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By Qinghua Tian, Zhipeng Xu, Dong Li, Xueyi Guo, Liu Zhu

A possible process for extracting tellurium and antimony from a residue generated in alkaline sulfide leaching of telluriumbearing alkaline skimming slag was proposed. The central composite design was employed to define the optimal leaching conditions for tellurium and antimony extractions from the residue sample. Using a 23 factorial matrix, the best performance for tellurium and antimony extractions (96.36% and 99.64%) were obtained at 175 g L−1 Na2S concentration for 80 °C during 60 min. The notable degree for influencing tellurium and antimony extractions was leaching temperature, Na2S concentration, and leaching time. The analysis of variance results indicated that the regression model was significant and suitable to be used for the optimization of independent variables within the range. The model was validated under optimal operating conditions based on the experimental design results. Antimony and tellurium in the leach liquor were separated and recovered by H2O2 oxidation followed by Na2S-Na2SO3 reduction. 98.93% of antimony was precipitated selectively during H2O2 oxidation, while 95.06% of tellurium was precipitated during Na2S-Na2SO3 reduction. NaSb(OH)6 and elemental tellurium was obtained as the product.

By K. Viking

The vibratory characteristics of full-scale sheet piles, vibratory driven into the ground, have so far not been described systematically in detail. This paper concerns the preliminary results of a series of full-scale field tests where both the driveability and induced ground vibrations have been continuously monitored. Furthermore, the results of measured ground vibration levels have been measured at two different sites characterised as having hard and easy driving conditions. In the light of the presented results, the paper briefly discusses how the complexity of a driveability and vibration prediction can be subdivided into three parts, namely, vibrator-, sheet pile-, and soil-related parameters, all of which significantly affect both the driveability and induced ground vibrations.

Jan 1, 2000

By Mark E. Hammele

A number of new thoughts have recently emerged concerning the role of air decks, stemming, gas confinement and gross motion in specific blasting environments and applications. Field research in full-scale production environments is based on the theoret ical work f i rst proposed at the Universi ty of Maryland’s Fracture Mechanics Laboratory.

Jan 1, 1989

By Goutam H. Shahani

Today, the mining and mineral sectors are being impacted by highly fluctuating supply ? demand, extreme price volatility and tremendous market uncertainty on a world-wide basis. This pattern is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. In particular, large consumers of tonnage quantities of industrial gases (oxygen, nitrogen) all have to make informed investment decisions in this uncertain economic environment. Plant owners ? operators need to carefully examine their current and future industrial gas needs in order to develop the most cost-effective industrial gas plant configuration. This can be done by partnering with an experienced engineering company that offers a complete technology portfolio for producing industrial gases. Ideally, the mineral and engineering companies have to work together as a single team to identify the most efficient and economic plant design. This includes an in-depth assessment of capital and operating costs, in order to deliver an optimal solution, taking plant reliability and process safety into account. It is important to consider all the industrial gas needs at a given manufacturing complex, in conjunction with available utilities and infrastructure to develop the best possible long term solution. Oxygen (O2) requirements include: oxygen enriched and oxy-fuel combustion, smelting and hydrometallurgical operations. Nitrogen (N2) is used for annealing. All of these industrial gas requirements have to be examined at a given site over a long term horizon in a holistic manner. Cryogenic air separation was first practiced at a commercial scale in 1902. Since then, the technology has been constantly refined to reduce cost; and improve reliability and flexibility. Today, using advanced engineering techniques, including proprietary process simulation, and modern fabrication techniques, it is possible to build air separation plants that are both low cost and high quality at the same time. It is important to work with an engineering company that owns a complete portfolio of industrial gas technologies, functional engineering capabilities and a variety of plant solutions. Such a partnership can quickly identify a ?sweet spot? for a given situation. By drawing on experience gained from hundreds of projects, it is possible to quickly optimize a given requirement. In situations where a customer wants a complete solution it may be appropriate to provide an air separation plant on a turn-key basis. This will enable the mining and mineral processor to focus on their core business. By using global procurement and construction capabilities it is possible reduce cost and improve project execution, thereby making industrial gas plant procurement simpler and cheaper for the mining and mineral sector.

Nov 1, 2011

By Patrick Bermingham

The advancement of hydraulic impact hammers has followed the general advancement of hydraulics. The construction industry has been revolutionized by the application of hydraulics in excavators, cranes and, of course, in the hydraulic vibratory driver/extractor, which has become a standard tool. The innate ability to move a large mass with a very small displaced volume has given hydraulic power the advantage over previous power mediums. Recent development of more specialized and complex seal configurations and compounds has greatly improved the reliability and permitted the use of higher pressures in hydraulic systems.

