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By Jianhong Dong, Min Chen, Cuihuan Huang, Bo Li, Nan Wang

"Scale layer can be formed on the slab surface in the areas of secondary cooling and strand discharge during continuous casting process. From 1000 °C -1200 °C, the influence of steel composition on the stable oxide phases inside scale layer, particularly the types of alloying elements including aluminum, silicon and chromium, is investigated under different partial pressures of water vapor by the calculated predominance diagrams of iron oxide as well as its intermediate compounds formed with other metal oxides, and the stable oxide phase composition within scale layer under the working condition of secondary cooling is discussed. At lower partial pressure of water vapor, only a iron spinel (or ferrosilicate) phase is the stable phase with any alloying element contents in steel composition, whereas the stable phases are FeO and iron spine! (or ferrosilicate) inside the scale layer at higher partial pressures of water vapor .IntroductionOxide scale formation on the surface of cast and rolled products because of oxidation by the surrounding oxidizing atmosphere is a significant disturbance factor in steelmaking. The yield loss of iron because of scale formation is considerable during continuous casting and hot rolling process. Surface quality more often is impaired by scale property, which increasing the difficulty of quality assurance, dimensional accuracy and performance control. Furthermore, a potential source for subsequent surface cracking (hot shortness) can be caused by the enrichment of scrap residuals (Cu, As and Sn) at the steel substrate surface as a result of steel oxidation [1-2]. In flat products manufacture via thin slab casting technologies, these phenomena are particularly pronounced and require enhanced development efforts in descaling efficiency [3].Compared with the scale formation in continuous casting, the quantity of scale formed during hot rolling and reheating in the rolling mill is larger, and control of scale formation and descaling is a long-established task in hot rolling. Therefore, extensive research and development work have been carried out, including the effects of heating and rolling temperature on the thickness and microstructure of scale layer, heating time and furnace atmosphere, cooling mode, and steel composition on the scale formation, more attention has been given to the control of scale formation during reheating and hot-rolling process. On the other hand, hardly any specific efforts and countermeasures are taken in continuous casting, and very less research has been done despite the network-type crack on the as-cast strand surface caused by the subscale enrichment of scrap residuals [ 4-7]."

Jan 1, 2014

By Saúl Lozano

Puesto que la empresa minera es tomadora del precio del mercado y los retornos financieros están basados principalmente en eficiencia y control estricto de costos, operar con excelencia resulta indispensable. Este documento busca, a través de la experiencia de Antamina, compartir los resultados del uso de metodologías, estándares, buenas prácticas, filosofías y herramientas adoptadas en la mejora continua de las operaciones. Se revisa el modelo de gestión de la excelencia operacional, incluida una mirada a la influencia de las tecnologías provenientes de la industria 4.0. Se concluye que la excelencia operacional forma parte de una gestión integral del negocio y es recomendable tener un equipo de personas que la impulsen y faciliten.

Sep 20, 2019

By R. Anthony Hodge

1. Today?s Reality: Voisey?s Bay EIA Activities of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency The Tulsequah Chief Decisions The Bank of Montreal The World Bank World Business Council on Sustainable Development The Government of Canada Many company policies

May 1, 2002

By F. E. Brantley

Optimum autoclaving conditions were determined for separation of iron and manganese values from pregnant leach liquor produced in extracting manganese from low-grade umber are. The umber was leached with a synthetic anolyte similar to a recycle solution, used in manganese electrolysis cell operations, that had been renewed with ferrous sulfate and sulfuric acid. The equipment used and results obtained are presented for the several conditions employed. The kinetics of the separation were studied. Rate equations were derived for the formation of solid ammonium-manganese sulfate, (NH4)2 Mn2 (S04)3.

Jan 1, 1968

By J. Hart, P. W. Conrad, S. Rosenthal, R. A. Hogan

The Mining Engineering Department at Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) has a new Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) approved program for Part 46 and Part 48 mine health and safety training. The training program will utilize the facilities and faculty from Montana Tech’s Mining Engineering and Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene departments to provide superior mine health and safety training to the mining industry. The faculty of each department includes professionals with experience in safety training and the mining industry. The training program incorporates adult learning techniques and extensive hands-on activities in all training modules. The instruction will exceed MSHA requirements. The resources available on Montana Tech’s campus will be utilized to strengthen the training program providing the mining industry with a world class mine health and safety training program.

