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By Nathan C. Rockwood

THE title of this paper, I understand, was suggested by professional mining engineers as an opportunity for someone to pose problems rather than to offer solutions for them, but the paper will merely attempt to pose some of the production problems of the mineral aggregates industry in such manner as to create professional interest in their solution by the mining engineer, geologist, geochemist and the metallurgical engineer versed in mineral-dressing technique. DEFINITION OF MINERAL AGGREGATES "Mineral aggregates" may be defined as fragments of any rock or mineral used to supply bulk or volume or substance for a given purpose. For example, mineral aggregates are used in portland-cement concrete to provide bulk with the expenditure of the least feasible amount of cement binder. Mineral aggregates are used without portland cement or bituminous binder in highway and railway roadbeds to provide substance, to carry loads. Mineral aggregates are used in filters for water and sewage, to provide substance for the liquid to trickle through. These are only a few typical uses of mineral aggregates. For all these uses, strength, toughness, resistance to abrasion, and durability are usually prime requisites; so, while theoretically mineral aggregates may be of any mineral composition, what really is desired is a mineral composition as nearly inert under the conditions of use as anything of earthly origin can be. EXPLORATION AND POSSIBILITIES OF DEVELOPMENT The distribution of deposits of mineral aggregate is universal, since almost any part of the earth's crust can be used; even the top soil is sometimes used in stabilized surfacing for highways or airport runways. Nevertheless there is ample opportunity for exercise of the talents of the mining engineer and the geologist in finding the particular deposit that will be most economical to develop, keeping in mind such considerations as: (1) quality and mineralogical characteristics of the material; (2) size and permanency of the market; (3) final cost of opening and development of the deposit; (4) selection of location of plant; (5) methods and costs of distribution of the product in comparison with both present and possible future competition; (6) selection of the proper type of operating equipment; (7) estimation of probable waste products and their disposal. These are typical but there are other considerations also. Because profit margins are far smaller than in any comparable mining operation, it is all the more logical to assume that a higher degree of expert knowledge is desirable to make a success of a mineral-aggregates business. The industry has much engineering talent in its operating branch, but it lacks, to a considerable

Jan 1, 1943

By Raphael G. Kazmann

Water occupies a dual role in our industrial society. It is the indispensable raw material, essential to life itself. It is equally an industrial nuisance, interfering with the production of industrial minerals, making construction difficult, flooding valuable land, and generally producing problems because it is in the wrong place at the critical time. The legal position of water as a nuisance, and the counter measures to be taken, have been well established procedures for determining the responsibility for damage caused by water, and the organization of drainage districts and flood control and levee districts have been legally tested many times. Thus there is rather adequate legal doctrine concerning water, the common enemy. But recently efforts have been made to regularize the position of water as a useful, industrial, commodity. Such laws are not new to the West, where the doctrine of appropriation for beneficial use is slowly becoming the water law. Elsewhere the University of Michigan has produced a "model" water law and efforts are being made to induce all of the states to use this law, or a slight variation of it, as the basis for legislation. There are many serious criticisms of the proposed "model"-law, and the writer strongly opposes many of the provisions. But the fact remains that water is, in itself, so useful and essential that laws have been, and will be, passed to insure the orderly development of our water resources and to prevent waste. The, most important aspect of these "water-use" laws is that, wise or unwise, the existing laws and the proposed laws have been "water oriented". "Water oriented" means that it has been tacitly assumed that the beneficial use of water, either surface water or ground water, is the overriding consideration.

Jan 1, 1960

By J. A. Herbst

In spite of potential theoretical and economic advantages of large-diameter ball mills, many manufacturers elect not to build these mills owing to what is perceived as an excessively large design risk. This risk results from the fact that traditional predictions for mill-scale-up to large diameters are not always accurate. It is apparent that alternative methods of analysis and scale-up are required. Recent studies have shown that detailed population balance models which account for important grinding subprocesses, i.e., grinding kinetics, material transport, and classification, are capable of predicting the performance of small- and intermediate diameter mills (up to 4.3 m (14 ft)) from small-scale batch tests. These same models are used in the current study to predict the performance of a "borderline" large ball mill (4.7x5.5 m) at Asarco's Sacaton operation, a ball mill (5.0x5.8 m) at Kennecott's Chino operation, and one of the world's largest ball mills (5.5x6.1 m), at Cities Service Pinto Valley operation. Model parameters required for scale-up have been estimated in a 380-mm diameter batch mill. Predictions are compared with the results of detailed plant sampling in the three plants. For the Sacaton and Chino operations, the error of the predictions was found to be less than 2.5%, while the corresponding error for the Pinto Valley operation was less than 2.7%. It is concluded that proper representation of the major subprocesses of grinding in the model equation is the key to achieving accurate scale-up. Of special importance is the need to account for the size distribution of the grinding media and the influence of the size distribution environment in the mill on grinding kinetics.

