Search Documents

By Y Li, D J. Williams, E Topal

A mine waste rock dump does not have any intrinsic value, yet is an inevitable structure in surface mining operations. Since the purpose of mining is to maximise profit, possible expenditure reduction in hauling waste rock to the dump, which can represent up to 50 per cent of the total operating cost, is highly desirable. Apart from cost, potential acid mine drainage (AMD), due to seepage from surface waste rock dumps containing reactive waste rock, could threaten the ecological balance, drinking water supplies and irrigation systems downstream from a mine site. In order to minimise these potential risks, selective placement of benign and reactive waste rock, and the encapsulation of reactive waste rock by benign waste rock, need to be carried out during the construction of the rock dump.In this paper, a new methodology, based on mixed integer programming (MIP) is developed to manage waste rock dumping. The model aims to minimise waste rock haulage costs by locating the optimum destination(s) for each waste rock block, while at the same time controlling the placement of reactive waste rock to minimise the potential for AMD. Tests on small-scale virtual data demonstrated that the model is capable of dealing with selective placement of different waste rock types, encapsulating reactive, potentially acid forming (PAF) waste rock, and stockpiling benign waste rock for encapsulation and rehabilitation purposes. The solution time for the MIP model is far less than the traditional manual approach, and the resulting schedule is up to 46 per cent more cost effective.CITATION:Li, Y, Topal, E and Williams, D J, 2012. Mathematical approach for better mine waste rock dumping management, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2012 , pp 207-214 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 10, 2012

By Ashirbad Satapathy, Sanket Rawat, Ramanand Shukla, Ravi Kant Mittal

Bearing capacity factor (Nq) and Adhesion factor (α) are the key parameters for analyzing the load carrying capacity of pile foundations embedded in cohesionless and cohesive soils respectively. Numerous models are available in the form of charts or equations for the computation of these parameters and hence, have been adopted by most of the International and National standards. Indian Standard for the Design and Construction of Concrete Pile Foundations, IS 2911–Part 1 (2010), also makes use of charts detailed in its Annexure B. However, the sources of these charts have not been specified clearly, making it difficult to back-refer to the actual models to assess their basis for resolving any critical scenarios encountered during design. The present study aims at acquiring a distinct understanding of the development of these charts in order to bring more clarity to the design process of pile foundations. The given charts have been compared with various models specified in existing literature and international standards for the calculation of Nq and α for both driven and bored piles and hence, the basis of Indian Standard charts has been identified. Moreover, it is evident that the use of these charts complicates the process of automation of analysis and design of pile foundations as well as the associated optimization studies. Additionally, the manual entry of data especially, from the logarithmic graph of Nq, escalates the chances of error thus, making it a critical concern for design offices. Therefore, this paper also presents a non-linear regression model for Nq and α, developed using NCSS software for both driven and bored piles. Through multiple iterations, the value of coefficient of determination for Nq and α has been found to reach greater than 0.995. The developed equations can be simplistically used for both manual and automated analysis of pile foundations.

Nov 1, 2022

By Daniel A. Payne

For many years underground mining in the Sydney Coalfield has suffered from the effects of high horizontal stresses. It is only in the last 15 years that they have come to be recognized, understood, predicted and even avoided. This paper relates experiences in three coal mines in three different seams in the Sydney Coalfield. The effect of the direction of the principal horizontal stress on the direction of drivage of gate roads, access roadways and longwalls is described. Results of a monitoring program to measure the change of magnitude and direction of the principal horizontal stress in the gate roads as a result of longwall mining are also presented as well as the effect of the direction of principal horizontal stress on the shape of sandstone/gas outburst cavities.

Jan 1, 1998

By C. Gatschlhofer, A. Krammer, H. Raupenstrauch, T. Hochsteiner, A. Holzer, L. Wiszniewski

The rising demand for lithium-ion batteries, coupled with international climate targets, emphasises the need for circular economy and zero-waste recycling approaches. However, so far, no industrial-scaled solutions are available that fulfil global recovery targets. Therefore, a novel pyrometallurgical reactor was developed at the Chair of Thermal Processing Technology at Montanuniversitaet Leoben to avoid lithium slagging and recover volatile elements via the gas phase. Nevertheless, previous results show that several impact factors, including interfering elements or pre-treatment steps, strongly limit the recycling efficiency of black mass. To simulate the black mass and provide feedback on possible influences of pre-treatment steps, cathode material from production with additives of interfering elements was analysed regarding melting behaviour. The results show that formation of a further processable alloy was increased by almost 50% when pretreatment steps were excluded, indicating pre-treatment steps as a major influence to be considered within this specific recycling route.