Feb 1, 2023

By Charle Pelley, Kosta Fytas, Peter Calder

"A computer model has been developed which is capable of evaluating alternative production schedules (long- and short range) of an open pit mine once the ultimate pit limits have been defined. The model user can choose the best alternative according to cash flow considerations and the particular mining conditions. The model involves a combination of simulation for long range production scheduling and linear programming for short range scheduling. IntroductionMining of mineral deposits in such a fashion so that, at depletion the maximum possible profit is realized, has been a very old problem of the mineral industry. In the past, when high-grade ore reserves were readily available and profits were very high, no question of optimum profitability was raised.However, recently the complexity of both open pit and underground mining has been increased tremendously. The additional problems of continuously rising production costs on one hand and of depressed metal prices worldwide on the other, have been demanding optimum profitabiliy from every mining venture .Particularly in the area of open pit mining, the sequence of ore and waste extraction has now become very important since the size of the pits and of the mining equipment has increased enormously. The process of open pit mining involves a continuous change of the open pit surface and there are many feasible plans of extraction which lead to the same final pit shape (ultimate pit limits). Each of these feasible plans generates a production schedule over the entire mine life, which mayor may not be optimal."

Jan 1, 1987

Definir el concepto de exploración minera conlleva un estudio mucho más allá de las actividades minero-geológicas delimitadas por el cálculo de tonelaje del yacimiento. En este sentido, el objetivo del texto, señala una nueva noción, donde la exploración es un juego de azar caro en el que la extensión del yacimiento se mueve no solo en términos cuantitativos, sino que se invierte grandes capitales con un factor de riesgo. A pesar de esto, se continúa con la ejecución del proyecto, al tiempo que se evalua el apoyo del Estado, pequeños mineros, la Sociedad de Ingenieros del Perú, Instituto de Ingenieros del Perú, entre otros organismos interesados en lograr una economía promisora para la industria minera. Otro aspecto importante en su ejecución, son los factores económicos y costos de producción tales como el aumento de jornales y salarios, costo de materiales y métodos más complejos de exploración. En esta perspectiva, la exploración se convierte en una forma de investigación que no requiere una logística compleja para el nuevo producto, aunque el enigma de la certeza persiste. Así, se necesita buen criterio y experiencia para determinar la etapa de exploración en la que los trabajos adicionales no son justificados ni necesarios. Una vez determinada el área a explorar, se necesita la adquisición de los derechos mineros, para la exploración primaria y asi aplicar el levantamiento geológico de la zona, que fijará una tasación aproximada dentro del espacio explorado. Por último, el estudio revisa la eficacia de exploración de las minas de Cerro de Pasco, como en Oyón, Cuajone, Tintaya, Yarabamba y Antamina, concluyendo que es necesario el empleo de las nuevas técnicas de exploración minera que se practican en otros países a base de una mayor liberalidad del Servicio Aereofotográfico Nacional, asi como es urgente promover un inventario minero-histórico en los 1244 distritos que comprende el territorio peruano en sus 1'331,410 Kil6metros cuadrados.

