Search Documents

By Raudsepp R

Since 1991, the Porgera Joint Venture has processed refractory sulphide flotation concentrate by pressure oxidation with the subsequent gold recovery, from the washed residue, via a conventional leach/carbon-in- pulp (CIP) circuit. The capacity

Jan 1, 1997

By Stanley Dempsey

Since its passage, the Mining Law of 1872 has been modified several times to meet the changing needs of America's society and economy. Despite the fact that it continues to provide an effective framework for a robust US exploration and mining industry, the mining law continues to be criticized in some quarters as outdated. Pressure to reform the Mining Law of 1872 has reached new levels in recent years. Many proposals for reform of the law have been introduced during the 1990s. None, though, have been enacted. The issue will not likely disappear and is certain to be raised during the 105th Congress. To provide a better understanding of the status of current congressional reform proposals, this article presents an overview of the major moments in the history of mining laws in the western United States - from the days before the 1872 mining law and the days following its promulgation, to the current dilemma over mining law reform. The future of the mining law is assessed as are the interests at stake for the modern mining industry. Mining before 1872 No discussion of the Mining Law of 1872 is complete without some historical background to provide an understanding of the origins of this unique law. There was plenty of mining activity on the public lands before the mining law was enacted. At first, the federal government's policy was to allow all miners to work freely on the public lands and to resolve disputes among themselves. In this "hands off" environment, miners operated according to laws they promulgated. These were based on previous experiences in Europe and Mexico. These "frontier codes" of groups of individual miners took the form

Jan 1, 1997

By Tinto R

Aims of the Forum A contribution from Dr Robin Batterham, Vice President, RIO TINTO Research & Technology and a member of The AusIMM Standing Technology Advisory Qroup. Dr Robin Batterham is of view that the inevitability of automation in the minerals industry and the importance of addressing the human implications. He also outlined Rio Tinto's approach to automation. The progressive introduction of automation into mining operations will be revolutionary in its effects. This is the experience in other industries and it will be no different in mining. Mining companies most successful at implementing the new technologies will gain relative competitive advantage and those manufacturers who produce the most desirable automated equipment for miners will also gain market share.

Jan 1, 1997

Kamhalda is located within the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia, specifically in the Norseman - Wiluna greenstone belt. Numerous nickel sulphide deposits have been mined at Kambalda with I I mines currently operating. For several years, a program of in-mine geophysics has been operating at Kambalda, with downhole electromagnetics (UHEM) one of the key techniques used. Three case studies illustrating the uses of UHEM in mines are presented here. In the first example, the Helmut South deposit was discovered as the result of an extensional exploration program. The first drill hole in the program intersected ore width and grade mineralisation at around 760 in depth. Two subsequent holes intersected subgrade mineralisation. DHEM surveys were completed in each of these three holes, with anomalies recorded indicating that a large conductor was located directly south of the first hole. The next hole intersected this target, for an intersection of 21.6 in at 3.5 per cent Ni. DHEM continued to play a role as the exploration program proceeded, providing drill hole targeting based on anomalous responses recorded in each drill hole. In the second example from Carnilya Hill, old drill holes were surveyed with DHEM in order to search a large section of prospective contact for massive ore pods. An off-hole anomaly was detected and subsequent mining discovered a small but high-grade pod of ore which was extracted for a considerable profit. Carnilya Hill has limited reserves and discoveries such as this, assist in keeping the mine operating. In the third example from Victor, a program of drilling intersected thin ore profiles in an interpreted flanking position. Without massive ore close by, these intersections probably do not constitute economic mineralisation. DHEM surveys of three holes did not detect any conductors. The area is now regarded as sterilised of significant massive ore and exploration efforts and dollars can be focused in other areas. These three examples demonstrate the type of successes that can he achieved through the use of DHEM.

Jan 1, 1997

The importance of the minerals industry to Australia is briefly reviewed and the professional specialists essential for the industry identified. The average first degree graduation numbers in geoscience, mining engineering, metallurgy/materials and chemical engineering are shown and compared with the postgraduate numbers. Demographic trends in population are reviewed and the implications for the required numbers of trained specialists indicated. Short/medium and long-term possible solutions to potential shortages of trained personnel are canvassed.

