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By A. B. Szwilski

The paper outlines the factors taken into account for the selection of steel arch supports. The results are based on experience using the long wall system of coal mining where roadway closure can be extreme. Results of tests on scale-model steel arches and full-scale yield elements are also presented.

Jan 1, 1979

By W. M. Moon, Hugh G. Miller, C. -S. So

"Digital image processing and enhancement techniques have been applied to airborne gamma ray spectrometry data from Sudbury, Ontario. These results have been correlated and compared with the available geological maps to evaluate their usefulness for identifying lithological units. Digital processing allows the correlation of various data sets, and different combinations of images can be tested and viewed as a composite image. Composite images with pseudocolours provide an opportunity to analyze and correlate information that is not otherwise apparent in individual images. Principal component analysis has been applied to the gamma ray spectrometry data to evaluate their efficacy and relative information contents of the measured and computed data. The results of this study indicate that the combined radioelements image (obtained by combining the radioelement image and the ratio images) is effective for defining areas of relative concentration of a specific element in near surface materials. Furthermore, the composite radioelements image (produced by combining three separate radioelement images) and composite principal components image reflect large-scale lithological variations. IntroductionThe Sudbury area is a unique geological structure located in the southern Canadian Shield (Fig. 1). Because the area hosts economically significant nickel-copper deposits (Pye et al., 1984), it has been surveyed in great detail by geological and geophysical methods. In order to obtain meaningful geological infonnation about the Sudbury area, several studies have been carried out with the application of innovative mathematical techniques for geophysical modelling, and attempts have been made to integrate the multisensor geophysical data available for the area (e.g. Gupta et aI., 1984; Moon et al., 1988; Singh et al., 1993). The main objective of this paper is to apply digital image processing and enhancement techniques to airborne ganuna ray spectrometry data in order to determine their usefulness for regional geological mapping."

Jan 1, 1994

By G. Gu, B. Fang, R. W. Revie, M. Elboujdaini

Electrochemical behavior of an X-80 pipeline steel, including frequency-sweep electrochemical-impedance spectroscopy (EIS), time-sweep EIS at a constant frequency and open-circuit potential (OCP) monitor, was investigated using four-point bending specimens subjected to a stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) test in a near-neutral pH environment. The capacitive loop became smaller with test duration, revealing an increase in the corrosion rate. The resistance obtained in the constant-frequency EIS test showed two regions, of which the region with a remarkable decrease in resistance transformed into a region of slow decrease, whereas the capacitance increased with test time indicating that iron dissolution was fast at first, and then a corrosion product or film formed and covered the surface, leading to the pitting formation.

Jan 1, 2005

By C. R. Kerr

"This paper describes the revisions to the heating and ventilating system at the Frood-Stobie mill, which resulted in substantial savings in energy costs.IntroductionInco Metals Company, a unit of Inco Limited, is involved in the mining and processing of nickel-copper ores. The Ontario Division of Inco Metals consists of 10 operating mines, with 5 mines and open pits on a standby basis, and 10 pro- cessing facilities, located in Sudbury, Port Colborne and Shebandowan. In 1980, the Ontario Division's energy expenditures amounted to $87,000,000.Due to the accelerating cost of energy, the Division established an Energy Management Program in 1975 to define, evaluate and implement measures to reduce energy cost and consumption per unit of output by 10% by 1980. This falls in line with the goals set by the mining and metallurgical task force on voluntary energy conservation.To effectively implement the program, Plant Committees were established at each plant and mine area, with an energy management coordinator appointed to coordinate the activities. The Plant Committee's responsibilities include identifying the major areas of energy consumption, isolating areas with large potential losses and determining what action should be taken to improve energy efficiency.Within a five-year period from 1975 to 1980, the Ontario Division has been able to cut its energy consumption by 8.9 trillion BTUs, the equivalent of 1.5 million barrels of oil."

