Search Documents

Little faith can be placed in a coal resource estimate without a clear understanding of the estimate's accuracy. Different types of coal resource estimates require different levels of accuracy. Prospecting surveys typically are done with widely spaced boreholes, while a much higher level of accuracy is required for mine design. Either way, a measure of the accuracy clearly indicates the level of confidence that can be placed in the results of the estimate. Geographic information systems (GIs) are becoming a commonly used tool for resource estimation because they not only provide a database management platform but also the graphical capabilities to visualize resource characteristics. interpolation methods used commonly in these resource studies do not typically provide a quantitative answer to the question: "How accurate is the estimate?" By comparing localized measurements at multiple locations to the interpolated thickness distribution used in a resource estimate, a quantitative analysis of accuracy can be obtained. The technique is demonstrated with a case study from Central Appalachia.

Jan 1, 2000

By Masahiro Hirasawa

"As a fundamental study on pyrometallurgical process that involves recycling steel-making dusts, of which major components are oxides of Zn and Fe, and waste polyvinyl chloride simultaneously ·at. a temperature below 1273 K, the reactions between the mixture of ZnO + Fe20 3 and PVC or the compound ZnFez04 and PVC are investigated in a series of thermogravimetric and small scale reactor experiments under inert atmosphere at below 1273 K. The reaction mechanisms are discussed· on the .basis of the thermogravimetric data. From the results of reactor experiments, it is shown that the chlorination of Zn in the oxides by Cl in PVC, the vaporization of ZnC12, the reduction of iron oxide to metal Fe by C and H in PVC, and, thereby, the separation of Zn and Fe in the oxides take place simultaneously at the temperature ~= 1200 K.IntroductionSteelmaking dusts are metallurgical wastes consisting mainly of oxides of Zn and Fe with smaller amounts of other heavy metal elements, such as Pb. In the recent investigation, [1] the present authors have investigated the fundamental aspects of a potential pyrometallurgical process· of recycling steel-making dust with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) at temperature T < 1273 K under Ar atmosphere. The performance of a similar process, in which HCl in the combustion gas of PVC is used to chlorinate Zn in the EAF dust under oxidizing atmosphere, has been investigated by Tailoka and Fray [2] with fundamental experiments. Figure 1 shows an example of the potential ·diagram of Zrt-Cl-0 and Fe-Cl-0 systems. In the figure, we can find two regions where ZnCl2(g) can be separated from Fe containing compounds. One is ZnCiz-Fe20 3 coexistence region at higher oxygen and chlorine potentials and the other is ZnCl2-Fe coexistence region at lower oxygen and chlorine potentials. The process adopted by Fray and coworkers is aimed mainly at the performance of Zn/Fe separation in the higher oxygen potential region. In the present study, the lower oxygen potential region is focused on."

Jan 1, 2000

This paper provides an update to a paper by the author on an overseas explorer&apos;s perception of New Zealand, presented at the 1997 New Zealand Minerals &amp; Mining Conference. New Zealand has one of the most open and internationally competitive economies in the world. The petroleum exploration industry in New Zealand is booming with a record number of wells planned for 2000. New Zealand is keen to encourage investment in mineral exploration to develop its natural resources. A study of the geological potential of New Zealand estimated the value of known and potential resources of metals at $86 billion. Gold has the greatest potential, with a total resource estimated at $33.5 billion. The price of gold has averaged NZ$554 since the beginning of 1998, and NZ$593 in the last year, which is very competitive with other countries. An assessment of country risk compared New Zealand with twenty other countries in ten risk categories: sovereign risk, land access, environmental issues, land claims, mining legislation, social risk, infrastructure, civil unrest, natural disasters and workforce. New Zealand ranked fifth, showing it has low country risk. This provides a high degree of certainty for investment, which is important for the perception of New Zealand as an exploration destination. Corruption was considered separately, and New Zealand ranked third out of ninety countries, showing it is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. New Zealand has a favourable business environment, good geological potential, low country risk and no corruption. Despite this, New Zealand has not registered on the radar screens of overseas mineral explorers, and the positive factors appear to have been overlooked. New Zealand has considerable undeveloped mineral potential, and with the current rise in commodity prices, it is hoped New Zealand can participate in a resurgence in mineral exploration.