Jan 1, 2023

By C. O. Ruud, R. E. Siemens, D. Chandra

The mineralogical constitution of a lateritic ore dictates the type of metallurgical process that can be used to extract valuable metals such as nickel and cobalt . To provide needed mineralogical information on the interrelationships of the metals contained in domestic laterites , the Bureau of Mines awarded a grant to Denver Research Institute to study the transition - type , low - grade laterites found in northern California and southern Oregon . For comparison , limonitic - type laterites from New Caledonia and the Philippines were also studied . X-ray diffraction , electron microscopy , electron beam analysis , and conventional petrography were used to determine the mineralogical associations of nickel and cobalt in the laterites . Results showed that for both laterite types studied most of the nickel and minor amounts of cobalt are associated with the mineral geothite ( FeO ( OH ) ) . Most of the cobalt and minor amounts of nickel are associated with a mixed manganese oxide (wad ) mineral .

Jan 1, 1983

By A. K. Chetin, W. W. Fitkin

"The reservoirs of Mississippian Mi-dale beds and Frobisher beds found in the Weyburn field lie at the north-western termination of a broad productive belt extending 120 miles along the northeastern rim of the Williston basin. These carbonates, and inter-bedded evaporites, originated during cycles of marine transgression and regression, and were deposited as rock types characteristic of shoal, lagoon, and basinward shelf environments. The Frobisher-Alida Beds, which form a secondary reservoir to the main Midale Beds of producing zone are composed of oolit1c, fragmental-bioclastic, vugular limestone capped by an impervious dolomitic mudstone. Production is controlled by localized structural features resulting from de-positional build-up. Excellent reservoir conditions are accompanied by an active water drive. The Frobisher Evaporite, consisting of massive primary anhydrite with dolomitic veinlets, forms the floor seal for the Midale beds oil accumulation. A significant facies transition into an oolitic, bioclastic, vugular limestone characterizes this unit. Beyond the depositional margin of the evaporitic facies, marked increases in porosity and permeability of the en-tire reservoir are noted. Carbonate units overlying the areal extent of the Frobisher Evaporite exhibit a greater degree of metasomatism, dolomitization, and more abundant secondary anhydrite.Porous carbonates comprising the producing zone of the Midale beds are divided into an oolitic, fragmental bioclastic, vugular limestone, and an overlying granular marly lime-stone unit, capped, by the Midale Evaporite. Oil is accumulated in a stratigraphic trap bounded above and be-low by primary anhydrite and truncated by the post-Mississippian erosional surface. Mississippian strata dip basinward from this erosional surface in a broad homocline exhibiting only minor irregularities. Rapid lateral and vertical porosity and permeability variations are common. Localized, separated, porous lenticles contain interstitial water in areas where the Midale beds are underlain by the Frobisher Evaporite. The major portion of the field, however, is capable of water-free production. Bottom and edge waters are found in certain portions of the field. Productive limits are tentatively defined around most of the present field perimeter. A large area along foe southern edge of the field remains open to future development. Probable ultimate remaining recoverable crude oil reserves, as of September 30th, 1958, were estimated by Mc-Daniel Consultants Ltd. to be in excess of 330 million barrels."

