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By Dagoberto Brandão Santos, Dalila Chaves Sicupira, Graziele Gianini Braga Maria, Jéssica Caetano Fortes Monteiro, Raphael França Assumpção

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do tempo de recozimento na resistência à corrosão do aço inoxidável duplex UNS S32205 laminado a frio. Quando o aço duplex é submetido a deformações intensas, a austenita transforma-se parcialmente em martensita, elevando a resistência mecânica do aço. Já quando é feito o recozimento essa transformação é revertida, ou seja, a martensita se transforma em austenita. Porém, esses aços apresentam forte tendência à formação de fases secundárias quando expostos a determinadas temperaturas por certo intervalo de tempo, que levam à deterioração das propriedades mecânicas e corrosivas dos mesmos. O aço estudado foi submetido à laminação a frio até 60% de redução da espessura, e posteriormente recozido a 850°C, temperatura na qual a cinética de precipitação de fases é máxima, nos tempos de 300, 600, 1800 e 86400 segundos. Para a análise microestrutural foram utilizadas as técnicas de microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e a difração de raios-X. A resistência à corrosão foi estudada por meio da técnica de impedância eletroquímica (EIE), utilizando solução de NaCl 3,5% à temperatura ambiente. O aumento do tempo de recozimento aumentou a precipitação das fases secundárias, o que leva ao aumento de regiões empobrecidas em Cr e Mo. Com o aumento do tempo de recozimento, essas regiões são parcialmente recuperadas pela difusão desses elementos, melhorando a resistência à corrosão.

Mar 1, 2019

By Willy Ank de Morais, Márcio de Morais Tavares, Mateus Araújo e Silva, Érika Elis Kuo, Cícero Lopes de Souza

Estruturas de aço são utilizadas em diversas aplicações na construção civil, com vantagens relativas a outros tipos de construções, tais como leveza e rapidez na execução da obra. Porém um dos maiores problemas neste tipo de sistema construtivo é a corrosão atmosférica a que estará sujeita o aço estrutural utilizado. Com o objetivo de se avaliar a resistência à corrosão atmosférica, neste trabalho, foram construídos painéis expositores, conforme a NBR 6209, para manter corpos de prova de aço estrutural comum e patinável, por um período inicial de setenta dias em dois locais distintos, categorizados com de agressividade ambiental I e III, respectivamente interior e litoral do estado de São Paulo. Superficialmente o processo de degradação foi nitidamente diferenciado, com o mesmo resultado sendo apontado pela alteração da massa das amostras, que se elevou durante a exposição ao ambiente de agressividade III, já que os produtos de corrosão formados não se desprenderam no curto período de tempo do teste. Mesmo considerado que a norma estipula um tempo mínimo de dois anos de duração para o ensaio, que ainda está em andamento, o presente estudo aponta a necessidade de adotar mecanismos de proteção contra a corrosão muito mais severos nas regiões litorâneas.

Mar 1, 2019

By Francisco Belmino Romero, Walney Silva Araújo, Vitória Lima de Souza, Edilberto Rocha Silveira, Adriana de Oliveira Sousa Leite

O uso de inibidores verdes na corrosão do aço carbono SAE J403 1020 configura-se como uma alternativa econômica e ambientalmente acessível, pois, em relação aos inibidores comerciais geralmente utilizados, são de fácil obtenção, já que são adquiridos a partir de vegetais, portanto, não oferecem risco ao meio ambiente. Assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o uso das folhas de aroeira como inibidor de corrosão para o aço carbono SAE J403 1020, o qual é bastante utilizado na indústria e possui baixa resistência à corrosão. A escolha da aroeira se deu devido ao fato de a planta ter origem no Brasil e abundância no Nordeste do País, principalmente no Ceará. Para análise, foram utilizados como meio corrosivo: H2SO4 0,1 M, NaCl 3,5% e NaCl (ph = 4,0); as concentrações do inibidor foram: 50, 200, 500 e 1000 ppm. Em relação aos ensaios eletroquímicos, utilizou-se: Potencial de Circuito Aberto (OCP), Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica (EIE) e Curvas de Polarização Linear (CP). Dessa forma, por meio da análise das técnicas mencionadas, conseguiu-se obter o comportamento do inibidor em relação ao material e ao meio, bem como avaliar qual o melhor meio para a utilização da aroeira como inibidor verde de corrosão.

