the pressure of industrial developments. The benefits and effectiveness are discussed using Hernic Ferrochrome as an example. Hernic Ferrochrome is one of the first companies, which successfully implemented this system.

Jan 1, 2004

By K. Stankiewicz

Projects as regards state-of-the-art mechatronic systems aiming at increase of safety in the mining industry and at improvement of coal production technologies, which have been completed at the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology, are presented. These projects cover automation, monitoring and visualization systems, systems for implementation of artificial intelligence techniques, and database recording systems. iRIS system for electronic marking, identification, and recording of components of powered roof supports, which was implemented in 31 Polish mining enterprises, is presented as an example of the work directly associated with an increase of operational safety. Specialists from KOMAG, ELSTA, Ltd., and Silesian University of Technology in Poland, have developed flexible, configurable, and scalable system for data management, which refers to all fixed assets of mining enterprises, meeting the requirements of users as regards marking and identification of fixed assets. The system for control of roadheaders using intelligent algorithms, based on artificial intelligence techniques is also the example of innovative actions. This system aims at increasing the safety and effectiveness of teamwork due to a possibility of remote, semiautonomous operation. Introduction of artificial intelligence technology enables adaptation of roadheader mining system to the present mining-and-geological conditions. Moreover, work aiming at implementation of state-of-the-art system for control of mine jig?s beneficiation node, integrating machines and equipment in one system, is carried out as regards automation, information integration, and visualization in coal beneficiation process. Work on recovery and conversion of thermal energy, which is a by-product during operation of machines and equipment, especially mine diesel drives, is presented. Systems for energy recuperation are more and more important due to the necessity of continuous increase of power production efficiency.

Aug 1, 2013

According to industry representatives, U.S. producers were listing unalloyed 95.5 percent aluminum ingot in October at 53-57.5 cents per pound, but reportedly much is being priced at 53 cents. New York dealers raised their October positions by about 3 cents to 56-56.5 cents, mainly to cover spot supply shortages. London Metal Exchange 3-month forward contracts traded up in October from 52.3 to 57.3 cents per pound and closed at 56.4 cents. ASBESTOS The Jaquays Asbestos Corp. has announced the imminent closure of its mine and mill in Globe, Arizona. This is the last asbestos producer in the State having operated continuously, except during the early thirties, since 1914. Cost of compliance with environmental regulations was given as the reason for closure.

Jan 1, 1978

By Mostafa Benzaazoua, Mariam El Adnani, My Ahmed Boumehdi, Rachid Hakkou, Salah Ouhamdouch, Abdelmalek Goumih

This study focuses on the environmental characterization and assessment of long-term neutral mine drainage (CND) potential from waste rock piles at the abandoned Erdouz mine in Morocco. The study involved metallographic analysis, static tests, and column tests. Results indicate that the waste rock is not an acid mine drainage generator but produces CND, mainly with sulfates exceeding Moroccan standards. The waste rock is relatively stable and could be reused after pretreatment.

Jan 25, 2022

By A Flatten, F Reusch

Recent advances in the disciplines involved in simulating large mining operations provide increasingly precise and accurate methods for the study of cave mechanics; however, in large regional-scale models, hydrological aspects are often neglected or studied independently from the mechanical problem. There exists a great demand for a unified approach to study and simulate both the mechanical and hydrological phenomena that allows for a more detailed understanding of the effects of groundwater flow, dewatering and the impact on block cave mining operations.This paper presents a numerical framework that combines three-dimensional regional-scale hydrological simulation techniques for groundwater flow, together with non-linear continuum–discontinuum rock mechanics models, provides such a unified modelling approach. The underlying simulation technique is based on a coupled parallel solution formulation adopting single-phase fluid flow formulations into a discontinuous, strain softening and dilatant finite element model. This approach is adopted for the presented case study of a realistic block caving example in a simplified unidirectional coupling formulation, to investigate the effects of the mechanical analysis on the hydrological response. Here, particular emphasis is on the non-linear coupling of the deformable and strain-softening solid skeleton and fluid phase; eg the change of hydraulic properties with evolution of damage in the rock mass and large-to-intermediate scale structures due to ongoing caving operations. The importance of discontinuum structures is discussed, as mining-induced fault reactivation significantly influences the hydrological response.CITATION:Flatten, A, Reusch, F and Beck, D, 2016. The application of hydromechanical mine-scale modelling for large block caving operations, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 341–348 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

By Philip C. Good

Preliminary studies showed that direct hydrolysis of H2SiF6 to SiO2 and HF at elevated temperatures was subject to many mechanical difficulties, and that corrosion of construction materials was a serious problem. Elimination of SiO2 from the HF product was generally poor. An alternative procedure, hydrolysis of lime-neutralized H2SiF6 by steam at 950° to 1,100° C, yielded a product very low in SiO2. Condensates containing up to 300 g/1 HF were prepared.

