Search Documents

By Sidney Katell, JOHN H. FABER, BRYCE L. MADDOX

The information abstracted from the various publications appeared in the magazines under such headings as Business and Industry , Chemical Engineering Developments , Companies in the News , Headlines of the Month , Industrial News , Industry , Refining and Gas - Processing News , Refining News , What's Happening , and others . Although most items are related to chemical and petroleum plants , a few pertain to related fields , such as markets , drilling costs for petroleum , and field prices of crude oil . Certain articles discuss various aspects of cost -estimating procedures or description of processes . Cost bibliographies prepared by other groups are discussed in items 70 and 271. The two references can be considered as supplemental to this report , since the amount of overlap in the contents is insignificant .

Jun 15, 1957

To improve the air quality in large-opening stone mines by developing better ventilation techniques, including appropriate fan selection in conjunction with air-coursing methods. Background Stone mines are the most common underground large-entry mines in the United States. Data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for the year 2000 indicate that there were 162 active nonmetal underground mines in the United States, of which 117 were stone mines. Many underground stone mines are drift mines developed from previous quarry operations. Typically, these room-and-pillar mines have entries that are 20 ft or higher and at least 40 ft wide. These large dimensions lead to a very small ventilating pressure loss, even when significant air quantities move through the mine. This is especially true of drift mine operations where ventilating pressure losses of <0.25 in w.g. are common. Underground stone mines with shafts that are<200 ft deep typically have ventilating pressure losses that are <2 in w.g. The pressure losses through these mines are much lower than those of a typical coal mine or deep metal/nonmetal mine. Therefore, the ventilation techniques and principles are quite different. In addition, because of new MSHA regulations that limit the concentration of diesel particulate matter, these mines may need to greatly increase their ventilation airflow. Therefore, large-opening mines need a fan that can move large air quantities and operate at low static pressures. There are three fan types for mine ventilation: centrifugal, axial vane, and propeller. Centrifugal fans are uncommon in underground stone mines as they are often associated with mines requiring the highest of ventilation pressures. Axial vane fans are widely used in all types of mining operations. They are the most common fan type currently found in underground large-opening stone mines. However, they typically do not operate at low static pressures with high efficiency. Propeller fans are currently uncommon in underground stone mines. They are designed for low static pressures and large air quantities at higher efficiency. This fan type best suits the ventilation needs in large-opening stone mines?they produce large air quantities at low pressure losses. Mines with air shafts<100 ft long and at least 12 ft in diameter have fairly low mine static pressures and may also benefit from propeller fans.

Dec 1, 2002

By Koch D. F A

An electrochemical study of the dissolution of gold in aerated cyanide solution shows that the dissolution rate is determined by the nature of the surface. A passive film (probably a basic cyanide) formed at -0&#183;6 V vs a saturated calomel electrode inhibits both the anodic dissolution of gold and the cathodic reduction of oxygen. Thallium has an &quot;activating&quot; effect on these reaction mechanisms.INTRODUCTIONIn general the dissolution rate of a solid in a liquid is studied by weight loss measurements or analysis of the solution at known time intervals. However, if the solid is a metallic conductor, on which a redox reaction can occur at the metal-solution interface, it can be studied by electrochemical techniques. Electrochemical measurements have the advantage that the overall reaction can be separated into its components, in some cases by electrical measurements alone, and in others by a combination of these with analytical determinations.The overall equation for the dissolution of gold in aerated cyanide solution may be written4Au + 02+ 8CN- + 2H20 = 4Au (CN)2- + 40H- ..... (1)which can be separated into the two electrochemical componentsrepresenting the oxidation of gold and the reductionof ogygen respectively.4Au + 8CN-,= 4Au(CN)2- + 4eand O2+ 2H20 + 4e = 40H- These two reactions occur at the gold-electrolyte interface and it is the purpose of this paper to discuss the mechanism...

