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By Mark Van Kleek

CONTENTS ?The Falcon C ?Data from a Production Trial ?Methodology ?Scale-up ?Test Results ?Circuit Configurations ?Conclusion

Jan 1, 2006

By Kurt Oakes, Paul Worsey, Braden Lusk, Tony Brasier, Scott Crabtree, Randy Wheeler

Theoretical description of destructive wave interference and the use of sacrifi cial holes is included and is supported by data collected at Springfi eld Underground. Finally, the process by which the reduction in vibration was achieved in practice is described. Results are discussed for several production blasts taking place over a one year period.

Jan 1, 2008

By Silvana Costa

In the last two decades, there have been nearly no new mining towns built in Canada. Governments and mining companies have viewed long distance commuting (LDC), commonly known as fly-in-flyout or fly-in mines, as a way to avoid problems associated with building a new community and providing for its sustainability after mine closure. LDC is also considered more cost-effective than building a mine town. The intensification of the use of LDC in the Canadian mining sector has been quite rapid, particularly in northern regions. However, LDC has implications to employees, their families and communities, which deserve further examination, particularly considering the significant expansion in Northern mining and Aboriginal participation in this sector. This paper presents a review of the major issues in long distance commuting, both from an industry and community perspectives. It is a result of preliminary investigation for a PhD research project that will be pursued by a Bridge Fellow and UBC Mining Sustainability Working Group member, and guided by an interdisciplinary research team at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The Bridge Fellowship Program is research-training program linking the UBC?s Faculties of Medicine, Engineering and Graduate Studies. Its mission is to develop creative evidence-based prevention measures for public, environmental and occupational health problems. The SWG is an interdisciplinary student group based in the UBC Department of Mining Engineering, committed to respond to the complex sustainability-related challenges currently faced by the mining industry. In other to pursue this project, it is paramount that industry and local communities alike participate in the development and clarification of research questions as well as in the research design. It is hoped that this paper will function as an invitation for industrial and community partners for such study. The main themes identified for this research are occupational health and safety of LDC employees, family life impacts and community health impacts of this model of resource development.

May 1, 2004

By A. K. Raji, E. F. Orumwense, M. O. Ojumu

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has driven significant advancements in autonomous robotic systems, particularly in subsea exploration and offshore mineral dredging. This review examines the latest developments in electrically powered quadrotor-track subsea robotic crawlers, highlighting their potential to enhance efficiency, mobility, and adaptability in challenging underwater environments. The integration of advanced automation, artificial intelligence, and real-time control systems has paved the way for more effective robotic solutions in offshore mining. This study explores the dynamic performance of hydraulic crawlers to quadrotortrack robotic dredgers, focusing on their propulsion, navigation, and stability under high hydrodynamic conditions. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as lithium-ion battery power systems, intelligent microprocessors, and sensor-based control mechanisms, these robotic crawlers offer a promising alternative to conventional subsea excavation methods. Furthermore, the review analyses recent experimental and simulation-based studies that assess the feasibility and performance of these systems in real-world applications. The findings of this review provide valuable insights into the role of 4IR in transforming subsea robotics for offshore mineral dredging. By addressing existing limitations and identifying key technological advancements, this study contributes to the ongoing development of nextgeneration robotic systems capable of operating efficiently in extreme underwater conditions

Jan 30, 2026

By Flavio Rojos-Tapia, Oscar Pereira-Cerda, Samuel Sánchez-Pino, Samuel Sánchez-Baquedano

"Pneumatic flotation was introduced to the Chilean Copper Mining Industry in 1993 by Ingeniería de Minerales S.A. (IDM). The technology is based on the designs of Dr. Rainer Imhof from Germany, who is the designer of several different types of pneumatic flotation cells, already sold through his Company Maelgwyn Mineral Service Limited (MMH). The company is represented by Ingenieria de Minerales S.A. (IDM) in South America.Pneumatic flotation, has been used in tough industrial applications .It has been successfully used for metallic ores such as copper sulphide and oxide minerals, copper slag, silica and silicates from iron magnetic preconcentrate (reverse flotation) and gold. It has also provided promising results when applied to molybdenum flotation. The latest applications, with ultrafine molybdenum particles in operating plants, is showing the V and G Cell (end model designed) as a real technological alternative to conventional flotation., The G Cell is an extremely high speed flotation machine with high selectivity which introduces the possibility of producing a final molybdenum concentrate with only one stage of cleaning. This is a completely new development in molybdenum flotation in the industrial circuit which has the potential to dramatically reduce the circulating load in the cleaning circuit. As a consequence the capital costs of future Molybdenum plants may also be reduced. The suitability of the G Cell will have to be determined on a case by case basis but it provides the metallurgist with an alternate flowsheet for consideration.The good performance of the G Cell can be explained by the high gas hold-up and very effective micro-turbulence which helps improve the attachment of solid particles to the bubbles. This technology may change our traditional concept of residence time in flotation. Additionally, the rotation phenomena introduced in the vessel of the G Cell ,creates radial separation forces which are critical to achieving a more rapid separation of the target minerals from the tailing. This results in a much reduced residence time requirement in the flotation machine. Some benefits associated with the use of the new G Cell are: less energy consumption, less maintenance costs, simple and reliable circuit to operate and a small area required for installing the circuits.As a result of the industrial experience in the Chile, the pneumatic flotation type G Cell can be regarded as a technology which must be considered as a replacement technology for the rougher and cleaner stages for fine particle flotation."

