Search Documents

By W. B. Tarpley

This program was conducted to demonstrate the unique advantages of suppressing methane ignition in underground mines by use of Energy & Minerals Research Company's thixogel fire extinguishing system, which stably suspends dry powder extinguishing agent in thixotropically gelled liquefied gas extinguishant. As anticipated, the project demonstrated thixogel system advantages of: 1) capability to disperse state-of-the-art powders in thixogelled Halons; 2) non-agglomerating stability for dependable expulsion; 3) stability in storage for long shelf life; 4) virtually in¬stantaneous dispersion; 5) expansive cloud formation; 6) reach and re-forming around obstacles; 7) at least twice the extinguishant effectiveness; and 8) compatibility of use with Fenwal bottles and MSHA canisters. Thus, it should prove a superior explosion/fire suppressant for coal face cutters and triggered barriers, as well as for motorized equipment, electrical equipment and the like.

Jan 1, 1981

By R. L. Loofbourow

Most wet mines face unquantified water costs as well as the obvious wing costs. Both kinds of cost are multiplied by work at greater depth and by higher unit prices. This intensified challenge merits renewed or perhaps altogether new response. Any practicable way to reduce inflow tackles both obvious and unquantified costs. Ten groups of possible ways to do it are cited. Most have been demonstrated. Two are known from work other than mining. Surely new means can be found. Here are opportunities for operators of wet mines!

Jan 1, 1980

By F. C. Noyes

DAME Nature was in a generous mood when she distributed widely over the face of the globe numerous deposits of phosphate rock from which man can make phosphatic festiIizer to replace the phosphate re- moved from the soil by crops. The principal deposits are readily accessible to the world's greatest consuming areas and most of them are such that mining operations can be carried on at relatively low cost. The world's known reserves shown in Table 1 are sufficient to last well over 2000 gears at the present rate of consumption. Before giving a brief outline of the phosphate rock industry of foreign countries let us try to get a picture of the movement of phosphate rock throughout the world in 1938, the last full normal calendar year where it came from and where it was consumed. Table 2 shows the origin and finial destination of world shipments in 1938 by grand divisions. Table 3 (p. 499) shows shipment9 of phosphte rock to each country in Europe. Europe is seen to be by far the world's greatest market and the French North African mines the world's most important producers outside of the U. S. A.

Jan 1, 1944

By J. L. Johnson

Remediation of small-arms firing ranges is being investigated by the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory and the U.S. Bureau of Mines. Scheduled closures of military installations, as well as the management of active ranges, require the development of methodologies for heavy metals removal to prevent their entering the surrounding environment. The impact berms contain high concentrations of metals, and the soil and vegetation surrounding the berms were found to have slightly elevated levels. The heavy metals characterized are in the form of whole bullets, a wide size distribution of free fragments, smeared lead on the surface of the soil grains, and very finely attached particles. Gravity beneficiation can remove liberated metal contamination effectively. Weak acetic acid leaching shows promise in lowering the final metal contamination to allow the soil to pass the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) criteria.

Jan 1, 1991

By D. R. Nagaraj

The traditional (popular) approach to reagent development and optimization, which has become entrenched in both research and practice for many decades, is highly reductionistic, incremental and costly, does not produce robust chemical solutions, and is not sustainable. There are also several other key drivers and changes in the mineral industry that clearly warrant a new approach. In response to these, an intense effort was made at Cytec over the past fifteen years to develop a meaningful, efficient, and sustainable approach to develop new reagents and robust chemical solutions in mineral separations. This effort culminated in three important outcomes: a) development of the holistic approach, called FLOTATION MATRIX 100? process, b) novel reagents, and c) enhanced application knowledge for reagents. In this paper, the efficiency, utility and power of the holistic approach will be demonstrated with examples using both existing and new reagents in the processing of Cu-Au, Au and Cu-Mo ores.

