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By Scott Hopkins

Simulation tools are preferred for evaluating complex systems due to its ability to mimic reality and quickly evaluate many different what-if scenarios and find global solutions. A simulation model is capable of representing variable and dynamic disturbances that are typically encountered in day-to-day operations; this is where spreadsheet models or linear programs fall short because they cannot account for the dynamic behavior and relationships. The simulation model used for this work was developed by Xstrata-Nickel (previously Falconbridge). The simulation tool is very flexible and can be used to simulate different mining and development methods. The scope of the modeling included production mining, geology, equipment fleets, equipment maintenance and random failures, manpower, shift schedules, and cycle activity times. A case overview of the 170 Orebody will be presented along with the challenges associated with data collection for the model inputs. Results and lessons learned will also be discussed.

May 1, 2008

By J. M. Houston

"In October 1982, Rio Algom Limited, purchased a tin prospect near East Kemptville, Nova Scotia, from Shell Canada Resources. This purchase led to the development of the first substantial tin mine in North America. This paper deals with the drillingand blasting operations at Rio Algom, in particular the use of emulsion explosives technology.This presentation describes what emulsion explosives and Heavy AN/FO are, and the support system used to deliver these products to the blast site.HistoryThe East Kemptville mine site was discovered by Shell Canada Resources (SCR) in July 1978. SCR started diamond drilling on the tin prospect in March 1979. After 8220 m of BQ drilling, it was estimated a reserve of 56 000 000 tonnes of 0.165% Sn was present.The property, which is located 54 km northeast of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia (Fig. 1), showed, after a feasibility study that, given an ore treatment rate of 9000 tonnes per day, a mine life of 17 years could be expected.GeologyThe tin deposit of the East Kemptville Mine, occurs in granitic rocks at their contact with metasedimentary rocks. The mineralization is in the form of cassiterite with associated sulphides of copper and zinc. The tin occurs in a stockwork of tin bearing Greisen alteration zones.East Kemptville MineThe mine planned an open pit operation with the first five years being mined at a rate of 14 000 tonnes per day, of which 5000 tonnes will be waste and low grade ore. Eventually, the total mining rate will be 21 000 tonnes per day, including 12 000 tonnes of waste and low grade ore. Figure 2 shows the general layout of the mine site.East Kemptville Chooses Emulsion ExplosivesIn December 1984, East Kemptville Mine awarded the Explosives Division of C-I-L Inc. a contract to supply explosives to the borehole. The system chosen gives East Kemptville the on-the-bench choice of regular AN/Fa, or a high density, Heavy AN /Fa product called SuperAN· or a water resistant emulsion explosive called MAGNAFRAC· for holes that cannot be dewatered.Emulsion ExplosivesAn emulsion is an intimate mixture of two liquids that do not dissolve in each other. Emulsions have contributed to our daily lives in such products as insecticides, salad dressings and cosmetics."

Jan 1, 1987

By L. C. St. Arnaud

"Open pit mines can produce large disturbances within regional hydrogeologic systems. The degree of disturbance and the consequences on the local environment depend on the size of the pit and on the physical setting of the mine. Comparisons and contrasts are presented for three Noranda base metal open pit mine sites.The Brunswick Mining and Smelting No 6 open pit has a surface area of 11 ha and a depth of 185 m. It is located within complexly deformed schists and meta-volcanic rocks. The massive sulphide and iron formations visible along the north and southwest walls of the pit generate acid drainage. Mining ceased in 1983, and the pit is presently being filled with waste rock and neutralized drainage water. Water balance calculations estimated a total fill up time of sixteen years. As the water level rises, leakage to groundwater could take place across a fault zone intersecting the pit.The Mattabi Mines F-Group pit has a surface area of approximately 3 ha and a depth of 50 m and is also set in meta-volcanic rocks and acid generating iron formations. Production at this site ceased in 1982, and the low pH pit water is neutralized and pumped into a nearby lake at least every five years. Major water inflows are from precipitation and groundwater. Groundwater mounds within adjacent high land surrounding the pit provide a natural hydraulic barrier to groundwater flow, except for the southeast side. As a consequence, the pit water elevation is being kept below the elevation of the nearby creek in which some of the pit water could drain.The Bell Copper open pit covers an area of 40 ha and is 270 m deep. With present ore reserves, the mine might be in operation until 1992. The geology around the pit consists of andesitic tufts, siltstones and shales, and the acid generation potential of the rock is relatively low. A recent hydrogeological study estimated fill up time by precipitation and groundwater to be in the order of 260 years.With increasingly more stringent requirements for mine closure, it is anticipated that more detailed hydrological and hydrogeological studies of open pits will be required to determine post-closure environmental impacts and the suitability of open pits for mine waste disposal."