Jan 1, 2008

If lead buttons are cupelled under closely controlled conditions in a suitable design of furnace, silver losses during cupellation are given by a simple equation. The effect of copper on these silver losses has been studied and a "copper limit" for cupellation has been determined. Scorification and crucible fusion procedures for copper-bearing materials have been designed so that the lead buttons produced will not contain amounts of copper greater than this determined copper limit. Silver losses during these crucible fusion and scorification procedures are given by the distribution law, and can be calculated. Thus, silver can be determined in copper-bearing materials with a satisfactory degree of accuracy provided that the appropriate corrections for losses are applied to the weight of the silver prill produced.

Jan 1, 1957

The Effect of Ionic Strength of Plant Water on Valuable Mineral and Gangue Recovery in a Platinum Bearing Ore from the Merensky Reef

Sep 13, 2010

From a vast army of workers to gargantuan machines to immense volumes of material being moved, almost everything about the Port of Miami Tunnel (POMT) project points to tunneling on a massive scale. Almost.The star of this underground and underwater show is a Herrenknecht tunnel boring machine (TBM,) nicknamed ?Harriet? by a local Girl Scout troop. With her 12.9-m- (42.3-ft-) diameter cutting head and a total length of 139 m (457 ft), Harriet is boring through thousands of cubic meters of clay, dirt and sand, which is often mixed with coral and other materials, to create two 1,280-m (4,200-ft) traf?c tunnels connecting Watson Island and the Port of Miami (Dodge Island) beneath Biscayne Bay, FL. But in the midst of all of the oversized equipment and machines, a strong contender for the best supporting nod goes to a relatively tiny machine: the Brokk 400. Bouygues Civil Works Florida crews are using the compact, remote-controlled and electric-powered machine to excavate five cross passages between the twin traffic tunnels. The pas-sages will be essential to the safety of people who drive their vehicles under the bay every day.

Sep 1, 2013

By Enver Alan, MerkeziYapı

People are migrating because of economic, social, natural and political reasons. These natural and humane factors effects the distribution of populations. The need for tunnels has grown in order to provide a comfortable life and reduce losses such as waste of time, labor, energy, efficiency and so on. It is inevitable to carry out excavations in rock tunnels (shears, platforms, lines, connections, wastewater, distribution, energy, transportation etc.), that will be built by excavating with conventional method, by controlled blasting regarding with constrains. In this study of applied explosives engineering the blasting applications are evaluated, which were carried out for research and development purposes at Yenisahra Station tunnels in Kartal Formation which was built with the aim of solving İstanbul's transportation problem within the framework of the Kadıköy-Kartal Metro Project. Twenty-four shots were made by using explosives in 60 blastholes that were drilled in the tunnel faces, which were located between and outside of two different faults. Six microphones were used to measure the air shock and eight geophones were used to measure the parameter values of the vibrations (particle velocity, frequency, displacement, acceleration, amplitude, wavelength etc.), which were placed at predetermined points of the surface, occurred during the blasting applications. Data from the geophone and microphones were recorded on six seismographs. The coordinates and the distances between the shot points and the measurement stations are determined by an electronic theodolite. The total number of seismic records, recorded in seismographs, is 118. The number of records of vibrations that crossed the faults is 42 and the number of records of vibrations that did not cross the fault is 76. The particle velocity, frequency, amplitude, acceleration, displacement and wavelength were measured in transverse, longitudinal and vertical directions. The total number of measurements is 354. By evaluating all seismic records, the effect of delay intervals, faults and scaled distances on the particle velocity, frequency, amplitude, displacement, acceleration, wavelength and air shock were investigated. When the vibrations formed during the Research & Development (R&D) blasts were examined, it was determined that the parameter values of vibrations that crossed the faults are lower than the ones that did not cross the faults. In addition, when the particle velocity values of all vibrations are examined according to the present circumstances, it is determined that the waves did not cross the fault in all delay intervals are superposed in all directions, and that the least superposing occurred in the 50 ms delay range.

