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By Jay Black

In the thiosulfate gold leaching process gold is oxidized to Au+ by a copper(II) ammine catalyst and complexed by thiosulfate. Copper(I) complexes, formed during gold oxidation, are reoxidised to Cu(II) complexes by oxygen. In this study, we present the results of a spectrophotometric study of the Cu(I)-NH3-Cl system, which follows on from our recent investigations of speciation in the Cu(I)-Cl and Cu(I)-S2O3-Cl systems and is part of a detailed study of copper(I) speciation associated with the gold leaching process. Formation constants for Cu(I)-NH3-Cl complexes have been determined by modeling the systematic changes in the UV spectra that occur as the concentration of the components is varied. The analysis of the data indicates that three Cu(I)-ammonia complexes are present, i.e., [Cu(NH3)2]+, [Cu(NH3)Cl2]- and [Cu(NH3)2Cl] and their respective log Kf values are 11.13, 8.33 and 10.79 at 25°C. Investigations of the oxidation of Cu(I)-NH3-Cl solutions by oxygen in the atmosphere are also presented. These experiments indicate that the reaction of copper(I) complexes progresses through various intermediates. The presence of many copper(I) and copper(II) complexes in ammonia thiosulfate solutions complicates the task of determining optimal conditions for gold leaching. Further studies are needed to identify the complexes and chemical processes that are important in the Cu(I)-NH3-S2O3-Cl system.

Jan 1, 2003

By Lawrence P. Kennedy

The Lynne deposit is a volcanic-to volcaniclastic-hosted, Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag orebody located in the early Proterozoic magmatic terrain of northern Wisconsin. As of February 1991, core drilling has partially delineated a multi-million ton, near-surface, disseminated to massive sulfide deposit. The deposit is hosted by a gently dipping sequence of fragmental rhyolites, felsic tuffs, less abundant dacite to andesite flows, and fine-grained volcanic sediments. The deposit is broadly conformable With the host rock stratigraphy, but the ore zones thicken and coalesce in the central part of the deposit.

Jan 1, 1991

By CORNELIUS STEPHANUS LODEWYK SCHUTTE, WIEHAN ADRIAAN PELSER, JEAN HERMAN VAN LAAR, MICHAEL DAVID HARMSE

Rising electricity costs in South Africa have resulted in a need for optimized compressed-air networks in the mining environment. As a result, the financial benefit of air receivers needs to be reconsidered along with the economic dispatch strategy. This study investigates the use of an evolutionary algorithm in the mining industry to determine the potential financial benefit for various-sized air receivers, as well as their dispatch strategy. A genetic algorithm was selected due to the improved solution reliability and accuracy compared to other optimization techniques. This study indicates that a genetic algorithm can be used to determine the optimal dispatch of compressed air in the deep-level mining industry. Further, this study indicates that air receivers are financially viable in the mining industry and can be used to reduce operating costs, improving profitability.

Dec 1, 2022

By A. B. Walker

The effects of the injection of dry limestone additives into boilers for the sorption of sulphur dioxide have been studied in pilot and full-scale systems. The effects of such injections on boiler mass particulate emissions as well as collectability characteristics of the fly ash and reaction products are presented. Implications of the effects on the design and economics of particulate collectors, in particular electrostatic precipitators, are discussed.

Jan 1, 1971

By M A. Harrington-Baker, J M. Trudnowski

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have the ability to immobilise dissolved metals by precipitating them as sulfides, provided that a favourable biochemical environment is created. Such an environment includes the presence of sulfate, anaerobic conditions and the availability of organic carbon. If such conditions are engineered within a reactive barrier or field-bioreactor, most metals can be effectively removed. To demonstrate this concept, three passive SRB field-bioreactors were constructed in 1998 at an abandoned mine site in the vicinity of Butte, Montana, USA to treat acid mine drainage with characteristic elevated concentration of metals and low pH. Performance of the field-bioreactors, using aqueous samples, was monitored over 32 months until the project was terminated, field-bioreactors were decommissioned and solid matrix sampling of the reactive matter was performed. The most important analytical results are presented in this paper together with conclusions regarding the appropriateness of the field-bioreactors construction features. Only Zn, Cu, and Cd were being removed as sulfides due to SRB activities. Changes in concentrations of other metals (Fe, Mn, Al, As), which do not necessarily precipitate as sulfide, seemed to be affected by SRB only in an indirect manner by responding to increased pH caused by SRB activity. An innovative cellular containment system used for placing organic matter worked very well in preventing settling of the organic matter and ensuring uniform flow of AMD throughout the entire cross-section of the organic carbon with no preferential flow paths This demonstration was funded by the US EPA and was jointly administered by the EPA and the US DOE under DOE contract number DE-AC22-96EW96405. The project was implemented by MSE Technology Applications, Inc, Butte, Montana, USA.

