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By Robinson KJ

Education in Australia now has to respond to a very wide political and policy agenda. The political emphasis is upon increasing participation and retention rates with a view to greater graduation rates in `high-tech' disciplines. There is an implied linkage between `education' and `economic well-being'. Our argument is that equalitarianism in education tends towards mediocrity. In this context many Geoscience educators view the future with pessimism. The argument is that science has been `sold short' and needs revitalising. We contend that Geoscience coursework should be a feature of both secondary and tertiary education in Australia. To this end we propose six policy initiatives to increase the content of Geoscience in education programmes.

Jan 1, 1989

By R A. Lynch, D A. Malovichko

The implementation of routine real-time micro-seismic monitoring of open pit mine slopes has been discussed. Some examples of seismic arrays have been given, and a recommendation of suitable seismic sensors made. Unfortunately near-surface sensors are required for good location accuracy, and the effects of reflection, mode conversion and surface waves must be accepted and compensated for during processing of the seismograms. It makes sense that mining at the base of a slope and levels of seismic activity within the slope should be related, and this is confirmed using both 2002-2003 and 2005 seismic data recorded at Navachab mine. An example of how seismic data can be used to gain information about seismically active geological structures has been described. The removal of broken rock, and not blasting nor the breaking of supporting rock, has been found to cause slope micro-seismicity. While the standard Brune source model is suitable for some 20% of the seismic events, unreasonable results are obtained for the rest. A moment tensor inversion has been performed after S-wave splitting and surface effects have been filtered out. This approach confirms a predominantly shear mechanism for a typical high frequency source.

Jan 1, 2006

By Bernard Jones

LTUG ? A meeting of many mining companies that are using large tires ? Introduction of the mines and size ? Companies go over their usage of tires and performance ? As a group we discuss how the manufactures are doing with supplies and performance (who's running what sizes and manufactures they are using) ? The mine's best practices they use (which ones work for them and which ones don't) ? Where the mines see themselves going in the future ? What type of tire management the mines have in place

May 1, 2009

By C Agreda

The Cushion Blasting Technique applied to solve the high risk case history represented by a 10,704 TM rock locate at 120 M from the hydroelectrical plants of 350 KV each, is described, analyzed and discussed. The generation and distribution of 700 KV produced by two hydroelectrical plants must not be interrupted by any reason, because the 26 district of the province of cajatambo, of the Lima department; would not have electrical power. The search of the best alternative and methodology, the drilling and blasting pattern calculations, charge design and loading, connections and initiations of the 50 blasts are described, analyzed and discussed. Finally, the excellent results from a technical, economical, enviromental and safety point of view of the 50 primary blasts are discussed and emphasized.

Jan 1, 2005

This summary of State laws on explosives was compiled primarily to ascertain what subjects relating to their control have been acted upon by each State legislature and, in general, how they have been treated. It does not include any legislation passed after 1942, or any proclamations, regulations, or administrative orders. It does not purport or attempt to be authoritative. If any problem arises involving interpretation of the statutes of any particular State, the original source must be consulted for the exact words used by the legislature. This summary, however, will be useful in determining whether relevant statutes exist and in locating them quickly, with a minimum of effort. It will be of value also in comparing statutes in one State with similar statutes in other States to determine what construction has been placed upon them by the courts of those jurisdictions or to contrast the varying provisions of many States upon a single subject. To make these comparisons easier, the statutory provisions for each State have been grouped under several major topics in outline form. Although

Jan 1, 1943

By Ray Schmahl

The Glenwood Canyon is a 13 mile long river gorge formed by the Colorado River approximately 2 miles East of Glenwood Springs, Colorado and approximately 150 miles West of Denver Colorado, (See Drawing #1). The canyon walls rise some 800 feet from the river elevation on either side of the river. The South-side river bank is occupied by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The Northside is currently occupied by completed sections of Interstate 70 and US Highway 6. The railroad was built in the late 1800's and a hydroelectric power generating station was built in about the center of the canyon in the early 1900's. The Highway 6 platform was completed in the 1930's. The design and alignment for Interstate 70 thru Glenwood Canyon began in the early 1970's. The Highway thru Glenwood Canyon was designated a scenic Highway by the United States Congress, thereby allowing certain deviations from standard Interstate requirements. Environmentalists objections to the construction of Interstate Highways thru Glenwood Canyon resulted in especially careful design to avoid adverse environmental impacts. As a result, in many areas the new Highways will have restored the canyon to its more native configuration than what was the case in the building of the US 6 Highway platform.

