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By C A. Chaves

During most of its history, the metallurgical industry has been seen as a source of pollution for the environment. However, during the second half of the 20th century, as the world environmental legislation became more protective and the global environmental conscience consolidated, this landscape began to change. Metallurgical activities have become increasingly related to the social and environmental impacts caused by human activities. With the adoption of environmental management in steel plants, there has been a significant change in steel-related activities which have begun to introduce modern plants, managed with environmental, social and productive efficiency. More and more, steel companies search for a decrease in negative impacts of their industrial operations on the environment, fitting them to the current environmental legislation and even increasing productivity and profitability. The steel industry has started to become a clean and more efficient industry. This work presents a case study of a sustainable steel plant project, located in an environmental preservation area. The project includes treatment and reuse of industrial liquid effluents, air emissions control, noise control, recycling, recovery and adequate waste management. It also incorporates production processes using clean technologies, capable of coproducing energy resources which may be used in the plant showing how is it possible to produce steel with environmental and social responsibility and even increase the enterpriseÆs profitability.

Jan 1, 2009

By S. Mason

Many organizations are realizing that continual improvement in health and safety relies on addressing the potential for various forms of human error. Of these, violations are often the most frequent form associated with accidents. These occur when an individual, or individuals, deliberately contravenes established and known safety rules. They have been associated with up to 90% of accidents and incidents in some industries and yet rarely receive the systematic attention they deserve in the promotion of safety. This paper presents underlying motives which cause violations. These can vary significantly from mine to mine and from job to job. Managers need some measure of attitudes to determine the underlying motives behind violations if they are to determine effective strategies for promoting safe behaviour. Questionnaires form the starting point to address attitudes and the motives behind rule violations. The choice of the most suitable questionnaire, however, will vary from organization to organization. Guidelines on the choice of questionnaire are offered.

Jan 1, 1998

By W. Torres Pino, L. Mariscal Samaniego

The Ilo Smelter has been continuously operating since 1960 with Reverberatory furnaces and Pierce Smith converters producing blister copper. The original installed capacity of 1.134 tons per day of concentrated was expanded in 1976. A process of modernization started in 1995 and 1998 with the installation of an El Teniente Converter, a sulfuric acid plant and an oxygen plant to reduce the gaseous emissions to the atmosphere. With the official approval of the Environmental Compliance and Management Program (Programa de Adecuaci6n y Manejo Ambiental - PAMA) in January 1997, Southern Peru Copper Corporation made a commitment to capture 91. 7% of the S02 generated at the smelter by January 2007. After an evaluation of six different technologies, the ISASMEL T process was selected because it can be easily adapted to the present operation, has a lower capital cost and it is a simple process. The fast learning curve to reach the total capacity will allow to fulfill the PAMA commitment in time. The project construction is in process and SPCC is prepared for a successful start-up and transition of the current operations at the end of year 2006. This paper outlines the factors considered by SPCC in its choice of ISASMEL T technology and describes the construction and the start-up activities of the new facilities.

Jan 1, 2007

By Stanley M. Moos

The Pueblo Viejo gold/silver mine, located in the Dominican Republic, started production in early 1974 processing ores averaging 4 g/tonne gold and 20 g/tonne silver at a rate of 7,250 tonnes/day. The ore milled is a silicified siltstone with average work index of about 8 that occurs as an extensive oxide capping of a primary sulfide orebody. The sulfide ores are refractory to conventional treatment process and extensive research work is now in progress to develop a treatment process for them. The ore deposit has a long history having been mined by the indigenous Arawak Indians (for some time in the early sixteenth century) prior to the arrival of the Spanish and then by the Spaniards. In the early 1950?s, Italian engineers attempted to process the sulfide ores. Mining by the Indians and Spanish was abandoned because of low grade and little coarse gold in the oxide ores and by the Italians because of the refractory nature of the sulfide ore. In 1969, Rosario Resources geologists discovered that there existed sufficient reserves of oxide ore for a viable mining operation and accordingly, the plant was designed, built and brought into production.

