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By T. Negeri, Y. Breau, M. Plante, A. Orumwense

As part of a joint project on fine particle processing, sponsored by the Consortium de Recherche Minérale (COREM), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Hydro-Quebec, two flotation plant circuits were sampled to identify and quantify the causes of mineral losses within several particle size ranges. Size distributions, size-by-size assays and global chemical assays (Cu, Zn, Fe, S) were determined for the major streams. Size distributions were measured in 13 classes by sieving, cyclo sizing (-45 µm), and laser beam diffraction analysis. BILMAT, a material balance computation software package, was used to optimise the sampling, to estimate the unmeasured variables, and to assess and improve the quality of the information generated. The methodology has been extended to correct cyclo sizer data and reduce discontinuities of up to 20% at the transition from sieves to cyclo sizer. The paper describes the methodology and the main conclusions emerging from material inventory of the flow sheets.

Jan 1, 2003

By B. Howerton, M. M. Matlock, D. A. Atwood

In the Gold-Cyanide Process (GCP) the cyanide anions act to solubilize the gold and silver present in the ore, and mercury as well. The resulting mercury and cyanide rich effluent are serious health and environmental problems. Currently, there is no mercury treatment from the ore leach solution since there are no precipitating agents or other technologies which can be used effectively in the pH ~ 10solutions. Recently, however, we have developed a new chelate ligand that is impervious to this level of pH and it can be used to precipitate Hg from NaCN solutions. On an actual sample taken from an active gold mine the chelate selectively reduced the mercury level from 34.5 ppm to 0.008 ppm within 15 minutes. Importantly, the gold and silver levels remained unchanged throughout this process. Thus, the environmental impact of Hg released in the GCP can be drastically reduced. Moreover, with a mercury treatment technology now available it may be possible to change, or reinvent, the entire GCP process.

Jan 1, 2003

By Louis W. Cope

Since its discovery, Cuba has been called the “Pearl of the Antilles.” The country remains that, albeit a little tarnished these days. In Havana, many of the buildings are being refurbished, while some new ones are under construction. Since 1991, the laws have been relaxed so that Cuba is developing a mixed economy of central control with free market. Joint venture agreements have been signed with businesses from many countries. This does not include the United States due to its embargo. But even these regulations have been relaxed some.

Jan 1, 2003

By S. El-Mofty, P. Zhang, N. A. Khalek

This article reviews different technologies used for beneficiation of siliceous and calcareous phosphate ores of different origin. The review sheds light on recent trends suggested for solving problems associated with separation of different impurities from phosphates. Applications of recently modified flowsheets as well as new reagents in the flotation of phosphate ores of sedimentary origin are highlighted.

Jan 1, 2003

By B. S. Hulvey

Thin support liners are becoming more accepted and being developed with improved properties because the mining industry as a whole has been offering underground safe test trial sites. This is because of the huge potential for such products. Recent developments tend to indicate that the technology is “coming of age” and these are discussed in this paper.

Jan 1, 2003

The long-term goal of the Collaborative Research Centre 525 is the identification of options for the resource-sensitive supply and utilization of metallic raw materials. In order to address these issues, an integrated resource management system for metallic raw materials was developed and tested. Simulations were carried out, using the tools and methodical approaches developed in this system, in order to compare alternative operating scenarios for aluminium and copper. However, before these alternative operating scenarios could be formulated and assessed, it was necessary to develop a consistent set of indicators to monitor progress towards sustainable development in the processing and utilization of metallic raw materials. The primary objective of the centre is to develop a set of indicators, which adopt a holistic approach to resource management, thereby enabling the assessment of different operating scenarios within the broadest possible context. The target audience for this research consists of decision-makers in the realms of politics, business and industry, as well as NGO?s.

Jan 1, 2003

By Lyman File

This paper discusses the overall challenges to construct a two-lane highway tunnel located in southwestern Colorado on U.S. Highway 160 for the Colorado Department of Transportation by the Kiewit Western Company. The purpose of this project is to provide the excavation and temporary support for a highway tunnel 280 m (916 feet) long. The tunnel cross section is 14.3 m (47 feet) wide by 8.5 m (28 feet) high, 105 m2 (1,130 SF).Construction methods include conventional drill and blast excavation with rockbolt and shotcrete ground support. This unique tunnel is being constructed under alpine tunnelling conditions and in the immediate vicinity of active highway traffic.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. N. Tempel, M. Lengke

Arsenic sulfide (orpiment, realgar, amorphous AsS and As2S3) oxidation rates were measured in mixed flow reactors at pH-2 and at temperatures of 25 ° to 30 °C. The measured oxidation rates for arsenic sulfide solids by dissolved oxygen are in the range of 10-11 to 10-10 mole m-2s-1 after being normalized to final surface area. The order of arsenic sulfide oxidation rates decreases at pH-2 from amorphous AsS > realgar > orpiment > amorphous As2S3. Compared to pyrite, arsenic sulfide oxidation rates are approximately 1.5 to 15 times slower than pyrite oxidation rates at pH-2.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. Stoll

