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By E. D. Hummer

During the planning of the fine coal cleaning addition at the Gary, W. Va., Coal Preparation Plant of United States Steel Corp. careful consideration was directed toward the problem of minus 48 mesh refuse disposal. The plant flow sheet included wet screening the raw coal at ¼ in., pumping the minus ¼ in. raw coal to bowl desiltors for desliming, and then cleaning the deslimed raw coal on tables. The material to be removed from the circuit as minus 48 mesh refuse consisted of the minus 100 mesh desiltor overflow thickened in two 120 ft diam thickeners and minus 1 mm screened from the table refuse. Later a flotation plant was added to recover coal from the desiltor overflow, and a classifier replaced the screens to make a sharper size separation of the table refuse at 48 mesh. Today the minus 48 mesh refuse at Gary consists of thickened flotation tailing and thickened spiral classifier overflow. The transportation of large quantities of fine, wet refuse filter cake mixed with jig and table refuse over existing conveying equipment would have been neither dependable nor economical. Filtration was therefore impractical, and disposal of the fine materials was a problem. The decision was to pump the material to storage ponds.

Jan 3, 1965

By R Berry, A Escolme

"Predictive geometallurgical models are being developed for the Productora Cu-Au-Mo deposit based on geochemistry to reflect variability in Cu species based on Cu sequential leach data (ie oxide, transitional-oxide, transitional-sulfide, sulfide and non-recoverable Cu).Productora, located in the coastal range of northern Chile, is a magmatic-hydrothermal tourmaline breccia-hosted, structurally controlled Cu-Au-Mo deposit hosted by a thick sequence of Jurassic rhyodacitic volcanic rocks. North and north-west striking fault sets control the distribution of mineralised breccias. Alteration is widespread, complex and pervasive. Hypogene alteration assemblages range in composition from distal magnetite-amphibole, to sodic-calcic, to sodic, to phyllic, to proximal potassic. Low-temperature advanced argillic assemblages are locally juxtaposed next to proximal high-temperature K-feldspar-tourmaline assemblages. The dominant hypogene Cu phase is chalcopyrite.A simple Cu species classification scheme based on sequential leach data and S per cent was devised to account for non-recoverable Cu (ie non-sulfide Cu), which is insoluble in weak acids. Through machine learning, a proxy for this Cu species classification scheme was developed based on: depth, Ca per cent, Cu per cent, Fe per cent, K per cent, Mn ppm, S per cent and Ln(Cu/S) plus logged regolith class, thus allowing classification to be extended to areas of the deposit where no sequential leach data are available. The modelled data has been used to generate deposit-wide 3D models for Cu species classification.The validity of the proxy Cu species classification model is being tested against the results of flotation analysis. Initial results indicate that geochemical proxies can be used to successfully predict Cu species class and provide a high density of classification data.CITATION:Escolme, A, Berry, R and Hunt, J, 2016. Predicting Cu Species Classification Using Geochemistry at the Productora Cu-Au-Mo Deposit, Chile, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 113–118 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By Larry Dale

An approach for predicting the development of mineral resources on public lands has been developed as an aid to resource agencies. It consists of new techniques for evaluating the economic potential of the resource, the uncertainty about mine cost estimates, and the uncertainty about the occurrance of mineral deposits. New mineral sup- plies from inferred and hypothetical resources can be predicted by using these techniques. A case study illustrates their application in predicting development of copper resources in western Montana.

Jan 1, 1982

By G K. N Subasinghe

"In the design and operation of mineral processing plants, knowledge of the variability of ore properties and that of the expected metallurgical performance within the orebody is of great importance in order to avoid both production constraints due to inadequate design and less than expected metallurgical performance during operation. Of the many properties that determine the performance of downstream separation processes, such as flotation, gravity separation and leaching etc the liberation characteristics are of primary importance.Current methods of evaluating liberation characteristics of ores such as the use of Mineral Liberation Analyzer (MLA) and QEMSCAN techniques are expensive and suffer from the drawback that these tests are performed on comminuted particles at a given grind size and/or samples of product streams. This problem could be overcome by developing predictive models of liberation that can predict the grade distribution of comminuted products at any grind size based on texture of the parent rock. This paper discusses a procedure that has been developed to predict liberation using information obtained from a sample of the parent rock such as drill core, based on Barbery’s liberation models. The required characteristic statistical functions have been evaluated from image analysis techniques using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the parent rock and narrowly sized comminuted particles. Such information can then be used in a predictive model to predict or explain the variability of metallurgical performance at various grind sizes used in future operating plants. The model will predict not only the valuable mineral liberation but also gangue liberation, which will be useful to those who are looking to remove liberated gangue from comminution circuits.CITATION:Subasinghe, G K N, and Dunne, R, 2016. Predictive Model of Mineral Liberation for Geometallurgical Applications, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 347–350 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By Edward (Ted) R. Lord