Jan 1, 1990

By H. A. Dakin

"An introduction to the metallurgical requirements of the Flin Flon concentrator reveals the magnitude of ore blending which is required in its operation of three flotation circuits. The resulting variability in flotation heads which has in-creased the separations complexity justified the development of an on-line analysis system.This paper provides a summary of the development and operation of that system. Particular attention is devoted to the problems encountered and where possible their solutions; as the requirements of accurate information and minimum downtime of the sampling system and x-ray analyzer are considered essential. The addition of a recess central computer has provided information in a more easily understood form and as well has allowed the start of automatic reagent control.An indication of the on-line analysis system's value to the concentrators' operation is provided by an examination of the plant in metallurgical data and reagent costs in previous years.The metallurgical plants of Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting lie adjacent to the city of Flin Flon on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan boundary. Plant operations commenced in 1930 treating copper-zinc ore from the local mine. In recent years ore bodies near Flin Flon and in the Snow Lake area, about seventy-five miles east, have been brought into production.By the beginning of 1973 the number of producing mines had increased to nine; with all the ore being handled by the Flin Flon concentrator. Figure l, showing mine ore assays during 1973 indicates the variation in metal content possible."

Jan 1, 1974

By L. J. Vincze

The high cost of constructing mineral processing plants in remote locations warrants a close examination of the alternatives available for reducing the amount of on-site construction work. Among the alternatives are portable process plants, modular design and barge mounted plants. Each alternative has certain advantages as well as limitations depending upon specific conditions. On the basis of practical experience and engineering analysis, the paper examines the potential benefits to be realized by these techniques and summarizes the conditions required to obtain them. The potential savings indicated by such studies should encourage consideration of innovative design features for new plants located in remote areas.

Jan 1, 1980

By E. Lampard

Mines must manage variability from within their operations as well as those imposed upon them by external forces. This paper provides a framework to manage both internal and external variability through the review and adjustment of the mine plan where applicable to minimize lost production and maintain operational safety. KEYWORDS Mine plan, mine schedule, variability, safety, lost production, float days, update, adjustment, operations, Maintenance

May 1, 2011

By Jamie King

This paper describes the use of dynamic scheduling and discrete event control to provide coordinated control of multiple automated vehicles. In the past decade there have been significant advances in the field of robotics for underground mining. As this trend progresses toward a realization of a completely automated underground mine the need for a central control system, capable of providing coordination for multiple vehicles in a semistructured environment, becomes more evident. In the past year general research into multi-robot coordination has been applied to the underground mining scenario and demonstrated in a scaled model underground mine in a laboratory setting. This system shows significant potential to be adopted into a full-scale implementation for mine wide automation.

May 1, 2001

By J. A. King, D. A. Knight

"The Porgera orebody is located in mountainous terrain in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. An underground mine has been developed which produces up to 2000 t/d of ore grading over 2 ozs Au/t. Some 79% of the gold in the ore is free, with the balance in a highly refractory form as sub-microscopic gold evenly disseminated within a pyrite matrix.This paper describes the metallurgical plant that uses flotation and cyanidation circuits to effectively recover the free gold in the ore feed, allowing for wide variation in the gold head grade. The refractory gold component in the ore is stored as leached pyrite flotation concentrate and this concentrate will be later treated by autoclaving techniques to recover the contained gold.The ProiectThe property is located in the Porgera Valley 600 Km North West of Port Moresby. The remote location is 2500 m above sea level. The mine area has 3600 mm of annual rainfall and a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 10° c to 22° c throughout the year.Alluvial gold was reported in the Porgera area in 1938 and has been an important source of revenue for the area for many years. Intermittent exploration was carried out until the 1960 1 s when Placer (PNG) Pty. Ltd. with Mt. Isa Mines commenced an extensive exploration program. The property was brought to production in 1990 by the Porgera Joint Venture group consisting of Mount Isa Mines Ltd, Rennison Goldfield Consolidated Ltd. and Placer Dome Inc, each with a 30% ownership and the Government of Papua New Guinea with a 10% share. Placer Dome Inc. is the manager of the property with construction under the direction of the Placer Dome Technical Services group."

