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By N Bianco, D Drinkwater

The professional skills shortage is intensifying, and commentators are predicting a shortfall in supply of qualified professionals for the mining industry, ranging from thousands to tens-of-thousands by 2020 (Tuckwell, 2011; Scoble, 2011; Laurence and Hebblewhite, 2011). Human resources are already stretched, and university graduates arriving in the workplace are often moved rapidly into management positions where there is limited scope to develop their engineering proficiency. This process may well be developing excellent young managers, but our industry is producing fewer excellent young engineers (Munro and Tilyard, 2009). Many believe that it is engineering excellence that is likely to be the key to our industryÆs success in the decade to come. An innovative in-house graduate development program has been created by specialists at the JK Centre in partnership with two mining companies. This program, known as MetSkill«, has been running throughout 2012. Groups of graduates have had to identify a process plant optimisation opportunity and embark on a structured program of data collection and analysis, facilitated by a æteaching teamÆ of researchers and consultants from the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) and JKTech. This group project culminates in a report-back session to senior company officials. Along the way, a series of short workshops and other activities provide opportunities to work on specialist skills, and support is also offered by senior technical specialists from the companies involved.This paper outlines key features of the MetSkill« program, along with a report-card on progress in 2012 and plans for further program development in 2013.CITATION:Drinkwater, D and Bianco, N, 2012. Developing minerals industry leaders by encouraging metallurgical excellence, in Proceedings 11th AusIMM Mill OperatorsÆ Conference, pp 287-290 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Oct 29, 2012

By Jake Gibson

"As one of the most pressing and important political debates of this century, climate change has captured global attention and is forcing governments to take action toward decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) and carbon emission levels below what was previously thought to be necessary. With the ever-increasing price of diesel fuel, accompanied by the popular topic of carbon taxes and greenhouse gas emissions, the mining industry is looking to industry specialists for assistance. The benefits of a no-idle policy reach far beyond carbon reduction and fuel savings, ranging from decreased maintenance to increased engine life. With products like battery-powered ac systems and diesel-fired heaters, going noidle is easier today than ever before. With both systems being manufactured to withstand the harsh environments of the mining industry, the end user will see a seamless change from conventional, inefficient belt-driven systems to future, standalone mobile equipment HVAC.The history of GHGs and climate changeIn 1896, Svante Arrhenius first claimed that the combustion of fossil fuels may eventually result in enhanced global warming, but not until 1955 did Gilbert Plass draw global attention to global warming by summarizing that adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere would intercept infrared radiation and thus warm the earth. Then in the early 1960s, Charles Keeling developed modern technology to produce concentration curves for atmospheric CO2 (Fig.1).In 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was founded by the United Nations after acknowledgment of a rising global annual temperature. The IPCC consists of more than 2,500 scientific and technical experts from more than 60 countries. Because climate change could not be solved by a single country, the Kyoto Protocol was negotiated in 1998, requiring all participating countries to reduce their GHG emissions by at least 5 percent from the 1990 levels. The Protocol was signed by 186 countries in 2001 (since then several countries have retreated from the agreement, including the United States). In 2002, the Bush administration announced a policy for climate change relying on domestic, voluntary actions to reduce the "greenhouse gas intensity" of the United States economy by 18 percent by 2012. The U.S. still attends the Kyoto conference of parties (COPs) but does not participate in negotiations, as it is not bound by its terms."

Jan 1, 2014

By Jinliang Zhang, Jian Pan, Deqing Zhu

"Limestone and burnt magnesite were added to vary MgO content and basicity (CaO/SiO2 ratio) of pellets for investigating their influences on the properties of specularite pellets. At fixed MgO content, the addition of limestone does not affect on the properties of green balls significantly. The addition of burnt magnesite has obvious influence on the quality of green balls, especially on the thermal shock temperature. Without burnt magnesite, the thermal shock temperatures are about 400°C, and, the thermal shock temperature increases to 600~630°C by adding burnt magnesite. For preheated pellets, when the burnt magnesite is added, the compressive strength will be decreased. For roasted pellets without burnt magnesite, the calcium additives can form binding phase of calcium-ferrite, and suitable liquid phase will improve recrystallization of hematite, but excessive liquid will destroy the structure of pellets, so the compressive strength of pellet increases firstly and then decreases. When adding burnt magnesite, the compressive strength will increase as the basicity increases. When the basicity is more than 0.2, the compressive strength of the pellets various MgO content and basicity is above 2500N/pellet and then MgO-bearing fluxes can be added to prepare pellets with good high temperature properties.IntroductionWith the rapid development of the steel industry in China, oxidized pellets, possessing good mechanical and metallurgical properties, are becoming indispensable burdens for blast furnace ironmaking [1-3]. However, this has resulted in the shortage of domestic iron concentrates, so many Chinese steel plants begin to use imported hematite concentrate to prepare pellets. Compared with magnetite pellets, the hematite pellets require high roasting temperature and narrow roasting temperature range (1300–1350°C) and possess low compressive strength [4,5].1"

