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By A. R. Farkoosh, K. Korgiopoulos, McGill University, O. Rodop, L. A. Villegas Armenta

"New generation of Al-Mg-Si alloys with thermally stable dispersoids that prevent recrystallization and grain growth during hot deformation are currently used in automotive components requiring good formability. Alloy chemistry controls the phase formation especially age-hardening precipitates, dispersoids, and primary intermetallic which have pronounced effect on grain structure, strength and formability. In this work, thermodynamic calculations have been used to predict the effects of varying levels of Si (0.5-1.5wt%), Mg (0.5-1.5wt%) and Mn (0.1-2.5wt%) on phase selection. Thermodynamic calculations have been performed in equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions via the FactSage™ software using the FTlite database. Selected compositions have been cast, heat treated, extruded and characterized through scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron channeling contrast imaging techniques. The calculations showed that at the hot deformation temperature of ~540 oC, exceeding certain Mg and Si levels would lead to retained *-Mg2Si intermetallics and Si particles at the grain boundaries in addition to a-Al-(Mn,Fe)-Si. It was found that retained *-Mg2Si phase which adversely affects formability can be avoided for Si+2Mg levels lower than 2.3wt%. FactSage calculations also showed that increasing Mn from 0.5wt% to 1wt% leads to an increase in the amount of dispersoids (from 1wt% to 2wt%) that can potentially slow down recrystallization and grain growth during hot deformation and improve formability. Calculations at room temperature also show that for an alloy with 0.7wt% Mg, excess Si beyond 0.7 wt% promotes the precipitation of Si clusters in the Al matrix that accelerate natural age-hardening. Results were confirmed by experimental investigation.INTRODUCTIONAluminum alloy 6082 (Al-Mg-Si) is used in the automotive industry because of its high strength, and good weldability (I. J. Polmear, 2006). The alloy is age-hardenable through the precipitation of ß-Mg2Si and its precursors, and the recrystallization is usually inhibited by Mn- and Cr-containing dispersoids formed through high temperature heat treatments (I. Polmear & Couper, 1988). However, it is known that minor changes in alloy chemistry (Mg/Si ratio) can have significant influences on the ductility and formability of these alloys by altering phase selection and the resultant microstructure (Gupta, Lloyd, & Court, 2001; McQueen & Celliers, 1997; Zajac, Hutchinson, Johansson, & Gullman, 1994). For automotive applications where wrought alloys (usually extrusions) are cold-formed to produce suspension components, the chemistry of the alloys and the extruded structure are of crucial importance as they determine the formability at room temperature (Asensio-Lozano, Suárez-Peña, & Vander Voort, 2014). In this study, thermodynamic calculations along with experimental investigations were carried out on the Al-Mg-Si system to understand their phase formation and precipitation hardening as a function of alloy composition."

Jan 1, 2016

Pillars are used in various forms in underground mining. For several decades pillar design has been an issue in both soft and hard rock underground mining. The major use of pillars is in room-and-pillar type mining. Pillars are critical structures in the production levels of block cave mines. With most mines leaning towards the use of block caving for ore extraction today, pillar design has become even more important. Empirical pillar design is popular. The use of numerical modeling is becoming more common in the design of underground mine pillars. A critical review of both the empirical and numerical modeling approaches to the design of underground mine pillars reveal some fundamental flaws. In general, pillar design approaches often assume the pillars are vertical, and are subjected to pure compression. Pillar failure criteria are then based on this assumption. Most papers on numerical modeling for pillar stability assessment use vertical pillars. This paper shows that where pillars are not subjected to pure compression the empirical pillar design approaches are inadequate, and that when using numerical models for the assessment of pillar performance, more care is needed in the determination of the average pillar stresses. The practice of relating field scale pillar strength to laboratory scale intact rock strength determined from conventional laboratory compression tests in empirical design equations is misleading when pillars are inclined or subjected to compressive and shear stresses. New data is added to the hard rock empirical pillar stability chart, and it is shown that it is misleading to conclude that failure of pillars with width to height ratios greater than 2.3 should not be anticipated. New empirical pillar design charts are presented for pillars at various degrees of inclination for different ko-ratios.