Jan 1, 1981

By I. Filzwieser, S. Konetschnik, A. Filzwieser, A. Anzinger

Production in copper electrorefining tankhouses mainly depend on two factors: The deposition area, which is a result of the amount of installed cells and cathodes, as well as the current density - the amperage per square meter of deposition area. The present paper shows, that the most economical way of achieving a certain production is to maximize current density by using the METTOP-BRX-Technology - as building and infrastructure can be kept more compact. This industrial proven technology applies a parallel electrolyte flow in each electrolysis cell. In 2011, the first fully industrial applications started up: At the secondary smelter Montanwerke Brixlegg AG, 156 cells are equipped with the METTOP-BRX-Technology; this allows a current density of 390 A/m². Xiangguang Copper Co., Ltd. - a primary smelter and refinery - operates its new tankhouse (720 cells) at 420 A/m²; this stands for an production increase of 50% compared to the same sized ISA tankhouse which is limited to 280 A/m². The first part of the present paper gives a cost comparison between a conventional copper electrorefining tankhouse and a high current density tankhouse when assuming a Greenfield project. The second part describes the cost savings when installing the METTOP-BRXTechnology in an already operating tankhouse.

Jan 1, 2014

By A. Piche, J. Nantel

"This paper describes the recent developments in Canada toward the establishment of a Canadian Centre for Mining Automation and Robotics, at McGill University and École Polytechnique in Montreal. The role of the Mining Association of Canada (MA C) and of the National Advisory Committee on Mining Automation will also be reviewed. IntroductionIn order to remain competitive, the mining industry must increase its productivity and reduce its costs. In the last two decades, this objective has been achieved through mechanization. From now on, any further improvement in productivity will be gained through increasingly more automated mining equipment.Recent international developments following the Versailles Economic Summit in June 1982, having given rise in Canada, to a renewed interest in applications of robotics and automation to mining.The mineral industry in Canada is at a crossroads. Competition in emerging from everywhere: lower grade ore bodies, increasing distances between viable mines and markets, third world massive production of certain commodities, substitution of "" space age"" materials (ceramics, plastics, composites, etc.) for metals.On the positive side, it is generally believed that present mineral commodities, i.e. base metal, gold, iron, industrial mineral s, etc ., will continue to be in high demand for centuries to come despite substitution. New applications for conventional metals will be found and the enhancement of certain properties of these conventional metals mean continued demand. For some mineral commodities, there will never exist an y substitute."

Jan 1, 1988

By S. Zador

"IntroductionIn the past decade, metallurgical and mining companies have shown an increased interest in the licensing of technology. When licensing technology, it is usually to the benefit of the parties, to have at least some of the technology to be licensed protected by a patent.This paper is intended to bridge the gap between the engineer in the field of mining, metallurgy and mineral processing who is interested in exploiting an invention commercially, and the patent agent or intellectual property lawyer whom he/she might retain to prepare a patent application and then prosecute the application to obtain a granted patent. It is also intended to encourage the inventor or a small business concern to consider the value of patents in the sale and licensing of technology. The lawyer may subsequently advise and assist the inventor in licensing his/her invention.A brief outline of some of the basic features of the patent system follows. The nature of the information, which the patent professional requires from the inventor to enable him/her to draft a patent application, will also be considered in general terms. Furthermore, various types of licenses which may be drawn up between a licensor of specific technical information and a licensee, will be listed and briefly discussed. No attempt, however, will be made to give a comprehensive and detailed account of the above aspects; the interested reader should consult legal publication and reference books, and patent professionals for further specific information.A granted patent is a document which describes an invention and how to practise it. The claims of the granted patent, figuratively speaking, fence off the intellectual property the inventor regards as his invention. The Commissioner of Patents, representing the Government, grants to the inventor or his assignee the exclusive right of making, constructing and using the invention, and selling it to others to be used, for a limited period of time, in exchange for disclosing the invention to the public. Thus, a patent prevents others from practising the claimed invention but it does not, necessarily, bestow the right to the patentee to practise his own invention. The term of a patent now in Canada and in most of the developed countries of the world, is 20 years from the date of filing the patent application. In the United States the patent term is still 17 years from the date of issuance of the patent. In Canada, the term was changed to 20 years in the new Canadian Patent Act which came into force on October 2, 1989. Any patent application filed prior to that date or granted before it, retains a 17 year life, commencing at the time of grant."