Jan 1, 2012

By Charles K. Presley

This paper deals with drilling large diameter shafts for the mining and construction industry with diameters in excess of 3 feet to more than 20 feet in diameter. It discusses appropriate applications of the rotary drill method, linings for large diameter shafts, circulation systems,, and the limitations of the method. Each specific rotary drill method is determined by the geology of the area, the depth to be drilled and the formation fluids encountered. Shaft lining or casing must be improved to result in lighter weight, higher strength and lower cost. All phases of rotary drilling equipment must be improved to drill shafts in excess of 10 feet in diameter. As these goals are reached, more shafts of large diameter will be drilled by the rotary method for the mining and construction industry.

Jan 1, 1967

By B. G. Cousins, L. Racine, R. S. MacPhail

"FLEX 31 is a chemically enhanced sodium isopropyl xanthate that has shown improved collection properties over SIPX for copper-bearing and copper-activated minerals. Characteristics such as improvement of recoveries with lower dosages and high pyrite and pyrrhotite rejection capabilities have all been exhibited by FLEX 31.The most improved results have been seen insphalerite flotation. Plant trial work carried out in the zinc circuit at the Louvicourt Concentratorin northern Quebec has produced data showing superior grade and recoveries from rougher concentrates that previously had not been attain-able with other reagents effectively. The improvement over SIPX adds up to an almost$1,000,000 annual improvement on the mine’s bottom line at present zinc prices.IntroductionSodium Isopropyl Xanthate (SIPX) is one of the most popular flotation chemicals on the market today. Somewhat more specific than amyl xanthates, SIPX is used in a variety of ores like copper/zinc, lead/zinc, arsenopyrite/pyrite, and many others (Melis et al., 1991). An investigation carried out by Tennants Research Technology Applications (TRTA), a division of Charles Tennant & Co. (Canada) Ltd., produced a chemically enhanced SIPX that has shown all the advantages of normal SIPX along with improved recoveries of copper and copper activated minerals. The new product has been named FLEX 31. Currently, FLEX 31 is manufactured at the Prospec Chemicals, another division of Charles Tennant & Co. (Canada) Ltd.A large amount of laboratory testing pro-grams have been carried out with FLEX 31 todate (MacPhail and Cousins, 1995; Cousins and MacPhail, 1996). One of the minerals that has a defnite affinity to improved fotation is sphalerite (ZnS). Once activated with copper sulphate, sphalerite has produced some of the most spectacular test work when FLEX 31 is compared directly to SIPX. Plant trials of FLEX31 at Aur Louvicourt Inc. carried out in 1995show that FLEX 31 is far superior to SIPX for activated sphalerite flotation."

Jan 1, 1997

By M. Mirnezami, J. A. Finch, S. Uddin

A fast, reliable and practical way of measuring zeta potential using sedimentation potential method is proposed. A cell was designed along with the instrument control software to determine the required variables simultaneously i.e. sedimentation potential, specific conductivity, volume fraction of solid as well as pH. High purity alumina and silica powders were used as test samples. Measured zeta potential using the proposed technique was comparable with the results by electrophoresis.

Jan 1, 2009

By Ian G. H. du Preez

It is illustrated how differences in the basic chemistry of individual metal ions can be exploited to develop new or improved separating agents. Factors like coordination number preferred by the specific metal ion, the degree of coordinate saturation reached by the metal ion and its relation to the phase transferability of the complex species, kinetic factors as opposed to thermodynamic factors controlling the success of the separation, the nature and type of the donor atom employed in a separating agent in relation to the preferences of the metal ion, the significance of stereochemical factors and the hydrophobicity of the media are some of the important factors which are discussed and applied for the development of pa1ladiwn(TI) and nickel(TI) specific separating agents, respectively.

Jan 1, 1999

By Paul H. Rylund

Substantial priming was a considered necessity for proper initiation of ammonium nitrate-fuel oil mixes as ANFO began to carve its niche in the mining industry in the latter fifties. Heavy priming accompanied the introduction of prills and oil to many blasting operations, large charges of high explosives were commonly used at the bottom, top and frequent intervals through-out the column. As the quality of ammonium nitrate improved and operators became more experienced, primer costs began to diminish. Increased experimentation continued with reduced primer costs a main objective. Cast primers were introduced and became accepted as an excellent companion for ANFO. Although the trend toward larger diameter boreholes became increasingly popular, emphasis on lower and lower priming costs continued. A primer was simply required to produce any type of initiation within the ANFO column to be considered adequate. Suddenly ANFO priming had digressed from excessive to marginal. Early experimental data developed at "test site" and laboratory locations indicated that ANFO had a tendency to react inefficiently in the initiation region of the column unless substantially primed. This was evidenced by the presence of unstable reaction rates detected with newly developed detonation velocity measuring equipment. These 10" order or "transient" velocities were believed to originate because of inadequate primer strength or a primer diameter to column diameter mismatch. How-