Aug 1, 2013

By John D. Godfrey

A brief account of economic developments in and around northeastern Alberta is presented and mention is made of mining and industrial developments currently of interest in the area. Planned and projected operations are briefly discussed for this region. The history of geological surveys and mining activities in the Shield area of Alberta and the adjoining parts of Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan is traced. Reassessment of the presently-known economic picture of northwestern Canada in conjunction with some recent information on Precambrian structures of northeastern Alberta points to some interesting mining possibilities, particularly in and around that province.

Jan 1, 1960

By Harry Siewert, Tom Milner, Jack Stickney

"LocationThe Gibraltar mine is located in central British Columbia (NTS 93B/9W), 362 km north of Vancouver. Access is provided by 20 km of paved road from McLeese Lake, which lies 45 km north of Williams Lake on Highway 97. Latitude and longitude of the mine are 52° 30' and 122° 16', respectively.The total area of the McLeese Lake site is approximately 1700 ha (4200 acres). This includes the orebodies, dumps, surface drainage collection system, plant site, roads and tailings ponds.Brief Description of OperationOre is mined by open pit methods and is concentrated using conventional crushing, grinding and flotation processes. Copper and molybdenum flotation occurs at an average rate of 40 000 tons per day. Tailing is discharged to an impoundment area and the water recycled as process water. Additional copper is extracted from the waste dumps using sulphuric acid as a leach solution followed by solvent extraction and electrowinning.HistoryExploration by Gibraltar began in 1964, continuing until late 1970, at which time it was announced that the property would go into production. Construction started in early 1971, with initial production in March 1972. Target capacity of 30 000 tons per day was achieved by the end of March and is currently at 40 000 tons per day.Ore reserves as of January 1, 1998 were 184 384 000 tons grading 0.31% Cu and 0.010% MoS2."

Jan 1, 2000

By G. Bourque

One of the design criteria for the Mount Wright facilities was to incorporate the latest proven automation techniques and devices for the new crushing, grinding and concentrating plant. The heart of the centralized control system is a Fox 1 process computer, located in the central control room in the administration building. The entire operation, i.e. crushing, conveying, storing, grinding and concentrating, is monitored and controlled, through the process computer , by one operator via a CRT console. In case of computer failure, the control is automatically, and without process interruption, transferred to manual back-up panels. One of the newest management tools, the process computer is programmed to collect and automatically print out shift. daily and monthly reports on tonnage, metallurgy and equipment operating time, for better planning of operations and preventative maintenance.

Jan 1, 1977

By Hugh P. Godard, K. Winslow

"AbstractA number of panels of various aluminum alloys in different combinations and secured by steel and three types of aluminum rivets were exposed underground at two locations in a Northern Ontario gold mine for two years and then examined to determine the extent of corrosion. The results indicate Alcan 65S-T to possess considerable advantages over Alcan 178-T, which has been employed in the construction of light skips and cages with considerable success for almost twenty years. Information on the behaviour of these alloys when used with steel rivets and in mixed combinations with themselves was obtained.IntroductionBy the complete substitution of aluminum alloys for steel in the fabrication of mining skips and cages, their weight can be reduced as much as 50 per cent. Lesser savings are possible though its savings are possible through its plates, doors, reinforcing members, etc. Reduced weight leads to economy through increased hoisting efficiency.For a new installation, the basis of design is the rate of production, which thus fixes the live load to be hoisted per trip. A lighter skip permits the use of a lighter rope and a smaller hoist. In deep shafts with high-speed hoists operated in balance, the power required for accelerating is considerable. The hoist size is determined by the weight of skip, load, and rope plus the force required to accelerate or decelerate these three elements A light skip may result in a considerably lighter rope. This is important because, even though the skip can be completely balanced this is not true of the rope. Partial balancing is possible, but conical hoist drums or other devices for this purpose are costly; thus a smaller rope results in a smaller hoist, with consequent general reduction in cost of the whole installation. A reduction in power consumption is also obtained as a result of keeping to a minimum the amount of unbalanced load and the weight of all moving parts which must be accelerated."

Jan 1, 1950

By Pritii Tam Wai Yin, Tony Leong, Neetu Bansal, James Vaughan, Amiel Boullemant

Mercury is a toxic element that is associated with many industrial activities including the Bayer process. Mercury is known to enter the Bayer process with the bauxite feed material and has the potential to accumulate as the process solution is recycled. This paper explores the speciation of mercury in Bayer process streams. The process parameters considered are the oxidising-reducing potential, basicity and temperature. The results of a refinery circuit survey are presented and compared with the thermodynamic predictions. Electrochemical measurements on relevant synthetic systems are also included.