Jan 1, 1991

Orebody classification systems ? Modern classification systems ? Genesis and environment of deposition (Important in economic geology) ? Shape and structure / Form, texture and mineral content ? Mining and geomechanics ? Size ? Massive versus tabular Requirements for mining method selection ? Classification of ore deposit ? Shape, size, attitude, continuity ? Grade and distribution, strength and large scale structures present, mineralogy and small scale structure, host rocks ? Classification of mining method ? Method of support (Stress ? strength ratio) ? The method selection ? Geographical and economic factors of the location

Feb 1, 2008

By T. P. Kostek

"Historically, gear pumps and motors have been popular in the mining industry because of their competitive cost, simple yet rugged construction, ease of rebuild, and relative long life and insensitivity to contamination. However, with the ever increasing ""popularity"" of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids, both users and manufacturers of gear equipment must make special considerations to enable the equipment to continue giving satisfactory performance even with the water-containing fluids.The paper discusses 60-40 invert emulsions and waterglycolsIntroductionMuch information has been published on the specific characteristics of the various types of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. Fluid manufacturers' literature and other publications have dealt with such specifics as fire resistivity, seal compatibility and wear rate characteristics. Gear pumps and motors have been, and will continue to be, applied successfully in hydraulic systems employing both the ""invert"" emulsions (60-40) and water-glycols as the hydraulic fluid.Because most external spur gear equipment has been designed to function with petroleum oil as the fluid medium, certain guidelines must be followed to ensure satisfactory service life. FluidsThere are a number of different types of fluids which fall in the category of"" fire-resistant"" , the most common'being phosphate esters, water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions and water-glycols. The two in most prevalent use today as hydraulic fluids are the water-in-oil emulsions and the water glycols"

Jan 1, 1980

By Derek J. Barratt

This paper compares a number of operating conventional and semi-autogenous grinding circuits and analyzes them in regard to operating and capital costs, specifically as applied to porphyry copper ores.

Jan 1, 1979

By Louis Tellier

SIDBEC commenced detailed planning of major capital expenditures to install integrated steelmaking facilities in 1969. Today, less than IO years later, SIDBEC and its subsidiaries have completed major mining, concentrating, pelletizing, direct reduction ? electric furnace steelmaking and continuous casting plants. The total cost of these projects was almost 1 billion dollars. The philosophy behind the project planning and the evolution of management control are explained. These extensive projects were undertaken during a period of exceptional inflation and a disturbed labour climate, but were nevertheless completed with only modest overruns, with good control of timetables and with exceptionally good start-up performance. Project planning, relations with consulting engineers, introduction of new technology, purchasing and field management and cost control are discussed.

Jan 1, 1979

By D. C. Martin, P. M. Hawley, C. P. Acott

"In bedded deposits such as coal or sedimentary iron, economic limits of mineable reserves are clearly defined by the footwall of the seams or ore-bearing units. Where open pits are developed in dipping strata, a long, high footwall slope may result. In many cases, unbenched slopes excavated along the base of the lowest mineable seam are operationally simple, economically desirable and geotechnicalty practical, although a variety of failure mechanisms may develop. This paper examines the engineering geology and rock mechanics parameters of importance in the design of footwall slopes. Possible failure mechanisms and stability analysis methods are described. Design considerations for benched and unbenched slopes are discussed with prime consideration given to development of long high stopes without benches or with a minimum number of benches. IntroductionIn bedded deposits, the ultimate depth and economic viability of an open pit in dipping strata may be controlled by the design of the footwall slope. The stability and, hence, design of footwall slopes is strongly influenced by the engineering geology and rock mechanics parameters of the slope forming materials. A clear understanding of the structural geology, engineering geology and tectonic history of the deposit is essential to assess the behaviour of the slope. This is particularly important for long high, unbenched footwall slopes such as shown in Photo I.A rational footwall slope design requires identification and assessment of all possible slope failure mechanisms with respect to the proposed slope geometry. Stability analyses of each potential failure mechanism are used to identify the main controls on slope stability and to develop appropriate slope design criteria. The optimum slope design is based on the most economic and geotechnically practical slope geometry with due consideration of operational constraints and of the possible advantages of specific remedial measures."