Jan 1, 1964

By B. Kahraman

About 70% of the world?s total boron reserves are located in Turkey. Boron minerals are typically concentrated by attrition scrubbing followed by screening and classification to remove clay minerals and other impurities. These wet concentration methods, however, result in a considerable amount of accumulated tailings in large tailings dams. The tailings are approximately 28% solids and contain 14% B2O3. Problems caused by these tailings can be minimized by employing dry beneficiation techniques involving heat treatment. This method has been successfully tested on laboratory and pilot scales. During heat treatment, borax undergoes expansion in volume. The amount of expansion is dependent on the particle size, temperature and duration of heat treatment. Because the optimum temperature and the duration of the heat treatment are not well defined, the boron ore acts as a calcined clay mineral and is discarded along with the gangue. It is important to predict such parameters using mathematical formulations. Thus, a mathematical model is used to predict the required temperature and duration period prior to heat treatment. In the experimental study presented here, a series of systematic thermal tests was carried out in a muffle furnace. Two variables, temperature and time, were studied in a response surface design. A quadratic regression model was chosen and regression coefficients were calculated. Using a regression equation, the volume expansion of the particles in various circumstances can be predicted. The mathematical test results are then correlated with the experimental results to relate the optimum expansion of borax with heating time and temperature and with borax grades and recoveries.

Jan 1, 2008

By Taylor G. H

The Triassic Ipswich (SE. Queensland) coals are of bituminous rank. The more exact rank of individual samples was determined by measuring the reflectance of the vitrinite. While in general the rank of the coals increases with stratigraphic depth, minor reversals, probably related to igneous intrusions, occur.The Ipswich coals form a coherent group so far as petrographic type is concerned. All are comparatively rich in vitrite and clarite, cutinite being the common maceral of the exinite group. The mineral contents of all the coals are comparatively high, clay and quartz being most abundant. The coals appear to be of essentially autochthonous origin, and to have been formed under conditions of fairly rapid subsidence.While the use of the coals is at present restricted to combustion, most have pronounced coking properties, as would be predicted from their petrographic composition and reflectance. However, the high mineral content of the coals would be a limiting factor in their use for coke-making.INTRODUCTIONDuring the last ten years, the Division of Coal Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization has carried out an extensive investigation of Australian coals, providing a wide range of analyses of most of the important of them. Special attention has been given in recent years to Queensland coals.Most seams were sampled as a number of subsections, enabling the internal variations, as well as the overall properties, to be assessed. The lenticularity of many of the mineralrich layers may tend to limit the significance of the samples, particularly in respect of ash yield, but although the vertical distribution of mineral matter may vary considerably from one sampling position to another, the lateral variation of the total mineral matter in the whole seam may not be great.Apart from extensive chemical analyses and utilization...

Jan 1, 1963

By D. A. Trotter, G. J. Goddard

"This paper describes a method of deciding on various design parameters for a sublevel caving layout. Layout design curves are obtained from the output of a computer optimization program. The program uses mathematical relationships derived from the theory of gravity flow of material to optimize the large number of interdependent design variables which are involved.IntroductionIn the design of an efficient sublevel caving mining system, a large number of interrelated variables need to be considered. Although many papers discuss individual variables, very little exists in the literature to show how these variables interact to achieve optimum results. This can lead to trial and error in sublevel caving design, which can prove costly, particularly because sublevel caving is a mining method which requires integration with sublevels above and below. With no pillars being left, experimental stopes cannot be isolated for study. Unfortunately, the complexity of layout design and the costs associated with trial and error have caused many planning engineers to choose more tried and tested mining methods.Sublevel caving works best to extract low-value ore surrounded by incompetent rock. All phases of the mining method can be highly mechanized, allowing low operating costs and high production rates. Good safety records are achieved, as workers are always in &apos;good&apos; ground and the method is regular, making it comparable to an industrial process."

Jan 1, 1981

By R. Hipsley, D. Arbonies, P. Dobak

South Arturo is a “Carlin-type”, breccia-hosted, oxide gold deposit located at the north end of the Carlin Trend. The discovery hole was drilled in July 2005 from mine dumps 1,000 feet south of the Dee open pit. Discovery hole (BD-72) encountered a cumulative 245 feet @ 0.056 opt Au beneath 850 feet of post mineral Tertiary Carlin Formation. Oxidation extends to depths greater than 2,000 feet in the deposit area. The deposit is presently in definition drilling stage with approximately 190,000 feet of drilling completed to date. A resource estimate is in progress. This paper will focus on the discovery and descriptive characteristics of the mineralization.