Jan 1, 1983

By M. X. Huang, Y. Z. Li

The titanium diboride (TiB2)-reinforced steel composite, designed for automotive applications, exhibits a combination of high isotropic Young’s modulus and low density as compared to existing advanced high strength steels (AHSS). The steel-based composite is produced by in situ precipitation of TiB2 particles during eutectic solidification followed by hot rolling, and its microstructure displays a homogeneous distribution of both large primary TiB2 and small eutectic TiB2 particles in the ferrite matrix. Instead of interfacial debonding, particle cracking is the primary mode of damage, revealing very high interfacial strength. To investigate the intrinsic interfacial strength, a hybrid method combining both nanoindentation and finite element analysis (FEA) was used. A micron-sized sample containing a single crystal TiB2 attached to the ferrite matrix was fabricated by focused iron beam (FIB), and was compressed using nanoindentation with a flat indentation tip. By combining the compression and FEA results, the interfacial strength was therefore determined.

Mar 1, 2017

By N. W. Johnson

The behavior of non-sulphide gangue in chaloopyrite flotation circuits has been investigated. Plant and laboratory tests were carried out on five different ores, and linear relationships were found to exist between the rates of recovery of water and free nonsulphide gangue in the concentrates although there was evidence from pilot plant tests that these were linear approximations to parabolic curves over the limited regions which were observed. There was evidence that the free non-sulphide gangue enters the concentrate by hydraulic classification and a classification function has been proposed to define this behavior. This function is suitable for inclusion in a mathematical model of the process.

Jan 1, 1972

By T. Lee

The mining industry, both here and internationally, is continually developing increasingly sophisticated software to compute mineral resource estimates, but these processes cannot compensate for a flawed geological interpretation of the geology of the economic commodity(s) concentrations. Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) is becoming increasingly common in association with the sampling and assaying practices within the industry. However, it is rare in the case of a geological interpretation associated with mineral resource estimation. Why? In the context of this paper, QA/QC relates to the use of statistical and graphical tools to show that the geological economic commodity concentrations have been appropriately domained. Domaining is essential to improve the chance of getting a mineral resource estimate right. Commodity value and acceptable concentration variation within a mineral resource can be ingredients that make mineral resource estimation difficult to get right. But it is possible to get it right a very high proportion of the time. It is more likely to occur when inappropriate data consolidation is minimised. In any case, inappropriate data consolidation is significantly reduced when the geological interpretation is strongly consistent with the data and it is demonstrable. To achieve quality global estimates of geological domain concentrations, it is essential that the geology of the prospect is understood sufficiently that the deposit is appropriately domained. Appropriate domaining occurs when sample populations are separated in such a way that only data in harmony with each other within the population contributes to the domain's concentration estimate. The paper will use four brief case studies to illustrate how QA/QC can be used to display data and validate the underpinning geological interpretation through its associated domaining to get it right when it comes to a mineral resource estimation.

Jan 1, 2007

By Milind Chikhale, Yogesh Reja, Keshav Tyagi

"Using computer models for process design is a well-established practice in the mineral industry. In recent years, there has been emphasis on modeling of processing plant as a whole. This paper covers development of a model for iron ore processing plant. Basic purpose of this model is to use simulation for efficient plant design and help in minimizing risk at the very initial stage of project. Feed to the plant is Hematite iron ore from a deposit located in Eastern India. Major processes in plant include multi-stage crushing, screening, grinding, classification, gravity and magnetic separation. Models for different process equipment were developed using METSIM and Bruno simulation software. Customized black box models and known mathematical models were used for predicting behaviour of processes. Data needed was identified based on the model type. The required data was arranged as per project requirement and processed for development and validation of model. Equipment models were developed and validated on the basis of process design basis, theoretical and empirical data from technical references, and bench scale and pilot scale testwork results. Validated process circuits were assembled to simulate and represent the entire plant process. The result shows expected variation in plant output as a result of variation in the feed. Study concludes by discussing potential applications of the model in plant design."