Mar 1, 2019

By Giovanna Lorena Carneiro Costa, Ana Paula Silva, Amarildo Ferreira, Vinícius Freitas Paixão

Uma maneira de detectar macro inclusões é através de testes ultrassônicos, embora a análise e a interpretação dos resultados dos testes sejam difíceis de entender. Com os resultados da inspeção, temos informações sobre a localização das macro inclusões e, portanto, sua distribuição ao longo do material. No entanto, estabelecer critérios para classificar o material quanto à sua pureza tem sido uma tarefa difícil. O presente trabalho visa estabelecer uma ferramenta de análise de dados a ser utilizada para controle de qualidade de materiais. Os resultados mostram uma viabilidade estatística e metalúrgica de aplicar este modelo analítico para avaliar o nível de pureza dos aços laminados a quente.

Mar 1, 2019

By Gilson Neves da Silva, Luciana Sgarbi Rossino, Adriel de Brito Maciel Trindade

O objetivo deste trabalho foi de analisar a influência da variação de manganês e cromo na resistência ao desgaste abrasivode aços austeníticos ao manganês aplicados em britadores de minério e verificar mecanismos de encruamento. Este material possui grande importânciatanto para o setor de mineração quantopara a economia do país. Para tanto, produziram-se ligascom teor de manganês (Mn) variando entre 12 e 21%, contendo cromo (Cr) entre 0,31 a 2,06 %. A resistência ao desgaste foi determinada através da realização de ensaios de micro-abrasão por esfera fixa. Para a análise dos mecanismos de encruamento, realizaram-se ensaios de impacto por martelamento seguido de metalografia ótica e perfil de dureza. Os resultados evidenciaram que o aço com percentual mais elevado de manganês com adição de cromo possui maior resistência ao desgaste abrasivo. Observou-se que o mecanismo atuante no encruamento dessas ligas é maclação de deformação, podendo elevar a dureza destes aços em valores quatro vezes maiores que sua dureza inicial. Conclui-se que o teor de Mn e Cr presente nesses aços influenciam na resistência ao desgaste abrasivo, sendo o Mn de maior influência.

Mar 1, 2019

By Cleiton Rodrigues de Vasconcelos, Elizeth Oliveira Alves, Kleber Gonçalves Bezerra Alves

Em virtude da periculosidade do Pó de aciaria (PAE), práticas alternativas, como a reinserção do resíduo no processo produtivo, ou sua incorporação em outros materiais fizeram com que a reciclagem tenha se tornado uma via para este subproduto. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo identificar as áreas de desenvolvimento tecnológico de utilização do PAE, avaliar a potencialidade de reaproveitamento e reciclagem do resíduo oriundo do processo de produção do aço carbono, comparando as características obtidas do PAE analisado com os requisitos indicados através da análise de patentes. O PAE produzido no estado de Pernambuco foi caracterizado pelas técnicas de Fluorescência de raios X (FRX), separação granulométrica via peneiramento, distribuição do tamanho de partículas, Difração de raios X (DRX), Microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e Espectroscopia por energia dispersiva (EDS). A prospecção tecnológica foi realizada nas bases de patentes europeia EPO e na base nacional de patentes nacional do INPI. As análises realizadas mostraram que o material apresentou aproximadamente 28,5% de suas partículas com granulometria inferior a 53μm, composto em sua maioria por ferro e zinco presentes na forma de óxidos, organizados nas fases franklinita, zincita e magnetita. A baixa granulometria e composição química possibilitam a sua aplicação no campo dos materiais cerâmicos, bem como sua reinserção no processo de fabricação. O resíduo estudado apresentou características similares com os demais resíduos observados nas patentes.

Mar 1, 2019

By José Samuel Silva Freitas, Bruno Luiz Sperandeo, Gerson da Silva Almeida, Marcel Teixeira Vicente, Lucas Vilaronga Ramos, Bruno Gonçalez Ribeiro, Ricardo de Oliveira Almeida, Stephanie Pedroza Rodrigues, Matheus Antônio de Oliveira Ferreira

O presente trabalho abrange o estudo de um sistema de transporte de matéria prima para a produção de superfosfato granulado, composto por uma sequência de três transportadores de correia convencional e um elevador de canecas. Os componentes destes equipamentos são retratados separadamente, em seguida explica-se o funcionamento do conjunto. São expostos os problemas no desempenho do equipamento e as causas identificadas. Por este motivo, analisa-se a viabilidade econômica da substituição do equipamento atual por um transportador de correia tubular, sistema mais avançado que também é detalhado através da descrição de seus componentes e funcionamento. A análise inicia-se com o dimensionamento dos dois tipos de equipamento de acordo com a planta disponível. Então se compara o cenário atual com o proposto, considerando o desperdício de produto, tempo e custo de paradas para manutenção e custo de implantação do novo equipamento.

