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By R. G. Robins

The effective removal of arsenic(V) from process streams and waste waters by precipitation with excess iron(II1) is sometimes attributed to the formation of basic ferric arsenates. The authors have investigated this system extensively using a variety of techniques and conclude that the solid phase produced is iron(II1) oxyhydroxide (ferrihydrite) with arsenic(V) adsorptively bound to the 2-3 nm particles.

Jan 1, 1992

E. E. THUM,* Salt Lake City, Utah (written discussion?).-While the present paper is confined exclusively to the microstructure of fusion welds, it may be of interest to draw attention to certain appearances existing in resistance welds such as spot or butt-welded joints produced by the Thomson process. For instance, a butt weld between two pieces of carbon tool steel (carbon about 0.90 per cent.) will show concentric ellipsoids of the various materials from pearlite to martensite. The surfaces of demarcation are quite well defined, the center of the ellipsoid being at the intersection of the axis of the piece and the plane of the weld. Often these unannealed welds show a troostitic center; evidently this core was not quenched as rapidly as the surrounding shell. Such specimens are beautiful samples for instruction purposes. An annealed butt weld of this kind will show a very well defined central ellipsoid of decarburized, materials. It is interesting to consider the reason why this change takes place. It must be understood that the heat is on the metal for a very short time, possibly 30 sec. It is therefore evident that the decarburization, or migration, of the carbon takes place with extreme rapidity. Since no blowholes are evident in a well-made butt weld, the deoxidizing air and the products of combustion must migrate with the highest speed; second, the carbon might migrate back into the stock; or, last, a large proportion of the pearlite may be extruded with the hot metal, which forms a fin at the plane of weld. Examining these possibilities in detail, it is not probable that such deep-seated decarburization, extending with maximum effect to the very center of a 2-in. round bar, is done by reaction with the oxygen of the air. This would postulate entrance of oxygen and egress of carbon oxides in large quantity without leaving behind traces in the form of oxides or

Jan 5, 1919

George E. Collins, Nacoochee, Ga. (communication to the Secretary): The results tabulated below were obtained at the Reynolds mill, White county, Ga. They were noted, not with a view to investigating the point discussed by Mr. Clark, but in course of a test on a working scale to determine the com parative saving from a given free-milling ore on copper and silvered plates respectively. In every case the bullion assayed was the result of a separate clean-up on a considerable quantity of ore. The ore varied widely in grade and in other respects, but the runs bracketed in the table were made at the same time, in adjoining batteries, and on similar types of ore. In a * Result modified by the addition to the bullion-shipment of a little impure bullion left over from previous clean-ups.. On these occasions, the strips of copper were removed from the tables, and: their lower surfaces were cleaned. Hence the higher yield reported.

Jan 1, 1900

By Bernardo Martins Braga

O desgaseificador RH é um reator de refino secundário bem estabelecido. Nesse equipamento, gás inerte é usado para promover a circulação de aço entre a panela de aciaria e uma câmara de vácuo. A predição correta da dispersão de gás na perna de subida do RH é importante para a modelagem confiável do processo. O presente trabalho estudou a penetração de gás na perna de subida do RH por meio de modelos físico e matemático. No estudo, foram considerados apenas um ou dois bicos injetores e vazões de gás, por bico, entre 5l/min e 50l/min. Para as condições com um bico injetor, os resultados das duas abordagens mostraram boa concordância qualitativa. Já para as condições com dois bicos injetores, a concordância só foi satisfatória para vazões de até 30l/min por bico. Adicionalmente, os resultados obtidos indicaram que o problema de penetração de gás em modelos matemáticos de desgaseificador RH identificado na literatura está relacionado com erros numéricos e não com falhas na modelagem da física do problema.

Aug 17, 2017

By Thomas C. Mowatt

Chemical and petrographic studies were carried out on selected tin-bearing rock samples of contact-metasomatic origin from the Cassiterite Creek and Brooks Mountain areas, Seward Peninsula, Alaska. The tin content of rocks ranged from 0.39 to 8.9 pct. Leaching with a 20 pct hydrochloric acid solution released from 19.3 to 67.9 pct of the tin. Cassiterite was not observed in the rock samples. These results are significant with regard to tin recovery and reserve delineation in these and similar occurrences. Part of this leachable tin may be associated with metasomatic borate minerals.