Jan 1, 2003

By N Petropoulos and M J Thurley, E Righetti, M Wimmer

Fragmentation in sublevel caving (SLC) is vitally important. Both gravity flow and any downstream processes are affected. Reasonably coarse fragmentation may lead to larger draw bodies (isolated extraction zones) and hence potentially higher primary ore recovery and depressed/delayed waste rock inflow from above. Fewer flow disturbances are expected by mitigating oversize. In addition, it requires less boulder handling and reduces wear and possible hang-up problems in orepasses. To assess the present-day functionality of large-scale SLC, a multiyear, comprehensive measurement program was initiated. It covers the main elements for SLC, namely blast function, fragmentation and gravity flow. The present paper focuses on fragmentation measurements. An image acquisition system was used to document the drawpoint and the load-haul-dump (LHD) bucket for each mucking cycle. At the beginning, four buckets (about 70 t total) were sieved to validate the results of both 2D and 3D image analysis techniques. The fundamental and specific problems are discussed herein. At the moment, fragmentation of the SLC rings is evaluated using a quick rating system and a 2D fragment delineation software. The results enable a description of fragmentation and its variation during mucking but also – combined with the gravity flow measurements – conclusions on the fragmentation for different parts of the SLC ring. Possible influences on flow disturbances and ore recovery/dilution are investigated. The recent findings allow a better understanding of breakage and flow and support future process improvements.CITATION:Wimmer, M, Nordqvist, A, Righetti, E, Petropoulos, N and Thurley, M J, 2015. Analysis of rock fragmentation and its effect on gravity flow at the Kiruna sublevel caving mine, in Proceedings 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, pp 775–792 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 24, 2015

By R. M. White

Abstract. Gulf Coast Salt Domes are being considered for radioactive waste disposal and this paper describes the geophysical techniques currently being used and those being considered for later phases of the program. Detailed gravity work utilizing a modification of the Talwani-Ewing modeling technique, shallow high resolution reflection seismic surveys using the mini-sosie concept, surface electrical resistivity and down-hole geophysical logging to add a third dimension to all of the surface techniques and to allow inverse modeling of the surface data sets are being utilized. The logic of the combined geophysical surveys will be discussed as well as their relative economics and their relationship to the overall exploration effort.

Jan 1, 1980

By C Caris, K Fowle, M Schmid, E van Wyk, D Schofield, A Squelch, M S. Kizil

This paper has been written collaboratively by members of the International Mining VR Group. It is the first of a series of papers. Mining in the 21st century is a high technology industry that strives to reduce risk and improve safety through the use of improved processes and procedures. This risk reduction process is aligned with the innovative use of technologies often developed for other industries. Computer-based visualisation systems and their content are such innovative technologies, in particular the use of virtual environment systems and mixed reality. A primary objective of developing virtual environment systems and the mixed reality content displayed in them for the mining industry is to allow mine workers and operators to practice mine processes and demonstrate competency in tasks that will be encountered in day-to-day mining operations at mine sites. It is anticipated that providing easy access to virtual environment systems will facilitate the avoidance of high-risk situations through improved knowledge, skills, understanding and decision making. Via virtual environment systems mine workers will also be able to practice infrequent or emergency events and maintain preparedness for such events. Day-to-day mining practices can also be evaluated. The rapid pace of technology innovation and the decreasing cost of simulation hardware and software present a plethora of technology to the uninitiated. This can be confusing. In this paper taxonomy is presented that classifies hardware, what it can display and also content that can be included or displayed on the various computer-based visualisation systems. The taxonomy provides insight into where technology can and may be implemented in the future as virtual environments are a dynamic and evolving technology. The taxonomy should also assist in the decision making process when scoping or selecting technology for a particular purpose.

