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By Roy A. Anderson, Roger H. McConnel

The Metaline district from 1906 through 1965 has produced nearly 16 million tons of ore yielding 400,808 tons of zinc and 178,062 tons of lead. The sediments, ranging from Precambrian into the Devonian, are schist, phyllite, conglomerate, greenstone, quartzite, limestone, dolomite, and carbonaceous slates. Quartz monzonite and granodiorite of the Cretaceous(?) Kaniksu batholith are exposed over a large area beginning a few miles south of the district. There is minor Tertiary conglomerate and basalt. Abundant glacial deposits obscure much of the bedrock. Northeasterly trending folds, having steep to overturned northwesterly limbs, and thrust faults, striking northeasterly and dipping southeasterly, characterize the deformation of the Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks. Recent drilling indicates that the Slate Creek fault, too, is also a southeasterly dipping thrust fault. This new evidence suggests that the Valley Block, like the other major structural blocks, may in part be a thrust plate rather than a graben, and that thus the district may have greater structural unity with the surrounding region than has heretofore been apparent. The Cambrian Metaline Formation of limestone and dolomite contains essentially all the lead-zinc mineralization. Most of the ore mined to date has come from a carbonaceous and irregularly siliceous breccia of sedimentary and diagenetic origin, locally called the "Josephine Horizon," that makes up the top few to 200 feet of the formation. The Josephine Unit is a breccia of gray limestone, coarse light gray dolomite, very thin-bedded, dark gray siliceous dolomite, and "zebra rock" believed to be of algal origin, embedded in a matrix of black dolomite or black jasperoid or some mixture of these two. The jaspcroid fragments and irregular blobs embedded in the black dolomite matrix and the jasperoid laminae in the very thin-bedded dark gray dolomite suggest that jasperoid was formed at the same time as the breccia matrix and as the laminated dolomite. So too, the marked tendency of sphalerite and galena to be disseminated mainly in the dark breccia matrix and their tendency to be most abundant in the jasperoid laminae of the very thin-bedded dark gray dolomite, even where the mineralized and laminated dolomite is fragmented and engulfed in black dolomite breccia matrix, suggests that in these ha bits the sulfides also were deposited contemporaneously with the sediments. Yet very commonly, veins and vague veinlets and patches of white quartz, usually carrying rather coarse sphalerite and sometimes galena crosscut all rock types. These contradictory relationships throughout the Josephine Unit suggest that both the black jasperoid and the sulfides were original constituents of the Josephine Unit but that, locally, they later were remobilized and deposited as white quartz and coarser grained sulfides. Possibly, at least in part, this "metamorphism" is one of the effects produced during or shortly after the intrusion of the Kaniksu batholith.

Jan 1, 1968

By A. J. Stapleton

"The Copper Mountain mine of Gaspe Copper Mines, Limited was brought into production in January, 1968.This paper describes the organization, scheduling and control of maintenance of large open-pit equipment, including 8-cu.yd shovels and 85-ton electric-wheel haulage units. The facilities for repair as well as maintenance are also described, including repair shops and field repair equipment. Maintenance costs are discussed and particular reference is made to tire inspection, records and costs."

Jan 1, 1969

By J. Kretschmann, H. Mischo, O. Drusche, S. Krause

Mining is and will be inevitable in spite of the increasing implementation of circular strategies. The energy transition and population growth will boost the demand for critical raw materials. It is the opportunity for miners to reinvent their business models. Generating attractive new business cases with sustainability-oriented innovations meets investor and stakeholder expectations from the beginning. This contribution guides managers on their pathway towards sustainable success. Contextual sustainable business model patterns will be presented that can be adjusted individually, regardless of actor’s size. It will also point out, how sustainable value creation can be measured on business model level.

