Search Documents

By A. N. Brown

Underground rock boring was the topic of the mining vacation school held at the University of the Witwatersrand in the week 4th to 8th February, 1980. The School, which dealt with the management and economics of the subject, attracted 75 delegates from all sectors of the South African mining industry, in addition to two delegates from Germany and one from Zambia.

Jan 1, 1980

By B. Govindarajan, T. C. Rao, J. P. Barnwal

A simple modelling methodology has been proposed to predict the performance of industrial coal flotation circuit based on the observations made on the actual performance. The solid content in the tailings of the coal flotation circuit has been identified as a lode-star to predict the performance in terms of yield and ash content of the concentrate. The modelling parameters are directly measurable.

Jan 1, 1995

By V. C. Wansbrough

A LUCID, thorough and powerful review of the impact of your tax laws on mining operations has already been presented by Granville S. Borden*. He has brought into focus and relief the pressure-points at which the shoe pinches most, has suggested some remedial measures, and enunciated much sound doctrine about the inter-relationship and interplay of taxation policy and mining activity. Under the heading "What Every Lawmaker Should Know", he laid down the fundamental proposition that "the magnitude of our mineral resources varies inversely with the magnitude of the taxes levied upon them." With this, as with his other major premises, all mining men must be in hearty concurrence. There can be no doubt that a flourishing and expansive future for the mining industry in this country, in Canada, or anywhere else will depend on the thoroughness with which these fundamental propositions are grasped by legislators, by national policy-makers and by public opinion at large. Coming to the specific points to which Mr. Borden has drawn our attention, I will touch on the corresponding provisions in Canadian federal tax law, by way of comparison and contrast.

Jan 7, 1950

By Colin C. Harris, Nathaniel Arbiter

The flotation operation can be analyzed in terms of three groups of variables. The first, largely independent of control by the operator, embraces the fixed physical and chemical properties of the ore minerals. The second includes all chemical and physical effects imposed on an ore after mining that influence its floatability. These can be either purposefully or accidentally applied. The third embodies the flotation-machine characteristics which realize the potential floatability of selected ore minerals in terms of grade and recovery levels. The machine effectiveness thus depends not only on its own contribution, but on the prior influence of all other variables on floatability. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT From the earliest days, flotation mills used many types of machines. Hoover 20 in 1914 mentioned as then important the Potter-Delprat tank for gas generation by acid, the DeBavay cones for skin flotation, the Elmore mixer and separation chamber for vacuum flotation, and his own modification of the Mineral Separation cell for the agitation froth process. Less important at the time were the MacQuisten tube and the Hyde cell. By 19274~ scores of machines had been developed and dozens had found their way into mills. From then on, however, under the scrutiny of competitive tests, many fell into disuse. Taggart in 19454~ classified processes broadly as skin flotation and froth flotation, dividing machines for the latter into the three categories: bubble column, pulp body, and combination.* Under 'bubble column' he listed all pneumatic, cascade, and subaeration cells; and under 'pulp body' those cells in which gas was generated by boiling, chemical action, and pressure reduction, as well as the agitation-froth type. At that writing skin flotation, the cascade machines, and all pulp body and combination machines were said to be extinct, leaving pneumatic and subaeration types dominant (u. S. practice). The process of elimination has continued to the present, with almost all pneumatic cells succumbing to the pressure of competition from subaeration machines. The only new machines to appear in recent years have been double-impeller types f and these have met with only limited acceptance.

Jan 1, 1962

By C. A. Morais

The present work describes the development of an efficient and relatively simple process to obtain high grade CeO2 from a mixed rare earth chloride solution. The process involves cerium oxidation and precipitation by addition of a KMnO4-NaCO3 solution. The experiments were carried out at room temperature (25 1° C). The results indicated that the major parameters affecting cerium recovery are the molar ratio of KMnO4/Ce, the initial acidity of the chloride feed solution and final pH of Ce(OH)4 precipitation. In strong acid solutions (pH < 1), the oxidation of Cl to Clo took place in addition to the oxidation of Ce(III) to Ce(IV), so increasing the permanganate consumption. Conversely, low acidity (pH >3) led to coprecipitation of the other rare earth elements. Under the selected conditions, cerium was selectively precipitated as ceric hydroxide, together with some manganese dioxide. Further purification was carried out by the dissolution of Ce(OH)4 in HCl, followed by precipitation as cerium carbonate. The filtrate was neutralised with a Na2CO3 solution in order to recover the associated rare earth elements for further separation. The final product, assaying 99.7 % CeO2, was obtained with a recovery of nearly 100%.

