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COUNCIL The following served on Council during the year under review Office Bearers Dr J. P. Hugo (President), P. W. J. van Rensburg and Professor R. P. Plewman (Vice-Presidents), Professor D. D. Howat (Immediate Past-President), and D. G. Maxwell (Honorary Treasurer). Ordinary Members of Council H. P. Carlisle (until February), R. C. Espley-Jones, G. H. Grange, Dr D. I. Legge, W. W. Malan, J. B. Mudd, Dr R. E. Robinson, Dr M. D. G. Salamon, L. W. P. van den Bosch, D. A. Viljoen (co-opted May 1973), and P. A. von Wielligh. Branch Chairmen A. Bain (Witbank-Middelburg Branch), C. J. Isaac (O.F.S. Branch). Past Presidents Serving on Council R. J. Adamson, M. Barcza, H. Britten, J. K. E. Douglas, R. C. J. Goode, P. Lambooy, Professor J. de V. Lambrechts, Dr J. T. McIntyre, J. F. Reid, and V. C. Robinson. Ten Council meetings were held during the year, with an average attendance of 18, and the standing committees held 29 meetings. MEMBERSHIP Twelve Fellows, ten Members, twenty-one Graduates, eleven Associates, thirty-one Students, and forty-two Company Affiliates were elected during the year. One Member was reinstated. Eight Fellows, two Members, and two Associates were admitted to retired membership. Four Graduates were transferred to Members, one Associate to Member, three Students to Members, one Graduate to Associate, two Students to Graduates, and one Student to Associate. Your Council records with deep regret the death during the year of the following : D. R. Campbell, J. Daniel, M. J. Dennehy, and F. S. C. Rogers (Life Fellows) ; W. T. balling and T. Pryor (Life Members); C. Boocock, W. Drake R. J. Moore, M. P. Pearse, J. M Pike, W. A. Schwezoff, A. I. Suss man, and L. G. S. Wright (Fellows) ; A. F. Chalmers (Member) ; and W. R. Gerry and G. T. Rimmer(Associates). A comparative statement of membership as at 30th June, 1973, and the end of the previous year it shown in the following tabulation: 30th - 30th June, - June, 1972 - 1973 Honorary Life Fellows 5 - 4 Honorary Fellows 13 - 9 Life Fellows 181 - 177 Fellows 541 - 536 Members 479 - 487 Graduates 115 - 128 Associates 182 - 186 Students 162 - 183 Company Affiliates 24 - 64 1 702 - 1 774 JOURNAL The papers that were published in the Journal during the year are listed below: August, 1972 The effects of chromium oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide on the liquidus temperatures, viscosities, and electrical conductivities of slags in the system MgO-Al2O3-SiO2, by M. S. Rennie, D. D. Howat, and P. R. Jochens A study of the dust exposure of South African white gold miners, by R. J. Page-Shipp and Elizabeth Harris A forecast of the coal and uranium requirements for electric power generation in South Africa, by E. J. Maunders September, 1972 Mine management by objectives, by A. A. Hazell Some aspects of the deformation behaviour and temperature rise during instantaneous compression loading of high purity aluminium, by H. J. E. Hamel Computer control of flotation at the Ecstall concentrator, by M. P. Amsden, C. Chapman, and M. G. Reading Optimizing the public gains from the exploitation of mineral resources, by A. Azis and J. Zwartendyk October, 1972 Presidential Address: Nuclear energy: its interactions with mining and metallurgy, by J. P. Hugo Presidentsrede: Kernenergie: sy wissel-werkinge met mynbou en metallurgic, deur J. P. Hugo Raise-boring experiences in the gold mines of the Anglo American Corporation Group, by J. W. Wilson and P. C. Graham November, 1972 Materials for winding plant components, by G. T. van Rooyen An analytical solution to the batch-comminution equation, by R. P. King A new approach to the study of human factors in stope productivity, by A. C. Lawrence Fundamental studies of the flotation process: the work of the National Institute for Metallurgy, by N. P. Finkelstein and V. M. Lovell Growing use of deionised water in surface coating techniques, by W. F. Lorch December, 1972 The development and application of a computer system to aid in the planning of production in mines, by F. H. Deist, L. F. Duvel, J. D. Austin, and H. D. Small PERT, and how PERT techniques can be used in modern mine management, by E. J. Boome and A. C. Schmidt A critical comparison of specific cooling power and the wet kata thermometer in hot mining environments, by J. de V. Lambrechts January, 1973 Liquidus temperatures in the Cr-Fe-Si system in the composition range representative of ferrochromium-silicide produced in South Africa, by J. C. M. Wethmar, D. D. Howat, P. R. Jochens, and O. A. W. Strydom Platinoids in the Witwatersrand System, by C. A. Cousins The development of a continuous recording scintillation counter mounted on a cyclometer, by P. D. Teens and D. Visser February, 1973 Computer analysis, modelling, and optimisation of gold recovery plants of the Anglo American Group, by M. I. Brittan and E. J. J. van Vuuren The significance of the mineralogical and surface characteristics of gold grains in the recovery process, by C. E. Feather and G. M. Keen Statistical valuation of diamondiferous deposits, by H. S. Sichel March, 1973 The effect of the reactivity of lime on desulphurisation efficiency in the basic oxygen furnace, by A. A. Hejja, D. D. Howat, and P. R. Jochens A review of real-time particle size analysers, by A. L. Hinde In situ measurements of the surface heat transfer coefficient in underground airways, by K. R. Vest April, 1973 An investigation into the kinetics and mechanisms of the oxidation of iron (II) by oxygen in aqueous chloride solutions, by R. P. Colborn and M. J. Nicol Electric smelting at Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited of nickel-copper concentrates containing platinum-group metals, by J. C. Mostert and P. N. Roberts Metallurgical considerations in the