Jan 1, 2000

By S. K. Kawatra, T. C. Eisele

Microorganisms, such as the bacteria Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, have been reported to depress pyrite flotation (Elzeky and Attia, 1987; Atkins, 1990). However, the depen¬dence of the depression on the type of organism or on suspension pH is still being determined. In this study, the relative effectiveness of various microorganisms (chemolithotrophic bacteria, chemoorganotrophic bacteria and yeast) over the pH range of 2 to 12 was studied. Screen¬ing tests using microflotation showed that every microorgan¬ism tested was capable of depressing naturally hydrophobic pyrite at acidic pH. Larger-scale experiments with both mineral pyrite and coal pyrite using Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as depressants, showed that these microorganisms are very effective depressants for mineral pyrite at acid pH, but they are largely ineffective at neutral and alkaline pH, where the mineral pyrite surface is not naturally hydrophobic. The flotation response of the coal pyrite was completely different from the mineral pyrite. The coal pyrite was most floatable near neutral pH, with the floatability decreasing in acidic or alkaline solutions. De¬pression of the coal pyrite by yeast was not selective between the pyrite and the associated coal under the experimental conditions.

Jan 1, 2000

By William R. Yernberg

The “China & East Asia Mineral and Energy Re-sources Symposium — CEAR 2000” was held Jan. 23-26, 2000 in Denver, CO. Conference sponsors included Resources and Technology Symposia of Colorado and the Asian Journal of Mining. The meeting was attended by representatives from China, Japan, Mongolia, Korea, eastern Russia (Siberia) and the United States. The US attendees consisted of interested parties from mining and energy companies, financial institutions, consultants and government agencies. In his opening statements, L. Maness, Jr., president of Resources and Technology Symposia of Colorado, said that the “goal of the conference was to make jobs and friendships and to introduce people to each other.” The conference provided an opportunity for Western mining interests, including mining companies and investors, to meet with government agencies from both sides of the Pacific.

Jan 1, 2000

This paper presents an overview of a program PC-BC developed for application to the design and evaluation of block cave operations. Conventional mine planning software tools are not well suited to the evaluation of this type of deposit. The paper looks at the modelling approach as applied to a block cave mining project. The following steps are described:Initial preparation of data including block models, draw point footprint geometry and draw cone geometry. Computation of individual draw point reserves. Procedure for modelling of vertical mixing of material within each draw point and subsequent determination of the best height of draw for each draw point based upon an economic cut-off value. Smoothing of draw heights amongst neighbouring draw points to produce a realistic draw envelope. Mineable reserves within the envelope are then computed. Tools for preparation and evaluation of various production schedules. This includes definition of draw rates, and rates for commissioning new draw points. In an operating mine, the capture and analysis of daily draw tonnages is important. How PC-BC accommodates this is described as well as the processes for depleting the draw column reserves. In the 12 years since the program was first developed, it has been used on a number of projects for feasibility studies and operating mines. Some practical examples of the use of the program in these projects are presented. Finally, some commentary on the sensitivity of various parameters is presented. Particular emphasis is placed on the overall footprint design.

Jan 1, 2000

By N. C. Saxena, S. K. Puri, A. K. Pal

The condition-based monitoring system is an important innovation for reducing the downtime of costly, heavy earth- moving machinery (HEMM). Vibration severity measurements were made on the HEMM located at the Gevra Project, the largest coal opencast project in India. Whenever the vibration severity levels exceeded the permissible limits, necessary actions were taken to replace the defective parts of the ma- chine. The systematic vibration monitoring of 120-t (132-st) dumpers, followed by corrective measures led to a substantial increase in component life (8.18% for an 445E Dressor and 28.44% for an MK-30 Unit Rig). The associated costs (including spareparts) were reduced by 21.55% and 25.74%, respectively. Because of the reduced downtime, savings for these two dumpers over the period from March 26 to June 25,1998, were of the order of Rs.26.47 (US$0.649) million.