Jan 1, 2014

By J. J. Hussey

"Abstract-The ""Brunswick Horizon"" an informally named ore-bearing unit near the top of the Nepisiguit Falls Formation in the Ordovician Tetagouche Group, hosts the Brunswick No. 6 and No. 12 base-metal mines, as well as the former Austin Brook iron mine, in northern New Brunswick. Detailed structural analysis of the No. 6 and No.12 mines led to the prediction that a massive­ sulfide deposit may have been repeated by F1 folding along the Brunswick Horizon. A subsequent drilling program discovered the new massive-sulfide North End Zone at a vertical depth of 1100 m, 1 km north of the No. 12 underground workings. By the end of 1990, Zn-Pb-rich massive sulfides had been delineated over a strike length of 200 m and a down-dip extent of 170 m. Rock units intersected in the North End Zone are generally thinner and vary somewhat from those at the Brunswick No. 12 mine. Thinning of the hanging wall rocks may be primary, may result from attenuation along F2 folds, or may represent truncation by a thrust fault. The newly discovered sulfide zone indicates that significant potential exists for the discovery of other deposits at previously unexplored depths.SOMMAIRE-Dans le nord-est du Nouveau-Brunswick ""l'horizon Brunswick"" est le nom usuel de la zone qui contient les mines de métaux de base Brunswick No. 6 et No. 12, ainsi que l'ancienne mine de fer Austin Brook, toutes situées sur le dessus de la Formation ""Nepisiguit Falls"" dans le Groupe Tetagouche d'âge Ordovicien. Une analyse détaillée de la structure des mines No. 6 et No. 12 à permis a van Staal de prédire qu'un gîte de sulfures massifs pourrait se répéter dû à une déformation F1, au nord de Brunswick No. 12. Suite à un programme de forage, la nouvelle zone de sulfures massifs appelée le ""North End Zone"", profonde de 1100 rn, et à une distance d'un km au nord des chantiers souterrains, fut découverte vers la fin de l'année 1990, les sulfures massifs riches en Zn-Pb ont été délimités sur une longueur de 200 rn et une hauteur de 170 rn le long du pendage. Les unités de roches intersectées dans le ""North End Zone"" sont généralement plus minces et sont quelque peu différentes de celles de la mine Brunswick No. 12. L'amin­ cissement des roches pourrait être primaire ou être le résultat de l'atténuation le long des plis F2, ou soit tronqué par une faille. La nouvelle découverte d'une zone de sulfures indique un potentiel énorme pour la découverte d'autres g ""tes à ces profondeurs inexplorées."

Jan 1, 1992

By L. E. Djingheuzian

ANON-CATARACTING (N-C) ball mill is so operated that the balls are not thrown in-ward at the top of their paths. The result is to maintain, in the mill, a quiescent pool in which classification will occur at a limiting size corresponding to the pulp density. N-C operation is produced by effecting proper relationship among mill speed, ball diameter, volume of ball load, and pulp density. Such operation is typified by the primary ball-mill operation of the Tennessee Copper Company, Copper-hill, Tenn., and the Cleveland Cliff Iron Company, near Ishpeming, Mich.

Jan 1, 1958

By J. G. Pearson, F. H. MacDougall, A. G. Galley

The difference in age, host rock lithology, alteration and style of mineralization indicates a fundamental difference in the format ion of gold deposits in the Flin Flon and Amisk Lake areas. The Flin Flon area contains early quartz-sulfide-gold veins fo rmed within intermittently active fractures and later plutonic hosted deposits thought to be generated in a porphyry system. In the Amisk Lake area two types of gold occurrences are recognized: I) gold-quartzcarbonate- sulfide veins within or flanking fault zones and 2) structurally and stratigraphical ly controlled zones of dissem inated and vein type sulfide-gold mineralization within extrusive and intrusive rhyolite and dacite porphyries. Both types of deposits are set within supracrustal rocks. are accompanied by intense alteration haloes and were formed prior to the major deformation event suggesting an early, epigenetic hydrothermal origin.

