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By H. EI-shall

The conventional beneficiation scheme for Florida phosphates involves reverse flotation with an intermediatory acid scrubbing step. A single reagent flotation process, using fatty acids or amine as the collector, would eliminate the scrubbing step along with the other flotation step. This can not only simplify the process flowsheet, but also result in reduced reagent costs. The potential of single reagent flotation of Florida phosphates using fatty acids as the collector was examined in this study.

Jan 1, 1993

By T. Umadevi, A. Pratap Singh, R. Sah, K. Abhishek

"It was possible to beneficiate a low-grade iron ore fines sample from Bellary-Hospet, Karnataka, India assaying 56% Fe, 9.1% SiO2 and 5.2% Al2O3 and produce two concentrates, namely, a sinter-grade fines concentrate (43.7% by weight), assaying 63.6% Fe, 2.6% SiO2 and 1.7% Al2O3, and a pellet-grade concentrate (30.7% by weight) assaying 64.7% Fe, 2.9% SiO2 and 1.7%Al2O3. Rejects (25.6% by weight) assayed 32.5% Fe, 27.9% SiO2 and 15.4% Al2O3. The mineralogical characterization indicated that the sample consisted of 69.5% ironbearing minerals (56% hematite, 7.5% martite and 6% goethite-limonite), 12.5% quartz and 15.2% clay, and the rest were minor minerals. Liberation size was found to be in the size range of 25 to 100 µm. The process flow sheet consists of jigs, spirals, grinding and low- and high-intensity magnetic separation of the deslimed feed. IntroductionJSW Steel Ltd is a 10-Mt/a integrated steel plant. To produce 10 Mt/a hot metal requires nearly 16 to 20 Mt/a iron ore fines. The fast depletion of highgrade iron ore fines, increased industrial demand and an increase in iron ore prices have necessitated the exploitation and use of low-grade iron ore fines in the steel-making process after beneficiation. Thus, the beneficiation of low-grade iron ores by removing the associated gangue minerals and enhancing their grade is essential. The use of these iron ore fines in sinter and pellet making has prompted the undertaking of systematic studies on low-grade iron ores.Finely disseminated low-grade iron ores with siliceous impurities have been upgraded by gravity, magnetic and flotation-based processes (Burt, 1994; Svoboda, 1987; Houot, 1983). The processing of low-grade Indian hematite ore containing high levels of alumina-bearing minerals as impurities present separation challenges and pose special problems in martite and magnetite, in association with quartz and clay as the gangue-forming minerals. Alumina is mainly contributed by clay (kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite, alunite), lateritic material and gibbsite; some alumina occurs as solids in iron oxide minerals, namely, goethite and limonite. Silica is mainly contributed by quartz and the associated clay. achieving a high-grade concentrate (Pradip, 1994; Singh and Mehrotra, 2007). Hematite ore basically consists of varying amounts of hematite, goethite,"

Jan 1, 2015

By Ramon B. Santos

The Atlas Concentrator, reputedly the largest in the Far East today, is located on the island of Cebu in the Republic of the Philippines. It started operation on a 4000 TPD capacity in 1955. An expansion program, coupled with significant improvements both in the Crushing Plant and the Mil, made the Atlas Concentrator what it is today, treating about 14,000 tons of ore per day at a comparatively low cost of about $0.50 per ton treated. The Atlas Copper Mine is at present mainly an open pit operation, with ore supplied from two pits (Lutopan and Biga) north of the Concen¬trator. Development of an Underground Mine, situated on the main ore body at Lutopan, which will be a block caving operation, has been underway since 1963, and this underground mining operation is expected to b e in full production by the latter part of 1966.