Jan 1, 2007

By K J. F Logan, P W. Leaman, B A. Tucker

"An EXTENDED ABSTRACT is available for download. A full-length paper was not prepared for this presentation. The Nam San copper-gold deposit was discovered in 2011 and is a likely blind extension of the Permian age Phu Kham structurally deformed porphyry/skarn copper-gold deposit.The Nam San mineralisation is hosted within a dominantly sericite altered schist unit located to the north of the current Phu Kham open pit operation and is overthrust by an allochthonous barren cover sequence of limestone, granite and sandstone. Reinterpretation of the Phu Kham geology developed the concept of a possible telescoped porphyry copper-gold system at depth. Initial drilling intersected remobilised copper mineralisation in a basal conglomerate, confirming the concept. A reconnaissance vector array induced polarisation (IP) survey identified a deep chargeability anomaly from which a drilling target was developed from 3D inversion modelling of a detailed follow up dipole-pole-dipole anomaly. Drilling of the chargeability anomaly intersected the blind Nam San copper-gold mineralisation beneath the thrusted cover sequence.The key discovery parameters are the result of an integrated exploration program that included reinterpretation of the local stratigraphy, which developed the concept of a deep blind orebody, IP surveys capable of penetrating through the barren cover and a commitment to a deep directional drilling program to test these concepts and targets. The inferred resource remains open at depth, and further assessment will most likely be through underground development.CITATION:Leaman, P W, Tucker, B A and Logan, K J F, 2015. The discovery of the Nam San copper-gold deposit, Phu Kham, Laos, in Proceedings PACRIM 2015 Congress, pp 515–520 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Mar 18, 2015

By Rudolph P. Frizzi

Quality control is essential for augered cast-in-place (ACIP) piles (also known as continuous flight auger (CFA) piles outside the United States) and drilled displacement (DD) piles since the pile is constructed below the ground surface out of the direct sight of the personnel constructing and inspecting the pile. ACIP piles are being successfully constructed to support high-rise structures, hospitals, arenas and stadiums, mass transit systems, and power and industrial facilities. The use of DD pile technology is also gaining ground in the United States, typically utilizing proprietary systems such as Omega (currently utilized by Richard Goettle Inc., and LG Barcus and Sons, Inc.), Berkel, and DeWal (currently utilized by Morris-Shea). Different types of ACIP/DD pile installation equipment are shown in Figures 1 and 2. ACIP piles are installed into granular and cohesive soils, and soft rock to lengths currently approaching 130 ft (39.5 m), with diameters up to 24 to 36 inches (610 to 915 mm), and sustaining design loads approaching 900 kips (4000 kN). Current DD pile installation equipment in the United States is capable of installing up to 79-ft-long (24 m) piles with diameters ranging from 12 to 18 inches (305 mm to 460 mm).

Jan 1, 2003

By Jia-Shyan Shiau, Chung-Ken Ho

An uneven gas distribution through the burden layers inside a blast furnace (BF) results in abnormal gas resistance or pressure changes. Rapid variations in the abnormal gas resistance will lead to the occurrence of channeling. A visualization technology mainly made of pressure distribution was developed to predict BF channeling phenomena in this study. The real-time data of BF shaft pressure was used to create a 3D visual model by neural network algorithms and 3D real-time BF pressure changes were observed. The root mean square deviation (RMSD) of the BF shaft pressure was used as an index to set up the predicting criteria of channeling occurrence with the opening of BF Annular Gap Element (AGE), and a predicting system based on the criteria was built. The two criteria for the channeling alarm are the RMSD of the BF shaft pressure (> 0.15 kg/cm2 ) at the upper two levels, and the AGE opening being greater than 60%. This system has been installed in the China Steel Corporation (CSC) BFs, and the test results showed that a prediction can be obtained 8 to 16 min ahead of channeling allowing sufficient time for the operator to adjust the BF operation in order to avoid the occurrence of channeling.

