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By Nichols. R. S.

"Surface coal mining production from Elk Valley and area in southeastern British Columbia began in 1913. Since 1970, five open-pit mines have been put into production: Westar Mining&apos;s Hanner and Greenhills Operations; Fording Coal&apos;s Fording River Operation; Byron Creek Collieries&apos; Coal Mountain Mine and Crows Nest Resources&apos; Line Creek Operation.ln 1983 these mines produced 14.9 million tonnes of raw coal at an average strip ratio of 4.9 bank cubic metres of waste to 1.0 tonne of raw coal. This is 70% of the estimated 21.1 M tonnes annual capacity .Multiple seams are recovered with truck/shovel and dragline equipment. There is a wide range of equipment types in use with a recent trend toward larger and more mobile equipment.Coal mining in Elk Valley involves advancing along strike in four steps: hangingwall waste removal; seam cleaning; coal recovery; and foot wall waste removal. Each mine is unique in its approach to these four steps but the truck/shovel methods can be categorized into three main groups: seam dips < 35 degrees as at Harmer, Fording and Greenhills; seam dips 35 to 50 degrees as at Line Creek; and seam dips >50 degrees as at Byron Creek. Dragline mining at Fording involves bath waste and coal removal by draglines."

Jan 1, 1984

By Robert B. Parsons

"No Canadian or his family is likely to escape the effects of proposals for pension reform tabled on October 9, 1986 by Finance Minster Michael Wilson. New tax rules are proposed for Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), company pensions, and other forms of retirement plans. Draft legislation is expected to be released in the first half of 1987.IntroductionOver two years ago on February, 15, 1984, Mark Lalonde, then Finance Minister, tabled two White Papers. The first, Action Plan for Pension Reform, proposed improvements to the public pension system and increases in the minimum pension benefits standards to be mandated by the federal government. Since then changes have been made to the Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Canada Pension Plan programs. Also, benefits provided under pension plans subject to the federal Pension Benefits Standards Act have been improved significantly.The companion paper, Building Better Pensions f or Canadians, proposed to standardize and, in many cases, improve retirement savings through private plans by revising the tax rule s. The tax proposals in the Notice of Ways and Means released by Finance Minister Wilson on October 9. 1986 implement, with modifications, the tax treatment of retirement savings originally proposed in the May 1985 budget in response to that second paper."

Jan 1, 1987

By P. Morissette

Passive monitoring of support performance during rockbursts was conducted at three deep underground mines. A comprehensive database was constructed of 172 seismic events and the associated damage to support systems at 266 mine locations from January 2000 to September 2012. The majority of pertinent information was obtained through seismic system records and on-site field assessments. This work assesses the quality of collected information and evaluates the dynamic-load demand on support systems in seismically active mines.

Aug 1, 2013

By Lluís Fontboté, François Lieben, Robert Moritz, Massimo Chiaradia

"Abstract - The Las Cañas stratabound Pb-Zn deposit, in northern Chile, is hosted by the Lower Cretaceous back-arc marine carbonate and subordinate andesitic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks of the Chañarcillo Group, one hundred meters above a thick pile of magmatic arc-related basaltic to andesitic lavas of the Bandurrias Formation. The deposit is not obviously related to local intrusive rocks, which include an Upper Cretaceous granodiorite batholith and dacite dikes emplaced along normal faults. Stratabound Pb-Zn-Ba mineralization is constrained within several porous stratigraphic units, including a 50 cm thick lapilli-tuff and less well mineralized algal-laminated limestone. Veins that locally carry some Pb-Zn occur along normal faults that displace the stratabound orebodies, and this study shows that they represent a different type of mineralization.Fluid inclusion microthermometric data for ore-stage quartz and barite indicate saline fluids (6 to 30 wt% NaCleq) and a formation temperature in the range of 80°C to 160°C for the stratabound mineralization. Two types of fluid inclusions occur in the veins. The type I vein fluid inclusions indicate less saline (average 7 wt% NaCleq) and slightly higher temperature fluids, in the range of 110°C to 220°C. The type II vein fluid inclusions indicate highly saline fluids (25 to 40 wt% NaCleq) which might be related to minor copper mineralization.206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios for galenas from the stratabound mineralization, with mean values of 18.42, 15.59, and 38.25, respectively, fall within the range of stratabound polymetallic deposits of northern and central Chile, and indicate a Lower Cretaceous magmatic rock source. Galenas from veins have slightly more radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios, with mean values of 18.47, 15.61, and 38.34, suggesting two distinct episodes of mineralization.?34S values for galena and barite range from negative values (-31.2‰ to -12.5‰ and -7.7‰ to +12‰, respectively) in the mineralized tuff to higher values in the algal-laminated limestone (-2.5‰ to +1.2‰ and +13.2‰ to +17.4‰, respectively), close to Lower Cretaceous marine sulfate values for barite, and homogeneous values for the galena from veins (-12.0‰ ±1‰). Changing redox conditions can partly account for ?34S variations in the tuff. Sulfur sources include magmatic rock sulfur (-1.5‰ to +9.7‰) as well as sedimentary sulfides and marine sulfate."