Jan 1, 2000

By S. Z. El-Tawil, K. A. El-Barawy, M. B. Morsi, M. M. Nasr, Z. I. Zaki

"Tue sulphatization of zinc concentrate produced from heated zinc concentrate of Um Ghieg area, eastern desert by ammonium sulphate as sulphatizing agent is carried out at different conditions to achieve the appreciable formation of soluble sulphates. The maximum zinc recovery as soluble sulphate equfils to 95% upon using 1.5 stoichiometry ammonium sulphate at 600 °C for one hour. Tue obtained leached zinc sulphate solution is subjected· to purification process to prepare high pure zinc metal and zmc compounds such as pure zinc sulphate, zinc caibonate and zinc oxide. The products obtained are analyzed chemically and identified by X-ray analysisTue mechanism and kinetics of the sulphatization process of zinc concentrate are considered where the activation energy is calculated and equals to 33.3 K.J.mol""1 A process flowsheet for the overall sulphatization process of zinc concentrate by ammonium sulphate is proposed.IntroductionConsiderable reserves of zinc ores are present in Um Ghieg area eastern desert, Egypt. The possibility of extraction zinc from these ores and preparing its valuable compounds by choosing a more feasible technology become of vital importance. An attention is focused on the sulphatizing roasting processes (1-9) to achieve the appreciable formation of soluble sulphates. Previous publications are reported in our division by El. Tawil and others (10-16) using ammonium sulphate as sulphatizing agent for the successful treatment of nonferrous bearing materials.Therefore, the present work aims to study the different factors affecting the sulphatizing roasting process of local zinc coocentrate by anunonium sulphate to extract completely zinc and preparing its main compounds. Tue mechanism and kinetics of the different chemical reactloos that 1ake place in the process are considered."

Jan 1, 2000

The organisers of this function have suggested that this presentation should accomplish the following broad goals:set the technical tone for the conference to follow, implying some discussion of the æstate-of-the-artÆ of reserve estimation; and raise some current and common problems or deficiencies in our art in order to be thought provoking. As an engineer it is always easier to raise problems than to solve them with state-of-the-art. Consequently, I have had to limit the extensive list of problems that could have been discussed within this presentation. In regard to the state-of-the-art, this presentation will not be an esoteric discussion of the latest statistical estimation processes, although I intend to challenge those with skills in that area to address some of the thought provoking issues later on. The subtitle of the paper was established after reading an excerpt from æLife on the MississippiÆ by the American humorist Mark Twain in which Twain observed that the Mississippi River had become shorter during his working period on the River due to natural cut-offs and man made channels. Projecting into the future, he calculated that by now, Cairo, Missouri and New Orleans, Louisiana would become a single city with one mayor (the two cities are still separated by some 500 air miles). As a moral to this story Mark Twain observed that one can obtain: æwholesale returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of factÆ.

Jan 1, 2000

By D. W. Wu, M. T. Haque

A novel impedance probe has been commissioned specifically for capturing fast dynamic information about filtration processes. It provides an attractive alternative to more complex measurement techniques in situations where the slurry system is primarily one-dimensional. The probe can monitor mud-line, slurry densification and drainage. Dynamic variations in cake permeability are obtained by combining dynamic mud-line information obtained with the probe and filtrate rate data derived from a leaf test apparatus. The measurements are re-viewed in relation to micro structural measurements obtained on iron ore filter cakes. The practical significance of these measurements for optimization of the filtration process is discussed.

Jan 1, 2000

By Hani Henein, J. Barry Wiskel

"The easy accessibility and power of the PC, as well as the education of our engineering students in the use of these tools, are compelling reasons for developing computer aided instructional (CAI) tools. There are a wide range of areas in the engineering curriculum where students must learn the steps and the process of applying judgement in problem solving. In the typical course instruction, · an instructor introduces theory to students; the application of the theory to solving problems is often demonstrated in the abstract. Students therefore spend a significant amount of time learning how to apply the theory to problem solving. Additional time and effort must then be spent to get students to the point of learning concepts and integrating this knowledge. A number of computer aided packages have therefore been developed for use in several courses in the materials science and engineering curriculum that encompass both calculational and instructional capabilities. This paper presents an overview of some of these packages which include the solution of a non-linear equation, the instruction of binary diffusion couples, an introduction of crystallography, an introduction to heat transfer and the solution of thermodynamic stability diagrams. The context in which these CAI Tutorials were developed and are being used will be discussed. The pitfalls in the development of these packages will also be discussed. The use of the tutorials has important implications on the expectations from an engineering education of both instructor and student.IntroductionTraditionally, it is quite routine to teach engineering students how to use a computer (the PC today for undergraduates) as a tool in performing engineering calculations or in simulating a process or a unit operation. This often takes the form of one course in computer programming, whether it is Fortran, Visual basic or a spreadsheet, and another course in numerical computation. However, the materials and electronic revolution have brought about considerable advances in computer power and speed, and accessibility. Today, the manipulation of digital images, movies, and speech are commonplace on a desktop PC.' Many mathematical models that were executed only on workstations can now be readily handled on a PC. Concurrently, more of our students own a PC even if their curriculum does not require them to purchase one. Today, virtually every university student has been introduced to the PC in either their elementary or high school education. Hence, the increased capabilities and accessibility of the PC and the familiarity of students with this tool make it compelling to explore its use as an educational tool for our engineering students. This is not a traditional role of a computer in our engineering curriculum."

