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By Richard L. Gordon, William A. Vogely

ENERGY POI.ICY-PRINCIPLES AND THEIR PRACTICE Persistently, at least since the end of World War 11, governments have intervened broadly, deeply, and incoherently in major energy markets. If we take a broad definition of energy that encompasses gas distribution and electric power, we can observe regulations of even older vintage. This trend, of course, is not unique to energy. Expansion of government controls has occurred in many areas. The relevant basic question about energy regulation, therefore, is not why is energy special, but whether any general principles exist to explain the wisdom of existing regulations. This review takes place at a time, the middle 1980s, in which a massive onslaught is being undertaken against government regulation. However, the present chapter is influenced primarily by my observations of the failures of energy regulations and not by any inspiration from those ideologically opposed to government intervention. Several subquestions arise in policy appraisal. A primary need is to establish clear objectives and determine the consistency between these goals and the policies imposed. Thus, the first step is to set objectives. The next is to outline ways to attain these goals. However, it should be recognized that many apparently distinct options are economically equivalent. When the goal is to charge producers or consumers for something, it is possible to attain the same result through either government ownership or taxing private transactions. The tax can raise the price to the level the government would have charged if it were the owner. Creation of a Department of Energy is not necessarily any different from having separate energy agencies well coordinated by some small supervisory body. Thus, a distinction should be made between substance and form in policymaking. The critical substance concerns such matters as whether the government imposes financial penalties, incentives, or rules to attain a goal. Then, there can be many equivalent ways to implement the basic policy form. The second prior illustration suggests that one favorite question is how to attain proper integration of policy. At various times, voices on either (or even both) sides of the Atlantic have called for a coordinated energy policy. The U.S. Paley Commission made this a primary goal for future policy. The western European governments that were the founding members of the Coal and Steel, Economic, and Atomic Energy Communities spent much time in the middle fifties and much of the sixties trying futilely to agree on an energy policy. (See Gordon, 1970 for an annotated review). The energy price rises of the 1970s rekindled United States interest in coordination. However, astute observers of the problem such as O. C. Herfindahl of the United States and Maurice Allais (1 962) in France warned the discussions confused form with substance. The crucial issues were what were the goals and what were the best types of policies to attain such goals. Policy suffered, not from poor organization, but from discord about the goals and how to attain them. All this suggests that we need principles to guide policy appraisal. The branch of economic theory known as welfare economics concentrates on providing guidance about the problems of policymaking. The theory examines both what

Jan 1, 1985

There are a number of mineral processing operations which produce at some point a stream of hot particulates. At today's energy prices it becomes important to recover the energy held in the hot particulates. Sometimes it is convenient to use gas, e.g. in air pre- heating, and this will be appropriate in some circumstances. There are cases where it would be very useful if energy in the hot processed particles could be exchanged to the cold feed solids. This can be achieved within appropriate limitations by countercurrent heat exchangers comprised of parallel channels which contain, alternately, fluidized solids of 'hot' and 'cold' streams respectively. A pilot- plant has been built. Some calculations relating to industrial application will be Presented.

Jan 1, 1981

By Emmanuel N. Zevgolis

Energy required for roasting and smelting of a nickeliferous laterite ore by the rotary kiln - electric furnace process is investigated. From this work it comes that thermal energy is about 65% of the total energy needed and the rest is electrical. Also, 61.3% of thermal energy input in the roasting step (of all combustibles fed into the rotary kilns) is used for pre - heating, 11.6% for pre - reduction and the rest (27.1%) corresponds to the energy of the remaining carbon in the rotary kiln products (i.e., calcine, dust and coatings). Carbon entering the system is used as follows: 57.9% for combustion, 37.1% for reduction and the rest (5.0%) remains unburnt. Exploitation of energy from gases of both furnaces, as well as the higher possible reduction degree, the optimum temperature of the calcine and also elimination of the excess air in the rotary kilns, improve significantly energy balance and economics of the process.