Jan 1, 2011

By Peter F. Howard

The lower Middle Cambrian phosphorite deposits of the Georgina Basin shown in Figure 1 were found in the period 1966-1968 by three companies, namely, International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Continental Oil Corporation and Broken Hill South Limited. Of these deposits the significant ones are Duchess, Sherrin Creek, D Tree, Lady Annie, Lady Jane, and Wonarah which together aggregate several billion tons reserves of phosphate. Due to the economic factors of freight costs to the coast and softening of the world market price for rock phosphate, none of them is in production, nor is any in the development stage. This paper reviews the historical background to the discovery of these deposits and then deals principally with the discovery of non-outcropping phosphorites in the Barkly Tablelands of Northern Territory by the interpretation of gamma radiation logs of abandoned water bores.

Jan 1, 1971

By A. CHESTER BEATTY

SO much has been written about African, and particularly about Northern Rhodesian, copper during the past two years that I feel safe in assuming that you are familiar with the general background of the Rhodesian picture. Therefore, I will confine myself to certain of the high lights in connection with the history, geology, development, ore reserves, and contemplated mining methods in this relatively new and highly important copper field., Unlike most of the other great orebodies of the world, the Roan Antelope mine was not discovered by the hoof of a starving prospector's faithful burro; nor even, as its name might suggest, by a well-placed kick of protest from an antelope stumbling over a malachite outcrop. Late in 1905 an English prospector named Collier, traveling in the N'Dola district, came upon some natives using a green powder for medicinal purposes. Closer examination of the powder revealed that it ' was ground-up malachite. Collier endeavored to persuade the natives to tell him where they obtained this medicine, but' for a long time without success, because of the general feeling among the natives that they did not wish to reveal the resources of their land to the white. Finally however, - he persuaded- brie 'of-the elders to at" least take 'him part way toward, the- place where the malachite was supposed to occur. The bid took him, to a point on the lower regions of the Luanshya river and there left him with the instructions that if he followed the stream up toward its.

Jan 1, 1931

By C. Strachan

This paper presents an evaluation of tailings dam incidents from the 1994 USCOLD Tailings Dam Committee report. Comparisons are also made with water storage dam incidents from USCOLD reports and recent tailings dam incidents. The evaluation results show that tailings dam incidents are due to a number of factors including overtopping, static and seismic instability, seepage and internal erosion, and foundation conditions, and that no particular type of tailings dam or operational condition is more susceptible to incidents. In addition, the results confirm that tailings dams should be located, designed, operated, and reclaimed with a thorough knowledge of site conditions, mill operation, site monitoring, and tailings characteristics.

Jan 1, 1999

By Y Zhou, Y Liu, J-P Yang, P Wang, K Hu

"Large-scale mine reclamation has taken place recently in response to the implementation of mining regulations in China. Effective monitoring of the progress of reclaimed land is a critical procedure to assess the quality of reclamation program and to ensure that mining enterprises fulfill their reclamation responsibilities. The present paper reports a preliminary study that examines the situation of mine land reclamation monitoring. Based on the monitoring, some general requirements for mined land reclamation have been proposed, including: the monitoring should be systematic and comprehensive the monitoring should be adapted to specific local conditions the monitoring should be reasonably optimised via scientific methods and technology the monitoring should stick to a variety of national technical criteria.The aim of land reclamation monitoring is to evaluate changes of critical indicators closely reflecting the development trend of the reclaimed mined land, to develop or improve the criteria and technical parameters specific to the site, and to prevent secondary environmental degradation. Based on these requirements and aim, the monitoring should cover the progress of reclamation, establishment of vegetation and plant community development; and recovery of land and water quality in the reclamation area. Regulatory measures are proposed which would improve the work of mine reclamation monitoring in terms of regulation, organisation and financial support.CITATION :Wang, P, Yang, J-P, Zhou, Y, Hu, K and Liu, Y, 2012. The primary framework for the mechanism of the mine reclamation monitoring in China, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2012, pp 47-50 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jul 10, 2012

By E. G. Cauda

Diesel engines are a major source of underground miners? exposure to nitrogen dioxide. In an effort to reduce the exposure of underground miners to regulated and unregulated diesel emissions, primarily particulate matter, mining companies in the U.S. are retrofitting existing and introducing new engines with various exhaust aftertreatment technologies. Different aftertreatment devices, or changing the operating temperature of a selected device, can have unexpected effects on the concentration of nitrogen dioxide emitted by a diesel-powered piece of equipment. This paper provides an overview of the effects different exhaust aftertreatment technologies available to the mining industry have on no2 emissions.