By Sofoulis J

In the Archaean of the Kalgoorlie-Norseman area, the layered rocks have been subdivided into two sequences, both containing basic igneous rocks and sediments. The lower sequence is distinguished by the presence of acid volcanic flows and large acid sills. The upper sequence is unconformable on the lower one.In some areas, clastic sediments become coarser and pass into conglomerates. Th:s passage is accompanied by thinning of the beds.These features and their distribution suggest a basin of subsidence flanked by areas of shore-line conditions.Repeated igneous activity, including vulcanism, has occurred along the flanks of this basin. These different igneous and sedimentary environments have played an important part in the primary distribution of metals.A chronology of all basic and acid igneous activity, as well as sedimentat:on, has been established for the Precambrian of this area.INTRODUCTIONThe subdivision of Archaean rocks into those of basic igneous or of sedimentary origin has formed the basis for the nomenclature appearing in past literature. These subdivisions were distinguished as greenstones (predominantly basic igneous rocks) and whitestones (predominantly sediments), and it was generally accepted that the greenstones were stratigraphically lower in the sequence than the whitestones.Recent studies show that, between Kalgoorlie and Norseman, basic igneous rocks interfinger with and pass laterally to sediments, and that basic volcanic rocks occur at different stratigraphic levels. Younger Precambrian. units are also...

Jan 1, 1965

Uranium exploration over a wide area of the Southern Frame Embayment, South Australia, has defined a number of Lower Tertiary fluvial palaeochannels incised in older rocks. The buried channels contain similar stratigraphicsequences of interbedded sand, silt, and clay, probably derived from the adjacent uranium-rich Olarv Provinee. Uranium mineralization is pervasive within two major palaeochannels, and four small uranium deposits have been found in the basal sands of these channel sequences, at the margins of extensive tongues of limonitic sand.One of the channels is examined in detail with respect to channel morphology, stratigraphy, and rock alteration and the geology and ore controls of the contained uranium deposits are described.A geochemical zonation reflected by variation in limonite, pyrite, carbon, and humic malleI&apos; is defined across one of the deposits. A genetic model is proposed suggesting formation by a uraniferous geochemical cell which migrated down the stream gradient and concentrated uranium on its lateral margins adjacent to the channel bank.

Jan 1, 1978

The application of biogeochemical methods in mineral exploration in semi-arid to arid environments in Western Australia has been investigated in an area near Norseman.The study involved a comparison of trace element characteristics of rock, soil and plants in the vicinity of the Pioneer BB prospect, where nickel-iron sulphide mineralization occurs in a &quot;greenstone&quot; sequence of ultrabasic, basic and sedimentary rocks.Analyses of unweathered and partly weathered rock from diamond drill cores show the ultrabasic rock to be highly variable with respect to Ni, Cu, Co, Zn and Mn.Samples of weathered bedrock and overlying soil were analysed for total trace element contents and for the trace elements associated with secondary iron and manganese oxides. Approximately 30 per cent of the total nickel content of the weathered basic rock is associated with secondary iron and manganese oxides, compared with approximately 15 per cent in the weathered ultrabasic rock.The soil has a sufficient residual content to provide a reliable indication of the chemistry of the underlying rock. Total trace element analyses of the -89 mesh fraction show strong anomalies for nickel and copper over the mineralized zone. Important amounts of nickel, cobalt and, to a lesser extent, copper are apparently associated with secondary iron and manganese oxides in the soil.Melaleuca sheathiana (tea tree) has been used to study the relationship between soil and plant chemistry. No strong relationship between plant and rock type was observed. Analyses were made of leaves, twigs, wood, bark and roots, and all plant organs were found to have anomalous nickel and copper contents near the mineralized zone. Leaves were found to give the best contrast in the anomalous area and to show fewer erratic values than other organs. It is concluded that the uptake of trace elements by tea tree is low in the semi-arid to arid environment of Western Australia, but that analyses of the plants do reflect the presence of mineralization.

Jan 1, 1973

By Milton Camino Ramos

MARSA forma parte de los yacimientos vetiformes de la franja metalogenética aurífera del Batolito de Pataz, y políticamente se encuentra ubicado en la provincia de Pataz, La Libertad. En este sentido, el presente texto describe los resultados del programa de exploración 2010-2011, donde se dio el descubrimiento del primer cuerpo mineralizado del yacimiento, el cuerpo Esperanza, entre otras ocurrencias. Asimismo, se muestra que los cuerpos mineralizados de la franja metalogenética de Pataz, se formarian en estructuras de primer orden con evidencias de reactivacion, cuyo sistema estructural funciona como entrampamiento y en varias etapas de mineralizacion.