Mar 1, 2019

By Armando Rivera, Ángel Cueva

El proyecto Mirador, ubicado en la provincia de Zamora Chinchipe en Ecuador, es un sistema mineralizado del estilo pórfido – cuprífero, tipo cobre – oro. Constituido por una zona superior de óxidos, adyacente a un área transicional de óxido –sulfuro dentro de una zona mineralizada con sulfuro hipógeno (calcopirita– pirita), tiene potencial para generar drenaje ácido de roca (DAR), lo que crea preocupación ambiental respecto de los recursos de agua superficial y subterránea. En este artículo se describen diferentes etapas de muestreos de los núcleos de perforación con variación en profundidades y litologías, el análisis de los factores que influyen en la transformación de residuos sulfurosos, y la realización de pruebas estáticas estándares y cinéticas.

Feb 28, 2019

By William Gleason

"While the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) was preparing to close one chapter and begin another during its annual conference in Spokane, WA Dec. 3-7, word of a significant victory on an issue that has been important to the association for many years came from the halls of Washington, D.C.During a keynote address on Dec. 6, Joe Balash, assistant secretary of Land and Minerals Management for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), told a sold-out lunch crowd that the DOI had released final drafts of proposed revisions to the Obama-era greater sage grouse conservation plans. The revisions suggest removing hundreds of thousands of acres of federally protected habitat in Utah, and easing restrictions on energy development and other activities, including mining, in Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.The protections of the sage grouse were put in place by the Obama administration in 2015. The sage grouse, a prairie fowl, is considered by conservationists to be a key indicator species for the health of America’s sagebrush ecosystem. The previous plan to protect the ground-dwelling bird imposed restrictions to development in sage grouse habitat, but did not place the birds on the endangered species list — a move that many believed would have imposed far more rigid rules.AEMA, and its executive director Laura Skaer, led the way in the fight against the Obama-era greater sage grouse plan, arguing that the plan unnecessarily hurt economic development.“We were the first organization to point out that the greater sage grouse was being used to stop mining, oil and gas production and grazing on public lands in the interior mountain west,” said Skaer who is retiring from AEMA with a significant legal win on this front. “Early on, we cautioned that the proposed Land Use Plan Amendments would be worse than a listing (of the sage grouse) under the Endangered Species Act. Very few believed us until they saw the plans with all of the restrictions and the recommendation for a 4-million-ha (10-million-acre) withdrawal from mineral entry. We were the only organization that filed comments on all 88 Land Use Plan Amendments in 11 states covering more than 24.2 million ha (60 million acres).”"

Feb 1, 2019

"Investment in diamond exploration has been declining over the past decade, in spite of positive long-term industry fundamentals and a growing interest in diamonds as an investment category. The lack of new significant discoveries in recent years has eroded investor confidence, yet no new discoveries are possible without investment in exploration. Junior ‘mine finders’ have been the hardest hit. Their agility, tenacity, and appetite for risk are not sufficient to attract the funding required, even at the greenfield stage. Developing new discoveries into mineral resources can be crippling without solid financial support. Junior incubators could play a crucial role, especially at the project evaluation stage – but where are they? Alternatives to traditional funding mechanisms have become available, many still untested in the junior diamond exploration space. Valuable lessons can be drawn from the past and used to inform emerging new strategies. IntroductionDiamonds are the ultimate expression of love. Their ancient and timeless allure continues to influence consumer emotions and behaviours across continents, cultures and age groups. Analysts are predicting a sustained supplydemand shortfall in the years ahead which will trend diamond prices generally upwards. With positive long-term industry fundamentals, one cannot help but wonder why funding for diamond exploration and development projects is so scarce.Investment in exploration across commodities – including diamonds – has been declining for a number of years, reaching a historic eleven-year low early in 2017. The lack of major diamond discoveries in recent years has done little to strengthen the case for investing in diamond projects, yet no new discoveries can be made without investment in exploration.Global estimates of known carats in the ground stand currently at 2.5 billion carats, which equates to around 18 years of production at current levels of 140 million carats (mct) per annum. Sustainable replenishment of depleting diamond resources is possible only through the development of new discoveries. This is what junior explorers are best at – but they need investors to fund their evaluation activities from early in the project development continuum."

