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By Luis Vargas

A diferencia de lo que ocurre con los precios de la mayoría de los productos, los precios de las materias primas en general no se corresponden a corto plazo con sus costos de producción. En ese sentido, el presente texto señala la influencia de los costos de producción sobre el nivel de los precios a largo plazo a través de dos formas: en el caso de las minas de producción, cuando los precios son muy bajos y no guardan relación con los costos, las menos competitivas se ven obligadas a cerrar y en las de costo medio a postergar sus proyectos de exploración y desarrollo, ocasionándose muchas veces una disminución en la vida de las minas.

Sep 1, 1977

By William B. Plank

A NEW record-a quarter million students in the engineering schools of the United States and Canada-has resulted from the great demand for engineers following World War II. The figures released by the American Society for Engineering Education and which appeared in detail in the Journal of Engineering Education for January 1948, show that, on Nov. 1, 1947, 252,250 students were studying engineering in 149 engineering schools of both countries. There are 244,390 in the 143 schools canvassed in the United States, and 7860 in six schools in Canada. These figures include both undergraduate and graduate students and are therefore comparable with the figures in previous presentations on this subject. This unprecedented engineering student body

Jan 1, 1948

By J. B. Winter

The present Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company Smelter/Acid Plant complex located near Miami, Arizona, was designed and built specifically to conform to the ambient air quality standards imposed by the Federal Clean Air Act of 1971. The present plant replaced a facility which had been in operation since 1915. The electric furnace, siphon converters and acid plant complex were commissioned in May, 1974 (1). At that time, the Plant was considered to be one of the most extensively monitored and instrumented facilities of its kind in the world. Several control areas were located in close proximity to the controlled process, in addition to so-called central control rooms in the Smelter and Acid Plant. The control rooms were staffed with officials below the foreman level. Instrumentation consisted of conventional analog devices, except for a computer used in monitoring ambient air environmental conditions and limited use of programmable logic controllers. The harsh service conditions prevalent in the plant rendered a significant portion of the instrumentation unreliable and, in many cases, inoperable. Failure of the facility to obtain the total sulfur collection for which it was designed was, in part, due to serious inadequacies in control system logic and sulfur recovery averaged 79% in the early years. After careful study of the smelting process, engineering hardware and high labor cost inherent in the organizational structure, management made a judgement decision to convert to centralized control of the process with high level supervision 24 hours per day. A distributed digital control system with supervisory arid data acquisition/information reporting computers was selected to satisfy the requirement of central control. Operations are now controlled and coordinated from a primary control room in the Smelter and a satellite control area in the Acid Plant.

Jan 1, 1983

By C. Musingwini

The South African mining industry continues to be a major source of employment at a time when at least 25 per cent of the working age population is unemployed. At the same time the industry faces a skills shortage in many of the disciplines necessary for its future health. The University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, and University of South Africa have historically produced mining graduates for the South African industry, with any shortfall being met by the recruitment of overseas graduates. More recently the global shortage of engineers and other mining industry professionals has seen a reversal of this trend and a very significant emigration of well-educated and highly skilled personnel. The traditional career path for mining graduates is in production and mine management. However, there is the parallel and possibly more pressing need for specialized skills in such fields as ventilation, rock engineering, mine planning, mineral resource evaluation, and mineral asset valuation. It is in these essential areas that chronic shortages continue to hamper the development of the industry and may well frustrate its ambitions to be safe, healthy, and profitable into the future. The permeability of skills across sectorial boundaries within the mining industry requires that skills shortages in the platinum sector are not looked at in isolation, but within the context of the entire industry. This paper reviews the efforts being made by the universities at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to meet the needs of the South African mining industry, in terms of the required numbers and the range of specialized skills.

Jan 1, 2012

By Corbett GJ, Leach TM

A continued exploration programme has further defined the geology of the Tolukuma vein system, verified the resource indicated by Newmont, and identified potential for additional mineralisation. The resource at Tolukuma Hill, designated as zone C, is a mine recoverable 432,000 t at 18.1 g/t Au & 46 g/t Ag. Mining will be by a combination of open pit and underground at a rate of 100,000 t per annum. Processing will be by SAG mill, gravity circuit and CIL plant. A diatreme breccia, localised at an intersection of structures and a relationship of gold to base metal sulphides, are indicative of a strong porphyry association. Typical epithermal features such as crustiform banded quartz and quartz pseudomorphing platy calcite are also present and locally contain lesser gold mineralisation. Pre-existing dilatant structures have acted as a host to the ore fluids, resulting in the formation of the semi-continuous Tolukuma-Gulbadi veins over a 1100 in strike. A fluid flow model suggests that mineralizing fluids were sourced from a diatreme margin and migrated laterally along dilatant structures. Bonanza gold grades are interpreted to be derived through fluid quenching in the flexure between a hanging wall split, which hosts much of the Tolukuma Hill resource, and the feeder graben structure. Thus, the relationship between the pre-mineral structural geometry and fluid upflow at the margins of a diatreme breccia, controls the ore setting.