Sep 12, 2011

By Donald E. Raab, Lee W. Saperstein

INTRODUCTION The Premise Not much time has to be spent in a tunneling project to realize the tremendous interdependence that exists among the various unit operations. The research that is to be described attempts to examine one set of these linked operations, namely, the effect of cutters on muck handling properties. All too often research focuses on too minute an aspect of a problem for the results to be of much immediate, practical use. The goal of this research is to avoid this specificity. Apologies are tendered if this goal is missed. It is known that the mode of flow of bulk solids under the influence of gravity -- emptying a bin or hopper -- is dependent on several basic parameters. The size of the particles and the distribution of sizes (consist) determine whether the solids will first flow out of a given aperture; the cohesion of the solids will determine if flow will continue after the bin is opened; and the angle of internal friction determines the size of the flow regime (1,2,3). It is well understood that the latter two parameters affect the behavior of bulk material on a conveyor belt. Cohesion of material to a belt is always an undesired problem. Heaping of material on a belt depends on the material&apos;s internal friction. It is also known that varying the particle size, and the packing density of the material can affect the material&apos;s angle of internal friction (4,5). The question was posed whether sufficient variation in a mechanical tunneling machine&apos;s (mole) cutting function could be arranged to affect materially the handling properties of the muck

Jan 1, 1974

By Michael Godard, Peter Cleyle

"Suncor Energy’s Project Millennium increased oilsands production capacity by an additional 95,000 barrels per day to its present level of 225,000 barrels per day. This massive venture included an expanded Mine, new Extraction and Upgrading facilities, as well as, steam and utilities infrastructuresIn the Primary Extraction process, removal of the bitumen from the oil sand begins with slurry preparation and is followed by primary , secondary and tertiary separation processes. The final cleaning step of the bitumen froth is the Secondary Extraction process, that removes residual water, mineral and solids to produce a clean diluted bitumen suitable for Upgrader feedstock.This paper will review the flowsheet of the Millennium Primary Extraction facility, from its recent commissioning through the ramp up to design production rates. In addition, new technologies in the Primary Extraction flowsheet will be reviewed.INTRODUCTIONAs conventional supplies of oil and gas are depleted in Canada, the Athabasca oil sands industry of Alberta becomes an increasingly important source of energy. Today, high quality crude from Alberta’s oil sands accounts for roughly 30% of Canada’s daily petroleum production. According to government projections, over the next 7 years, oil sands production is expected to more then double, and by 2010 more than half of Canada’s crude oil is expected to come from the oil sands.Oil sands deposits consist of a layer of sand saturated with bitumen covered by a muskeg overburden and underlain by silt and clay. The oil sand is mined where the overburden is economical to remove, typically less than thirty meters thick. The Athabasca oil sand deposits around Fort McMurrray is ideal for mining. Bitumen can be described as a diverse collection of hydrocarbons, organosulfur, and nitrogen compounds."

Jan 1, 2004

By Dale L. Pitt

Introduction In opening up a new country, one of the most vital problems is that of transportation Without roads, railways, or water routes, development is very slow because these are the arteries through which the life-blood of the country flows. British Columbia is unusually fortunate in having along its western coast, for some 600 miles, a stretch of inside water unequalled, for comfortable and safe navigation, by any other similar stretch of ocean in the world. This solves in a general way the major north and south transportation problem for the coast section, and offers comparatively cheap rates for the shipping of all commodities. The principal cities and centres of distribution will naturally grow up on the coast. These cities, however, must have methods of communication with the hinterland, and it is the necessity of supplying these, as feeders to the principal ports, which presents problems of considerable magnitude.