Feb 1, 2023

By J. P. Carson

The works of the Tula Iron Company are in the Republic of Mexico, State of Jalisco, twenty-eight leagues southwest of Guadalajara, ten leagues northwest of the town of Sayula, through which passes the projected line of the Mexican National Railroad. Its geographical position would be about: latitude, 20' 10' N., longitude, 40 35' w. of Mexico City. The surrounding country is a rolling plateau, 6000 feet above the sea, enjoying the most magnificent climate in the world, the average temperature being about '70'. The works were commenced in 1850 by a company with very small capital, having not the least idea of the undertaking. They soon fell into the hands of the money-lenders, and after changing

Jan 1, 1879

By R. Gallinger

In 1997, a group of Canadian mining companies met to review the Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) program and to consider future activities. They concluded that (1) that Canadian industry and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) should fund a small secretariat in Ottawa to support technology transfer in Canada and, (2) that it was important for industry to continue the momentum of MEND on an international scale. The need for the International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) was strongly endorsed by consultants, company, university, and government experts from Australia, Canada, and the United States who convened in Vancouver in February 1998. The initial focus was the development of a solid knowledge base covering the collective experience of INAP?s members to promote the dissemination of successful practices, the identification of knowledge gaps, and the formulation of effective research proposals. The sharing of information on past successes and failures alone was viewed as sufficient justification for the formation of INAP. INAP was officially launched in October 1998, and is now an effective, industry-based initiative to globally coordinate research and development in the management of sulphide mine waste. Significant improvements in the management of sulphidic mine materials through knowledge sharing, research, and development of technology by INAP will reduce liability associated with acid drainage. This paper will explore the international efforts and activities of INAP

May 1, 2005

By J. J. Bouillon

"Located in the northwestern portion of the Abitibi greenstone belt, Les Mines Selbaie is a copper-zinc (silver and gold) producer. Felsic tuffs host three are zones. Composed of sulphide veins and breccias, they are not exhalative massive sulphide deposits, except, probably, for the massive pyrite (fragments and lenses) localized close to the top of the volcanic sequence.The total of all (mineable and mined) ore in the three zones presently outlined on the property, is of the order of 29.9 x 106 tonnes with average grade of 0.63 g/t Au, 37.02 g/t Ag, 1.21% Cu, 1.91% Zn.The ore reserve calculations and the daily production procedures are computerized to various degrees. The data handling process is highly computerized.Various geophysical methods are, and have in the past, been successfully used on the property. The ""mise-à-la-masse"" surveys were used to perform the geological interpretation of an underground deposit (A-2 zone). Presently the PULSE-EM surveys are performed in all surface and underground exploration drill holes."

Jan 1, 1990

By W. Greg Maybee

Separations, which form along stratigraphic boundaries in the roofs of potash mines, pose a serious safety concern. If these separations go undetected they can lead to falls of ground. The current method of identifying the location and extent of these separations is through manual scaling (sounding) using an aluminium rod. The potash mining companies would like to have a tool, which could quickly and reliably detect these separations and distinguish between them and clay seams. This paper presents the results of field trials undertaken at various potash mines in Saskatchewan belonging to the member companies of the Saskatchewan Potash Producers Association. A ground penetrating radar instrument from RST called SUSI (stepped frequency, ultra-wideband, synthetic aperture radar instrument) was used. SUSI has the ability of working over various frequency bandwidths. Four mines were chosen for these field trials, covering the different geological characteristics encountered in the Saskatchewan potash mines: Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan?s (PCS) Allan and Lanigan Divisions, Agrium?s Vanscoy Potash Operations and IMC Potash?s K2 Mine. These field trials indicated that stepped frequency ground penetrating radar technology could be ?tuned? to identify both separations and clay stratigraphy in the softrock, potash mine environment, based on the different spectral responses of the features.

May 1, 2004

By K. C. Viveros, R. R. Ambriz, C. García, F. De Villèle, A. Talha, D. Jaramillo

Cold hole expansion on base metal, weld metal and heat affected zone of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy welds was simulated by means of finite element method. Three dimensional compact test models with a previous fatigue crack length with a relation of ??= a/W = 0.3, were used to analyze the hole expansion process. Considering the local mechanical properties for each zone of the welded joint, the optimal expansion degree (1.64 to 2.46 %) was determined. The residual stress field, through thickness, after the expansion process in all welding zones, were correlated with the crack opening displacement obtained by finite element analysis. It was observed, that compressive residual stress fields for a post-expansion, in different crack lengths, provided a crack closure mechanism for base metal, weld metal and heat affected zone. Contrary, the crack remained open when residual stresses are positive. The results are given as tangential stresses versus distance from the edge of the cold expansion and crack opening displacement as a function of applied load.

