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By Garth A. Maki, Douglas M. Smith

"The largest Canadian Lamella thickener installation to date, with 13,600 square feet of effective clarification area, is being successfully operated at the Rocanville Division of the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. This paper describes the operational principles and design features of the Lamella thickener, the testwork leading to its specification f or the Rocanville phase two expansion project and a review of the performance of the full- size unit which was ultimately installed.IntroductionThickening equipment operating in the Saskatchewan potash industry is generally situated within the main refinery building or a separate insulated an d he a ted structure due to the harsh winter climate and the need to closely control plant brine temperatures to en sure good flotation circuit performance Because these thickeners process large volumes of slurries, conventional basin-type designs tend to be large, ranging up to 46 metres in diameter or more. As part of the general effort to minimize capital costs, the potash industry has begun investigating the use of alternate high capacity, compact thickener designs. In this regard, PCS Rocanville undertook a program in 1978 to evaluate a LamellaTM thickener and one other type of ‘High Rate' thickener as alternatives to a conventional design for the phase two expansion project.This paper describes the operational principles and design features o f the Lamella thickener (manufactured by Axel Johnson lnc.), the testwork leading to the specification of a Lamella for the Rocanville expansion project and are view of the performance of the full size unit (1486 m2 of the effective settling area) which was ultimately installed and is now successfully operating in the Rocanville plant."

Jan 1, 1983

By L. Xu, A. Vazirnegad, R. Bhaskar

"Respirable dust samples are collected by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and mine operators as part of the requirements of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. About 1.85 million respirable dust samples collected by MSHA were analyzed for the period 197/ to 1990 f or the states of Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Trends in coal dust exposure of continuous miner operators, helpers, and roof bolters were analyzed. The reported production in each of the nine states was analyzed. The relationship between average dust exposure and coal production was evaluated. In addition, the differences between mine operator and MSHA inspector collected data were examined for each state. The average exposure levels for the three occupations - miner operator, miner helper, and roof bolter were also compared.The data indicate that the dust exposure levels have significantly dropped over the last twenty years, while at the same time production has increased, attesting to the ability of the U.S. mining industry to adapt successfully to the stringent dust control regulations. In terms of coal production, it appears that some states, such as Utah, Illinois, and Kentucky, were able to increase their production significantly relative to others, such as Pennsylvania and Virginia. The relationship between dust concentration and coal production is, at best, tenuous. 11 implies that existing dust control technology has assisted several mine operators to meet dust standards, while, at the same time, enabling mines to produce more coal than before. Comparison of data collected by MSHA and mine operators indicate that MSHA inspectors recorded higher dust levels and lower shift production relative to mine operators."

Jan 1, 1993

By B. Stuckert, P. Sheehan, J. Balfour, B. (Manas) Das, D. Fawcett

"With the growth of large scale surface mining operations, waste disposal and stability of waste dumps pose a challenging problem to engineers. Vibrations due to blasting operations proximal to these dumps further complicates dump design. Many dumps which are statically stable may become unstable due to the effects of blasting vibrations.A joint project between CANMET and Smoky River Coal Ltd. has been initiated to study the dynamic stability of waste dumps. The study involves development of an analytical algorithm combined with field monitoring to assess dump performance.Another objective of the study is to provide baseline data for a vibration attentuation relationships for sedimentary rock (coal) environments: most studies to date are for base metal mines. The effect of dump thickness on vibration response is also addressed.The key objective of the study is to present a methodology for assessing the dynamic stability of waste dumps. Implicit in this methodology are a number of assumptions concerning vibration attenuation in sedimentary rock environments, and response of the dump material to induced vibration. Where possible, these assumptions have been compared with monitoring data as a check on their validity."