The application of thickened/paste tailings for surface disposal has been practiced for many years but has recently started to gain wider international acceptance. With tailings ponds coming under increasing environmental scrutiny, there is growing momentum towards mine/tailings plans that greatly reduce the size or even eliminate tailings ponds completely. This paper provides examples from the author's own experiences of the application of thickened/paste tailings for surface disposal in different countries, under different climatic conditions and in different industries. The paper will also comment on current research initiatives and future trends.

May 1, 2001

By Q Qian, M Karakus, J Wang, N Melkoumian, D Goodchild, Q Sui, C Wang

Probabilistic analysis is widely used in slope stability assessment because of its capability to take into account uncertainties associated with geotechnical parameters. There are, however, still many unresolved practical issues to the application of the method. One of these issues is the integration of assessments when multiple sets of fractures are considered for the entire slope. In the present study, this issue is addressed within the framework of Monte Carlo simulation. Probability of failure for pairs of fracture sets are assessed independently and the final assessment of the probability of failure for the entire slope is done using conditional probabilities. Prominent Hill open pit, in particular, the problematic fresh Bulldog shale formation, was used as a case study to test the method proposed. The SWEDGE program of the RocScience software package was used for the analysis.

Sep 26, 2011

By R Berry, J Lett, C L. Harraden

"In the past decade, increased processing capacity combined with precision robotics in high resolution spectrometers has resulted in a new generation of high-speed hyperspectral core logging systems. The application of these multisensor automated platforms provides a key advancement in the characterisation of metal resources. The development of this technology has allowed for comprehensive, drill core-based, mine-scale rock mass characterisation studies. Here we propose a new method for the extraction of parameters that seek to more accurately quantify ground conditions, including quantified rock mass rating (RMR) and the Rock Tunnelling Quality (Q) Index. Data inputs include rock quality designation (RQD), number of joint sets, joint roughness, joint alteration and joint spacing. Geologists and geotechnical engineers have historically collected these inputs by manually logging drill core. With automated core scanning technologies, these parameters can be estimated from the acquired image data and used to objectively calculate RMR and Q-index values for oriented core.Corescan is an automated hyperspectral core scanner that uses a 3D laser profiling system to measure the height of the surface of drill core. This technology allows for rapid core analysis to produce detailed fracture and rock condition data. Through an integrated geometallurgical approach, the proposed methodology will test the accuracy of joint measurement using the height profile Corescan data from oriented drill core. This will be combined with joint roughness and alteration mineralogy measured from the hyperspectral images to calculate the RMR and the Q-index continuously downhole. The values obtained can then be compared to the traditional, manual geotechnical log data. If the precision is sufficient, these techniques can then be applied site-wide to automate the collection and modelling of key ground condition classification indices across an entire deposit. Compared to the laborious manual geotechnical logging procedures that currently form the industry standard, utilisation of core laser profile data and high resolution red-green-blue (RGB) images provide an opportunity to collect large volumes of consistent geotechnical data, which can increase the efficiency and accuracy of deposit scale geotechnical models.CITATION:Harraden, C L, Berry, R and Lett, J, 2016. Proposed Methodology for Utilising Automated Core Logging Technology to Extract Geotechnical Index Parameters, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 119–124 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By Carl Verholek

Remote control systems for industrial applications have advanced since the early 20 years, increasing its capabilities by utilizing new electronic technology. This electronic “tool” has benefited many mining operations, making them a safer place to work and at the same time more productive. Almost any operation that presently uses a man at the controls of the machine or using a wired tether control, is a candidate for improvement by the addition of a remote control. Remote control systems add safety, reliability and productivity at a cost that is usually recovered in mere months after installation.

May 25, 1998

By Harry J. Fitzgerald

During World War II mining machinery manufacturers were limited in the development of their product improvement programs. Following the war, however, the ideas and intentions of both the users and manufacturers of mining equipment became evident. The Coal Industry launched a series of events which indicated their determination to rise to the economic challenge of developing profitable machines which would eliminate the out-dated and back-breaking methods of mining previously used. Two major technological advances were developed as a result of the ambitious goals forecast by the Coal Industry: 1. Coal mining was going "off-track" and concentrated mining operations were to follow in rapid succession. 2. Carbide tools provided the remaining missing contribution to another technological breakthrough....Continuous Mining. Little did the inventors realize the significance of the misnomer they created because twenty-five years later the industry is still striving to secure the results implied by the meaning of the word...."Continuous". Nevertheless, all major manufacturers embarked on programs in an attempt to compete for recognition in this new mechanized-mining endeavor Eventually in 1950 there were three types of boring machines and two types of ripping machines being manufactured. Mining Speed was the desired goal.