Jan 1, 1999

By Frank S. Palkovits

Over the past 30 years, underground paste backfill systems have been implemented across the globe in many configurations, each with a primary focus of providing high quality backfill to enhance mine operations. However, a number of key design drivers are not always well understood within design engineering firms that occasionally undertake this work, leaving opportunities on the table. Perhaps not always obvious to those newly embracing paste technology, identifying key drivers and opportunities attainable through a paste backfill system is generally not straightforward, requiring innovative approaches to securing higher productivity, availability, performance, maintainability, and operator health and safety. This paper describes a number of applications and audits of paste backfill systems for several challenging mine operations. Key challenges include iterative design aspects of availability of good backfill materials, plant location and configuration, general arrangement, and binder receiving/storage systems.

Oct 1, 2010

By S. Kodama, G. Sasaki, K. Matsugi, K. Sugio, Y. B. Choi

"Pure aluminum (Al) matrix composites with changing the volume fraction of TiB2 particle content from 10 to 30% was fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. Then the microstructure, density, dispersibility and thermal conductivity of the composites was estimated. As increasing TiB2 content, the dispersibility of particles and the density of the composites degraded slightly. And, the effect of the dispersibility of TiB2 particles on the thermal conductivity was quite little. The thermal conductivity of the composites was less than the theoretical value calculated by Maxwell-Eucken equation considering the effect of the density. It is due the influence of the interface heat transfer rate, because these composites have many small sized particles and have high interface density.INTRODUCTION Recently, metal matrix composites (MMCs) have been used widely in electric / electronic components, architectural materials, transportation equipment, aerospace and a precision instruments, because it’s superior properties have been greatly watched. Demand of MMC for industrial use has been increasing gradually. Furthermore, multifunction properties are required for the composites strongly. By integrating the dissimilar materials, the composites have various properties that we cannot get from monolithic materials. On the other hand, the response to the thermal management is required for materials, recently, and the need for the structural material controlling the thermal conductivity has been increasing. Especially, superior thermal conductivity and good mechanical properties from room temperature to high temperature are required for heat sink and heat exchanger at the same time. In late years, a study on the composites combining carbon materials and aluminum and copper has been developing, and actually the composites with high thermal conductivity which is not provided in the conventional materials is developed. On the other hand, non-oxide ceramics particles such as SiC and AlN, TiB2 have good thermal conductivity. Particularly, as TiB2 has good electrical conductivity, TiB2 containing MMCs is expected as innovative materials used as electric/ electronic components. Furthermore, as TiB2 has low density, high melting point, low thermal expansion and good deformation resistance, the development of high performance composites with multi-functional properties is expected. As thermal conductivity of pure Al and TiB2 are 225 and 66.4 W/mK, respectively, it is expected that the degradation of thermal conductivity by adding dispersant in Al matrix is suppressed. The authors have carried out a thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, mechanical properties of 20 vol.% TiB2 dispersed Al composites (Sugio, 2016, Sasaki, 2016). In this study, the influence of quantity of addition of TiB2 on microstructure, thermal conductivity was studied minutely."