Jan 1, 1930

By S. M. Flaherty, R. E. Scheffel, A. Guzman

Geochemical conditions within a leaching operation are heterogeneous. This variability arises mainly from hydrological controls imparted by physical characteristics of the ore and by heterogeneous metallurgical properties at the rock-fragment and industrial heap scale. The resulting chemical conditions are responsible for stratified mineral recovery, non-uniform extraction and prolonged leach cycles. This paper presents field data from a sulfide-leaching operation which clearly demonstrate the impact of chemical heterogeneity on metal recovery and the potential use of modern measuring techniques to facilitate operational monitoring and decision making for optimization of leaching operations.

Jan 1, 2006

By Rambabu Pothina, Rajive Ganguli

The economics of a mineral processing circuit is dependent on the numerous sensors that are critical to optimization and control systems. The sheer volume of sensors results in mines not being able to keep the sensors calibrated. When a sensor goes off calibration, it results in errors which can severely impact plant economics. Normally, these errors are not detected until the error grows and becomes a large (“gross”) error. Undetected errors are not remedied until the next calibration, which on average are a year apart Beamex (2019) [1] across all industries. Classical statistical methods that depend on linear relationships between input and response variables are typically used to find gross errors, but are not effective for highly non-linear and non-stationary operations in mining and mineral processing industries. Calibration of sensors is time-consuming and generally requires physical intervention that results in equipment downtimes causing production losses. Therefore, in situ detection methods are warranted that do not require physical removal of sensors to compare with standard measurements or well-calibrated sensors. Data-mining based techniques and algorithms have high success rate in tackling such problems. This paper presents results from a groundbreaking multi-year big data research project whose goal was to develop data-mining-based original techniques in a multi-sensor environment to identify when sensors start to stray, rather than wait for errors to grow. The carbon stripping (gold) circuit in the Pogo Mine of Alaska was selected for this project. Maintaining strip vessel temperatures at optimum levels is crucial for maximizing gold recoveries at Pogo, and hence the focus was on the temperature sensors of the two strip vessels. An automated algorithm to detect errors in strip vessel temperature sensors was developed that exploited data from multiple sensors in the strip circuit. This algorithm was able to detect with a high success rate when bias errors of magnitude as low as ± 2% were artificially induced into strip vessel temperature data streams. The detection times of about 1 month were much less than the industry average calibration frequency of 1 year. Thus, the algorithm helps detect errors early, without stopping the circuit. The algorithm alarms can serve as triggers when calibrations are done. Experimental methodology along with results, limitations of algorithms, and future research are also presented in this paper.

By Rambabu Pothina, Rajive Ganguli

The economics of a mineral processing circuit is dependent on the numerous sensors that are critical to optimization and control systems. The sheer volume of sensors results in mines not being able to keep the sensors calibrated. When a sensor goes off calibration, it results in errors which can severely impact plant economics. Normally, these errors are not detected until the error grows and becomes a large (“gross”) error. Undetected errors are not remedied until the next calibration, which on average are a year apart Beamex (2019) [1] across all industries. Classical statistical methods that depend on linear relationships between input and response variables are typically used to find gross errors, but are not effective for highly non-linear and non-stationary operations in mining and mineral processing industries. Calibration of sensors is time-consuming and generally requires physical intervention that results in equipment downtimes causing production losses. Therefore, in situ detection methods are warranted that do not require physical removal of sensors to compare with standard measurements or well-calibrated sensors. Data-mining based techniques and algorithms have high success rate in tackling such problems. This paper presents results from a groundbreaking multi-year big data research project whose goal was to develop data-mining-based original techniques in a multi-sensor environment to identify when sensors start to stray, rather than wait for errors to grow. The carbon stripping (gold) circuit in the Pogo Mine of Alaska was selected for this project. Maintaining strip vessel temperatures at optimum levels is crucial for maximizing gold recoveries at Pogo, and hence the focus was on the temperature sensors of the two strip vessels. An automated algorithm to detect errors in strip vessel temperature sensors was developed that exploited data from multiple sensors in the strip circuit. This algorithm was able to detect with a high success rate when bias errors of magnitude as low as ± 2% were artificially induced into strip vessel temperature data streams. The detection times of about 1 month were much less than the industry average calibration frequency of 1 year. Thus, the algorithm helps detect errors early, without stopping the circuit. The algorithm alarms can serve as triggers when calibrations are done. Experimental methodology along with results, limitations of algorithms, and future research are also presented in this paper.