Jan 1, 1979

By Reno Sales

THE present-day application of geological knowledge to mine opera-tions owes much to Survey activities. Early publications covering developed deposits at Comstock and Eureka in Nevada, and Leadville in Colorado, aroused great interest in mine geology among mine owners and operators. In later years personal contacts between Survey geologists, notably Lindgren, Spurr, Emmons, Weed, and Ransome, to name only a few, and mine managers, mine superintendents and mine foremen, brought directly home the importance of geological mapping and study in connection with mine operations. However, the Survey had recognized from the beginning that it was not practicable, either from the viewpoint of cost or policy, to supply direct help to the miner. The situation was met by many large mining companies through the organization of geological departments to deal with problems of geology which concerned not alone the every-day mine operation but also the life expectancy of the ore deposit. The mine owner therefore looked to the mine geologist to apply the "laws of ore deposition" in estimating the future of his mine. The examination of outside properties also became a duty of the company geologist where replacements were needed or where expansion of operations was contem-plated. And finally, out of this situation there developed the inde-pendent consulting geologist, specializing in geological examinations of prospects, mines, and mining districts, whose duties included the highly important but often difficult task of appraising ore reserves and ore possibilities. Thus, while it may be considered by many that the work of the mine geologist overlaps that of the Survey geologist, their respective fields of endeavor are not in conflict. The appearance of the mine geologist has lessened in no manner the need of intensive field and research work by the Geological Survey and related organizations.

Jan 1, 1934

By G. H. Clevenger

(Continuing the discussion of the paper of James Johnston, presented at the New York meeting, February, 1914, and printed in Bulletin No. 85, January, 1914, pp. 107 to 133.) This paper cannot fail of being of great interest and value to all who are interested in the cyanide process, on account of the important developments which it records. Mr. Johnston is to be commended for the large amount of detail which he gives, and the company and its management for permitting the publication of data of this character, which while of great value to others could well be considered private property. It might be discussed from a number of standpoints: First, as an example of recent practice in mill and cyanide plant construction; second, the mill practice; third, the cyanide practice; and fourth, the new features in cyanide treatment involved. Perhaps a more vivid way of expressing it would be : First, the equipment or tools with which the various operations are carried on, are they the best and most efficient which could have been selected for their respective uses; and, second, is the best use in every case made of these tools? It may be well inquired is the highest possible recovery of silver made at the lowest cost per ounce recovered? For after all, the making of the greatest ultimate profit is inseparably associated with successful metallurgical practice; there must therefore be at all times a careful balance maintained between recovery and cost of obtaining it. I wish to call attention in a very general way to the equipment used and to an anticipation of questions which are bound to arise in this connection. However, the. bulk of my discussion will be confined to the presentation of certain additional data, together with a more or less general discussion showing the line of development which leads up to the present practice and .the applicability of certain features of it to similar problems elsewhere. There are a number of vital points of broad general interest involved in Nipissing low-grade practice upon which metallurgists will by no means be agreed to which I wish to call particular attention in the hope that it will lead to the presentation of data y others of practice in other districts which will' assist in reconciling this divergence of opinion.

Jan 7, 1914

By P. C. Lightfoot, J. M. Duke, A. J. Naldrett

"The segregation of magmatic sulphides from mafic and ultramafic silicate magmas, in many circumstances, leaves the magma with a lower-than-normal Ni/MgO ratio, which is characteristic of both lavas erupted from the magma chamber and olivine crystallizing within it. Two end members of the segregation process are discussed; i) batch segregation and ii) fractional segregation.In the former, the critical factor is the magma/sulphide ratio. Computer modelling suggests that where this ratio has been less than 1000, the magma will be recognizable as anomalously low in Ni, due to sulphide segregation, and thus a good target for exploration. In fractional segregation, the critical factors are the proportion of sulphide to silicate being segregated and the degree of fractionation.Samples believed to represent the liquid portion of komatiitic lava f lows from a series of unmineralized sequences in the Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada. Belingwe belt, Zimbabwe, and Barberton Mountainland, South Africa coincide with the sulphide-free fractionation model. They are in marked contrast to samples from the ore-bearing districts of Kambalda and Scotia. Western Australia in which distinct Ni depletion, corresponding to fractionation of olivine plus sulphide in a ratio of between 100 and 200:1 is recognizable. Ni-depleted olivines also mark the sulphide-bearing Dumont intrusion of the Abitibi belt.The Moxie intrusion of northern Maine has distinctly Nidepleted olivines, as does the nearby and petrologically related Katahdin body. In both of these intrusions, the composition of the olivine allows reasonable predictions to be made of the Ni tenors of sulphide showings within them. At Katahdin, the Ni depletion is so widespread that little hope is help out for the presence of economic concentrations of sulphide. At Moxie. the olivine compositions suggest that the best chance of economic sulphides lies in the southern lobe of the intrusion.Ni-depleted olivines also characterize certain rock units within intrusions of the Insizwa complex, Transkei, Southern Africa. Many millions of tonnes of Ni have apparently been removed by sulphides from these rock units, many more than are contained within the single mineralized occurrence so far identified at Waterfall Gorge."