Jan 1, 2010

By Brian W. Mackenzie

The mine development decision is made on completion of exploration to determine whether or not a mineral deposit should be developed to production and, if so, how. This involves the selection of an optimum mine development alternative from a number of technically feasible alternatives and the comparison of this optimum with those of other available investment opportunities. If the optimum is sufficiently attractive, the deposit is developed to production. The selection process is carried out within a framework of corporate objectives and resources. The mine development decision is based on the balancing of two parameters - - rate of production as reflected in plant capacity and cut-off grade. On the basis of available information and experience, detailed revenue and cost 'estimates are made for each feasible combination of plant capacity and cut-off grade. What economic evaluation techniques should be applied to these estimates to reduce each alternative to economic indicators that will enable meaningful comparisons and an informed investment decision? This is the essence of the paper. The determination of optimum plant capacity and cut-off grade has been the subject of intensive research efforts by economists and mining engineers (1-7). Their studies are based on marginal analysis and assume that, at the time of decision, certainty conditions prevail with respect to ore reserves, mining costs and mineral markets. The optimum mine development alternative is defined as that which maximizes profitability.

Jan 1, 1969

By Gerald W. Elger

This report compares the quality of zirconium metal prepared by batch reduction of zirconium tetrachloride by (1) sodium, (2) magnesium, and (3) mixtures of sodium and magnesium. Criteria for quality are based on chemical analyses and hardness testing of zirconium arc-melted from sponge. The best quality zirconium with respect to low oxygen content and hardness numbers was prepared by reaction of zirconium tetrachloride with a mixture of sodium and magnesium. It was found that this reaction could be successfully carried out by two methods: (1) addition of sodium and magnesium before the initial reaction and (2) periodic injection of sodium during reaction of zirconium tetrachloride with magnesium. The largest quantity of metal was found to be recovered from experiments in which a mixture of sodium and magnesium was used. Magnesium appeared to be a better reductant than sodium because magnesium-reduced zirconium contained less oxygen and exhibited lower hardness numbers than sodium-reduced metal.

Jan 1, 1962

By Tetsuo Yamazaki

Manganese nodules on deep ocean floors have continuously received attention as potential sources for strategic metals such as Co, Ni, Cu, and Mn, due to their vast distribution and relatively higher metal concentrations (Mero, 1965; Cronan, 1980). Several registered Pioneer Investors have already identified promising sites in deep-sea regions for manganese nodule mining (ISA, 1998), and appropriate mining technologies have been developed during the last thirty years by the international consortium and several nations (Welling, 1981; Kaufman et al., 1985; Bath, 1989; Charles et al., 1990; Yang and Wang, 1997; Yamada and Yamazaki, 1998; Hong and Kim, 1999; Muthunayagam and Das, 1999). The mining feasibility for manganese nodules, including an economic evaluation, has been examined in detail by some researchers (Andrews et al., 1983; Hillman and Gosling, 1985; Charles et al., 1990; Soreide et al., 2001).

