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By S. Caron, P. Radziszewski

Industrial practice in mineral processing shows that an important problem in understanding and monitoring in-mill parameters is due to the lack of fundamental knowledge and appropriate sensors. However, over the last decade, Discrete Element Method (DEM) modelling has shown an interesting potential in describing the fundamentals of grinding mill behaviour, in improving the understanding of internal grinding mill dynamics, and in developing solutions to industrial practice. With the objective of bringing this modelling technology into the concentrator control room to assist operators, this paper aims to describe the main elements needed to apply this emerging and developing technology to on-line mill performance monitoring.

Jan 1, 2004

By T. Sekimoto, T. Kokubo, M. Yamamoto, K. Masuda, T. Moro, H. Sakamoto

The choking-free cyclone was developed primarily to remove solid particles suspended in a slurry containing fibrous materials, such as municipal solid waste. This cyclone is characterized by a screw conveyor at the underflow side of the cyclone. The screw conveyor has a hollow rotational shaft for air supply and is driven by a variable speed motor for discharge control. Even if the underflow discharge is highly concentrated, this type of cyclone can be stably operated without nozzle choking. High classification efficiency similar to that of a conventional cyclone can be obtained as a result of air introduction through the hollow rotational shaft. The recovery of organic matter and the removal efficiency of inorganic matter were actually improved by the application of this cyclone to municipal solid waste. After applying this cyclone to the desliming of fine sand, sand product of low water content was recovered.

Jan 1, 1980

By B. D. Lichter

In a previous paper, Oelsen, Schuermann, and Hey-nertl pointed out the possibility of obtaining complete thermodynamic functions for alloy systems from calorimetric measurements alone. Specifically, if the heat content of a heterogeneous, multicomponent system is known as a function of temperature and composition, then it is possible to derive the heats, entropies, and free energies of formation of liquid phases and of solid intermediate phases of fixed composition. The authors present equations and graphical techniques applicable to eutectic systems and systems with intermediate phases without solid solubility at lower temperatures. eijering has considered possible extension of the treatment to systems with complete solid-state miscibility at lower temperatures; however, experimental difficulties practically restrict the method to systems with very limited miscibility in the solid state. The purpose of this note is to present an alternative derivation of the heats and entropies of formation of liquid phases and of solid intermediate phases from heat-content measurements alone. Fig. 1 shows three types of phase diagram to which the analysis may be applied. If the heat content is determined as a function of composition x, at temperature T, we have quite generally and the heat of mixing of the liquid is obtained directly from heat-content measurements. If the temperature T lies in a two-phase region (solid-liquid) then

Jan 1, 1967

By Marco A. Vera

"This paper investigates the froth function in flotation and the associated upgrading process. Flotation literature has revealed that one of the main functions of the froth phase is the cleaning of bubble-particle aggregates by rejection of entrained material. The cleaning and transport processes across the froth phase exert straining forces on these aggregates on their way up to the froth surface. These forces will impact on the recovery of bubble-particle aggregates.The grade at the top of the froth (TOF) is a parameter related to the quality of particles collected by bubbles in the pulp zone (true flotation). It has recently been demonstrated that TOF corresponds to the maximum practically attainable grade described by the recovery-grade (or enrichment ratio) curve. TOF lumps all the processes experienced by the bubble-particle aggregates before reaching the launder concentrate. This paper describes a methodology for quantifying flotation performance by means of the top of the froth sample - a touch of froth.INTRODUCTIONFroth flotation may be the most important mineral processing technique, but its theory is complex and is not completely understood even though many aspects have been studied and reviewed (Teague, 1998; Wills, 1992).Two distinct particulate systems prevail in the flotation process: a pulp phase and a froth phase (Figure 1). The pulp zone had been studied extensively; however, it is only recently that techniques to measure the froth zone performance have been developed (Contini et al., 1988; Falutsu and Dobby, 1992; Feteris et al., 1987; Seaman, 2002; Vera et al., 1999b).Flotation involves a number of mass transfer processes, occurring in the pulp phase and the froth phase. The formation of the froth and its subsequent removal are considered to be two important steps of the process. Phenomena that occur in the froth phase are known to affect flotation performance significantly (Cutting et al., 1981).Because the froth has a high free surface energy (as a result of the extensive interfacial surface between liquid and air), it appears thermodynamically unstable. The foaming is a dynamic balance, as new bubbles are added continuously from the pulp, while others disappear from the top. Under steady-state conditions, the volumes of added and subtracted air are equal (Booth, 1953)."