Jan 1, 1970

By Robert A. Creaser, David R. Lentz

Abstract - The Moss molybdenite deposit, which was mined during both world wars, is hosted in late Grenvillian granitic pegmatite dikes. These dikes are locally aplitic, and intrude the late tectonic Onslow syenite (probably correlative with the ~1090-1070 Ma Kensington suite), which is in turn intrusive into the 1170-1155 Ma Chevreuil intrusive suite of southwestern Quebec. A Re-Os model age of 1053 ± 4 Ma (8.3 ppm Re) was obtained for molybdenite from a pegmatitic veinlet within an aplitic phase of the dike. A much younger Re-Os date of 860.9 ± 9.2 Ma (6.9 ppm Re) obtained previously from a pyrrhotiteand pyrite-rich metasomatic vein might reflect Os diffusion during slow cooling of the Grenville province, because this age is consistent with K-Ar dates reported from the region. Alternatively, the similarity between these younger dates may be fortuitous, and may instead relate to sampling issues for molybdenite. The Mo-rich granitic dikes at the Moss deposit are similar to other Mo-rich A-type pegmatite-aplite granitic dike systems that formed immediately after the peak of the Ottawan orogeny (1070-1090 Ma), and possibly are more closely related to the Kensington suite than previously thought.

Jan 1, 2005

By W. J. Bronkala

Dense-medium circuits have been installed in many mineral treatment plants since its, original development about thirty years ago. In the intervening, period the process has been thoroughly evaluated and many innovations have been introduced. The Heavy Density. Cyclone is one of the newer systems which has extended the operating range of this process to 65 mesh size. Several different finely divided materials have been used to produce the separating bath but nearly all new plants use a ferro-magnetic medium. The, advantages of magnetic medium include: 1. Smaller recovery plant 2. Lower cost recovery plant both in initial and operating cost 3. Excellent medium stability 4. Dependable medium supply at reasonable and stable cost. Magnetic separators are used to recover this magnetic medium and the smaller plants and lower operating costs are directly related to their use.

Jan 1, 1964

By J. Vander Linden, R. De Ketelaere, M. Verhaege

In this paper, results are presented concerning the search to implement Supported Liquid Membrane (SLM) technology for the recovery of copper from electroplating effluents. Acid copper electroplating rinse solutions or effluents resulting from the post-treatment of, for example, cyanide-containing copper electroplating baths all contain copper (2+) in the lower concentration levels. A thorough study of the influence of the individual parameters and of their combined impact on mass transfer in small scale laboratory SLM modules has been performed, enabling to set forward the appropriate operating conditions for a pilot plant installation. The pilot plant, containing two SLM modules. of 18 m2 of surface area, has been tested extensively, including short and long term runs, with real process solutions. It was demonstrated that this installation is able to treat 40 l/h of acid copper sulphate rinse solutions· containing 500 ppm of copper. The final copper concentration in the effluent can be reduced to a few ppm while copper metal is recovered by electrolysis of the concentrate. This technology is also applicable to the treatment of solutions with low copper content of origins other than plating shops, such as tailings from copper plants or mine waters.

Jan 1, 2000

By Alexander J. Verstraeten

Work started on the building of the Amsterdam Concert Hall in 1880 by driving over 2000 wooden piles of 13 m on which foundation-beams out of wood and brickwork were made. During construction the design was changed. This was due to the latest German developments, requiring double walls instead of single, so that the space in between could be used for ventilation and heating. Therefore the pile load, originally designed at approximately 100 kN, increased even to 170 kN for some piles, causing settlements and unacceptable cracks in the brickwork. Settlements of up to 18 cm were measured. In 1985/1986 around 400 vibration-free Tubex-displacement-piles were installed under the Concert Hall, with a shaft of 0355 mm, a pile shoe of 0560 mm and a pile length of approximately 18 m. After these Tubex piles had been installed they took over the complete weight of the whole building, thus eliminating further settlements and damage. 95% of all the construction activities took place while the concerts went on. The chosen solution also made it possible to create a new basement under the Concert Hall as an extension for dressing-rooms etc.