Jan 1, 2014

By E. S. Bartlett, D. N. Williams

QUANTITATIVE values for the oxidation rate of unalloyed molybdenum in air at temperatures above the melting point (1460°F) of the characteristic oxide are contained in the literature as a result of previous investigations. Lustman' reported values corresponding to 0.36 in. penetration per day (IPD) at 1500 and 1600°F in still air, noting essentially no variation in rate with temperature. Jones, Spretnak, and Speiser' reported values corresponding to 0.14 and 0.13 IPD at 1500 and 1800°F, respectively, in still air, attributing the decreased oxidation rate at higher temperatures to a lesser accumulation of the corrosive molten oxide on the surface at the higher temperature as a result of increased volatilization rate. Harwood3 ecently summarized work in the field, presenting generalized data corresponding to 0.48 to 0.96 IPD at 1800°F and 0.55 to 0.83 IPD at 1700°F in slowly flowing air. In a recent program at Battelle, it became desirable to know more about the characteristic oxidation behavior of molybdenum under varying conditions of temperature and atmosphere. Using oxidation-test apparatus designed for dynamic, continuous recording of weight change during testing,' values for the oxidation rate of molybdenum were obtained at temperatures from 1400 to 2150°F. In addition the effect of air flow on the oxidation rate was studied briefly at temperatures of 1600, 1800, and 2000°F. Exhaust of the contaminated atmosphere from the oxidation chamber was effected by an impeller pump attached to a 3/16-in.-diam opening in the oxidation chamber. The volumetric exhaust rate (cubic feet per hour) was normally maintained slightly in excess of the input rate to avoid condensation of MOO,,' on the sample suspension rod. The entering atmosphere was preheated prior to admission to the oxidation chamber by a 1 1/2-in.-diam cup packed with shredded asbestos. The experimental data are presented in Table I. Comparing conditions 2 and 3 (taking into account the temperature difference) and conditions 8 and 9. shows that in the absence of forced exhaust an atmosphere of moving air results in greater oxidation rate than a stagnant atmosphere. The use of forced exhaust, as shown by comparing conditions 3 and 4 and conditions 14 and 15: resulted in an even greater increase in oxidation rate. By virtue of the size of the atmosphere input and exhaust openings, it was calculated that the exhaust velocity was about 60 times that of the input velocity for essentially equal volumetric flow rates. Because of the proximity (about 3/4 in.) of the exhaust port to the specimen, it is logical to assume that cleansing of the atmosphere immediately surrounding the specimen was accomplished much more efficiently by the exhaust flow than by the input flow at a constant-volumetric flow rate. Also, it can be seen by comparing conditions 4 through 7 and conditions 11 through 13 that increasing the rate of atmosphere flow (by increasing input velocity with a proportional increase in exhaust velocity) above some optimum value has little, if any, further effect on the oxidation rate. These results suggest that there is a maximum oxidation rate for molydenum at a given temperature which is obtained when conditions are maintained such that the partial pressure of MOO3 in the atmosphere surrounding the specimen is at a low value. By controlling the partial pressure of MOO, surrounding the sample, it is possible to control the rate of volatilization of MOO:, from the surface. This, in turn, affects the rate of oxidation, since the thickness of the MOO3 layer determines the amount of oxygen which will be able to reach the reaction surface.' When the liquid oxide layer is less than some critical thickness, i.e., when the volatilization rate is high, enough oxygen is transported to the active surface to permit oxidation to proceed at the maximum rate allowed by the kinetics of the oxidation reaction. However, if the volatilization of MOO,, is suppressed, the thickness of the layer of MOO3 on the surface increases, and the diffusion of oxygen through the oxide layer becomes the rate-controlling step in the oxidation process. The lack of agreement between the present results and those of previous investigators is presumed to be due to differences in removal of the oxidation product (Moo,) from the immediate vicinity of the sample. By comparing conditions 1, 5, 10, 12 and 14, it is seen that when forced exhaust was used the oxidation rate of molybdenum increased with increasing temperature. A rapid increase was observed between 1400 and 1600°F, attributable to the effects