Feb 1, 2019

By S. Sinha, S. Ganguly

"In an opencast mine explosives are used for fragmentation of rock. Inefficient use of explosive energy in an opencast operation produces excessive ground vibration, which is measured by peak particle velocity (PPV). To mitigate ground vibration, it is essential to develop a model to predict PPV. At present empirical models are used. These models are based on only a few input variables, hence they fail to take into account the effects of the myriad factors that cause ground vibration. Due to lack of explicit knowledge about the complex mine blasting system the scope of application of mathematical and statistical modeling techniques is limited. The artificial neural network (ANN) technique is a learning algorithm that can remove some of these limitations and can be applied to predict PPV. In this paper an ANN model is developed for prediction of blast vibration using 248 data records collected from three coal mines with diverse geomining conditions. The correlation coefficient between measured PPV and model output was found to be 0.96 and the average error percentage 11.85. The ANN model output was compared with the output of three empirical models that are widely used for prediction of PPV. The correlation coefficient between the PPV predicted by an empirical model and measured PPV data was 0.63 and the relative error percentage 38.47. This result demonstrates the superiority of the ANN model compared to empirical blast models. By using site-specific structural discontinuities as input the model performance can be further improved. Sensitivity analysis and 3D plotting were used to gain further knowledge about blast-induced ground vibration. IntroductionIn an opencast coal mine explosives are used for fragmentation of coal and overburden. If the explosive energy is not fully utilized it causes blast-induced ground vibration, which may damage nearby structures. Ground vibration is expressed as peak particle velocity (PPV). During different stages of mine planning and operation, it is necessary to use a ground vibration prediction model for blasthole design. Selection of the modelling technique is crucial. Mathematical and statistical modelling techniques have limited application because of the lack of explicit knowledge about the complex mine blasting system. Vogiatzi (2002) highlighted the problem of multicollinearity in case of statistical modeling techniques. Mutalib et al. (2013) stated that mathematical models are unable to capture the nonlinear relationship between several blasting-related parameters due to the complexity of the model input data. However, the difficulty involved in modelling complex blast vibration problems can be removed by adopting an alternative soft computing modelling approach. One of the soft computing techniques is the artificial neural network (ANN). Ragam and Nimaje (2018) developed an ANN model for predicting PPV using six input variables. Kosti et al. (2013) stated that the conventional predictors fail to provide acceptable prediction accuracy. They showed that a neural network model with four mine blast parameters as input could make significantly more accurate on-site predictions. Sayadi et al., (2013), using a database from Teheran Cement Company limestone mines, found that a neural network resulted in maximum accuracy and minimum error. Khandelwal and Singh (2009) developed an ANN model using 150 data records from an Indian coal mine with site-specific rock characteristics and geomining setting. Khandewal and Singh (2007) built a ground vibration prediction model for a magnesite mine using four prediction variables with 20 data records. Kamali and Ataei (2010) predicted PPV in the structure of the Karoun III power plant and dam using an ANN. El Hafiz et al. (2010) evaluated ground vibration predictors using data from a single-station seismograph at a limestone quarry in Egypt."