Jan 1, 1997

By Khosrowshahi S

The objectives of grade control remain unchanged but new methods are being developed to attain them. Since the early-1990s, an improvement in the power of mine site computers has made the geostatistical tools of conditional simulation more accessible. Optimisation of the grade control process on mine sites now involves two stages: optimisation of the sampling regime and optimisation of the interpretation of ore and waste boundaries. Optimisation of the sampling regime first requires an understanding of the nature of the mineralisation and in particular the impact of particle size on the sampling precision. This relationship, termed the Fundamental Error of sampling, enables an optimum subsampling protocol to be defined for the sample preparation and assaying. However, the actual sample collection method, whether drilling or trenching, must be correctly selected and the sampling grid should be optimised. The relative costs and benefits of various alternative sampling methods and grids can be determined using the method discussed. The use of the grade control data can also be optimised. In the past ore and waste boundaries were often defined using a linear interpolation algorithm that smoothed the data (such as polygonal, sectional, inverse distance squared or even kriging methods). Frequently the relative impact of ore loss and dilution could not be estimated. Conditional simulation to generate equiprobable alternative maps (realisations) can now be adopted to address these issues. A transfer function is then used to evaluate the similarities and differences between the maps. The Ore Block Optimisation (OBO¬) process is a transfer function that produces a three-dimensional model of the optimal ore block outlines. This provides a clear guide for the mining geologist to refine and mine. The nature of the transfer function and the inputs and outputs are discussed. In the past, reconciliation has been the `acid test' for any grade control system. Any ore blocking method based on conditional simulation can make use of the exhaustive data set to ensure that reconciliation between prediction and production will improve significantly. The OBO¬ method provides a guide to the mining geologist to ensure that the best ore blocks are mined. Misclassification between ore and waste is reduced, ore loss and dilution are minimised (and are measurable) and ore is optimally assigned to stockpiles of various cut-off grades. These advantages significantly enhance mine profitability and control of the mined grade.

Jan 1, 1997

By S. K. Das

A detailed strata-mechanics investigation and examination was carried out in the E2 Panel (ML-II/7) of the XVI Bottom coal seam, which is located in the Moonidih Colliery of B.C.C.L., Jharia coalfield, India. Above this panel, the XVI Top coal seam was previously worked out by a longwall panel. Based on intensive field study and on experiments in a number of longwall panels located within various Indian coal mines, the actual behavior of the coal roof strata was evaluated and new strata-mechanics concepts around the longwall panels were developed. These concepts resulted in new methodologies concerning the behavior of roof rocks, caving characteristics, etc. within longwall panels and in the area of strata mechanics. Based on these new strata-mechanics concepts, a very simple, but realistic, model was developed to determine the optimum capacity of the powered supports. This model considered the combined loads resulting from the detachment of strata and composite layer blocks from the face and, also, loads due to the deflection of strata and composite layers situated above the detached roof rockmass. This formula, along with the other related formulas by the author, prompted the determination of the optimum capacity requirement for the powered supports to be used in the XVI Bottom coal seam, located under the worked out area. This new concept in strata mechanics and capacity requirements of the powered supports in a longwall face may be an aid to Mining Engineers.

Jan 1, 1997

Council for 1996/97 President Dr N.A. Barcza President Elect R.P. Mohring Vice Presidents Senior J.R. Dixon Junior M.H. Rogers Immediate Past President D.A.J. Ross-Watt Honorary Treasurer J.A. Cruise

Jan 1, 1997

By P Tzeferis

An exploratory laboratory work was carried out on microbial leaching of poor non-sulphide nickel ores, not amenable to conventional mineral processing operations. The results have shown that domestic low-grade lateritic ores of limonitic or haematitic type are amenable to bioleaching by fungal strains of Aspergillus sp and Penicillium sp. Maximum nickel and cobalt recoveries achieved were 60 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. Losses of soluble nickel in the fungal biomass were found in the range 3 - 11 per cent. Chemical analysis of the leach liquors showed the presence of significant amounts of citric, oxalic and other organic acids, indicating the role which certain metabolic products of fungal activity may play in the process. Possibilities for future investigations are discussed.

Jan 1, 1997

By Eric Dussell

Commercial or industrial explosives are mechanically-mixed, fuel-oxidizer composites which exhibit varying degrees of non-ideal behavior. Non-ideality results from a relatively slow and state-insensitive reaction rate (Lee, 1990) and is characterized by C-J pressures, velocities or expansion isentropes significantly lower than those expected from equilibrium, steady-state calculations such as Tiger or BKW (Mader, 1979). This departure results from significant amounts of explosive material which remain unreacted at the sonic point. Energy released by continued combustion within the emergent supersonic region downstream of the sonic point, constrained by local sound speed, cannot flow to the shock front and do work on it. The significant amount of this ‘late energy” and its slow time rate of release must be considered in any blast performance model.