Silica reacts with cryolite at 1010°C in two stages. The first stage is the formation of a sodium aluminosilicate of composition consistent with the mineral jadeite (Na20.AI20s.4Si02). The formation proceeds by atleast two different reactions. Formation of alumina or an aluminosilicate proceeds to its limiting value in the first 30 min while the formation of jadeite proceeds at a steady rate until quantitative conversion is achieved after 150 min. The net overall reaction can be expressed by the equation 6 Si02+2 Na3AlF6? (Na20.AI20s.4Si02) +2 SiF4 +4NaF.The second stage involves a slow reaction that proceeds with the evolution of a little SiF4, The net result is the formation of sodium aluminosilicates that are soluble in 30 per cent AlCIs-HCI solutions. While this could be explained by disproportionation of jadeite to form albite (Na20.Al203.6Si02) and nepheline (Na20. AI203.2Si02), it is more likely that it is due to further but limited reaction between the oxides and fiuoroaluminates.

Jan 1, 1972

By A. J. Lynch

Mineral processing models have been discussed for many years but it was not until digital computers became available about 1960 that serious attempts at circuit simulation could be carried out. Even then the work was primarily academic until PCs could be used by engineers in plants and design offices in the mid-1980s. Since then simulation has moved quickly and it is now at the point that most processes can be simulated reasonably accurately for purposes of design and optimization. There are still some significant deficiencies, notably in dry grinding and separation, and in the chemical interactions in flotation. Future work will involve: ?improvements of existing models ?dynamic simulation for automatic control and, in particular ,for training which is a weak link ?using advanced simulation models to predict liberation and separation from data acquired from SEM-based liberation analysers. Eventually mineral processes models will be part of total simulation systems which will incorporate mining and downstream processes including all environmental impacts.

Jan 1, 1999

By Charles H. Jacoby

The solution mining of evaporites has a history of approximately 5,000 years. The insitu leaching of metalliferous ore will have many of the same characteristic problems which have confronted industry for years in the production of evaporite minerals. Basically we will be converting the less soluble forms of valuable metals into their more soluble salts and producing these in much the same manner as, for example, sodium chloride. There are a number of problems which we are faced with that are more complex and complicated and, therefore, will require a higher degree of sophistication than previously employed. One of our most important undertakings will be the clearcut definition of the problems involved. While a great deal of expertise can be drawn from the solution mining of evaporites and the oil industry, problems peculiar to the hydrometallurgical field will need to be solved. One of these is the introduction of permeability into an impermeable rock so as to expose the sought after values of metals which by volume are infinitesimal when compared with sodium chloride, potash or other type water soluble mineralization. After establishing this permeability which will be miniscule when compared to a solution cavity, there will be the maintenance of this permeability. In general, salt deposits are of a somewhat uniform chemical composition and thus their chemistry was relatively simple. Each metalliferous ore body is somewhat unique in its chemistry and will need to be treated accordingly.

Jan 1, 1974

By A B. Christie

Space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data is becoming available over much of the world, includingNew Zealand. Radar imagery has a number of very advantageous features, including all-weather capability; it also has artifacts, such as layover, which require processing before these data may be used to best effect.   This paper gives an outline of SAR, details the image processing required, and discusses the use of the first New Zealand Japan Earth Resources-1 SAR data to aid geological mapping on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Jan 1, 1994

By Dennis Nottingham

Spin-fin pipe piles can develop large loads in tension, thus have evolved as a foundation product of great potential. Currently, over 500 spin-fin piles have been used successfully in dolphins, docks, buildings and bulkheads. Spin-fin piles are pipe piles with plates welded near the tip at a batter-in-screw fashion. Thus, as the pile is driven, the pile screws into position. Tests show this pile type to have highly unusual stress/strain relationships, wherein plunging failure is usually never reached either at normal or large deformations. Tension capacity can approach pile capacity in bearing; thus, large reserves are usually available for tension. Tests have been performed on 8-5/8-inch to 24-inch-diameter piles in silt, sand, and gravelly soil, to provide a broad spectrum of data.