Jan 1, 1987

The objective of current efforts by AQUILA Mining Systems Ltd. is the continued development of computer-based systems and techniques to automatically process and interpret monitored performance data from surface blasthole drills and mining shovels, and the management and coordination of these pieces of equipment by GPS (Global Positioning Systems).

Jan 1, 1995

By D. W. Smith, Robert F. Mehl

It has been shown by numerous studies that the orientations of new metal crystals are determined by the orientations of the crystals in the original matrix, whether these new crystals are formed by recrystalliza-tion, by precipitation from solid solutions, or by transitions in the solid state. The orientations of crystals formed by recrystallization of cold-worked metals that bear preferred orientations are occasionally simply related to the initial preferred orientation; often, however, the relationship is not simple, but complicated and obscure in origin.1 The orientations of crystals formed by precipitation from solid solutions have been shown by many studies in this and other countries to be determined by the orientation of the crystals of the solid solution stable at the higher temperatures, though here again complicated cases have been found and no general theory is available.2 Related to this latter class are the relationships found in crystals formed by suppressed transforma-

Jan 1, 1935

By D. W. Smith, Robert F. Mehl

It has been shown by numerous studies that the orientations of new metal crystals are determined by the orientations of the crystals in the original matrix, whether these new crystals are formed by recrystalliza-tion, by precipitation from solid solutions, or by transitions in the solid state. The orientations of crystals formed by recrystallization of cold-worked metals that bear preferred orientations are occasionally simply related to the initial preferred orientation; often, however, the relationship is not simple, but complicated and obscure in origin.1 The orientations of crystals formed by precipitation from solid solutions have been shown by many studies in this and other countries to be determined by the orientation of the crystals of the solid solution stable at the higher temperatures, though here again complicated cases have been found and no general theory is available.2 Related to this latter class are the relationships found in crystals formed by suppressed transforma-

Jan 1, 1935

Ore samples generally require preparation before analysis. Serious problems can occur with contamination degradation and particle size effects. Both grinding element contammation and sample cross contamination havebeen bound to be related to sample hardness and operator technique. For best results with minerals relevant to the steel industry, the use of Siebtechnik-type mills required a combination of careful planning, short grinding periods and intermediate sieving of the sample. The results may be extended to most mineral, rock, and refractory sample preparabons.

Jan 1, 1978

By W. L. Cooley

The report provides a detailed analysis of 23 electrical accident countermeasures contemplated for use in the metal/non-metal mining industry. The costs and potential benefits of implementing groups of these countermeasures are estimated, and methods arc outlined by which the operator ran choose countermeasures in an effective manner. The analysis is based largely on an extensive electrical accident event tree which is developed in detail. For those countermeasures which are not currently technically feasible, several prototype devices were developed to help speed development. These included a trolley arc eliminator and a safer mine electricians multimeter.

Jan 1, 1982

By Jian Yang

The mechanism of resulfurization in the desulfurization process with magnesium vapor produced in situ by aluminothermic reduction of magnesium oxide was clarified in the present work. The influences of various operating parameters on the resulfurization were studied and the methods that could prevent resulfurization were proposed. There are two kinds of mechanisms of resulfurization in the desulfurization process with magnesium. One is decomposition of the desulfurization product of MgS under the inert atmosphere. The other is oxidation of MgS under the oxidative atmosphere. Under the present experimental conditions, lowering operating temperature and oxygen partial pressure in the atmosphere could effectively prevent the resulfurization. Adding CaO onto the melt surface was an effective method for preventing the resulfurization due to transformation of the desulfurization product of MgS into the more stable compound of CaS. Since addition of the activated charcoal powders greatly decreased the transfer rate of oxygen in the atmosphere to the melt surface, it also reduced the resulfurization remarkably.

Jan 1, 2006

The new legislative regime applying to the mining industry has been in force for nearly two years. However the parameters for the permits required under the Crown. Minerals Act 1991 and the resource consents required under the Resource Management Act 1991 are still being established. Mining operators will benefit from participating in the development of policies and plans currently being formulated by local authorities. The Energy Legislation Amendment Bill currently before the House contains amendments to the Crown Minerals Act to clarify points of uncertainty and to reduce transaction costs where possible.