Jan 1, 1992

By A. M. Childs, R. F. Mather, K. R. Rawling

"The challenges encountered in the design and construction of mines and their process facilities today are becoming more intense and the engineering more competitive. The need to incorporate new techno1ogy to compensate for ever rising costs is always present, but its application in the harsh environment of Northern Canada increasingly requires the inclusion of new proven methods and innovative approaches to arrive at economically attractive projects.This paper deals with the development of the process design for the Cullaton Lake Gold Mine in the Northwest Territories. Particular emphasis is given to the interaction of the imposed construction and testwork schedules, and their effect on certain process decisions.The challenge that faced the project team may be defined by the following factors:1. A schedule which required that metallurgical testing, engineering, and procurement and delivery of all equipment and construction supplies should be complete within a period of ten months.2. Transportation of all personnel, equipment and supplies to the site by airlift, as no road was available or affordable.3. A six week period when transportation to the site was impossible.4. The extremes of temperature beyond the tree line in the Northwest Territories.5. A complete lack of infrastructure in the area."

Jan 1, 1983

By D. M. Fraser

"Brunswick Mining and Smelting Corporation Limited operates two mines; one open pit (No. 6) and one underground (No. 12), approximately 20 miles south-west of Bathurst, New Brunswick. Both are massive sulphide deposits containing copper, lead, zinc and silver. The No. 12 property began operation in 1963 and is presently being mined at a rate of 3600 tons per day underground and is in the completion stages of an expansion to achieve 11,000 tons per day underground by the end of 1930.Originally at Brunswick Mining, acid mine drainage was added to tailings and neutralized by an excess of lime in the tailings. A conventional recycle system was established with a biostabilization pond for the treatment of thiosalts, a liming station and sludge settling area for neutralization of acidic water and a final reclaim pond with a pumping station for reclaim water.We found that not more than one third of the reclaim water could be used as it upset the flotation circuit every time it was used. It was established that the mine water and surface drainage were the cause due to oils and detergents in the water. It was also found that the biostabilization pond method Cf thiosalt treatment was not efficient for year round operation in our climate.In 1974, we reviewed the problems and began a 3 phase program to control effluents from the property:"

Jan 1, 1980

By D. Allan Coutts

Demonstration projects using hydrogen as a fuel are becoming very common. Often these projects rely on project-specific risk evaluations to support project safety decisions. This is necessary because regulations, codes, and standards (hereafter referred to as standards) are just being developed. This paper will review some of the approaches being used in these evolving standards, and techniques which demonstration projects can implement to bridge the gap between current requirements and stakeholder desires. Many of the evolving standards for hydrogen-fuel use performance-based language, which establishes minimum performance and safety objectives, as compared with prescriptive-based language that prescribes specific design solutions. This is being done for several reasons including: (1) concern that establishing specific design solutions too early will stifle invention, (2) sparse performance data necessary to support selection of design approaches, and (3) a risk-adverse public which is unwilling to accept losses that were incurred in developing previous prescriptive design standards. The evolving standards often contain words such as: ?The manufacturer shall implement the measures and provide the information necessary to minimize the risk of endangering a person?s safety or health.? This typically implies that the manufacturer or project manager must produce and document an acceptable level of risk. If accomplished using comprehensive and systematic process the demonstration project risk assessment can ease the transition to widespread commercialization. An approach to adequately evaluate and document the safety risk will be presented.

May 1, 2007

By Patrick F. R. Murphy

An ultra-low profile LHD has been developed by EJC Mining Equipment of Burlington, Ontario for narrow-reef mining applications. This paper discusses the challenges encountered during the evolution of the machine's design and subsequent field testing. Continuing research and development focuses on optimizing machine performance and controllability, reducing emissions, and enhancing maintainability. Details will be given on field trial experience and ongoing test work being carried out at the manufacturing facility.