Jan 1, 1989

By G. P. Demopoulos

"The recovery and separation of platinum-group metals (PGM) from primary and secondary materials currently attracts a lot of interest due to the high value of the metals and their increasing demand for high-tech applications. Thus, the traditional refining processes are gradually replaced by newer more efficient separation techniques such as solvent extraction and ion exchange. In this paper the classical and modern refining techniques are reviewed and the pertinent solution chemistry dictating proper processing strategies in each case is discussed. The technological advantages of the modern separation methods are emphasized and reference to the recovery of PGM from primary as well as secondary materials is given. INTRODUCTIONDue to their outstanding physicochemical properties, such as catalytic activity, conductivity and corrosion/oxidation resistance, precious metals now find extensive usage outside of the traditional jewellery and investment industries. The increasing use of precious metals in such areas as electronics and catalysis, as well as their increasing high value, has led to a growing interest in their recovery and separation from primary and secondary materials.Quantitatively the demand of platinum metals in the western world by area of application is described in Table I. Platinum and palladium represent 90% of the total demand, Rh and Ru 8% and the remaining is taken by Ir and Os. In terms of value the following were the average prices (US$/oz) of the metals in the second half of 1986: 500 Pt, 125 Pd, 1200 Rh, 650 Os, 400 Ir and 80 Ru. Due to these prices, exploration, mining, reclamation and refining activity were very high in South Africa, the biggest producer of Pt metals in the world, as well as in other areas: United States (Stilwater deposit), Canada (Sudbury, Marathon and Lac des Isles, Ontario; Kenly Lake, Quebec, etc.), Australia, Europe and elsewhere"

Jan 1, 1989

"The gravimetric dust sampler is one of the tools now available to the industrial hygienists for determining the worker 's exposure to the numerous types of particulate matter that may be present in the workplace. The paper ' reviews the different sampling trains that can be used for the two major criteria for respirable dust and some of the sources of error in this dust assessment technique.IntroductionIt may be stated simply that the measurement of airborne dust in the working environment is done for one or two reasons: namely, for engineering control purposes and! or to evaluate the potential for toxicological insult arising from the inhalation of dust particles.This paper reviews the progress made in the development of dust-assessing instruments, particularly the gravimetric types designed to meet British and U.S. dust criteria , and discusses the limitations in their use for this purpose."

Jan 1, 1981

By F. Duan, J. Pfarr, J. M. Goris

"The U.S. Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Homestake Mining Co. and the University of Utah, is conducting a field demonstration to evaluate the behaviour of rock masses supported with cable bolts. One of two rock masses being studied is supported with both conventional and birdcage cables. This rock mass is located between the 6500 and 6650 levels of the 45-48N stope, 21 ledge. The second rock mass is the hanging wall of the D-limb stope between the 3500 and 3650 levels near the Ross Shaft and is supported with conventional cables. The primary objectives of the project are to monitor the behaviour of the two rock masses during mining using extensometers and cable support strain gauges, after which the rock will be modelled using the finite-element code UTAH III. Field data will be used to verify the modelling. In addition, a comparison between the effectiveness of conventional and birdcage cables will be made.45-48N StopeThe 45-48N stope is located in the 21 ledge between the 6500 and 6650 levels and contains about 233 000 short tons of mineable ore. The orebody lies within the Homestake Formation and is very irregular being approximately 200 ft long and 75 ft wide. Between the 6500 and 6650 levels, it dips from 35 degrees to 60 degrees east with a near-vertical plunge to the south. Mineralization is characterized by arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite with minor gold. The contact between the Homestake and the overlying Ellison Formation creates a plane of weakness along localized graphitic layers. The footwall dips at approximately 60 degrees but between 100 ft and 120 ft above the 6650 level , the hanging wall flattens to almost 20 degrees causing a significant mining problem."

Jan 1, 1991

By P. R. A. Andrews

"Talc ore from Bakertalc, High water, Quebec analyzing about 60% talc, previously dry ground to about 95% minus 53 µm was beneficiated in an 11.4 kg/ h pilot-plant flotation circuit. A concentrate of 95.9% talc (necessary for paper-grade) was obtained at a recovery at 75.3% by employing 53 g/t of Dowfroth 250 collector at pH 9.2; further cleaning increased the grade to 97.2% talc at a recovery of 57.5%.Flotation of fresh ground 60% minus 44 µm ore at a feed rate of 18.6 kg/ h produced a grade of 96.4% talc with a recovery of 78.2%, using Aerofroth 70 collector a six carbon-branch chain alcohol, at pH 9.2.The similarity in the concentrate grade and recovery between pre-ground and fresh-ground ore indicated that it was not neces¬sary to grind to 95% minus 53/2m to achieve comparable selectivity. A grind of 60% minus 44 pm corresponds to 100% minus 300 µm.Flotation retention times obtained with fresh ground ore indicate 33 min. for combined rougher/scavenger, and 15 min. each for the first and second cleaners.Talc-magnesite flotation separation is explained in terms of physico-chemical forces, with reference to surface charge and adsorption mechanisms."

