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By M. A. Kessick

Current treatment and disposal procedures are compared for clay slimes resulting from the extraction of Alberta oil sands, the extraction of Florida phosphate matrix, the recovery of diamonds from kimberlite deposits in South Africa, the recovery of kaolin from clay deposits in southwest England and the upgrading of bauxite ore. Published research in the area is reviewed, and common trends which are emerging in the disposal of clay slimes are discussed.

Jan 1, 1978

By Galen G. Waddell

Dilation and contraction of the rock surrounding horizontal access open-ings of a deep mine were analyzed during stope advance to determine what type of measurements, made with relatively inexpensive instrumentation, would best reflect the rock behavior. A variety of instruments, mostly mechanical extensometers, were used. Detailed descriptions are given of Down-the-hole extensometers, floating rockbolt clusters, transit surveys, and other instruments and measuring techniques. Although all of the radial-deformation-rate graphs illustrated useful rock behavior data, the most informative graphs were compiled from data procured with the radial extensometers that penetrated, to various depths, the rock around the access openings. An analysis is given of measurement data on the rock around lateral drifts and across and adjacent to the nearly vertical vein of the Star mine, Burke, Idaho. Several useful relationships were found between the rock deformation rate and the stoping process. Information was produced on the elastic state of rock around an underground opening, effectiveness of stope support, rheology of rock, zone of influence around stopes, effectiveness of rockbolts, axis of maximum strain in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the lateral, and other phenomena. This information could be of particular value in determining location, design, and support of underground openings.

Jan 1, 1966

By Charles Pol Vuillier

Piling work for modification to the Charles Grimes Bridge in Melbourne, Australia required piles to be installed through 15 to 20 m thickness of very soft to soft silty clay overlying 10 m of stiff clays and sands in turn overlying siltstone. The presence of an old sewer founded at depth in the soft clays demanded that vibrations be kept to a minimum. Two pile type were used by Vibro-pile (Australia) to provide the client with the most economical piling price. The two pile types were CFA piles of 750mm diameter founded in the weathered rock and a full displacement concrete injected screw pile developed by Vibro-pile called the "Z" pile, founded on the rock. The development and features of the "Z" pile are briefly discussed, including the perceived applications and advantages of the pile type. On board instrumentation comprising a computer was used to monitor all aspects of the construction. The rig instrumentation provided an important quality control measure that gave confidence in the pile installed. Pile performance was proved on the cast in situ piles by dynamic load testing methods. Initially tests performed with a 120 kN drop hammer, which was not capable of mobilising the required loads. The performance was then satisfactorily proved by using a drop hammer of 20 tonne mass delivering blows drop heights of 1.5m. Low strain integrity tests on a number of piles were also used to confirm the structural integrity of the piles.

Jan 1, 2000

By J. E. Dickinson, J. L. Sutherland, J. Zhou, M. J. Cole, K. P. Galvin

Interest in early gangue rejection has grown substantially in the minerals industry to reduce energy and water consumption arising from excessive comminution. Recent developments in coarse-particle flotation have proven successful by promoting a quiescent hydrodynamic environment to limit particlebubble detachment and by helping to convey more buoyant particles to the overflow. Current approaches also benefit from upstream classification to remove the finer particles ahead of the coarse-particle flotation. In this study, coarse-particle flotation was investigated experimentally using a novel hybrid gravity-flotation system called CoarseAIR™ that exploits the hydrodynamic advantages of the Reflux® Classifier. The system consists of a lower fluidised bed housing, with a system of inclined channels above. The inclined channels enhance the segregation and hence rejection of intermediate through to relatively coarse particles containing little or no surface liberation. This approach overcomes the need for pre-classification, while offering strong transport of coarse particles made buoyant through their attachment to air bubbles. The paper explores the strong relationship between the solids transport to the overflow and the input gas flux, showing firstly the potential for significant mass rejection at the relatively low gas fluxes, and robust performance in terms of recovery across the full range of gas fluxes. Keywords: Flotation, inclined channels, coarse particle flotation, Reflux Classifier