Jan 1, 1966

By M. Baumann

Introduction Gold Quarry is one of the largest gold deposits in Nevada, located along the Carlin Trend, approximately seven miles north of Carlin, NV. Owned and operated by Newmont Mining Corporation, as of December 31, 2005, Gold Quarry had produced over 13 million ounces of gold. Multiple simulations were constructed for gold and metallurgical variables using the Stepwise Conditional Transformation method. Analyses of these simulations have been used for a variety of purposes, including an assessment of uncertainty with various ore types. This assessment provides insight for improved modeling and reconciliation. Geological Framework Gold Quarry is a large, low-grade disseminated gold deposit hosted in Silurian-Devonian aged sediments at the Chukar/Alunite-Good Hope fault intersection. Gold bearing hydrothermal fluids appear to have migrated upwards along the Chukar/Alunite and Deep Sulfide Feeder faults and then moved outward along favorable stratigraphic horizons and structural intersections.

Jan 1, 2007

By James H. Vignos

An optical instrument designed for the on-line measurement of the size distribution of coarse particles (3-500 mm) being transported on a conveyor belt is described. Included is a discussion of the measurement technique, as well as test data verifying the legitimacy of the basic sensing approach. Field data indicating the instrument's ability to make useful measurements in an industrial environment are also presented. Applications in the mining and mineral industry, for which this instrument was orginally developed, are outlined, with particular emphasis given to the areas of crushing and grinding control.

Jan 1, 1979

By John G. Viets, J. Robert Clark

A multielement extraction system is being used successfully to provide essentially interference-free geochemical analyses to aid in gold exploration. The Methyl isobutyl ketone-Amine synerGistic Iodide Complex (MAGIC) extraction system separates Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cd, Cu, Ga, Hg, In, Mo, Pb, Pd, Pt, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, T1, and Zn from interfering geological matrices. Quantitative extraction of these elements is accomplished over a broad range of acid normality, making it possible to economically determine all 19 elements from a single digestion or leach solution. The resulting organic extracts are amenable to analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). For many years the principal shortcoming of ICP-AES was the complex spectral and stray-light interferences that were caused by the extreme variability of components such as Fe. Na, and Ca in common geological matrices. The MAGIC extraction allows determination of the extracted elements with enhanced sensitivity, from a virtually uniform matrix, by ICP-AES and FAAS. Because of its simultaneous multichannel capabilities, ICP-AES is the ideal instrumental technique for determining these 19 extracted elements. Ultratrace (sub-part-per-billion) determinations of Au and many of the other extracted elements can be made by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), following back stripping of the extracts. The combination of the extraction followed by stripping of the organic phase eliminates 99.999% of potential interferences for Au. Gold determination by GFAAS from these extracts under the specified conditions yields a fourfold improvement in sensitivity over conventional GFAAS methods. This sensitivity enhancement and the interference-free matrix allow highly reliable determinations well into the parts-per-trillion range.

Jan 1, 1990

By Brendan Demich, MAHIYAR F. NASARWANJI, Alan G. Mayton

During dusk, nighttime and dawn operations, effective illumination is a crucial component of safety for getting on/off mobile surface mining equipment and for preshift inspections. U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers examined whether illuminance levels could be improved for ingress/egress systems and preshift walkaround inspections of equipment using light-emitting diode (LED) area luminaires. Illumination and glare were key metrics evaluated. Although headlamps provided adequate illumination, LED area luminaires illuminated a much broader area compared to the narrow spot lighting of the headlamp. Hence, the use of additional area luminaires can increase slip-trip-fall (STF) hazard awareness and detection. Furthermore, a commercially available luminaire demonstrated better results than a custom LED luminaire relative to discomfort and disability glare.