Jan 1, 1959

By A. J. May

THE Star shaft is near the north boundary of the group of mining claims belonging to the Ground Hog Unit of the American Smelting and Refining Co., near Vanadium, N. Mex. The shaft bins and surface plant are served by a siding from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad, and this factor of railroad transportation influenced the choice of site. This paper describes the shaft sinking only, and does not cover the surface plant or other parts of the mine or its equipment. Experience with this shaft seems of interest because of the mechanical mucking, good rate of progress, and the costs obtained at the present level of labor and material costs. The shaft has four compartments, as shown in fig. 1. Equipment: Riddell Mucker: The mucking was done by a clamshell bucket and a Riddell mucker, which, as in other shafts sunk with this machine, consisted of a carriage mounted on axles with double flanged wheels that traveled back and forth on a swinging track, parallel to the long axis of the shaft (fig. 2 to 6). Three air motors were mounted on the carriage; one hoisted the clam, one operated the bucket opening and closing device, and the third moved the carriage along the track. The carriage was designed with guide shoes and could be hoisted to the surface in either skip compartment without trouble (fig. 4). During blasting operations the clam was tied on the rails and the carriage was hoisted up a few sets to protect it from flying rock. No attempt was made to hoist the carriage and clam together lest the clam catch in the timbers. The track on which the carriage operated was built of extra heavy 6 in. pipe with 1x2 in. strap welded on top for rails. A 1/2x4 in. angle was welded on the bottom of the 6 in. pipe with a 1 in. round rod welded in the angle for a filler and additional strength. The end or cross pieces of the track which kept the track to gauge, were also made of reinforced, heavy 6 in. pipe and were bolted to the long members on which the carriage traveled (fig. 2 and 3). This section of track was used, instead of heavy railroad rails, for two reasons: (1) this section would bend before it snapped and was much safer for the men in the bottom; and (2) it was a better blasting shield, and protected the timbers better, in fact, only five wall plates were broken by blasting in 1926 ft of shaft, although 150 to 225 lb of 40 pct powder was loaded per round, depending on the ground conditions. The swinging track was supported by four 5/s in. hoisting cables anchored to the end plates. There were also four safety cables fastened two to three sets above the carriage, which would catch the carriage if one of the supporting cables should fail for any reason (fig. 7). Clamshell Buckets: Two clams were used, each of 3/s yard capacity, both manufactured by Blaw Knox, Nos. 662 and 663. The No. 663 clam was 4 in. wider and 5 in. shorter than the No. 662, but seemed to dig and load more satisfactorily. It was easier to hoist and lower when it came up for repair. It did not turn over as easily, had less spill

Jan 1, 1950

By I. J. Geldenhuys

South Africa’s mining and metals industries have an illustrious history dating back to the Late Iron Age. We live in a complex and data-intensive world that has already fundamentally changed how we work and live. The outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in immeasurable suffering worldwide, but the crisis also accelerated many technological developments and altered the way we think about, and experience, technology and work. Problem-solving requires new and rapidly changing skills to manage the data tsunami. Whether at the rock face or on the processing plant, the fundamentals have not changed, although how we interact with minerals and their properties has changed dramatically. Sustainable processing and design are non-negotiable if we genuinely want to achieve the aim of the cradle-to-cradle principle. As we venture forth, what can scientists, engineers, technologists, and mathematicians learn from history? History is data presented in a context; sometimes, the context is also important. We exist in an age of data, with most of the world’s data created in only the past two years. History can enhance our understanding of the present and enhance our future outcomes. Lessons from history can help provide insights into making ethical and sustainable choices related to technology or engineering in the mining and metallurgical industry. Shifting the perspective of mining and metallurgy professionals from a narrow focus on complex technical solutions towards a broader context for problem-solving and designs that includes the entire ecosystem is crucial. In other words, using or reflecting on historical process development is, at its core, systems thinking.

Sep 1, 2021

By M. Leahy

"Very little is known about the large scale fluid dynamics and associated distribution of copper in an operating electrowinning cell, yet they will have a major influence on mass transfer and plating quality. The CFD model in this work is used to simulate an entire EW cell with 60 cathodes and 61 anodes, or 121 anode–cathode pairs, elucidating for the first time the three-dimensional (3D) flow and copper distribution in an industrial cell. Two methods for the distribution of electrolyte are modelled:1. Downcomer method: electrolyte is fed by a downcomer at one end of the cell, overflowing at the opposite end.2. Manifold method: a horizontal manifold pipe runs the whole length of the cell and feeds electrolyte via small holes in the top of the manifold pipe.The recirculation that develops within each anode-cathode pair, driven by oxygen bubble generation on the anode, is similar to that seen previously in two-dimensional models of single anode–cathode gaps. However a more complex 3D flow recirculation is established, which involves flow of electrolyte down the side gaps (being a path of low resistance for return flow) as well as the usual return flow down the cathode side of each pair gap. The bubble-driven flow is not influenced by the mode of electrolyte distribution.The electrolyte flow due to the manifold and downcomer is somewhat secondary to the bubble driven flow. In the case of the downcomer distribution mode, the high injection velocity causes a very turbulent flow in the first 1–2 m down the cell from the downcomer, with several large vortices developing. This may lead to some sludge particles being entrained into the bulk of the cell.In the manifold pipe case, the jet from each hole is dissipated very quickly, within the first 10–20 cm. The jets are directed into the downward flowing zone of the bubble-driven recirculation, which leads to unstable and periodic behaviour on a large spatial scale.In both the manifold and downcomer cases, there is a marked two-zone vertical stratification in copper concentration."

