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By P Staples, G Lane, S Morrell

The design of semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill based comminution circuits for the treatment of competent ores, similar to those at Geita and Boddington, involves the same process of sample selection, test work, data analysis and data modelling/interpretation as that used for 'average' competency ores. However, over the past couple of years a number of issues have arisen that are common to the design of circuits for the comminution of 'highly' competent ores. The impact of these issues on project viability is generally more pronounced when treating hard ores than average to soft ores due to the greater impact on capital and operating costs. The issues encountered have included: standard test procedures have been modified; test equipment has worn or been damaged; different procedures yield different data and varying interpretation; and modelling and empirical calculations have been based on poor benchmarks, or used incorrectly in the case of JKSimMet, yielding misleading outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to present, discuss and clarify some of the issues associated with conducting test work and designing comminution circuits for the treatment of 'highly' competent ores in order to reduce thelevel of conflict arising from interpretation and application of test work data. Specifically, the issues associated with the bond crushing (impact) and rod work indices measurement, the various SAG mill specific energy tests, and the interpretation of the resulting data will be discussed in the context of case studies.

Jan 1, 2009

By Darling Elías Montoya

El presente trabajo señala la importancia de la cuenca del Marañón en tanto representa un ambiente idóneo de deposición aurífera para el ámbito nacional. La cuenca se encuentra situada entre los centros poblados de Borja-Saramiriza-Puerto América de Madre de Dios, cuyas condiciones desarrollan posibilidades de deposición de oro aluvial. El estudio prospectivo fue empleado por personal técnico de la gerencia de exploraciones de Centromin Perú.S.A en el que obtuvieron 26 muestras referenciales, encontrando 100 000 hectáreas de interés prospectivo por oro fluvial.

Apr 1, 1991

By R E. Myers, G N. Phillips

Many of the worldÆs larger iron ore deposits are hosted by rock sequences of Archaean to early Proterozoic age. Most models for the genesis of these deposits are influenced, either directly or indirectly, by the nature of the atmosphere at the time of their formation, and more specifically by the presence or absence of oxygen in the early atmosphere. Since the early-1950s, the geological literature suggests that the Archaean atmosphere was æreducingÆ, and that it may not have contained significant amounts of free oxygen until ca 2 Ga. There are many different definitions of the term æreducingÆ, but the criterion adopted here is whether crustal iron was limited to Fe2+, or whether Fe3+ was also widespread, ie was there scope for redox changes in the state of iron? Significantly, major Australian banded iron formations span this period of inferred atmosphere transition, eg Mt Goldsworthy, Mt Tom Price, Middleback Ranges. Geological evidence for a reducing Archaean atmosphere is both ambiguous and controversial (see review by Phillips, Law and Myers, 2001). Many earlier ideas (eg no Archaean redbeds; all very large iron ore deposits being post-Archaean) have been disproved by dating, whereas other evidence (eg homogeneous detrital gold grains, inferred palaeosols) has not withstood geological scrutiny. The interpretation of some data sets (eg inferred detrital uraninite and pyrite in some Archaean meta-sedimentary rocks) is still controversial. In fact, some lines of evidence now suggest that oxygen was present in the atmosphere well before 2.5 Ga (eg sulfates in the Pilbara craton, carbon distribution in clastic sedimentary rocks). An oxidising Archaean atmosphere has important implications for the development of iron formations. First, the atmosphere is an obvious potential source of oxygen to stabilise ferric iron minerals. Second, reduced fluids in equilibrium with ferrous iron are commonly inferred to transport iron in solution to the depositional site. The redox state of the atmosphere thus provides critical constraints on the solution chemistry of surface waters, effective transport paths for iron and particularly on viable precipitation mechanisms. Iron formations developed from fluids in equilibrium with the atmosphere also have the potential to provide important constraints on the evolution of EarthÆs early atmosphere. If an oxygenated atmosphere is a necessary condition for the development of iron formations, then the Archaean atmosphere must have been oxidising since at least 3.5 Ga. If the redox state of the atmosphere is not a necessary condition, then the time distribution of iron formations cannot be used to provide constraints on atmospheric evolution. Given these uncertainties, models for the genesis of iron ore deposits of Archaean or early Proterozoic age should not rely on a reducing atmosphere in the absence of independent evidence and the alternative of an oxidising atmosphere should also be considered.