In May 1998, Hanson Aggregates Midwest, as an outcome of mine planning, offered a 10-acre tract of land containing the famed fossil-bearing Silica formation, to the City of Sylvania, OH. in the form of a 99-year lease agreement. The Olander Park System, and Ohio code park operating within Sylvania Township, was then approved by Hanson and the City to manage and fund the park. All parties signed the lease in August of 1999. In November 2001, local residents voted to fund the park by a margin of 2 to 1. The park will consist of a shallow (approx. 20 ft.) former cement production quarry that is 700 ft. long by 300 ft. wide. Hanson’s motivation and vision for the park was fivefold: 1) the site was located away from long-term reserve access; 2) it would serve nicely as buffer property for the active quarry; 3) it had become an area of illegal dumping by locals in the past; 4) trespassing and safety issues would be limited by allowing supervised usage; and 5) the shallow outcropping contains the world famous, fossil-bearing Silica shale. Hanson will supply shale to the park perpetually via stripping activities in the process of uncovering quality construction aggregate limestone and dolomite reserves. Thousands of enthusiastic fossil hunters have already combed throughout the shale in their quest for “treasures”. The park’s master plan also features nature trails, picnic areas, a fossil-themed play area, amphitheater, visitor’s center and gift shop. Given the natural and people resources that Sylvania Fossil Park will have to offer, Hanson is confident that it will become the premier invertebrate fossil hunting site in the United States. It will also remain a solid community relations vehicle for years to come.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. L. Wiegel

Several mineral process modeling and simulation packages are currently available for use in evaluating the performance of alternative process flow schemes. A critical link that has been missing from these packages is the ability to quantitatively model the effect of size reduction on the liberation of the valuable and waste minerals in the ore being processed. Although there have been several approaches taken to this problem over the past 25 years, none of them has led to a satisfactory conclusion. A technique was developed for measuring the effective liberation characteristics of magnetic taconite ores, and a program was constructed that makes use of these liberation characteristics in simultaneously simulating both size reduction and mineral liberation as it occurs in tumbling mills. This is an especially important step in the modeling of magnetic taconite processes, where magnetic rejection of low-grade wastes between grinding stages mandates that a predictive capability be available. The current application is specific to magnetic taconite, but it is possible that a similar approach could be used for other types of mineral systems. Key words: Modeling and simulation, Size reduction, Mineral liberation, Taconite, Magnetic concentrator

Jan 1, 2003

By F. D. Fox

The Flambeau and Ridgeway Mines, both owned and operated by wholly owned subsidiaries of Kennecott Minerals Company, were located very close to populated areas having initial concerns about health, safety and the environment. The success of both operations depended upon developing a framework of community support and enhancing sustainable development opportunities throughout the entire life cycle of the mining operations to address these concerns. The protection of the Flambeau River was the cornerstone of the Flambeau Mine’s success. The highest priority for the Ridgeway Mine was to ensure long-term physical, chemical and ecological stability of the reclaimed mine site. Both of these goals have been achieved and are discussed in this paper, which highlights Kennecott Minerals Company’s integration of sustainable development principles into its business decision-making and management processes.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. M. Rajkovich

Just prior to the close of the century, the Mine Safety and Health Review Commission issued its long-awaited decision in Berwind Natural Resources et al. vs. Secretary of Labor[1] to usher in the new millennium. The case arose as a result of a mine explosion in Eastern Kentucky resulting in the US Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) issuance of 225 citations, not only to the contractor but to four affiliated entities of Berwind Corp. While an Administrative Law Judge dismissed citations to three of the four Berwind entities, MSHA and the remaining Berwind entity appealed the case to the commission. Although the commission effectively left intact the administrative law judge's decision, it announced a new theory of liability that would apparently be applied in the future, namely the unitary operator theory.

Jan 1, 2003

By R. J. Wahrer

In 1996, the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) completed an Endangered Species Act (ESA) programmatic Section 7 consultation. From the resultant Biological Opinion, it was found that coal mining operations conducted under federally approved state regulatory programs would not likely jeopardize the continuation of federally listed species nor result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitats. The requirements of the ESA and their integration into the SMCRA permitting process and the responsibilities of the regulatory agency, the FWS and the coal operator will be discussed. Guidance on the development of protection and enhancement plans will be provided and site-specific examples given.