Jan 1, 2020

By Robin J. Batterham

Alumina demand is steadily climbing around the world and is likely to continue to do so for many years. In such a commodity industry, the question arises as to what effort should be expended on innovation, given that for an individual company, the drivers of change are cost and quality as the market demand is essentially assured. This is of course a long-term view. The current conditions are less attractive. In this presentation, we review the broad issues that are considered targets for collaborative development by the industry as recently updated in the alumina industry roadmap published by the International Aluminium Institute in 2010. While they cover areas such as ?mine rehabilitation, residue management and use, alumina production from high sulfur bauxite, bauxite beneficiation, energy efficiency and alternative technologies for alkali and alumina recovery from bauxite residues,? it must be remembered that each refinery is different in terms of the feed material and the circumstances of waste disposal. Of particular interest is the more competitive area of breakthrough technologies. In the presentation, we will consider a range of opportunities that could transform the industry, from relatively near term possibilities such as bauxite activation through possibilities to eliminate crystallization as currently practiced to complete alternatives, such as the use of hyperaccumulating plants. Against this optimism, some of the realities that hold back breakthrough innovation will be presented for discussion.

Sep 1, 2012

By Ta M. Li

How do you convert a copper-zinc resource into a viable economic mining operation? This problem, unlike most, was complicated by the additional presence of a sub-arctic climate, highest labor costs in the world, low-grade copper-zinc values, depressed market prices, and a complex mineralization.

Jan 12, 1977

By W. E. Young

This paper describes operations of the Chief Consolidated Mining Co. at the Chief mine in the Tintic district, Juab County, Utah, where the outstanding problem is water control; the unique pumping methods employed are featured in this report. The ore bodies in this district occur as long, narrow shoots along fault fissures, usually in the Bluebell dolomite of Ordovician age. Oxide ores predominate above the 1800 level, which is also the natural water level. Sulfide ores containing lead, zinc, silver, and gold extend below the 1800 level. The mine is developed by vertical shafts and winzes, from which drifts are driven to the ore bodies. In the lower levels of the mine these drifts extend long distances from the shafts or winzes because of the relatively low dip of the ore shoots. The mine has been worked to the 2800 level and the 18-411 winze extends to the 3080 level.

Jan 1, 1958

By Subhas G. Malghan

The response of feldspar flotation to tallow diamine dioleate collector in the presence of sulfuric acid is studied using batch flotation experiments. Application of this non-hydrofluoric acid (non-HF) reagent system in the flotation of mineralogically and chemically different feldspar ores is compared with that of the conventional hydrofluoric acid system. The dependence of flotation recovery and concentrate grade on feed particle size distribution, conditioning time, pulp density, and pH, combined variation of collector and acid addition rates, sodium hydroxide concentration in the collector solution, and initial pulp pH prior to conditioning is studied. The results have been discussed in relation to applicability of the non-HF system to plant trials, and the nature of the collector adsorption in the selective flotation of feldspar.

Jan 1, 1978

By K. P. Wright

THREE OF the gold mines in the Red Lake Camp operates fluid bed roasters in their milling circuits. The mines are Campbell Red Lake, Cochenour Willans, and Dickenson. The roasters are used for the autogenous roasting of a flotation concentrate for subsequent gold recovery by cyanidation. Cochenour and Dickenson operate single stage reactors, whilst Campbell use a two-stage system. Ore treated by the mines is similar in that the major part of the gold is associated with arsenopyrite. Other sulphides present are pyrite, pyrrhotite, stibnite and sphalerite. Gangue minerals are mainly quartz, with carbonates and talc. Mineralization is, for the most part, extremely fine, and there is intimate association between sulphides and quartz, so much so, th at a picked specimen of apparently massive arsenopyrite will frequently contain as much as 80 per cent gangue. Gold recovery by straight cyanidation on this type of ore would not be higher than 80 per cent and