Jan 1, 2011

By Elmars Ence, Harold Margolin

The Ti-Fe and Ti-Fe-0 systems were re-examined because of the controversy regarding the existence of Ti2Fe, and to consider all available data points to the existence of Ti,Fe. The Ti-Fe-0 system contains two ternary compounds: E, corresponding to Ti2Fe; and y. SEVERAL authors have investigated the constitution of titanium-rich alloys of the Ti-Fe system. The most extensive study of titanium-rich portions of the Ti-Fe system was by Van Thyne, Kessler, and Hansen,' who investigated this system up to 50 pet Fe and used the highest purity materials available for their alloy preparation (iodide titanium was used for alloys up to 20 pet Fe). According to Van Thyne et al., phase relationships in the region of investigation are governed by phases a,ß, and TiFe. No evidence of an intermetallic compound Ti,Fe was found. although earlier. works by Laves and Wallbaum,' and Duwez and Taylor' reported its existence. Rostoker's study on the occurrence of TilX phases" confirmed the findings of Van Thyne et al. Rostoker proposed that the compound Ti Fe found by Duwez does not exist but is actually a ternary compound, Ti1Fe3O, originated by inadvertent oxygen contamination. The partial isothermal section of the ternary Ti-Fe-0 system as reported by Rostoker' seems to confirm this explanation. In the course of phase diagram work conducted at New York University, however, certain irregularities were observed to be associated with ternary systems of the type Ti-Fe-X. The ternary phase 6, observed in the systems Ti-Fe-Mo' and Ti-Fe-V." was found to be structurally identical to the com-pound Ti2Fe as reported by Duwez and Taylor, and to Rostoker's compound Ti1,Fe2O. Since the amount of oxygen possibly present in the Ti-Fe-Mo and Ti-Fe-V systems could not account for the observed amounts of the compound, it appears that the d phase in these systems is not Ti,Fe,O. On the other hand, considering the amounts of the 6 phase, particularly in the Ti-Fe-Mo system, the location of the phase was uncertain. It was felt that the introduction of the Ti2Fe phase would alleviate some of the inconsistencies of the two systems. Because of the uncertainties relating to the phase Ti2Fe, or Ti1Fe2O, it appeared worthwhile to re-examine the Ti-Fe and Ti-Fe-O systems in the vicinity of these compounds with highly sensitive metallographic techniques and with X-ray methods. Experimental Procedure Alloy Preparation—For the study of the binary system four alloys were prepared, containing 26.9 (30 wt pct), 34.0 (37.5 wt pet), 41.2 (45 wt pet), and 56.3 (60 wt pet) atomic pet Fe, and for the ternary Ti-Fe-O system 18 alloys were prepared in the composition range of 1.6 to 16.9 atomic pet 0 and 24.3 to 55.7 atomic pet Fe. The materials used for the Ti-Fe alloys were iodide titanium (99.98 pet Ti, 0.002 pet 0) and Ferro-vac-E iron (99.95 pet Fe, 0.0052 to 0.0072 pet 0). For the Ti-Fe-O study the materials used were sponge titanium containing less than 0.06 pet 0, Ferrovnc-E iron, and Baker's analyzed TiO2. The nominal weight and atomic percentages of the ternary alloys prepared are shown in Table I. Melting—Charges of 10 to 15 g were melted in a nonconsumable arc furnace in argon atmosphere according to the technique described elsewhere.'" Since there was practically no weight loss through the various stages of melting and oxygen losses have not been observed previously, it appeared justifiable to use nominal composition for interpretation of data. Iodide titanium control buttons, of the same mass as the Ti-Fe charges, and melted under the same conditions, were used to check hardness pickup during melting. A hardness increase of 2 to 3 Vhn was found. Heat Treatment—The specimens were annealed in quartz capsules under argon. To avoid contact between the specimen and capsule material all specimens were wrapped in titanium sheet. The annealing times are given in Table 11. The attain-

Jan 1, 1957

By J. R. O’Connor

Stimulated emission from Nd+3 in yttrium uanadate fYVOJ is reported. Single crystals of YVO4:Nd, obtained from Linde Col-p., have improved substantially in the last several months. Pulsed thresholds of YVO, laser rods are now approximately 2 to 3 5, cowparable to tliose for YAG:Nd. Yttrium uanadate crystalli~es irz a space group similar to zircon. All rare-earth vanadates have this structure. Rare-earth ions sucll as Nd+3 which substitutes for Y+3, aye situated irz a strong tetragonal crystal field which lacks inversion symmetry. This condition increases the p'robability of the parity-forbidden f — f transitions. Yttrium anadate has strong absorption bands beyond -1000A. These are clue to Y-O, V-O charge transfer and molecular transitions. Under 2537 and 3660A irradiation pure YVO, fluroresces u bright yel-LOLO. This fli&orescence is corrzpletely quenched in YV04:Ncl crystals. This and other evidence of energy trut~sjer from the lattice is repovted. Optzcul atz 1user pvope 1-ties o! YI'U4:E[t are brieJy described. THIS paper describes some of the optical and laser properties of Nd+3- and Eu+3-doped yttrium orthovana-date (YVO4). It reports laser action for the first time in this low-symmetry host. For some time we have pursued a research program concerning laser hosts' wherein the rare-earth (RE) ion is situated at a site of low crystal symmetry so as to increase the probability of radiative transitions. Single crystals of doped and undoped YV04 are grown from iridium crucibles in an oxyhydrogen gas-fired furnace by a modified Czochralski technique.' This material crystallizes in a D4li tetragonal space group of the zircon (ZrSiO,) type.3 All RE vanadates have the same structure and form solid solutions with YVO4. Therefore, it will be possible to investigate a variety of cross-pumped laser systems, as in the case of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG).4 At present, ~d'~-doped YAG is one of the most efficient solid-state lasers.5 Accordingly, most of the material to follow will compare the properties of YV04 to those of YAG. Fig. 1 shows the relative transmission of YAG and two types of YVO4. "Pure" YVO4 has a normal absorption edge and is colorless. A second type has a broad absorption peaking near 4200A and is yellow. Rubin and Van uitert6 suggest the yellow material is slightly reduced. Samples of each type are being investigated by electron spin resonance,7 but these studies are so far inconclusive. The pulsed laser threshold is much lower in the yellow material than in the colorless. Therefore, the absorption at 3500 to 5000.4 transfers energy to the Ndi3 ions. Photons of wave length between 2000 and 4500A cause undoped YVO4 to fluoresce at 4800, 5250, 5460, 5540, and 5750A. This emission, previously reported by Brixner and Abramsom,8 is partially quenched by EU'~ and completely quenched by Ndt3 at room temperature due to energy transfer from the lattice to the RE ions. At low temperatures, some lattice fluorescence is present. This implies that the energy-transfer process is in part phonon-assisted. Although the YVO, single crystals used in this work were prepared from Y2O3 containing less than 0.01 pct rare-earth impurities, there is aopossibility that emission lines between 4800 and 5750A are due to dysprosium, terbium, and so forth. However, these lines are not observed in other compounds, prepared from Y2O3, such as YP04, Y2MoO6, and so forth. Furthermore, extensive absorption measurements on our "pure" YV04 single crystals between 0.4 and 5.0 failed to reveal any characteristic rare-earth lines. Fig. 2 compares the absorption spectra of Ndt3-doped YAG and YVO4from 0.6 to 1.0 . The Ndt3 absorptions are labeled according to free ion, R-S coupling. These term designationsQ are appropriate for YAG:Nd. They appear to be inappropriate for YV04:Nd. In YVO, neodymium must substitute for yttrium. The yttrium site is situated In a strong tetragonal field, where point symmetry is (42m) or possibly lower.1° However, the reduced splitting of the Stark components of the YV0,:Nd spectrum implies that the NdT3 ion is in a cubic site. The only plausible explanation for this discrepancy is that the Ndt3 ion is in a low-symmetry site, lacking inversion symmetry, so that a substantial admixture of 4f and 5d wave functions occurs. In this case, R-S coupling is not valid and J is no longer a good quantum number." Consistent with this view, the 4~ metastable level of YV04:Nd has an oscillator strength larger and a