Jan 1, 1997

By K. B. McTaggart, G. Owusu, P. J. Merrin

"This study was conducted at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting's zinc electrowinning tankhouse to determine the effects of varying levels of antimony and continuous gelatin addition on current efficiency. The levels of antimony and gelatin were varied from 0.012 to 0.030 mg/l and 0 to 10 mg/ll2 • 31 respectively, based on neutral ZnS04 electrolyte. A non-linear mathematical model relating current efficiency with antimony and gelatin was produced. The optimum operating point for gelatin was 6.5 mg/l. On the other hand the current efficiency increased with decreasing antimony levels. An interaction term between gelatin and antimony is present but is not significant enough to improve the ability of the tankhouse to handle purification upsets in antimony. Individually, the current efficiency was linear (decreasing) with antimony, and parabolic with gelatin concentration. However, at low antimony concentrations stripping of the cathode sheet was difficult. IntroductionThe zinc electrowinning tankhouse at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting was designed in the 1930's and consists of 120 rows with each row containing ten cells. This system cascades acid from cell to cell In a row, with neutral zinc sulphate solution added to each cell through manually controlled spigots. Animal glue additions are made manually three times per day by operations personnel. The problem with this type of cell design and operation is that feed solution flows and composition can vary from cell to cell and from row to row due to the large number of manual control points. A new system which reduces the number of manual control points was designed and tested to determine if improvement in control of cell conditions would affect current efficiency. This system mixes spent acid, neutral ZnS04 electrolyte and reagents (gelatin, antimony and strontium carbonate) in a separate mix tank, ensuring that all cells receive a uniform feed solution. Gelatin was used in the test system instead of animal glue (which is presently used) because of the poor solubility and supply of industrial animal glue. The study reported here is the first in a series of experiments designed to justify the need to modify the present cascading cell feed system (Figure 1) to the proposed feed system (figure 2)."

Jan 1, 1997

By John N. Murphy

In fiscal 1996, the US Congress directed that the US Bureau of Mines (USBM) be closed. Certain functions were reassigned to other agencies. The remaining employees were separated and the unoccupied sites were decommissioned. As a result, 12 locations were closed and about 1,200 employees were terminated in March 1996. About 600 employees at five locations were reassigned to other federal agencies. This article provides a summary of the continuing functions, the agencies involved and the points of contact for each continuing function. The functions that were discontinued are also identified. The functions that have been maintained and transferred to other agencies are: ? Portions of USBM's Mineral Information and Analysis program formerly conducted in Washington, DC and Denver, CO were assigned to the US Geological Survey (USGS). ? The Mineral Land Assessment program in Alaska (Anchorage and Juneau) was transferred to the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM). ? The Health and Safety Research program in Pittsburgh, PA and Spokane, WA was reassigned on an interim basis to the US Department of Energy (DOE). In fiscal year 1997, it was permanently assigned to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the US Department of Health and Human Services. ? Environmental Research at Pittsburgh, PA was assigned to DOE. ? Materials Research at Albany, OR was assigned to DOE. ? The helium program was assigned to BLM, where it will be managed pending privatization. ? Coal and noncoal mine maps were transferred to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). The following locations were closed: ? Research centers in Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; Reno, NV; Rolla, MO; Salt Lake City, UT and Tuscaloosa, AL. ? Field operations centers in Denver, CO and Spokane, WA. ? Washington, DC headquarters office. To provide a concise picture of all of the affected functions, the following is a synopsis of the USBM program functions and facilities immediately before the closure. There were two principal programs: information and analysis, and research.

Jan 1, 1997

By J. P. Rider

The number of extended cut mining systems has increased significantly in coal mines over the last decade, and there is a constant push to extend the face ventilation systems to even greater setback distances. The need to maintain airflow at setback distances of12.2 m (40 ft) and beyond requires that methods for delivering intake air to the face be improved, or alternative ventilation techniques be implemented. The emphasis of this research effort was to examine various techniques to improve the distribution of available air at the mining face in order to reduce face methane levels. A study was conducted comparing the performance of a jet fan, used in conjunction with a machine mounted scrubber, with blowing curtain ventilation in a 27.5 m (90 ft) heading. In addition, a second study was performed on blowing curtain systems examining how scrubber flow, intake air velocity, and curtain setback influence face methane concentrations. Results showed that when the heading advances to a depth of 27.5 m (90 ft) blowing curtain systems were more efficient at diluting face methane levels when compared to a jet fan. Also, increases in scrubber flows and curtain velocity resulted in lower face methane concentrations for blowing curtain systems at 9.2 and 15.2 m (30 and 50 ft) setbacks.

Jan 1, 1997

By Stanley J. Vitton

An important factor to consider during blast damage investigations is whether the structure was constructed on collapsible soils. Traditionally, these soils have been considered to be soils such as loess deposits, which occur along the Mississippi River in locations such as Vicksburg, MS. However, recent research into collapsible soils has indicated that a number of soils may also fall into this category. A collapsible soil is any soil that is susceptible to large decreases in bulk volume upon saturation.