Jan 1, 1984

By M. Springett

Organization of teams for rapid and effective evaluation of international mining properties requires special considerations beyond those needed for domestic activities. Experience, technical ability, a sense of perspective, humor and self-discipline are vital characteristics to look for in the selection of individuals for forming an efficient and productive team.

Jan 1, 1994

By Lazar Kricak, Vladislav Kecojevic, Dragan Bogunovic

In spite of many advantages explosives have, their usage may cause environmental problem such as seismic vibration. One of the solutions to this particular problem may be application of an artificial screen as a barrier to the seismic wave path. This paper presents the results of experimental research on the artificial screen concept, its characteristics and role in attenuation of seismic effects generated by blasting. More than 1,500 laboratory measurements were conducted with different combinations of screen sizes, positions of the screen to blasting source, and intensities of blasting impulses. The results of the study show a significant reduction of generated vibrations by employment of artificial screens.

Jan 1, 2007

By Robin Belley

Outline Introduction Wabush Mines HistoricalBackground Mine and Concentrator at WabushMines High Intensity Magnetic Separators (HIMS) Development of the Manganese Removal Process Pilot Plant Testing Phase Manganese Removal Line 1 Coming Phase: Manganese Removal Line 2 Manganese Concentration Process Development Historical Background 1847: Creation of the Cleveland Iron Company1850: Opening of its first iron ore mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan 1965: Beginning of Wabush Mines at Scully Mines, Wabush, Labrador. 1980-1990: Questions raised about how to exploit Scully high Mn Ore (> 2%)Part of the available ore is not saleable due to too high a level of pyrolusite (MnO2) Adding this ore to the resources would be valuable (longer mine life and lower stripping ratio) 1990s: Testwork for Manganese removal Many different processes are studied over more than a decade High Intensity Magnetic Separators (HIMS) are identified as the best technology for Mn removal 2007: Pilot Mn removal line installed Testing carried out through 2007-2008 First Production Line is ordered (2008) 2009: Cleveland Cliffs (now Cliffs Natural Resources)acquire the remaining part of Wabush Mines 2010: Mn Removal Line 1 construction & commissioning Summer 2011: Mn Line 2 Construction

May 1, 2011

By C. E. More

Some observations on 'ancient' mining at Phalaborwa C. E. MORE. B.A. (Pretoria) (Visitor) A brief account is given of historical references to the Phalaborwa area, the first being to the mountain of copper and iron sought by Francois de Cuiper in 1725. These are followed by a description of several finds in the area, which are related to finds described in the literature and to Bantu tradition on the subject. Phalaborwa is one of the earliest known mining sites in the Republic of South Africa, Loolekop having been a mining centre, as shown by carbon-14 dating, since 770 A.D.

Jan 1, 1974

By William E. Greenawalt

IN these days of special legislation for the benefit of various industries one might well consider one branch of human endeavor intimately associated with engineering-that of patents and patent litigation. It is estimated that 85 per cent of all industries in the United States are based directly or indirectly on patents. Most inventors are engineers, and most patent litigation pertains to the engineering industries. It is fitting, therefore, that engineers should be vitally interested in discussing patent affairs, particularly as inventors are not a professional group, and invention is mostly a transitory phase incident to the development of specific industrial problems.