Jan 1, 1968

By F. D. S. Marquis

An investigation of the mechanisms of formation of two types of porosity-primary and secondary-their characterization, evolution during processing, and effects on the mechanical behavior (fracture, fatigue, and failure) of 7X50 and 2X24 alloys has been conducted. The mechanisms of formation of three forms of primary or cast porosity were investigated, and each form was characterized: (a) macroscopic shrinkage porosity-MSP); (b) microscopic interdendritic porosity (MIP); and (c) hydrogen gas porosity (HGP) or primary hydrogen porosity (PHP). The mechanisms of formation of four forms of secondary or thermal/thermomechanical porosity were investigated, and each form of porosity was characterized: (a) high temperature oxidation (HTO). internal hydrogen precipitation (IHP), or secondary hydrogen precipitation (SHP); (b) preheating blistering porosity (PBP); (c) eutectic melting porosity (EMP);and, (d) dissolution micro void formation (DMF). The evolution and interactions of the primary and secondary types of porosity (w.ith special emphasis on PHP and SHP) during industrial and laboratory processing and their effects on the fracture and failure behavior of both types of alloys (with special focus on fatigue crack initiation and propagation) were investigated.

Jan 1, 1996

By Bruno Alves Resende

Em julho de 2010, a linha de Tiras a Quente da Usiminas, planta de Ipatinga, passou a operar com um novo sistema de controle para o laminador de acabamento. Assim, foi necessário atualizar o simulador offline de set up do Trem Acabador, utilizado frequentemente pelas áreas técnica e operacional. Para isso, toda a lógica de cálculo e formulações matemáticas do sistema online foram assimiladas e empregadas no novo simulador. Os resultados das simulações, quando comparados com os valores gerados pelo modelo online, mostraram-se bastante confiáveis. Sendo assim, conclui-se que o aplicativo desenvolvido está apto para ser utilizado como uma ferramenta de simulação offline do modelo de controle do Trem Acabador. Os benefícios potenciais do uso do simulador são: (i) aumento da produtividade por meio da redução de paradas da linha, (ii) melhoria da qualidade final do produto, (iii) redução do número de experimentos na produção e (iv) ajuste dos parâmetros dos modelos de controle. No presente trabalho são apresentadas e discutidas as características do desenvolvimento, da apresentação e da aplicação desse simulador.

