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By Morrison RD, Peberdy NJ

Simulator training provides a cost effective method of training operators in both the process and control aspects of a metallurgical plant. The components and requirements of a training simulator are described along with the benefits to be gained from simulator training. A table summarizing some applications of metallurgical training simulators is Given.

Jan 1, 1991

The problems encountered with the introduction and use of Isanol underground are described. Significant direct as well as indirect savings have resulted from the use of Isanol. Field studies have shown that the concentration of common gases released during detonation is considerably lower than with conventional nitro-compound type of explosives.

Jan 1, 1977

Swedish sulphide mining is presented. Dry filling is described. Fill properties with and without cement addings are dis- cussed in relation to various studies in la- boratory and in situ.

Jan 1, 1973

By Gupta A, Fung C. C

The hydrocyclone parameter d5Oc is estimated by the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Results indicate that ANN performs equally well as compared to statically derived analytical formulae. Results also show that ANN will also be convenient in the on-line control of hydrocyclones.

Jan 1, 1996

An analysis of pumping figures suggests that there are two distinct styles of water inflow patterns in Zambia's mines. Carbonate hosted orebodies (Kabwe and Nampundwe) display a characteristic seasonal variation in water inflow with peak pumping showing a short time lag with respect to the rainfall pattern. Aquifer characteristics are controlled by secondary, weathering enhanced, near surface phenomena. Non-carbonate hosted orebodies such as those of the Copperbelt (Konkola and Nkana) occur in successions of highly variable lithology and consequently there are stacked aquifers of variable character. Inflow of water does not display seasonal variation. The major factors affecting the amount of inflow are the structural setting, the geometry of the orebody and the local lithostratigraphy. Thus the Konkola orebodies which occur in a saddle shaped open ended basin result in what is probably the wettest mine in the world, pumping some 376,000 cubic metres of water a day.

Jan 1, 1988

By Smith R. N

The Olympic Dam copper-uranium-gold-silver deposit is located approximately 520km north-northwest of Adelaide, South Australia. The deposit was discovered in 1975 by the Exploration Division of Western Mining Corporation (WMC). A joint venture, to facilitate development of the deposit was formed in mid 1979 between WMC (51%) and the British Petroleum Group (BP) (49%).

Jan 1, 1990

By Maiman R

One method of forecasting prices of metals is based on analysis of historic relationships between prices, inventories and consumption. The first, but generally overlooked step in this analysis should be to remove from the inventory and consumption figures the effects of seasonal variations. The next step is to construct diagrams which show prices plotted against ratios of inventories to consumption. These diagrams indicate that, when inventories are high, prices show little response to changes in inventories. Below a critical level of inventories, however, the psychology of the market changes and small changes in inventories lead to large moves in prices. The critical level of inventories is termed the "pinch-point"; the diagram which shows prices in relation to ratios of inventories and consumption may be called a "pinch-point diagram".

Jan 1, 1990

By Yan D. S

The removal of antimony from a refractory gold-bearing stibnite ore by roasting and selective chlorinating roasting was investigated. The influence of roasting temperature, roasting time, roasting atmosphere and type and amount of chlorinating agents on antimony removal were studied. The laboratory studies carried out included roasting tests of 4 g samples in a laboratory rotary kiln, followed by 400 g samples roasted in a fluidised bed. The test results revealed that antimony was efficiently removed by roasting at temperatures over 800¦C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The most efficient volatilisation of antimony was achieved with the addition of ferric chloride at temperatures between 350-600¦C.

Jan 1, 1995

Coal Mining Land Use on the southern coalfields often preceded other land uses. Over the past century overlying land use has altered significantly, particularly with water supply storage development, road system building, railways, pipelines, electricity reticulation schemes and general urban develop- ment. National Parks were declared over coal bearing lands. Little regard was paid to the coal under the land surface by land developers, Government instrumentalities, central planners and the Metropolitan Water, Sewerage and Drainage Board and others, and little value was placed on this valuable energy source. These bodies derived no benefit from the under- lying mineral. In these circumstances, mine operators and such surface land users were put into adversary roles. Mass sterilisation of coal resources resulted. The loss of reserves continues, although the problem has become better under- stood. An Energy Impact Statement (EIS) submission by all surface land developers has been proposed as a means to justify the impact of the development on the coal reserves Beneath.

Jan 1, 1979

In June 1992, the High Court of Australia recognised native title of the Meriam people over parts of the Mer Island in the Torres Strait as a form of common law. The Court also indicated that native title may have survived European settlement of the mainland Australia where it had not been extinguished by Governments and Aboriginal people have maintained their traditional connection with the land. The decision meant that two systems of land law were seen as existing side by side in Australia: ò one which derived from grants from the Crown under laws passed by Parliament; ò another which derived from the diverse laws and customs of the many Aboriginal groups in Australia.