Jan 1, 1959

By Alexander M. Gow

This paper summarizes a survey of fine-grinding practice in ore-concentrating plants throughout the United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba as reported in the Bureau of Mines Information Circulars on milling methods. The survey covers 49 concentrators, which have a combined capacity of over 160,000 tons per day. In these plants 470 ball, rod, and pebble mills prepare material for flotation, gravity concentration, amalgamation, cyanidation, and air separation. The ores are those of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, molybdenum, feldspar, and pyrite. The metallurgy is that of the period 1928-32. Of these 49 concentrators, 36 are in the United States. They can treat 134,400 tons per day, and they have 326 fine-grinding mills. In the United States there are about 100 active or temporarily idle concentrators, exclusive of the many plants in the Tri-State zinc district, the washeries of the Lake Superior iron ranges and the Florida phosphate area, and small gold and silver concentrators. These 100 plants have an estimated capacity of 290,000 tons per day and employ about 650 ball, rod, and pebble mills. Consequently, since this paper covers about half of the production of this country it may be considered as particularly representative of fine grinding in ore mills in the United States.

Jan 1, 1933

By T. C. Canter

Technological change is continually affecting the mining industry and the many papers being presented at this meeting reflect this fact. I fully agree that miners must remain fully cognizant of technology that can change mining costs and therefore your competitive marketplace. Despite the embrace of new technology and effective mine management techniques, the mining enterprise may not realize increased net income if the structure of the minerals marketplace is not understood. An important segment of the marketing structure for minerals is transportation. Transportation costs per ton can be much greater than the mining costs per ton and may accordingly overshadow hard earned gains in productivity. Change is greatly affecting the transportation industry but the change is driven more by governmental policy than technology. Although some technological advances are occurring in the bulk transportation business, the changes I want to address arise from policy. Policy changes have come from legislation in the 1970's culminating with the Staggers Act of 1980 and ensuing Interstate Commerce Commission decisions.

Jan 1, 1985

By Sidney Katell

An estimated capital investment of $76,499,800 will be required for a plant designed and built to produce 90 million standard cubic feet per day (std.c.f.d.) of synthetic pipeline gas through Lurgi gasification of bituminous char. This investment figure does not include the pretreatment plant, the cost of which is assumed to be reflected in the cost of the char fed to the gasification system. Shift conversion, C02 removal, and methanation are required after gasification in the Lurgi unit to make a gas suitable for pipeline transmission. Capital investment data are based upon equipment costs, January 1959. Based on a 90-percent or 330-day operating year, the operating cost before profit and Federal taxes with the char price as a variable will amount to the following: [ ]

Jan 1, 1959

By Robert J. Brennan, Edward R. Navrocky, John W. Buch

In an effort to establish a highly productive mechanized mining system for anthracite beds pitching between 10 ° and 20 ° , for which conventional mobile equipment is not adaptable , the Bureau carried out an experiment in longwall mining using an Anderton- type drum cutter loader and friction - type yielding steel roof supports . The roof- support system proved to be inadequate for breaking the overhanging roof at the break line supports , with the result that the roof broke over the solid coal . The accompanying subsidence destroyed the continuity of the roof in the work area , and the project was discontinued .