Jan 1, 1961

By B. H. Caudle, A. D. PUCKETT

This paper summarizes precent knowledge of the ignition qualities of pure hydrocarbons likely to be present in modern Diesel engine fuels, as shown by an extensive search of the technical literature. The report also discusses the possible significance of cetane number and hydrocarbon struc- ture. Cetane or cetene numbers, and other physical properties, are tabu- lated for about 100 hydrocarbons, and a bibliography is appended. In recent years the Diesel engine has enjoyed increasing popularity due to its dependability, inherent characteristics of fuel economy, and the fact that it operates on a fuel that hitherto has been available in comparatively large quantities at a low price. These qualities have en- abled the compression-ignition engine to compete very favorably with other types of prime movers in many fields and have led to predictions of fur- ther rapid expansion in the application of Diesel power. In a survey of the field of all petroleum fuels for combustion engines, Holaday et al (9) have predicted that by 1948 railroads will be using 10 times as much Diesel fuel as was used in 1939 and that over-all consumption will have doubled that of 1939. Other estimates of the yearly demand for Diesel fuels five years hence vary from 2,6 to 5 times the amount used in 1944. Into this picture has come the question of whether the greatly in- creased production to meet this estimated demand is compatible with the maintenance and possible improvement in quality of fuels necessary to satisfy future engines. Unfortunately perhaps for the Diesel engine, factors other than those of simple arithmetical multiplication must be considered. For example, the consumption of oil in central heating plants doubled from 1935 to 1943, and a further increase of 57 percent of the 1943 demand is expected by 1950. Jet propulsion has been developed to the stage where it is entirely practical for military aircraft. Catalytic cracking plants, many of which were constructed to meet the war- time accelerated demand for high-octane gasoline, are taking their place in the refining industry. All these developments, as well as the Diesel engine, require material of approximately the same boiling range. Virgin gas oils make excellent burner fuels, perform most satisfactorily in the gas-turbine units for aircraft according to present information, and are at a premium as catalytic cracking stock.

Jul 1, 1948

By A. Ennen, R. Wagner, B. Orberger, J. -M. Milazzo, N. Uhlmann, J. Banchet, J. Lucic, N. Wörlein, M. Firsching, J. L. Dubos, C. Bauer

The residues from mining and processing ores can often be considered as secondary raw materials. However, the material is only available in the form of fine particles (< 3 mm). In order to recycle these wastes, it is necessary to agglomerate it for transportation prior to reprocessing. The resulting agglomerates need to mechanically resist the stress of transportation and loading into the furnace. X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an established method for characterisation of internal structures in material science. This non-destructive technique can provide information on size and distribution of particles and grains. However, the information is not limited to the size, but also can yield structural features like orientation and position of cracks and fractures, which are important features indicating potential for deteriorating the agglomerates. Furthermore, deduced features such as contact conditions of inclusions or boundary surfaces can also be calculated. We studied binder-free tablets of manganese-oxyhydroxide, bentonite, kaolinite and slag powder using micro-CT. Inclusions of highly absorbing particles were identified using a watershed transformation with automatic segmentation by Otsu thresholding. Subsequently, the resulting data was analysed regarding their volume percentage, distribution in size and location within the sample. For the slag agglomerates, the volume fraction of iron could be determined. Furthermore, visible cracks were investigated with the goal to determine the long-term durability. It was shown that the data provided by micro-CT is reliable and helpful for the characterisation of industrial waste agglomerates. Keywords: X-ray, computed tomography, micro-CT, agglomerates, manganese fines, slags, kaolinite, bentonite

Jan 1, 2020

By J. W. Whitney

Itronics Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Itronics Metallurgical, Inc. (IMI), has successfully developed technology that allows it to be fully integrated as a photochemical recycler. IMI is now using this technology to expand its regional operation, which collects used photographic chemicals, chemically removes 99.997% of the silver and uses the residual to make a line of high quality liquid multinutrient liquid fertilizer products. Elevated silver discharges from the Reno-Sparks sewage treatment facility, that were traced back to incoming waste photographic chemicals and which were seriously impacting the sensitive fishery, provided the impetus for this project. This paper is updated from a paper presented at the Twenty-Second International Precious Metals Conference Toronto, Ontario, Canada in June 1998. It presents an overview of the scope of the problem solved by the technology, some of the permitting and development issues, and some of the specific fertilization formulations that are now being marketed.