Jan 1, 2014

By F. Begazo

The most common approach to increase production in copper refineries is to increase current densities. However, if these increases are not well thought out beforehand and are not properly and effectively controlled, the end results could be reduced plant performance and a deterioration in cathode quality. Both of these factors result in lower efficiencies and increased costs. At the Ilo Refinery of Southern Peru Copper Corporation, a modernization and expansion program was implemented shortly after the Refinery was purchased from Minero Peru, in 1994. This program was intended to increase production from 195,200 mtpy of cathode to 227,000 mtpy over a 3-year period. Part of this production increase would come from increasing current density. During the period from 1994 to 1997, current density at the Ilo Refinery was increased from 218 A/m2 to 230 A/m2, while plant efficiencies were maintained at consistently high levels. The current efficiencies were maintained at >97.5% and time efficiencies were maintained at >98%. During 1998, additional increases in current density were implemented while the high plant performance was maintained at the same levels. By the end of 1998, the current density was 241 A/m2, while current efficiency and time efficiency of 98% were maintained. This paper describes the control processes used at the Ilo Refinery to maintain high plant performance levels while increasing the current density. Additionally, expected plant performances from extended test programs at current densities up to 280 A/m2, for future production increases, are reviewed and discussed.

Jan 1, 1999

By Glenn S. Wyman

CHUQUICAMATA, located in northern Chile in the Province of Antofagasta, is on the western slope of the Andes at an elevation of 9500 ft. Because of its position on the eastern edge of the Atacama Desert, the climate is extremely arid with practically no precipitation, either rain or snow. All primary blasting in the open-pit mine at Chuquicamata is done by the churn drill, blasthole method. Since 1915, when the first tonnages of importance were removed from the open pit, there have been many changes in the blasting practice, but no clear-cut rules of method and procedure have been devised for application to the mine as a whole. One general fact stands out: both the ore and waste rock at Chuquicamata are difficult to break satisfactorily for the most efficient operation of power shovels. Numerous experiments have been made in an effort to improve the breakage and thereby increase the shovel efficiency. Holes of different diameter have been drilled, the length of toe and spacing of holes have been varied, and several types of explosives have been used. Early blasting was done by the tunnel method. The banks were high, generally 30 m, requiring the use of large charges of black powder, detonated by electric blasting caps. Large tonnages were broken at comparatively low cost, but the method left such a large proportion of oversize material for secondary blasting that satisfactory shovel operation was practically impossible. Railroad-type steam and electric shovels then in service proved unequal to the task of efficiently handling the large proportion of oversize material produced. The clean-up of high banks proved to be dangerous and expensive as large quantities of explosive were consumed in dressing these banks, and from time to time the shovels were damaged by rock slides. As early as 1923 the high benches were divided, and a standard height of 12 m was selected for the development of new benches. The recently acquired Bucyrus-Erie 550-B shovel, with its greater radius of operation compared to the Bucyrus-Erie 320-B formerly used for bench development, allowed the bench height to be increased to 16 m. Churn drill, blasthole shooting proved to be successful, and tunnel blasts were limited to certain locations where development existed or natural ground conditions made the method more attractive than the use of churn drill holes. Liquid oxygen explosive and black powder were used along with dynamite of various grades in blast-hole loading up to early 1937. Liquid oxygen and black powder were discontinued because they were more difficult to handle due to their sensitivity to fire or sparks in the extremely dry climate. At present ammonium nitrate dynamite is favored because of its superior handling qualities and its adaptability to the dry condition found in 90 pct of the mine. In wet holes, which are found only in the lowest bench of the pit and account for the remaining 10 pct of the ground to be broken, Nitramon in 8x24-in. cans, or ammonium nitrate dynamite packed in 8x24-in. paper cartridges, is being used. This latter explosive, which is protected by a special antiwetting agent that makes the cartridges resistant to water for about 24 hr, currently is considered the best available for the work and is preferred over Nitramon. Early churn drill hole shots detonated by electric blasting caps, one in each hole, gave trouble because of misfires caused by the improper balance of resistance in the electrical circuits. Primarily, it was of vital importance to effect an absolute balance of resistance in these circuits, the undertaking and completion of which invariably caused delays in the shooting schedule. Misfires resulting from the improper balance of electrical circuits, or from any other cause, were extremely hazardous, since holes had to be unloaded or fired by the insertion of another detonator. The advent of cordeau, later followed by primacord, corrected this particular difficulty and therefore reduced the possibility of missed holes. After much experimentation, the blasting practice evolved into single row, multihole shots, with the holes spaced 4.5 to 5 m center to center in a row 7.5 to 8 m back from the toe. Sucti shots were fired from either end by electric blasting caps attached to the main trunk lines of cordeau or primacord. The detonating speed of cordeau or primacord gave the practical effect of firing all holes instantaneously. Double row and multirow blasts, fired instantaneously with cordeau or primacord, proved to be unsatisfactory in the type of rock found at Chuquica-