Jan 1, 2003

By John Smyth

Mining through in panel entries and the full face recovery method has been successfully practiced at U.S. Stwl, Mine 50. Suppat of the cut-through entries and recovery room is critical. Traditionally, concrete crib or fly ash cement backfill has been utilized. However, these traditional methods are not feasible at Mine 50 due to the difficulties of the plow face mining through these types of support. Recent development of new cable support systems provides an option for cut-through entry support. Mine 50 and Jennmar Corporation personnel have worked together to design and apply the cable systems in the cut-through entries and full face recovery room to eliminate standing support. To date, a number of full face recovery rooms and cut-through inpanel entries have been successfully mined. The results indicate that the cable systems combined with high capacity shields, have provided sufficient capacity to support the roof. Utilizing the Jennmar Finite Element Analysis (JFEA) computer program (Stankus and Guo, 1996), an analysis of the stress and roof deflection changes as the longwall gradually cut through was conducted. From the finite element analysis data, a supplemental support plan was designed. The history and experiences at Mine 50 are presented. Based on the case experiences and modifications made to the finite element analysis, an improved design criteria for future use has been formulated.

Jan 1, 1998

By Brian H. Greene

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, is in the final phases of modernizing the locks and dams on the Monongahela River. One facet of this modernization is to replace the existing Locks 4 located on the Monongahela River approximately 40 river miles upstream from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The existing locks consist of a 56-foot x 720-foot main chamber and a riverside 56-foot x 360-foot auxiliary chamber built in the 1930s. Two new lock chambers, each 84-foot wide by 720-foot long, will be constructed at the location of existing Locks 4 and will be named Charleroi Locks. The purpose of the new project is to facilitate navigation on the lower Monongahela River. Pittsburgh is currently the second largest inland waterway port in the nation, and the new locks will be an important component of the navigational infrastructure. The existing lock walls are of mass concrete construction and are founded on wooden timber piles driven to rock through alluvial sands and gravels. The new lock walls were designed to be supported by approximately 300 reinforced concrete drilled shafts, varying in diameter from 4 to 6 feet. To handle axial loads, the drilled shafts were designed for end bearing, with some skin friction. The tips of the shafts will be founded within competent rock. Since the walls will undergo lateral loads, the drilled shaft design also had to consider this loading condition. Some of the drilled shafts will be installed within coffer boxes, which will incorporate a tremie concrete seal down to top of rock. Complicating the design even further was the fact that some portions of the new walls will be supported by shafts that extend some 9 feet above top of rock through alluvial soils, producing a cantilever effect. The first phase of the new lock construction was initiated in the summer of 2005 with a contract awarded to replace the river wall. This required shutting down the existing riverside lock chamber and diverting all river traffic to the longer existing land chamber. The foundation of the new river wall will use 144 drilled shafts. To optimize the design embedment of drilled shafts in rock for the river wall, an exploratory drilling program was conducted by the contractor in July and August, 2005. Based on the quality of the sedimentary bedrock, the shafts will be embedded in rock from 31 to 38 feet. To achieve adequate end bearing resistance, the tips of each shaft will extend through predominantly claystones into a more competent siltstone unit for a minimum embedment of one foot. The contractor also performed an exploratory pile driving program to aid in the construction of the drilled shaft casing and the cut off walls that will encapsulate the river wall. Two demonstration drilled shafts located outside the footprint of the new river wall, will be constructed prior to the drilling of any production shafts. The demonstration drilled shafts will verify that the contractor is able to meet the design criteria and quality requirements of the contract. The river wall contract is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