Jan 1, 2006

By Marcin Ziemski

This paper reports on an energy efficiency analysis completed as part of a research project looking at energy reduction opportunities in minerals processing operations. The plant discussed is a gold production facility owned by Newmont Gold in the Tanami region of central Australia. Due to its remote location, lack of nearby gas pipeline or power grid, the operation has been completely dependent on diesel fuel for its electricity generation and transport needs. The mine and processing plant use electrical power at a rate of 12MW to 18MW, resulting in a monthly electricity cost of over US$1.5M. The high cost of diesel combined with an impending power generation capacity shortage drove Newmont to undertake the energy efficiency study. An energy audit of the plant showed opportunities for significant energy savings through the strategic use of waste heat, fuel replacement alternatives and renewable energy sources.

May 1, 2007

By Michel Brissette

"To recover more valuable ore and considering the complexity of minerals, the needs to grind finer is increasing. To reach the desired fine grinding targets, using the existing grinding media size, the energy consumption is increasing exponentially. As already proved at this conference, small grinding media represents the best potential to improve grinding efficiency. How do the small grinding media perform in industrial grinding mills?The use of small grinding media in regrind mills proved that finer grinding can be achieved at lower energy consumption. In ball mills, smaller grinding media versus 25 mm media generate a power saving from 10% to 44%. In vertical stirred mills, the power saving increases from 20% to 60%. More potential savings have been identified.For the same operating conditions, how a vertical stirred mill is performing compared to ball milling? In regrind application, a vertical stirred mill with small media (5-12 mm Millpebs) will require at least 62% less energy than a ball mill charged with 25 mm grinding media.INTRODUCTIONIn some mining applications, fine grinding is needed to liberate further the valuable ore. The purpose of regrind mills is to achieve the last stage of grinding before final flotation stage: the cleaners. In part because of high prices of small grinding media as well as availability, the most widely used size of grinding media is 25 mm.When calculating the recommended ball top size from Bond’s formula (Bond, 1961), the size for regrind applications is much lower than 25 mm. Today, the barrier for small grinding media is broken. They are best suited in regrind application. The size of grinding media is one of the most important variables affecting the mill efficiency (McIvor, R., 1997; Nesset, J.E., Radziszewski, P., Hardie, C. & Leroux, D.P., 2006).Conventional ball milling was discarded for fine grinding because of its very poor energy efficiency (Zheng, J., Harris, C.C. & Somasundaran, P., 1994; Yan, D.S., Freeman, M. & Dunne, R., 1995). Therefore, new technologies as stirred mills were developed to grind finer more effectively. Three fundamental questions should be asked. What is the best fine grinding technology? What should be the best media size to use? Is it possible to grind finer by using less energy with the existing regrind equipment?"

Jan 1, 2009

Energy Savings and Technology Comparison Using Small Grinding Media Considering the complexity of minerals, the need for finer grinding is increasing along with the energy cost. However, energy is increasing exponentially when grinding finer with conventional grinding balls. The use of small grinding media represents the best potential to improve energy efficiency. Today, it is possible to use grinding media as small as 1 mm. How do they perform in industrial grinding mills? The use of small grinding media (5 - 12 mm), called Millpebs, in regrind mills proved that finer grinding can be achieved at lower energy consumption. In ball mills, energy savings vary from 10 per cent to 40 per cent compared to 25 mm media. A regrind ball mill with a mix of small grinding media can be as energy efficient as an Isa Mill charged with 2.5 and 3.5 mm beads. In vertical stirred mills, energy savings vary from 30 per cent to 60 per cent. To carry out the same final grind, a vertical stirred mill with Millpebs will consume at least 60 per cent less energy than a ball mill using 25 mm grinding media. More potential savings were identified. To achieve those improvements, some operating conditions must be met: 1) feed size should be less than 250 ¦m; 2) the pulp must be fluid enough; 3) finally, the slurry linear velocity should not be excessive. This paper talks about all those industrial results improvement and operating conditions.