Jan 1, 1964

By E. F. Reed

CONSIDERABLE deep hole prospect drilling has been done in the last few years in the Globe-Miami mining district about 70 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona, and in the San Manuel-Tiger area about 50 miles south of the Globe-Miami region. More than 205,000 ft of churn drilling have been completed by the San Manuel Copper Corp. at their property in the Old Hat Mining District in southern Pinal County. The deepest hole on this property is 2850 ft; there are 49 holes deeper than 2000 ft. At the adjoining Houghton property of the Anaconda Copper Mining Co., where only one hole reached 2000-ft depth, there were 27,472 ft of churn drilling and 3436 ft of diamond drilling. Three churn drill holes were deepened by diamond drilling methods. Near Miami in the Globe-Miami district the Amico Mining Corp. drilled four holes by combined churn and rotary drilling methods, the total amounting to 13,879 ft, of which 2256 ft were drilled with a portable rotary rig. In the same district, besides doing a large amount of shallow prospect drilling, the Miami Copper Co. drilled two holes of 2560 and 3787 ft, respectively, which were completed by churn drilling methods. The rocks encountered in drilling at San Manuel and Tiger are described by Steele and Rubly in their paper on the San Manuel Prospect' and by Chapman in a report on the San Manuel Copper Deposit.' The rocks are well-consolidated Gila conglomerate, quartz monzonite, and monzonite porphyry. In some places these formations stand very well while being drilled, and three holes were drilled without casing, the deepest of which was 2200 ft. In other holes faulted and fractured ground made drilling difficult. In the Globe-Miami district the deep drilling was done in the down-faulted block of Gila conglomerate east of the Miami fault and in the underlying Pinal schist. The geology of this area is described by Ranaome. In the Amico holes the conglomerate varied from material consisting entirely of granite boulders and fragments to a rock made up of schist fragments in a sandy matrix; in the Miami Copper Co. holes there were more granite boulders and the material was poorly consolidated. Drilling was much more difficult and expensive in the Miami area than in the San Manuel district, mainly because of the depth of the holes and the formations drilled. All the deep hole prospecting described in this paper was done with portable rigs. The churn drill rigs were of several types, of which the Bucyrus-Erie were the most popular. Bucyrus-Erie 28L, 29W, and 36L rigs were used on some of the deeper holes on the San Manuel property. A few Fort Worth spudder types were tried, and the deepest hole at San Manuel was drilled with a Fort Worth Jumbo H. The spudder type is considerably larger than most other rigs used on this work and required a larger location site. The spudders were belt-driven machines with separate power units, and time required for setting up and moving was much longer than with the more portable drills. All the churn drilling was done by contractors or with machinery leased from them. A few of the contractors had complete equipment, including most of the necessary fishing tools. Unusual and special fishing tools were obtainable from the supply companies in the oil fields of New Mexico or in the Los Angeles area. Most of the contractors used equipment with standard API tool joints, so that much of it was interchangeable. Failure of tool joints is one of the principal causes of fishing jobs. It can be minimized if the joints are kept to the API specifications and the proper sized joints are used in the various holes. The minimum sizes that should be used with various bits are as follows: 12-in. and larger bits, 4x5-in. tool joints; 10-in. bits, 3Y4x41/4-in. tool joints; 8-in. bits, 23/4x 3 3/4-in. tool joints; 6-in. bits, 21/4x31/4-in. tool joints; 4-in. bits, 15/ix25/s-in. tool joints. Two rotary drill rigs were tried at San Manuel on the same hole, and a portable rotary drill rig was used on the Amico drilling for test coring the formation and for drilling in holes 3 and 4. Rotary drilling differs from churn drilling or cable tool drilling in that the bit is revolved by a string of drill pipe and the cuttings are removed from the hole by a thin solution of mud pumped through the drill pipe. The principal parts of a rotary rig are the power unit, a rotating table to revolve the drill pipe, hoists to raise and lower the pipe and to handle casing, and a pumping system to circulate the drilling liquid. The rig used on the Amico property at Miami was mounted on a truck. The larger rig used on the San Manuel property was hauled by several trucks and had separate turntable and pumping units. Diamond drill coring equipment was used successfully with the rotary rig in the holes on the Amico property. To allow for 2-in. drill pipe with tool joints, 31/2-in. core barrels and bits were used. With the standard 31h-in. core barrel there was considerable difficulty in maintaining circulation with mud, so a barrel was designed with a smaller inner tube and a broad-faced bit. This allowed coarser material to circulate between the barrels. Rock bits of 5 to 37/8 in. were used with the rotary rig for drilling between core runs. Diamond drill equipment is much lighter than churn drill tools, so that fishing tools can usually be obtained from supply houses by air express when needed. Three churn drill holes on the Houghton property at Tiger were deepened by diamond drilling with Longyear UG Straitline gasoline-driven machines. The open churn drill hole was cased with 21h-in. black pipe. In deep hole churn drilling, casing is one of the most important items, especially in drilling in un-consolidated material like the formations drilled by