Jan 1, 1968

By C. Adcock, R. Farnfield, G. Adderley

The use of explosives to create special effects in the film industry is a well-known past time. A recent production required simulation of a large scale water splash from the effect of a statue falling from a cliff edge and impacting on an open body of water. This was to be achieved through the use of precisely delayed explosions detonated near the surface of the water. A survey of the area revealed a breeding farm for sea bass approximately 250 metres (273 yards) from the intended blast area. It was initially thought that the water pressures produced for the detonation of the explosives may cause harm to the fish. Much work has been carried out over the past few decades on the effect of open water blasting and its effects on aquatic wildlife; this includes water pressure modelling techniques which can be used as predictive tools.

Jan 1, 2010

By Melvin S. Taylor

The environmental control program at Cassiar Mine is an active one involving government, unions and company personnel all working together to achieve a goal- "A clean and safe working environment". This can only be achieved by utilizing three of Cassiar's most important resources; i.e., people, time and money. Past environmental programs have more than proved that the goal can be reached and. with the future programs now in progress. Cassiar Asbestos will achieve its environmental goals.

Jan 1, 1978

By M. M. Barr

Rapid expansion of the titanium-metal industry focused attention upon ilmenite as a possible substitute for the more expensive and less abundant rutile in producing titanium tetrachloride. Most of the rutile available for this use is imported. Preliminary studies were undertaken to determine the chlorination characteristics of high-titanium slags produced by electric-arc furnace smelting of alluvial Idaho ilmenite at the Federal Bureau of Mines Northwest Electrodevelopment Experiment Station, Albany, Oreg. Low silicon, calcium, and aluminum contents of the slags enhanced their potential value for chlorination.

Jan 1, 1958

By J. D. Marchant

The Bureau of Mines studied solid-state electromigration to determine the value of the technique as a method of purifying cerium metal. Cerium metal in bars 6 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter was refined at 600° C by solid-state electrolysis to remove iron, copper, and manganese. Iron and manganese were electrotransported to the anode and copper was electrotransported to the cathode. The concentration of iron at the anode of a cerium bar was 800 times greater than the concentration at the cathode. The concentration of manganese at the anode was twice the value at the cathode. The concentration of copper was 170 times greater at the cathode than at the anode. A radiotracer technique was used to follow the iron migration in the cerium metal. Molybdenum, silicon, and aluminum impurities were not electrotransported.

Jan 1, 1967

By A. Shaak

The town of Hedley is some 200 miles due east of Vancouver and lies in the bottom of the Similkameen River valley, at the junction of Twenty Mile creek, at about the 1,700-foot elevation above sea level. The Nickel Plate mine camp is on Nickel Plate mountain at an elevation of about 5,600 feet, four miles slightly east of north from Hedley, to which it is connected by 9 miles of road, and by 10,000 feet of tramway and electric railway. The latter is used both to transport the ore to the 275-ton mill at Hedley and to furnish the mine with supplies. History The Nickel Plate claim was staked in 1898 to cover the sole outcrop of the Nickel Plate system of orebodies. Soon afterwards it was optioned by the Marcus Daly interests of Butte and underground exploration commenced. Early exploration was successful, and a power plant, tramway, and mill were constructed. The mill began operations in 1904. Production under Daly control ensued from June, 1904, to August, 1909, and amounted to 167,000 tons. The Hedley Gold Mining Company was organized and commenced operations in 1909. The capacity of the mill was increased by stages to 200 tons and a steady production, except for short periods in winter, was maintained until 1930. By 1930, gold to the value of nearly $10,000,000 had been produced since the discovery in 1898. The South American Development Company optioned the property in 1932. Active exploration was conducted during 1933 and 1934 by the Kelowna Exploration Company, a subsidiary of the South American Development Company. This work was sufficiently successful that, coupled with the increase in the price of gold from $20.67 to $35.00 per ounce, production re-commenced in December, 1934, and continued uninterrupted until July, i946, when, along with all B.C. gold mines, a strike closed operations. Under the present ownership, the mill capacity was increased to 275 tons.

Jan 1, 1946

By Albert L. Toenges

[During the past few years there has beer trend away from locomotive haulage of coal from the loading point to the preparation plant of bituminous-coal strip, miner to motorized. haulage. The question has arisen whether this is always economical, and the purposes of this investigation is to determine, if possible the economic limit for motorized haulage. The operators of strip coal mines and of open-pit ore mines have shown great interest in this problem, and it is thought that the findings of this investigation will. Provo helpful to them.]