Sep 13, 2010

By B. K. Belle

The beginning of 21st century has heralded the global strategic importance, as evidenced by increase in energy prices and energy generation-emission-utilization dilemmas. In January 2008, the South African energy supplier, ESKOM had tabled the concept of power conservation and acknowledged the energy crisis until 2016. The concept is required of all energy users to reduce their electricity consumption, intensify energy efficiency and cautiously proceed with new projects. The generation of energy results in by-products called ?green house gases? (GHGs). To make a positive response to climate change and their effect on the environment, every energy user must ensure efficient energy use through technical and administrative means referred to generally as energy savings. This paper identifies mine ventilation engineering, in particular the electricity consumed by main fan units, as an area of potential energy savings. For a major mining company, electricity consumed by main ventilation fans alone can be in the order of 120 MW. Although a known fan engineering technique but scantly applied technology identified as the Hermit Crab can be seen as a ?quick win? project, due to its success in other industries such as cement and steel. The ?Hermit Crab? technique® involves upgrading or replacement of an impeller - whatever its origin - with a design impeller to suit the actual ventilation requirements, resulting in increased fan efficiencies. The cash flow benefits associated with a case study and its rollout of this technology have been calculated. For a 10% increase in main fan efficiency, would have a net present benefit of US$ 16.08m over 10 years. With the inclusion of carbon credits, this benefit rises to US$ 29.40m in total. Application of other available technologies, viz., composite materials, ventilation-on-demand and variable speed drives are discussed.

Jan 1, 2009

By K. A. Hildebrant, J. R. Norgate

"Synthetic lubricants have for many years documented extended service life and provided superior performance in temperature extremes. Increasing interest in synthetics' ability to reduce energy costs has resulted in laboratory and industry application evaluations. These tests have documented savings in functions such as worm gear drives, spur gears and in compressors. Energy savings data are presented as well as payback calculations as low as thirty days.The National Research Council of Canada has estimated that the Canadian economy loses over five billion dollars per year in friction and wear. Figures quoted were for 1986 during which it was estimated that nine hundred and forty million dollars were lost in the mining industry alone"" It has been further estimated that about 115 million dollars can be immediately recovered through improved tribology practices (Table I).The purpose of this paper is to present results and savings opportunities through the use of synthetic lubricants in various but common applications. Many other areas exist with the opportunity for energy savings such as in the use of more efficient drive equipment, reduced contact seals, spray mist lubrication systems and reduced friction coatings on rotating equipment such as pump impellers"

Jan 1, 1994

By Sri C. Sawmliana, P. Pall Roy

Damage to underground roof and pillars in blasting gallery (BG) panels has been an increasingly important area of study in recent years due to the invention of new explosives and cord systems which has led to the modification and alteration of the design aspects developed by Charbonnage de France (CdF). According to extensive mine experiments conducted by Indian and foreign experts, it has been established that the induced peak particle velocity (PPV) is predominantly related to the emanated seismic energy of a source and the distance from the source. With that concept in mind, nearly 160 experimental blasts were carried out in four BG panels in India under varying geomining conditions. Based on the results obtained thus far, the authors have established predictor equations correlating explosive energy (in Joules) and distance from the shot to that of induced peak particle velocity received at the sensor point. Good correlation was obtained between the actual and the predicted values. It is realized that this equation may be used as an efficient tool to determine the size limit of blasts in BG panels so that the induced particle velocity does not create damage in underground workings as per the established Blast Damage Index (BDI) and other available safety norms.

Jan 1, 2004

By N. F. Mescheriakov

New mechanical and pneumatic-mechanical flotation machines with axial impellers have been developed. Industrial tests show that these machines ensure lower power expenditure (on flotation) by 1.5-2.0 times as compared with reference machines (with the same or improved technological indices). Application of the newly developed axial impeller, with these advantages, is possible in any volume chambers of type OK, Dorr-Oliver, Wemko etc.