By E. Turner

This is the 3rd Paper in a series by this author, the first two being published at the two previous International Conferences. Since the Aachen Conference, Rio Tinto has carried out an extensive benchmarking exercise to see how we are positioned with respect to other leading companies (in our sector and other sectors of major economic importance). We need to be sure that Rio Tinto is at the forefront of best practises in Sustainable Development (SD) and is using the most effective tools and methods. This paper will present key findings from this work. Rio Tinto Minerals, working as representatives of IMA-Europe was a leading contributor to the European Commission DG Enterprise Voluntary Reporting Scheme for SD Indicators in the Non-Energy Extractive Industry. In Rio Tinto Minerals we have been using these SDIs in the management of our business and the paper will report on how they contribute to the management of our business and the paper will report on how they contribute to business value in: deepening customer relationships, eco-efficiency of operations, land use planning and permitting for new and expanding facilities, community relations, policy engagement with government authorities and strengthening the bond between the company and employees. We continue to support the Voluntary SDI Reporting Scheme, considering it to be important in the expanding EU and as a model for other regions globally. For example we have ore suppliers in developing countries and we use these SDIs in assisting them to better their performance, for we have an obligation to use our influence for continuous improvement. The paper will describe this work. Over the last 12 months our company has created a new Industrial Minerals unit called Rio Tinto Minerals which brings together all the borates, talc and salt operations, R&D, marketing, sales and customer care worldwide. The paper will present also the new Sustainability Policy of Rio Tinto Minerals.

Jan 1, 2007

By Thomas C. Atchison, James J. Olson

INTRODUCTION Technologic progress depends on new and innovative ideas, the practical application of these ideas, and finally as the technology is developed and demonstrated, the engineering improvement or replacement of existing capabilities. In many areas the new ideas, although known, are not immediately put to practical use in all applicable fields. Good technologic forecasting for research and development within the excavation field coupled with adequate technology transfer is necessary to ensure timely application of innovative ideas to remove bottlenecks in the total system. The purposes of this paper are (1) to show the potential ability of technologic forecasting to meet future demands in rapid excavation through the acceleration of excavation rates by research and development in several related technologic fields, (2) to provide a brief review of the initial development of the ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) Rock Mechanics and Rapid Excavation Program, (3) to draw attention to the research projects completed or underway in the FY 1970-1972 ARPA program and explain where information or program results can be obtained, (4) to summarize the progress and accomplishments of applied research contracts in the rock disintegration element of the ARPA program, and (5) to discuss the research directions planned for the remaining years of the program. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) is a group within the Defense Department responsible for conducting basic and applied research and development for advanced projects assigned by the Director

Jan 1, 1997

By Ali Ahmadi, Andreas Rausch, Angela Binder, Stefan von der Mark, Dhananjeyan Jeyaraj, Jana Thomas, Nils Nöther, Stefan Wittek, Thomas Ulrich, Eleni Gerolymatou, Mario Kolling, Helmut Mischo, Michael D. Martin, Tugba Sen, Jens-André Paffenholz, Erik Farys, Oliver Langefeld, Wilfried Ließmann

This paper outlines the MOVIE project, which is dedicated to the development of a digital twin for an underground laboratory at the research and education mine “Forschungs- und Lehrbergwerk Reiche Zeche” in Freiberg (Germany). Data from induced rock deformations and temperature fluctuations is collected using fiber-optic sensors. The objective of the project is to establish a virtual laboratory for real-time analysis of the interactions between geology, geomechanics, geometry and ventilation. This will be achieved by integrating models from these disciplines with artificial intelligence, creating a sophisticated hybrid model. The insights gained will enhance safety and efficiency in mining through improved digital planning options, ultimately contributing to more effective resource management and operational decision-making in different mining environments.