Jan 1, 2000

Stawell Gold Mines Pty Ltd operates two underground decline mines within the township of Stawell. An active exploration program and commitment by owners to improving the ore reserves has led to an improved mine life and reduced operating costs since the purchase of the operation by Mining Project Investors and Pittston Mineral Ventures in late-1992. Over the past six years of operation a cumulative 1 150 000 ounces of gold have been added to the mineral inventory. An improved geological understanding of the orebody has evolved over time increasing the ore reserves and allowing the development of long-term plans for the mines future. This has enabled important capital decisions to be made providing the impetus for improved productivity and thereby reduced operating costs. Co-operative mine planning and mine geology utilising best practice geological systems have enabled the effective extraction of a structurally complex and mineralogically varied deposit within a rural Victorian township. Detailed metallurgical research has improved the function of an aged and poorly designed circuit to boost the mill capacity whilst also improving the metallurgical recovery. The combination of metallurgical expertise and an understanding of the geological setting enable an effective control of metallurgical recovery.

Jan 1, 2000

By K. R. Robilliard

The Peru based tin mining company, Minsur S.A., commissioned Ausmelt Limited to design, supervise construction and commission a tin smelter and refinery for production of refined tin metal. The plant is located 240km south of Lima, near Pisco, Peru and is operated by Funsur S.A., the wholly owned subsidiary of Minsur S.A.. Selection of the Ausmelt Technology followed a series of crucible scale test work and pilot plant trials conducted at Ausmelt&apos;s facility in Dandenong, Australia and two feasibility studies undertaken by Ausmelt in 1991 and 1993. Ausrnelt began the plant design in 1994 with the construction phase following in 1995. Commissioning of the plant commenced early in 1996 with a target throughput of 30,000 tonnes per annum of concentrates. In mid 1998 oxygen enrichment of the Ausmelt lance air was introduced to expand the capacity to the throughput of 40,000 tonnes per annum of concentrates. The process route involves the use of an Ausmelt furnace for primary concentrate smelting, followed by a conventional tin pyro-refining circuit to produce high grade tin suitable for sale. Further work continues between Ausmelt and Funsur to investigate the use of an alternative, more economical, fuel source and the installation of a second Ausmelt furnace. The paper reviews the project to date with details of ongoing operations and developments at the Minsur Tin Smelter.

Jan 1, 2000

By E. A. Werner, A. Pichler, A. Spalek, G. Reisner, P. Stiaszny

"Interstitial free (IF) sheet steels are used for complex shaped parts because of their excellent formability. If a deep drawn part is subjected· to a impact deformation at low temperature brittle fracture of the part may occur. This phenomenon\ is called secondary work embrittlement (SWE). One possibility to characterize this material/structural behavior is the drop-weight test. The result of .this .test is a temperature at and below which a crack can initiated in a deep drawn part under the investigated set of parameters. This paper addresses the influence of the preforming process on the sus- . . ceptibili.ty of IF steels to SWE.IntroductionInterstiiial:free (IF-) steels are frequently used in the automotive industry for complex· shaped p·arts because of their excellent deep drawability. The microstructure of the steel consists of a highly ductile ferritic matrix with embedded precipitates of nitrides and/or carbides. Brittle fracture can occur in deep drawn parts, if they are subjected to a high speed deformation at lo""w temperature. This phenomenon is called ~econdary Work gmbrittlement (SWE) [1-11]. Up to now there are no standardized testing procedures available to quantify the sensibility of IF-sheet steel to SWE. Neveitheless, a reasonable testing procedure which allows to quantify the tendency of a predeformed part to SWE is necessary for further material development. A commonly used test method is the drop-weight test performed at low temperatures. In such ·tests a cone-like drop weight expands a deep drawn cylindrical cup [l-3, 6, 8, 9, 11]. From this expansion experiment the temperature is determined at and below which a brittle crack can be initiated in the deep drawn cup under the investigated impact test parameters. The highest measured temperature at which a deep drawn cup fails by brittle fracture is called frack appearances !emperature (CAPT). The lower the value of the CAPT the lower is the sensibility of a deep drawn part of IF-sheet steel to SWE. This paper aims to clarify the role of the preforming process on the impact behavior of an IF steel. For this purpose a numerical analysis of the deep drawing process and cup expansion tests are conducted."