Jan 1, 2006

By I. T. Oramah

Despite the abundance of solid mineral deposits, Nigeria only earns about 0.5-1% of its current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the solid minerals sector. This is as a result of the dominance of the oil and gas industry, which has negatively affected the competitiveness of other sectors of Nigeria’s economy. The dominance of this industry has resulted in unemployment, poverty, hunger, domestic price inflation, corruption, unstable government, and higher exchange rates. These impacts are typical for economies suffering from the effects of "Dutch Disease" and the "Resource Curse". Community-based small-scale mining offers hope as an economic activity that can create wealth, employment, reduce hunger and poverty, and provide basic amenities for rural communities with solid minerals endowment. This study presents preliminary results of ongoing research into the prospects of using community-based small-scale mining in a developing country like Nigeria to move towards rural sustainable development.

Jan 1, 2011

By Y. Duraisamy

This paper presents the compressibility of tropical peat reinforced with cylindrical cement column. When a cement column installed vertically in peat, its compressibility was reduced because of the hardened skeleton matrix formed by cement particles bonding with adjacent soil particles in the presence of pore water. The effects of diameter, number of columns and cement proportions in cement columns on the compressibility have been investigated in this study. The results indicated that compressibility index Cc and Ca decreased with the increase in diameter of the cement column. Specimens with 45 mm and 60 mm diameter of cement column were cured for 28 days, after which they were subjected to Rowe Cell Consolidation test. Based on the results obtained, it shows that cement columns can successfully reduce the compressibility of tropical peat.

Jan 1, 2007

By Leandro de Almeida

Tiras e chapas de cobre e suas ligas possuem excelentes propriedades térmicas, elétricas e mecânicas simultaneamente e por isso podem ser utilizadas na fabricação de inúmeros produtos através de processos de conformação. Determinadas características devem ser analisadas na chapa antes mesmo do processo de manufatura, visando eliminar possíveis falhas durante as etapas de produção. Especificamente para o processo de repuxo profundo, faz-se necessário avaliar a possível formação de orelha e o possível afinamento da espessura da chapa durante a conformação. Sendo assim, o levantamento dos coeficientes de anisotropia planar ?r e o de anisotropia normal r são essenciais para se obter bons resultados nos processos de conformação. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a influência da deformação (e) na obtenção dos coeficientes ?r e r na liga UNS C22000, utilizada especificamente para a produção de projéteis A norma ASTM E 517 que apresenta a metodologia para se determinar esses coeficientes não especifica claramente qual e a ser utilizada. Os resultados alcançados não demonstram diferenças significativas com relação a e utilizada nos ensaios, ou seja, os coeficientes obtidos utilizando 0,10, 0,15 e 0,20 de deformação são os mesmos.

Aug 17, 2017

MFIRE is a computer simulation program that performs normal ventilation network planning calculations, and dynamic transient state simulation of ventilation networks under a variety of conditions. The program is useful for the analysis of ventilation networks under thermal and mechanical influence. MFIRE simulates a mine's ventilation system and its response to altered ventilation parameters, external influences such as temperatures, and internal influences such as fires. Extensive output enables detailed quantitative analysis of the effects of the proposed alteration to the ventilation system Network simulation using digital computers has become widespread throughout the mining industry in recent years. However, as the sophistication of the simulator increases (MFIRE, for example), the complexity of input data requirements and interpretations of results requires more skill and knowledge from the users. Perhaps the most difficult part of using MFIRE is to construct the data set describing the mine's physical layout and its ventilation properties. The initial attempts to get the data set running often reveal unknown or ignored aspects of the mine's ventilation. MFIRE was written in Fortran 77 and compiled with Microway1 Fortran for the Intel 80386 based computers with a 80387 math co-processor. The source code is portable and available for users who wish to modify the source code to operate on other computers. This user manual describes the development of MFIRE, the input format and requirements, the output, common errors, fire parameters, and examples MFIRE application. Valuable reference material is included in the appendices. Knowledgeable users may skip directly to the PROGRAM INSTALLATION AND OPERATION section to begin using MFIRE immediately.