Jan 1, 1995

By C. H. Schack, K. C. Dean

An investigation was made to devise and evaluate a flexible flotation method for beneficiating typical tactite types of calcareous scheelite - bearing ores ; these scheelite - bearing ores are available in large tonnages in deposits containing 0.2 to 0.3 pct tungsten trioxide . The objective was to achieve a high recovery of the tungsten in concentrates , containing a minimum of 10 pct WO3 , that would be suitable for chemical processing into high- quality synthetic scheelite . The principal problems encountered and resolved by bench- scale flotation tests on ore samples from five different deposits were to define the conditions and reagent combinations essential for ( 1 ) achieving selective flotation of a small amount of scheelite from a large amount of calcite and ( 2 ) controlling the effect of small amounts of calcium , magnesium , and iron salts in the ores and water used . The flotation process was evolved from batch tests and continuous runs in a pilot - scale mill with a capacity of 100 lb per hour . The flotation process comprised ( 1 ) removal of sulfide minerals , ( 2 ) conditioning the residual ore pulp with sodium carbonate , quebracho , and trisodium phosphate , and ( 3 ) rougher flotation and single - stage cleaning of a scheelite concentrate . In a pilot plant run , over 91 pct of the tungsten was recovered from ore containing 0.27 pct WO3 , in a concentrate containing 11.2 pct WO3 .

Jan 1, 1964

Brigadier R. S. G. Stokes of Sherborne, Dorset, is the oldest surviving member of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He joined in 1904 and has been a member for 77 years. Book review Sittig, M. Hand book of catalyst manufacture. Park Ridge (U.S.A.), Noyes Data Corporation, 1978. The detailed information in this book is based on patents issued in the U.S.A. that deal with catalysts and their commercial technology. Project management The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy is to hold a Colloquium on Project Management in the Metallurgical Industry in March 1980. Ingenieurs-in-opleiding in die weermag Op 'n onlangse vergadering van die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad vir Professionele Ingenieurs is daar besluit om kwytskelding van jaargeld aan geregistreerde ingenieursin- opleiding wat tans met hulle tweejaar nasionale diensplig besig is, te verleen met dien verstande dat.... Engineers-in-training in the army At a recent meeting of the South African Council for Professional Engineers it was resolved that a remission of annual fees would be granted to registered engineers in- training who are doing compulsory two-year national service, provided that.... Processing of fine particles The Society of Mining Engineers of AIME is organizing an International Symposium on Fine Particles Processing, which is to be held in Las Vegas from 24th to 28th February, 1980. Economics of precious metals International Precious Metals Institute announces a Special Course for all interested in economic aspects of today's precious metals.

Jan 1, 1979

Shoemaker: We've all heard a lot about epoxy liner backings. This brings up the question-do zinc furnaces still have a place in a new plant? Meaders: I would, you must understand, be prejudiced in this question because we introduced epoxy backing into the industry. Naturally, we wouldn't have done so if we didn't think it should be done. With that background maybe I could give a little more information on this particular subject than some of the others, because we now have been in this business for some three or four years.

Jan 11, 1967

By C. M. Díaz, P. J. Mackey, P. Coursol

In a recent paper [1], the present authors discussed calculated energy consumption numbers in copper sulphide concentrate smelting for four different smelting technologies. For the present study, from among these technologies, they selected the Noranda/Teniente continuous bath smelting followed by Peirce Smith (PS) converting route to investigate the impact on total energy requirement of some key process variations, such as tuyere injection of dry concentrate vs. slingering of wet concentrate over the molten bath, continuous converting vs. conventional batch PS converting and commercially proven slag cleaning alternatives. In their calculations, the authors used the same thermochemical model and methodology used in their earlier paper. This approach to explore plant design options provides an interesting basis for evaluating flowsheet modifications that could lead to significant copper smelting energy savings. The METSIM software was used in the present paper to carry out heat and mass balance computations for 8 different flowsheet configurations. The results are presented and discussed in the paper with respect to copper recoveries, energy requirements and CO2 emissions.