Jan 1, 2018

By Wei Yingchun

Based on the deep burial depth of coal deposits in Huainan-Huaibei coalfields, Anhui Province, China, this paper puts forward the concept of partitioning of coal deposits according to occurrence conditions. This process is controlled by tectonic forces. The classification scheme of coal deposits exploration types is presented according to occurrence and mining conditions of coal deposits as viewed from the perspective of deep coal exploration properties. The principles underlying geological exploration services for the resources development are incorporated. There are six exploration types of coal deposits in the Huainan and Huaibei coalfields. Exploration models tailored to different types of exploration have been established and exploration strategies corresponding to different exploration models have been proposed. Steady-state temperature must be measured for the deep heat-harm type of coal deposit. The sealing coring of mine gas samples should be performed for the high mine gas type of coal deposit. For coal deposits with complex structures, such as those located beneath nappes, coal-controlling structural styles must be performed. Existing data on shallow districts are very important to the research of folds and fault-block types of coal deposits beneath and peripheral to old and existing coal mine areas. For the types of fault-block coal deposits hidden by thick Cenozoic cover, particular attention must be paid to comprehensive use of research on regional coal occurrence law and geophysical methods. The present work promotes the exploration level of coal deposits in Huainan-Huaibei coalfields to best meet the need for sustainable development of the coal industry.

Aug 1, 2013

By W. R. Bacon

"IntroductionTHIS IS a brief discussion of certain regional and economic aspects of the Coast Range of British Columbia. Between Portland canal and the 60th parallel of latitude, only the eastern margin of the Range is in Canada. The solely British Columbia interval extends from Portland canal to Burrard inlet. Personal observations in various parts of this area form the basis for much of this paper.Regional GeologyGranitic RocksSome of the best, most continuous exposures in the Coast Range are found at sea level. Reconnaissance study of the coastline has shown that the Range is predominantly granitic in character, but there simplicity ends, for the term 'granitic' as applied to the Coast Range covers a variety of mineralogical compositions. Actual granite is quite uncommon, occurring mainly in irregular or dyke-like masses that do not achieve batholithic dimensions. It is commonly pinkish, relatively homogeneous, and exhibits few of the deformational features that are obvious in much of this plutonic complex.Most of the granitic rocks of the Range fall well within the compositional limits of quartz diorite and granodiorite. The problem of resolving the great mass of these rocks into smaller coherent units is in general a difficult one. As noted above, granitic rock of uniform composition and texture is found in restricted areas and can be outlined without much difficulty. One such body occurs on the southern shore of Nelson island."

Jan 1, 1955

By J. J. Ferreira, M. L. Thurston, I. L. Chinn, D. M. Rose

"Concerns about using microdiamonds for resource estimation have been raised by workers because multiple diamond populations exist in many parts of the mantle source region, small diamonds in kimberlite could be exposed to proportionately greater levels of resorption and modification, and euhedral microdiamonds could crystallize immediately prior to kimberlite eruption. This paper addresses these concerns; discusses the geology of the mantle, the principal diamond host rocks, and the impact of mantle processes; compares micro- and macrodiamond properties and features; and outlines steps to identify and mitigate the risk of diamond resorption and its impact on the diamond grade-size relationship.RÉSUMÉ Des travailleurs se sont interrogés sur l’utilisation de microdiamants pour estimer la ressource; en effet, de multiples populations de diamants existent dans plusieurs secteurs de la région source dans le manteau. Des petits diamants dans la kimberlite pourraient être exposés à des niveaux proportionnellement supérieurs de résorption et de modification; de plus, des diamants idiomorphes pourraient cristalliser immédiatement avant l’éruption de la kimberlite. Le présent article traite de ces questions, discute de la géologie du manteau, des principales roches-mères des diamants et de l’impact des processus dans le manteau, compare les propriétés et les caractéristiques des micro- et des macrodiamants et définit les étapes pour identifier et mitiger le risque de résorption des diamants et son impact sur la relation entre la taille et la qualité des diamants."