Jan 1, 1986

By Paul R. Terry

This paper presents a brief picture of the quality of coal produced in Eastern Canada for use in thermal generating stations. It describes, in particular, the characteristics of coals burned in six power plants -two in New Brunswick and four in Nova Scotia. Each station is dis-cussed in turn, and comments are made on the coals used therein with regards to origin and physical and chemical properties affecting station operation. A table of coal data shows, at a glance, the wide variation in the quality of coals received by these stations from producers in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. "The promotion of improved coal quality for thermal generation can benefit our national economy." T HIS is the opening statement in a paper which was presented by Mr. D. A. Pirttinen at the Coal Division's Toronto meeting in April, 1960. In bringing the power engineer's viewpoint to the coal producers' attention, Mr. Pirttinen made a survey of utility steam plants operating in Canada, and the results of this survey formed the basis for his paper, which he titled: "Generating Station Coal Quality.

Jan 1, 1965

By A. Roy MacLean

"In the Maritimes, there are twelve coal areas. From east to west, these include the Sydney coal field, the St. Rose - Chimney Corner, Inverness, Mabou, Port Hood, Pictou, Colchester - Debert, Springhill, Joggins - Chignecto, Beersville, Lake Stream, and Minto. The first eight are in Nova Scotia while the remaining four are in New Brunswick.In all these areas, the coal was formed during the Carboniferous period, which existed some 300 million years ago. However, within this period not all coal formation took place during the same time. There were three main intervals, which occurred at the time that the Riversdale, Cumberland and Pictou groups were laid down (Hacquebard, 1970). The oldest coals are those of the Riversdale Group. These coals were of rather limited extent, and only a few mineable seams are present, particularly at St. Rose -Chimney Corner and Port Hood. From these two areas only 2 M tons have been extracted, and 'measured' resources of 7 and 9 M tons respectively remain. The Cumberland Group coals are confined to Cumberland County and include the coals of Springhill and Joggins River Herbert -Chignecto. Some 43 M tons have been removed and only 7 M tons of 'measured' coal remain, with an addit10nal 39 M tons of 'inferred' resources. However, there are additional resources at Springhill, which will be discussed in more detail in a later section. The coals of the Pictou Group are the youngest and the most abundant, both in actual number of seams and in regional distnbution. These coals were formed during the Westphalian C and D, a time during which the main coal deposition in Europe also took place. Here belong the coals of the Sydney, Inverness, Mabou, Pictou, Debert, Beersville, Lake Stream and Minto fields. Their total production amounted to 469 M tons or 91 % of the Maritime total of 514 M tons. The remaining resources of all Pictou Group coals have been calculated at 254 M tons of 'measured' coal and 949 M tons of 'inferred' coal. As can readily be seen, the bulk of both past production and remaining resources occur in the Sydney coal field. The Sydney figures represent 73% of total production, and 87% of total 'demonstrated' resources in the Maritime Provinces. Next to Sydney, the Pictou coal field has been the greatest producer, with 59 M tons; it also has the second largest 'measured' resources, amounting to 25 M tons. However in terms of 'inferred' coal resources, the Mabou coal field, ~ith 140 M tons, ranks second to Sydney."

Jan 1, 1985

By D. J. McLaren

"Arctic Canada is one of the largest undeveloped terrains remaining in the world, and is in many ways unique. The ecological balance of the region is more delicate than tropical or temperate regions of similar size. This region is likely to be developed by research for and production of resources, primarily petroleum, in the immediate future. As well as sensitive terrain surface caused by permafrost in some areas, many large and small mammals and birds are also in a delicate balance with the environment. Small changes in this balance can have large effects.The probability of finding petroleum in different regions varies widely, but already there are good indications on the mainland and in the Islands that both oil and gas are present. Geophysical work in the offshore, particularly the Beaufort Sea, suggests further promising potential. Possible reserves in the Islands and mainland Arctic may amount to 50 or more billion barrels.A responsible approach to problems facing exploitation in an Arctic environment includes the careful monitoring by industry of likely effects of their activities. The Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Research Association test loop at Inuvik provides an example of such monitoring. Outside Canada, the operations at Prudhoe Bay on the north coast of Alaska show how major companies may operate responsibly and reduce environmental interference to a minim'.::at. Nevertheless, four variables must affect any decisions to be made concerning energy resource exploitation in the Arctic. These are man's need for energy, economic and industrial pressures to develop energy sources, the desire to preserve a deteriorating environment, and the role of government as representing all individuals in the country and their several points of view. Factors that must be taken into account in making any decisions include the importance of Canadian oil in a world picture, the need for alternative sources of energy in the near future, the depletion of nonrenewable resources at an accelerating rate and the increasing awareness that the major problems facing man have no direct technical solution and that social or political decisions must precede further techno-logical development."