Jan 1, 2000

During the period 1979 thru 1982, Multi Mineral Corporation conducted a mining research program at the United States Department of the Interior&apos;s Bureau of Mines Oil Shale Mining Environmental Research Facility in the Central Piceance Creek Basin, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The program consisted of mining, environmental and geotechnical research data and, the results are described in this report.

Jan 1, 1983

By L. C. Graton

At the Tenth International Geological Congress, Mexico, 1906, Waldemar Lindgren presented "The Relation of Ore Deposition to Physical Conditions." Retrospect ranks it as the outstanding offering at that Session and as the most fundamental contribution up to that date on the philosophy of ore deposition. Elaborating thereon in his text-book "Mineral Deposits," Lindgren analyzed ore-forming processes under conditions prevailing from great depth up to surface; explained the nature of deposition in each environment; and developed a comprehensive genetic ore classification, which brought wide acceptance and enriching contributions by many. Since Lindgren's latest edition (1933), have come wealths of material relevant to ore genesis, particularly through amazing renaissance and proliferation throughout science. Current publication regarding ores now emanates largely from a generation caught in pressures of the breathless modern tempo, which tempts scant reflection upon earlier truths. Consequently, today's thrilling output contains not a few offerings that need challenge because supplanting interrelationship and system by what seems, collectively, an assemblage of strange, ad hoc and often self-contradictory concepts. From these latter some merit may eventuate but at the probable cost of present confusion and delayed progress. The following pages, naming numerous post-Lindgren advances, record the conviction, held by many, that Lindgren's philosophy, progressively improved, remains the soundest approach to understanding ore genesis.

Jan 1, 1968

By D. Ofiara, M. Lewis

Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) have been used in mining in decades past, but their use has been limited and sporadic. This has changed in recent years, with TBMs being used at Stillwater Mine, Grosvenor Coal Mine Slopes, Sirius Minerals potash mine, and more. These machines are all full face, circular TBMs—a design that has thus far have been unable to tackle a larger issue for mines: typically a flat floor is needed for mining vehicles to traverse. A novel type of non-circular boring machine is now answering the need to quickly reach underground ore bodies while cutting a rectangular profile in hard rock. This cross section allows for use of typical mine trucks and other rubber-tired mine vehicles. The machine uses disc cutters to cut the rock, and has a support structure similar to an open type TBM; however, the cutting geometry is entirely different. The machine is currently cutting an access tunnel at a silver mine. This paper reviews the design and operation of the novel noncircular tunnel boring machine, and describes possible future adaptations to provide safe, sustainable mine development.

Mar 2, 2022

By Patrick K. Wong, Richard Kelly

"The variability in strength and compressibility of in situ deep soil mixing products can be greater than the variability of the natural soil. However, satisfactory performance can be achieved by careful construction and an appropriate QA/QC program. This paper presents a case study on the use of deep dry soil mixing columns to support several embankments over soft clay along a highway project. Post-construction settlement monitoring indicated that good performance is achieved where the acceptance criteria are met, except in an area with high organic content. Embankments with contrasting performance are compared to the quality control test results which comprised laboratory testing of core samples as well as in situ test results such as pull-out and push-in vanes and conventional cone penetration tests. Drawing on the performance results and quality control testing, discussions and guidelines are given on quality assurance acceptance criteria and construction control testing regime for future projects.INTRODUCTIONBetween 2008 and 2012, the largest deep dry soil mixing (DSM) contract during that time in the southern hemisphere was carried out for the Ballina Bypass project. The project, comprising 12 km upgrade of the Pacific Highway located in northern New South Wales close to the border of Queensland, was commissioned by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) of NSW. The ground improvement contractor was Keller Ground Engineering (KGE) Australia. Seven different types of ground improvement techniques were employed for the project, ranging from low embankment strategy with nominal preloading, to surcharge with wick drains, light weight bottom ash fill, DSM, vibro-replacement stone columns, dynamic replacement, and vacuum consolidation (installed by Menard Bachy Pty Ltd). Different techniques were chosen depending on time program, cost, and performance requirements relative to proximity to piled structures (e.g. bridge abutments) and post-construction settlement and differential settlement for either rigid or flexible pavements at different locations.DSM was the most utilized ground improvement technique employed on the project, comprising a total of about 285 km of 0.8 m diameter columns to depths up to 18 m for the purpose of supporting bridge approach embankments and culverts with embankment heights up to 6 m. DSM was chosen due to the very soft nature of the clay soil with moisture content practically at liquid limit, and the relative speed and economy of the system. Dry cement powder at rates of 160 kg/m3 to 200 kg/m3 were pneumatically discharged via the hollow stem of the mixing tool, and mixed with the soil (using multiple horizontally mounted paddles on a single vertical stem) at high speed as the mixing tool is withdrawn."