Jan 1, 1990

By W. Hustrulid

In the mid-to-late 1800’s the U.S. mining industry was on the threshold of nearly a century of golden times. Nearly every state had a prosperous and growing mining sector. The importance of the industry was reflected in the creation of the state school of mines. Today, with the depletion of readily available mineral reserves, much of the U.S. metals mining industry is considered to be in a sunset phase. The same is true with the mining schools that serve the industry. However, the United States is still a major consumer of the world’s minerals and requires a dependable supply of both minerals and minerals professionals. In his 2002 Jackling Lecture “You Can’t Make a Silk Purse Out of a Sow’s Ear” the author presented a list of concerns, propositions and recommendations. In this follow-up paper, the author further explores the subject through the presentation of a detailed case example focusing on the iron mining industry of Minnesota and minerals education at the University of Minnesota.

Jan 1, 2004

By Y. Tang

"Rare earth elements (REEs) have many key applications in traditional and advanced technologies. A shortage of several critical REEs is expected due to the discrepancy between the availability of REEs from REE deposits and the REE demand from the market. REE recovery and separation from secondary resources such as uranium wastes and recycled materials might help balance the shortfall in a cost-effective way. This paper presents data concerning the recovery of heavy REEs (HREEs) from uranium raffinate. It also discusses the design, commissioning, and operation of a solvent extraction pilot plant for the separation of REEs.RÉSUMÉ Les éléments des terres rares (ÉTR) trouvent de nombreuses applications importantes dans les technologies classiques et de pointe. On prévoit une pénurie de plusieurs ÉTR critiques en raison des divergences constatées entre la disponibilité des ÉTR provenant de gisement d’éléments des terres rares, et la demande d’ÉTR sur le marché. La récupération et la séparation des ÉTR à partir de ressources secondaires telles que les déchets générés par le traitement du minerai d’uranium et les matériaux recyclés pourraient contribuer à équilibrer cette pénurie de manière rentable. Cet article présente des données relatives à la récupération des ÉTR lourds (HREE, de l’anglais heavy REEs) à partir de raffinat d’uranium. Il aborde également la question de la conception, de la mise en service et de l’exploitation d’une usine pilote d’extraction par solvants pour la séparation des ÉTR INTRODUCTIONSignificant amounts of strategic specialty heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) are present in waste streams in Saskatchewan uranium operations. Selective precipitation including neutralization, oxalate, and double-salt precipitation, as well as sulfide precipitation, ion exchange (IX), and solvent extraction (SX) are commonly used technologies for the recovery and purification of rare earth element (REE) solutions. REE oxalate precipitation can effectively remove Fe, Al, Ca, Si, and other impurities by taking advantage of the solubility difference between REE oxalates and impurities in the acidic solution (Xu, 2005)."

Jan 1, 2018

By Stefan Aronsson, K. Rainer Massarsch

"ABSTRACT The geology of Sweden is characterized by the most recent glacial period with deposition of very soft clays and loose sand. Due to these difficult geotechnical conditions, new, innovative foundation and ground improvement methods were developed, which today are used in many other countries. Over centuries, Swedish scientists and engineers have made important contributions to the developments in foundation engineering. An important aspect of the success of Swedish foundation engineering in practice is the spirit of close cooperation between practitioners, engineers, and scientists. This has been achieved by the establishing of commissions, with the aim of finding solution of geotechnical problems. The paper focuses on developments in foundation engineering during the last century and does cover present activities in Sweden.IntroductionSoil mechanics and geotechnical engineering play an important role in Swedish society, as most construction activities require the consideration of foundation conditions. The objective of the paper is to summarize important developments in foundation engineering, primarily during the past century, which have influenced geotechnical engineering also in other countries. These achievements are the result of contributions by scientists, engineers and practitioners, only a few of which can be named. The paper does not claim to cover all aspects of geotechnical engineering, as emphasis is on the solution of foundation engineering problems from an international perspective. Thus, ongoing or recent research and development projects and activities within the geotechnical community are not included, as this would exceed the scope of the paper.Over the centuries, Swedish scientists and engineers contributed to the development of civil and foundation engineering. One important reason is the geology of Sweden, which is characterized by the most recent glacial period, resulting in the deposition of soft clays and loose sands in the coastal areas and dense glacial till in the interior of the country. Geotechnical engineering in Sweden has a long tradition and early contributions by several Swedish engineers and scientists have had a profound influence on the current foundation design in and beyond Sweden. A description of early Swedish geotechnical engineering has been presented in several publications by Flodin and Broms (1981), Broms and Flodin (1988), Massarsch and Fellenius (2012). The historic development of Swedish geotechnical and foundation engineering can be divided into four periods. During the “Early Era”, engineers were active in different sectors of military, civil, and mining engineering. Next, the “Industrial Era” comprised developments during the industrial revolution, when the transportation infrastructure of the country was modernized and extended. During the third period, possibly the “Golden era” of Swedish geotechnical engineering, which started at the end of the 19th century and lasted the following fifty years, geologists, engineers and scientists helped to establish modern geotechnical engineering. But also during the recent past, the “Modern Era”, several important contributions to geotechnical and foundation engineering which originated in Sweden, are used in many countries today."