Jan 1, 1937

M.S. Azun I have many objections to the content of the author's paper. Before discussing it, however, I would like to repeat the property of semivariogram function. Second order stationary properties of regionalized variables (ReV's) such as semivariogram function y(h) are perfectly known in geostatistics. Also, the kriging equations in the language of mathematical statistics using second order stationary properties are well understood. However, the way to use the sample (estimated) semivariogram function in any one of the kriging procedures is vague. The sample semivariogram function is given as follows: [ ] where N is the total number of samples, Xi is the sample value at the i - th location, Xi+h is the sample value at the i + h - th location, and h is the distance among the samples. An estimation variance of sample semivariogram function of first lag is smaller than that of higher order lag. The theoretical semivariogram function reaches the variance of samples asymptotically. But this is not easily observable because of the larger variation involved in the estimate of semivariogram function. In general, an estimation procedure is done for h = 0, 1, 2, up to the greatest integer less than N/2, even though sample semivariogram function can be computable through N-1. After estimating semivariogram function, the critical question of how to model sample semivariogram function arises. As seen in the above equation, sample semivariogram function is discrete and can be smoothed by the model being selected. Therefore, modeling of sample semivariogram function is the most important step in geostatistics. It not only smoothes a discrete function but also affects the results of the kriging procedure. When the only aim is to model the semivariogram function, which is the basic point of the author's paper, one can employ any fitting techniques, such as curve fitting, or any arbitrary functions, which are called submodels in the paper. The term "arbitrary function" is used rather than "submodel" because there is no basic understanding of developing them. The author suggests that the sum of those submodels can also be used for the modeling of sample semivariogram function. The combination of any arbitrary functions brings many problems instead of giving an insight of the domain structure considered. The author used two arbitrary functions and the nugget effect in response to sample semivariogram function (Fig. 10). For the same example, he stated that the parameters involved in the mixed arbitrary function model can be accepted when the discrepancy between sample semivariogram function and the model is small visually. For verifying the fitting behavior of any selected model, one should not be contented with the visual satisfactory. Some statistical measure such as goodness of fit has to be used. The author's practice is no more than an exercise in curve fitting without any fundamental understanding or conceptualization of the underlying physical mechanism. Furthermore, the selection of any model is not an easy task if the purpose is the search for the "best" response to the observed second order properties of ReV's. I suggest that the Markovian model (Azun, 1983), on the basis of a theoretical understanding of underlying mechanism, which gives more information about the occurrence of regionalized variables, is used to respond all properties of ReV's. There are a lot of problems for modeling of one-dimensional sample semivariogram function. Thus, it is not appropriate to go to higher order dimensional sample semivariogram function modeling. In the meantime, I would recommend that one can connect the values of standardized sample semivariogram function rather than simple values of semivariogram function in the two-dimensional estimation. The standardized values can be computed in dividing the semivariogram function value by the number of sample pairs involved in each lag regardless of the directions. In conclusion, geostatistics is an interdisciplinary area in mining that uses the principles of mathematical statistics. Thus, it should not violate any probabilistic and statistical rules. When Matheron was developing the theory of geostatistical study in the early years of geostatistics, many mining people had a reservation accepting the geostatistical tools. However, this does not mean that we, the geostatisticians, might try to convince those people using some "strange" tools or rules as some authors implied (Baafi and Kim, 1984). Instead, we have to develop and explain the geostatistical tools staying only in the framework of statistical concepts and properties. References Azun, M.S., 1983, "Stochastic Process Modeling of Spatially Distributed Geostatistical Data," Columbia University, Ph.D. Thesis. Baafi, E.Y., and Kim, Y.C., 1984, "Discussion - Comparison of Different Ore Reserve Estimation Methods Using Conditional Simulation," Mining Engineering, Vol. 36, No. 3, p. 280. Reply by J.M. Rendu The interactive method proposed by Rendu allows practitioners to develop semivariogram models that take into account not only the numerical information obtained by sampling, but also highly significant additional information that often cannot be quantified. The geology of the deposit - including hypotheses concerning its genesis, sampling methods, assaying methods, and mathematical methods used to calculate the semivariograms - all have an influence on the numerical results obtained and on how these results should be interpreted. If all the information concerning the spatial distribution of values in a mineral deposit was contained in the sample values, it could be argued that statistical techniques alone would produce optimum models. However, this is rarely, if ever, the case. Methods that allow the user to take into account his experience and his geologic understanding of the deposit should not be rejected for the sake of theoretical statistical purity.