Jan 1, 2002

A large-diameter road tunnel will cross beneath the strait in Istanbul and expand the infrastructure bottleneck between Europe and Asia. The technical planning of the tunneling operations poses complex challenges. Therefore, the construction consortium ordered a specially adapted tunnel boring machine (TBM) from Herrenknecht. The 13.6-m (44.6-ft) machine, a Mixshield, was completed in early July 2013 in Schwanau, Germany. To get from the European to the Asian side of Istanbul, people and goods have to cross the Bosporus Straits. So far, two road bridges as well as ferries provide the only transport link between the two parts of the city and the two continents. The tense traffic situation for the nearly 14 million residents of the city and for international transit traffic should be improved considerably thanks to the construction of a new road tunnel under the Bosporus. ?The project is certainly one of the most challenging tunneling operations currently being addressed in the world,? said Herrenknecht project manager Georg Schleer. The route of the ?Istanbul Strait Road Tube Crossing Project? runs around 100 m (330 ft) below sea level at its deepest point. The interior diameter of the tunnel will be 12 m (40 ft) so that two lanes in each direction can be accommodated. They will extend one above the other on two levels. 3.34 km (2.1 miles) of the tunnel with a total length of 5.4 km (3.3 miles) are being created by a 13.6-m- (44.6-ft-) diameter Herrenknecht TBM that will begin its underground mission from a launch shaft on the Asian side.

Sep 1, 2013

By P. Cicmanec

Mining activities in the territory of Slovakia have a long history. Mining techniques have developed rapidly in the last centuries. This paper deals not only with mining history, but also with underground brown coal mining, magnesite mining and other mining activities at present and sustainable developments of the mining industry in the Slovak Republic. This paper looks forward in the context of mineral raw materials in Europe (Global Europe, 2012).

Aug 1, 2013

By Vladimir Panjkovic, Ostrovski. Oieg, Campbell Cripps Clark, John Truelove

"Effects of properties of raw materials and blast on the performance of an iron bath reactor have been examined by a mathematical model. The model consists of three modules: 1) chemical reactions in the gas phase and heat transfer from gas to droplets ejected from the bath; 2) heat losses from the vessel and radiative heat transfer from the freeboard to the bath; and 3) heat and mass balances for the bath. The following parameters of the process are calculated: coal, ore, flux and oxygen consumption, post-combustion ratio and heat-transfer efficiency, temperature and composition of the off-gas, and slag and metal chemistry.IntroductionOne of the anticipated advantages of smelting reduction over conventional ironmaking is the use of lower-grade raw materials. In this work, the effect of-properties of raw materials on the performance of an iron-bath reactor is examined with a numerical model. The model is also used to assess the effect of properties of the blast (flowrate, temperature and oxygen enrichment) and ejected droplets (generation rate, size and ratio of total weights of slag and iron droplets) on the key parameters of the process. In the process coal, oxygen, ore (which may be partly prereduced) and fluxes for specified slag composition are charged to the bath. Slag and iron droplets are ejected from the bath into the gas phase, where they are heated before returning to the bath. Iron droplets undergo decarburisation and reoxidation with CO2 and H2O. Dust is also generated from the bath, and oxygen or preheated air for post combustion is injected from the top of the vessel.The model consists of three modules: 1) reactions in the gas phase and heat transfer from gas to droplets ejected from the bath; 2) heat losses from the vessel and radiative heat transfer from the freeboard to the bath; and 3) heat and mass balances for the bath. The structure of the model and the data exchange between the modules are shown in Fig. 1. The following parameters of the process are calculated: coal, ore, flux and oxygen consumption, postcombustion ratio (PCR), heat transfer efficiency (HTE), off-gas temperature and composition, slag and metal chemistry, and rates of decarburisation and reoxidation of the iron droplets."

Jan 1, 1996

By B. Ladanyi

The design philosophies for piles in unfrozen and frozen soils are compared, and their similarities and differences are underlined. It is shown that in frozen soils, the long term behavior of a pile is difficult to predict, because of inadequate knowledge on the behavior of adfreeze bond with time, and on the value and variation of the lateral normal stress acting on the pile. Both of these problems are discussed in the paper on the basis of laboratory tests and theoretical analyses.