Jan 1, 2016

By Nikhil Dhawan, Shrey Agrawal, Ashwini Kumar

The current study investigates sericite clay as an alternative source of potash and alumina. The alumina and potash content in the sericite is approximately 35 and 10%, respectively, compared with 50–55% in bauxite ore. Muscovite and illite phases are stable, and direct leaching is found to be ineffective. Here, planetary ball milling was performed, which provided dissociation of stable phases to relatively reactive phases. The milling led to a five-fold increase in the surface area, resulting in enhanced leaching kinetics even at low acid concentration. The statistical design obtained optimal conditions of 8 h of milling followed by leaching in 1.73 M HCl at 75 °C, yielding 82% alumina extraction in precipitate with 85% purity in γ-alumina form and 63% potassium dissolution in sylvinite phase. The yield of the precipitate was ~65–68%, and the acid leach residue contained primarily silica.

By Russell R. Trengove

Core samples from an ore horizon 2,000 feet below the surface were successfully obtained by rotary drilling at the property of the Eureka Corp., Eureka, Nev. The ore was soft and friable; cores were not obtained previously with diamond drills. Whipstocking was used to get samples in a zone 200 feet from a vertical hole. A technique in shipstocking, by which the direction and deviation of the holes were controlled by means of nonfriction-type survey instruments, was successfully employed.

Jan 1, 1956

By K H. Esbensen

Optimisation of a real-time at-line monitoring system for control of industrial granule coating quality is presented. The system is based on a fluorescence imaging system, because fluorescence originates in the interiors of enzyme granules but is significantly quenched by a polymer coating (which is needed due to environmental precautions). We have developed an image analytical system for direct prediction of coating quality, which is based on application of the Angle Measure Technique (AMT) for image complexity characterisation; AMT is briefly described. The first part of the presentation addresses pixel sampling strategies within a digital industrial image, inherent in application of AMT, in which the unfolded image is regarded as a one-dimensional object in analogy with 1D process sampling in Theory of Sampling (TOS). The effects of random, stratified and systematic pixel selections in the unfolded image are evaluated. Also factors such as the fraction of image pixels and the effects of specific unfolding strategies (there are three principal strategies, termed æchopÆ, æsnakeÆ and æspiralÆ respectively) are investigated. It turns out that unsuspected artifacts are sometimes produced, related to the specifics of the unfolding procedure, which interferes with a straightforward 1D TOS process sampling analogy. These artifacts have a wider interest û among others, for 2D sampling û and therefore receive special attention in this presentation. The optimal pixel selection strategy for the AMT algorithm is found to be systematic or stratified sampling (not surprising according to TOS) of 500+ initiating points, but need to be unfolded in the novel spiral- or snake-wise fashions in order to effectively counteract these artifacts. This also has a general impact on various suggested standard schemes for 2D grid-sampling, among others, from the geoscience realms. The second part of the presentation is directed towards optimal image analytical sampling of a continuous series of fluorescent images (imaging of conveyor belts of æinfinite lengthÆ), ie optimisation of process image sampling. The minimum number of images needed to uphold a sufficiently good on-line estimate of the quality control (QC) parameter in question is found to correspond to the relatively high sampling rate of 15 - 20 per cent, which can be shown to be related to an intrinsic very high measurement error level (25 per cent) of a mandated analytical reference method.

Jan 1, 2005

By Zhonglin Ye, Guangping Dai, Ba Zhang, Yonggang Wei, Shiwei Zhou, Bo Li, Hua Wang

Decreasing copper content in slag is critical for improving copper recovery, where apparent viscosity is the main factor affecting the separation of matte/copper from the slag. The viscous behavior of copper converter slag was investigated during reduction process in this paper, and its non-Newtonian viscous behavior and shear thickening characteristics were clarified. The effects of silicate structure and solid particles in the melt on the slag apparent viscosity were investigated. As slag cleaning proceeded in an electric furnace, the magnetite gradually transformed into ferrous oxide, increasing the FeO/SiO2 ratio. With this ratio increased from 1.2 to 2.0, the slag structure was simplified, and its apparent viscosity decreased from 0.26 to 0.12 Pa·s at 1523 K. The iron phase was excessively reduced to metallic state; the slag contained metallic copper-iron alloy particles, increasing apparent viscosity. The apparent viscosity and phase structure of the slag corresponding to the iron phase reduction process were analyzed in detail; the results obtained in the present study are of great significance to the reasonable control of the converter copper slag cleaning process.