Jan 1, 1998

By Lauri Gregg

Key Message Energy focused Change Management Process that engages operations managers is the missing tool needed to build capacity for energy/GHG management

May 1, 2007

By Manuel Ruiz, Esteban Chumpitaz, Ricardo Huancaya

"En Cía. Minera Coimolache estamos comprometidos con el cuidado del medio ambiente y la generación de energía limpia que nos permite optimizar los costos de operación, motivo de ello estamos apostando por el uso de energías renovables para las facilidades de nuestras operaciones mineras. Se conoce como energía renovable aquella cuya fuente es inagotable, llega a nuestro planeta o existe en él. Ejemplo de esta energía tenemos la energía solar, eólica, geotérmica, biomasa y las marinas. Este tipo de energía también se considera como limpias, ya que no genera impacto negativo al medio ambiente por el contrario es energía que minimiza los efectos del calentamiento global."

Sep 1, 2017

By Dirk van Zyl

As part of the North American regional activities during the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development Project (MMSD) one project focused on the development of sustainability evaluations at the operations level. Engagement was identified as one of the seven important questions to be addressed. Engineers and scientists employed in the mining, minerals and materials production arenas must understand the importance of stakeholder engagement, both within and outside the operations as it is essential in the ongoing activities required to contribute to sustainable development. After developing the awareness that a social license can only be contemplated if engagement is in place, they also have to develop skills in engagement processes. This presentation will present the business case for engagement as well as an approach to motivate undergraduate mining engineers to embrace it. The presentation will also review some recent and ongoing research to improve the engagement process.

Jan 1, 2010

By Glenn K. Nolan

"Today, more than any other time in recent history, aboriginal communities are looking for ways to be understood as more resource development companies continue to explore and develop Canada's vast resource potential.Recent Supreme Court rulings have affirmed the need to engage aboriginal communities early on in resource development projects. There are many conflicting ideas on how, who, and when to engage. Given the large number of communities and varied cultures, each resource development company must equip itself with a better understanding of the people they are planning to work with.The lecture will begin with a basic historical perspective on treaties and the various societies across Canada. We will also explore the current situation many communities find themselves in today. Building a meaningful relationship with a community is the foundation for a lasting partnership. Every community is unique and every approach to engage communities must be just as unique. The lecture will outline some basic steps that can lead to a better relationship building process between the communities and companies."

Jan 1, 2008

By Dina M. Aloi

In today?s evolving and globalized world, mining companies are being pressured to move beyond compliance towards long-term sustainability and sustainable development. Companies are expected to ?engage? communities without a clear understanding of ?how? to do this or to what end. This move, away from compliance, develops more of a focus on ?Community? Social Responsibility and sustainability. This shift leads to the development of world-class projects that provide sustainable development for people, reduce the incidence of costly delays, and promote good global citizenship for companies. The process of ?engaging? communities in mining project design and development leads to a stronger license to operate, and a reduction in social and political risk. To create this mutually beneficial relationship between communities and companies, communities must be ?engaged? in the project development and risk assessment processes as early as possible, preferably during the exploration or the concept phases. How to create this ?engagement? and manage this risk will be discussed.

May 1, 2007

By Larry A. Lien

"A brief summary of the different membrane separation options currently available to the mining industry will be presented and discussed. The processes described involve operating membrane plants on the following applications: pregnant leach solutions (PLS) in the copper and gold industries, fractionation and concentration of metals and acids in refineries, and wastewater treatments to meet state-of-the-art surface discharge criteria.Included is a specific discussion on cost savings resulting from an operating membrane treatment system of nearly 3,500 m3/hr barren water relative to the prior, conventional precipitation practice at a major heap leach gold mine. This Engineered Membrane Separation® (EMS®) plant has produced water for six years that has met all standards for direct discharge into the environment, and captures and returns to the operation valuable minerals and solvents which were not previously being extracted in the Merrill-Crowe process.INTRODUCTIONMembrane technology has been available for more than 35 years, but has been used sparingly in the mining industry. However, recent developments in polymer chemistry, spiral-wound element design and construction, water clarification pretreatment equipment and techniques, and an expanded understanding of membrane fouling and cleaning techniques have dramatically improved the reliability and robustness of membrane-based systems for potential use by the mining industry.In the past 15 years large operating plants have successfully demonstrated the use of this “new” membrane technology to include the separation of pay-metals from large-volume acid and cyanide heap leach mining solutions containing copper, zinc, gold and silver. Moreover, variations on these same membrane technologies are ideally suited to fractionations that add value to processing fluids from refineries, like separating metals from acids or concentrating acids and producing high-quality process fluids."