Jan 1, 2003

By Hans-Christian Kurzweil, Klaus Mussger

CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, are upgrading their existing particle accelerator for the next generation of experiments and have three major packages of underground construction work in progress. Each package involves the construction of shafts, cavern, tunnels and surface buildings. This paper gives an overview of CERN, the LHC Project and a more detailed discussion of design process, design review and construction works of Experimental Point 5. The LHC works at Point 5 include two large shafts, two major parallel caverns with a total span of 50 m, which are separated by a 7 m wide and 28 m high concrete pillar, and a system of secondary tunnels and caverns. The overburden ground consists of around 50 m of water bearing moraine (silty, clayey gravels and sands) overlying 20 mof molasse, which consists of horizontally bedded marls and sandstones. The shaft shave been constructed with ground freezing, primary concrete lining, membrane and secondary slip formed concrete lining. The concrete pillar was then excavated and concreted in advance of excavation of the two caverns. Cavern construction includes primary support of shotcrete lining and rock bolts, followed by waterproof membrane and primary support of shotcrete lining and rock bolts, followed by water proof membrane and insitu concrete secondary lining.

Jan 1, 2003

By A. Adu-Acheampong

Stope instability at Ashanti Goldfields Company Ltd. (AGC) is a major concern. Using information from field mapping, major discontinuity sets were defined, Rock Quality Designation (RQD) was determined. The stability of wedges in the stope walls was assessed using the commercially available computer program UNWEDGE(Rock Science, 1992). Analytical results indicate that the presence of graphite infilling in joints contributes to instability, while steeply dipping joints control wedge slabbing and wedge toppling in the hanging wall. Stable stope widths and dimensions were determined to range from8.1 to 30 meters (m).

Jan 1, 2003

By C. Stephan, E. Weiss, J. Trackemas, M. Sapko

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL), in collaboration with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the mining industry, and seal manufacturers recently conducted a series of full-scale experiments within the underground experimental mine at PRL’s Lake Lynn Laboratory. The purpose of the experiments was to evaluate the explosion-resistant characteristics of several new seal designs for rapid deployment during mine emergencies. These seals can be deployed in 6 to 10 hr and are capable of withstanding explosion overpressures in excess of 140 kPa (20 psi). These novel seal designs use available mine materials, do not require conventional rib hitching, and, most importantly, can substantially reduce exposure time for coal miners during sealing and mine recovery operations.

Jan 1, 2003

By W. H. Schiffbauer

The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed an active proximity warning system called hazardous area signaling and ranging device (HASARD) for warning workers as they approach known dangerous areas around heavy mining equipment and other dangerous work zones. HASARD is composed of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter generates a 60-kHz magnetic field using one or more wire loop antennas. Each antenna is adjusted to establish a magnetic field pattern for each hazardous area. The receiver, which is worn by the worker, is a magnetic field strength meter. The received signal is compared against preset levels that are calibrated to identify levels of danger. The receiver outputs can include visual, audible and vibratory indicators, and it can also be made to disable machine functions. HASARD was field tested on a Joy 12 continuous miner, a Komatsu 210 M Haulpak and on a high wall launch vehicle. Slight modifications were made for each application. HASARD provided warnings as designed, and it proved to be rugged enough to withstand the harshest of production environments.

Jan 1, 2003

By G. C. Anderson

The Cleveland Cliffs NOLA electronics and software upgrade is a Windows based system that simultaneously controls two Texas Nuclear NOLAs and associated sampling. It uses new spectrum analysis and algorithms to produce accurate, linear silica measurement with slurries that range from 5 through 50 percent solids. This linearity allows us to achieve a reproducible procedural calibration. The hardware consists of readily available shelf items, is extremely redundant and eliminates all NIM bus modules.

Jan 1, 2003

By Tim O’Neil

Tire companies have historically used the mining industry as a platform to launch new technologies. And the mining industry has been receptive to that. So, while developing its Two Piece Assembly, Goodyear noted a number of trends in the mining industry: •The global market sophistication of equipment and operations requires the packaging of products and services to provide the best return on investment. •Industry consolidation and growth have resulted in fewer, more powerful mining houses, leveraging purchasing power in the marketplace. •User productivity demands continue to drive original equipment manufacturers to develop higher pay-load equipment. •Technology needs include improved ergonomics, to reduce fatigue and increase operator productivity. •Increased laws and environmental regulation prohibit on-site whole tire disposal practices.

Jan 1, 2003

By S. C. Brown

A number of studies have suggested that microscale asperities enhance bubble-particle attachment efficiency; however, in practice the roughening of particulate surfaces can also lead to a decrease in flotation. In the present investigation, it is proposed that nanoscale asperities may be partially responsible for this phenomenon. It is suggested that as inter-asperity separation distances are reduced capillary effects are enhanced leading to the formation of stable liquid domains, which adversely impact bubble-particle adhesion. In addition, obstruction of surfactant self-assembly may occur, further limiting flotation.

Jan 1, 2003