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By G. D. Markland

The Moose Mountain mine is located in a belt of Precambrian volcanic rocks situated 20 miles north of Sudbury, Ontario. It was the first iron mining operation in the Archean iron-formations of the Canadian Shield. The ore is believed to have been formed in an environment of active volcanism, being part of a pyroclastic and volcanic series where only the iron-formation and chert qualify as chemical sediments. The volcanic environment, subsequent regional tectonics and metamorphism produced orebodies which differ from the main sedimentary iron ranges of the world in such features as continuity, grade, structure and metallurgical characteristics. The orebodies occur as relatively small lenses which have been complexly folded, faulted and intruded by acidic and basic dykes.

Feb 1, 1966

By G. D. Markland

"The Moose Mountain mine is located in a belt of Precambrian volcanic rocks situated 20 miles north of Sudbury, Ontario. It was the first iron mining operation in the Archean iron-formations of the Canadian Shield.The ore is believed to have been formed in an environment of active volcanism, being part of a pyroclastic and volcanic series where only the iron-formation and chert qualify as chemical sediments. The volcanic environment, subsequent regional tectonics and metamorphism produced orebodies which differ from the main sedimentary iron ranges of the world in such features as continuity, grade, structure and metallurgical characteristics. The orebodies occur as relatively small lenses which have been complexly folded, faulted and intruded by acidic and basic dykesAlthough the basic mining and beneficiation methods are simple, detailed geological control in exploration, planning and operation has been necessary to apply detailed selective techniques to the large-scale open-pit methods necessary in profitable iron mining.The milling and pelletizing processes are sensitive to minor variations in ore grade, grain size, fabric and mineralogy. Although detailed correlations of geological information and mill performance are still not entirely satisfactory, general working relationships have been determined with simple testing procedures. These are of in-creasing use in forecasting production and in ore-blending processes.The application of geology to mining and milling operations at Moose Mountain represents a departure from general practice in iron ore operations."

Jan 1, 1966

By A. M. Cameron

THE HOISTING PLANT at the Stobie section of the FroodStobie mine is a two-shaft installation designed to handle a daily production of 18,000 tons of ore at depth. The two vertical shafts are within 100 feet of -each other, an arrangement made to provide the needed capacity and to give flexibility of operation (Figure 1). No. 7 shaft, used for handling men and supplies as well as for hoisting ore, has been sunk to the 3000 level and is served by a manhoist handling two cages and an orehoist with two 14-ton capacity Kimberley skips. No. 8 shaft, so far completed to a depth of 1,900 feet, handles only ore. The hoist is semiautomatic with push-button control and the skips are 15-ton capacity bottom-dump. The ore-loading pocket for first stage hoisting at both shafts is 120 feet below 1,600 lev-el and additional pockets are planned, as the shafts are deepened, at 800 foot intervals down to 4,000 feet.

Jan 1, 1956

By M. G. Goudge

IT IS ENOOURAGING indeed to note during the past year that, despite a slackening off in many markets and with numerous major difficulties and problems to solve, the mining industry of Nova Scotia was maintained at a very high level. The value of the Province's mineral production for 1957 amounted to approximately $65,000,000. This represents a drop of only 1.5 per cent from the figure of the previous year. Coal Atlantic Collieries, Ltd., opened a new coal mine during the year at Bras d'Or. This colliery is equipped with the most modern type of mechanical equipment available, with transport of the ?coal by a belt-conveyor system. Other mines in the Province continued to mechanize their operations by the addition of Diesel haulage locomotives and other mechanized mining equipment. New wash plants are in operation and .an additional one is planned.

Jan 1, 1958

By R. D. Brown

For the first time in years, the spring budgets of federal and provincial governments have not brought down major new proposals affecting the tax burdens of the mining industry in Canada. It seems appropriate to use this unaccustomed period of tranquility to set out an extremely abbreviated summary of the principal features of the federal and provincial income and mining tax rules affecting the mining industry.

Jan 1, 1977

By Z. D. Hora

Traditionally, industrial minerals in British Columbia comprise about 10 per cent of the combined value of mineral, coal, petroleum and natural gas production. Over the years a wide variety of industrial minerals have been produced in British Columbia, often with a different level of marketing success. For some products such as building stone, common brick or expanded shale, once strong demand gradually disappeared; for others such as asbestos and barite, new discoveries or new industrial activities created demand and new markets. For yet other minerals such as fluorite, talc and perlite, wider use has been prevented by the small size, poor quality or remote locations of the deposits. Bentonite (1926 to 1944-as a by-product from coal mines) Building stone (intermittently since the mid-1800s) Chromite (1918 and 1929) Over the past years, the list of industrial minerals produced has been expanded to include several new commodities: glassgrade silica sand, magnesite, pumice and silica for ferrosilicon and silicon carbide manufacture.