Jan 1, 1989

By John H. Schloen

"The object of this paper is to review electrolytic copper refining as it was in 1954(1), as it is now in 1984, and to comment on the many improvements which have been made in the last thirty years.In 1954, and even in 1984, the ASTM specification B 115 for cathode copper was 99.90% minimum copper plus silver content and 100% minimum electrical conductivity, IACS standard. However, to meet competition and to satisfy the requirements of the fabricators and the electrical industry, the electrolytic refinery must supply a product of 99.95% to 99.96% minimum copper content, and 101fJlo minimum electrical conductivity.The range of cathode impurities reported by 20 major copper refineries in 1954 are given in Table I.The much more rigid British Specification, DD 78, for high-purity cathode copper, specifies individual elements, as well as groups of elements, as shown in Table 2.The Svenska test has been replaced by a similar procedure which uses 2.r mm diameter wire. The ISO test is the one listed in the DD 78 specification. In Table 3, corresponding values for the Svenska and ISO test s are given for various wire bar coppers."

Jan 1, 1986

By Susan W. Campbell, Bruce Regensburg

"The CIM Careers Task Force has addressed industry's concern of a perceived shortage of skilled personnel over the coming decade. The industry is faced with a fundamental shift by young Canadians away from scientific and engineering careers, coupled with the fact that today 's students know little about the minerals industry and have a poor image of it.The responses to two questionnaires which were distributed to CIM members, government, professional associations, and educational institutions, formed the backbone of the Task Force position paper, which presents a shopping list of ideas and initiatives for consideration and to facilitation by the various organizations concerned.Tackling the image of the minerals industry is part of the answer to the careers crisis. On the positive side, the minerals industry provides the allure of a treasure hunt for young people and is seen as a significant contributor to the economy. It is understood to be well paying, provide good opportunities for advancement, individualism, and travel, and to be rich in esprit de corps. Enhancement of these positive aspects of the image can take place at all student age levels.Numerous initiatives tackle the negative aspects of the image. Young people perceive the industry to be environmentally damaging, which is the most crucial aspect that needs to be addressed. The industry is seen as still in the pick-and-shovel days and as a sunset industry that is running out of ore. Work in the minerals industry is perceived as dangerous and lacking glamour. And finally, the perceived remoteness of operations and exploration is seen as a drawback to a largely urbanized student group.Tackling young peoples' curiosity and interest in the minerals industry throughout grade school and encouraging postsecondary science and engineering students to enter the minerals industry by ensuring summer employment is the second part of the equation.The CIM Careers Task Force position paper develops strategy to attract and maintain interest of students in grade school, junior high, senior high school, and in post-secondary levels. The strategy outlines initiatives targetted at each of the educational levels and action plans to accomplish the objectives."

Jan 1, 1993

By J. A. Allan

"The history of the development and application of controlled recirculation systems in U.K. collieries is traced and the theory behind such systems briefly examined. Specific applications for dealing with dust and dust/heat problems in headings, for which practical experience is currently available, are described. Consideration is given to the special features which these systems introduce in the underground situation and to the essential safeguards which are required for their safe use.IntroductionRecirculation of air is a commonly used technique in genera l ventilation and air conditioning practice, but has always been regarded with some suspicion for mining applications. This is perfectly understandable in view o f the hazardous conditions which can occur with dangerous forms of recirculation in mines. However, certain controlled recirculation techniques can offer advantages, particularly in the field s of dust and climate control in headings, provided that they are designed, Installed an d managed with full comprehension o f all aspects of the system and always bearing in mind that from the point of view of serious firedamp ignition risk, headings are potentially the most hazardous places in coal mines.BackgroundProbably the first recorded use of deliberate recirculation in British collieries was reported by Lawton in 1933. This researcher described trials, undertaken under the auspices of a national committee on ""The Control of Atmospheric Conditions in Hot and Deep Mines"", involving attempts to increase the velocity, and thereby the cooling power on hot faces, by means of simple recirculation systems using fans and ducts delivering recirculated air in the opposite direction to the normal face airflow. No significant cooling advantage was obtained and there is no subsequent record of this work being continued. During the discussion on this paper, there was considerable disbelief that fire damp percentages had not increased significantly when air was recirculated, but apparently no attempt was made to establish why this should be. It is of interest to note that J. Ivon Graham, one of the contributors, recommended that recirculation should be tried in stone headings for the control o f dust, as he believed that ""there may be scope for recirculation and filtration of the air under certain circumstances in such headings"". This idea was not developed for another forty years."