Nov 7, 2022

By T. Yalcin

In the Box-Wilson method, the correlation between dependent and independent variables is represented by a polynomial response function, whose constant and coefficients are determined by applying regression analysis to the experimental data collected. The five levels used for each variable consist of a minimum, a maximum and three intermediate values. A study was carried out using Ni-Cu ore from Sudbury, Ontario, in which 15 experiments designed according to the Box-Wilson method were carried out in random order and in duplicate. The two sets of replicate data showed close similarity, with an overall variance of 0.311 for the five parameters studied. The response functions were used to optimise frother dosage, collector concentration and air flow rate and an experiment was then carried out under the optimised conditions; the results agreed closely with those predicted by the response functions

Jun 21, 1905

By J. A. Finch, T. Weber

"Bubble size in flotation is strongly influenced by frother concentration in the pulp liquor. There is no accepted method of judging the dosage and thus how effectively frother is being distributed to control bubble size is not known. This will hamper certain plant test work where constant bubble size (e.g., when comparing reagents) is implicit. Bubble size is not easy to measure in plant and gas holdup is suggested as a surrogate in the development of a proposed “meter” to estimate frother concentration. The meter is calibrated to enable frother concentration to be estimated on samples drawn from any location in the flotation circuit. The meter and its calibration are described.As general background the action of frothers in reducing bubble size by retarding coalescence is discussed and the bubble generation systems for which the effect will be important are considered.INTRODUCTIONBubble size is an important variable in flotation. The flotation rate constant k has been related to mean bubble size Db by k % Db -n with n ranging up to 2 (Ahmed and Jameson, 1989) and even 3 (Yoon, 1993). Recent work has introduced k % Sb, the bubble surface area flux, given by Sb = 6 Jg / Db (where Jg is the superficial gas velocity or volumetric gas rate per unit cell cross-sectional area), i.e., n = 1 (Gorain et al., 1998). Regardless of the exact value of n, the significance of bubble size in flotation remains. In many plant trials it will be implicit that bubble size has not changed and attention will focus on other process variables. The measurement of bubble size, or a surrogate, would be useful addition to any test work.The size of the bubbles is influenced by several variables, gas rate, gas injection system (e.g., impeller design and rotation speed in a mechanical cell) and pulp composition (chemicals added, percent solids), but the most important is frother concentration (Harris, 1976). The frother functions by retarding coalescence (see appendix), which acts to preserve the small bubbles generated in the pulp (and permits a stable froth to form on top of the pulp). The measurement of bubble size is thus related to measuring frother concentration. The distribution of frother and whether sufficient (to control bubble size) is reaching the intended parts of the circuit then become important considerations. At present there is no simple way to judge frother concentration in a plant. In this communication we introduce a possible methodology, a “frother concentration meter”."

Jan 1, 2003

By Maria S. Gudjonsdottir, Miao Yu, Gudrun Saevarsdottir, Pall Valdimarsson

Around half of the energy consumed in aluminum production is lost as waste heat. Approximately 30–45% of the total waste heat is carried away by the exhaust gas from the smelter and is the most easily accessible waste heat stream. Alcoa Fjarðaál in east Iceland produces 350 000 tons annually, emitting the 110 °C exhaust gas with 88.1 MW of heat, which contains 13.39 MW exergy. In this study, three scenarios, including organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system, heat supply system and combined heat and power (CHP) system, were proposed to recover waste heat from the exhaust gas. The electric power generation potential is estimated by ORC models. The maximum power output was found to be 2.57 MW for an evaporation temperature of 61.22 °C and R-123 as working fluid. 42.34 MW can be produced by the heat supply system with the same temperature drop of the exhaust gas in the ORC system. The heat requirement for local district heating can be fulfilled by the heat supply system, and there is a potential opportunity for agriculture, snow melting and other industrial applications. The CHP system is more comprehensive. 1.156 MW power and 23.55 MW heating capacity can be produced by CHP system. The highest energy efficiency is achieved by the heat supply system and the maximum power output can be obtained with the ORC system. The efficiency of energy utilization in aluminum production can be effectively improved by waste heat recovery as studied in this paper.

Mar 1, 2018

By Manuel Villalobos Calderón

This paper presents the Enaex group approach to addressing the blasting challenges and outlines the solutions created. Aspects such as rock mass damage occurrence as a function of blast vibration frequency content has been studied, as well as the development of blasting methodologies for guaranteeing the full 100% extraction of all infrastructure blasts, including the all-important drawbell volumes. The development of such infrastructure volumes in one single event using electronic detonators and the associated achievement of ambitious productivity goals, are described as a critical part of the successful construction of one of the most ambitious UG projects currently present on the world.