Jan 1, 1984

By J. L. Llanca

The New Level Mine project (NLMP), the planned underground expansion of the El Teniente mine in Rancagua, Chile, is expected to reach a daily extraction rate of 137 to 180 ktpd upon achieving full capacity. Production is planned to start in the year 2017 and the current plan is to meet that target through two development phases, from the year 2012 to 2014 and from the year 2015 to 2017. To achieve the 2012 to 2014 underground development schedule, the ventilation requirements have been estimated in the range of 189 m3/s (400 kcfm), and cannot be made available without significant modifications to the current system of El Teniente. As a result, a certain number of alternatives were explored to find a solution to this shortfall, for example, adding raises to generate parallel airways and installing fans to reinforce the current ventilation system. From the alternatives studied, the installation of a second main fan (system) in parallel to an existing one was identified as the best solution, and selected for implementation, however the location was not ideal and there were concerns as to the operation of both fans once the second fan was installed. This paper presents the study used to estimate the operational points of both the current and the new fan, and to justify the parallel installation of the additional main fan. An additional computational fluid dynamics study was undertaken to validate the operational point, given the particular geometry of the fan?s location and placement, to guarantee a stable operation of the fans. Finally, the protocols arising out of this work for starting the fans, and operating them in parallel to avoid generating a stall condition and damaging the investment are discussed.

Aug 1, 2013

By M. Maccagni, J. Nielsen

"The recovery of lead from battery paste has been investigated for a long time and with the use of many different electrolytes. A number of processes have been presented, but none of them reached even the demonstration step. Engitec has developed a new concept for the battery paste electrowinning using a chloride electrolyte fed through a very innovative flow cell. The process has passed the lab and the demo scale and it is ready to be introduced on the market. In this paper, a description of the process will be provided.INTRODUCTIONThe need for improved energy storage systems as well as the introduction of commercially viable electric vehicles is providing a strong compulsion toward the research of new batteries. The lead battery is playing an important role because it is inexpensive, reliable and it is the most recycled material. This last aspect marks the lead acid battery as quite peculiar making it both the primary lead based product and the main raw material for lead production.In the last years the legislative pressure has become very strong and has forced the lead production to react through the introduction of important process innovations and market changes. The dispersive products, such as additives for paints and for fuel as well as bullets, have been practically banned all over the world while the battery market continues to grow. The lead acid battery remains the cheapest and most integrated energy storage system available and is improving to meet the new technical challenges. This is testified by the news coming from the development of new and more efficient lead acid batteries which are confirming their leading position.Unfortunately, the image of lead is very negative in the public opinion and some important actions are required to try changing this sentiment. Among them, better information to the market and users and the introduction of new and cleaner technologies in the production of lead can help."

Jan 1, 2016

By O. D. Maurice

"This paper will essentially update the information that is already known and published on the limestones of the Province of Quebec. The excellent report by M. F. Goudge (1935)m is difficult to improve upon and the areas of limestone quarrying are generally the same as they were at the time of Goudge's report. Our knowledge of the limestones of Quebec has been improved considerably in recent years by the publications of T. H. Clark, 2 who, since 1938, has been mapping and reporting on these lime-stones and has discussed their stratigraphy, their structural features, their history and their economic value. One economic aspect is the presence of natural gas in these formations and the possible occurrence of oil. A total of 150 test holes had been drilled to a depth of more than 500 feet by the end of 1967 and, in addition, at least 256 more shallow holes had been put down in the St. Lawrence Lowlands. The information from these test holes has greatly improved our knowledge of the thickness and extent. of the various formations of Paleozoic limestone and shale in Quebec.This paper will then review briefly the limestone occurrences in Quebec, using the old as well as the more recent reports as principal references"

Jan 1, 1970

By Harry R. Oldale

This paper first covers the general and economic geology of the Coxheath Hills area, and then outlines the exploration and mining development that has been carried out since the first discovery of copper in the area in 1875. The work of Mariner Mines Limited from 1963 to the present time is detailed, particular attention being paid to the recent discoveries of copper, silver and lead mineralization that have greatly enhanced the potential of the area.