Jan 1, 1971

By R. Llewellyn

"Wear damage is responsible for very high maintenance costs and significant production losses in the oil sands industry of northern Alberta.It affects all areas of operations and involves a panoply of wear mechanisms from low stress sliding abrasion at extremely frigid temperatures during winter mining, to elevated temperature erosion/corrosion in processes where bitumen is converted to lighter hydrocarbon products.There is no universal panacea to defend against such diverse attack and a wide selection of resistant materials and systems is employed. These range from relatively soft rubbers which rely on their elastic properties for their protective capability, to some of the hardest ceramics and cermets which are currently available commercially.Details are presented of the characteristics and forms of the variety of wear materials being used and how they relate to the requirements of their areas of application. The review focuses on the practices followed at Syncrude Canada Ltd., which is the larger of the two commercial oil sands plants."

Jan 1, 1997

By R. A. Nemchek

Over the years, concentrator plant design has evolved from a large number of small grinding mills to a small number of large mills. In many cases, all of the tonnage runs through a single mill (typically a large SAG mill), so that the plant?s performance hinges on the productivity of this one machine. Industry specifications attempt to address the critical nature of today?s grinding mills in a manner that is often overly complex, neglects economics, and is not clearly focused on the end user?s goals. This paper surveys current industry practices, and proposes an improved approach to standards writing recognizing that product design, procurement, manufacturing, and quality are all inter-related in contributing to a project?s success. The lessons learned here can be extended to specifications for all types of machinery.

Jan 1, 2012

By Jean-Marc Lulin

"Depuis 1906, pres de 130 gisements ont ere decouverts dans la inture archeenne polymetallique (Cu, Zn, Au, Ag) du nord-ouest becois. Une etude regionale du developpement du potentiel inier est presentee puis detaillee pour quatre secteurs: RouynDranda, Val d'Or-Malartic, Bousquet-Cadillac et Matagami.L' analyse est conduite a l' aide des parametres suivants: temps, ethodes de decouverte, profondeur des gisements et poids metal. ~~ courbes cumulatives illustrant le nombre de gisements decouverts fonction du temps montrent une forme generale en ""S"" dont les i'iations de pentes correspondent aux variations dans les taux de ~ouverte. Initiation, realisation et stabilisation des cycles de decourte sont ainsi mis en evidence. Deux ""bourns miniers"", de 1922 a ~5 et de 1955 a 1965, rassemblent 72 % des mines identijiees squ' a present.La plupart des mines sont trouvees en subsurface: 90% ont leur fmet entre 0 et 100 metres de profondeur dont 70 % entre 0 et 10 etres. Dans le temps, il y ad' abord recolte par prospection puis par fphysique et enjin, developpement progressif du potentiel en proeur avec des methodes composites. Environ 80% du poids metal extrait de 4 camps miniers, couvrant 8% de Ia surface regionale quelques gros gisements dominent /a production.Ces donnees permettent de proposer une nouvelle approche pour lysed' une region miniere:La distribution de Ia profondeur des gisements en fonction du temps est indicatricede /amaturite d' uncampminieret peut servir a evaluer son potentiel residue/.L' analyse des courbes en ""S"" permet d' extrapoler les taux de succes relies aux differentes methodes et met en relief le role crucial de I' innovation dans I' exploration.ABSTRACTSince 1906, some 130 deposits have been discovered in the Archean polymetallic belt of northwestern Quebec. In this paper, the development of the mining potential is analyzed at the regional scale and for the following mining camps: Rouyn-Noranda, Val d'OrMalartic, Bousquet-Cadillac and Matagami.The analysis is based on the following parameters: time, discovery method, depth and weight of metal extracted. Curves showing the cumulative number of deposits discovered as a function of time are ""S"" shaped with slope variations corresponding to changing discovery rates. Initiation, realization and stabilization of discovery cycles are thus well represented. Two ""mining booms"", 1922 to 1945 and 1955 to 1965, account for 72% of the mines identified to date.Most exploitable orebodies have been found near the surface: 90 %have their top between 0 and 100 meters, including 70% between 0 and 10 meters. Early discoveries were made by prospecting, followed by geophysics while the progressive development of the depth potential is being realized by a combination of methods. Approximately 80 %of the metal extracted comes from four mining camps which cover 8% of the area, but most of the production can be allributed to only a few large deposits. Based on these data, a new approach to the analysis of a mining region is proposed:1) The distribution showing deposit depth versus time is indicative of the maturity of a mining camp and can serve to evaluate its remaining potential.2) The ""S"" curve analysis can be used to extrapolate the success rate of a specific exploration method and also stresses the crucial role of innovation in exploration."