Jan 1, 2000

By R Crookes

Mine to Mill optimisation is not a recently developed concept. It is one which is finally gaining greater acceptance in the Australian Mining Industry, possibly as a consequence of the downturn in markets and certainly made possible by the development of tools and techniques to measure and predict performance of mining equipment and milling plants. Fragment size after blasting has a major bearing on the performance of all aspects of mining and a major influence on the economics of the mine and mill. The process to optimise fragmentation consists of identifying the key factors, measuring their sensitivity through a modelling and trialing program and conducting economic evaluations on the changes on both the mine and mill. Management of the Ernest Henry copper-gold mine in NorthernQueensland, Australia, has espoused the Mine-to-Mill concept and isactively pursuing excellence in blasting to drive down the total cost of mining. Ernest Henry has extremely hard, wet and heavily jointed geological conditions, and had high powder factors and a large percentage of oversize material reporting to the crusher or ROMstockpile. A blasting improvement program was undertaken betweenErnest Henry Mining, Thiess Contractors and Orica Explosives tooptimise the ore size distribution, particularly the oversize component, as a step to reducing production costs. Measures of success included bringing the rock breaker back from double shifts to part-time operation and increasing direct dumping into the crusher from 70 per cent to 92 per cent. Tools and technologies to predict and measure the performance ofindividual blasts are needed before it is possible to optimisefragmentation or the downstream processes. These include suchspecialised Orica Explosives tools as SABREX, POWERSIEVE, andPOWERLINE and commercially available drill monitors. As importantare the more common still and video camera, borehole loggers,measuring tapes, surveying equipment such as face profilers, and ahigh-speed camera if possible. There are many tools which can be applied however it is rarely necessary or possible to use all of them due to time constraints and a point of diminishing returns. The critical point is knowing what the true parameters of the blast were compared to design - only then can the predictive tools be effectively utilised. Stage one of the program has seen gradual improvement as theunderstanding grew and practices have been implemented resulting inreduced bridging in the crusher, geological mapping with respective blast designs and the oversize component under control. This paper is about a process approach which links tools and technology to understand the fragmentation drivers and then to optimising the size distribution.The continuous improvement program continues...

Jan 1, 2000

By K. Yamaguchi, Y. Takeda

"Partial pressure - temperature - composition correlation diagrams of the Ga-As, In-As, Ga-P and In-P systems were contracted based on the obtained experimental data of the phase diagram and thermodynamic properties for the III-V systems. The total vapor pressures of arsenic or phosphorus at melting point of GaAs, InAs, GaP and InP were determined as 101, 10.1, 1510 and 253 kPa, respectively, at the corresponding melting points of 1509, 1211, 1739 and. 1336K , These diagrams are applied to the analysis of the horizontal Bridgman method and the liquid phase epitaxial growth technique. On the other hand, the analysis of the equilibrium state of the. chloride-CVD process was carried out using the data of the Gibbs energy of the compounds obtained by· authors.IntroductionThe group III-V compound semiconductors ate important materials used in optoelectronic liquid high speed electronic device. The crystal growth of the III-V compounds can involve processes that require contact between the solid, liquid and vapour phases at near equilibrium condition. Examples of processes that involve contact between the solid, liquid and vapour phases include bulk crystal growth such as the horizontal Bridgman and the liquid encapsulated Czochralski method and liquid epitaxy, and between the solid and vapor include chemical vapour deposition and molecular beam epitaxy. Therefore, the knowledge of the phase diagram and thermodynamic properties for the III-V binary alloys is essential for the analyses of crystal growth techniques of III-V compounds.For these reasons, a series of different · types calorimetric measurements had been carried out: (1) The heat contents of alloys for the Ga-As, In-As, Ga-P and In-P systems by a drop calorimeter [1;2,3]; (2) the heats of formation of the GaAs, InAs, GaP and InP compounds by a twin solution calorimeter [4]; and (3) the standard entropy of these compounds by an adiabatic calorimeter [5]. Based on the third law method, the Gibbs energies of these compounds were derived from the heat capacity, standard heat of formation and standard entropy data obtained by authors. Integral molar thermodynamic quantities of the liquid III-V .alloys were also determined from combining the heat contents of alloys with standard heat of formation and standard entropy data of the compounds· by applying the thermodynamic analysis method developed by Oelsen [6]. In the present study, the thermodynamic calculations for the crystal growth processes of the III-V compound were carried out using newly experimental data of the phase diagram and thermodynamic .properties measured by authors"