Jan 1, 1967

By M. Potesser

Higher prices for natural gas or oil have motivated the copper industry to reexamine the modes of oxygen and oxy-fuel burner usage at operating plants. With rising energy costs and the growing importance of environmental protection, burner usage and burner operations have become the focus of several investigations and optimization efforts. One possible approach to lower energy usage is through combustion using tonnage oxygen. When such oxygen is used, the flame temperature increases and operational efficiency is improved. As well, with the correct technology, due to the presence of lower levels of harmful substances such as NOx in the off gas, there is improved environmental performance. As regards copper production, furnaces are employed for both concentrate smelting or for melting and casting operations. The use of tonnage oxygen in concentrate burners for smelting provides for a higher thermal efficiency. For furnaces employed for melting, air-operated burners may in fact have an initial advantage because a long radiant flame is typically generated, thus providing for a higher degree of heat transmission. This paper describes the new experimental burner chamber of Messer Austria GmbH which provides for testing of the combustion of natural gas with oxygen or oxygen-enriched air and the use of special water cooling ducts that simulates a metal charge during melting, The operational effectiveness of the burner is determined from temperature and off-gas analysis data. The paper also discusses future trends in burner technologies including a new patented burner. Cu2007 - Volume III (Book 2) The Carlos Diaz Symposium ou Pyrometallurgy Edited by A.E.M. Warner, C.J. Newman, A. Vahed, D.B. George, P.J. Mackey, A. Warczok Toronto, Canada,

Jan 1, 2007

Microseismic (MS) methods offer one of the few ways to monitor a 3D volume of rock and essentially see into the rockmass and the regions of real time rock fracture. This is a critical component when considering workplace safety as well as the economic viability of a mining operation. New Gold Inc. New Afton Mine, an intermediate copper-gold mining company located 350km northeast of Vancouver in the south-central interior of British Columbia, Canada, has recently installed a MS system to help understand the block caving process in space and time. For a block cave mining operation is it important to utilize the MS events to map out the seismogenic zone related to the regions of stress concentration and fracturing mechanisms which lead to caving. The geological setting within the local array is complex, consisting of several distinct lithologies with unique material properties that each affect the microseismic signal differently. The block cave consists of a muck filled void, also affecting the seismic waveform path. This paper compares the use of a single velocity model to a variable velocity model which accounts for the differing lithologies and cave. The variable velocity method determined 3D raypaths for all source to receiver possibilities through five irregular shaped geological domains and the estimated cave. For calibration blast data, the variable velocity model is found to successfully decrease the error for event location from an average of 38m to 20m (47% improvement), and its importance to location accuracy is expected to increase as the cave develops in size.

Aug 1, 2013

By N. Schreithofer, M. Aspiala, R. Serna

The novel attachment timer apparatus presented in this paper serves as a diagnostic tool that allows the detection of changes in bubble-particle attachment probability and therefore floatability caused by alterations in the chemical environment and particle properties. The apparatus consists of six identical capillaries where bubbles with defined size are produced simultaneously in a measurement chamber. The bubbles at the capillary tips are placed in contact with the submerged particle bed for specific time periods, controlled with the help of automatic actuators. The advantage of the instrument is that hundreds of bubble-particle contacts can be measured automatically within a short time period. Microscopic pictures of each measured bubble are taken while recording the movement of the bubble before, during and after contact with the solid particles. The recorded pictures can be used to determine the actual bubble size and its corresponding deviation, and to detect the attachment of particles. The attached particles are collected in a detachable chamber for subsequent characterization. Furthermore, the device is portable and can be taken to the mineral processing plants for quick evaluation of particle-bubble attachment efficiency with particles and process water sampled directly from real processes.

Jan 1, 2017

By E. Best

In 2003, Phelps Dodge Mining Company decided to pursue the design and construction of a Central Analytical Laboratory to provide chemical analyses for their Arizona and New Mexico operations. This centralized approach was selected in place of refurbishing six (6) older laboratories that operated at the various Phelps Dodge sites, and which would not have permitted full automation and use of robotics. The new lab was designed by the Process Technology Center (PTC) Material Characterization Group in cooperation with IMP Group. The Central Analytical Service Center (CASC) encompasses fully automated sample preparation of blast holes and geological samples weighing up to 15 kg/sample. The CASC also includes the first "wet chemistry module" worldwide to be operated by robotics systems to perform Total Cu, Acid Soluble Cu, and Quick Leach Tests (QLT), and a fully automated lab for electrowon copper cathode. The new lab also offers flexibility for handling specialty samples and analyses by either semi-automated or manual mode. Data handling and transfer is accomplished using the commercially available StarLIMS system. Commissioning was accomplished within five (5) months of startup during which the CASC also handled 86% of a full production load. The 24/7 lab operation has already exceeded its design capacity, has achieved considerable savings in operating cost, reduced sample preparation errors, and significantly increased analytical quality.

Jan 1, 2007

By R. J. Fruehan

Oxygen steelmaking (OSM) is not only the dominant steelmaking process but defines the structure of the industry. There are a number of myths regarding the future of OSM, which are false. These myths include that the EAF will become the dominant process in the near future, it is less costly to produce steel in an EAF and OSM is a mature technology and no new developments are occurring. These myths are shown to be false. Selected new developments are discussed such as post combustion, recycling of waste oxides, slag splashing and sensors.

Jan 1, 2004

By C. F. Starr

This paper deals with the various types of cable in use in mines, with special attention paid to their construction. There will be a few comments regarding the different insulants, jacketing materials and armouring used, depending on their application. Governing standards and the differences therein will also be discussed.