Jan 1, 1986

By J. R. Meyer, P. L. Dean

"The Department of Mines and Energy is at present investigating the dimension-stone potential of the Nain anorthosite complex. These rocks are known to host occurrences of labradorite, a semiprecious gemstone known for its beautiful play of colours (chatoyance). Test blocks that contain 5% to 18% chatoyant labradorite were extracted from three prospects south of Nain. These have been slabbed and polished for further evaluation.Second-grade labradorite stockpiled around the Grenfell quarry on Tabor Island is also being evaluated as a potential source of aggregate for use in terrazzo tiles, precast concrete and epoxy-backed wall panels.IntroductionThe Nain anorthosite complex consists of approximately 10000 km2 of anorthosite and related basic rocks , which are well exposed along the coast of Northern Labrador (Fig. 1) (Emslie et al., 1972). These rocks have been known for centuries to host deposits of gem-quality labradorite. The chatoyant nature (i.e. the play of colours or labradorescence) of this semiprecious feldspar has been utilized mostly in the making of jewelry and other polished, handcrafted products. In the early sixties, Brinex Limited (now Brinco Limited) attempted larger scale commercial exploitation of labradorite, including use 'as building stone and in polished precast concrete for facings on buildings' (Brummer, 1984). After six years of work, which included market studies, Brinex decided that, at that time, the demand did not warrant further production.In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the markets for dimension-stone. In the period from 1980 to 1985, the demand in the United States for granite, much of which is imported, has increased 1735070 (Marble Institute of America, 1986). The dimension-stone industry's remarkable growth rate has, in part, resulted from new technology that makes it easier and faster to quarry and cut stone. This has allowed natural storie to compete with other building materials. Now, it is not only used for exterior cladding and walkways, but also on interior walls and floors, and in home and office furnishings, such as countertops for kitchens and bathrooms, table and desk tops, stairways, window sills, and fireplaces."

Jan 1, 1988

By John F. Gartner

"New terrain maps provide information on the ground conditions in northern Ontario. This information has a relevance to mineral exploration because it assists the user in determining ground conditions prior to entering the area. The prospector, geologist, geophysicist and geochemist can then plan for the optimum use of exploration techniques best suited for theseground conditions.These terrain maps are the result of the Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study-a program carried out by five consultants under contract to the Ontario Geological Survey of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The area mapped is 370,000 km2 and more than 100 basic data maps at a1:100,000 scale will be published.An unique terrain legend was derived to facilitate the mapping and it allows the derivation of specific user information. Examples of some of these uses are described. Introduction""Where did all the boulders come from Charlie?"", asked the student, as the prospector and his young assistant clambered through the bush. "" Why son, they were brought down here by the glacier"", the prospector replied. ""But where is the glacier now Charlie? "", persisted the young man. ""Gone back up north for more boulders son!""An old story, but one that illustrates the importance of overburden to the prospector. The use of overburden as a prospecting technique is not new. In fact, the principles have been known in the western world for at least 235 years (Shilts 1976). More recently, Dreimanis's classic work on boulder tracing (1957) and Lee's work (1971) emphasize the role of glacial geology in prospecting. In addition, papers by Smee and Sinha (1979), Averill (1978), Bereton (1978), and Gleeson and Hornbrook (1974) all describe the importance of drift in mineral exploration programs. The discovery of the copper deposit in the northern Ontario township of Currie (Thompson, 1979) is attributed in part to till prospecting methods. So the significance of the overburden is firmly established, both in the literature and in the minds of today's prospectors, geologists, geophysicists and geochemists."