Jan 1, 2011

By C. J. B. Dreyer

In terms of resources of amphibole asbestos only South Africa can be considered. There are only two asbestos producing fields, one in the Northern Cape Province producing only crocidolite and one in the Eastern Transvaal producing only amosite. The banded ironstone sequence in which amphibole asbestos occurs is discussed, and the genesis of the fibre is briefly reviewed. The properties and characteristics of amphibole asbestos are discussed and compared to those of chrysotile. Approximately 300,000 tonnes of amosite and crocidolite are produced annually. Crocidolite has a potential for a fivefold increase of production, which could be sustained beyond the year 2000. An estimate of the resources of the various producing fields in South Africa is made. Mining methods are reviewed and evaluation techniques discussed.

Jan 1, 1978

By Michael B. Bever, John R. Anderson

Carbon may affect the alloys of copper in several ways. Provided an alloying element does not oxidize preferentially, even minute quantities of carbon dissolved in liquid alloys of high copper content will form insoluble carbon oxide gases under oxidizing conditions. Gas porosity in castings of high-copper alloys can originate in this way. In certain alloys of low copper content carbon may have considerable solubility and may be an effective deoxidizer. In these alloys carbon will tend to suppress porosity. Carbon that is dissolved in the molten alloy is likely to be retained in the solidified metal. The effects of carbon on the physical properties of the metal are determined by the form in which it is present. Depending on the alloying elements and also on the cooling rate, carbon may precipitate as graphite, may form a carbide or may remain in solid solution on cooling. As solid copper does not dissolve a measurable amount of carbon, a carbon-bearing solid solution can occur only if the copper is alloyed with a large excess of an element that forms such a solution. The effect of graphite or of carbides on the properties of an alloy will depend on the size and distribution of the precipitated particles. As Hensel pointed out in discussion,' the formation of an alloy carbide may interfere with the age-hardening properties of a copper alloy. One would also expect that the presence of carbides or of graphite will under certain conditions promote corrosion or high-temperature failure in nonferrous alloys. Since carbon has an effect on the soundness of castings and affects the structure and behavior of solid copper alloys, its solubility in the liquid alloys is of practical importance. The isothermal change of carbon solubility with alloy composition is of interest from a theoretical standpoint. The binary alloys of copper with manganese and with nickel are used industrially and serve as a base for more complex alloys. The solubility of carbon in each of these metals is known, but its solubility in their alloys has not been determined. Earlier Data The solubility of carbon in molten pure copper is about o.oooi pct at II00°C and 0.0004 pct at 1475°C.l Various authors2""6 have published data on the solubility of carbon in molten manganese. There is agreement on a value of about 6.7 pct in the temperature range r2170 to 1245°c This solubility value corresponds to the formula Mn3C. It increases very little with increasing temperature. Corson7 states that carbon is soluble in copper-manganese alloys and that the

Jan 1, 1947

By John R. Anderson, Michael B. Bever

Carbon may affect the alloys of copper in several ways. Provided an alloying element does not oxidize preferentially, even minute quantities of carbon dissolved in liquid alloys of high copper content will form insoluble carbon oxide gases under oxidizing conditions. Gas porosity in castings of high-copper alloys can originate in this way. In certain alloys of low copper content carbon may have considerable solubility and may be an effective deoxidizer. In these alloys carbon will tend to suppress porosity. Carbon that is dissolved in the molten alloy is likely to be retained in the solidified metal. The effects of carbon on the physical properties of the metal are determined by the form in which it is present. Depending on the alloying elements and also on the cooling rate, carbon may precipitate as graphite, may form a carbide or may remain in solid solution on cooling. As solid copper does not dissolve a measurable amount of carbon, a carbon-bearing solid solution can occur only if the copper is alloyed with a large excess of an element that forms such a solution. The effect of graphite or of carbides on the properties of an alloy will depend on the size and distribution of the precipitated particles. As Hensel pointed out in discussion,' the formation of an alloy carbide may interfere with the age-hardening properties of a copper alloy. One would also expect that the presence of carbides or of graphite will under certain conditions promote corrosion or high-temperature failure in nonferrous alloys. Since carbon has an effect on the soundness of castings and affects the structure and behavior of solid copper alloys, its solubility in the liquid alloys is of practical importance. The isothermal change of carbon solubility with alloy composition is of interest from a theoretical standpoint. The binary alloys of copper with manganese and with nickel are used industrially and serve as a base for more complex alloys. The solubility of carbon in each of these metals is known, but its solubility in their alloys has not been determined. Earlier Data The solubility of carbon in molten pure copper is about o.oooi pct at II00°C and 0.0004 pct at 1475°C.l Various authors2""6 have published data on the solubility of carbon in molten manganese. There is agreement on a value of about 6.7 pct in the temperature range r2170 to 1245°c This solubility value corresponds to the formula Mn3C. It increases very little with increasing temperature. Corson7 states that carbon is soluble in copper-manganese alloys and that the