Feb 1, 2025

By A. Steinmüller

Introduction In the design and operation of gravity concentration circuits, the application of process models for spiral concentrators offers significant benefits. A substantial amount of work has been produced over the last 30 years in the field of modeling the metallurgical performance of spiral concentrators. It is not the aim of this contribution to add to the refinement of modeling technique but to share some of the experiences and potential improvements which can be achieved in a relatively simple way. The design of spiral circuits usually requires extensive testing. This is often conducted in batch operation only, either due to lack of suitable continuous testing facilities, the unavailability of sufficient quantities of sample, or other constraints. Typical problems arising during circuit development from batch testwork are the extrapolation of results to different feed conditions, and resolving of internal recycles. Model selection and development The classic approaches in spiral modeling technique range from fundamental fluid dynamics, based on the Navier-Stokes equations in combination with expressions for local slurry properties, to fully empirical and statistical models. With the initial objective of developing an in-house tool for gravity circuit optimization and development, mathematical model types from each category, available either commercially or in the published literature, were evaluated. Model selection For the desired purpose, an approach proposed by Holland-Batt (1990) was found suitable, which was adopted and modified. Holland-Batt reported that the shape of release curves in spiral applications could be described by a combination of a linear function in the initial recovery zone, and a power law function outside this zone. The proposed recovery function was formulated as

Jan 1, 2005

By J. Ye

A comprehensive flotation study has been carried out on a Chinese fluorspar ore using the packed flotation column developed at Michigan Technological University. The results are compared with that of a conventional mechanical flotation method on the same feedstocks. Key factors controlling flotation performance of both methods are evaluated based upon a simple statistic design. The flotation concentrate produced in one stage of the packed column has 4-S% higher recovery and much lower silica impurity content than that produced by up to six stages when a conventional mechanical cell is used. The results also show that the packed column flotation process is particularly suitable for recovery of finer fluorspar particles.

Jan 1, 1992

By J. A. Botín

In modern mining, the core of mine planning and design is the block model, a simplified representation wherein the ore deposit is divided in a number of virtual rock cubes, each characterized by technical and economics parameters. Mining engineers use this model to design the mine and develop production schedules. Traditionally, sustainability issues are not considered in the mine design, planning and engineering processes but rather are incorporated in the later stages of the feasibility evaluation as necessary expenditures and operating costs. This paper describes the results of a research project aiming to develop a methodology to incorporate sustainability parameters directly into the block model, so that they become an integral part of the design, planning and scheduling processes. It is considered that the incorporation of sustainable parameters into the block model would yield a more responsible mine design and improve mining projects sustainability performance

Feb 27, 2013

By F. W. Mueller

It seems to be a matter of general understnading that title extraction or use of ground water may not be used as the basis of a depletion deduction under the United States Revenue Code And indeed, I have been unable to find any precedent upon which to base such a deduction. It is for this reason that the Shurbet case, which is the subject of my discussion and is now before the Court, may well become a precedent as authority for the allowance or disallowance of a depletion deduction for income purposes. It is well known that the law recognized that capital is consumed in the process of extracting minerals, oil and has, other natural deposits, and timber (underscoring supplied). This exhaustion, or depletion, is likened to the using up of raw materials in manufacturing. The law, therefore, provides a deduction for depletion which is intended as compensation for the exhaustion of assets consumed in the production of income through severance of minerals, oil and gas, other natural deposits, and timber.