Jan 1, 1981

By G. Bimpilas, G. N. Anastassakis

"Today, one of the most intense problems in mineral processing systems is referred to the treatment of fine (–100 µm), and even smaller size, particles. Fine mineral particles possess specific properties (small mass, high specific surface area, and high surface energy per unit area) that render their separation inefficient with conventional methods (physical, physicochemical) and equipment. As a result, it is not feasible to obtain a concentrate both of high grade and recovery in mineral value and a considerable amount of mineral fine particles is lost to the tailings. As evidence, we could cite numerous examples from industrial practice with considerable loss of mineral values to the tailings because of the fine particles size, e.g. phosphate, tungsten, tin, etc.The objective of the current paper is to investigate the possibility to separate magnetic gangue minerals and rocks (serpentine, ilmenite, and olivine) from magnesite by co-agglomerating all the gangue components and subsequent magnetic separation of the agglomerates.To meet the target, hydrophobic agglomeration tests were initially carried out on single minerals to define the favorable conditions for selective hydrophobic co-agglomeration of the gangue minerals. In this respect, the effect of the following factors was examined: pH, collector dose, conditioning time, and settling time of the agglomerates. Among the combinations examined, the most favorable proved that with amine in the basic pH region. The use of non-polar oil proved beneficial. The preliminary results were confirmed by tests on mineral mixtures. The application of magnetic separation resulted in the removal of gangue minerals and the recovery of magnesite concentrates of commercial grade (magnesite content 95% approximately) and high yield.The current paper contributes to the development of mineral processing, since it successfully copes with a very important problem of mineral processing, such as the efficient separation of fine particles."

Jan 1, 2016

By J. R. Meyer, P. L. Dean

"The Department of Mines and Energy is at present investigating the dimension-stone potential of the Nain anorthosite complex. These rocks are known to host occurrences of labradorite, a semiprecious gemstone known for its beautiful play of colours (chatoyance). Test blocks that contain 5% to 18% chatoyant labradorite were extracted from three prospects south of Nain. These have been slabbed and polished for further evaluation.Second-grade labradorite stockpiled around the Grenfell quarry on Tabor Island is also being evaluated as a potential source of aggregate for use in terrazzo tiles, precast concrete and epoxy-backed wall panels.IntroductionThe Nain anorthosite complex consists of approximately 10000 km2 of anorthosite and related basic rocks , which are well exposed along the coast of Northern Labrador (Fig. 1) (Emslie et al., 1972). These rocks have been known for centuries to host deposits of gem-quality labradorite. The chatoyant nature (i.e. the play of colours or labradorescence) of this semiprecious feldspar has been utilized mostly in the making of jewelry and other polished, handcrafted products. In the early sixties, Brinex Limited (now Brinco Limited) attempted larger scale commercial exploitation of labradorite, including use 'as building stone and in polished precast concrete for facings on buildings' (Brummer, 1984). After six years of work, which included market studies, Brinex decided that, at that time, the demand did not warrant further production.In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the markets for dimension-stone. In the period from 1980 to 1985, the demand in the United States for granite, much of which is imported, has increased 1735070 (Marble Institute of America, 1986). The dimension-stone industry's remarkable growth rate has, in part, resulted from new technology that makes it easier and faster to quarry and cut stone. This has allowed natural storie to compete with other building materials. Now, it is not only used for exterior cladding and walkways, but also on interior walls and floors, and in home and office furnishings, such as countertops for kitchens and bathrooms, table and desk tops, stairways, window sills, and fireplaces."