May 1, 2004

By John R. Hawley

"This paper is intended as a review of the progress that has been made in the Province of Ontario in the field of acid drainage waste treatment technology.Three years ago, at the Third Annual Meeting of the Canadian Mineral Processors, we presented a paper entitled ""The Problem of Acid Mine Drainage in Ontario"". At that time I was working for the Ontario Water Resources Commission. The paper turned out to be the very beginning of the Commission's acid mine drainage control program. In the intervening three years, the Ontario Water Resources Commission has been amalgamated with other government groups and has evolved into the present Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Today the Ministry is involved in running one of the most advanced acid mine waste control programs in the world.As a part of its mining program, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment has published three major reports which deal directly and specifically with the industrial waste disposal problems that may arise at a mining operation. In order of publication, these reports are as follows:(1) ""The Problem of Acid Mine Drainage in the Province of Ontario"".This 338-page report covers all aspects of the problem of acid mine drainage and includes detailed sections on acid flow detection, acid flow chemistry and acid flow treatment.(2) ""The Use, Characteristics and Toxicity of Mine-Mill Reagents in the Province of Ontario"".This report, 244 pages in length, gives the chemistry and toxicity of nearly all of the chemicals that find common use in the Canadian mining industry. Most of the toxicity figures quoted are the result of a comprehensive bioassay program that was initiated by the Ministry."

Jan 1, 1974

By R. D. Lawrence

"Comparable transaction analysis is the best known of the market approaches to valuation of exploration-stage mineral properties. The analysis of option and farm-in agreements can also provide useful guidance to valuators. While such approaches can be distorted by incomplete analysis, market-based methods are capable of providing consistent, credible results when carried out carefully with due consideration paid to all factors which buyers and sellers consider when dealing in the real market. IntroductionMineral properties without defined resources present one of the most challenging tasks to the mineral valuator. This paper will concentrate on market-based approaches to valuation of such properties. Other authors at MM2000 presented papers on cost and income approaches. Sorentino (2000) also provides a useful overview with some provacative commentary on methods.Market based-approaches are based on the principle of substitution and include such techniques as: comparable transaction analysis (sometimes referred to as sales comparison analysis); farm-in commitment (or option agreement) analysis; rules-of-thumb; and comparable market value analysis.Are there any valuation standards available to assist the valuator? In Canada there are none that apply to the valuation of mineral assets or securities. This problem is being addressed, at least in part, by the CIMVal Committee of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)1. Further, the recently established Canadian Association of Mineral Valuators will be giving consideration to the adoption of valuation standards."

Jan 1, 2002

By Douglas M. Smith, G. A. Maki

"The initial development of the massive potash deposits of the prairie evaporite formation took place over a decade ending in 1970. The potash mining and refining facility near Rocanvi11e, Saskatchewan was the 1ast of ten mines to come into production during that era. This operation, known as Sylvite of Canada Ltd., was designed to produce 1. 2 million short tons per year of KCl product in granular, coarse, standard and special standard grades.In 1977 the parent company, Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting, sold the Sylvite property to the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. Shortly thereafter PCS slated its new Rocanville Division for a two phase program of expansion. The first phase, completed in the spring of 1979, was relatively small, involving mill debottlenecking and additional equipment in the compaction circuit and the product and ore storage areas. The second phase was a major undertaking which included additional mining equipment and a new 300 STPH milling circuit. This work was completed during the fall of 1981 and has increased the Rocanville Division's nameplate capacity to two million STPY.Thickening equipment operating in the Saskatchewan potash industry is generally situated within the main refinery building or a separate insulated and heated structure due to the harsh winter climate and the need to closely control plant brine temperatures to ensure good flotation circuit performance. Since these thickeners process large volumes of slurries, conventional basin type designs tend to be large, ranging up to 150 feet in diameter or more. As part of the general effort to minimize capital costs, the potash industry has begun investigating the use of alternate high capacity, compact thickener designs. In this regard, PCS Rocanville undertook a program in 1978 to evaluate a Lamella™ Thickener and one other type of 'High Rate' thickener* as alternatives to a conventional design for the phase two expansion project."

Jan 1, 1983

DynoMiner APS Delivery Systems Overview ? New Design of DynoMiner APS-M2 ? Stand alone or attach to Cargo type 10,000 lb (4536 kg) emulsion bins. ? Hose reel w/200-ft (61-m) by 1-inch I.D (25-mm) hose capacity, power rewind. ? Increased water and trace capacity. ? Hose reel and gassing offered as options. ? New Flow Meter ? DN-100: aluminum body, UHMWPE rotors. ? Will be offered as an option. ? APS Nomenclature ? Proposed changes ? DynoMiner APS and APS-M1 to become DynoMiner APS Drifter ? DynoMiner APS-M2 to become DynoMiner APS Stoper. ? Both to have optional gassing / flow metering.