Jan 1, 1953

By Glenn S. Wyman

CHUQUICAMATA, located in northern Chile in the Province of Antofagasta, is on the western slope of the Andes at an elevation of 9500 ft. Because of its position on the eastern edge of the Atacama Desert, the climate is extremely arid with practically no precipitation, either rain or snow. All primary blasting in the open-pit mine at Chuquicamata is done by the churn drill, blasthole method. Since 1915, when the first tonnages of importance were removed from the open pit, there have been many changes in the blasting practice, but no clear-cut rules of method and procedure have been devised for application to the mine as a whole. One general fact stands out: both the ore and waste rock at Chuquicamata are difficult to break satisfactorily for the most efficient operation of power shovels. Numerous experiments have been made in an effort to improve the breakage and thereby increase the shovel efficiency. Holes of different diameter have been drilled, the length of toe and spacing of holes have been varied, and several types of explosives have been used. Early blasting was done by the tunnel method. The banks were high, generally 30 m, requiring the use of large charges of black powder, detonated by electric blasting caps. Large tonnages were broken at comparatively low cost, but the method left such a large proportion of oversize material for secondary blasting that satisfactory shovel operation was practically impossible. Railroad-type steam and electric shovels then in service proved unequal to the task of efficiently handling the large proportion of oversize material produced. The clean-up of high banks proved to be dangerous and expensive as large quantities of explosive were consumed in dressing these banks, and from time to time the shovels were damaged by rock slides. As early as 1923 the high benches were divided, and a standard height of 12 m was selected for the development of new benches. The recently acquired Bucyrus-Erie 550-B shovel, with its greater radius of operation compared to the Bucyrus-Erie 320-B formerly used for bench development, allowed the bench height to be increased to 16 m. Churn drill, blasthole shooting proved to be successful, and tunnel blasts were limited to certain locations where development existed or natural ground conditions made the method more attractive than the use of churn drill holes. Liquid oxygen explosive and black powder were used along with dynamite of various grades in blast-hole loading up to early 1937. Liquid oxygen and black powder were discontinued because they were more difficult to handle due to their sensitivity to fire or sparks in the extremely dry climate. At present ammonium nitrate dynamite is favored because of its superior handling qualities and its adaptability to the dry condition found in 90 pct of the mine. In wet holes, which are found only in the lowest bench of the pit and account for the remaining 10 pct of the ground to be broken, Nitramon in 8x24-in. cans, or ammonium nitrate dynamite packed in 8x24-in. paper cartridges, is being used. This latter explosive, which is protected by a special antiwetting agent that makes the cartridges resistant to water for about 24 hr, currently is considered the best available for the work and is preferred over Nitramon. Early churn drill hole shots detonated by electric blasting caps, one in each hole, gave trouble because of misfires caused by the improper balance of resistance in the electrical circuits. Primarily, it was of vital importance to effect an absolute balance of resistance in these circuits, the undertaking and completion of which invariably caused delays in the shooting schedule. Misfires resulting from the improper balance of electrical circuits, or from any other cause, were extremely hazardous, since holes had to be unloaded or fired by the insertion of another detonator. The advent of cordeau, later followed by primacord, corrected this particular difficulty and therefore reduced the possibility of missed holes. After much experimentation, the blasting practice evolved into single row, multihole shots, with the holes spaced 4.5 to 5 m center to center in a row 7.5 to 8 m back from the toe. Sucti shots were fired from either end by electric blasting caps attached to the main trunk lines of cordeau or primacord. The detonating speed of cordeau or primacord gave the practical effect of firing all holes instantaneously. Double row and multirow blasts, fired instantaneously with cordeau or primacord, proved to be unsatisfactory in the type of rock found at Chuquica-