Jan 1, 1938

By J Vann

Geometallurgy is inherently multidisciplinary and it gains its power to deliver improved outcomes for the minerals industry by bridging silos between disciplines. This cross-disciplinary approach unlocks value, identifies (and avoids) value destruction and provides a pathway to better implementation of an energy efficient and sustainable minerals industry. Despite this promise, we argue that the cross disciplinary approach also represents the greatest threat to the success of geometallurgy. Some key cross disciplinary issues identified are:Geometallurgy has so far evolved in the technical sphere, mainly by collaborations of geologists and metallurgists. Consequently, in many cases the business dimensions and value have not been incorporated. Financial and risk evaluation viewpoints need to be assimilated into the geometallurgical paradigm. In fact, until such measures are integrated into practices, the value cannot be fully demonstrated.The historical and current efforts on geometallurgy have been highly focused on improved sampling and measurement of geometallurgical properties or appropriate proxies. This work has been driven by professional and academic geologists and metallurgical engineers. It is notable that mining engineers (who are critical in the value delivery of geometallurgy through changed planning approaches) have so far been at the margins, or absent. The construction of valid three dimensional (3D) geometallurgical models raises some important organisational, mathematical and geostatistical considerations. The enhancement of resource models to account for geometallurgical aspects must be managed carefully if the full value of geometallurgical thinking is to be realised.The use of 3D geometallurgical models to change business decision making and practices is the real nub of the problem. We believe sophisticated scenario based evaluation methods are required if the potential impacts of spatial rock properties on processes further down the mining value chain are to be realistically evaluated. Such changed practices require ‘whole of value chain thinking’ to embed this change into the business in an ongoing way.Because profitable geometallurgy demands changed approaches to business decision-making and also organisation of the firm (radically changed in some cases), the senior executive viewpoint must be incorporated into the language and thinking of geometallurgy. This is unavoidable if the establishment of a geometallurgical approach to project evaluation, development and operation is to be successful and sustained.A powerful analogy for the problem faced by geometallurgy is the transformation of safety culture in the mining industry in the past 20 years. We argue that, as in the safety revolution, explicit models, cultural change and management of the ‘soft’ dimensions of the problem are pivotal to success of geometallurgy. In light of this, we propose a model (‘the Geomet Curve’) that gives a framework and pathway for geometallurgy in seven steps. The implications of this model for technical and organisational steps required at different stages are discussed.

Sep 5, 2011

By J. D. Davis

THIS report gives results of an investigation of the carbonizing properties of the following eastern Kentucky coals: Elkhorn No. I bed, No. 28 mine, Wayland, Floyd County; Elkhorn No. 2 bed, Turner No. 5 mine, Drift, Flood County; Leatherwood (Haddix No. 5) bed, Leatherwood mine, Leatherwood. Perry County; and Harlan bed, Path Fork mine, Path Fork, Harlan County. The carbonizing properties were determined by Bureau of Mines-American Gas Association (BM-AGA) tests at 800° and 900° C. and by expansion tests in the sole-heated oven. Plastic properties were determined by tests in the Gieseler and Davis plastometers. The coals were tested singly and as blends with 20- and 30-percent low-volatile Pocahontas No. 3 coal. The dry, mineral-matter-free, fixed-carbon content of the carbonizing samples ranged from 56.7 percent for Elkhorn No. 2 to 59.7 percent for Leatherwood, and the heating values on the moist, mineral-matter-free basis ranged from 14,420 B. t. u. per pound for Elkhorn No. 2 to 14,720 for Harlan. The percentage of ash ranged from 2.9 to 6.1. The fluidity of three coals, measurer. In the Gieseler plastometer, ranged from 230 to 670 dial divisions; the fluidity of Elkhorn No. 2 could not be determined by this method. Blending lowered the fluidity of each coal; the fluidity of the blends containing 20 and 30 percent Pocahontas No. 3 ranged from 16 to 53 and from 8 to 17 dial divisions, respectively. Agglutinating values determined on silicon carbide-coal mixtures in the ratio 15:1 ranged from 3.8 to 6.3.

Jan 1, 1952

By Merwin H. Howes

In constructing the NORAD Combat Operations Center, controlled blasting techniques were employed to achieve smooth walls and to avoid shattering the rock beyond excavation lines. Extraordinary measures were taken to stabilize the rock to permanently preserve the openings. Rock stabilization was accomplished by means of reinforced concrete and gunite linings, rock boltings, installation of chain-link fabric, and epoxy resin and cement grouting. A particular zone of weakness at B vital location was supported by exceptionally thick reinforced concrete lining, rock bolts, and cement grout.

Jan 1, 1966

By Gino Vogt

In mechanized tunnelling operations performance, consumption and safety are main factors for jobsites. One of the most important components effecting these factors, especially in slurry TBM operations, are Slurry Treatment Plants (STPs). Inadequate/ suboptimally dimensioned and designed STPs create bottlenecks for tunnelling operation and jeopardize time schedules and performance. Inefficiently planned STPs could drastically increase consumption figures such as electrical power, bentonite, water and polymers, etc. Inaccurately selected and treated suspension properties can cause a high-risk potential for the whole job. This paper debates the relevant key parameters for STPs from start to finish of a project and its results in influencing factors from the manufacturer´s point of view.

Jun 13, 2021

By F. Daniel Rosenkranz, Peter L. Silveston

Experiments investigating the treatment of a ground wood white water waste from an Ontario pulp and paper mill by an HVCB coal are reported. Adsorption capacity for the waste, with a soluble COD contribution of 2,100 mg/I, amounted to 0.17 per cent, by weight, of the Nova Scotia coal used. Percolation of the white water waste through a coal bed indicated that soluble COD is removed. For finely ground coals, over 90 per cent of the suspended solids in the waste are retained on the coal. Plugging of the coal bed is rapid, so that any treating process using filtration would have to renew the surface of the bed frequently.

Jan 1, 1970