Jul 20, 1959

By R. R. Webster, H. T. Clark

The side-blown converter has been investigated as a possible commercial process for the production of low nitrogen steel. During this work, two converters of 3-ton and 22-ton capacity were operated on a pilot plant basis for a total of 214 heats. The steel made in these converters was low in nitrogen and possessed good cold working properties. Some problems of converter operation remain to be solved. IN plants operating with a high iron capacity, sev-eral different refining methods are used in the conversion of the molten pig iron to steel. These include various ore practices in stationary and tilting open-hearths, the duplex process employing the Bessemer converter and open-hearth, and the Bessemer process. At J&L, a considerable part of the iron produced is handled by the Bessemer process, either alone or in conjunction with duplexing, and therefore an appreciable portion of the steelmaking research effort has centered about the method. This paper covers research work on the development of the side-blow converter for the commercial production of low nitrogen ingots and includes descriptions of the operation of a 3-ton and a 22-ton experimental converter at the Aliquippa Works. The refining of iron to produce steel requires the removal of a large portion of the carbon and silicon and the control of manganese, phosphorus and sulphur which are present in the iron in varying amounts. The first large-scale means of refining iron was the acid Bessemer process which was brought into use almost 100 yr ago. This method, using compressed air as the refining medium, accomplishes substantially complete removal of carbon, manganese and silicon. Phosphorus and sulphur are not affected but, by choice of an iron composition sufficiently low in these elements, a commercial product can be produced. Since the process will handle large tonnages rapidly, operates without external fuel and with a minimum of additional equipment, it quickly became the major tool in the early expansion of the steel industry. Later, the basic open-hearth process, by affording control of phosphorus and sulphur and by consuming the large quantities of steel scrap that were becoming available, forced the acid Bessemer process into a secondary position in the industry. During the past two decades the demand for steel to be used in cold forming and drawing operations has gradually increased. Bessemer steel, because of its work hardening and aging characteristics, is not as suitable for these applications as basic open-hearth steel, consequently the decline of the process was accelerated. More recently, because of changing economic conditions, this long range trend appears to have been arrested or perhaps reversed. Ingot production data for recent years furnishes only an incomplete picture of the importance of the converter in the American steel industry; open-hearth furnaces utilize large tonnages of blown metal for which no published statistics are available. Metallurgical Aspects The fundamental difference between Bessemer and open-hearth steels apparently lies not in the method of manufacture but, rather, in the differences in chemical composition of the two steels. It is further believed that the principal features distinguishing Bessemer from open-hearth steel are the higher nitrogen and phosphorus contents of the former. Evidence supporting this position is supplied by tests on laboratory induction furnace heats that were made to contain varying amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen but were otherwise similar to normal low carbon silicon-killed steels. Fig. 1, 2 and 3, summarizing the test results, are taken from G. H. Enzian's paper titled, "Some Effects of Phosphorus and Nitrogen on the Properties of Low Carbon Steels."' Fig. l indicates that phosphorus has a marked effect on the cold work embrittlement of steel as shown by the work brittleness test of Graham and Work.' In the low nitrogen steels, which as a group have the better cold working properties, the effect of phosphorus variations is the more pronounced.

Jan 1, 1951

By W. Lee Daniels

Significant deposits (> 4,000 ha) of heavy mineral sands were discovered in the USA Coastal Plain of Virginia and North Carolina in 1989. The majority of these lands support highly productive row crop agriculture, and the development of restoration protocols that would return these lands to agricultural use was deemed to be critical to the long term sustainability of mining operations. Virginia Tech worked closely with all stakeholders to develop appropriate restoration protocols and to coordinate their implementation. Full-scale mining operations at the Old Hickory Project in Virginia were initiated in 1997 by Iluka Resources Inc., and restoration protocols have continued to evolve in response to a variety of economic, technical, and social issues. Approximately 750 ha of land are in various phases of backfilling and final reclamation. Return of these lands to agricultural row-crop production has been complicated by lateral variability in mine soil physical conditions, excessive compaction, and limited topsoil return. However, within the past two years, a series of tailings deposition and soil reconstruction practices have been developed and implemented that significantly improve post-mining soil productivity. Deep ripping and appropriate use of organic soil amendments have been particularly effective at restoring post-mining soil productivity.

Jan 1, 2005

By R. L. Andrew

The southwest Pacific has produced at least four of the world’s premier porphyry copper-gold deposits, and the current level of exploration is likely to produce even more. An appreciable amount of gold is being produced with this copper, with obvious economic advantages. Gold content, in addition to their large size, makes the southwest Pacific’s porphyrycopper-gold deposits very attractive exploration targets. The recognition of telescoping and overprinting of porphyry systems has produced a greater awareness of the likely surface expressions, in particular the significance of advanced argillic lithocaps in porphyry exploration. The recognition of the spatial and genetic association of porphyry copper and epithermal gold systems (Sillitoe, 1972), as in other parts of the world, has had important implications for exploration in the Asia Pacific region.

Jan 1, 1995

By D. W. Fuerstenau, S. Raghavan

This paper presents a brief summary of some of the thermodynamic aspects of flotation processes. Thermodynamic considerations that control interfacial and wetting behavior in mineral/water/air systems are discussed. Particular attention is given to the thermodynamics of collector adsorption.