Jan 1, 2014

By T. M. Romslo

The Lake Shore property, located in the early 1880's, contains copper-bearing deposits that have been developed by surface excavations, underground workings, and churn-drill holes. Operation of the property ended in 1929 with a total recorded production of 280,000 pounds of copper. The property is near the foot of the Slate Mountains, which are made up mainly of probably the Pinal formation of pre-Cambrian age. In the mine area there are a few outcrops of granite, which is exposed over a large area east of the property. Other outcropping rocks on the property are limestone, quartzite, and diabase. The limestone and quartzite probably are the Mescal and Troy formations of pre-Cambrian and Cambrian age, respectively. The predominant copper mineral is chrysocolla, a hydrous silicate that occurs mainly as fracture filling in bedded schist. It is also, the principal copper mineral in the shear zone at the schist-granite contact and in limestone southeast of the main workings. Investigation of the Lake Shore property by the Bureau of Mines included both topographic and geologic mapping, exploratory drilling, and metallurgical test work. One diamond-drill, hole and five churn-drill holes were completed for a total of 2,872.5 feet. Drilling started January 19 and was completed May 13, 1949.

Jan 1, 1950

By D. Fukahori, K. Sugawara, A. Sato

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is a nondestructive imaging technique, and its efficiency is widely recognized. In the present paper, X-ray CT is successfully applied for the visualization of water permeation process in rock. A new experimental technique using a tracer, which mainly consists of Potassium Iodide (KI), is proposed, together with the analysis method of the velocity field. The permeation process and the velocity field in rock are concretely visualized and analyzed by considering the conservation of mass of the tracers. La tomographie calculée aux rayons X est une technique de la prise d'images non-destructive et son efficacité est largement reconnue. Dans le présent exposé, la tomographie calculée aux rayons X Radio est appliquée avec succès à la visualisation du procédé de perméation de l'eau dans la roche. Une nouvelle technique expérimentale, se servant d'un identificateur principalement constitué d'iodure de potassium (KI), est proposée avec la méthode de l'analyse du champ des vitesse. Le procédé de perméation et le champ des vitesse dans la roche sont visualisés concrètement et analysés en considérant la conservation de masse des identificateurs. Röntgen-Computer-Tomografie (CT) ist eine nicht-destruktive Bildverarbeitungstechnik, deren Effizienz weit anerkannt ist. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird Röntgen-CT erfolgreich für die visuelle Darstellung des Wasser-Durchdringungsvorgangs im Fels eingesetzt. Eine neue experimentelle Technit mit einem Tracer, der hauptsächlich aus Kaliumiodid (KI) besteht, wird vorgeschlagen, zusammen mit der Analysemethode des Geschwindigkeitsfelds. Der Durchdringungsprozess und das Geschwindigkeitsfeld im Fels werden konkret visualisiert und analysiert, wobei die Bewahrung der Masse des Tracers berücksichtigt wird.

Jan 1, 2003

By Bengt H. Fellenius

Session 2, Deep Foundation without Soil Excavation, has attracted no fewer than 22 papers dealing with subjects from soil improvement by grouting, injection, and deep mixing techniques through vibroflotation and special piles, including aspects pertaining to conventional driven and bored piles. In the short time available, it is not possible to both do justice to the papers and provide a critical review of the state-of-the-art. Instead, to meet the objective of making the next half hour worthwhile to the audience, I have chosen to comment on a few special points brought forward in the papers and thereafter to discuss more in detail a couple of aspects I have deemed to be of general interest. Four papers deal with jet-grouting, injection, and deep mixing techniques: DOMSKI, J. J. Reinforcement of subsoil under the foundations of historical buildings in Cracow using deep injection technique. RESTELLI, A. B, BERTERO, M., and LODIGIANI, E. Deep mixing technology to improve the bearing capacity of a very soft clayey soil under an earth embankment.