Jan 1, 2008

By Gerald Sherman

Mine fires are always dangerous and are frequently accompanied by loss of life during the period of confusion which is apt to follow their discovery. In metal mines, fires may result from the accidental ignition of combustible material, or they may be of spontaneous origin resulting from the rapid decomposition of sulphide. They occur frequently enough to demonstrate the need of some special equipment and a general plan for controlling them, in addition to measures for their prevention. Nearly all the large copper mines have had fires, and the methods of fighting them have been well described in recent papers, notably by C. L. Berrien,1 R. E. Tally,2 and others in discussion. The Copper Queen mine has many shafts, which are connected by underground workings. The deeper parts are ventilated by fans, but in the shallower portions natural ventilation through numerous connecting raises or shafts is sufficient. There have been several fires in the past few years, of which all are extinguished but one, which is under control. These notes cover particularly the preparations that are being made to check a new fire, partially or temporarily, and to facilitate the escape of workmen in the interval before a definite plan of fighting it can be established. A fire may occur in a shaft or station, or in some working farther away. In case of fire in an upcast shaft, the gas would escape to the surface and the immediate result would probably not be dangerous to workmen, as they could escape by other shafts. In a downcast shaft, however, the gas would be distributed very rapidly throughout a large portion of the mine, and men might easily be trapped and asphyxiated. A fire in mine workings, drift, raise, or stope, would be dangerous in a degree, but the draft there is likely to be less strong than in a shaft and probably a smaller area would be invaded by the fire gases. At the Copper Queen mine, in all drifts connecting with individual

Jan 1, 1918

As the mining sector increasingly embraces the sustainability agenda, and implements thorough environmental reporting in support of its case for a continued æsocial licence to operateÆ, there is a need for ever-clearer metrics for key areas of impact. It is clear that natural waters are both the predominant pathway and main recipient of the environmental impacts of mining. A new approach to summarising the impacts of mining operations on water quantity and quality is proposed, adapted from an existing generic framework, which is increasingly used to quantify the æwater footprintsÆ of cities and nations. This includes both direct water use and ævirtual waterÆ use, implicit in goods and services used by the mine. In contrast to the existing formulation of æwater footprintÆ, it is here argued that it makes hydrological sense to express the water footprints of mines in areal terms, as equivalent catchment areas. It is also important in the mining sector to capture systematic changes in the scale of impact, which can be anticipated and predictively quantified over the full life cycle. This includes the essentially infinite post-closure phase, during which æremanent water consumptionÆ occurs, either through physical water loss (eg by evaporation from pit lakes) or by ongoing contamination of sizeable flows of natural waters. Methods for assessing the water footprints of mines are now available, and the time is increasingly ripe for them to be applied in earnest in environmental reporting. An example application to a mine in a humid subtropical area of South America is presented. In that case, the mine site itself extended over 106 ha, whereas the maximum water footprint exceeded this by a factor of 27. Although the water footprint can be expected to decline by a factor of ten immediately after closure, sustained evaporation from pit lakes and tailings dams with water covers will gradually increase the remanent water consumption rate, such that the final post-closure water footprint remains about 25 per cent of that encountered during the peak of mining.

Jan 1, 2006

By Wright JK, Turner RE, Batterham RJ, Morrison AL

Simulation can play an important role in the design, optimization and control of complete industrial processes, the most appropriate method depending on the particular application. Most commonly, process models or simulators are means of representing the process which are either purely mathematical or physical. Mathematical models, however, almost invariably need to be based to some extent on experimental data or require experimental verification before they can be used with confidence. Ways in which experimental and mathematical modelling techniques can be combined to best effect are discussed, with reference to the simulation of iron ore induration and direct reduction processes. A novel method is presented for the simulation of direct reduction shaft furnaces. Small scale apparatus has been developed in which ore or pellet samples are subjected to the changing environment of the industrial process. The time dependent conditions (solid temperature and gas compositions) are provided by a mathematical representation of heat transfer and the conservation of mass and energy in the process Simulated.

Jan 1, 1986

By M. Frenzel, D. Ebert, K. Bachmann, A. D. Renno, R. Möckel, J. Gutzmer, J. Krause

With the increasing demand for metalliferous and mineral raw materials, and consequent depletion of the global natural resource base, the possible utilization of secondary raw material sources is receiving more and more attention. In the present study, we present results from a detailed vanadium deportment study of three basic oxygen furnace slag (BOS) samples known to containing elevated bulk concentrations of vanadium (V). Complementary analytical methods that were used to quantify the abundance and composition of V-containing phases include SEM-based automated mineralogy, Xray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction as well as electron probe microanalysis. The vanadium deportment was quantified using Monte-Carlo simulations of the data obtained from automated mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis. The total V concentrations identified by XRF are between 1.7 and 2.2 weight percent V. The most important hosts of vanadium are larnite-, brownmillerite- and portlandite-solid solutions. In two samples, calcium carbonates also significantly contribute to the V deportment, while wuestite, lime and native iron do not contribute significantly to the vanadium deportment. A thorough consistency check identifies considerable uncertainties in the density of the Vbearing phases as the most likely reason to explain remaining discrepancies between measured and calculated V values.