Jan 1, 1953

By Glenn S. Wyman

CHUQUICAMATA, located in northern Chile in the Province of Antofagasta, is on the western slope of the Andes at an elevation of 9500 ft. Because of its position on the eastern edge of the Atacama Desert, the climate is extremely arid with practically no precipitation, either rain or snow. All primary blasting in the open-pit mine at Chuquicamata is done by the churn drill, blasthole method. Since 1915; when the first tonnages of importance were removed from the open pit, there have been many changes in the blasting practice, but no clear-cut rules of method and procedure have been devised for application to the mine as a whole. One general fact stands out: both the ore and waste rock at Chuquicamata are difficult to break satisfactorily for the most efficient operation of power shovels. Numerous experiments have been made in an effort to improve the breakage and thereby increase the shovel efficiency. Holes of different diameter have been drilled, the length of toe and spacing of holes have been varied, and several types of explosives have been used. Early blasting was done by the tunnel method. The banks were high, generally 30 m, requiring the use of large charges of black powder, detonated by electric blasting caps: Large tonnages were broken at comparatively low cost, but the method left such a large proportion of oversize material for secondary blasting that satisfactory shovel operation was practically impossible: Railroad-type steam and electric shovels then in service proved unequal to the task of efficiently handling the large proportion of oversize material produced. The clean-up of high banks proved to be dangerous and expensive as large quantities of explosive were consumed in dressing these banks, and from time to time the shovels were damaged by rock slides. As early as 1923 the high benches were divided, and a standard height of 12 m was selected for the development of new benches. The recently acquired Bucyrus-Erie 550-B shovel, with its greater radius of operation compared to the Bucyrus-Erie 320-B formerly used for bench development, allowed the bench height to be increased to 16 m. Churn drill, blasthole shooting proved to be successful, and tunnel blasts were limited to certain locations where development existed or natural ground conditions made the method more attractive than the use of churn-drill holes. Liquid oxygen explosive and black powder were used along with dynamite of various grades in blasthole loading up to early 1937. Liquid oxygen and black powder were discontinued because they were more difficult to handle due to their sensitivity to fire or sparks in the extremely dry climate. At present ammonium nitrate dynamite is favored because of its superior handling qualities and its adaptability to the dry condition found in 90 pct of the mine. In wet holes, which are found only in the lowest bench of the pit and account for the remaining 10 pct of the ground to be broken, Nitramon in 8x24-in. cans, or ammonium nitrate dynamite packed in 8x24-in. paper cartridges, is being used. This latter explosive, which is protected by a special antiwetting agent that makes the cartridges resistant to water for about 24 hr, currently is considered the best available for the work and is preferred over Nitramon. Early churn drill hole shots detonated' by electric blasting caps, one in each hole, gave trouble because of misfires caused by the improper balance of resistance in the electrical circuits. Primarily, it was of vital importance to effect an absolute balance of resistance in these circuits, the undertaking and completion of which invariably caused delays in the shooting schedule. Misfires resulting from the improper balance of electrical circuits, or from any other cause, were extremely hazardous, since holes had to be unloaded or fired by the insertion of another detonator. The advent of cordeau, later followed by primacord, corrected this particular difficulty and therefore reduced the possibility of missed holes. After much experimentation, the blasting practice evolved into single row, multihole shots, with the holes spaced 4.5 to 5 m center to center in a row 7.5 to 8 m back from the toe. Such shots were fired from either end .by electric blasting caps attached to the main trunk lines of cordeau or primacord. The detonating speed of cordeau or primacord gave the practical effect of firing all holes instantaneously. Double row and multirow blasts, fired instantaneously with cordeau or primacord, proved to be unsatisfactory in the type of rock found at Chuquica-

Jan 1, 1952

By Donald W. Scott

Chemical thermodynamic properties for the ideal gas state from 0 to 1500 K are tabulated for all of the alkane hydrocarbons through C10. These properties are based on correlations of the extant data for the entropy, vapor heat capacity, and enthalpy of formation of individual alkanes and the equilibrium constants of alkane isomerization reactions.

Jan 1, 1974

By José Adilson de Castro

In the integrated steel industries the sintering process plays an important role furnishing raw material to the blast furnace. In this work, a computational simulation of the sinter process is developed that is able to predict the most important phenomena within the sintering bed. The model is based on the multi phase concept with multiple components described by conservation equations of each component coupled with the momentum, chemical reactions and heat transfer. The model validation was carried out comparing the model predictions with averaged industrial data and local temperature measurements within the sinter strand. The model predictions presented good agreement with the averaged values measured on the industrial sinter process.