Jan 1, 1953

By E. F. Reed

CONSIDERABLE deep hole prospect drilling has been done in the last few years in the Globe-Miami mining district about 70 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona, and in the San Manuel-Tiger area about 50 miles south of the Globe-Miami region. More than 205,000 ft of churn drilling have been completed by the San Manuel Copper Corp. at their property in the Old Hat Mining District in southern Pinal County. The deepest hole on this property is 2850 ft; there are 49 holes deeper than 2000 ft. At the adjoining Houghton property of the Anaconda Copper Mining Co., where only one hole reached 2000-ft depth, there were 27,472 ft of churn drilling and 3436 ft of diamond drilling. Three churn drill holes were deepened by diamond drilling methods. Near Miami in the Globe-Miami district the Amico Mining Corp. drilled four holes by combined churn and rotary drilling methods, the total amounting to 13,879 ft, of which 2256 ft were drilled with a portable rotary rig. In the same district, besides doing a large amount of shallow prospect drilling, the Miami Copper Co. drilled two holes of 2560 and 3787 ft, respectively, which were completed by churn drilling methods. The rocks encountered in drilling at San Manuel and Tiger are described by Steele and Rubly in their paper on the San Manuel Prospect' and by Chapman in a report on the San Manuel Copper Deposit.' The rocks are well-consolidated Gila conglomerate, quartz monzonite, and monzonite porphyry. In some places these formations stand very well while being drilled, and three holes were drilled without casing, the deepest of which was 2200 ft. In other holes faulted and fractured ground made drilling difficult. In the Globe-Miami district the deep drilling was done in the down-faulted block of Gila conglomerate east of the Miami fault and in the underlying Pinal schist. The geology of this area is described by Ranaome. In the Amico holes the conglomerate varied from material consisting entirely of granite boulders and fragments to a rock made up of schist fragments in a sandy matrix; in the Miami Copper Co. holes there were more granite boulders and the material was poorly consolidated. Drilling was much more difficult and expensive in the Miami area than in the San Manuel district, mainly because of the depth of the holes and the formations drilled. All the deep hole prospecting described in this paper was done with portable rigs. The churn drill rigs were of several types, of which the Bucyrus-Erie were the most popular. Bucyrus-Erie 28L, 29W, and 36L rigs were used on some of the deeper holes on the San Manuel property. A few Fort Worth spudder types were tried, and the deepest hole at San Manuel was drilled with a Fort Worth Jumbo H. The spudder type is considerably larger than most other rigs used on this work and required a larger location site. The spudders were belt-driven machines with separate power units, and time required for setting up and moving was much longer than with the more portable drills. All the churn drilling was done by contractors or with machinery leased from them. A few of the contractors had complete equipment, including most of the necessary fishing tools. Unusual and special fishing tools were obtainable from the supply companies in the oil fields of New Mexico or in the Los Angeles area. Most of the contractors used equipment with standard API tool joints, so that much of it was interchangeable. Failure of tool joints is one of the principal causes of fishing jobs. It can be minimized if the joints are kept to the API specifications and the proper sized joints are used in the various holes. The minimum sizes that should be used with various bits are as follows: 12-in. and larger bits, 4x5-in. tool joints; 10-in. bits, 3Y4x41/4-in. tool joints; 8-in. bits, 23/4x 3 3/4-in. tool joints; 6-in. bits, 21/4x31/4-in. tool joints; 4-in. bits, 15/ix25/s-in. tool joints. Two rotary drill rigs were tried at San Manuel on the same hole, and a portable rotary drill rig was used on the Amico drilling for test coring the formation and for drilling in holes 3 and 4. Rotary drilling differs from churn drilling or cable tool drilling in that the bit is revolved by a string of drill pipe and the cuttings are removed from the hole by a thin solution of mud pumped through the drill pipe. The principal parts of a rotary rig are the power unit, a rotating table to revolve the drill pipe, hoists to raise and lower the pipe and to handle casing, and a pumping system to circulate the drilling liquid. The rig used on the Amico property at Miami was mounted on a truck. The larger rig used on the San Manuel property was hauled by several trucks and had separate turntable and pumping units. Diamond drill coring equipment was used successfully with the rotary rig in the holes on the Amico property. To allow for 2-in. drill pipe with tool joints, 31/2-in. core barrels and bits were used. With the standard 31h-in. core barrel there was considerable difficulty in maintaining circulation with mud, so a barrel was designed with a smaller inner tube and a broad-faced bit. This allowed coarser material to circulate between the barrels. Rock bits of 5 to 37/8 in. were used with the rotary rig for drilling between core runs. Diamond drill equipment is much lighter than churn drill tools, so that fishing tools can usually be obtained from supply houses by air express when needed. Three churn drill holes on the Houghton property at Tiger were deepened by diamond drilling with Longyear UG Straitline gasoline-driven machines. The open churn drill hole was cased with 21h-in. black pipe. In deep hole churn drilling, casing is one of the most important items, especially in drilling in un-consolidated material like the formations drilled by