Feb 1, 2019

By D. Paktunc, S. P. du Preez, J. P. Beukes, P. G. van Zyl, A. Jordaan

"The chromium (Cr) content of stainless steel originates from recycled scrap and/or ferrochrome (FeCr), which is produced mainly by the carbothermic reduction of chromite ore. The oxidative sintered pellet production process is one of the most widely applied FeCr processes. The supplier of this technology specifies that recycling of chromite-containing dust collected from the pellet sintering off-gas and fines screened out from the sintered pellets (collectively referred to as pre-oxidized chromite fines) should be limited to a maximum of 4 wt% of the total pellet composition. However, the results presented in this paper suggest that recycling of such fines up to a limit of 32 wt% of the total pellet composition may improve the compressive and abrasion strengths of the cured pellet. In addition, electron microprobe and quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses demonstrate that chromite grains present in the pre-oxidized chromite fines consist, at least partially, of crystalline phases/compounds that will improve the metallurgical efficiency and specific electricity consumption (i.e. MWh/ton FeCr produced) of the smelting process. Introduction Stainless steel is a vital modern-day alloy that is well-known for its corrosion resistance, which is mainly due to the inclusion of chromium (Cr) (ICDA, 2013). Stainless steel is mostly produced from recycled scrap and ferrochrome (FeCr), a relatively crude alloy of Cr and iron (Fe). FeCr is predominantly produced by the carbothermic reduction of chromite, a mineral belonging to the spinel group characterized by the unit formula [(Mg,Fe2+)(Al,Cr,Fe3+)2O4] (Haggerty, 1991; Paktunc and Cabri, 1995; Tathavakar, Antony, and Jha, 2005). Although Cr can occur in 82 different minerals, chromite is the only source of new Cr units that can be exploited in commercial volumes (Motzer and Engineers, 2004). Approximately 95% of mined chromite is used in the production of various FeCr grades, of which high-carbon and charge grade FeCr are the most common (ICDA, 2013)."

Feb 1, 2019

By M. Matabane, T. Khati

"Accurate delineation of the contact between a kimberlite pipe and country rock at production level depths is a challenge due to limited geological data. Geological information is obtained from widely spaced diamond core boreholes which are drilled either from surface or from higher mining levels within the pipe. Kimberlite pipe/country rock contacts are notoriously irregular and variable, further reducing the confidence in contact positions defined by the drill-holes. At Finsch Diamond Mine (FDM), the opportunity arose to further improve the confidence in the contact positions relative to the planned slot (end) positions of each sublevel cave tunnel during the development stage of these tunnels. As a result, the accuracy of the 3D geological model has improved.The use of diamond drill core for this purpose is expensive due to site establishment requirements. The lengthy time taken during site establishment also delays the development of tunnels and support cycles, thereby extending the completion dates. FDM has reduced delays during development by adopting percussion drilling, in conjunction with gamma ray logging. The S36 drill rig is mounted on a moveable platform and does not require a costly and lengthy site establishment. The holes are generally drilled (0°/flat) on grade elevation, and these holes could also be drilled from the rim tunnels (developed in waste) into the kimberlite pipe. A single-boom production drill rig is normally used to drill holes about 20 m in length.On completion of the contact delineation drilling, gamma logging of the holes is conducted using the GeoVista geophysical sonde (or probe) to log the natural gamma signature of the dolomite/ kimberlite contact. The advantage of this tool is that the readings are continuous within centimetre intervals, and due to contrasting characteristics between kimberlite (rich in clay minerals) and dolomite, the contact position can be determined accurately. The better definition of contact positions also adds value to tunnel stopping distance in terms of developing the tunnel’s slot at the optimum distance from the contact (easier blasting of longhole rings, avoidance of contact overbreak and premature waste ingress, and other matters relating to extraction of ore from these tunnels). This method is highly successful and has reduced development costs (on-time completion), improved definition of the pipe’s contact position for geological modelling, improved blast design, and mitigated early waste ingress by maintaining the contact’s integrity."

Feb 1, 2019

By T. Khumalo, L. Musenwa, S. Masemola, M. Kgaphola

"In 2017, Petra Diamonds completed the construction and commissioning of a modern, fit-for-purpose diamond processing plant at Cullinan Diamond Mine (CDM). The design of CDM’s milling circuit is unconventional in that it comprises an autogenous (AG) mill with a grate discharge with large ports, low-revolution jaw crushers, and high-pressure grinding roll crushers with large operating gaps. In this paper we review the design to provide guidance on what is expected from the milling circuit and to demonstrate how the design aims to address challenges experienced in the old plant, which was based on staged crushing technology. We assessed the performance of the CDM AG milling circuit from commissioning and early production stages to examine its impact along multiple dimensions. In the assessment we sought to understand the lessons from our milling circuit regarding diamond liberation, energy consumption, and the future of diamond processing as a whole. IntroductionCullinan Diamond Mine (CDM), previously known as Premier Mine, is an underground diamond mine owned by Petra Diamonds. Petra Diamonds is a leading independent diamond mining group and a growing supplier of rough diamonds to the international market. Petra Diamonds is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker ‘PDL’. Petra’s total resource of 305 million carats ranks third by size after De Beers and ALROSA (Petra Diamonds, 2018).CDM was established in 1902. The mine rose to prominence in 1905, when the 3106 carat Cullinan Diamond — the largest rough diamond of gem quality ever found — was discovered there. The mine has produced over 750 stones that are larger than 100 carats and more than a quarter of all the world's diamonds that are larger than 400 carats. Cullinan is renowned as a source of large, high-quality gem diamonds, including Type II stones, as well as being the world’s most important source of very rare blue diamonds (Petra Diamonds, 2018)."