Jan 1, 2016

By T. Cutard, E. Cailleux, F. Nazaret, G. Bernhart

This paper deals with the study of the mechanical behavior in the 20°C-900°C temperature range of refractory concretes reinforced with metallic fibers. Fibers are introduced to improve the damage resistance and to minimize the quasi-brittle behavior of refractory concretes. In some cases, a plastic or ductile like behavior can be obtained. Two approaches are considered in these studies. The first one is based on the micromechanical scale. Main objectives are to understand, quantify and predict the thermomechanical behavior of monofiber microcomposites. Such considerations are helpful to optimize the composite formulation for a better behavior. The second one is based on the macromechanical scale. Main objectives are to characterize and to model the macroscopic thermomechanical behavior of randomly reinforced refractory concretes. A particular attention is firstly paid to the relationships between the microstructural changes and the mechanical properties and secondly to the structural size effects.

Jan 1, 2004

By Mauro Chiesa

An Overview on the Presentation A.The Markets ?Mining Industry ?Capital Markets ?A Six-Cell Matrix of Strategic Options B.De-Risking The Mining Assets ?The Value-Added ?The Assets: Current and in Development ?The Feasibility Study C.(Questions, and answers) Post-Crunch: Some Maxims ?Three Metal Market Models No Longer Prevail ?New models are uncharted: ?be prepared?(ref: Lord B-Powell). ?Capital markets are pricey & uncertain: be your own financier first ?focus on value and on cash-flow (not oz, lbs, tonnes, LOMs, etc) ?Know your banker/financier(and it should know mining) ?In the past, it was ?know your borrower? ?It?s a buyer?s market that wants the ?right deal?: so cast a big net: ?Data must be current, concise and consistent ?3rdparty validation of feasibility work is now a ?passport? ?The risk matrix, with de-risking, is as important as the ?math?

May 1, 2011

By Garth D. Kirkham, James P. Siddorn, Hendri Falck

"Abstract - As an integral part of the Geological Survey of Canada’s EXTECH III Project, a threedimensional computer model has been created of the Con and Giant gold mines in the Yellowknife Greenstone Belt. The Yellowknife Mining Camp has produced a great deal of gold (over 15 million ounces, or 400 000 kg) in the past sixty years and the prevailing assumption is that the mines are at the end of their lives. However, the potential for discovering additional resources using new ideas and technology, and maximizing use of existing data, offers an opportunity to sustain the old mining operations and maintain their contribution to the community.The objectives of this study included the compilation and creation of a three-dimensional Geographic Information System model (combining 3D subsurface data with surface information) to provide a framework for concurrent structural and alteration studies, and to encourage new exploration in the area. A secondary objective was to retain the data in digital format as a historical reference for future remediation efforts, and to document a portion of Canada’s rich mining history.The end result is a database and set of models that have been instrumental in facilitating further exploration in the area, as well as in developing targets for future exploration and mining activities. In addition, the EXTECH III 3D GIS model has made a valuable contribution toward the understanding of the arsenic remediation issues at the Giant mine, and has served as a tool in support of a variety of highly technical engineering studies and for communicating information and problems to the layman and community as a whole."

Jan 1, 2003

"THE OTTAWA BRANCH, CIM, each year holds a symposium on a subject of topical interest. The symposium this year was on Canada's Offshore Mineral Resources, at which papers were presented by: Dr. Donald G. Crosby, chief, Resource Administration Di-vision, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, Ottawa; John A. Beesley, head, Legal Division, Department of External Affairs, Ottawa; and David W. Smith, man-ager, offshore exploration and production, Shell Canada Limited, Calgary. Because of the interest which this topic holds for our members, and because of the wealth and significance of information presented, the three papers -representing the first comprehensive review of our offshore resources -are reproduced herewith. The opening remarks of the Chairman, Dr. F. K. North, Professor of Geology, Carleton University, are also recorded, together with a few of the questions asked by the large attending audience. The symposium was held February 13th, and was organized by Dr. W. M. Tupper, chairman of the Branch Program Commit-tee. Differences in the extent of the continental shelf will be noted in the papers. These differences are related to slightly different definitions of the continental shelf by the authors."