May 1, 2004

By E. Pribonic

Failure of a mine material hoist can cause injuries, fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, along with an associated loss of production. Principal causes of hoist accidents are overwind and underwind. Past and present means of arresting hoisting equipment are marginally effective and utilize destructive systems that are not reusable following an arrest. The use of permanent magnet eddy current arrestor technology is proposed; the history and fundamental science of the technology are presented, followed by real world examples and calculations of performance for failsafe, friction-free, instantly reusable eddy current arrestors as applied to stopping a 30-ton ore skip traveling at 16 metres per second. A comparison of existing arrestor types with the eddy current arrestor is included and limitations of the ECA are also discussed.

Jan 1, 2008

By E. T. C. Spooner, Ioannou S. E.

"Abstract- The Dixie Zone Au-Ag deposit is a low sulfidation (adularia-sericite) epithermal system located 1.4 km from the producing Ken Snyder mine (7.0 M oz Au equivalent reserve/resource), Midas Mining District, north-central Nevada. This WNW striking, steep south dipping, fault system is hosted by mid-Miocene (17 Ma to 14 Ma) felsic volcanic rocks that were erupted from a vent(s) to the northeast. The system was mineralized by approximately 250 ± 20°C (n = 86), near-neutral pH, ascending fluids of predominantly meteoric origin [volatile corrected salinity = 0.52 ± 0.35 eq.wt% NaCl (n = 86)]. Bulk analytical fluid inclusion gas chromatography identified a mineralizing fluid volatile composition of 99.68 ± 0.18 mole % H2O, 0.16 ± 0.09 mole % CO2, 0.11 ± 0.05 mole percent N2, 0.05 ± 0.04 mole % CH4, and 0.01 ± 0.01 mole % CnHn+i (n = 7). Sulfur species were not analyzed due to absorption within the chromatography system; however, a H2S concentration of 16 ppm to 160 ppm molar is estimated. The volatile content contributes approximately 50% of the microthermometrically measured freezing point depression. Cl- concentrations up to approximately 9000 ppm suggest an additional, probably magmatic, fluid component.Ascending fluids were channelled along approximately NW striking faults related to the same primary extension (17 Ma to 14 Ma) responsible for Nevada basin and range physiography. Boiling induced by CO2 effervescence led to precipitation of Au and Ag over a 150 m vertical interval. At the time, this interval was about 460 m below the water table (approximately 38 bars), but because of erosion, it is now within 90 m of the surface. A Ag:Au ratio of 25:1 has been calculated for the Dixie Zone."

Jan 1, 2000

By Stephen Hammond

?Our own prejudices form the greatest barrier to creating an inclusive working environment.? Have you witnessed? Racism or Negative Comments about an Aboriginal Person? ?You are free to compete with all the others?, and still justly believe that you have been completely fair.? Lyndon B. Johnson

May 1, 2008

By D. M. Doyle

"A study of the various components contributing to energy costs and their relationships to generally trended operating data, such as tonnage, operating costs, etc. over progressively shorter time periods provides information for an energy audit. A study of annual data gives some insight into the importance of various energy components. As the time frame of the study 11rogresses through monthly, daily and finally, into quarter hourly data, the variations become more evident and most important, strategies develop to minimize energy costs. The results of an audit conducted during the summer of 1978 at Wesfrob Mines are reported to illustrate this important phase, prerequisite to a meaningful energy cost avoidance program.The balance of the paper deals with the energy conservation program at Falconbridge Nickel Mines Sudbury Operations, the material and control equipment, the commitment, the new energy accounting practices and lastly, the policies. Examples of successful energy conservation endeavors include automatic peal electrical load control, waste heat recovery from mine air and compressor cooling water, energy reductions resulting from lower building temperatures and curtailmen: of idling loads. The use of pulse meters to measure the flow of gas, steam, compressed air and electrical energy, with their signals interfaced to process computers, allows monthly, daily and if necessary, immediate reporting of energy and energy per unit of production information. The program so reported at Falconbridge’s Sudbury Operations is credited with an annual cost avoidance of .9 million dollars in a 14.0 million dollar annual energy account."

Jan 1, 1979