Jan 1, 1969

By G. C. Bateman

Canada is a very large country with a small population which is growing very slowly. We have great natural resources, but with our limited population we are continually looking afield for new capital to develop these resources. Our mining areas are among the most important fields offering opportunities for new capital and because of the wide-spread appeal which mining makes this industry commands a great deal of attention. While we are glad to see new capital from any source, we welcome it particularly from Great Britain, for, although we offer equal opportunities to the nationals of any country we would be glad to see the development of our natural resources financed as far as possible within the Empire. However, when we invite ne capital we must accept certain responsibilities, and while we have opportunities to offer, we should ask ourselves how these opportunities are taken advantage of and what sort of treatment the foreign investor receives.

Jan 1, 1925

By Thomas C. Poulter

Abstract The Poulter seismic method of geophysical exploration is an attempt to obtain an increased efficiency in the conversion of the energy of an m~pl06ion into useful energy which has directive properties and which contains a minimum of random frequency and random phase relations. Very little effort has been made in the past to simplify OT even control the uniformity of the seismic energy being introduced into the ground. The Poulter seismic method is also an attempt to improve the signal-to-noise ratio not merely by trying to complete the impartial filtering done by the earth on ,the continuous spectrum of primarily high-frequency energy radiated from a shot point but by applying a frequency control at the point of origin of the seismic wave. The energy from a shot-hole charge is peaked in a frequency which is much higher than will be transmitted through the ground, and its absorption introduces background interference. Only 10 to 20 per cent of the seismic energy of a shot-hole charge .is directed downward in a 90-degree vertical cone, whereas, from a pattern of charges detonated above the surface of the ground, 85 per cent of the seismic energy is included in a 90-degree cone and in some cases it is even confined to as small as a 30-degree cone. This greatly reduces the horizontally distributed energy, thereby producing a marked improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio. The frequency of the signal energy may be peaked in a rather narrow range by the proper application of two or more impulses upon the surface of the ground controlled as to direction, magnitude, and timing. These impulses may be controlled by the reflection shock wave technique, the pressure pulse technique, and the sequence firing technique, using the primary controls as outlined. The information obtained from the study of directivity of seismic energy in a high velocity, uniform material such as the ice on Taku glacier, in the Juneau ice field in Alaska, has been of great assistance in the application of the method to oilfield and mining problems.

Jan 1, 1950

By Andrew Matyas

"During the summer of 1968, the author was employed in the Research Department of Dominion Foundries and Steel, Limited, Hamilton, Ontario. Over the years, Dofasco has been conducting a program for developing more efficient control of its basic oxygen steelmaking process. The author was thus able to obtain a variety of viewpoints from both research engineers and furnace operators. He also had access to extensive literature dealing with BOF control schemes underway at other major steel producers. This paper describes the present state of developments in BOF steelmaking control.The necessity for efficient BOF control is pointed out. To appreciate the variables to be controlled, a brief outline of process fundamentals is included. Technical aspects of present methods of practical control are examined in detail; the relative merits of dynamic over static control models are emphasized. Finally, it is shown how an effective dymic-optimizing control scheme serves as the basis for closed-loop computer control of the process."

Jan 1, 1970

By C. DeLong

"The Mt. Milligan porphyry copper-gold deposits are in central British Columbia, 155 km northwest of Prince George. Mineralized outcrops and float were discovered in the Mount Milligan area by prospecting. The most recent discoveries, which utilized lithogeochemistry, were in 1983. Areas containing the outcrops and float then were investigated by geological mapping, soil and lithogeochemical sampling, ground and airborne geophysical surveys, trenching and diamond drilling. This work led to the discovery of the Mt. Milligan Main deposit in 1987 and the Southern Star deposit in 1989. Extensive diamond drilling continued until 1991 and delineated a measured and indicated resource of 299 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t Au and 0.22 % Cu from the combined deposits.The Mt. Milligan deposits lie within the Early Mesozoic Quesnel Terrane and are hosted by porphyritic monzonite stocks and adjacent volcanic rocks of the Takla Group. The Mt. Milligan Main deposit is centred around the MBX stock and Rainbow dike, and the Southern Star deposit around the Southern Star stock.Potassic alteration is extensive within the stocks and in volcanic rocks adjacent to the MBX stock and Rainbow dike. Propylitic alteration surrounds the potassic alteration and decreases in intensuy away from the stocks. Mineralization consists mostly of pyrite, chalcopyrite, lesser magnetite, and minor bornite, molybdenite and gold.Mineralogical zoning is well-developed within the deposits. A biotite-rich subzone forms the core of the potassic alteration zone and hosts most of the copper and gold. Numerous polymetallic veins lie within the propylitic alteration zone just beyond the limit of porphyry-style copper-gold mineralization."

Jan 1, 1995