Jan 11, 1985

By Robert K. Linn

The New ldria Mining District is in the southern part of the Diablo mountains of the California Coast Range, 140 miles southeast of San Francisco. The district, noted primarily for quicksilver, also has become important recently as a producer of short-fiber chrysotile asbestos. Between 1853 and 1966, the New Idria district produced 568,092 flasks of quicksilver valued at about $55,600,000, 99 per cent of which was recovered from one deposit, the New Idria mine. In 1944, the district was ranked third in all-time production of North American quicksilver districts, and, since that time, the New Idria mine produced an additional 129,045 flasks, placing the district and the New Idria mine second in all-time production. The major structure of the region is the northwest-trending Coalinga anticline consisting of an asymmetric dome of sedimentary beds ranging in age from Jurassic to Quaternary and marked at its northwest end by an oval body of sheared serpentine 14 miles long by 4 miles wide. The serpentine core, rimmed by Franciscan sandstone of probable Jurassic age, was uplifted in stages between Jurassic and Quaternary time and was intruded along a ring of faults into beds of the Panoche Formation of upper Cretaceous age. The core of serpentine and Franciscan rocks is the locus of about 20 quicksilver mines that rim the faultbounded core and lie within the serpentine mass. The host rock of the most productive deposits is altered Panoche shale and sandstone that lies intermittently along the perimeter of the core. Deposits of the New Idria group of mines and those of a few other small mines lie along the northeast contact in the footwall of the New ldria thrust fault, and a few others occur on steep normal faults around the south and southwest. The chief ore mineral in all quicksilver mines is cinnabar, but minor amounts of metacinnabar and native mercury are found in some of the mines. Ore shoots were deposited in fracture zones and stockworks in altered Panoche shale and sandstone and in definite fissure veins in Franciscan sandstone. Rocks made highly amenable to fracturing by hydrothermal alteration were fractured extensively by late faults. The resulting fracture zones, located along the late faults and at changes in strike or dip of the hanging wall or footwall, are the principal controls of most ore shoots. The largest and richest ore shoots are those of the New Idria mine. The major ore bodies occur in fractured shale and sandstone beneath the New ldria thrust fault at its junction with major tear faults.

Jan 1, 1968

By Martin D. Larisch

The construction of diaphragm walls and most large-diameter bored piles (piers) is often carried out under drilling support fluids to temporarily stabilise the excavation prior to concrete placement. In most cases such fluids are either mineral-based slurries (bentonite) or polymer support fluids. The working mechanisms of these two fluid types are fundamentally different. Designers need to consider possible fluid-related impacts on the permanent design performance of the project-specific deep foundations as well as for the temporary excavation stage during construction. Robust design methods for bentonite slurry-supported excavations have been developed in the last few decades and the working principles and associated risks of such mineral-based slurries are understood reasonably well. However, such meth-ods have not been developed in detail for polymer-based drilling fluids. This document provides a brief overview of the main characteristics of bentonite- and polymer-based drilling fluids as a guide for construction practitioners and design engineers alike. The paper also high-lights some common construction risks related to casing installation and the selection of suitable fluid systems for different ground conditions. Typical defects caused by the incorrect application of drilling support fluids, and their pro-active mitigation, are discussed, too. In addition, the basic concepts of sta-bility calculations for bentonite fluid-supported deep excavations are briefly introduced and their ap-plicability for other fluid types such as polymer-based support fluids or water are reviewed.

Nov 1, 2022

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

Every two years, industry leaders and practitioners of tunneling and underground construction gather at the Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference (RETC) to learn from their peers about the most recent advances and breakthroughs in this unique fleld. Industry experts from around the world highlight their most recent projects and share real-world experiences. They also share with their colleagues new technologies and methodologies that attendees can take home to their respective projects. The 2013 RETC was held June 23-26 in Washing-ton, D.C., itself home to several major tunneling and underground construction projects. The conference is sponsored by SME. Attendance was 1,384 professionals. The accompanying exhibit hosted 159 companies in 188 booths. A few of the topics covered in the technical sessions dealt with caverns and large spans, contracting practices, tunnel linings, design and planning, geotechnical considerations and instrumentation. The conference was preceded by four short courses, all well attended. They were ?Grouting in Underground Construction,? ?Tunnel Lining Design,? ?Microtunneling Application? and ?Risk, Uncertainty and Hard Decisions.? In addition, a sold-out field trip to D.C. Water?s Blue Plains Tunnel took place following the conference. The Blue Plains Tunnel is part of the agency?s Clean Rivers Project. Also during the meeting, three students each received $5,000 scholarships from the UCA of SME, while another three students each received $2,500 scholarships from RETC (See page 53).