Jan 1, 1947

By Arthur T. Allen

THE Kingsport formation, a part of the Knox dolomite of Ordovician age, is composed of 538 ft of dolomitc and limestone. Numerous bands, layers and nodules of chert, arenaceous and shale zones are present. The characteristics displayed by these features have been useful in mapping, prospecting and mining. Perhaps a better understanding of the origin of these zones will increase their usefulness. Introduction The presence of numerous bands, nodules, and irregular bodies of chert within the Kingsport formation in the Mascot locality has long been recognized. Oder and Miller1 mention the general characteristics, but do not deal with the chert occurrences in detail. When the occurrence of chert is studied in fresh exposures underground, a variety of characteristics is noted which has been useful in correlation and in detailing the sub-surface stratigraphy. Although the writer has no desire to enter into a controversy over the origin of chert, many observations have been made of its local characterigtics. A detailed stratigraphic section is included which shows the position of the individual horizons discussed in the following paragraphs. The term "chertification" has been adopted from Fowler and Lyden2 for use here. It refers to the replacement of lime- stone by introduced silicic acid. The writer uses it to refer to the occurrencc of introduced or original chert in limestone and dolomite. In this writing "syngenetic chert" refers to chert which has been deposited contemporaneously with the enclosing limestone or dolomite. Also, it is considered to include interstitial silica shown by chemical analysis and insoluble residues. The term "epigenetic" is applied to all chert which has been introduced after consolidation of the rocks in which it occurs, regardless of the nature of the depositing solutions. Syngenetic Chert It is the belief of the author that a large percentage of the chert found in the Kingsport formation is syngenetic. The widespread occurrence of similar nodules and bands of chert in the same horizon far from one another and far from areas of deformation or alteration of the enclosing rocks is difficult to explain by infiltration of the silica after compaction of the enclosing rocks. When chert of this type does occur near zones of movement it is likely to be involved in faulting and brecciation which indicates that it was deposited prior to deformation. Older Epigenetic Chert There are several occurrences of nodules in the Kingsport which seem to be epigenetic as pointed out in the following examples: A cherty zone occurs 26 ft above the o bed (Fig =). This is not always present but is found in the greater part of mine work-

Jan 1, 1949

By Arthur T. Allen

THE Kingsport formation, a part of the Knox dolomite of Ordovician age, is composed of 538 ft of dolomitc and limestone. Numerous bands, layers and nodules of chert, arenaceous and shale zones are present. The characteristics displayed by these features have been useful in mapping, prospecting and mining. Perhaps a better understanding of the origin of these zones will increase their usefulness. Introduction The presence of numerous bands, nodules, and irregular bodies of chert within the Kingsport formation in the Mascot locality has long been recognized. Oder and Miller1 mention the general characteristics, but do not deal with the chert occurrences in detail. When the occurrence of chert is studied in fresh exposures underground, a variety of characteristics is noted which has been useful in correlation and in detailing the sub-surface stratigraphy. Although the writer has no desire to enter into a controversy over the origin of chert, many observations have been made of its local characterigtics. A detailed stratigraphic section is included which shows the position of the individual horizons discussed in the following paragraphs. The term "chertification" has been adopted from Fowler and Lyden2 for use here. It refers to the replacement of lime- stone by introduced silicic acid. The writer uses it to refer to the occurrencc of introduced or original chert in limestone and dolomite. In this writing "syngenetic chert" refers to chert which has been deposited contemporaneously with the enclosing limestone or dolomite. Also, it is considered to include interstitial silica shown by chemical analysis and insoluble residues. The term "epigenetic" is applied to all chert which has been introduced after consolidation of the rocks in which it occurs, regardless of the nature of the depositing solutions. Syngenetic Chert It is the belief of the author that a large percentage of the chert found in the Kingsport formation is syngenetic. The widespread occurrence of similar nodules and bands of chert in the same horizon far from one another and far from areas of deformation or alteration of the enclosing rocks is difficult to explain by infiltration of the silica after compaction of the enclosing rocks. When chert of this type does occur near zones of movement it is likely to be involved in faulting and brecciation which indicates that it was deposited prior to deformation. Older Epigenetic Chert There are several occurrences of nodules in the Kingsport which seem to be epigenetic as pointed out in the following examples: A cherty zone occurs 26 ft above the o bed (Fig =). This is not always present but is found in the greater part of mine work-