Jan 1, 2015

By M Scoble

This paper addresses the importance of collaborative approaches to resolving future mining challenges. It attempts to provide some insight into understanding the theory, measurement, mapping and management of collaboration. This is related to the design and planning for successful research and educational initiatives. Reference is made to Canadian and global case studies and personal experiences.

Nov 22, 2011

By D La Rosa, G Power, K Riihioja

In underground mining, the often unpredictable variability in ground conditions may lead to the application of suboptimal drilling and blasting patterns, resulting in poor performance. Experience and pertinent information to develop and implement improved drilling and blasting strategies can be easily lost due to the lack of means to help engineers store, access and manage this information. The Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) through a series of industry funded applied research projects has been developing a system that can facilitate the drill and blast design, analysis, auditing, documentation and data management processes. The system is a hybrid between an information management software module called BMS (Blast Management System) and two design and analysis modules, 2DRing for underground production blasting activities and 2DFace for development blasting activities. A concise description of the software tools and its applications are given in this paper, supported by two case studies. Opportunities to further develop the software are also highlighted, they include options to integrate these tools to existing drilling and blasting automation systems and portable computing technology to facilitate the design, implementation and continuous improvement processes.

Jan 1, 2001

By S. Hume, J. Shepherd

Meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid(DMSA) was studied as an additive for thiosulfate leaching of gold. DMSA was added to solutionscomposed of either sodium thiosulfate or calcium thiosulfate and the solutions were tested for their ability to leach pure gold samples as well as a calcined gold ore from Barrick Gold Corp. Results showed prolonged leaching of pure gold samples when DMSA was added at a concentration of 5µM; however, higher concentrations were shown to inhibit leaching. Differential capacitance measurements of the interface indicated that DMSA adsorbed as a defective monolayer on the surface of gold at low concentrations and formed a more compact monolayer with increased concentration. It is proposed that a concentration of 5µM DMSA produces a defectivemonolayer on the surface that still allowsthe transport of oxidants to the underling metal while inhibiting the formation of polysulfide passive layers that arise fromdecomposed thiosulfate.The 5µM DMSA/CaS2O3 system was also studied using calcined ore. Results showed that the initial leaching rates in the presence of DMSA are lower than those obtained in thiosulfate alone. However, after 10h, prolonged leaching is again observed when DMSA is included.

Jan 1, 2015

By Bryan Ulrich

On March 20, 2014, the ?Roundtable Discussion on Innovations in Heap Leaching and Mine Waste Management? was hosted by Knight Piésold and Co. at the Red Lion Hotel in Elko, NV. This topic is timely, and formed something of a lead into the inaugural ?Workshop on Innovations in Waste Rock, Tails and Heap Leach Management.? That workshop, which grew from the 2013 Elko Roundtable, was held on the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) campus on May 19, 2014. The workshop was hosted by UNR and the University of British Columbia. Knight Piésold?s local representatives, Bryan Ulrich and Logan Jensen, were joined by Tom Kerr, president of Knight Piésold?s, U.S. practice; Rick Frechette, senior vice president, environmental services and Jeff Coffin, geotechnical engineer, from the Denver, CO office for the roundtable event. The event played host to about two dozen attendees from several western states.