Jan 1, 1972

By J. Kretschmann

Mining heritage can be of outstanding value for many regions around the world, because mining has been done for thousands of years for the benefit of mankind and its development. This paper presents an ongoing project creating a general guideline for the handling of mining heritage on the basis of experiences made in Germany. Interactions of stakeholders in the ?heritage network? as well as strategies for the technical proceeding will be described. An action plan for the sustainable handling of mining heritage has already been developed in part, which includes necessary measures. Best-practice recommendations will be derived. Keywords: m ining heritage / preservation / guidelines / action plan / Sustainability

Feb 27, 2013

By Robert T. Gdagher, Allison Butts

EDUCATIONAL trends as reflected in curricular changes are of interest and importance in engineering educa¬tion both as matters of record and as considerations for the future. The data on which the evidence of this report is based were obtained by sending questionnaires to all schools in the United States granting the undergraduate degree in mining engineering, metallurgy, or metallurgical engineering. The questionnaire had two parts, one inquiring as to the general nature of revisions made or planned, and the other asking for information on specific courses added to or dropped from the curriculum, or given more or less time than formerly. The frequency with which curricular changes are made, even in normal times, is notable. Although it was expected that the period since 1939-40 would show numerous revisions, it was somewhat surprising to find that of 62 mining or metallurgical curricula in existence in 1939-40 and reported in the present survey, 58 had been revised or are shortly to be revised, 52 having already been changed during this period. Moreover, approximately half of the mining schools that have already revised their curricula, and probably a similar proportion of the metallurgical schools, are about to make further important changes.

Jan 1, 1948

By AIME AIME

NO MORE SUITABLE time and place than LOS Angeles on Thursday and Friday, July 28 and 29, could have been chosen for the Western Regional Meeting of the~1nstitutk. After attending two clays of technical sessions and enjoying the luncheons and dinners of the meeting, visitors, on the following days, could see the opening ceremonies and events of the Olympic Games, which started on July 30 and continued to Aug. 14. Such d spectacle can be seen only once in a generation in this country.

Jan 1, 1932

By George Otis Smith

A YEAR ago, ,at the Institute's dinner, I closed my A remarks with the words: "The scientist devotes his life to the advancement of learning; the engineer gives his to the advancement of living." May 1 begin tonight where I left off then and speak first of the distinction between science and engineering? This difference is a difference both in purpose and in method: it is the sharp contrast between theory and practice; it marks the broad gap between dream and attainment. Sometimes it happens that the investigator is also the builder and applies what he discovers, yet the distinction between science and engineering serves to point out the broad dependence of the engineer upon his brother the scientist. You remember .the old - saying that "where there is no vision the people perish" translate this into modern experience and we may say that "where there is no science, the engineer fails."

Jan 1, 1929

By E. H. Rose

IN these days of the spectacular in research and technological accomplishment, it is easy and natural to overlook some of the applications to everyday life of recent developments of a more pedestrian kind, or to fail to realize that sometimes two or three of the latter may be combined to serve a novel purpose in fields other than those in which they grew. The present remarks are to point out three such developments which might be combined to apply to an everyday function of the A.I.M.E. as an organization. By its Constitution, the A.I.M.E. is organized "to promote the arts and sciences connected with . . . minerals and metals, and the welfare of those employed in these industries . . .; to hold meetings for social intercourse and the reading and discussion of professional papers, and to circulate . . . among its members the information thus obtained . . .; and to . . . maintain . . . a library." By these words of Article I the profession of mining and metallurgy is recognized to involve many arts and sciences, of which the art and science of exchanging information is a leading one. As to methods of preparing or securing papers, the Constitution is silent.

Jan 1, 1944

By F. N. Speller

ASIDE from the Tuesday symposium on gases in metals, the Iron and Steel Division swung into action for the first time on the third day of the meeting with a discussion of iron and steel alloys. Dr. E. S. Davenport opened the discussion on Wednesday morning by presenting the paper written by himself in association with E. C. Bain and W. S. N. wiring on the equilibrium diagram of iron-manganese-carbon alloys. A written discussion by Mr. Scott showed qualitative agree- ment, but some quantitative disagreement. Messrs. Marsh and Sisco discussed the paper at length, pointing out non- agreement of certain conclusions with the phase rule. Dr. Krivobok, although differing with the authors on some points, stated that in his opinion the information collected would be valuable in the practical use of these alloys.