Jan 1, 1993

By K. A. Grace

K.A. Grace's article advocates usage of the terms describing resources as defined by the US Bureau of Mines (USBM) and the US Geological Survey (USGS). Originally recommended in 1943, the terms were revised in 1976 and again in 1980. Mr. Grace further recommends that the term reserves should be severely restricted and that it should encompass mining and processing factors. The list of references quoted in the article does not, however, mention the study concerning reserves that was made over a period of almost four years by a joint Committee on Definitions. This committee was sponsored by three societies - the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers (AIME), the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG), and the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG). Most of the detailed work was done by a working party appointed by the Society of Mining Engineers (SME) of AIME. After studying previous definitions in the US as well as in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, and other European countries, the following definitions were proposed and accepted in 1974 by the SME board of directors. (Ore reserve definitions in Rhodesia, South Africa, or New Zealand were not mentioned as having been reviewed.) Table 1 lists definitions from MINING ENGINEERING, July 1975. Notice in Table 1 it was mentioned, under Resources, that the definitions of reserves were recommended for the purposes of commercial evaluation. It was further stated that the terminology adopted by the USBM and the USGS, as released to the public, covering resources, was recognized as such. Mr. Grace also recommends that reserve calculations should allow for future losses in ore tonnage, ore grade, milling, and smelting. Unfortunately, it might take years to develop a prospect after it has been discovered. Mining methods have to be tested before being finalized in order to know what tonnage of ore is going to be lost, or how much dilution is likely to occur. The same problems are present in concentrating or in smelting. Operating mines usually know how mined grade compares with ore reserve grade. They can usually predict fairly closely what their final metal recoveries are probably going to be. It is, however, expecting too much to have to delay quoting reserves from say a recently drilled prospect. Any responsible mining geologist or mining engineer (or company for that matter) should state several things about an ore reserve calculation: that it is or is not a preliminary estimate only; that estimated grades have not been diluted to allow for a future, as yet unknown, mining method; that metal recoveries are or are not only tentative, based perhaps on drill hole samples only or on no metallurgical testing at all. Reserves of a partially explored prospect are always quoted when it becomes necessary to raise capital. If they are described as preliminary only (really just tonnage and grade estimates and not true "reserves") in addition to being accompanied by some of the items just mentioned, nobody is going to be misled. If, on the other hand, a report by a member of the SME or SEG is intentionally misleading, the individual must be reported and eventually disbarred from his or her society. To summarize, let us stay with the definitions of ore, ore reserves, and related terms as recommended and accepted by SME. I might add that on occasion I have used a fourth category in my ore reserve calculations, namely Geologically Possible Ore. This category is more or less the same as Inferred ore defined by the USBM and USGS. I have never given a grade to this category, which may be based only on geological mapping, geochemical sampling, or geophysical traversing.

Jan 8, 1985

By Lynch A. J

A method has been developed for the prediction of the performance of multi-stage grinding-cyclone classification circuits of any degree of complexity on any ore for a wide range of operating conditions. The method involves the simulation of the circuit on a digital computer by means of. mathematical models of the individual units. At present, to establish the characteristics of the ore and the machines in mathematical terms, it is necessary to know the performance of a simple system on the ore for one known feed rate and feed sizing analysis.Further work on the separate identification of the terms defining the characteristics of the ore and the machines may permit the method to be applied directly to the data derived from small scale tests on ores.INTRODUCTIONThe cost of preparing metalliferous ores for concentration processes by, grinding and classification frequently represents a major portion of the cost of treating such ores, and it is necessary both from an economic and a metallurgical point of view that grinding and classification circuits should be operated at their optimum efficiency. It will be realized that the processes carried out in all units in such circuits behave according to physical laws and, if a mathematical representation of the laws applying to each unit could be derived, optimization of the overall process for any given conditions of feed or product may not be difficult.The physical processes in both tumbling mills and hydraulic classifiers are extremely complex and do not appear at present to be amenable to a rigorous mathematical analysis. However, empirical mathematical models of grinding units which have been presented previously (Callcottand Lynch, 1963; Lynch and Moore, 1963) may be used to discuss the operation of the grinding units in multi-stage circuits. Another type of model, which leads to a reasonable...

Jan 1, 1965

This paper briefly describes the shaft, including sinking, steel sets and their installation, shaft equipment and winders.INTRODUCTIONThe New Broken Hill Consolidated Ltd. Service Shaft is a vertical concrete-lined circular shaft, 20 ft. in diameter with -steel sets spaced at 12-ft. centres. The diameter of 20 ft. was established as the minimum that would enable the shaft both to house the proposed hoisting and service equipment and to satisfy ventilation requirements as a downcast airway. The 12-ft. set spacing was based on South African practice in similar types of shafts.The shaft extends from the surface to 28 ft. below No. 22 Level, a total depth of 3,194 ft. Sinking was commenced in September 1946, and equipping completed in January 1955. Initially the shaft was sunk and concrete-lined to a depth of 52 ft., using a stiff-legged crane and clam-shell grab for mucking. Operations were suspended at this depth to allow the installation of the steel sinking head-frame, winders and ancillary equipment.Sinking and concreting were recommenced after four months and continued to a depth of 1,035 ft. 6 in., where the shaft connected with a pilot opening. The concrete lining was poured as sinking progressed and was piped from the surface to this depth, after which all concrete was lowered in buckets and discharged through a distributor suspended in the shaft. A cycle of stripping to the pilot opening and concreting was continued until the shaft reached No. 22 Level. From this level the remaining 28 ft. was sunk full size. All plats were cut and concreted as sinking progressed.