Aug 1, 2024

By D. Bhattacharyya

The adsorption and desorption of gold cyanide by activated carbon is significantly influenced by particle size of the activated carbon particles and the chemical environment. A series of adsorption and elution experiments have been performed with ten different particle size fractions. The tests indicate that although the ultimate adsorption capacity is independent of the activated carbon particle size, the adsorption rate is strongly affected by the particle size. Further, desorption characteristics using traditional Mintek and atmospheric Zadra procedures reveal interesting trends with variation in particle size and will be discussed in this paper.

Feb 23, 2014

By L. F. Christianson

The presence of salt in crude petroleum has been known for many years, but recently the percentage of chloride salts of calcium, magnesium, and sodium produced with some crude oils has increased to such an extent that the removal of the salty compounds is imperative for some refiners and their presence causes considerable apprehension for others. The exact reason for this increase of salts is not known definitely, but in all probability a combination of factors contributes to the condition. The most important are acidizing of wells, development of new fields producing crude oils of greater salt content, and the depletion of old fields with an attending increase in the production of emulsified brine. Due to handling

Jan 1, 1938

By Shengli Wu, Laixin Wang, Minyin Kou, Xinliang Liu, Weidong Zhuang, Yujue Wang

COREX process has obvious advantages in environment protection but still has some disadvantages, for example, it has a higher sulfur content of hot metal than blast furnace. In this paper, the thermodynamics and dynamics of desulfurization have been investigated to obtain the main operation parameters related to the mass fraction of sulfur in the hot metal. In addition, statistical analyses have been carried out to study the relationship between operating parameters and sulfur content of COREX hot metal based on actual plant data. It has been found that the mass fraction of sulfur in hot metal is significantly influenced by the C content in hot metal, MgO/Al2O3 in slag, the concentration of MgO in slag, the temperature of hot metal and binary basicity (R2).A linear model has been developed and subsequently used for reducing the mass fraction of sulfur in hot metal, improve the quality of hot metal and contribute to low carbon ironmaking.

Jan 1, 2016

By Dong-Wei Li, Tao Zhang, Diao Jiang, Zhou Wang

The feasibility of simultaneous vanadium extraction and phosphorus removal from vanadium-containing hot metal was demonstrated with laboratory experimental investigation.The effect of CaO addition on the distribution behavior of vanadium, phosphorus between basic vanadium slag and semi-steel as well as the influence of basicity on the leaching behavior of vanadium, phosphorus was particularly studied. Results show that vanadium oxidation ratio slightly decreases with the increase of basicity, but phosphorus oxidation ratio rapidly increases with the increase of basicity. The leaching of roasted vanadium slag with various CaO contents indicated that the optimal slag basicity for extracting vanadium was 1.5. The maximum leaching efficiency of vanadium could reach 84.02% and the sequence of vanadium leaching efficiency by using different leaching reagents was: 160 g/L Na2CO3 > 100 g/L NaHCO3 > 400 g/L (NH4)2CO3 > 5% H2SO4.

Mar 1, 2017

By D. M. Hausen

Multiple drill sections through many of the numerous breccia pipes in the American Eagle copper deposit at Copper Creek, Arizona, have been evaluated by means of alteration and geochemical data. Contoured plots indicate vertically plunging, concentric, cylindrical shells of alteration and mineralized rock that are similar in structure, geometry, magnitude and petrology to the San Manuel-Kalamazoo Deposit, located about 14 miles to the southwest. Both deposits are similar in dimension and consist of multiple, irregular, rod-shaped injections of porphyry into a granodiorite host. Analogous to the San Manuel-Kalamazoo Deposit, most of the porphyry plugs are oriented parallel to the cylindrical axis of the "ore shell". A continuously mineralized, elliptical shell, inferred from deep drilling, is capped by a flatter zone of copper mineralization. Above this flat zone, copper-bearing fluids were channeled upward along conduits that correspond with quartz-sericite "breccia pipes". At depth, zones of sericite and K-feldspar alteration products exhibit conformable relationships with the copper deposition. A "bullet-shaped" ore shell, with a nearly vertical axis, is proposed to explain the conformable zones of altered and mineralized rock. The "nose" or top of the "bullet" is 1800 to 2300 feet below the surface, and structurally controlled in part by steeply dipping Hi and ENE faults. If correct, this model suggests that the vertical ore shell may extend to great depth.