Jan 1, 1983

By Nural Kuyucak, Bohumil Volesky

"Extensive screening revealed a seaweed (alga) biomass type which in its non-living state possesses a very high cobalt sequestering capacity comparable to that of activated carbon and the ion-exchange resin currently used in the cobalt production process. Performance of the new bio-sorbent material was studied by examining its equilibrium metal uptake isotherms generated under different solution conditions such as initial cobalt concentration pH, temperature, and the presence of selected cations and anions. The rate of cobalt uptake was determined, which is a crucial parameter for recovery process design. Almost all cobalt sorbed can also be desorbed with a solution of CaCI2. The bio-sorbent material can be used repeatedly in the sorption-desorption cobalt concentration process. IntroductionIt has been well documented that certain types of microbial biomass, living or non-living, possess a high potential to sequester and accumulate inorganic ions present in aqueous solutions. Metal concentration by microbial biomass from a solution is termed bio-sorption. This phenomenon is quite complex and includes adsorption of metals onto the surface of a microorganism and/or into the cellular structure in combination with ion-exchange, complexation, and/or micro-precipitation. Bio-sorption is generally considered to be a rapid physical/chemical process. The cell wall structure is porous and allows metal ions, as well as large organic nutrient molecules, to pass freely through. Polysaccharides of the cell wall could provide binding amino, carboxyl, phosphate and sulphate groups. In addition to these functional binding groups, polysaccharides often have ion-exchange properties. Sometimes, bivalent cations, such as Ca2+ or Mg2+, help the formation of ionic bond bridges between the negatively charged cell surfaces and positively charged cations in the solution, Proteins in the cell wall could offer functional groups and also offer peptide bonds to bind ions. Interactions between metal and the cell wall components are responsible for the sequestering of metals by way of bio-sorption. Many metals feature a complex solution chemistry and it is not always possible to determine what ionic species are actually present in the solution. The equilibria involved are dependent on pH, concentration, the anions present and other factors. The transport system for the ions are sometimes dependent on both temperature and energy. Biosorbent material could also be regenerated for multiple reuse."

Jan 1, 1988

By D. V. Krefting, D. R. Bennett

"The Cyprus Anvil Mining Corporation established a lead-zinc mine and concentrating plant at Faro in Yukon Territory in 1969. Following some 12 years of continuous operation from a single pit adjacent to the concentrator, the company decided to expand operations into two additional areas on the Vangorda Plateau. The two new deposits, known as Grum and Vangorda, are located some 15 kilometres from the existing concentrator.Confirmation of mining feasibility was followed by determination of the most practical and economical method of transporting the raw ore from the new mine sites to the existing concentrator. This analysis was carried out in two phases. The first phase reviewed the feasibility of alternative transportation systems on an 'order-of-magnitude' cost basis. This work identified systems worthy of more detailed examination. The second phase examined the preferred alternatives in greater detail.Initially, operating principles and parameters were established and catalogued. Then, based on these criteria, complete systems were developed utilizing alternative modes of transportation . In the overview analysis, some transportation modes were judged impractical and discarded, 'order-o f-magnitude' costs were developed for other systems and the most costly were eliminated . In the detailed study, the favourable systems were examined in depth which required development of accurate capital and operating costs, consideration of environ- mental impacts and an assessment of intangibles associated with the operation of a new development."