Feb 1, 2019

By N. Snyders, I. Mwandawande, S. M. Bradshaw, M. Karimi

"Flotation columns are normally operated at optimal superficial gas velocities to maintain bubbly flow conditions. However, with increasing superficial gas velocity, loss of bubbly flow may occur with adverse effects on column performance. It is therefore important to identify the maximum superficial gas velocity above which loss of bubbly flow occurs. The maximum superficial gas velocity is usually obtained from a gas holdup versus superficial gas velocity plot in which the linear portion of the graph represents bubbly flow while deviation from the linear relationship indicates a change from the bubbly flow to the churn-turbulent regime. However, this method is difficult to use when the transition from bubbly flow to churn-turbulent flow is gradual, as happens in the presence of frothers. We present two alternative methods in which the flow regime in the column is distinguished by means of radial gas holdup profiles and gas holdup versus time graphs obtained from CFD simulations. Bubbly flow was characterized by saddle-shaped profiles with three distinct peaks, or saddle-shaped profiles with two near-wall peaks and a central minimum, or flat profiles with intermediate features between saddle and parabolic gas holdup profiles. The transition regime was gradual and characterized by flat to parabolic gas holdup profiles that become steeper with increasing superficial gas velocity. The churn-turbulent flow was distinguished by steep parabolic radial gas holdup profiles. Gas holdup versus time graphs were also used to define flow regimes with a constant gas holdup indicating bubbly flow, while wide gas holdup variations indicate churn-turbulent flow. IntroductionTwo types of flow can be distinguished in gasliquid flows in bubble columns: bubbly flow and churn-turbulent flow. The bubbly flow regime is characterized by uniform flow of bubbles of uniform size. Churn-turbulent flow, on the other hand, is characterized by a wide variation in bubble sizes with large bubbles rising rapidly and causing liquid circulation.Flotation columns are normally operated in the bubbly flow regime, which is the optimal condition for column flotation (Finch and Dobby, 1990; Yianatos and Finch, 1990; Ityokumbul, 1992). However, it has been generally observed that flotation column performance deteriorates when the superficial gas velocity is increased beyond a certain limit where the flow regime changes from bubbly flow to churn-turbulent flow (Xu, Finch, and Uribe-Salas, 1991). The identification of this critical or maximum superficial gas velocity is therefore important for optimal operation of flotation columns."

Feb 1, 2019

By D. Bristow, D. Baker, K. Awuah-Offei, A. ur Rehman

While a body of work exists on intelligent systems for guiding occupants out of buildings during an emergency, the problem of guiding miners out of a mine during an underground emergency has not been explored. Underground evacuation fundamentally differs from building evacuation because of differences in the regulatory regime and uncertainty regarding the number of occupants. The potential for implementing an intelligent miner guidance system is buttressed by the fact that miner tracking systems, along with communication and sensor networks, already exist in underground mines. This work presents a method based on a local positioning system, in the form of a network of “nodes” at major “intersections,” which can then be used to guide miners to safety. We have developed a path-planning algorithm, based on Dijkstra’s algorithm and the local positioning system that can provide miners with the optimal escape path in an emergency. The algorithm is validated with scenarios at the Missouri University of Science & Technology Experimental Mine demonstrating the potential to include smart technology in mine emergency management and response planning. INTRODUCTION Underground mines are hazardous environments with a higher than usual risk of safety emergencies where miners have to evacuate the mine to save their lives. Mines have always trained miners to evacuate or shelter-in-place in minimum time. Jalali and Norrozi (2009) opined that the three major components that help miners in case of emergency are pre-planned optimal escape routes, decreasing delays, and improving the education of miners. In fact, Goodman and Kissel (1990) suggested that fatalities arising from mine accidents could be reduced by 50% just by decreasing delays in finding the pathways in case of emergency. The proposed work can assist miners in finding escapeways quickly in case of emergency. It is very important to have a pre-planned evacuation strategy that is clearly communicated to miners to ensure the safety of all (Conti, Chasko & Wiehagen, 2005).