Jan 1, 1994

By D Craw, D Wilson, D Chappell

Gold is extracted by cyanidation of a sulphide-rich concentrate at Macraes mine, and after cyanidation, the concentrate is discharged to tailings impoundments. The concentrate tailings were discharged to a dedicated concentrate impoundment from 1989 to 1993, afterwhich they were blended with the flotation tailings. Since mid-1998, concentrate tailings have been redirected to the dedicated concentrate impoundment. The concentrate tailings contain up to 1 ppm gold, and will be reprocessed in the future. However, it is a regulatory requirement that a contingency plan be in place to rehabilitate the concentrate tailings should the mine operation cease for any reason. Initial predictions suggested that the sulphide-rich tailings would oxidise and acidify, creating a potential long term environmental problem. Investigations of the state of the tailings after 4 years show that these predictions were overly conservative. Only minor oxidation has occurred in the upper 2 metres of the tailings where the pH has locally dropped from 10 (discharge condition) to between 7 and 8. Below 2 metres, the tailings are essentially unchanged from their deposition state. The low rate of change in the tailings is due to their very low permeability which in turn is a consequence of the fine grain size (ca. 15 ¦m). Dewatering is extremely slow, and incursion of oxygenated water is negligible. Calculations suggest that water movement over 30 m will take at least 100 years and possibly 1000 years. The contingency plan is to capitalise on the very low permeability and keep the tailings from drying with a semipermeable cap. A layer of limestone will be added to the top of the tailings, beneath the cap, to enhance alkalinity of any percolating water. If acidification does occur, contrary to expectations, any acid produced will be neutralised by underlying calcite-bearing schist, schist in the concentrate impoundment wall, and the flotation tailings immediately downstream. In addition, dilution by alkaline ground and surface waters would further ameliorate any acidic discharge.

Jan 1, 1998

By Liang Sha

In this study, adsorption of copper by chemically modified orange peel was investigated. A conspicuous change occurs in the surface morphology of the biomass due to modification, which is depicted by SEM images. Equilibrium isotherms and kinetics were obtained and the effects of various factors, including solution pH, contact time, initial metal ions concentration and temperature, were studied by batch experiments. Kinetics was found to be best-fit pseudosecond- order equations. Equilibrium was better described by Langermuir isotherms rather than Freudlich isotherms. At 25?, pH5.30, the maximum adsorption capacity was 70.67mg?g-1 . With increase of temperature, adsorption efficiency decreased. The biosorbent was suitable for repeated use for more than five cycles.

Jan 1, 2009

By G. V. R. Landman

It is self-evident that economic pressure demands that today?s mines stay ahead and stay competitive. The challenge, however, isto find fresh approaches to the pursuit of efficiency and operational effectiveness. Rather than focusing on individual activities in isolation, a process that can lead to poor investment decisions affecting other critical areas of operation, a key concept is optimization of the whole value-adding process of mining. This concept is often called ?mine to mill?. Whereas it is never easy to establish optimal conditions across a whole mining operation, the quality and consistency of the blasted rock strongly affects all operations. In many instances an inability to control rock breaking has been unchallenged, leading to significant investment in time and money to manage the consequences of poor and/or inconsistent rock breaking. This paper discusses how electronic initiation systems can play a major role in optimizing the whole mining operation. Electronically programmed detonators provide not only the ability to tightly control a key parameter, namely timing, but also the opportunity to extract blast data for a continuous improvement process. The ability to alter predictably, using feedback from the downstream processes, blasting variables such as fragmentation, throw, wall stability, and vibration, is a huge advantage. The current understanding of the effect of timing, accuracy, and scatter on rock fragmentation is reviewed and offers reasons why there is significant progress in controlling blast results. Two case studies are examined, which demonstrate the benefits of the technology on the economics of the operations under review.

Jan 1, 2010

By M. John Brodie

This report reviews the regulatory environment as it pertains to tailings management and disposal from mining operations, excluding coal and placer gold operations, in the state of Alaska. It is based on the EPA's staff position on an effective program to regulate mining wastes as presented in the May, 1990 Strawman II document, The unique conditions which occur in parts of the state, including a fragile environment, high seismicity and permafrost, are identified. The special waste management practices which are necessitated by these conditions are delineated. The report provides a detailed outline of the current technologies that are suitable for designing, constructing, operating and closing a railings disposal facility to meet environmental protection objectives. Cost implications to the mining industry of potential regulatory actions, such as the degree of groundwater protection are examined.