Jan 1, 1957

By Mike Amick

As virgin coal reserves dwindle, more and more mines are being opened in areas with previous mining. As addressed in this conference before, there are solutions available for designing mines extracting coal from reserves with known underground workings above or below the target seam. Often times, however, mining begins with limited knowledge of the underground workings. Even with careful planning, the proposed design has limited success because the ?facts? as presented during planning turn out not to be as accurate as one would like. At National Coal?s Mine #14, mining the Walnut Mountain seam, after driving the main entries in some 34 crosscuts, it was found during routine mine examinations that the pillars had separated from the roof in a few areas of the mains. Immediate roof conditions proved to be sound but questions arose concerning the stability of the main roof and floor. Core tests were done to better determine the rock strengths and characteristics. The paper presents the ideology used to tackle the effects of mining over old works in an operating coal mine. This paper discusses the analysis of the symptoms observed and the steps taken to ensure that this pillar separation was caused by the underlying old workings and that the separation was expected and controllable.

Jan 1, 2009

By Mike Robotham

When RFQ?s are received they often contain detailed technical specifications which suggest a departure from the suppliers own customary approach to the design. Both client and end user are quite rightly influenced by their own experiences. The question is who is right, the client and his consultant, the supplier or perhaps a combination of these. This paper looks at some of the fundamental variances that often occur in the approach to the mechanical design of drum hoists, based on our experiences of recent years. Director of Engineering, Mike Robotham is a chartered engineer and has been with DavyMarkham for over 30 years. Having completed a craft apprenticeship he later joined the engineering department as a junior engineer. He has a wealth of experience of working on medium to large engineering projects in the field of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment

May 1, 2011

By Carlos Soria

El presente texto describe los Sistemas de Gerencia de la Información y su aplicación en la industria minera con el objetivo de optimizar la gestión total de la empresa. Dichos sistemas manejan información del proceso y sus valores de producción, cálculos, consumos de energia, emisiones de plantas, tiempos de funcionamiento de equipos, eventos, alarmas, mediciones de laboratorio y control estadístico, etc. De forma que dicha información pueda ser reunida y consolidada, convirtiéndose en materia de significado y relevancia disponible en base a análisis, reportes, listas, tendencias y gráficos para que el usuario final de una planta o en sus oficina pueda tomar mejores decisiones.

Jul 17, 2000

By H. F. Cowie

Britain's first pressurised water reactor (PWR) Nuclear Power Station is now under construction at Sizewell on the Suffolk coast. A linear cut-off wall was proposed to ensure that the drawdown of water to some 14m below sea level in the overlying sands during construction of the new power station would not affect the existing adjacent nuclear power station. The low permeability cut-off wall was constructed by diaphragm walling techniques by excavating a continuous deep trench supported by bentonite mud and then dis­placing the bentonite by a plastic concrete to form the "impermeable" membrane. The paper describes the automated digging apparatus ("Hydrofraise") with the extensive support facilities required to achieve completion within programme, control methods used to obtain the high vertical tolerances and the properties of the plastic concrete and the production plant used for its production.

Jan 1, 1989

By Frederic Masse

With widespread acceptance in the market place, many engineers are choosing ground improvement techniques to provide suitable foundation subgrade at sites that would have traditionally required deep foundations. This paper discusses the Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC) ground improvement technique and some case histories highlighting the use of this technique for retail development sites. CMC are a sustainable and cost-effective ground improvement technology that transmit load from the foundation to a lower bearing stratum through a composite CMC/soil matrix. The CMC installation is also an attractive option from an environmental perspective because it utilizes reverse flight augers, which displace the soil laterally. This installation technique achieves two goals: it densifies the soil around the CMC, which improves load transfer into the element and avoids spoil and its disposal. Through the introduction of two cases histories, we will present the key benefits of the CMC technology. Each case history will clearly illustrate how a CMC solution can reduce the overall cost of a project when compared to a more traditional type of deep foundations. They will also show how the use of CMCs has benefits that relate to the overall sustainability of the project. While CMCs are an attractive financial and sustainable option, they have also demonstrated that the performance of the system is comparable to that of deep pile foundations. Because CMCs are a relatively new technology many potential users are not aware of its benefits. While we discuss the use of CMCs to support buildings in this paper, CMCs also have been used for a variety of other applications including foundations for tanks, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, and embankments

Jan 1, 2011