Jan 1, 1988

By C. Díaz, A. D. Dalvi, C. E. O'Neill

Roast-reduction smelting (RRS) of nickel concentrate, combined with flash smelting of copper concentrate, was one of the process options that Inco considered as a means of meeting its 1994 sulphur dioxide abatement target at its Copper Cliff operations. RRS involves deep roasting the nickel concentrate in fluid bed roasters. The roaster off-gas is treated in a sulphuric acid plant, and the low sulphur calcine is reduction smelted with coke in an electric furnace to yield a sulphur- deficient matte. The latter material is converted to Bessemer matte in Peirce-Smith converters, with minimal evolution of sulphur dioxide, and the converter slag is reverted to the electric furnace. Excellent nickel and cobalt recoveries (Ire obtained. This paper discusses the development of RRS, including extensive commercial scale testing at Inco's Thompson Smelter, and its key operating parameters.

Jan 1, 1994

By Y. Long

The deep-hole surface blasting technique is a prime method of iron ore mining. Blasting fragmentation is one of the important economic indicators that measures the blast method to obtain the iron ore. To improve the efficiency of the blasting method and further reduce the cost of the subsequent processing of iron ore, this paper summarizes measured data gained from a certain amount of blasting test conducted in an iron ore mine in Guangdong province, China. According to the data analysis, there are differences on iron ore blasting fragmentation by different indicators of deep-hole blasting, such as decoupling coefficient of charge, contact state between charge and borehole wall, and change of detonation position in charge. These factors were compared in terms of relevance and impact. Research shows: under certain rock conditions, the decoupling coefficient of the charge has a best range related to blasting fragmentation. Since the detonation position in charge determines the direction of propagation of the explosion stress wave through ore and rock, bottom initiation and mid initiation will help to improve the iron ore blasting fragmentation in joints fractured rock and ore. The research conclusions have important application value for program design of iron ore surface blasting and to guide other types of rock surface blasting.

Aug 1, 2013

By V. A. Leão, M. L. M. Rodrigues, L. C. Sicupira, I. C. B. Rodrigues, T. C. Veloso

Brazilian sulphide ores can contain a significant content of chloride and fluoride, which are harmful to bacteria and thus bioleaching. This work summarizes a four-year research investigation on the effect of fluoride on both bacterial growth and sulphide bioleaching, supported by studies carried out with secondary copper ores. Firstly, the influence of fluoride on the kinetics of ferrous iron bio-oxidation with Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans was addressed. Values as low as 10.0 mg/L F- fully inhibited bacterial growth, although fluoride toxicity could be overcome by the presence of aluminium, which reduced the concentration of hydrofluoric acid through the formation of aluminium-fluoride complexes. This required at least a 2:1 aluminium/fluoride molar ratio, which ensured bacterial growth rate values similar to that observed in the absence of fluoride ions. Subsequently, both batch and column bioleaching with mesofiles (30 ºC), moderate thermofile (50 ºC) or hyperthermophiles (67.5 ºC) of two secondary copper ore samples were analyzed with focus on the relevant effects of fluoride-containing minerals on the bioleaching of such sulphide ores.

Jan 1, 2014

By A. Allaire

The Goldex operation of Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM) commenced operations in the spring of 2008. Following some months of initial operation, the grinding circuit capacity was under-performing according to the original design throughput. BBA Inc. (BBA) was commissioned, in February 2009, to study the different options and recommend the quickest and most cost-effective solution to increase the grinding circuit throughput rate. The mandate was to increase the throughput of the grinding circuit to beyond the original design of 7,000 tpd to 8,000 tpd or greater, while retaining the existing SAG and ball mills. The circuit was modelled using JKSimMet software to evaluate the different options, each with a number of different operating parameters. The option of secondary crushing of the SAG mill feed was retained. Comparison of the different options and simulation outcomes, design of the secondary crushing circuit, operating conditions, and initial adjustments in the design and operating results of the new grinding circuit are discussed in this paper.

Jan 1, 2012