Jan 1, 1990

By Jean-Marc Lulin

"Depuis 1906, près de 130 gisements ont été découverts dans la inture archéenne polymétallique (Cu, Zn, Au, Ag) du nord-ouest québécois. Une étude régionale du développement du potentiel inier est présentée puis détaillée pour quatre secteurs: Rouyn-Dranda, Val d'Or-Malartic, Bousquet-Cadillac et Matagami.L' analyse est conduite a l' aide des paramètres suivants: temps, méthodes de découverte, profondeur des gisements et poids métal. Les courbes cumulatives illustrant le nombre de gisements découverts fonction du temps montrent une forme générale en ""S"" dont les i'iations de pentes correspondent aux variations dans les taux de couverte. Initiation, réalisation et stabilisation des cycles de décourté sont ainsi mis en évidence. Deux ""bourns miniers"", de 1922 à 1945 et de 1955 à 1965, rassemblent 72 % des mines identifiées sqú à présent.La plupart des mines sont trouvées en subsurface: 90% ont leur mmet entre 0 et 100 mètres de profondeur dont 70 % entre 0 et 10 êtres. Dans le temps, il y a d' abord récolte par prospection puis par ophysique et enfin, développement progressif du potentiel en proeur avec des méthodes composites. Environ 80% du poids métal extrait de 4 camps miniers, couvrant 8% de Ia surface régionale quelques gros gisements dominent /a production.Ces données permettent de proposer une nouvelle approche pour analyse d' une région minière:La distribution de Ia profondeur des gisements en fonction du temps est indicatrice de la maturité d' un camp minier et peut servir a évaluer son potentiel résiduel.L’analyse des courbes en ""S"" permet d’extrapoler les taux de succès relies aux différentes méthodes et met en relief le rôle crucial de I' innovation dans I' exploration.ABSTRACTSince 1906, some 130 deposits have been discovered in the Archean polymetallic belt of northwestern Quebec. In this paper, the development of the mining potential is analyzed at the regional scale and for the following mining camps: Rouyn-Noranda, Val d'OrMalartic, Bousquet-Cadillac and Matagami.The analysis is based on the following parameters: time, discovery method, depth and weight of metal extracted. Curves showing the cumulative number of deposits discovered as a function of time are ""S"" shaped with slope variations corresponding to changing discovery rates. Initiation, realization and stabilization of discovery cycles are thus well represented. Two ""mining booms"", 1922 to 1945 and 1955 to 1965, account for 72% of the mines identified to date.Most exploitable orebodies have been found near the surface: 90 %have their top between 0 and 100 meters, including 70% between 0 and 10 meters. Early discoveries were made by prospecting, followed by geophysics while the progressive development of the depth potential is being realized by a combination of methods. Approximately 80 %of the metal extracted comes from four mining camps which cover 8% of the area, but most of the production can be allributed to only a few large deposits. Based on these data, a new approach to the analysis of a mining region is proposed:1) The distribution showing deposit depth versus time is indicative of the maturity of a mining camp and can serve to evaluate its remaining potential.2) The ""S"" curve analysis can be used to extrapolate the success rate of a specific exploration method and also stresses the crucial role of innovation in exploration."