Aug 17, 2017

By J. C. Irvine

Meramec Mining Company, a joint venture by Bethlehem Steel Corporation and St. Joe Minerals Corporation, is engaged in the mining, concentrating, and pelletizing of iron ore from the Pea Ridge Mine located near Sullivan, Missouri, about 70 miles southwest of St. Louis. The orebody was delineated in the mid-1950's by St. Joe during an exploration program to discover new lead orebodies. An airborne magnetometer survey which was run by the U. S. Geological Survey, the Missouri Geological Survey, and several min¬ing companies was published in 1950 and showed an anomaly in the Pea Ridge area. Test holes drilled in 1953 and 1954 revealed the presence of a large orebody of probable commercial significance; additional drilling in 1956 and 1957 provided confirmation of this. Meramec Mining Company was incorporated in 1957 and shaft sinking began in the latter part of that year. The Pea Ridge orebody lies under about 1300 feet of sediments. It is tabular, about 2600 feet long and up to 600 feet thick, and lies in an approximate east-west delineation. The orebody dips about 800S and is of unknown depth. The ore is primarily high grade magnetite with smaller zones of specular hematite, The Pre-cambrian wall rock is rhyolite porphyry. The mine is serviced through two concrete-lined shafts, 19 feet 1 inch in diameter and 2500 feet deep. No. 1 shaft, equipped with an "A" type head-

Jan 1, 1972

By J Hartnett, B Tarrant, A Rayner, D O’Toole, P Davies

Since 2009, the Northern Territory and Australian governments have been working under a national partnership arrangement to inform a rehabilitation plan for the former Rum Jungle uranium mine. Part of the rehabilitation strategy is to backfill a flooded former pit (Pit), which extends down to 100m below the current pit lake surface and was historically partially backfilled with uranium tailings. It is proposed to utilise the remaining pit volume below water level to sub-aqueously store Potentially Acid Forming (PAF-I) waste rock which currently occupies large stockpiles across the site. The rehabilitation design and planning process undertaken to develop a strategy commensurate to project objectives and construction constraints involved the establishment of key constraints derived from the analysis of historic data sources and preliminary design efforts. Tabled strategies were balanced against dependent project tasks and project objectives, especially surrounding minimising disturbance of highly contaminated materials within the Pit. Ideas were developed in conjunction with industry input and review of case histories to develop a remediation solution that is constructible within the project timeframe and constraints.

Jul 1, 2021

By Terry Eldridge, Keith MacKay, David Siddle, Luke Moger

On August 4th, 2014, a breach occurred in the Perimeter Embankment of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) located at the Mount Polley Mine, releasing approximately 10.6 million m3 of supernatant water, 7.3 million m3 of tailings solids, 6.5 million m3 of tailings interstitial water and 0.6 million m3of construction materials. A Temporary Upstream Rockfill Berm was constructed between August 2014 and February 2015 within the area of the tailings dam failure in order to retain the remaining tailings solids during the low flows of the winter season. The Temporary Upstream Rockfill Berm was constructed as part of the initial response phase, with the primary objective to abate the flow of tailings into the receiving environment. A secondary objective of its construction was facilitating the required investigation works downstream of the tailings dam failure. The selection of the coarse grained material used in the construction of the Temporary Upstream Rockfill Berm was based on the availability of the material (timeliness of construction) and the non-water retaining design of this initial response phase. Consequently, an alternative method was required in order to prevent further loss of mine-affected water and tailings from the TSF, as well as to provide short-term contingency water storage, during high flow conditions expected in late spring. Golder Associates Ltd. designed the 2015 Freshet Management Embankment, a deep mixing cut-off wall, to meet these site requirements, which was constructed by Mount Polley Mining Corporation and Golder Construction Inc. between December 2015 and April 2015. The works included 132 soil cement panels constructed to depths of up to 27 meters. This aspect of the works was completed using an RG25S Bauer CSM rig on a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week schedule. The cut-off wall specifications included a target unconfined compressional strength (UCS) of between 1 and 2 MPa, a maximum hydraulic conductivity of 1x10-6 cm/s, and a ductility to enable the soil cement to undergo a minimum of 5% strain without a reduction in strength or increase in hydraulic conductivity. In order to control and assure the quality of the soil cement, 2553 wet grab specimens were retrieved from the fresh soil cement panels using a project-developed sampler. Four of the soil cement panels were cored with a mud-rotary drill rig and optical and acoustic televiewers were placed into the boreholes in order to log several relevant parameters, including image, texture, relative hardness, borehole-shape, and temperature.

Jan 1, 2016