Jan 1, 2003

By William P. McConnell

At the dawning of the first century of AIME, mechanical handling of bulk materials was largely confined to movement of grain and light mill products by belt and screw conveyors, but grain handling experience inevitably led to the use of the belt conveyor for coal, ore and other heavier materials. In 1891, the first major U.S. conveyor installation for heavy minerals was completed at the Edison, N.J., plant of the New Jersey & Pennsylvania Concentrating Co. Functionally, this plant revealed its grain elevator heritage. Overlooked at the time of design or, perhaps more accurately, not fully recognized, were the dramatic differences between grain and minerals in both operating conditions of the system and the physical characteristics of the material to be conveyed. This inevitably caused problems, but from the ashes of these problems rose solutions. The Edison plant became a proving ground from which came two significant developments by Thomas Robins-the first conveyor belt designed specifically for impact loading and abrasive materials and the three-roll conveyor idler. As an installation with more than 50 conveyors in widths of 20-30 in. and belt centers of up to 500 ft, the plant was a landmark, for it established the belt conveyor as a vital method of trans- porting heavy, abrasive materials.

Jan 1, 1971

THE following employment items are made available to AIME members on a nonprofit basis by the Engineering Societies Personnel Service, Inc., operating in cooperation with the Four Founder Societies. Local offices of the Personnel Service are at 8 W. 40th St., New York 18; 100 Farnsworth Ave., Detroit; 57 Post St., Son Francisco; 84 E. Randolph St., Chicago 1. Applicants should address all mail to the proper key numbers in care of the New York office and include 6c in stamps for forwarding and returning application. The applicant agrees, if placed in a position by means of the Service, to pay the placement fee listed by the Service. AIME members may secure a weekly bulletin of positions available for $3.50 a quarter, $12 a year. MEN AVAILABLE Engineer, 43, married. Sixteen years&apos; experience mining. Desires permanent position mine superintendent. Broad knowledge all types underground mining and shaft sinking. Construction and milling experience. Prefer North American continent but will accept foreign. Presently located Australia but available May 1, 1953. M-706. POSITIONS OPEN Mining Engineer with broad exploration experience, young, single status, and must be in excellent physical condition, as nature of work will be under very primitive conditions. Salary about 25 pct more than applicants last salary rate plus travel expenses and living allowance. Duration until July 1953. Location, Burma. Y7498.

Jan 1, 1952

By George Hulst

PRIOR to 1914, there was little demand for antimony in this country; its use was limited almost entirely to the manufacture of type and bearing metals. Practically no antimony ore was mined here, the market being supplied principally from China, and the alloy was produced by a direct mixing of lead and antimony. The great world war, with its demand for shrapnel in hitherto undreamed of quantities, precipitated a great boom in the price of antimony. Nominally quoted at 6 c. to 7 c. in 1914, the price increased by leaps and bounds to 45 c. in March, 1916. Under the stimulus of high prices many shall mines were opened, for it became profitable to work ores containing as low as 20 percent. antimony. High-grade sulfide ores (stibnite), containing 55 per cent. to 60 per cent. antimony, were received from Bolivia, China, and Alaska. Low-grade sulfide ores, running from 20 per cent. to 45 per cent., were produced in Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, and Mexico; much of this ore was fairly rich in silver. The principal oxide ores came from Mexico and Oregon. The following analyses are representative of various types of antimony ore: Se Pn Cu Ao Au SIC), Fe S CAO ZN As Oxide Ore 25.09 46.02 0.95 0.40 10.98 0.30 0.22 Sulfide ore 5.5.20. 15.12 1.05 19.87 ? 0.40 0.25 Sulfide Ore 37.16 11.30 0.10 34.0 7.60 0.50 17.05 7.40 0.36 0.10 Sulfide Ore 41.55 15.00 0.20 76.0 0.04 5.60 0.25 18.17 0.85 0.25 0.10 The International Lead Refining Co. fortunately was equipped to handle these ores through residue and blast furnaces. The charge consisted of a variety of sulfide ores containing Sb 20 to 60 per cent. and Si02 6 to 45 per cent., oxide ores containing Sb 20 to 40 per cent. and SiO2 10 to 45 per cent. Secondary materials, such as battery plates, battery mud, lead oxide, paint, etc., together with refinery skims, softener skims, and other refinery byproducts, were treated along with the antimony ore to furnish the lead required. All silver-bearing antimony ores were treated in the residue furnace, the sulfur, iron, and copper forming matte that carried part of the silver, the balance going into lead bullion. The

Jan 9, 1919

By William G. Neilson

Edward Nichols died at Dunkirk, N. Y., January 7, 1892, in the forty-second year of his age. In the maturity of his powers, actively employing the strength gained from the experiences of a busy lift., and occupying positions

Jan 1, 1893

By Peter M. Grant

The paper describes in broad outline the design of circular shaft linings with particular reference to the practical aspects. In the main it refers to recent British and German practice but has general application for any shaft lining design.

Jan 1, 1983

By Alfonso Brazzini Díaz Ufano

El presente texto señala la estrategia de la disminución del impuesto de ventas, así como el aumento a las tasas de renta dentro del desarrollo minero. Para ello, es necesario incentivar la ampliación de la capacidad instalada actual de la mediana minería a través de una ley, donde el Estado no deje de percibir súbitamente el impuesto a las ventas y pueda recuperar una parte de él por un impuesto a las utilidades cuando las empresas presentan recién sus declaraciones juradas, de forma que solicite a las empresas mineras a acogerse al sistema del pago a cuenta del impuesto a la renta en base a balances mensuales.