Sep 1, 2013

By AIME AIME

COMMITTEES. CANAL ZONE.-Col. George W. Goethals, U. S. A., Chairman; Lt.-Col. H. F. Hodges, U. S. A. ; Lt.: Col. D. D. Gaillard, U. S. A. ; Lt.-Col. William L. Sibert, IT. S. A. ; H. H. Rousseau, U. S. N.; Col. W. C. Gorgas, U. S. A.; Maurice H. Thatcher ; Joseph Bucklin Bishop ; Lt.-Col. Charles F. Mason, U. S. A.; S. B. Williamson ; Major Eugene T. Wilson, U. S. A. ; Edward Schildhauer ; Henry Goldmark ; Edward C. Sherman ; W. G. Comber ; W. B. Corse ; J. A. Walker; Joseph A. Le Prince; J. A. Smith ; Lt. Frederick Mears, U. S. A. HAVANA.-V. T. Polledo, Chairman; Diego Lombillo Clark, Jose Primelles, J. R. Villalon, Jose Artola, J. Ducassi, Luis Morales, Enrique Montonlieu. ENTERTAINMENT ON SHIPBOARD.-William L. Saunders, Chairman; Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Warriner, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Robins, Mr. and Mrs. George.D. Barron, Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Watson, W. E. Greene. GENERAL MANAGEMENT. .Joseph Struthers, Chairman; Albert E. Vaughan. There were ten sessions of the Institute held for the presentation and discussion of, technical or professional papers. Eight of these sessions were held on the steamer while en route, and two in the ball-room of the Hotel Tivoli, at Ancon, C. Z. Mr. David W- Brunton, President of the Council, presided at all the sessions, except the sixth, at which Mr. Charles Kirchhoff, past President, occupied the chair. The following list includes the papers presented in oral abstract by the authors: First Session., October 24. The Summit Hill Mine-Fire, by W. A. Lathrop, Philadelphia, Pa. Mine-Fire at the Calumet and Hecla Mine, No. 8 Shaft., by S. D. Warriner, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Fire in the Big Lick Stope, Lykens Valley and Williamstown Colliery, by R. V. Norris, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Mine-Fire in the Hecksherville Valley, Schuylkill Field, Pa., by W. J. Richards, Pottsville, Pa.. Fire in the Monarch Mine, near Rock Springs, Wyo., by S. A. Taylor, Pittsburg, Pa.

Dec 1, 1910

JOINT convention week has become a feature of the year with western mining men. The first was held at Denver in 1926, the second at Salt Lake City in 1927, and the third is about to take place at Los Angeles. Holding in the same city in one week the meetings of a number of related organizations has been .found to permit the development of a well-rounded program at the same time that it economizes time and money for the members, many of whom belong to several of the participating organizations. For the third time, the American Mining Congress, represented by its Western Division, of which Philip Wiseman is chairman, is taking the lead and assuming the main responsibility. The A.I.M.E. is furnishing the papers for two sessions and the California Development Association for one. The Southern California Section, Robert R. Boyd, chairman, is host for the Institute, but the Northern California, Nevada and Arizona sections have each contributed papers to the program, and will be represented at the meeting. It will be a real reunion of the mining men of the Southwest.

Sep 1, 1928

By Paul Delottinville, Maynard Hall, Henry Hillier

"An expert system application for supervisory control and optimization of the indurating process at the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC) has been developed and installed in closed-loop. Prior to the installation of the expert system, the indurating machine was rebuilt and the instrumentation revamped. A Foxboro I/A Distributed Control System (DCS) was installed for regulatory control, and a new control strategy configured. The modernization of the regulatory control has resulted in significant improvement in both production rate and product quality. Expert system control was implemented in September 1996. Preliminary indications are that the expert system has further improved the consistency of product quality, enhanced fuel efficiency and increased productivity. The expert system considers both wet and dry sections of the circuit, and its optimization scheme is driven by pellet tumble index and compression strength. Statistical Process Control (SPC) rules were implemented in the expert system as part of the quality analysis and control scheme. The expert system application was developed and delivered using the Comdale Expert Optimizer (CEO), and has been in continuous closed-loop control since its installation. The system development and implementation is described, and preliminary benefits are presented..... IntroductionIn early 1996 the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOCC) contracted Comdale Technologies of Toronto to develop and implement a real-time expert system for optimizing the indurating pelletizing furnace at our plant location in Labrador City, Newfoundland.The decision to install the expert system has been timely. Like many other resource-based industries in increasingly competitive markets, IOCC recognizes the need to find ways to improve the efficiency of our production process and ensure that product quality is maintained at the highest levels. With the Labrador City plant producing 11 million tons of iron ore pellets annually, implementing the best technology solutions to meet these objectives is critical."

Jan 1, 1998