Jan 1, 1969

By Daniel Hodouin, Bruno Girard, Claude Bazin

"Mineral processing and smelting operations have the reputation of being complex processes. Process operators of these unit operations have acquired from experience and basic training a superficial understanding of the relationships between process output and manipulated variables. This understanding, which is a very valuable know-how for process control and optimization as well as for operator training, is however difficult to extract. This paper describes a time series based approach that can be used to extract this know-how, which can subsequently be used for operator training. The method is illustrated with an example taken from a smelting process.IntroductionThe emergence of Total Quality Management and Statistical Process Control philosophies in the North American industry (Brown, 1991 ), as well as the increasing popularity of the IS0- 900x standard accreditation, provide a strong incentive to review the training procedures for plant operators. The importance of employees training is acknowledged in two of the 14 points of Deming's road to quality (Deming, 1982) as well as by control engineering consultants (Hendricks et al., 1994). However guidelines for the operation of industrial processes are often transferred from an operator to another one with allowance for flexible interpretation of many operating rules. Such transfer is typical of complex industrial processes to which particulate processes of ore dressing and extractive metallurgy belong.Capturing the knowledge of experienced operators is often a difficult task. Cognition engineers are able to extract this knowledge and transfer it into rules that ultimately are implemented into expert systems. Cognition engineers are however not always available and plant supervisors may prefer to keep training as an internal liability. Another difficulty through interviewing of the process operator is its lack of willingness to transfer what he has learned by hard working to other people, whose ultimate goals are to develop computerized applications that may replace him in a near future, or reduce its importance in the production line.This paper shows that time series can be advantageously used to capture the average process understanding of plant operators and to help reviewing training procedures. The method s illustrated with data collected during normal operation of electric arc furnaces and it is shown how the approach has led to a fruitful discussion between process engineers and operators that ultimately provided savings of more that $200,000 per year per furnace. There are 9 furnaces in the studied foundry. Such savings are not the results of application of advanced control strategies nor of ""miracle press button software», but of an improve awareness by engineers and operators of the importance of properly defining the operating procedures to control a process."

Jan 1, 1996

By Percy Coulter

"GeneralThe Malartic Gold Fields mill is presently treating ore from four different companies. The ore is delivered by truck, by the shipper, and dumped into the Malartic Gold Fields ore bin. This ore varies in size from 'Run of mine' to minus 8 11, All ore is crushed to pass a 3/ 8 11 x 4 11 cross slotted screen.Weighing and SamplingAfter crushing the ore passes over an adequate-weigher (250 T .P.H. capacity) on its way to the fine ore bins. This weigher has a remote counter at the sampling point.A 36” Vezin sampler cuts 15% from the ore stream as it enters the mill bins. This portion is elevated, by means of a short belt conveyor, to feed the No. 2 Vezin sampler. (This elevation is necessary to give headroom for the following machines). The ore on the conveyor is levelled to give a uniform stream to the second sample cutter. The second, third and fourth cutters are 2411 •The No. 2 Vezin sampler cuts 19% from its feed and this portion falls directly into a 1611 x 1011 Denver rolls crusher. This crusher reduces the ore to -1/ 8 11 , approximately. The discharge from the rolls crusher falls on a revolving circular plate with scraper, which gives a uniform stream to the No. 3 Vezin sampler.The No. 3 Vezin cuts 10% from its feed. This portion falls on another revolving plate to give a uniform stream to feed No. 4 Vezin."

Jan 1, 1966

By Graham Sim

Agenda ?The Water Challenge ?Examples from Three Case Studies ?Mine Drainage, 99% recovery ?Mine Drainage, 80% recovery ?Road Dust Control ?Technology Development ? Conclusion Global water challenges Assuring sustainable quantity Improving water quality Reducing energy consumption