Feb 1, 2020

By Antonio Segatori, Bjørn Holmedal, Kai Zhang, Trond Aukrust, Knut Marthinsen

"The visual appearance and mechanical properties of aluminium alloy extrusions are strongly dependent on the microstructure and texture of the extruded profiles, where the desired microstructure and texture may depend on the specific applications. In the present work, the evolution of deformation, as well as recrystallization textures during extrusion of AA6xxx aluminium alloys, have been experimentally and numerically investigated. Extrusion trials were performed in a laboratory extrusion set-up, which enabled immediate water-quenching of the profiles at the exit of the die, and thus the possibility to capture the deformation texture prior to post-extrusion recrystallization. The textures and their through-thickness variations were experimentally measured by the electron back-scatter diffraction technique (EBSD, and the deformation textures numerically modelled by coupling FEM flow simulations and crystal plasticity (CP) simulations. Different CP models as well as different choices of model parameters were employed and evaluated for texture predictions. With an appropriate choice of crystal plasticity model and model parameters, the deformation texture can mainly be predicted, although the accurate intensities are hard to reproduce. The corresponding recrystallization textures, either generated through spontaneous recrystallization of the extruded profiles or through post-extrusion annealing, are far more challenging to reproduce with available recrystallization models.INTRODUCTION Extrusion is a widely applied thermal-mechanical process to produce aluminium profiles. The properties of the profiles, for example mechanical, fatigue, fracture, corrosion as well surface appearance, are strongly dependent on the underlying microstructure and texture, and the requirements with respect to these aspects may vary with applications (Ralston et al., 2010; Dumoulin et al., 2012; Donati et al., 2013). Moreover, it is often a challenge to produce extrusions with a consistent and homogenous grain structure and texture along as well as through the cross section of the profiles. It is thus vital to understand and be able to predict (model) how different microstructures and textures are formed and how they evolve during and after extrusion, as basis for controlling the final appearance and properties of extruded profiles."

Jan 1, 2018

By R L. Verburg, R Johnstone

DeBeers Canada Mining Inc (DeBeers) recently submitted an Environmental Assessment (EA) for its proposed Snap Lake Diamond Mine located in Northwest Territories, Canada. As part of the EA process, a site water quality management plan must be developed. Plan development requires an integrated approach such that the key factors influencing water quality can be identified and managed to minimise potential impact. A system model was therefore developed to simulate the site-wide water quality conditions and mass loadings to the principal environmental receptor of concern, Snap Lake, during operations and post-closure. Requirements of the simulation included integrating hydrology, geochemistry, hydrogeology and site management practices in a dynamic way. A unique feature of the site was the need to accommodate a complex flow system that included a feedback loop between lake water and mine water. A system model was constructed using the GoldSim software package that integrated on-site water quality and flow measurements, as well as results from independent groundwater flow and geochemical modelling efforts. The GoldSim model simulated concurrently the movement of 39 solutes through the subsurface mine and surface facilities. Solute sources considered included four different waste rock and tailings types, explosives use in the mine, treatment plant discharge, and recycled process water for dust suppression. Separate solubility constraints were identified for different regions of the flow system (eg underground mine; treatment facility; surface water bodies). Kinetic test data were used to derive temperature-dependent rate constants for use in calculating mass inputs from surface sources such as waste rock piles. The model generated water quality estimates over time for a variety of management scenarios at several potential discharge locations. The integrated approach used by the model was effective in identifying the significance of key factors influencing overall water quality such as explosives use, mine water inflow rates, waste rock reaction rates, site/mine management options, and effectiveness of treatment. The model provides an example of an effective tool for comprehensive, integrated system evaluation and management.

Jan 1, 2003

Traditional mineral processing techniques are more and more difficult to recover the increasingly low grade phosphate ores today. Although bioleaching method has been attempted to process low grade ores in hydrometallurgical field due to economical and environmental reason, it has been hardly used in leaching phosphate ore at home and abroad. Strains of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans were collected and separated from the acid drainage of a coal mine in Anhui province of China. Ultraviolet irradiation and Microwave inducement were applied to the bacterial cultivation process to produce strains of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithi-obacillus ferrooxidans able to tolerate extremely low pH conditions and generate sulphuric acid by oxidizing elemental sulfur or sulphide and the mutagenesis can achieve higher leaching rate. The bioleaching result will improve more by the addition of Tween series surfactants.

Jan 1, 2014