Jan 1, 1987

By Forest Mintz

Many oil and gas producers find it advantageous to borrow against the value of their hydrocarbon re- serves. This paper considers the requirements for a reserve based loan and the calculations that a bank would perform to arrive at a loan amount. Three of the most common loan structures, i.e. a term loan, a production payment, and a revolving credit/term loan will be discussed. A typical outline for each type of loan is presented. Finally, a comparison of major considerations in the three financing techniques is shown.

Jan 1, 1982

By M. E. Grimes

Rio Algom Mines Ltd. owns eight uranium mines and mills in the Elliot Lake district of Ontario, seven of which were producing before 1960. At present only one mine is operating meeting current contract requirements. Under present economic conditions, it is not feasible to mine ore of less than 2.0 lbs./ton U308, although there are very large reserves below this grade. We are interested in preconcentration for three possible applications: to extend ore reserves by permitting use of lower grade ore, to reduce costs on processing of present grade ore, and to reduce capital investment in expanding production to meet future production goals.

Jan 1, 1973

By Norman C. Stines

Russia's mineral potential is a secret that has been effectively kept by the Iron Curtain. There is no conclusive data and because of its extreme importance to the Free World, the subject is greatly discussed. Opinions range from those presented by Paul Tyler in his article "Russia's Mineral Potential," June issue of MINING ENGINEERING to those of Norman C. Stines, presented herewith. Mr. Stines is a consulting mining engineer of Los Gatos, Calif. He was in Russia, China, and Manchuria from 1909 to 1918 as a mining executive. From 1917 to 1919 he served as assistant military attache Intelligence Branch U. S. Army in Petrograd, Russia.

Jan 11, 1951

By Robert L. Wade

The two primary goals in underground coal mining are to improve safety and to lower mining costs per ton through increased productivity. However, as evidenced by the drastic decrease in. productivity since the enactment of the 1969 Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, (the Safety Act), these goals appear to be mutually exclusive. Millions of dollars have been spent in the res, arch and development of systems to solve this problem. Before the Safety Act, "productivity had experienced a 25-year history of continued increases ...? (Douglas, 1980). But since its enactment there have been dramatic decreases in productivity accompanied by phenomenal increases in mine costs. Labor trends, depletion of the more readily minable underground coal reserves and other factors have contributed to this situation, but the dominant factor is undoubtedly the Safety Act itself. To illustrate, prior to 1969 underground coal mine production was much greater than surface mine production but since then underground mine production has been declining at a rate greater than the overall growth rate of total coal production.

Jan 1, 1985

By E. Lammer

"Underground mining processes are dangerous. The design of mining equipment, which is able to cope with the hostile underground environment, is a challenge for all machine manufacturers. Presupposition for realizing the vision of SANDVIK for zero harm for working with SANDVIK equipment is the installation of the appropriate processes. Into the product engineering and product development processes of Sandvik Mining and Construction, a specific "Product Safety Process" has been integrated, where all safety related activities like identification of all life cycle hazards, risk management and safety verification / validation are planned, performed and documented. Product safety shall be „designed into" the products. Therefore, specific research activities have been started, to address the safety and health related topics for the development and for the engineering of SANDVIK mining machines."

Jan 1, 2011

By Y Xie, L O’Connor, S C. Dominy

"Sheeted vein gold deposits are characterised by multiple subparallel veins and free milling gold. In situ heterogeneity of mineralisation results in grade and process parameter variability, which will increase project risk. Measured variability is often enhanced by poorly designed sampling and test work protocols. Protocols that are optimised within the framework of the theory of sampling to suit the ore type, together with quality assurance/quality control systems, will reduce variability and provide fit-for-purpose results. The geometallurgical approach requires spatially distributed samples within a deposit to support variability modelling. Diverse attributes from core logging, mineralogical/textural determination and small-scale tests are used to measure variability. This contribution emphasises early stage geometallurgical intervention during project development. It presents a discussion of representative sampling in the context of the theory of sampling. A case study presents a protocol that exemplifies how data can be gained from a well-designed and planned program to support a resource estimate and prefeasibility study.CITATION:Dominy, S C, O’Connor, L and Xie, Y, 2016. Sampling and Test Work Protocol Development for Geometallurgical Characterisation of a Sheeted Vein Gold Deposit, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 97–112 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jun 15, 2016

By R J. Johnson

The development of "SANFO" has provided the Mining Industry with a LOW COST HIGH GAS VOLUME, VARIABLE DENSITY, Blasting Agent which can be blended "On Site" in a simple Agitator mixing and charging system by mine site employees.

Jan 1, 1996