Jan 1, 1995

By C. D. Haynes, S. C. Gambrell

The practice of roof bolting in WORLD-WIDE mining activities is very well-known, having been used extensively for over 50 years. The theory of roof bolting, however, is extremely complicated, and only recently have investigators attempted to explain the theory. Various means of stress analysis have been utilized in rock mechanics, most of which reduce rock to an isotropic, homogeneous medium that can be easily analyzed. One of the indirect research methods is the photo-elastic technique, the theory of which is widely known and needs no elaboration. This technique has been used extensively to examine the state of stress around underground openings of various shapes in certain types of strata, and under various loading configurations.'-" In-Situ Mine Roof Trusses The photoelastic technique was employed here to evaluate the state of stress above a mine opening where support is provided by the in-situ mine roof truss. This support configuration, shown in Fig. 1, has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in mines with bad roof conditions." To the authors' knowledge, no scientific determination has been made of the advantages roof trusses may offer over conventional bolting configurations comparable to roof trusses. Ordinary mine roofs usually sag or bulge downward soon after mining. Normally, after some movement the roof begins to stabilize, but the face of this bulging mine rock is usually in tension and will almost always fail unless supported. Because rock fails easily in tension, it is desirable to "preload" the roof, that is, to impress a compressive force on the mine roof to prevent bulging and subsequent tensile failure. Ordinary rock bolting installations, particularly if the bolting is perpendicular to the mine roof plane, do not produce a preloading effect. Although bolting installations squeeze the strata together and produce a beam effect desirable for support, they do not have the advantage of actual uplift. They pull down at the anchorage point with a force equal to the bolt tension which sometimes causes a separation in the plane of the anchorage detrimental to roof strength. In-situ mine roof trusses require the installation of steel tension rods in the roof of the mine much the same as conventional roof bolts, except that the rods are arranged to produce a stress pattern above the upper surface of the opening similar to that of a prestressed beam. The roof rock acts to transmit the compression force. The simplest form of truss consists of two steel rods anchored to the back of holes drilled at an angle of approximately 45 over the mine pillars. These rods are collared near the middle of the room, and the lower ends of the rods are connected by tie rods and turn-buckles. Used in this manner, a small-diameter steel rod can provide essentially the same support as a wide-flange steel beam. By tightening the turnbuckles, an uplift on the roof can be produced. Objective of the Investigation The objective of this investigation was to determine qualitatively the state of stress that exists above a mine roof after the installation of the in-situ mine roof truss vs. that of two angle roof bolts, hereafter referred to as "roof bolts," drilled and placed in the same configuration, that is, 45" above each pillar and connected together in the middle of the room by a bearing member such as a steel beam. Each state of stress was to be identified, insofar as possible, as compression or tension above the mine opening. Model Construction A photoelastic model of a mine opening was coil-structed from -in. thick PLM-4B birefringent plastic and was machined to specification shown in Fig. 2. The dimensions of the opening were chosen to simulate a width-to-depth ratio of 3 to 1. Two % -in. holes were drilled at 45" angles, as shown, to provide for the loading devices. After construction, the model was annealed at 240°F to remove stresses produced during machining.

Jan 1, 1971

By David M. R. Stone

Underground mining in the gold industry is gaining popularity in Nevada, and with it the use of cemented rockfill is becoming mainstream. Even with today?s high metal prices, however, mining companies are very sensitive to the margins they realize, and are constantly looking for ways to reduce costs or improve efficiencies. Given that the backfill is one of the largest cost centers in underground mining, mines are constantly under pressure to reduce backfill costs. This paper will present an overview of the factors that impact cemented rockfill quality in Nevada mines based on the authors many years of consulting experience. Cemented rockfill quality can be linked directly to binder consumption, hence programs aimed at improving quality generally result in lower binder costs, better performance in the fill (hence less dilution), and improved safety. The paper will conclude with the key elements of a comprehensive program of backfill quality assessments and backfill QA programs. Comparative laboratory and minesite data from a number of operating and proposed mines will be presented.