Jan 1, 1949

By W. F. M. GOSS

The locomotives in service on the railroads of this country consume more than one-fifth of the total coal production of the United States. The amount is so large that any small saving that can be made effective in locomotive practice at once becomes an important factor in conserving the fuel supply of the nation. For this reason the United States Geological Survey gave attEmtion to the special problems of combustion in locomotive boilers. It approached this task from several different directions. The facts presented herewith constitute one series of results. In the fall of 1906 the locomotive-testing laboratory of Purdue University, at Lafayette, Ind., entered on a series of tests, one purpose of which was to determine in precise terms the degree of efficiency with which a modern high-class American locomotive utilizes the heat energy of the fuel supplied to it. The general interest in the subject, the elaborate plans which had been formulated for conducting the work, and the substantial character of the support which had been pledged to maintain it justified the Geological Survey in aiding the investigation. a The cooperation of the Survey consisted in detailing experts to assist the regular staff of the laboratory in the chemical and calorific work of the tests. These experts, working under the general supervision of the director of the Purdue laboratory, became responsible for the sampling of smoke-box gases, of the fuel used, of the cinders caught in the front end, of the sparks discharged by the stack, and of the refuse caught in the ash pan. The gas analyses were made by them at the university laboratory. The analyses of all solid samples and the calorific tests of the fuels were made at the government fuel-testing plant at St. Louis. The representatives of the Survey were not concerned with other phases of the work.

Jan 1, 1911

By R. M. Santmeyers

This paper presents one of a series of digests of foreign mining legislation and curt decisions that is being prepared in advance of a. general report relative to the rights of American citizens to explore for minerals and own and operate mines in various foreign countries. This interpretation of the mining legislation of Madagascar was prepared from the best information (in French) available in Washington, but is released subject to correction and amplification, if necessary, by the proper American diplomatic and consular officers, to whom it dill be referred through the courtesy of the Department of State. INTRODUCTION The basic mining law of Madagascar is the decree of 1923, signed at Rambouillet by the President of France on July 19, and published in the Journal Official de Madagascar et Dependances. It has been modified by a number of subsequent laves and regulations, generally of minor importance.

Jan 1, 1933

SULPHUR is a very well known mineral and apparently is produced in many places. It is engendered from an unctuous earthy and powerfully hot substance so that it is considered among experienced workers to bear a resemblance to the element of fire. This is called by these same men the masculine seed and the prime agent of Nature in the composition of metals. Because of its great dryness and heat it has, as experience shows, affinity with fire, which is easily introduced in it when brought near. And once introduced the fire is quenched only with difficulty before its unctuousness is wholly consumed. Although it shows itself to us of such a hot and dry nature, we must not think that sulphur is a substance so pure that it can stand by itself or that in order to attain its form it has no need of its portion and part of moisture like every other mixture. This is shown to us by its easy fusion, in which it resembles the metals. This thing is found in many places and in many varieties of color; some are white, others yellow and orange, and some others between gray and black. They also say that some red is found. It does not occur in that arrangement of veins like other minerals, but most liberal Nature makes whole mountains of it as is seen in the Aeolian islands, [26] near Sicily, in Etna or Moncibello which is the island of Sicily, at Pozzuoli, in the territory of Rome, in the Sienese domain at San Filippo, and in many other similar places. It is a substance that has a very strong odor and is most unpleasant to smell. It is very fixed in its substance so that it is never corrupted by time, by boiling, or by the moisture of water. For although it may stand in water a long time it never becomes soft nor does it ever decrease or increase in weight. It is brittle and easily crushed very fine. It is said that a trace of garlic rubbed on the mortar helps anyone who wishes to reduce it to impalpability. Its ores have a form more like earth than like stone although they some¬times have the color of a certain soft rock. The places where it is found are easily recognized by the great odor that they give out and by the very hot baths that often spring forth near it. What I have already told you about quicksilver that is contrary to the