Jan 1, 1953

By G Harbort, V Lawson

Mount Isa Mines Limited operates one of the worldÆs largest underground mines in North West Queensland. ItÆs mining and smelting complex produces copper anode, crude lead bullion (containing silver), and zinc concentrate. Copper is recovered in the Copper Concentrator from chalcopyrite ore, converter smelter slag and rotary holding furnace (RHF) slag via grinding and flotation operations. During 2002 a project to optimise cleaner circuit capacity was commenced. Its aims were to minimise copper losses and minimise slag/chalcopyrite cross contamination by reconfiguring existing flotation equipment and the addition of new flotation capacity. To minimise cross contamination a Jameson Cell was installed and dedicated to cleaning of slag concentrates, which had formerly been conducted by three flotation columns operating in series. The flotation columns were re-configured to operate in parallel and dedicated to upgrading chalcopyrite concentrate. In addition a Jameson Cell was installed to reject entrained copper from a prefloat concentrate consisting of talc and carbonaceous pyrite. This paper discusses the logic behind the cleaner circuit expansion, recent test work relating to the Jameson Cell and the installation and commissioning phases. Difficulties relating to the commissioning are reviewed and the solutions to problems are highlighted. The benefits the reconfigured circuit has provided to Mount Isa Mines are also discussed.

Jan 1, 2003

By Pengfu Tan

In order to understand and control the formation of dioxins and furans in iron ore sinter plants and to possibly avoid expensive end-of-pipe removal stages, thermodynamic calculations on the stability of PCDD/Fs have been combined with sinter process modeling by means of kinetic simulations and computational fluid dynamics. Three thermodynamic databases of PCDD/Fs, derived using the Group Additivity approach and two computational molecular modeling methods, MNDO and PM3, respectively, combined with the SGTE database have been used to model the PCDDIF formation and the PCDD/F isomer distributions in iron ore sintering. The results show very similar conditions for the PCDD/F formation using the different databases. Concerning the isomer distributions of toxic PCDD/Fs, the calculated data derived from the MNDO method showed optimum agreement with measured values from industrial furnaces. The thermodynamic calculations also proved that the isomer distributions found in combustion processes are equilibrium values, while the concentration ratio of PCDDs and PCDFs in the wind boxes does not represent an equilibrium state. A CFD model of iron ore sintering was developed including the kinetics of 15 relevant chemical reactions with the aim of describing the temperature fields and the gas flow patterns in the sintering bed. On the basis of these information and experimental observations reported in the literature possible pathways for the PCDD/F formation in sinter plants have been identified: PCDD/Fs are formed in the critical temperature region of 250 to 450 °C below the combustion zone, are then carried downwards with the gas and condensed close to the bottom of the sinter bed. Transported to the discharge end with the solid mixture, they are again released into the gas phase when the flame front approaches the bottom. PCDD/Fs are also formed in the last wind boxes when the hot off-gases cool down and reach the critical temperature range. Consequently, methods to reduce the dioxin formation reactions are proposed including inhibitor addition to the sinter feed and off-gas quenching.

Jan 1, 2003

By Gabriel Gonzalez, Paulo Couceiro, Luis Manriquez, Alejandro Gutierrez, Juan Navarro