Aug 2, 2018

The Institute should feel honored that one of its distinguished members, Auguste J. Rossi, has been awarded the Perkin Medal of the Society of Chemical Industry. The medal was presented at a meeting of the New York Section of the Society on Jan. 18, at the Chemists' Club. Mr. F. A. J. Fitzgerald, Past President of the American Electrochemical Society; described the work of Mr. Rossi, while the presentation address was delivered by William H. Nichols, Past President of the Society of Chemical Industry.

Jan 2, 1918

By Earl M. Frizzell, Joseph A. Dos Santos

"Conventional belt conveyors offer an economical method for transporting materials at inclines approaching 18 degrees. Sandwich belt conveyors may be used to transport materials at high angles, to 90 degrees, while maintaining the most positive features of conventional conveyors, that is, (1) proven conventional conveyor components. (2) high-speed operation, (3) high-single lifts, (4) continuous cleaning of the smooth surf aced belts, and (5) easy, quick repair by hot or cold vulcanizing. The present discussion deals with the evolution and development of sandwich belt conveyors to satisfy the operational requirements of the open-pit mining and materials-handling industries.A look at the limitation s of conventional shallow angle conveyors reveals the conveying angle at which a cover belt is needed. The relationship between conveying angle and hugging pressure by the cover belt is developed mathematically. A study of past and current developments reveals that the Loop Belt and Beltavator are significant advances in the state-of -the- art. The vertical radius of curvature constraints are discussed in detail and the constraint equations are developed. Criteria for future development is established as a basis for evolutionary developments in sandwich belt high-angle conveyors. The use of intermediate drives in sandwich belt high-angle conveyors is investigated.IntroductionIn connection with U.S. Bureau of Mines funded–study relating to continuous haulage from deep open-pit mines, the authors had occasion to study extensively, the use of high-angle conveyors as a means of hauling mine products continuously from the pit while maintaining optimum mine slopes to minimize total excavation. The many possible high-angle conveying methods investigated included skip hoists, bucket ladders, pocket belts, fin belts, cleated belts, sandwich belts, pipe belts, screw conveyors, slurry pipe lines, and others. The sandwich belt high-angle conveyor appeared to be the most operationally-appropriate and economical solution for the mining industry. The present paper presents the theory, historical development, state-of-the-art, and evolutionary developments in sandwich belt high-angle conveyors."

Jan 1, 1983

By F. Nava-Alonso, E. Pérez-García, A. Uribe-Salas, J. C. Fuentes-Aceituno, A. A. González-Ibarra, E. N. Castillo-Ventureño

"Precious metals cannot easily be recovered from tellurides by the standard cyanidation process. This work assesses the cyanidation of synthetic samples of precious metals tellurides and explores some alternatives for the leaching of these species (i.e. cyanidation in presence of lead nitrate and thiosulfate leaching). For this purpose, three chemical systems were studied: (1) cyanidation of silver telluride and the effect of lead (II) nitrate addition, (2) cyanidation at high alkalinity and high cyanide concentration of a gold-gold telluride sample containing tellurium and tellurium dioxide, and (3) thiosulfate leaching of silver telluride employing cupric sulfate as oxidant and EDTA as complexing agent for copper. Results showed that standard cyanidation dissolves 10.5% of silver from silver telluride in six hours, while with the addition of 100 mg/L lead increased the silver dissolution up to 100% in the same time. The standard cyanidation of the gold-gold telluride sample dissolves only metallic gold in six hours, while when cyanide concentration and pH were increased, gold and gold telluride were simultaneously dissolved. Finally, thiosulfate leaching dissolves 43.1% of silver from silver telluride in six hours.INTRODUCTION Precious metals tellurides are classified as refractory ores due to the difficulties associated with processing them by the standard cyanidation method. The increasing presence of gold/silver tellurides in some deposits around the world, specifically in Sonora, Mexico, requires new approaches to the cyanidation process, or the development of new leaching techniques. Treatments have been proposed for the recovery of gold and silver from their tellurides, including roasting, preoxidation, cyanidation with lead nitrate, and the use of leaching agents other than cyanide (Zhang, et al., 2010; Ellis and Deschenes, 2016). This work presents preliminary results of three options to recover precious metals from pure tellurides: the cyanidation of gold telluride at high cyanide concentration and high alkalinity, the addition of lead nitrate to the standard cyanidation process, and the use of sodium thiosulfate as leaching reagent."