Jan 1, 1997

This paper details the development of a functional work index that characterises the relationship between the energy that is imparted by a Roller Press into materials, against the resultant size reduction achieved. Such a Roller Press work index is necessary for this new grinding technology to differentiate it from Bond's grinding work index, and to clear up confusion that arises with such a comparison to Bond. The energy usage in a Roller Press does not follow Bond's "Third Theory of Comminution" but rather Rittinger's theory of new surface creation. The relationships for such a work index have been developed from the viewpoint of an equipment manufacturer with the hope that they will be of assistance to the minerals industry in the design of grinding circuits incorporating Roller Press comminution. The work index contains modification factors that reflects the effect of oversize, fines, moisture. closed-circuit operation and roll surface characteristics on the energy verses size reduction relationship. It has evolved from the results obtained from testing of a wide range of ore and mineral types that include bauxite, coal, kimberlite, limestone, iron and chrome ores, base metal and gold ores. The results show that even for such a diverse range of materials, they all demonstrate similarities of behaviour when comminuted in a Roller Press.

Jan 1, 1997

By A. D. Davis, G. A. Zabolotney

A ground-water flow model was developed to simulate the postmining recharge rate from precipitation at the Belle Ayr surface coal mine, which is located in the Powder River Basin near Gillette, WY Wyoming state regulations require that reclaimed lands should provide a rate of recharge that approximates the premining rate. Steady-state calibration and transient simulations showed that the postmining recharge rate through spoil is at least 50 mm (2 in.) per year, exceeding the original infiltration rate of 4 mm (0.16 in.) per year to shallow overburden aquifers. Major reasons for the increase include the flat topography of the reclaimed areas and the decreased spoil density. It is expected that the backfill will disaggregate and settle over time, eventually resulting in a nearly constant recharge rate that is less than 50 mm (2 in.) per year but still somewhat greater than the premining rate.

Jan 1, 1997

By P. J. Lunder, R. C. Pakalnis

This paper presents the results of research that has been undertaken in order to develop an improved method of determining the strength of hard-rock mine pillars. Pillars are found in various shapes and sizes in all underground mining operations. Prudent engineering design requires that if pillars are to perform as desired, both the pillar strength and the pillar stress must be determined. A detailed pillar stability study has been combined with an extensive database of published pillar case histories (178)resulting in a new “hybrid” pillar strength formula, “The Confinement Formula”, that utilizes classic strength of rock methods combined with empirical methods. “The Confinement Formula” utilizes a “mine pillar friction term” calculated from the average minor/major stress ratio with-in the pillar core. Statistically, the new formula provides better results at predicting pillar strength for the combined database than the best empirically ft pillar methods that currently exist. “The Confinement Formula” allows for the determination of the strength of mine pillars with an increased level of confidence over previously applied methods.

Jan 1, 1997

By Markku Virtanen, Pertti Koivistoinen

From the perspective of a large mining company the comminution circuit design is worth keeping within the boundaries of the organisation. The correct circuit design begins from the understanding of the role of grinding. Grinding is a link only in the long "comminution chain," starting from solid rock and ending at the concentrating stage. The final target in comminution is to take a part in the maximization of Net Smelter Return, which goal provides the simultaneous considering of capital costs, operating costs and the economic effect of process results. As a general rule there will be a single crushing stage only, ahead of the grinding process. Grinding does not use any metallic grinding media at all, and there will be fine crushing for critical material in the grinding circuit. Grinding has a minimum two stages, besides, at many concentrators middling products and quite often also tailings are reground.

Jan 1, 1997

By Pramod C. Thakur

Sixty countries around the world mine about 5000 million tonnes of coal annually and simultaneously produce nearly 25 million tonnes (36.8 Gm3) [One tonne of methane at a temperature of 15°C and a pressure of 760 mm of mercury has a volume of 1471 cubic meters.] of methane. Many of these coal mines are very gassy and require methane drainage prior to mining as well as during mining. In spite of significant differences in the geology and reservoir properties of the coal seams, several methane drainage techniques have found universal application. The paper describes various techniques currently in use and their efficiency in recovering methane from mines. It appears that the application of state-of-the-art techniques, developed mostly in the U.S.A., can considerably increase the efficiency of methane recovery and improve the safety of mines throughout the world.

Jan 1, 1997

By Carlson BL, Overton DD

This paper compares the designs of heap leach facilities for four precious metal mining projects in the southwestern United States. These four proposed projects are of small-to medium-size relative to other operating mines in the United States, and are either permitted or in the final stages of permitting. The differences and similarities in the heap leach facility designs are compared with respect to site conditions, operating conditions and regulatory requirements. This comparison provides a summary of the state-of-practice for heap leach facility design in the southwestern United States and identifies current issues in project development and process material containment.

Jan 1, 1997