Jan 1, 1962

By Anthony Harding, Rodolfo D. Aradas, Juan M. Fernandez, Darío Tsingas

"The adoption of tunneled combined sewerage interceptors and outfalls leads to design linings which are often subject to internal pressures that are larger than the external pressures, resulting in significant tension loads. The need to meet stringent durability conditions for the normal design life of 100 years often drives client specifications to require a double pass solution with a cast in situ secondary concrete lining. However, improvements in concrete technology and the need to seek efficiency in terms of time and costs, have driven designers to consider single pass segmental linings. The Riachuelo Sanitation project in Buenos Aires is subject to these constraints both upstream and downstream of a sewage treatment plant. This paper describes how the challenges of up to 2 bar pressure differential have been addressed by careful analysis of soil structure interaction to ensure that the full benefit of external ground pressure is realized, resulting in a more optimal design for the constructor both in terms of cost and time. INTRODUCTION The construction of long sewerage interceptors and outfalls is becoming an increasingly common piece of infrastructure for modern urban cities facing a large water front and estuarine conditions, which are under a significant environmental burden imposed by decades of sustained growth. Such works intercept most of the distributed sewage discharges to then divert them to a central treatment point from which it will be finally diffused via an outfall into a water body capable to accept these discharges under acceptable environmental conditions. Depending on the magnitude of the sewage load to be handled, the configuration of the urban environment and the conditions of the receiving water body, both in terms of oceanography forces and seabed conditions, these schemes will vary in length, conveyance capacity and design and construction requirements. When conditions permit, the current trend is the execution of long outfalls using flexible solutions (such as the use of HDPE pipes) which usually require some form of concrete ballasted weights to resist off shore dynamic forces when directly laid over the sea bed. However, this concept faces limitations when the conveyance requirements indicate the need for large diameters (typically above 3000 m) and also when the outfall needs to avoid deep features off shore such as navigation channels. When this occurs, tunneling, particularly segmentally lined tunnel constructed by TBM emerges as the most feasible approach for large diameter, long deep outfalls. The operating conditions often result in internal pressures that are larger than the external pressures, resulting in significant tension loads in the lining. The need to meet stringent durability conditions for the normal design life of 100 years often drives client specifications to require a double pass solution with a cast in situ secondary concrete lining."

Jan 1, 2016

By E. Fregeau-Wu

To recycle steelmaking slags for their iron, manganese, and lime contents, removal of the phosphorus-bearing dicalcium silicate and calcium phosphate is essential. Slow-cooling of slags was necessary to promote the sufficient grain growth to achieve liberation. In-situ grain size distribution determination showed that a high soaking temperature, a long soaking time, a very slow cooling rate, and the addition of fluorspar were shown to promote grain growth. High gradient magnetic separation on slow-cooled slags removed much of the dicalcium silicate. Liberation modelling was used to discuss the breakage and beneficiation characteristics of the slow-cooled slags.

Jan 1, 1992

By K. S. Radcliffe

Results are presented for the first phase of an experimental program to study the feasibility of using acoustic velocity for predicting the state of stress in a rock mass. Compressional wave velocities were determined axially in cylindrical samples during uniaxial compression for several rock types conditioned in dry and water-saturated environments. Results indicate that in rocks containing compressible voids or cracks, substantial velocity change occurs with the application of stress in the lower (below 100 MPa) stress regime. The effect norm- ally is nonlinear, however, and diminishes to asymptotic values when cracks or voids become closed or with saturation. Empirical prediction equations were derived for each rock type by linear and nonlinear regression analyses, and correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the equations that best fit the stress- velocity data. The operational range for predicting stress using compressional-wave velocity appears to be within the range of vertical stress expected in most shallow to intermediate depth mining operations (less than 1,000 m). Based on the experimental results to date and theoretical considerations, it appears that the technology can be advanced to predict in situ stress based on acoustic P-wave velocity determinations in most mining situations.