Jan 1, 1989

By Subrata Dutta

Sindesar Khurd Mine is situated in Rajasthan, India, and operated by Hindustan Zinc Ltd, under Vedanta Group. The base metal mine is high in reserves of Lead, Zinc and silver and has been producing since 2007 with initial production of 0.3 mtpa. Recently the mine has gained prominence as a base metal underground mine in introduction of latest mining techniques and achieving high production at lowest costs. The promising Lead-Zinc reserves of Sindesar Khurd Mine (SKM) and high-tech exploration adopted by Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL), (Vedanta Group), raising the reserves and resources from a meager 9 Mt (1997) to 81 Mt (2012), has prompted HZL management to ramp up the mine production from 0.3 mtpa (2006-07) to 2 mtpa by 2013-14 with ambitious plans to reach 3.5mtpa subsequently (presently largest underground metal mine in India). The complete trackless system underground mine, recently equipped with latest leaky feeder communication system (unique in India), utilize modern drilling, mucking and hauling equipment aided with various utility/service vehicles. Excavation optimization and quality recovery maximization from the open and post filled stoping methods, continual expert analysis and feedback from International consultants like AMC (Australia) and SRK (UK), and involvement of renowned bodies in management excellence, have lead the mine towards highest productivity and lowest mine operating cost, earning the mine a prominent place in the global base metal industry. The paper deals with how the various challenges in mine planning and designing, mine development, operator skill, equipment introduction and maintenance, expertise availability, provide training and exposure to officials, prompt and effective communication/service, control of ground vibrations, maintain ventilation standards etc are faced in attaining high operational excellence and thus attain a record mine output/man shift (OMS) of 14 ton/man shift with targets to reach 20 ton/man /shift. Scientific designing using 2D/3D numerical mine-modeling techniques, faster stope sequencing with introduction of paste filling ( first time in India),latest leaky feeder communication system, control ground vibration to stringent standards using electronic delay system, faster raising techniques using raise borers to enhance development and ventilation, cavity scanners to monitor large stope voids, fast shaft sinking at 100 m/month(Chinese expertise) and maintaining adequate ventilation with close software monitoring are some of the highlights discussed in the paper towards achieving the targets.

Aug 1, 2013

By I. M. Gordon, J. Blackshaw

"Run-of-mine ore is reduced to 4 per cent on 4 mesh (3/ 16 inch), using four stages of dry crushing. The mill feed is then reduced to 2 per cent on 48 mesh and 60 per cent through 200 mesh, using one stage of ball milling in cyanide solution. During the subsequent treatment about one-tenth of the tonnage is removed as a table concentrate and ground to 77 per cent through 325 mesh. The size of the mill tailing is 66 per cent through 200 mesh.Four stages of ore reduction began when the dry crushing plant at No. 26 Shaft came into operation at a maximum rate of 440 tons an hour on July 31, 1941. A detailed description of the crushing plant was published in C .I .M. Trans., Vol. LVI, 1953.One-stage ball milling in cyanide solution came into full operation on January 11, 1938. The ball milling plant had a capacity of 4800 tons daily when reducing mill feed at 2. 7 per cent on 1/ 4 inch to 54. 3 per cent through 200 mesh. Primary grinding to 60 per cent through 200 mesh commenced May 22, 1945, when the feed was 3 per cent on 4 mesh. Under these conditions the capacity of the ball milling plant is estimated at 4300 tons daily. A description of the 11 Hollinger Crushing and Grinding Plant"" by D. C. McLaren was published in the Canadian Mining Journal, June 1944.The concentrate grinding circuit using a 7 x 15 low discharge ball mill and a 19-foot diameter bowl classifier with a 6-inch centrifugal pump to close the circuit began operating in the ball milling plant on October 24, 1939."

Jan 1, 1965

By Al Goodier

"This paper discusses the experience of Noranda Mines Limited, Matagami Division, with the vertical crater retreat (VCR) method in the mining of narrow-vein stopes. Although limited to only one stope, the viability of this method at the Radiore No.2 Mine has proven that further use of VCR in narrow-vein mining will be made.IntroductionThe Radiore No.2 property is located east of the Bell River in the southeast quadrant of Isle-Dieu Township, approximately 4.5 km east of the town of Matagami. The new James Bay Highway is 2.5 km north of the property and access to the mine is by a 2.5-km logging road.The property was staked by Radiore Uranium Mines in March 1961 and the sulphide body was first indicated by an E.M. survey. Diamond drilling commenced in the fall of 1961 and was completed by the end of 1962. As per an agreement in 1970, the claims were sold and assigned to Orchan Mines Limited. Subsequently, the property was transferred to Bell Allard Mines Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Orchan Mines. Early in 1979, Noranda Mines Limited acquired the property and it is now part of Noranda's Matagami Division.Geology and MineralizationThe deposit is in a band of volcanic rocks north of the Bell River complex. The lens of massive sulphides dips almost vertically and strikes almost east-west. The north contact is essentially sharp against andesite material; the south contact is less well defined, as the massive sulphides tend to grade into more disseminated material.The orebody varies from 5 to 20 feet in width, by 350 feet long and 200 feet in height. The overburden is composed of sand, gravel and clay, varying from 0 to 26 feet in depth. The ore reserves were 153,340 tons grading 1.97% copper and 1.01% zinc including 10% of dilution at zero grade."

Jan 1, 1982