May 1, 2007

By Enrique Garay

Actualmente el geólogo de mina toma información rutinaria, mapea los bancos de la mina, los taladros para voladura y loguea los núcleos de perforación y fragmentos del aire reverso. Para la localización en el campo utiliza un GPS que tiene una estación en tierra que permite triangular en tiempo real. En ese sentido, el presente texto señala la importancia de la función del geólogo y las herramientas de campo que utiliza para la exploración y la definición del modelo geológico en la mina Pierina. Así para la digitalización del mapeo geológico utiliza el programa AutoCad, en el caso de mapeo de taladros para voladura emplea un Colector de Datos que posee una hoja de calculo que permite recoger datos del tipo de alteración, porcentaje de arcillas, dureza y tipo de mineralización. Finalmente, la información que genera el geólogo de mina es útil para diferentes usuarios ya que sirve para mejorar el cálculo de reservas, manejar el control eficiente del minado de mineral y desmonte, así como generar el soporte geológico a los geotecnistas responsables del estudio de estabilidad de taludes del tajo abierto, así como desde el punto de vista ambiental es posible definir zonas con potencial de generar drenaje ácido de rocas.

Aug 25, 2002

By N. Raeis Hosseiny, S. H. Bassir

"Chador-Malu iron ore is one of the most important iron mines of Iran.About 98 percent of Fe in the ore is in shape of Magnetite, Hematite, Martite, aqua oxide of Iron and the other irons are with ferrous silicates, actinolite, cholorite and ferrous dolomites. 1% of Fe has replaced in pyrite. The phosphor distribution in the ore is non-hemogenous and its average in the whole of the deposit is 94%. It is in shape of Apatite.This mine contains considerable phosphor, which makes it useless for metallurgical uses. At this mine the phosphor is reduced in the iron ore at two steps. At the first step, magnetic part of the ore is separated from the gangues and phosphors by magnetic separator. At the second step, the ore is enriched by the flotation methods. Experimental flotation methods to obtain the optimum conditions are as follows:• Effect of Starch as Hematite depressant with ATRAC as Apatite collector• Effect of Sodium silicate as Hematite depressant with ATRAC as Apatite collector• Effect of ASAM as Apatite collector with Sodium silicate as Hematite depressant• Effect of ATRAC (BEROL) as Apatite collector with Sodium silicate as Hematite depressant• Effect of ASAM & ATRAC mixture as Apatite collector with Sodium silicate as Hematite depressant• Effect of Kcarbonate as pH-modifier• Final test to Optimize pH, Collector, DepressantAt this research we have found the optimum circumstance of the flotation of Chador-Malu iron ore in order to decreasing phosphors of iron oxide and floating of Apatite to make pure Hematite.To reach the optimum conditions, some tests were done with different amounts of pH, collector and depressant. The results are as follows:"

Jan 1, 2003

By P. Sklenicka

Remediation of the environmental (and social) disturbances caused by opencast brown coal mining in the past in north-west Bohemia isa priority for state environmental policy. In order to provide a concept for full restoration of land following disturbance by opencast mining, a special interdisciplinary project supported by a grant from the Czech Ministry of Environment was started in 2000. The initial stage of the project was intended to summarize and evaluate the findings and the works carried out in connection with various reclamation activities in the afflicted area over a period of more than 50 years. The main aims of the three-year project are to make use of the best available landscape environmental management knowledge in order to harmonize the ecological, aesthetic, productive and social functions of new valuable landscape, including the recovery of historical continuity and an understanding of ?landscape memory?. The basic landscape functions were assessed on two different scale levels. On a large scale, the relevant attributes were investigated over the whole area of the Sokolov brown coal basin (220 km2). The data and experience acquired were used to define large-scale guiding principles for the rehabilitation of a post-mining landscape. On a small scale, the basic characteristics and functions of the landscape were analysed in the Litov-Chlum model area (2 km2). The information derived from this analysis was used to formulate a small-scale approach for the rehabilitation of the model area and also to define general methodological principles. Keywords: rehabilitation, post-mining landscape, degraded landscape, non-productive priorities

Jan 1, 2004

By Steve Dillingham

Here in the United States, as well as around the world, pose a daily dilemma - to wash or not to wash. Let’s face it, all trucks, especially our industry work horses - bulk trucks - get dirty. We all know that these units can be very expensive and washing them keeps your business investment looking new, improves public relations, fuels company pride, and facilitates equipment safety and preventative maintenance inspections.