Jan 1, 1976

By Waraporn Piyawit

Grinding sludge from the sintered neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets production process was enriched with critical rare earth elements (neodymium, dysprosium and praseodymium), which can be up to 30% in the magnets. The demand of NdFeB magnets are simultaneously growing. Therefore, rare earths recovered from waste residue would reduce the demand of rare earth elements from primary sources. In this study, the feasibility of recycling rare earths through a hydrometallurgical process was investigated. The selective leaching of Nd from grinding sludge can successfully raise the rare earths concentration to 70%. The necessity of an oxidation pretreatment to improve the selectivity between Nd and Fe will be described.

By C. D. Stahl, E. E. Templeton, R. F. Nielsen

It has been customary, in predicting saturation changes, to use the Leverett fractional flow formula", obtained by eliminating the unknown pressure gradient from the generalized Darcy equations for the separate phases. The formula presents difficulties in the case of counterflow, since the "fractional" flow may be negative, greater than unity, or, in the case of a closed system, infinite. Recently, it has been shown by several authors that the corresponding equations (with capillary pressure and gravity terms) for actual flow of the phase may be used just as well. These equations are in agreement with Pirson's1 statement that, if the two mobilities differ considerably from each other in a closed system, the flow is largely governed by the lower value. The present study was undertaken because of an apparent lack of experimental data on gravity counter-/low with which to test the theory. A 4-ft sand-packed tube in a vertical position was employed. Electrodes for determining saturations by resistivity were spaced along the tube, one phase being always an aqueous salt solution. Air, heptane, naphtha, or Bradford crude oil was used for the other phase. A reasonably uniform initial saturation was set up by pumping the phases through the system, alter which the tube was shut in and saturation profiles obtained at definite intervals. Cumulative flows over certain horizontal levels were obtained by integration of the distributions; hence, differentiation of the cumulative flows with respect to time gave instantaneous flow rates. To compare experimental and theoretical flow values, capillary pressures were assumed given by the final saturation-distribution curve. The upper part corresponds to the "drainage" region and the lower part to the "imbibition" region, where trapping of the nonwetting phase occurred. While calculations indicated that the capillary pressure saturation function and, probably, the relative permeability saturation functions changed during the segregation, the relation of the measured rates to saturation distributions are in general accord with the frontal-advance equation. It appears that the Darcy equations, as modified for the separate phases, are generally valid for counterflow due to density differences. The usual method of predicting saturation changes, which involves a continuity equation and the elimination of the unknown pressure gradient from the flow equations, should therefore be applicable. However, the need for advance knowledge of drainage and and imbibition "capillary pressures" and relative permeabilities during various stages presents difficulties. INTRODUCTION The present study was undertaken because of a seeming lack of experimental data relating to vertical counterflow of fluids of different densities in porous media. In particular, it was desired to determine whether data obtained from these laboratory tests were in accordance with certain mathematical treatments of counterflow which have been proposed. The gravity "correction" has been incorporated into the flow equations (and, hence, into displacement theory) nearly as long as both have been used. field4 and laboratory5 data have generally borne out the validity of the theory as applied, for instance, to downward displacement by gas, with all fluids moving downward. However, the modifications for counterflow have only recently been pointed out. 2-3 It has been customary to use fractional flow rates instead of actual flow rates in displacement calcuIations. In the case of counterflow, this results in negative values, values greater than unity and, when rates are equal and opposite, in infinite values. As pointed out by Sheldon, et a1,3 and by Fayers and sheldon,2 actual flow rates may be used just as well. The fact that these may be of opposite signs for the two fluids does not present any difficulty.