Jan 1, 1984

By Michael Farley, Paul Dufour

"Relationships, Partnerships,Marriages (RPM)RPM has a nice musical ring to it, but it is in fact synonymous with science and technology, university-government -corporate links and the more genera l issue of university roles in technology development. Pick up any report on one of these issues, and chances are that you will find one of these key words in the title. Play it, and you will find that the revolutions per minute are increasing. It is difficult to keep track of the wide variety of institutional experiments now developing in Canadian universities in attempts to marry science and research with technology commercialization and technology transfer.Why is the role of Canadian universities in this matter important? There are at least five good reasons:1. It is important because these knowledge institutions are producer s of scientific research, a major component of technology. Today the gap between the two is rapidly shrinking.2. It ' is important because Canadian industry is turning to universities for tech no logy development and new knowledge. Figure 1 shows that universities are becoming an important source of technology available to Canadian firm s; more important in fact than government. Figure 2 illustrates this trend more graphically in showing that university collaboration is one of the preferred methods of industry participating in co-operative R&D efforts:3. The role of Canadian universities in technology development is also important because the provincial and federal governments have embarked on various programs and policies for promoting the use of technology and science for economic benefit. Universities are playing an increasing role here. For example, the submission of IDEA Corporation (a venture capital operation funded by the government) in Ontario to the Bovey Commission on the Future Development of Ontario Universities clearly spelled out its ideas for commercialization of university research in Ontario . Among other things, the brief suggested that Ontario's universities need to be better equipped to transfer technology, and the reward structure in university research must incorporate industrial interests."

Jan 1, 1986

By J. L. Dion

"A study of the techniques to integrally cast copper tubes in copper tuyeres for use in blast furnaces has been carried out. The work has been performed in support of current efforts to produce two-compartment tuyeres having improved water-cooling capacity. A test pattern corresponding to a vertical section of a two-compartment tuyere, and including a cast-in-place copper tube, was used to investigate such variables as tube preparation, tube coolant, pouring temperature, pouring rate and gating design. Successful castings, either with a good metalfurgical bond or good intimate contact between the tube and the casting, were produced, with all combinations of gating system and position of the tube tried. However, the pouring temperature, the pouring rate and the effectiveness of the coolant are interrelated and must be controlled to produce a good metallurgical bond.IntroductionAs part of its contribution to, and in collaboration with, the Copper Casting for the Steel Industry Committee, CANMET has undertaken research into the methods and techniques needed for the integral casting of copper tubes into high-conductivity copper castings.The objective was to produce two-compartment copper blast furnace tuyeres in which the water-cooled nose compartment consists of a copper tube metallurgically bonded to the wall of the high-conductivity copper casting. This design, developed in the UK, has demonstrated a much extended service life with attendant economies; unscheduled shutdown of blast furnaces due to tuyere failure is a significant problem in the steel industry. The Canadian steel industry believes that this design will replace the currently used single-compartment tuyere in blast furnaces within a few years.The technology to produce these tuyeres does not exist in Canada. One of the main features is the inclusion of a smooth-walled cooling channel in the nose, which permits high velocity cooling water to be employed. A second compartment acts as a reservoir backup, should failure in the nose occur. This would allow continued use of the tuyere for a period of time, permitting a scheduled shutdown for repair s. To assist the Canadian producers of tuyeres to maintain their market, and the Canadian steel industry to have a reliable domestic supply, it is important that the necessary technology for the production of two-compartment tuyeres be developed and transferred to industry."

Jan 1, 1982

By W. G. Davenport

Methods of extracting copper are evaluated in terms of innovations during the 1970's, and predictions to the end of this century are made. It is concluded that between one and two new smelters and refineries will be needed per year until the turn of the century, and that most of these smelters will be of the oxygen or oxygen-enriched flash furnace type. For converting, the Peirce-Smith converter will still predominate, but the Hoboken converter will play an increasingly important role. Five Japanese pollution control systems are described and it is suggested that much of this technology will be included in future smelting installations. Further growth of hydrometallurgy is predicted, especially for oxide ores, based on improved product metal quality and low plant cost. A n increased level of scrap resmelting is also expected.