Jan 1, 2017

By H. Foster Bain

THE "miracle of production." which was such an essential element in winning the European war, was nowhere more in evidence than in our Western States. In shipbuilding alone the Pacific Coast States -et a mark never before equaled, and in production of war goods of many kinds, both Rocky Mountain and Coast States accomplished more than their proportionate share if measured by population standards. This was only possible because of the building of immense new plants of many types, largely financed with Government money. Their operation has built up payrolls in the West and brought a measure of prosperity which Westerners are naturally anxious to have made permanent. A widespread doubt obtains, however, throughout the nation and even in the Western States themselves, as to whether, and if so to what extent, this may prove possible. The question has been raised as to whether the national treasury has not been raided to stock the Western ranges with a voracious breed of white elephant .

Jan 1, 1945

By R Ulusay

Rock mechanics involves characterizing the mechanical properties and behaviour of rock material and the natural discontinuities of the rock mass, while rock engineering is concerned with specific engineering circumstances, for example, how much load will the rock support and whether reinforcement is necessary. Rock engineering models developed depend considerably on the input data such as boundary conditions, the properties of rock material and rock mass. Correct evaluation of these properties frequently requires laboratory and in-situ tests, supplemented with a high degree of experience and judgment. Accordingly, since 1974, the ISRM Commission on Testing Methods has spent considerable effort in developing a succession of the ISRM Suggested Methods (SMs) for different aspects of rock mechanics and rock engineering with the contribution of a number of working groups and cooperation of some other ISRM Commissions. This paper emphasizes the need and importance of standardization of rock testing methods within the context of the ISRM SMs, gives a guideline for developing ISRM SMs and finally discusses on some implementation and contractual issues associated with rock testing and experienced in practice, and briefly introduces main future trends in rock characterization, testing and monitoring. This is an extended abstract only. CITATION:Ulusay, R, 2018. Standardisation on rock characterisation, testing and monitoring with emphasis on ISRM suggested methods, practical issues and difficulties, and future trends, in Proceedings The Fourth Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference (AusRock), pp 17–18 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 30, 2018

By L. D. HUNTOON

MY first article on Canadian Gold, published in the Canadian Mining Magazine in 1911 expressed the view that the Hollinger mine would repay all the money invested and that other mines would be developed in this area. Many published forecasts have since been made. Quoting from the Northern Miner of Oct. 29, 1931: "It will be noted in studying the chart prepared by this engineer that his forecast for 1931 at $50,000,000 was too modest, as the output for this country this year will be closer to $54,000,000."

Jan 1, 1932

By Zohreh Kazemi Motlagh, Virginia T. McLemore

Critical minerals are nonfuel minerals, essential to the U.S. economy and national security, whose supply chain may be disrupted. Mine wastes are potential sources of critical minerals. The goal of this project is to estimate and characterize critical minerals endowment in three mining districts in New Mexico: Black Hawk (Grant County), Hillsboro (Sierra County), and Magdalena (Socorro County), and assess their acid-generating potential. The Black Hawk district is an arsenide five-element vein deposit (Ag, Ni, Co, As, U, Bi, and local minerals like Pb, Cu, Zn, W, and Sn). The Copper Flat mine in Hillsboro district is a copper porphyry deposit. The Kelly mine in Magdalena was first mined at 1878 and are carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits. Mine waste rock piles and tailings are sampled using USGS Beta sampling procedure. Geochemistry results show that Black Hawk district mine wastes samples are elevated in Ag (>200 ppm), Co (290 ppm), Ni (2,130 ppm), and Zn (8,463 ppm). Copper Flat mine tailing is elevated in Bi (111 ppm), Cu (7,453 ppm), and Zn (2,360 ppm). Downhole profile plots in Copper Flat show the positive correlation between Cu, S and Te values. Magdalena samples are elevated in Cu (5,700 ppm), Zn (129,500 ppm), and Pb (58,100 ppm). Determination of acid-generating potential in these areas suggests that Black Hawk district mine wastes are non-acid-forming while high S present in some Copper Flat and Magdalena samples can potentially cause acid mine drainage.

Feb 1, 2025