A high-stakes blasting campaign was successfully executed at a major open pit copper mine in northern Chile. This operation posed a significant technical challenge due to its immediate proximity to the tailings dam - a critical infrastructure whose structural integrity depends on strict control of blast-induced seismic vibrations. The geological complexity of the area, characterized by upper andesite interbedded with caliche (carbonate), further complicated the operation. This lithological composition, known for its high tenacity and cohesion, posed additional challenges for achieving effective fragmentation, necessitating a highly customized blast design and loading strategy. The campaign included four production blasts and one secondary blast, all executed under the constraint of not exceeding the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) threshold of 0.64g, as defined by the Maximum Credible Earthquake (MCE) scenario. To ensure compliance, geophones were strategically installed at three monitoring points (P1, P2, and P3) on the dam to capture real-time acceleration data. The use of specialized blast patterns, precise stemming control, and electronically sequenced detonations ensured that all recorded accelerations remained well below the critical threshold. A total of 496,163 tonnes of material were safely blasted, with 8,452 meters drilled and powder factors ranging from 419 to 594 g/ton. Therefore, this case study exemplifies operational excellence in controlled blasting, demonstrating the feasibility of safe mining near geotechnically sensitive zones through predictive modeling, rigorous QA/QC, and post-blast analysis.

Jan 26, 2026

By W A. Bardswich

The numerous factors associated with the prov1s1on of satisfactory air conditions in hot and humid Canadian mines are described. The main heat sources are auto-compression and the actual flow of heat from the rock. Temperatures reach 97°F at a depth of 8,100 feet. Various methods used in coping with high temperatures are described, including the use of ice stopes and heat exchangers. Moisture control, desirable air volumes and velocities, sizes of airways and methods of distribution are important considerations. A comparison of the temperatures, humidities and types of airways of two deep mines should prove useful in the design of future ventilation systems. Introduction OUTDOOR temperatures in northern Ontario vary from a low of around -40°F in winter to a high of about +90°F in summer. The average annual mean temperature over a 12-year period was +35°F, with a summer mean of 54 o and a winter mean of 16°. Because of low outdoor temperatures, a number of northern mines must heat fresh air for underground ventilation in winter; others, with high rock temperatures, are faced with a year-round cooling problem.

Jan 1, 1965

By M. A. Mahboob, T. Celik, B. Genc, I. Atif, S. Ali

"Mapping of hydrothermally altered areas, which are usually associated with mineralization, is essential in mineral exploration. In this research, open source reflectance spectroscopy data from the multispectral moderate-resolution Landsat 8 satellite was used to map altered rocks in the Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. The unique spectral reflectance and absorption characteristics of remotely sensed Landsat data in the visible, near-infrared (NIR), shortwave-infrared (SWIR) and thermal infrared (TIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum were used in different digital image processing techniques. The band ratios (red/blue, SWIR 2/NIR, SWIR 1/NIR), spectral band combinations (Kaufmann ratio, Sabins ratio) and principal component analysis (Crosta technique) were applied to efficiently and successfully map hydrothermal alteration minerals. The results showed that the combination of spectral bands and the principal component analysis method is effective in delineating mineral alteration through remotely sensed satellite data. The validation of results by using the published mineral maps of the Council for Geoscience South Africa showed a good relationship with the identified zones of mineralization. The methodology developed in this study is cost-effective and time-saving, and can be applied to inaccessible and/or new areas with limited ground-based knowledge to obtain reliable and up-to-date mineral information.IntroductionMany developing nations depend on exploration and exploitation of mineral resources to sustain their economic growth. Usually, the traditional mineral exploration techniques require enormous finances, prolonged time, and tremendous manpower, particularly in areas that are not easily reachable (Maduaka, 2014). Furthermore, mineral exploration required state-of-the-art techniques and expertise along with geological, geochemical, and geophysical datasets, which may not be easily available or may be lacking where access is problematic (Kaiser et al., 2002; Bemis et al., 2014). Modern remote sensing technology has proved to be one of the highly efficient and robust techniques used for mineral exploration. The use of remote sensing satellite images for geological mapping and mineral exploration usually involves studying the physicochemical properties of rocks and weathering soils, such as mineralogy, landforms, geochemical signatures, and the spatiall distribution of lineaments (Bhattacharya et al., 2012)."