Jan 1, 2010

By J. T. Hollow

The Fort Knox Mine is located in Alaska?s interior, where the average ambient air temperatures range from -24°C (-11°F) in January to 16°C (61°F) in July. The mill processes a free-milling gold ore utilizing both a gravity recovery circuit and conventional cyanide leach/carbon-in-pulp circuits. Mathematical models have been developed to accurately predict the impact of leach circuit slurry temperature on gold leaching, carbon adsorption and cyanide destruction kinetics. Additionally, an energy-balance approach has been used to model the seasonal variations in slurry temperatures throughout the Fort Knox mill. The energy-balance model, combined with the kinetics models previously developed to predict plant performance, was used to justify a tailing thickener installation at the Fort Knox Mine. This paper describes the development of the energy-balance model and its prediction of plant performance assuming a tailings wash thickener to reduce heat loss from the mill. Also presented is an analysis of the post-project plant performance that validates the model and shows that the mine produced an additional 596 kg (19,155 oz) of gold while reducing mill reagent costs by $6,302,000 during the first 38 months of operation.

Jan 1, 2007

By T. Price, H. A. Holl, A. P. Greenough, A

UdIN, Shaler, and ulff' first used wires for the determination of the surface energy of a solid metal. A gage length was marked by tying knots in the wires, which were then suspended in a cylinder of the same metal, heated in an inert atmosphere for the appropriate time, cooled to room temperature, and finally removed from the furnace so that the lengths of the wires could be measured. With iron wires, difficulties associated with deformation during the phase changeszp3 made it necessary to measure the gage lengths at the tem-

Jan 1, 1964

By Peter Cain

Longwall extraction in the Phalen Scam in the Sydney Coalfield of Nova Scotia is carried out under flooded abandoned workings in the Harbour Seam 140 m above, and at depth of up to 700 m beneath the Atlantic Ocean. Careful planning of panel and pillar dimensions is necessary to prevent inflows from the overlying workings and to prevent the development of excessive subsidence strains at the seabed. This paper briefly summarises the research undertaken over the past five years by CBDC and CBCRL into the problems associated with mining under water, and then describes the development and application of a design/planning code of practice developed jointly by CBDC, CBCRL and mine regulatory agencies. The design method employed in the Code of Practise is based on empirical data from the coalfield and parameters developed from subsidence modelling and previous water inflow experience. It includes precautionary measures to be adopted during development and mining, and monitoring procedures to be followed. It is flexible enough to allow future developments in the understanding of inflow mechanisms to be incoporated without major modifications, and represents a major step forward in reducing the potential hazards associated with coal extraction in the coalfield.

Jan 1, 1996

By D. Komljenovic, V. Kecojevic

Selection of the best possible truck type (model) is of crucial importance for the mine decision-makers. In this paper, authors contribute to the body of knowledge by developing a novel methodology for the selection of mining truck. Both the Coefficient of Technical Level (CTL) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods were used in this study. The CTL represents a mathematical function which takes into consideration the interrelations among the main technical parameters of mining trucks. The authors developed a hierarchical structure where both attribute categories and their importance, i.e. priority or weight in the selection process were determined. For each category, a number of sub-attributes and their priorities were assigned, and a pairwise comparison among them was performed using the AHP method. In the final part of the study, the CTL was integrated into the AHP and represents a holistic approach in the selection of mining trucks. A case study on 180 tonnes truck category offered by five manufacturers was carried out. A sensitivity study of obtained results was also performed indicating a very stable solution. The methodology presented in this paper may be used by mining operators to help in the selection of a specific type when acquiring a new truck. It may also be used by equipment manufacturers to help in analysis of potential benefits of envisaged modifications concerning an existing truck type and/or development of a new type.

Jan 1, 2007

By T. E. Gray

This report describes the preparation characteristics of the significant coalbeds in Nicholas County, W. Va. It is one in a series describing coals suitable for producing metallurgical coke, either as mined or after beneficiation. Almost 5 million tons of coal were produced in Nicholas County, W. Va., in 1960, of which over 2.6 million tons were cleaned in eight preparation plants. It has been estimated that over 6 billion tons remained in the county as of December 31, 1960, in beds 12 inches and more thick.