By M. Candia

"El presente trabajo describe la utilización del método de corte y relleno descendente en la explotación en la mina Yauricocha. Los métodos convencionales utilizados fueron los de cobre, corte y relleno, etc, siendo aplicables hasta 1848. Posteriormente se utiliza el método de corte y relleno descendente en el minado de ciertas áreas, donde la dificultad de trabajar con otros métodos se presentaba en los pilares, dejándolos abandonados. Es por ello, que la aplicación de este último método es útil en la recuperación de pilares como en el minado propiamente dicho. Asimismo se describe el proceso que comprende: la preparación de la chimenea y subnivel de extraccíón del primer piso, el relleno y finalmente la secuencia de explotación. "

Nov 20, 1972

By P. Chiotti, E. R. Stevens

The electromotive force between pure magnesium and Mg-Zn alloys in a fused KC1-LiCl-MgC12 cell was measured over the temperature range 360° to 730°C and for alloy compositions of 0.052 to 0.635 atom fraction magnesium. The calculated activity coefficients of magnesium in the liquid alloys may he represented by the relation These data and the phase diagram were employed in calculating the standard free energy of formation for the compounds MgZn, MgZn2, and MgZn2, In the temperature range from 25° to 590°C the relation ZINC-rich magnesium alloys have been shown to be very effective in reducing various solute chlorides or oxides from fused salts such as KC1-LiC1 eutectic. Such reactions are of interest in the developinent of pyrometallurgical methods for reprocessing nuclear reactor fuels.' As the conceniration of the magnesium is increased beyond 5 to 10 wt pct the extent to which solutes, such as yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, and other rare earths, can be reduced or removed from the salt decreases. This effect is due to the resulting change in the activity of the solutes in the Zn-Mg alloy as well as the change in the activity of both the zinc and mag- nesium. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the thermodynamic properties of the Zn-Mg system which, in addition to yielding information on the alloying behavior of these two elements, would permit a more quantitative understanding of the above reactions. Since this investigation was initiated several publications have appeared in the literature giving results on the thermodynamic properties for the liquid alloys of this system. 2-4 Kozuka, Moriyama, and Kushima3 measured the vapor pressure of zinc over four different alloy compositions by a carrier-gas technique. Eremenko and Tukashenko2 and Terpilowski4 measured the electromotive force between pure magnesium and various alloys in a fused salt cell. Earlier work has been summarized by Hultgren, Orr, Anderson, and Kelley.5 In the present investigation electromotive-force measurements were made on a cell of the type The temperature range covered for the lower-melting alloys was roughly 375° to 730°C. These data were employed in calculating the thermodynamic properties for the liquid alloys and in conjunction with the phase diagram,' reproduced in Fig. 1, were used in calculating the standard free energy of formation of the compounds MgZn, MgZn2, and Mg2 Zn11. The results obtained are compared with available data from the literature. MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES Materials employed were: Bunker Hill slab zinc, 99.99 pct pure; Ames Laboratory magnesium containing 13 ppm N, 195 ppm C, and trace amounts of calcium, copper, nickel, and silicon; reagent grade KC1, LiC1; and high-purity MgC12 obtained from Dow Chemical Co. The electrolyte consisting of KC1-LiCl eutectic (44.4 wt pct LiC1) to which was added 15 wt pct MgCl2, was dried in a quartz tube by heating to 340° C under vacuum for a period of 4 to 5 hr, and then passing HC1 through the salt as the temperature was slowly raised to above the melting point of the salt. After about 3 hr the HC1 was shut off and the system flushed with argon and then vacuum applied for 1 hr. The salt was finally siphoned through a sintered glass filter and cast into a Pyrex container which was sealed and

Jan 1, 1965

By Guarascio M, Massacci P

In process simulation, more reliable prediction of industrial results and evaluation of data for design purposes and process optimisation may be attained by the combined use of: the modelling and simulation of ore characteristics, and 2. the modelling and simulation of the process. It is well known that geostatistical methods allow the defining of models of orebodies in which the variables considered are the grades of the valuable components. These models are proper for reserve estimation, geostatistical contouring, design and simulation of the exploitation method, and, in addition, for evaluating the variability of the ROM which is expected to be fed to the processing plant. However, no data are normally incorporated in the orebody model in order to evaluate the ore characteristics relevant for a reliable process simulation. The procedure for process simulation aimed at predicting plant results normally used so far consists in collecting samples from different orebody sites and building up a so-called 'representative sample'. On this sample, the ore characteristics (eg liberation, washability, grindability, etc) and the processing tests are referred to as the 'average behaviour in the orebody', assumed constant. A more reliable methodology consists in collecting samples from different orebody sites, in performing tests to characterise the samples from the point of view of the process (ore patterns), and in using synthetic parameters (process features). The values of the parameters are processed using geostatistical methods in order to develop a model for simulating the feed to the process. The estimation may thus be referred to the amount of recoverable minerals instead of to the existing minerals. Furthermore, the selection of the processes, the sizing of equipment and the design of control devices, as well as the prediction of results, become more accurate and reliable.