Jan 1, 1996

The calibrated thermal IR data of part of Cambay Basin is used to determine surface temperatures and to detect the heat flow. Applying the conductive heat flow continuation technique, the three dimensional configuration of the hydrocarbon bearing reservoir was defined. The zone delineated by the present study coincides with the oil-bearing structures inferred by seismic survey. The results indicate the possibility of the technique as an effective tool in hydrocarbon exploration.

Jan 1, 1986

By Large RR

Precious metals in the Rosebery north-end orebody occur predominantly in sphalerite- galena-pyrite ore and to a lesser extent in massive barite mineralisation. Gold may also occur in the upper parts of pyrite-chalcopyrite ore (although this ore type is usually gold poor), in pyritic mineralisation lateral to base metal sulphide lenses and in the footwall (very patchy). Although present, remobilised precious metals do not occur in economically significant quantities. Mineralogically, silver occurs dominantly in tetrahedrite and, to a lesser extent, argen- tiferous galena. Gold occurs as electrum associated dominantly with pyrite and, to a lesser extent, tetrahedrite. Geochemical modelling suggests that silver was probably transported as a chlorocomplex, while gold was transported dominantly as a thiocomplex, although at high temperature gold was transported as a chlorocomplex.

Jan 1, 1987

The orebodies at Kambalda are complexly faulted, folded and intruded. It is realized that the ore reserve calculations will be wrong and steps are taken to minimise the errors. The calculations are a combination of computer data handling and manual input. Initially Geological Ore Reserves are calculated and then production data and experience are used to produce a Planned Mining Reserve. At all stages maximum professional judgement is incorporated. The basis of the calculation is the polygonal method of area estimation, and production reconciliations together with the style of data available indicate that it is a most suitable technique. It is also a tech- nique that is easily communicated to all levels from operators to management.

Jan 1, 1979

Revised throughput rates, as a result of current mining methods and tight controls on mine dilution, have dictated a change in metallurgical philosophy at Renison Limited. Emphasis on throughput capacity increases has altered to a reduction in circuit complexity and operating costs. Extensive surveys of the gravity and cassiterite flotation circuits led to several plant modifications between August 1989 and March 1990. The coarse and fine gravity retreatment roughing tables were by-passed, the coarse gravity retreatment roughing tables were re-commissioned, the cassiterite flotation rougher capacity expanded and the gravity regrind cyclones re-configured.

Jan 1, 1991

By Pradhan GK

Blasting is one of the most important operations involved in surface coal mining. The removal of over-burden waste in surface coal mines of India had experienced many improvements in terms of blasting, explosives selection, blast design, equipment selection, deployment. etc. Two case studies of very large surface coal mines have particular importance in their blasting operations. Both these units have been equipped with large capacity excavating machines, hauling units and also have some difficult mining situations. Blasting is done in benches in close proximity to human dwellings and over coal seams developed by underground methods with problems of high wall stability etc, as well. The various steps taken to improve the blasting operations ensure smooth operation of the equipment to meet the targetted coal production.

Jan 1, 1991

By Yigit E, Royston D, Winborne DA

Semi-bulk concentrates of 45% zinc at 80% recovery have been produced from the McArthur River mineral deposit. Selective leaching of these concentrates to recover lead and a commercial grade zinc concentrate has the potential to increase significantly the recovery of zinc (as zinc concentrate) and lead (as lead metal) over conventional flotation methods producing lead and zinc concentrates.

Jan 1, 1986

By Muir DM, Tsuchida N, Dalton R

The adsorption or loading of anions onto extruded based peat activated charcoal has been studied by potential measurements in a flow through cell. Loading rates are in the order F-

Jan 1, 1984

Developments in furnace construction and design have been very rapid in recent years. Larger furnaces operating at high top pressures with much improved burdens are giving extremely high production rates. Modern scientific techniques and the use of computer control are contributing to these Rates.

Jan 1, 1972

One of the biggest drawbacks of deciding upon a heap leach method of treating gold ore is the risk associated with the full-scale production heaps not performing as predicted by the testwork. This paper examines the key decisions that are taken in the design of a heap leach project, and suggests ways in which exposure to these risks can be minimised. It also looks at monitoring techniques to give early warning of problems and possible remedial actions.

Jan 1, 1994

By Boyd D. M

Minor magnetic anomalies which may be un represented on a magnetic contour map can be extracted from the original survey data and plotted by the described method to provide a rapid interpretation of the magnetic survey, provided that the data has been recorded digi- tally on magnetic tape. The example used comes from 40 kilometers south of Charters Towers, Queensland.

Jan 1, 1977