Jan 1, 2019

By P. Scinto, P. Hudson

"Modern day ore bodies are becoming increasingly harder, more abrasive and lower grade. The Mako deposit is located in Senegal and consists predominantly of primary mafic and felsic lithology that are both very competent and very abrasive ores (Axb < 30, BWi >20 and Ai >1.0). The deposit was initially discovery in 2010 and the Toro Gold management team fast tracked the Mako Project through development and into production to achieve its first gold pour in January 2018. The comminution circuit comprises primary crushing single stage SAG milling with recycle crusher (1oCR SS-SAC). The mill reached design throughput and grind size seven weeks after first ore. The Mako project marks another successful international application of single stage milling, which represents a simple and easy to operate comminution circuit for small-to-mid size projects with a low capital cost. This paper describes the ore interpretation, comminution modelling, grinding circuit selection and design, as well as an overview of the commissioning and ramp-up of the mill.INTRODUCTION The Mako Gold Project is operated by Toro Gold Ltd., which holds a 90% interest in the project. The project is located in south-eastern Senegal in the Kedougou region, close to the Gambia river and township of Mako. The Mako deposit lies in the “Kenieba Window” of eastern Senegal and western Mali, which hosts a number of gold mining operations and development projects. The Mako Gold Project has an estimated life of 8 years with overall recoverable gold estimated at 924 koz. The process plant is designed to treat 1.8Mt/a of ore and produce 128 – 143 koz of gold per annum. Lycopodium Minerals Pty Ltd (Lycopodium) was appointed to provide feasibility studies and EPCM services for the greenfield project. Forming part of consultancy services provided by Lycopodium, Orway Mineral Consultants (OMC), a subsidiary of Lycopodium, was involved in the design, commissioning, ramp up and ongoing post commissioning support of the comminution circuit."

Jan 1, 2019

By C. Newman, R. C. Ray

Originated and developed in the civil tunneling industry, the Ground Reaction Curve (GRC) has provided a robust methodology for evaluating and designing ground support in both tunnels and underground mining scenarios. This paper presents a preliminary assessment in the utilization of the GRC concept for the evaluation and design of the pillar-support system with respect to overburden stress and displacement. This initial assessment will be based on and backed by past research on this topic. Underground mine instrumentation is planned for a longwall mine in the Appalachian coal field based on the research and findings in this paper to support the postulated hypothesis. INTRODUCTION Since the early 1970’s, the mining industry has evaluated the structural stability of a pillar by dividing an approximated pillar load by an approximated pillar strength. While this design methodology has served the industry well in the past, as modern mining operations continue to develop in more complex geological and geometric conditions coupled with market economics, industry professionals are in dire need of a modified stability assessment approach which considers both the stress condition and material displacements. Within the civil tunneling industry, the GRC approach has been successfully utilized in designing underground support measures that enhance the stability of an underground excavation. Through the incorporation of current industry knowledge and understanding of ground and support behaviors this paper looks to investigate into preliminary assessment for the development of a Modified Support Response Method (MSRM) to further improve the analysis of local and global underground stability. CURRENT PILLAR DESIGN METHODS AND THEIR LIMITATIONS Globally, multiple pillar design methods have been utilized in the design of underground excavations. Each of these methods approaches the calculation of pillar stability a little differently with respect to material properties, underground geometries and stress conditions. Analytical solutions can be used to determine the strength of homogeneous materials like concrete, but not in case of non-homogeneous and non-isotropic mineral deposits in a mine. These equations are often derived using empirical methods. Pillar strength is defined as the maximum resistance of a pillar to axial loading (Brady & Brown, 1985). The strength of mine pillars is typically estimated through indirect methods. In the past, researchers have correlated the strength of a given size and width of a rock specimen to the strength of a mine pillar. The first study on the effect of geometry on rock strength was done by (Bauschiger, 1876) on Swiss sandstone samples. Since then several empirical equations to determine pillar strength had been published by many researchers like (Bunting, 1911), (Griffith & Conner, 1912), (Greenwald, Howarth, & Hartmann, 1939), (Holland & Gaddy, 1957), (Evana, Pomeroy, & Berenbaum, 1961) and (Holland C. , 1964).