Jan 1, 1993

By D. F. Martin

Sustainability is typically understood as having three interrelated dimensions-environmental, economic, and social. However, far less attention has been paid to social sustainability than to the other two forms. The paper argues that one of the difficulties in giving substance to the concept of social sustainability is that it is inherently value-dependent and has major conceptual, definitional and therefore measurement issues. This is particularly the case in complex crosscultural environments such as those found in Australian mine hinterlands with significant Aboriginal populations. Nonetheless, a concept of social sustainability can provide an important counter to the usual focus on environmental and economic sustainability, and can productively guide the minerals industry in its engagement with the Aboriginal people of mine hinterlands. The paper outlines a set of principles for socially sustainable communities, and proposes means by which these principles can be implemented. It further suggests that these principles may have broader applicability than just in the case of Aboriginal people.

Jan 1, 2005

By G Gibson, B Bessen

In coal preparation, large dense medium cyclones (DMC) at low pressure heads (typically 9D where D = cyclone diameter) are the norm. This contrasts with high density mineral applications where, largely for historical reasons, smaller cyclones at high heads are the standard. There are advantages in preferring large diameter cyclones at low heads, assuming that metallurgical performance does not suffer significantly. These include simpler plant layouts, easier maintenance, smaller spares inventories, reduced wear, reduced medium pumping demands, smaller buildings and overall lower capital and operating costs. In 2008, therefore, Xstrata Zinc decided to trial a single DSM-design 800 mm cyclone in one of its four DMC lines at Mt Isa, replacing the four 400 mm cyclones previously installed. Circumstances allowed a low head of 9.5 D to be trialled, compared with the existing 400 mm head of 21.5 D. This paper describes the trial, including tests using painted ore particles as tracers, estimates of yield and metal recovery, and wear monitoring. The larger unit performed well. There was no evidence that metallurgical performance in terms of metal recovery and waste reject rate suffered, and there was some evidence that it may have improved. Cyclone life increased, and preliminary data suggest that the replacement cost of the 800 mm cyclones is less than half that of the 400 mm units, and this is expected to improve. The plant layout and operability have also improved significantly. Xstrata has therefore decided to convert the whole plant to four low head 800 mm units, replacing the original 16 high head 400 mm units. The paper includes an explanation of the effect of static head on DMC separating force. It also reviews earlier research on diamond applications, and applies a general DMC process model to the Xstrata case, both of which confirm that large, low head cyclones are appropriate in mineral applications, contrary to conventional practice. Such units could significantly reduce both the capital and operating costs of DMC plants in mineral applications.

Jan 1, 2009

This paper discusses the history and development of the system and the benefits that are being gained for Yabulu from Solar Drying. Following the end of mining of the local Greenvale and Brolga nickel deposits, QNI Yabulu Refinery is dependent upon imported ore from over 15 different mines in New Caledonia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. Kumral

Raw material fed into a processing or refining plant is required to be uniform in composition for several reasons. When the mined ore is highly variable in quality the only way to ensure consistency is to homogenize the ore prior to the process. The problem is more complicated in the case of multiple ore sources. The idea behind the research is that theoretical blending ratios can serve not only to meet predefined specific criteria but also to reduce grade fluctuations of variables under consideration. In this paper, the problem is formulated as a quadratic programming problem, whose objective function is in quadratic form and constraints are linear. A case study was conducted on a data set from an iron orebody to demonstrate the technique. The objective was to minimize the blend variability in terms of each variable (in this study, iron, silica, alumina and lime) grade of ores extracted in three different production faces. The stockpile capacity, lower and upper limits of each variable satisfying operational requirements and non-negativity were constrained to the model. A modified simplex method developed by Wolfe was used for solving the blending and homogenization problem. The promising results can be used as apart of the stacking and reclaiming design. Keywords: blending and homogenization problem, quadratic programming, Wolfe method.

Jan 1, 2005