May 1, 2011

By W. F. Moore

"In January 1981, Quintette Coal Limited (QCL) signed a 2a-year coking coal sales agreement with the Japanese Steel Industry which was followed by the commencement of mining operations in October 1982 and preparation plant operation in November 1983. During the mine &apos;s startup, the town of Tumbler Ridge, the Anzac rail spur line, coal port facilities at Ridley Island plus numerous related elements of infrastructure were completed to support QCL and the neighbouring Bullmose operation in northeastern British Columbia. QCL&apos;s annual product coking coal levels have accelerated from 2.9 to 5.2 Mt between 1984 and 1986 with related increases in total mined volume from 14.8 to 41.0 M BCM between 1983 and 1986. This paper presents an overview of QCL &apos;s current operation and related infrastructure. Development BackgroundDuring the 1970s, the Japanese Steel Industry (JSI) was forecasting a steady and significant growth in its steel production. By 1980 they were expecting crude steel production to increase from about 105 Mt in 1980 to 125 Mt by 1985 and almost 140 Mt by 1990.Discussions between Quintette Coal Limited (QCL) and the JSI for the development of the QCL project began in the 1970s and continued over a period of several years. During that time detailed and regular meetings took place, at which technical and commercial presentations were made to the JSI. The geology of the project area and the alternative mining methods and sequences were studied in detail. The new rail line which would connect the mine to tidewater was a critical factor and received particular attention. Alternate routes for the rail line from Tumbler Ridge to Prince George were the subject of much detailed study and discussions. The Anzac route was chosen in the best long-term interest of the northeast area development, after careful consideration and advice from the Japanese side.The new bulk coal terminal on Ridley Island at Prince Rupert was also a key factor and completed the development of an independent and new major coal field to supply the JSI. The QCL project and the development of the northeast area of British Columbia was a major strategical initiative of the JSI. It provided Japan with an important new coal field which was both self-sufficient and distinct from the traditional Japanese coal field resources in southern Canada, Australia, and the United States."

Jan 1, 1988

By Charlie Jefferson

Main Goal: Resource Assessment 1. Incorporate existing data & results, old process. 2. NEW Quantitative Analysis (Chung and Chen) 3. Try mass balance of U and geochemical tracers 4. Use holistic process approach ?with key foci ?Targeted basin / belt assessments ?Is there as much in the Athabascaas they say? ?Athabasca reference for other basins (Thelon, etc) ?Compare sandstone & volcanic with USA, Kazakhstan etc: do their models apply here? ?Which IOCG systems are prospective for uranium? 5.Consider Groundwater, Environment; 6.Communicate

May 1, 2006

By Yves Prévost, Guy St-Amant, Guillaume Dion

In 2010, the foreseen increase of copper grade in feed concentrate at the Horne Smelter was a significant challenge to maintain a steady copper flow throughout the process. The Horne Smelter process includes a Noranda Reactor, a Noranda Converter, pyro refining vessels and anode furnaces. Of the many challenges involved, improving the single casting wheel performance was one of the key topics. Its reliability had to be improved to meet the new production objectives, as anode copper production was to increase from 170 000 to 225 000 tonnes/year. A multidisciplinary team was dedicated to improve the casting wheel availability. The improvement project allowed pinpointing failure modes and reviewing operational and maintenance practices. The common understanding developed by the team allowed improving small components with a high gain-to-effort ratio. The project allowed reaching operational targets without any significant investment. INTRODUCTION In operation since 1927, the Horne Smelter, located in Rouyn-Noranda, in Quebec, has undergone several technological changes since its original construction. Built to smelt the Horne mine concentrates, the smelter also accepted some local custom feeds from the first years of operation. When the Horne mines stopped production in 1976, the plant became a 100% custom smelter. With the development of the Noranda Reactor (1973) and Noranda Converter (1997), the Horne smelter increased its productivity and improved its environmental performance. Continuous improvement of the Horne process allowed maintaining a high level of flexibility in the operation of the smelter, while improving its overall capacity.

Jan 1, 2019

By Steven Chung

Decision Network Modelling in a mining operation represents a complex process environment that is inherently more variable than a processing plant or factory. The uncertain availability of loading locations, haulage paths, loading and hauling equipment, along with inconsistent operator behaviour, cause a relatively large number of upset events that must be recognized, communicated and dealt with by the appropriate management authority. Traditional process maps that represent a deterministic model of the mining process can quickly break down in the face of such a volatile environment. An alternate modelling strategy, composed of decision networks, focuses on the interactions between goal-oriented entities and their environment, allowing system integrators to explicitly determine the information to be exchanged while providing feedback mechanisms that improve system flexibility and decision quality. This ensures a consistent framework for incrementally increasing system automation.

May 1, 2010