Jan 1, 1962

By Bradford NL

The Isa Mine of Mount Isa Mines Limited produces 2.6 million tonnes of silver-lead-zinc ore annually from sub level open stopes of which approximately 40% comes from the narrow Racecourse orebodies below 15 level.Geologically the stoping environment is complicated by highly fissile shale hangingwalls and below 17 level by a high stress regime.The realization that major hangingwall failures and generally poor ground conditions could lead to serious dilution problems, and ultimately production shortfalls, prompted investigations into the use of low strength explosives.

Jan 1, 1985

By M. Mostert

Mining companies sponsor a range of non-core, corporate social responsibility projects to adhere to social and labour plans and environmental management prerequisites that form part of a mining licence application. Some companies go above and beyond such projects, sponsoring initiatives that generate renewable energy through solar power, wind energy, natural gas, etc. The challenge for these companies is to choose between a variety of projects to ensure maximum value, especially in times when the economic climate might be less favourable for such projects. The focus of this research was to analyse the concept of sustainability as it exists today, and to apply that to the triple bottom line accounting method in an attempt to quantify the sustainability of a project. Research was done on the methane burn-off project at Sibanye Gold?s Beatrix Mine to establish how such projects are planned and financed, and what impact they have on the triple bottom line of a company. The financial bottom line is, by definition, one that executives understand. This paper also proposes a quantitative method for defining the social and environmental bottom lines as well. By considering the financial, social, and environmental values, the study attempts to determine a monetary value for a sustainable renewable energy project. This monetary value can be compared to similar values obtained for other sustainable renewable energy projects under consideration. The research suggests that monetary value alone is not enough to base a sustainable decision on, and qualitative measures are suggested for use in conjunction with quantitative methods. The selection method proposed should assist the board of a mining company to choose the most sustainable option and the project that will add the greatest value to the company across all three bottom lines. It will also provide increased justification for such renewable energy projects, even in periods of harsh or uncertain economic climates.

Jan 1, 2014

The projection of operating costs for mining, processing, and other site operating costs is an exercise which can be fraught with considerable peril. Not only are the physical characteristics of each mineral property unique, but a range of other factors will influence the consultant's approach to compiling cash flow estimates. This paper details some of the techniques used in estimating operating costs for use in order-of-magnitude cost studies and feasibility studies, and describes how to avoid common areas of difficulty. A series of examples relating to open pit gold mining and processing cost estimates illustrate these problems, and various corrective methods are described. The mining and treatment processes, and their associated cost elements, are followed in sequence of operation from on-going ore delineation through to disposal of the product. In addition the problem of assigning management, administration and overhead costs along with taxation allowances is addressed. Of critical importance is the application or possible misapplication of accrual procedures to the cost elements. In many cases such misapplication can introduce more pronounced errors with projects of short duration, such as the typical open pit/C.I.P. gold operation commenced in the last decade. The importance of providing verification of estimates depending upon the standard of the cost study is also investigated, and opinion is provided upon the minimum levels of verification necessary at various stages. Finally, the amalgamation of the various individual cost elements into a coherent whole is reviewed.

Jan 1, 1990

By T. Holmes

Investigations reveal that the throughput difference between a perfect production day and the average is often on the order of 40%, and that bulk solids handling system deficiencies are the largest (>50%) class of lost opportunities. Root causes for underperformance of elements in material handling systems can often be traced back to the detailed design and even study-stage oversights. To reduce or eliminate bulk solids handling problems in an existing system requires an analysis of troublesome handling equipment – for example, a concentrate transfer chute that experiences plugging, poor flow to the furnace, unacceptable dust generation, and spillage. These problems often lead to significant maintenance costs related to downtime and personnel time. Understanding the cause and cost of flow issues is the first step in troubleshooting the problem. Next, measuring the material’s flow properties is critical to providing design data required to develop a comprehensive scientific solution. In the case of a new installation, the design data is required to properly design the system right first time and prevent flow problems from occurring so that the new equipment works correctly from start-up. This paper highlights the cost of material handling problems and discusses the best approach to evaluate material handling system deficiencies. A case study is given of how Anglo American's operation in Barro Alto Brazil enjoyed a 5-month payback from a bulk solid transfer chute debottleneck project. INTRODUCTION When operating a plant or designing a greenfield or brownfield operation, the intent is to have perfect production days (PPD) each and every day. Money is made by moving material through the plant in a controlled manner to produce the desired product. Mining operations and copper concentration processes are at the most basic level a practice in bulk solids handling (BSH). Unfortunately, many of the project planning steps are overlooked, particularly related to BSH. Investigations reveal that the throughput difference between a PPD and the actual average is often on the order of 40%, and that BSH system deficiencies are the largest (>50%) class of lost opportunities (Wellwood, 2017). Root causes for underperformance of elements in material handling systems can often be traced back to the detailed design and even study-stage oversights. BSH issues are essentially baked into the fabricated plant and left to operations to accept the deficiencies and deal with them for the life of the mine. These deficiencies then become part of the normal operation of the mine and plant.