Jan 1, 1988

By H. J. Beach, W. C. Goins

The laboratory development and field use of oil well cement compositions* with high resistance to drilling mud contamination are described. Resistance is obtained by adding a I-lb mixture composed of three parts paraformaldehyde to two parts sodium chromate tetra-hydrate for each sack of cement. This mixture neutralizes the cement-retarding properties of quebracho and other tannins, starch, sodium carboxymethylcellu-lose, Ignite, and monovalent salts of lignosulfonic acid. The retarding properties of calcium lignosulfonate are unaffected. The decontaminating mixture may be used in common cement (designated Type I by ASTM specifica-tions,' Class A by API Std. 10A2) or in a slow set slurry prepared from common cement by addition of calcium lignosulfonate. No changes in slurry viscosities or thickening times are caused by the protecting reagents. The method has been used in 185 field jobs where an improved success ratio has been obtained in plug setting. INTRODUCTION Field experience and laboratory investigations have established contamination by drilling mud as a major factor in oil well cement failures. During 1955, 12 attempts were required to set six open-hole cement plugs in the Timbalier Bay field, La. Eighteen to 30 hours elapsed between placing and testing the plugs in preparation for sidetracking operations. Considerations of rig time expense required immediate resetting where soft cement was drilled after a reasonable waiting period. Sea water drilling mud was used in each well and daily additions of thinners, usually lignites, had been required. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose had been added regularly to control fluid loss. The 50 per cent plug failures were attributed primarily to contamination by the mud. Similar experiences can be found in other fields along the Texas and Louisiana coasts where drilling muds normally contain large quantities of organic treating materials. Cement contamination was the subject of a survey by the Mid-Continent District Study Committee on Cementing Practices and Testing of Oil-Well Cements of the API.3 Data collected from member laboratories and released in Sept., 1951, reported the effects of a number of drilling mud treating chemicals on cement. The study revealed that many of the additives, notably the organic materials in relatively small quantities, had marked effects on the properties of cements tested. Severe losses in strength and erratic thickening time resulted from small additions of mud treating chemicals such as quebracho, starch, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and lignite. The report included no recommendations of methods for overcoming the problem. One investigation of the contamination problem reported the successful use of activated charcoal in setting cement plugs after conventional slurries had failed.4,5 The investigation indicated that an optimum concentration of 5 per cent activated charcoal was effective in combating contamination from 16.7 volume per cent of treated mud. Laboratory and field muds were included in tests and contained varied quantities of ode or more of the following: quebracho, caustic, starch, lime, and calcium lignosulfonate. The function of the charcoal appears to be physical, removing the organic materials by adsorption. The method may be employed in API Class A or Class D (unretarded slow set) cements. The chemical approach presented here is based on

Jan 1, 1958

By A. Kapito

The ferrite-pearlite microstructure is the most popular microstructure for alloys used in structural applications, including railway wagon wheels. These alloys have been designed through alloying and thermo-mechanical processing to have a refined microstructure. Ferrite-pearlite alloys are low cost, weldable, have good fabricability, and are reliable under extreme conditions. Given these performance attributes, it seems unlikely then that their dominant position as structural steels would ever be challenged by alternative microstructures. One major achievement in the development of ferrite-pearlite steels has been in the refinement of their interlamellar spacing to very fine distances of the order of < 0.3 µm. A refined microstructure increases the hardness of the alloy, thus increasing its life under wear conditions. The interlamellar spacing in pearlitic steels has, however, been refined almost to its theoretical limit. The increasing demand for speed and increased axle loading on railway wagons requires the use of stronger, tougher, and more durable materials. This has opened the window for the development of novel bainitic steels. Bainitic alloys have a higher level of microstructural refinement than pearlitic ones. They have shown to have good wear resistance and rolling-contact fatigue resistance, and high toughness. This paper will discuss the progress to date on the development of bainitic railway wheel alloys. Four alloy chemistries have been chosen for possible further development.

Jan 1, 2012

By Alan Alhadeff

Why is mediation being hailed as the wave of the future? The high cost of putting on a trial, over-crowded court calendars and long trial delays have resulted in what prominent attorneys and leading jurists are calling a litigation crisis. In no segment of the legal world are these pressures greater felt than in the trial of the serious construction case. Furthermore, the siege mentality of both the plaintiff and defense bar often leads to a reluctance by either side to make the first reasonable offer for fear of showing weakness. Attorneys operating in the serious construction case arena express concerns that there exist insufficient opportunities for the parties to meet, tell their stories, and negotiate settlement prior to the eve of trial. Mediation, by opening lines of effective communication and encouraging meaningful settlement negotiation, has proven to be a very effective antidote to the litigation crisis.

Jan 1, 1990