Jan 10, 1973

By D. A. Cowen

Toll and custom treatment of base metal concentrates have been performed for decades as mines and concentrators are developed distant from capital and, energy-intensive smelting and refining facilities. Commercial treatment terms have been developed and refined for over a century, and are negotiated taking into account a complex array of quality and economic factors. Treatment of third-party concentrates in the South African platinum industry is a comparatively recent development, brought about by the opening up of mineral rights and operations being developed that are smaller than the critical size required to sustain capitalization of smelting or refining plant. Published commercial terms have not been demonstrated to reflect the complexities and subtleties of base metal concentrate markets. This paper outlines some key elements and parameter ranges of base metal concentrate treatment contracts, and applies similar principles to typical Merensky and UG2 platinum group element (PGE) concentrates to determine potential value distribution between the mining and treatment parties in tolling arrangements.

Jan 1, 2012

By T. Nyakudarika

The Unki Platinum Mines concentrator, employing an MF2 circuit configuration which includes fully-autogenous primary milling of run-of-mine (ROM) ore, was commissioned in November 2010. The project was Anglo American Platinum?s first PGM concentrator in Zimbabwe and would form a significant contribution to the group?s platinum production. The project financials demonstrated that the project was operating-cost sensitive. After reviewing the metallurgical testwork, mineralogical examinations, and the history of similar operations, it became apparent that the Unki ore characteristics rendered it amenable to autogenous milling. The primary ball mill, structurally designed for 30 per cent steel load, could be operated at the required initial phase throughput with fully-autogenous primary milling, realizing savings in both power requirements and grinding media consumption. The original mill sizing had been done with fully-autogenous milling in mind, but allowing for flexibility and mitigation in case of varied mining fragmentation. Since attaining steady state, target grinds have been achieved. This paper looks at the Unki ore characterization programme, design considerations, and the operational and control philosophy for a successful comminution circuit, and discusses the design to produce a flexible, low opex, mitigated comminution and overall MF2 flowsheet that is easily expanded in line with the potential for optimum exploitation of the orebody.

Jan 1, 2012

By H. Mulder, M. C. Bekker

The objective of this paper is to describe the research followed in creating a generalized, readiness assessment tool for mining projects. We start by highlighting the need for the assessment tool and then progress towards explaining the methodology followed during the study. The selection and finalization of the list of elements, sections, and categories that make up the unweighted values are described, followed by a summary of the weighting process applied. The outcome of this process is a weighted readiness assessment tool for mining project studies. The main benefits of the tool are that it will guide decision-makers and project managers through the definition phases of the project and improve the likelihood of project success.