Jan 1, 2019

About 15 per cent of total electricity (400 MkW) was generated by nuclear power plants in the world (2009) and about 36 000 tons of uranium has been mined in uranium mines annually. Radioactive waste material is produced from uranium mines and nuclear power plants. The wastes must be disposed or stored safely for long-term. If they leak and/or move from disposal or storage sites due to air/groundwater flow, then a serious environmental pollution can occur. Hence, multi-layer system has been proposed and employed in order to seal off these radioactive waste materials from biosphere. Basically, bentonite is now used for establishing absorbing and sealing layers in this system. However, the amount of high quality betonite is very limited and in some cases it is hard to be obtained.On the other hand, a great deal of refuse from coal burning plants is produced every year and the amount of it is expected to be higher each year, especially in developing countries. More than half of flyash is utilised and the remaining is disposed at the disposal sites. However, the life of the disposal site is limited and it is diff cult to find a new disposal site. It is requested that the percentage of the utilisation of the flyash be increased in every field.From the above two points of view, a flyash-based barrier layer/cover system is considered in this research and this paper discusses the applicability of flyash as a content of barrier layer/cover material based on the results of a series of laboratory tests.

Dec 6, 2010

In bump-prone coal mines, roof and rib support is subject to dynamic as well as static loading. Although less frequently encountered, the dynamic loading component can result in violent coal expulsions into openings seriously threatening the safety of workers. Dynamic support systems that have been increasingly implemented in many deep hard rock mines for dynamic failure containment have not yet found their adaptation to deep coal mines at desired levels. This paper examines the potential use of some of these dynamic support systems in deep coal mining, particularly in the western United States. Fundamental principles of dynamic loading are reviewed in the context of their application to dynamic failure mechanisms in coal mines. Potential benefits and applicability of the suitable hard rock dynamic support systems are discussed in relation to coal bump mitigation. The resulting insight provides a starting point for development of dynamic support elements for bump prone conditions in deep coal mines.

Jan 1, 2009

By Joan T. May

The Bureau of Mines conducted laboratory tests to evaluate the production of high-purity H3P04 by HCl digestion and solvent extraction. Both batch and bench-scale continuous tests were made. Western phosphate rock concentrates were acidulated with HCI, and the digestion liquors were processed by solvent extraction. Phosphoric acid was extracted with isoamyl alcohol and recovered from the organic extract by contact with an NH4F solution. This solution was fractionally distilled to yield high-purity H3P04. The raffinate from solvent extraction was treated with lime to precipitate CaF2, which was subjected to steam pyrolysis to generate HF. This method was successful in recovering 95 pet of the phosphate and 80 pct of the fluoride contained in the concentrates.

Jan 1, 1976

By Don Stevens

The Denali Prospect (147° 08' 20" W, 63° 08' 50" N) is located on the south flank of the Alaska Range in the Clearwater Mountains in south central Alaska. (See Figure 1). The mineralization was discovered in 1963 and surface explora¬tion began the following summer. Surface trenching and diamond drilling were used to locate and sample the mineralized zones. In 1969, an adit totalling approximately 1400 feet was completed. In 1970, a -15% grade decline approximately 1800 feet long was completed. Further diamond drilling was done along with both underground programs. Although much work remains to be done to properly evaluate the prospect, results from all the work to date are quite encouraging. This paper will consider the geology of the prospect and the surrounding area, some- aspects of the geochemistry of the sulfides, and the origin of the sulfide deposits. This paper includes data from this writer's Ph. D. dissertation, "Geology and Geochemistry of the Denali Prospect, Clearwater Mountains Alaska" from the University of Alaska and subsequent work.

Jan 1, 1972