Jan 1, 1980

By Philip M. J. Gray

"The real cost of conversion from ore to semi-fabricated non-ferrous metals has been increasing for many years. Consumer resistance and improved knowledge and techniques now available justify investment in revolutionary as well as evolutionary methods of extraction. Metallurgical factors in current practice which preordain high production costs are identified as: smelters' demand for clean minerals, use of processes with low intensity of working per unit of reactor volume, use of low-velocity reactions, use of long reactor retention times relative to the speed of reactions, dilution of values in solution and commitment to electric power as a source of energy.Six new types of flowsheet are proposed for processing from ore to metal, composed of steps which are economic to construct and maintain and making maximum direct use of fossil fuel and the energy content of minerals. The basic knowledge and technology for developing these flowsheets exists. It is very tentatively suggested that these routes might reduce the capital and production cost for conversion of ore to metal by 30-50%."

Jan 1, 1980

By Theo Mayer

Presentation Outline Define data visualization in the context of workflow Present other industries? application and demonstrated benefits Provide conceptual tools to help you address a visualization strategy Hold 10,000 foot view ? to touch on many issues

May 1, 2008

By J. C. Moreno, G. Rios, M. Palacios

The Huelva smelter was commissioned in 1970 coinciding with the shutdown of the old smelter in the Rio Tinto mine site. That new smelter consisted of two Momoda blast furnaces with a capacity of 500 dmtpd of concentrate. Nevertheless, soon after their start-up, it was clear that an increase in the smelting capacity was needed. After an analysis of the existing alternatives at that time, the flash smelting technology was chosen. The new Outokumpu Flash Smelting Furnace (FSF) came into operation on 18 September1975, with an initial capacity of 900 dmtpd of concentrate, using four Venturi-type burners and preheated atmospheric air. Since that date the Huelva Smelter team, together with Outokumpu (now called Outotec), have continuously improved our FSF design, process conditions and operational practices, leading to a present capacity of 3,500 dmtpd of concentrate. Since 1975, five smelting campaigns have been completed, the last ending in November 2013 with the rebuilding of the original FSF hearth. This paper describes the history of these improvements and the lessons learned.

Jan 1, 2014

By William Petruk, Donald Leroux, Michael Cooper

"Brunswick's primary flotation circuit (CuPb) produces a low grade concentrate containing considerable amounts of undesirable sphalerite and pyrite. To determine the cause of the poor selectivity, a series of Quantitative Mineralogical Analyses (QMA) were performed on several CuPb circuit streams. It was observed that significant fractions of sphalerite and pyrite reporting to the concentrate was liberated, meaning that their depression was not complete. The study highlighted the need for some R&D efforts to be spent in sulphide flotation fundamentals.IntroductionThe viability of many mining projects strongly depends on the performance of their concentrators. More than ever, competitive grade concentrate and high metal recoveries are criteria of paramount economic importance. The selectivity of solid/solid separation processes used in concentrators must be maintained at high levels or continuously improved.Flotation is the solid/solid separation process used by most base metal producers. In spite of its low operating cost, flotation remains a very complex process. To make it selective, precise reagent dosages and electrochemical conditions must be maintained. The difficulty in controlling flotation lies in the numerous heterogeneous reactions that can take place between the different solid, liquid and gaseous phases involved. This complex chemistry makes flotation selectivity difficult to understand and, therefore, to improve from a theoretical point of view.Brunswick Mining and Smelting, near Bathurst N.B., operates a 10500 tpd concentrator which produces four concentrates through five stages of sequential flotation (Figure I). Various reagents are added at key process stages while the ore undergoes different electrochemical conditions. Although the selectivity is important at all stages, the performance of the very first separation, the CuPb circuit, is the most critical. It is here where mineral misplacement to the wrong stream has the greatest economic consequences."

Jan 1, 1996

By Charles Tkaczuk

Key issues ? Process control is a corporate function implemented locally. ? Security and documentation is mandatory requiring standard practices. ? Publish and communicate activities (do not re-invent the wheel). ? Payback metric system for all projects. ? Partnering with vendors based on experience, expertise and joint R&D. ? Focus on phased process control projects and distribution of costs. ? Integration of services and functions. ? Application of global standards. ? Big picture application thinking.

Apr 1, 2005