Jan 1, 2014

By Beevers J

The Ok Tedi Project is now a high production open-pit porphyry copper mine located in the Star Mountains of Papua New Guinea (PNG). At present, total daily production is 190 000t of ore and waste. Large scale drilling and blasting has only been in operation since 1988, prior to which all material was removed by ripping and dozing. This paper reviews the steps taken over the last 12 months in establishing a more efficient drilling and blasting operation and highlights the significant reduction in powder factor. These improvements have been achieved largely through the introduction of air-bags, controlled pattern expansion and an overall focusing on the operation by involving consultants, ICI's technical service and internal departments.

Jan 1, 1991

By FJ Fourie

This paper describes the concept and development of the use of a uni-delay shock tube system in the timing and initiation of the development rounds, specifically in flat development. It was extended from stoping and now constitutes the only initiation system is use at Kopanang mine. The two explosives initiation systems in general use in underground mines are the conventional fuse-igniter cord system, and the more modern Long Period Delay shock tube system, better known as the numbered LP system. Both are well accepted but have many drawbacks which can result in poor breaking and substantial wastage of the blasting material. Both of these deficiencies cause an increase in the cost of a blast. Hitherto, the limited number of delays available has complicated the use of shock tubes in development blasting. Over eighteen month period to the end of 2007, a project team comprising members from Kopanang Mine and AEL developed a method for the use of a uni-delay shock tubes to time any development round. These uni-delay shock tubes are better known as Reef Masters® or EZ-Stopers® depending on the supplier, and the system has particular application in flat development. During the project, two new shock tube system components were designed, tested and manufactured; namely Splitters and Starter Packs. The system has been successfully tested and implemented in both on-reef and off-reef development ends. At Kopanang, it has now been rolled out across the entire mine. Other AnglogoldAshanti mines are conducting trials and implementations into production sections. Initial results indicate improvements in the ground conditions and excavation profiles. The cost of blasting is showing a downward trend. The authors consider that the system is a tool for use in further blast optimization and will contribute to rationalization of the explosives commodities basket on mines.

Jan 1, 2008

By José A. Rios, José A. Vidalôn

The case study of a highland area in the Central Andes of Peru, where many abandoned polymetallic mines are found, is presented. Some of these mines generate metal leaching and acid rock drainage (ML/ARD) or have potentially ARD generating (PAG) tailings/waste rock storage. Effluents are discharged into the first of two lakes in line, which act as reservoirs for irrigating an important valley in the desert coastal region. Drainage fees, their relationship with the deposit and the solid-wastes mineralogy are discussed, as well as variations in water and sediments composition, the benthos, and the aquatic/riparian flora/fauna in these lakes.

Jan 1, 2000

By Gabriel S. Esterhuizen, Jarek Jakubec

In 2000, Laubscher’s Mining Rock Mass Rating (MRMR) classification system was updated and published. The new system brought a few fundamental changes that were in direct response to the challenges and problems encountered when applying the classification system in the mining environment, specifically caving operations. The fundamental changes introduced into the MRMR system in 2000 were the abandonment of the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) as an input parameter, accounting for healed and cemented joints, and the concept of rock block strength. The objective of this paper is not to discuss the role and usefulness of classification systems; the fact that classification systems are widely used in every stage of mining projects speaks for itself. This paper discusses some of the experiences gained with the MRMR 2000 system in various mining projects and shows how the changes to the system have resulted in improved assessment of rock mass conditions. Issues related to core logging for rock mass assessment are also presented.