Jan 1, 2010

If one can embrace the medical analogue, much of the mining industry currently suffers from a massive bacterial infection. When pyrite-bearing or sulfide-bearing rock formations, tailings, or mine wastes are infected by Acidithiobacillus ferro-oxidans, the likelihood of forming acid rock drainage (ARD) is almost guaranteed. The ?pharmacy? of antibiotics available is extensive, ranging from solid alkaline amendments like limestone to liquid ?medicines? such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium thiocyanate, waste milk, and bipolar lipids. Unfortunately, the ?geo-medical? teams of geochemists, microbiologists, engineers, and mine managers lack the tools to surgically apply these active ingredients where they are needed most with a minimum of waste. Distribution of fine grained limestone on the surface of an acidic mine waste dump is analogous to applying a bandage soaked in antacid to treat an upset stomach. The implementation of up-to-date best management practices has not healed the patient; an equivalent combination of hypodermic needle, cyber knife, and arthroscopic probe is clearly needed. Using an engineered, flow-able or pumpable foam or pHoam? as the medicinally analogous ?dextrose delivery solution? for solid and/or liquid ?geo-antibiotics?, the authors have combined off-the-shelf technologies that have been previously applied in solving geotechnical problems in the mining industry. A patent for the innovative process is pending. This paper discusses method concepts and the advantages it could provide over conventional BMPs.

Jan 1, 2012

By V. R. Degner

The trend in both the metallic and non-metallic mining industry is toward processing increasing y higher tonnages of lower grade ores, thereby resulting in a growing interest in progressively larger volume individual machines in the flotation circuit. Because of the relatively high cost of large flotation machine development and evaluation, it is important to establish a rational basis by which the existing smaller flotation machine experience can be extrapolated to establish the configuration of the next larger family of flotation machines with a minimum of development modification in the field. This paper reviews the R&D approach used in translating smaller flotation machine experience to establish the configuration of a 1000 cu ft (2B.3 cu m) induced air machine. Internal cell hydrodynamic principles, which governed this extrapolation, and cell (liquid) surface and froth management considerations will be reviewed, and prototype machine mill tests will be summarized.

Jan 1, 1978

Designing for early access to deep orebodies is an essential driver for improved project payback. Vertical shaft sinking techniques have been developed to allow concurrent mine level excavation while continuing to sink. Project cash flows can also be improved when simultaneously deepening existing shafts beneath operating hoisting systems. Further economic advantage has been realised through creative sinking sequencing in twin ventilation/service shaft projects. A fourth technique to reduce project schedules involves partial shaft barrel equipping allowing unrestricted access to construct stations and continue with level installations. This approach reduces interference with barrel sinking activities to insignificant proportions. This paper reviews how these approaches have added significant value to actual shaft sinking projects, as assessed from a contractorÆs perspective, and discusses some of the practical issues to be addressed when planning future projects. Designers need to take cognisance throughout all project engineering phases of the adage that you are only sinking when cleaning the face. Cleaning can only be sustained when there is sufficient hoisting capacity.

Jan 1, 2005

By B. Burke, R. Colquhoun, K. Thomas, R. Walton, D. Fentie

The new Roasting Facility at Barrick’s Goldstrike Mine in Nevada, U.S.A. was developed to process 12,000 tons per day of refractory gold ore. The process consists of crushing, dry grinding, roasting, extensive gas purification, calcine quenching and leaching in the presence of activated carbon. The new plant is integrated into the existing Goldstrike facility, treating ore from both open pit and underground sources. The process design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the Roaster facility was performed successfully over a 3½ year period with peaks of 400 engineering personnel and 950 construction personnel supporting the project. The US$330,000,000 project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The commissioning was well planned and proceeded smoothly through a rapid start-up to achieve all primary goals within three months of the start of processing of ore.

Jan 1, 2001