Jan 1, 2019

By A. Valdivieso

Reducing accident rates keeps getting more and more complex as the usual tools enter a curve of diminishing results. Fortunately, nothing modifies behaviour in a stronger and wider way than having a robust safety culture. On the other hand, managing cultural change is difficult and the risk of back-fire is very high, especially if the workforce does not trust our intentions. A personalized approach of well chosen and targeted actions tends to be the only yet difficult option. We have found, via experience in the metallurgy and chemistry industries, a way of preparing the company and the workforce to accept these sorts of culture changing measures faster and easier. Using company-wide changes based on workplace perception, yields the most optimal acceptance. It is based in the principle that we all use clues in our environment as guides to choose our behaviour. So, controlling the perception that our workplace generates can affect behaviour and simplify our task before it even starts. It is a matter of using the tools that other disciplines such as marketing, social engineering and architecture bring to us and adapting them to a very defined objective: Having our installations “sell” safety so that our people unconsciously believe that they must adapt to safety values in order to “do well” in said environment. INTRODUCTION After decades of improvements in accident rates, we are understandably hitting a diminishing results curve: most actions that spectacularly reduced accidents in the past (e.g., Innovation in Personal Protection equipment, adapting international standards and legislation, and innovative safety programs; Figure 1) now hardly get us the exponential gains we saw years back, regardless of the investment we put on them. Furthermore, the improvements in safety of the last 3 decades have been creating new sets of issues that start to show their face such as: By reducing accidents we can create feelings of invulnerability as we lose view of the consequences. With innovative protection equipment we increase Risk Homeostasis, meaning that people behave in a more dangerous way in order to maintain a constant level of risk in their lives (Getting closer to fire after getting better fire-proof garments for example). Too much Legislation can create a feeling of disengagement from personal responsibility. And despite improvements, we haven’t really solved the production vs safety confrontation, it is now stigmatized and less visible, yet it tends to reappear in moments of weakness.

Jan 1, 2019

By E. Wraith, W. W. Culver, B. Wesstrom, P. J. Mackey

Electrodeposited copper of the 1860s was of unprecedented purity, although the profound significance of this achievement was not fully realised until the dawn of the electrical age a decade or so later. By the 1870s there were three somewhat large (4 to 4.5 tonnes Cu/day) electrolytic copper refineries in Germany based on J. B. Elkington’s process, first patented in the United Kingdom in 1865. More such refineries were planned throughout Europe. At the same time, copper output in the U.S.A. was starting to expand and with the spread of European electrolytic copper refining technology across the Atlantic, the door opened to major increases in North American output. The technology was first taken up in 1879 by James Douglas at the Chemical Copper Company in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where he was Superintendent. Douglas was assisted in this pioneering work by Edward Weston. The copper refinery at the Chemical Copper Company was small, not unlike the first plants in Europe. The present authors contend that the electrolytic copper refinery at the Chemical Copper should be regarded as the first copper refinery in the United States. The Balbach Copper Refinery in New Jersey, which commenced operations in 1883 with an initial production of about 2 tonnes Cu/day, has been erroneously considered as the “first commercial refinery”; it rightly belongs in second place. The early developments at these plants are discussed in this paper. INTRODUCTION In the mid-1800s, the main uses for copper were as sheathing on the wooden sailing ships of the day to protect from marine growth, boiler components in locomotives and steam engines, along with some construction uses. Copper ores were generally smelted, and further fire-refined for market. The recovery of gold and silver, if present in payable amounts, was a slow and relatively expensive step. This situation regarding copper would change by the 1870s with advances in the generation and use of electricity. The introduction of the dynamo led to major developments in electrorefining. First demonstrated in principle by Faraday in 1831 (Faraday, 1832), the dynamo was subsequently adapted and further developed by J.S. Woolrich for electro-metallurgical applications in 1842 (Woolrich, 1842; Napier, 1845). It provided a new source of power with the unprecedented potential to significantly change the scale of metal production by electrometallurgy. Interestingly enough, copper would be needed for the electrical age just beginning. By 1869, advances in dynamo design offered relatively reliable large machines, which enabled J. B. Elkington in the United Kingdom to use the dynamo in the radically new Pembrey copper electrorefinery — the first copper electrorefinery in the world (Wraith, 2013). Initial production at Pembrey was small — in the range of 1 to 2 tonnes/day — while gold and silver were recovered more readily by the treatment of the slimes than with methods used hitherto.

Jan 1, 2019