Jan 1, 2001

By K. G. Stowe

"1. Introduction Mattagami Lake Mines and Orchan Mines operate zinc copper mines adjacent to one another near Matagami, Quebec, situated approximately 300 kilometres north-east of Rouyn-Noranda. (Note: Mattagami Lake and Orchan are in the process of being absorbed by Noranda Mines and will become Noranda Mines-Matagami Division). Both concentrators began operations in late 1963.The Mattagami Lake concentrator is capable of treating up to 3,500 metric tons per day of massive sulphide ore with a mineral composition shown in TABLE 1. The Orchan concentrator consists of two separate circuits - the Orchan circuit with a capacity of 1,050 metric tons per day and a custom circuit with a capacity of 825 metric tons per day. Throughout its operation, Orchan has custom milled ore from several smaller deposits in the Matagami district."

Jan 1, 1979

By P. A. S. Manning

Eastern Jamaica consists predominantly of non-carbonate rocks reaching elevations of over 2200 m. The area is drained by a well established river network which supplies close to 30% of the sand and gravel used by the building and construction sector. Present high extraction rates and slow rates of replenishment will result in early exhaustion of this source of aggregate. A number of volcanic and carbonate rocks are being examined as a possible source of high quality aggregate which meet the requirements for all types of construction. Preliminary evaluations show a dacitic deposit to be the most suitable source for aggregate use.

Jan 1, 1998

The achievement of high availability of the Grey River Gold Mining Limited's alluvial gold dredge is a tortuous task which will rely upon the dedication of all staff employed at Grey River Gold Mining Limited (GRGML). The persistent adoption of new technology and better operating procedures, combined with a strong commitment to preventative and predictive maintenance, is necessary. The Grey River Gold Mining Limited alluvial gold dredge is operating in a relatively low grade alluvial gold deposit and hence relies on a high throughput of ore to be profitable. To achieve the required high material throughput the dredge incorporates an overburden removal system which operates simultaneously with a conventional bucketline system.   The overburden system incorporates a cutter wheel and suction pump configuration which is dedicated to removing the low grade (5 mg gold/m3 gravel) overburden. The bucketline conveys the richer grade payzone gravels (up to 890 mg/m3 gravel) to the recovery plant mounted onboard the dredge. The horizon for the overburden system approximates 15 m and the payzone terminates at the interface of the old man rock and the alluvial gravels at a variable depth averaging 22 m.   From a mechanical engineering perspective the dredge is a machine comprised of two materials handling systems which are controlled by Operations Staff and electronic process control systems.   The availability of such a materials handling system is a function of four variables: 1. The environment that the machine operates in. 2. The ability of the people operating the machine. 3. The design of the mechanisms, the configuration that they are grouped in and the effectiveness of the process control systems which control the mechanisms. 4. The procedures utilised to predict the performance of the machines and the skill of staff to analyse that data and carry out effective maintenance.

Jan 1, 1989

By Renato Okabayashi Miyaji, Guilherme F. B. Lenz e Silva

As novas tecnologias de manufatura aditiva podem acelerar tanto o desenvolvimento, quanto a prototipagem na indústria siderúrgica. Dessa forma, várias etapas do processo produtivo podem ter sua eficiência melhorada, com o objetivo de se obter um produto final de melhor qualidade, gastando menos recursos humanos, operacionais, custos e tempo. Nesse contexto, este projeto tem como objetivo o aumento da eficácia do procedimento do vazamento do aço líquido da panela para o distribuidor, por meio do desenvolvimento de um dispositivo anti-vórtice para a válvula superior da panela de aço. Neste projeto foram avaliados diferentes formatos e geometrias por meio da metodologia de Planejamento de Experimentos (DOE), empregando a impressão 3D e um modelo de escala reduzida. Posteriormente, foram realizadas simulações de fluidodinâmica computacional (CFD), para melhor compreensão do fenômeno e dos resultados obtidos.

Mar 1, 2019