Mar 1, 1979

The Institute thanks the following for their invaluable assistance, not only in assisting of the planning and organizing for the Vail meeting, but also for their tireless effort in transcribing, editing and processing the various speeches for these proceedings: Elizabeth Sturges-Murray Executive Assistant to the President Western Mining Operations W. R. Grace & Co. Jacklyn Grove Office Supervisor Mining Division W. R. Grace & Co Donna Hollister Further, the Institute announces the appointment of Doris G. Finnie as Secretary-Treasurer. Formerly Office Manager of K&P SALES ENGINEERS, INC., Doris has assisted for the past 15 years in registration for RMCMI. The Institute has opened an office at 777 Nile Street - Suite C Golden, CO 8040 1. Phone her at 3031278-1912 with any changes, corrections or suggestions.

Jan 1, 1982

By S. Paul Singh

The implications of blast damage are harmful in both economic and physical sense. To understand the mysterious nature of blast damage assessment and prediction, field work was done by driving an experimental tunnel in the bench of a quartzite quarry. On the basis of the blast vibration monitoring records, a model was developed to predict the PPV at different distances from a blasthole. Critical particle velocity for damage and the output of the prediction model were used to delineate the extent of damage for different explosives. The predictory model was tested by designing a special blast and the burdens for the back holes have been recommended. The relationship between the critical particle velocity for "Fall Off&apos; and the critical particle velocity for damage has been established. The existing criteria for blast damage have also been renewed in this paper.

Jan 1, 1993

By J C. Macintosh

Capcoal Mine has modified its water use practices over the past 15 years. Two issues have changed the way water was managed:an economic review of water supply options for a planned expansion of the coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) in the early 1990s, and increasing neighbour concerns about discharge of worked water from the mine into the local streams. These issues resulted in commitment by the site General Manager to cease discharge of worked water from site and to convert from using raw water to worked water in the CHPP. Operational needs, societal demands and continuing dry weather are again demanding change to the siteÆs water management strategy. This paper outlines the drivers for past and future operational change.

Jan 1, 2006

By Rosa H. Harris

The world's largest gold dump leach operation, Minera Yanacocha S.A., has installed community assistance programs in Peru concerned with health, education, electrification, agricultural assistance and road improvements. The programs are conducted in a joint venture fashion in association with various organizations.

Jan 1, 1998

The Gold Medal of the Institution for Mining and Metallurgy for 1978 was awarded to Adriaan Louw at the Annual General Meeting of that Institution in London on 17th May, 1979. The award was made for distinguished services to the mining industry in South Africa.

Jan 1, 1979

By Clement K. Chase, F. Milton Lewis, Roshan B. Bhappu

Abstract-In this paper an attempt has been made to review the cost trends in producing copper by conventional milling, smelting and hydrometallurgical means during the last five years. The primary objectives of this cost analysis are to provide a base for future projections as well as to indicate which cost items are more volatile in their influence on overall cost of producing copper.

Jan 4, 1978

By Hassan El-Shall

The results of laboratory and pilot plant testing of a newly developed process to dewater waste slurries from different industries are presented. Data indicate that an increase in solid contents from 6% to over 30% can be obtained in few minutes retention time in comparison to several years as required by currently used technologies. The economical as well as the environmental impacts of such process are discussed.

Jan 1, 1992

By C. M. Marquardt

Tramp iron and steel moving on a conveyor belt cause small currents to be generated in a coil situated in a strong magnetic field, which are converted to an alternating current and are amplified. The output voltage from the amplifier fires a thyratron with a relay in its anode circuit, which actuates a howler and simultaneously drops a spot of marker material on the belt.

Jan 6, 1950

1. Book review Assay and analytical practice in the South African mining industry, byW.C. Lenahan and R. de L. Muray- Smith. Johannesburg, The South African Institute of Mining and Metalurgy, 1986. RlOO (R80 to Members). Reviewer: N.G. Randolph 2. Canadian publications A market profile for industrial minerals in Canadian manufacturing sectors, by M. Prud&apos;homme and D. Francis. 1987. Micromedia Limited (144 Front Street, Toronto, M5J 1G2, Canada).The following three publications are available from the Centre for Resource Studies, Queen&apos;s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6. An analysis of Japanese coking coal procurement policies: The Canadian and Australian experience, by D.L. Anderson. Feb. 1987. $25. Technology policies in the Canadian mineral industry, edited by M.J. Wojciechowski. Sep. 1986. $20.Value-added taxation: Issues and impact for Canadian mines, by B.l. Dyack. Nov. 1986. $7.3. Mintek reports Report M295 A mineralogical investigation of refractory gold ores and their beneficiation, by P.M. Swash. Report M296 The determination, by distilation-spectrophotometry, of chlorine in apatite-type materials containing fluorine, by M. Solomons. Report M297 The interference of zirconium in atomic-emission spectroscopy using inductively coupled plasma, by P.l. Wright.

Jan 1, 1987