Jan 1, 1986

By E. Topuz, Xing Wu

INTRODUCTION The air flow in the mine ventilation network can be categorized in three ways: natural splitting, controlled splitting, and semi-controlled splitting. In natural splitting, the air flow in branches of a ventilation network apportions itself according to the aerodynamic resistance of the branches. In controlled splitting, a prescribed quantity of air is circulated through each branch. In semi-controlled splitting, flow in some branches is fixed to a desired quantity while in other branches it is split naturally. In practice, the mine ventilation networks present the latter two situations. Usually, the resistance of each branch in the network is known and the quantity of air in the working place is predetermined by safety considerations. If the number of branches whose airflow quantities are known is equal to or larger than the number of the fundamental meshes in the network, then the network becomes a controlled splitting network (Wang, 1982 a). Otherwise, it is a semi-controlled splitting network. If no booster fans are used in the network, the problem can be solved as either controlled or semi-controlled splitting networks in order to determine the main fan pressure and regulator size and location. All techniques are based on Kirchoff's flow and energy conservation laws and Atkinson's Equation. Booster fans can be used in controlled and semi-controlled splitting networks. It has been proven both theoretically and practically that using booster fans in these ventilation systems can improve flow distribution and reduce consumption of power (McPherson et al., 1985). The current techniques used in determination of booster fan location and size include simulation, linear programming, CPM and cutset operation, out-of-kilter, and critical-path crashing. These techniques can be classified into two groups. The first group, including linear programming, CPM and cutset operation, out-of-kilter, and critical-path crashing techniques, deals with controlled flow networks. The second, simulation, can be applied to the handling of semi-controlled flow networks. Mathematically, the problem of controlled splitting networks can be solved more easily than that of semi-controlled splitting networks. This is because the controlled flow network can be formulated as a linear programming problem, for the solution of which there are several sophisticated algorithms. Moreover, the semi-controlled flow network is usually modeled through nonlinear programming, for which there are no universally applicable solutions. The procedure described by Wu and Topuz, 1986, can be used to convert a semi-controlled network to a controlled flow network, and the problem can then be easily solved by the techniques used for solution of a controlled flow network problem. In practice, a mine ventilation network may change from controlled splitting to semicontrolled splitting with advancement of mining. This dynamic nature of mine ventilation makes the problem more complicated and necessitates development of new solution procedures which will consider the overall economics of the system. CONTROLLED SPLITTING NETWORK The problem in controlled splitting networks with booster fans is to determine the operational characteristic of the main fans, and the location and size of booster fans and regulators. The objective is to satisfy the air flow rate requirement for each branch while minimizing consumption of energy. The techniques used for the controlled splitting network problem include linear programming, CPM and cutset operation, out-of-kilter, and critical-path crashing. The objective function and constraints can be expressed as follows (Wang and Pana, 1971): [ ]

Jan 1, 1989

By C. McDonald, S. Slottee

Deep "paste" thickeners have been used in the alumina industry for several decades to improve chemical recovery and allow “stacking” of the red mud for disposal. These paste systems have eliminated many traditional tailings ponds in addition to providing better tails washing and better water recovery. This technology is not widely used or understood in other mineral processing applications. However, there is growing worldwide recognition of the advantages of concentrating mill tailings to a “paste”, i.e. a solid suspension that does not settle or segregate. This technology offers several alternatives to the traditional tailings pond such as “stacking” or mine backfill. More water recovery is possible than with high rate thickeners. Process benefits come in the form of better chemical and metals recovery through better washing in counter current decantation (CCD) applications. Obtaining a true paste (non-segregating suspension which exhibits a yield stress) and understanding the handling characteristics for applications outside alumina, are recent developments. Achieving all of the benefits available from a paste system requires careful design that takes into account the specific requirements of the disposal application along with the peculiar difficulties in producing and handling paste. In fact, design of a paste system is markedly different from a conventional system. Project design usually requires the cooperation of experts in several interrelated specialties including geotechnical, thickener design, pumping and discharge design and controls. A successful project must coordinate all activities to ensure that the overall objectives for the project are achieved. This paper describes the properties of paste, reviews the applications, and discusses the design of a complete paste deposition system.

Jan 1, 2003

By D. L. Boreck

With increasing land development, the potential of fatalities from abandoned mine shafts increases. To minimize potential liability, shaft closure should be a critical part of mined land reclamation. The Bureau of Mines is conducting research into using lightweight foam concrete in sealing abandoned coal mine shafts. A demonstration seal consisted of a 3m thick foam concrete plug to provide lateral stability inside the shaft. A high density concrete cap provided load-bearing capacity for a 100-year service life. The USBM has also completed research into changes in foam concrete when it is pumped or dropped from different heights. It is concluded from the research that foam concrete can undergo significant air loss with pumping or dropping. This foretells significant changes in the characteristics of the concrete as well as an increase in the weight and cost of the in-place concrete seal. When using foam concrete to seal abandoned mine shafts, care must be taken to minimize air loss during placement.

Jan 1, 1994