Jan 1, 2000

By R J. In, C Moore, P J. Moffitt, T Hansen

Telfer Gold Mine combines a world-class gold and copper resource and longevity of operation as a major gold and copper producer. Telfer Gold Mine has undergone a series of transformations since mining commenced as a high-grade narrow-vein oxide open pit operation in 1977. In 1986, the open pit operation converted from a narrow-vein, high-grade operation, to a low-grade high-volume oxide mining operation utilising dump leach processing technology. Mechanised underground mining of the high-grade narrow-veins commenced in 1990. Total recovered gold production between 1977 to 1999 has totalled 5.7 million ounces. The Telfer Extension Project consists of two pre-feasibility studies, the Surface Extension Project (SEP) and the I-Series Project (ISP). The combined studies represent one of the more significant resource evaluations undertaken in the gold industry in recent times. Geological activities for the SEP pre-feasibility study have included the drill definition of a large low-grade resource within an area of 25 km2 . The surface drilling program has completed 15 000 metres of HQ3 diamond drilling and over 30 000 metres of RC between last quarter of 1998 and late-1999. The ISP pre-feasibility study is currently evaluating the resource potential of both a high-grade low-volume and a lower grade bulk mining scenario, 800 m to 1200 m below the surface of Main Dome. 15 000 metres of underground diamond drilling have been completed between last quarter of 1998 and August 1999 as part of this study. Systems and cultures have been developed to maximise safety, monitor the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) on all aspects of the operation, and minimise impact on the environment. All data are stored in database systems, specifically designed for Telfer operations. 3D geostatistical resource estimation using ordinary kriging has been carried out for over 220 geological domains within the 25 km3 of mineralised system. Non-linear geostatistical techniques are being investigated as part of the pre-feasibility study.

Jan 1, 2000

By L. A. Cramer

Platinum metal was first utilized by the Inca civilization in South America where it was found in alluvial deposits along the San Juan and Atrato rivers that lie between the Andean mountain range in Colombia and the Pacific Ocean. The nuggets found in these rivers average between 77% and 86%platinum, 7%?8% iron and small amounts of copper, gold and other Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). The Incas often alloyed platinum with copper to increase its workability and fabricated various ornaments from it. With the arrival of the Spanish in the early 1700s, platinum was labelled a nuisance for the Spanish in their quest for alluvial gold because it concentrated with the gold and had to be removed by either extended amalgamation or by hand sorting. It was at this time that platinum received the root of its current name for the Spanish referred to it as platina del Pinto, platina being the somewhat derogatory diminutive of plata (silver). Pinto was a river in Colombia where the Spanish first distinguished it. The English eventually adopted ?platina? and it is only in recent times that the Latin name platinum has been accepted as the metal?s common English name. From its first introduction to European scientists in 1740, platinum was unappreciated because of its brittle nature and difficulty of working and as a result had little commercial value. Its ability to be dissolved in gold did lead to some counterfeiting of gold bullion and even to the debasement of gold currency.

Jan 1, 2000

By Jerry W. Danni, R. Craig Ford, Kermit C. Benke, Jim B. Finley, Donald D. Runnells

Steady-state water balance models have historically been used in the management of acid drainage at mine sites. Such systems could be more realistically described by non-steady-state conditions. In addition, the evaluation of alternatives for closure and management of acid drainage must consider non-steady-state conditions. Dynamic systems modeling is a method for simulating water management systems, offering flexibility in: (1) simulating either steady-state or non-steady-state conditions, (2) allowing "what-if&apos; scenario testing. and (3) optimization of operation and closure alternatives. A case study is given for acidic drainage management during closure at a heap leach facility that demonstrates the utility of dynamic systems models.

Jan 1, 2000

By V. V. Satya Prasad, A. Sambasiva Rao

Electroslag melting technologies have recently been developed for recycling light scrap of valuable metals and alloys such as superalloys and oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper at Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad. Conventionally, electroslag melting processes use consumable electrodes. Because of the difficulty in compaction of scrap into a consumable electrode of satisfactory quality, non-consumable electrodes such as graphite and water-cooled copper have been designed. Electroslag remelting using a water-cooled non-consumable electrode was developed to melt scrap of a nickel base superalloy. Sound ingots with smooth surface finish and properties comparable to vacuum melted superalloys could. be obtained from scrap using this process. A modified electroslag crucible melting process using graphite crucible and graphite electrode was developed for recycling OFHC copper scrap. Copper ingots with less than 10 ppm oxygen and electrical conductivity"" 100% IACS could be produced. The same process was also utilized to produce copper-based alloys such as copper-chromium and copper-titanium starting from copper scrap.

Jan 1, 2000