Jan 1, 1942

By John R. Anderson, Michael B. Bever

CARBON may affect the alloys of copper in several ways. Provided an alloying element does not oxidize preferentially, even minute quantities of carbon dissolved in liquid alloys of high copper content will form insoluble carbon oxide gases under oxidizing conditions. Gas porosity in castings of high-copper alloys can originate in this way. In certain alloys of low copper content carbon may have considerable solubility and may be an effective deoxidizer. In these alloys carbon will tend to suppress porosity. Carbon that is dissolved in the molten alloy is likely to be retained in the solidified metal. The effects of carbon on the physical properties of the metal are determined by the form in which it is present. Depending on the alloying elements and also on the cooling rate, carbon may precipitate as graphite, may form a carbide or may remain in solid solution on cooling. As solid copper does not dissolve a measurable amount of carbon, a carbon-bearing solid solution can occur only if the copper is alloyed with a large excess of an element that forms such a solution. The effect of graphite or of carbides on the properties of an alloy will depend on the size and distribution of the precipitated particles. As Hensel pointed out in discussion,1 the formation of an alloy carbide may interfere with the age-hardening properties of a copper alloy. One would also expect that the presence of carbides or of graphite will under certain conditions promote corrosion or high-temperature failure in nonferrous alloys. Since carbon has an effect on the soundness of castings and affects the structure and behavior of solid copper alloys, its solubility in the liquid alloys is of practical importance. The isothermal change of carbon solubility with alloy composition is of interest from a theoretical standpoint. The binary alloys of copper with manganese and with nickel are used industrially and serve as a base for more complex alloys. The solubility of carbon in each of these metals is known, but its solubility in their alloys has not been determined. EARLIER DATA The solubility of carbon in molten pure copper is about 0.0001 pct at 1100 °C and 0.0004 pct at 1475°C.1 Various authors2-6 have published data on the solubility of carbon in molten manganese. There is agreement on a value of about 6.7 pct in the temperature range 1217° to 1245°C. This solubility value corresponds to the formula Mn3C. It increases very little with increasing temperature. Corson7 states that carbon is soluble in copper-manganese alloys and that the

Jan 1, 1947

By Jr. Winters

The United States continues to be the largest producer and consumer of copper in the world. Table 1 on the following page shows several production statistics for 1974, the most recent year which the non-communist world copper industry might consider a good year, and for 1976 and 1977. In 1974 an estimated 24 percent of the non-communist world's newly mined copper was mined in the United States, and. 87 to 89 percent of that was from the western porphyry coppers. In 1976 U. S. new mine production was down to 22 percent of the non-communist world's newly mined copper, and the percentage of U. S. new mine production supplied by the porphyry coppers had risen to 89 to 91 percent. In 1977 the statistics remained the same as in 1976. U. S. porphyry copper production represented about 65 percent of U. S. refined copper consumption in 1974, rose to 75 percent in 1976, and dropped back to 61 percent in 1977 as imports of foreign copper into the United States began to swell.

Jan 1, 1978

By G. Rinelli, Arthur F. Colombo, Donald W. Frommer

With the opening of the Tilden mine near Ishpeming, MI, a new era in iron ore beneficiation was begun. A description of a U. S. Bureau of Mines investigation is summarized to illustrate the selective flocculation-deslime-flotation process developed by the Bureau and used at the Tilden concentrator, which is also briefly described. The operating parameters for the selective flocculation-cationic flotation of an oxidized taconite from the Mesabi range are discussed. A water reclamation system using lime and a cationic flocculant was applied to reclaim the effluents from a 900-pound-per-hour flotation pilot plant. About 80 percent of water requirements were recovered, and the calcium content of the reclaimed water was found to be more important than clarity in influencing the selective flocculation and flotation processes. Although reclaimed waters with about 10 ppm calcium registered turbidities of approximately 5,000 ppm SiO2 equivalents, the concentrates produced using these waters contained 64 percent Fe and =5.0 percent SiO2 and had accompanying iron recoveries of 75 percent. Lower grade concentrates resulted from using reclaimed water with higher calcium contents and lower turbidities.

Jan 1, 1976