Jan 1, 1992

By K. R. Coulter

"Good morning gentlemen. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to tell you a few of the things that happen within a completely unrelated activity, the electroplating industry, except that it does consume metals and has some slight similarity of problems so far as cyanide is concerned.First, just a few general terms about the industry. It is a relatively unsophisticated industry technically, and in many instances there are serious problems in obtaining staff that can operate the various systems that are currently available for destroying cyanide or precipitating metals.I would suggest to you that if you are investigating any system that you consider very seriously the personnel that are actually going to run it. The installation people; probably have some idea what it is all about but the operators must be chosen for their ability and not because they just happen to be available.We perhaps have another area in common. There is very little money for capital expenditures that produce no immediate return or even eventual return on the investment.The industry is largely made up of ""Jobbers"" who are strictly electroplating. There is another group in which the electroplating is captive as in large companions where it is a convenience operation. Also there are specialists, who do other things besides plating but it is a very major part of their operation. This applies to the automotive parts industry.Cyanide applications in the plating industry will be for copper, zinc, cadmium, silver, brass, and gold. Cyanide waste solutions come from those solutions adhering to the plated parts, and from the occasional discharge of the plating bath solutions. Also, in a related industry, the heat treating people with cyanide case hardening have some high concentrations of cyanide to dispose of. Concentrations of cyanide that we treat are 2500 parts per million or higher especially in wastes from heat treating. Solution volumes might be as low as 100 gallons per hour in a well run, carefully operated rinsing system. It may be as high as 3000 gallons per hour where dilution occurs."

Jan 1, 1973

By John Russell

"Faster, safer, grinding mill relining offers the obvious attractions of reduced mill relining times with the knock-on incentive to reduce all other maintenance down-time, opening the possibility for increased annual plant utilisation.Leading edge liner handler technologies by RME, focused toward even shorter relines for very large SAG and AG mills, have recently split into two quite distinct paths:•,?Single SAG/AG Mill Relining Machines (MRM’s) of very large capacity, such as Newcrest Cadia’s 40’ SAG MRM of 6000 kg capacity and P.T. Freeport’s 38’/34’ SAG MRM of 7250 kg capacity;•,?Twin-machine SAG/AG Mill Relining Systems of moderate to large capacity such as BHP Billiton’s Escondida Laguna Seca 38’ SAG MRM’s, each featuring 4500 kg capacity.RME, its customers noted above and their liner suppliers are providing leadership in this important annual utilisation advance.Once the 24 hour mill shell reline becomes reality, liners designed for maximum profit, not maximum life, albeit exchanged more frequently, become possible too.INTRODUCTIONAt most mineral grinding plants, mill relining activities dictate each maintenance shutdown’s critical path. When annualized, mill relining remains the largest, single influence in defining plant availability.Because of restricted access, both inside and outside the mill, increased application of manual labour has no effect on reducing relining downtime. The only answer for RME has been to develop and apply new relining technologies now known as RME’s Mill Relining System.RME’s primary focus for over twenty years has been the reduction of grinding mill relining times while simultaneously providing a marked improvement in relining safety. Our original (1990) target was to halve traditional (pre-RME) reline times and to eliminate accidents and injury by mechanizing all physical work."

Jan 1, 2008

By Nolan Eckroade, Nigel Pereira

Wireless electronic blasting systems are a new technology that enable truly wireless initiation through rock, air and water. This is achieved using low frequency magnetic induction waves to wirelessly send a firing command to groups of in-hole primers. Fully wireless initiation not only removes the limitations imposed by a wired connection to each primer in a blast, but also enables users to alter the paradigm of conventional mining techniques to advance operational productivity and reduce personnel exposure to high-risk activities. While initially deployed in underground applications, wireless electronic blasting is now being used in the open cut environment. To capture the early impacts in surface mining operations, case studies conducted at three surface mines evaluated blasts utilizing a wireless electronic blasting system against baseline blasts using conventional, wired initiation systems. The purpose of this paper is to outline the specific learnings associated with wireless electronic blasting in surface mining to date. The paper will include references to these specific case studies as well as benefits realized and applications for the future.

By T. M. Williams, P. M. Green

Paper presented at Mineralisation in the Caledonides, the Mike Gallagher memorial meeting held in Edinburgh, 27-28 June 1996. The sediment geochemistry of streams draining Southern Uplands and Lake District turbidites was compared with lithogeochemical data for the source greywackes, using stratigraphically defined catchments. Several systematic trends in element abundance variation between source and stream sediment can probably be applied more widely to interpretation of drainage geochemistry. Pb and Zr increase markedly from source rock to sediment, by adsorption on clay and zircon grain concentration. Variation of feldspar-related elements Rb, Sr, K and Ba appears to be controlled by source grain size and compositional maturity. Ni shows surprisingly little change and Fe and Co are only slightly raised. Cr is particularly useful, with variations superimposed in anomalously high regional levels. Abrupt changes in Cr distribution in stream sediment coincide with stratigraphical boundaries, allowing drainage data to be used as a surrogate for whole-rock values

Jun 19, 1905