Jan 5, 2007

By Thomas A. Printz

The wide use of carbon steel in construction and engineering projects makes this engineering material accountable for approximately 85% of the total annual steel production worldwide. Despite the lack of corrosion resistance of carbon steel, it is incorporated into the permanent work for marine applications, power plants, transportation projects, chemical processing, mining, petroleum production and refining, pipelines, mining and construction equipment. Corrosion is an electro-chemical process that occurs in the presence of water and air. When an electric current is introduced to water or soil, the rate of carbon steel corrosion increases rapidly. Gaseous atmospheric constituents that are capable of electrolytic activity can also increase the rate of corrosion. Corrosion tends to be more rapid in environments in which the steel is exposed to water, and then air, rather than being constantly submerged. The exposure to seawater increases steel pitting because the electrical conductivity is improved in salt water.

Jan 1, 2013

By F. V. Antonio, R. S. Pizarro

Masbate Gold Mines, dormant since WWI I, are now back in operation. The ore treatment plant incorporates carbon-in-pulp processing, utilized because of the ready availability of coconut shell charcoal in the Philippines and the high clay content of the ore. A detailed description of the plant, including the surprisingly fast and efficient alcohol stripping facility is presented. Operating data for the plant is provided together with an interesting performance evaluation of mechanical versus air- lift agitated leach tanks.

Jan 1, 1981

Development of Process for Beneficiation of Low-Grade Iron Ore Samples from Orissa, India The paper deals with the results of characterisation and beneficiations studies undertaken on two low-grade Indian iron ore samples (IO-1 and IO-2) with a view to develop process for beneficiation of composite of the two samples to a high-grade concentrate, suitable for iron making through pelletisation. Indian iron ores contain relatively high iron but cost effective reduction of alumina within the specified limits has been a challenging task. Characterisation of the samples revealed the ore to be laminated and fine grained with hematite as the major mineral. Clay is the dominating gangue in most of the ore pieces followed by silica. Occasionally goethite and quartz/jasper were recorded. Clay occurs either as patches within the hematite mass or as cavity/fracture fillings. Liberation studies on the representative samples crushed to 2 mm indicated that around 95 per cent of the grains are liberated below 105 micron. Beneficiation of the two individual samples and their composite based on gravity and magnetic separation techniques resulted in products with varying yield and grade of the products. The effects of various process parameters were studied. Granulometry of the feed was observed to be important for improving quality of concentrate. The results of bench-scale studies were validated through pilot-scale continuous trials. Based on the studies undertaken a suitable process was developed for beneficiation of the composite sample, comprising 60 per cent IO-1 and 40 per cent IO-2, to a high-grade product assaying over 65 per cent Fe and material balance was computed. A commercial plant for beneficiation of low-grade iron ore to produce DRI pellet grade concentrate is proposed to be installed.

Sep 13, 2010

By D. Randolph Berry

The objective of this program was to develop a system to extinguish coal mine fires by remote sealing of the underground passageways. The system developed had to be versatile enough to function under a wide range of operating conditions, including large variations in passageway geometry, depth of mine, water conditions, both in the mine and at the surface, and rubble in the mine passage. The system developed had to include instrumentation for the remote probing of the passageway prior to sealing, a system for sealing the mine passages, and instrumentation for remote monitoring of the quality of the seal during and after construction. These objectives were successfully achieved during this program. The remote mine sealing capability of the system was satisfactorily demonstrated in a field test conducted at the Eastern Associated Coal Corporation Federal No, 1 Mine in Grant Town, West Virginia.

Jan 1, 1973

By E. Sun

Tailings disposal is a significant consideration for the mining industry, with the majority of the ore processed in most mining operations ending up as tailings. Several tailings dam failure accidents have occurred during the past few years and mine tailings dam failures are occurring at relatively high rates. Tailings dam failure is disastrous with the serious damage and the loss of lives. To increase the tailings dam safety, a tailings dam monitoring and pre-alarm system (TDMPAS) based on the internet of things and cloud computing platform has been accomplished with the abilities of real-time monitoring of the saturated line, impounded water level, rain fall and the dam deformations etc. The TDMPAS has been applied in several mines in China and helped the mine engineers monitor the tailings dam safety and get warning information automatically and remotely in any kind of weather conditions. This work has been demonstrated the tailings dam monitoring and pre-alarm system (TDMPAS) is meaningful to monitor the tailings dam physical safety condition. The TDMPAS could be applied to monitor all the national tailings dams online in the future.