Jan 1, 1932

By H. L. TERWILLIGER

THOSE of us who have been following rock drilling work for the last 15 or 20 years can recall some of the problems that were encountered with the old piston type of rock drill and the solid steel which it used. There was frequent trouble in keeping a straight hole in badly broken ground when using the ordinary four- point bit that had a flare on the wings of about 14". The drill steel, when pounding down its hole, would follow the line of least resistance and draw away from the desired line when it encountered a weak side in the ground through which it was drilling. Some would overcome the difficulty by making long winged bits to prevent the steel crowding over; this would relieve the troubles to a great extent. There was trouble with the rifling of drill holes and inability to drill round holes in some ground. The cure for these ills was to use the "X" bit, rather than the crossbit. The "2" bits were brought out in an effort to make it easier to drill a round hole in bad ground. Most of these troubles were before the days when the mechanical drill sharpener was in as common use as it is today. It was not until the introduction of the Leyner type of rock drill, requiring hollow steel that the users of rock drills found themselves confronted with more difficult prob- lems than they had ever encountered before with drill steel because the steel had to stand more severe service.

Jan 1, 1924

By A. B. Parsons

AN often repeated criticism of the profession of engineering is that it is as a whole it lacks solidarity. organization, co-ordination, and leadership. Significantly, the critic, are all engineers. Other members of the body politic either do not know about the absence of organization or they do not care. If engineers have no organization they have a plethora of organizations. There exist in the United State, today some 350 societies. institutes. clubs, associations, and councils of engineers and engineering technologists and this number excludes several hundred local chapters of national societies. trade associations, and local engineers' clubs of purely social character- Successful engineers must be proficient in analyzing, planning, and co-ordinating. but it is generally admitted that for their profession as a whole their success in this respect has been indifferent.

Jan 1, 1943

By AIME AIME

MORE than thirty members of the Coal Division attended the Coal Land Valuations Round Table on Monday morning. Chairman Dilworth stated that the Committee had been appointed to take up the question and, after reading the list of members of the Committee, pointed out that the object of the meeting was to formulate a plan of action rather than to discuss any phases of valuation, per se. To this end he presented a tentative outline of points to be considered in the future by the Committee. After a lively discussion on the desirability of inclusion of some questions in the agenda of the Committee, the following outline was adopted :

Jan 1, 1931

By E. J. Kenaedy, E. H. Robie

THOUGH the fall meeting of the Coal Division was held in the heart of the anthracite section, at Hazleton, Pa., the bituminous industry was well represented also, and the two groups found much common ground for discussion. The' technical part of the program was confined to two sessions in the morning and afternoon of the first day, Friday, Oct. 14, the evening and the following day being reserved for field trips and social functions. The attendance more than met the expectations of those in charge of the arrangements; there seemed no hint of depression here.

Jan 1, 1932

By Walter S. Weeks

CONFUSION appears to exist in the discussions of fan testing because engineers do not agree on what energy should be credited to the fan in certain cases, and because certain terms that are used in the discussions seem to have double meanings. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to discuss the useful energy that should be credited to the fan and the methods of determining this energy, and to suggest changes in nomenclature for the sake of clearness. The instruments commonly used in the measurement of fan pressures are the manometer, the static tube, and the impact tube. The static tube is a tube with small pinholes in it. When connected to one leg of the manometer and placed in the air current with the holes facing at right angles to the direction of the current, this tube causes the manometer to register the static pressure, unaffected by the impact of the air. The impact tube is a tube with an opening that faces the air current. When connected to one leg of the manometer, this tube causes the manometer to register a pressure which is the static pressure modified by the impact of the flowing' air on the end of the tube. If the static tube is connected to one leg of the manometer and the impact tube to the other leg, and both instruments are inserted close together in the air current, the static pressure is eliminated and the manometer registers the impact pressure. The efficiency of a fan is the percentage of the expended power utilized in useful work. The items to be included as useful work are a matter of convention, and as the conventions are not universal I feel that the matter is open to discussion.

Jan 1, 1929

By JAMES A. VEASEY

SINCE the World War, excepting for a few brief periods of relief, the American petroleum industry has been obliged to meet its important economic responsibility to this nation hampered by the maladjustment that inevitably follows a marked and unwholesome over-production of its raw material, crude oil. Despite the warnings of the Federal Oil Conservation Board and the endeavors of many of the leaders in the business to stem the flow of oil from the wells of the country, the evil ,not only persists but, at the moment, seems more malignant than ever before. Unless the local and temporary restraints on drilling and production now in effect in California, Wyoming, Texas, and Oklahoma are continued, and, indeed, unless stricter and more comprehensive measures of the same sort are imposed and adhered to by the industry in those States, over-production in the enterprise during the current year will be more pronounced than in any other period in history.

Jan 1, 1929