Mar 1, 2019

By Sally Gillies

During the 14 years since the last update to National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101), there have been many discussions between Canadian regulators and mining companies about mining disclosure deficiencies that arise from regulatory reviews. These discussions are not made public, and as a result, there has been some drift in how NI 43-101 is interpreted by the regulators, which in turn creates uncertainty for the mining companies trying to comply with the instrument. To reduce uncertainty in mining disclosure requirements, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has issued a notice to update the current NI 43-101 with a streamlined instrument and form. Changes and benefits are listed in the “CSA Notice and Request for Comment — Proposed Repeal and Replacement of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects,” which is available on the Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia Securities Commission websites. The public has been invited to comment, with the comment period ending on Oct. 10, 2025. The 43-101 Companion Policy (43-101 CP) provides an update to the views of the regulators on how the CSA staff interpret and apply certain provisions of the instrument. Collectively, some of the changes to NI 43-101, the form and 43-101 CP are likely to increase the financial and other burdens on the mining companies responsible for the disclosure, and the qualified persons (QPs) who create the disclosure. In other instances, there are missed opportunities to reduce the burden on mining companies and QPs without impacting the markets.

Sep 1, 2025

By Y Xie, L O’Connor, S C. Dominy

"Sheeted vein gold deposits are characterised by multiple subparallel veins and free milling gold. In situ heterogeneity of mineralisation results in grade and process parameter variability, which will increase project risk. Measured variability is often enhanced by poorly designed sampling and test work protocols. Protocols that are optimised within the framework of the theory of sampling to suit the ore type, together with quality assurance/quality control systems, will reduce variability and provide fit-for-purpose results. The geometallurgical approach requires spatially distributed samples within a deposit to support variability modelling. Diverse attributes from core logging, mineralogical/textural determination and small-scale tests are used to measure variability. This contribution emphasises early stage geometallurgical intervention during project development. It presents a discussion of representative sampling in the context of the theory of sampling. A case study presents a protocol that exemplifies how data can be gained from a well-designed and planned program to support a resource estimate and prefeasibility study.CITATION:Dominy, S C, O’Connor, L and Xie, Y, 2016. Sampling and Test Work Protocol Development for Geometallurgical Characterisation of a Sheeted Vein Gold Deposit, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 97–112 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By V. E. Dementiev, V. I. Kulikov, G. I. Voiloshnikov, Yu. O. Fedorov

"The report presents the summary of the JSC Irgiredmet’s activities in the field of preconcentration of ores. As of 2018, the Institute has almost 40-years’ experience in this area. Over the years, Irgiredmet has done a lot of work – from development to implementation of new technologies of ore piece sorting and concentration based on X-ray radiometric separation (XRRS). INTRODUCTION Preconcentration has been a challenging issue of the mining industry over the last decades. The implementation of this technology can significantly increase mining efficiency. The main application of preconcentration is improvement of mined ores quality, however new and more complex issues have arisen with the evolution of the technology. Irgiredmet has started to develop an efficient preconcentration technology for gold-bearing and rare-metal ores 40 years ago. The X-ray radiometric method widely used at that date as a method of elements determination in geology and geophysics become the ground for this work (1). Since that time, the Irgiredmet Institute has developed and significantly improved the technology of piece ore sorting, or XRRS (2-5), that is currently also known as the X-ray fluorescence method. The progress of the XRRS development achieved by Irgiredmet in cooperation with Rados LLC, Tekhnoros LLC (Krasnoyarsk), Rados-Service LLC and CJSC Tekhnogen (Ekaterinburg) has proved efficiency and applicability of the XRRS technology for processing a wide range of minerals and solving of various technological problems (7-9) compared to other radiometric methods (6). Furthermore, obtained results are supported by numerous studies, trials and implementations. The significance of ore preconcentration for greenfield and brownfield projects determined the establishing a new subdivision of Irgiredmet, the XRRS Technology Center (XRRS TC), that has provided the Institute with a completed range of processing technologies, from preconcentration to producing final products. Over the past few years, the XRRS Technology Center has carried out studies and testing of a numerous (more than 100) projects, mines and deposits of gold-bearing ores, rare metal ores (Be, Ta, Nb, W, Mo), base metal ores (Cu, Sb, Zn, Pb), ferrous metal ores (Fe, Ti, Cr), rough diamonds and coal. The XRRS Technology Center performs various specific studies and testing not only in Russia, but as well as in Kazakhstan, Georgia and Mongolia. Mines and companies from Chile, India, China, Iran and other countries also take an active interest in the XRRS technology."

Jan 1, 2018