Jan 1, 1990

Factors leading to the necessity for some individual testwork in solving most specific hydraulic transportation problems are listed and a description is given of a method used in determining critical flow conditions. An outline is given of the basic theory of the purpose of the testwork, and a means of applying test results for varied pipeline diamet.er and material conditions follows. Engineering and economic factors are applied to the solution of a specific hydraulic transportation problem and the use of the test results in plant practice is illustrated. The advantages of connecting pumps in series in centralised pumping stations rather than individually along the pipeline are stressed. Some notes are added on the future possibilities and economies of post pump injection of solids into high pressure pipelines.THE HYDRAULIC TRANSPORTATION OF SANDSAs well as all the classical variables involved in a pipeline installation, one must consider, when solids are to be transported, the effects of such variables as:(i) Proportion of solids in the pulp.(ii) The average specific gravity of the pulp.(iii) Specific gravity of the solid material.(iv) Solid particle average sizing and possibly shape.(v) Solids particle grading.(vi) Pipeline diameter for effects other than classically hydraulic.(vii) Pipeline material.(viii) Fluid viscosity.(ix) Pump characteristics.(x) Abrasive or corrosive properties of the pulp.Not surprisingly, the application of published data to the hydraulic transportation of a specific material is difficult if not well nigh impossible. Most hydraulic transportation investigations also involve economic and site factors vary...

Jan 1, 1959

By Andrew B. Cecala

The Bureau of Mines conducted a brief laboratory study on the 10-mm diam Dorr-Oliver nylon cyclone to investigate (1) whether high wind speed (>300 ft/min), or sampler inlet orientation with respect to wind direction, can introduce errors when sampling respirable dust, and (2) whether any such errors can be reduced by using an inlet shield. Being preliminary in nature, the study was not structured to produce definitive results, but rather to discern likely trends and to indicate whether or not a more in-depth study of the problem is warranted. Photometric mass sensing measurements suggested that as the wind velocity increased, the cyclone sampling directly into the high-velocity airstream tended to oversample, relative to the cyclone sampling in a low-velocity airstream. Orientation of the sampler introduced measurable differences in sampling efficiency at higher wind velocities. A shield placed around the cyclone diminished the effects of wind velocity and sampler orientation on sampler performance. Results of this work offer sufficient evidence to substantiate the need for a more in-depth study.

Jan 1, 1983

This paper briefly reviews the demise of professional mining education and training in NZ over the past ten years; compares it with the Australian experience; and discusses the immense success experienced by EXITO and the upsurge of competency based education and training we are currently experiencing in the mineral extraction and associated industries. It also looks to the development of a Bachelor in Mining Technology.

Jan 1, 2001

By D. Olsen, S. Cole, J. Strid, G. Colzani

This paper focuses on the underground tunnel work at the Hollywood Water Quality Improvement Project (HWQIP) in Los Angeles, CA. The HWQIP is being constructed to provide a water distribution system to bypass the existing Hollywood Reservoir System, which supplies drinking water for 500,000 people. The major project features include, a 2.9-meter diameter 1,829 meter long bypass tunnel, a 1.8-meterdiameter 366 meter long utility tunnel, 3 jack and bore tunnels, two 136 million liters underground circumferentially wrapped pre-stressed concrete water storage tanks, associated piping, and mechanical facilities. The physical project location coupled with strong community involvement and stringent environmental concerns was a considerable driving force for this project located in the Cahuenga Pass area of the Hollywood Hills north of Los Angeles, CA.

Jan 1, 2001

Jan 1, 1959

By V. Eu. Anufriev

Despite of significant cost advantages and the positive expierence roof bolting is limited up to 15-20% of all workings at the Cuzbass mines. The low level of application of the technology is the result of specific mining and geological conditions and defects of organization and technical support. When analysing mining and geological conditions of development working maintenance and geomechanical aspects the necessity of changing of technological schemes of preparation and extraction of mine sections is obvious. The prospects of large-scaled transferring from frame support to roof bolting are connected with introduction the technology of support with the help of non- expanding bolt classes including bolts with mineral filler fixation. The design of bolters with mineral filler fixation is given here. The results of testing of bolt load characteristics in artificial holes and in situ are proved the technology efficient. For increasing of drilling works efficiency it is necessary to master the production of oilless compressor and heading machines with the manipulator. For bolt dimension forecast it is recommended to use the relations of measured parameters of "dome" to roof shifts. Effective monitoring of rock pressure in the junctions is connected with the use of support of conventional bolts together with bolts of deep installation with simultaneous supporting of face ends with special mechanical sets, which compensate face length change.

Jan 1, 1996