Jan 1, 2012

By D. M. Walters

To achieve safe and healthy working conditions in shaft sinking operations, ventilation, and where necessary cooling, must be provided. These requirements are considered for sinking vertical, sub-vertical and decline shafts. Regulatory requirements, determining air volumes and amount of cooling required, the various ventilation methods used such as force, exhaust, twin columns, air reversal using four gate systems and the equipment required to achieve this, are discussed. Consideration is also given to the sinking of single and twin declines using diesel equipment, calculating the air volumes required to dilute pollutants and the various methods for achieving this. Also discussed is the importance of having early ventilation design input to the overall design of the mine. In many cases ventilation can be the prime determinant for the size and configuration of the shafts or declines that have to be sunk.

Jan 1, 2009

Geophysical methods are useful non-invasive means of collecting subsurface information on the environmental impacts of resource developments. Techniques such as seismic refraction, ground probing radar and magnetics are well established tools for environmental studies of waste disposal sites. Repeat resistivity surveys, gravity surveys, and infrared or multispectral remote sensing hold great promise for monitoring environmental changes. Examples from New Zealand include geothermal field monitoring, which may involve the use of geophysics for .detecting changes of surface thermal activity, hydrothermal eruptions, induced earthquakes, contamination or depletion of shallow groundwater, and subsurface fluid recharge. Other examples include resistivity monitoring of contained effluent disposal ponds, tailings dams and landfills. Experience has shown that care is necessary to identify the natural variability of the parameter measured before drawing conclusions regarding an observed change.

Jan 1, 1994

By F. Petkovich, M. P. Sudbury

Development of a new method of treating flotation concentrates for the preparation of feed suitable for direct charging to blast furnaces or converters is described. The method takes advantage of the fact that pyrrhotite contained in the concentrates can be made to undergo exothermic reactions which, under properly controlled conditions, result information of oxidation products that serve to cement the concentrate particles together. Thus green concentrates either in the form of pellets or briquettes containing 5 to 8 pct moisture not only were hardened, but also completely dried autogenously by continuous countercu,vrent shaft treatment with air. The process was developed through pilot plant operations ranging from 35 1b per hr to 2.5 tph, culminating in products evaluation tests on a railway-car scale. Falconbridge Nickel Mines Ltd., Falconbridge, Ont., have practised sintering, on a travelling grate machine, for many years to prepare a pyr-rhotite-bearing Cu-Ni sulfide flotation concentrate for blast furnace smelting. In recent years the development of new mines, and the construction of concentration plants some 40 miles from the smelter has increased the quantity of concentrate shipped, and encouraged the search for a method of producing dry, hard pellets or briquettes suitable for direct charging to a blast furnace or converter, and capable of withstanding considerable handling. The cementing properties of pyrrhotite oxidation products were discovered during a search for a suitable agglomeration method for sulfide concentrates, and were exploited in a process subsequently developed for autogenously drying and hardening pellets and briquettes of pyrrhotite-bearing Cu-Ni sulfide flotation concentrate. EARLY TEST WORK The production of hard, dry pellets of concentrate filter cake was attempted in the drying plant of one of the new concentrators. While soft pellets were produced containing 5 pct moisture, attempts at further drying resulted in disintegration of the pellets and intolerable dusting. The plant therefore was controlled to produce a concentrate containing about 6 pct moisture. The partially dried concentrate, which was shipped to Falconbridge for sintering, tended to heat spontaneously in transit. An at- tempt to briquette the moist concentrate at Falconbridge, in a plant incorporating a muller, a 20-in. roll briquetting press, and a steam-heated travelling grate oven, was more successful, although the equipment corroded rapidly due to the acid nature of the concentrate after spontaneous heating had occurred. LABORATORY STUDIES OF SPONTANEOUS HEATING OF CONCENTRATE The spontaneous heating of partially dried concentrate was studied in the laboratory. Moist concen-

Jan 1, 1961