Jul 2, 2022

By J. D. Zhou, F. Yang, X. G. Bi

"In this investigation, the phosphorus distribution ratios in the CaF2 system and B2O3 system dephosphorization slags for high-phosphorus hot metal pretreatment were measured by an indirect method under laboratory conditions. Firstly, the phosphorus distribution ratio between liquid slag and solid iron was measured, and then the phosphorus distribution ratio between liquid slag and hot metal was calculated. Phosphorus capacity was calculated in terms of the composition and optical basicity of the slag. Dephosphorization slag was also studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The experimental results show that the phosphorus capacity of the B2O3 slag system is much greater than that of the CaF2 system. It is demonstrated thatB2O3 can completely replace CaF2 as fluxing agent for high-phosphorus hot metal pretreatment. With CaF2 as fluxing agent, the phosphorus capacity increases with increasing CaO content in the slag, but the phosphorus distribution ratio decreases. B2O3, when used as fluxing agent, can react with high melting point phases such as 2CaO·SiO2 and 3CaO·P2O5 in the slag to form new phases with low melting points such as 11CaO·B2O3.4SiO2, 2CaO·B2O3.SiO2, and Ca9.93(P5.84B0.16O24) (B0.67O1.79), thereby acting as a fluxing agent. When the ratio of w(B2O3)/w(CaO) is 0.16, the phosphorus distribution ratio reaches its maximum value, that is, the dephosphorization ability of the slag is at its maximum. IntroductionAs international iron ore prices continue to rise, the development of China's steel industry is facing a lot of pressure. Against this background, development and utilization of domestic high-phosphorus iron ore resources is particularly important. When highphosphorus iron ore is used in ironmaking, the phosphorus content in the hot metal can reach 0.35% or more, and the hot metal must be pretreated. For hot metal with 0.08–0.10% dissolved phosphorus, the traditional hot metal dephosphorization pretreatment technologies are relatively mature. However, when using these methods to dephosphorize hot metal containing 0.35% P or more, the amount of dephosphorization slag can reach 100–150 kg per ton of hot metal. Furthermore, the traditional dephosphorization methods require the addition of large amounts of CaF2 as fluxing agent, and this results in high fluoride levels in the dephosphorization slag. The fluorine in the slag can partially dissolve in water and thereby causes high fluoride concentration in the water and soil. Once the fluoride is absorbed by humans or animals, it can result in toxic effects on the central nervous system and myocardium. In addition, fluoride can accumulate in the environment, and thereby pose a health risk to animals and humans through the food chain (Li, 2007; Liu, Wang, and Dong, 2011, Diao, 2013). The objective of this research is to replace CaF2 with B2O3 as fluxing agent while achieving the expected goals of hot metal pretreatment."

Jan 1, 2016

By X. H. Li, Q. Zhang, X. Fei

Bauxite residue known as red mud (RM) is a by-product produced in massive quantities during alumina production by the Bayer process with a utilisation rate of less than 5%. A large amount of RM accumulated and produced continuously has had a seriously adverse impact on the surrounding ecological environment. The application of RM in building materials is considered to be the most effective and thorough way to make RM harmless and recycle resources for the reason that adding RM to concrete as a mineral admixture could not only consume a lot of RM, but also save cement and other energy-consuming industrial products. In this paper, the adaptability to cement and aggregate of RM was studied. The results showed that the compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete using ordinary Portland cement, slag Portland cement or fly ash Portland cement as cementing material showed different trends with the increase of the amount of RM. The influence rules of RM on the compressive strength of Portland cement, slag Portland cement and fly ash Portland cement concrete were similar, whether for silicate aggregate or carbonate aggregate. RM has a negative correlation to the flexural strength of silicate aggregate-ordinary Portland cement concrete, but a positive correlation to silicate aggregate-slag Portland cement, silicate aggregate-fly ash Portland Cement. RM promoted the formation of calcium carbonate crystals and inhibited the formation of ettringite and calcium hydroxide crystals in the matrix while ordinary Portland cement, Portland cement and fly ash Portland cement were used as cementing materials. This study provided support for the use of RM in concrete, the reduction of solid waste storage, and the saving of high energy consumption cement as well. Keywords: Red mud, cement, aggregate, adaptability, mechanical properties, mineral composition

Jan 1, 2020

By D. N. Golenkov, N. I. Lomaka, A. V. Kozub, T. V. Ignatova, E. V. Shelepov, D. O. Sharkovskiy, A. V. Chanturiya, R. I. Ismagilov

The modern Russian iron ore mining industry is faced with multiple challenges from everincreasing requirements of steel-making, the value of iron ore concentrates, depletion of high-grade ore reserves and complications of the mining and geologic environment’s necessity to process low-grade ores with complex material composition and low valuable mineral content; with finely disseminated aggregates of metal and non-metal minerals responding similarly to processing. The upgrade of the existing operations’ fine wet screening was implemented by Metalloinvest; as well as the design of a process flowsheet for concentration oxide ferruginous quartzites with low concentrating ability. The scientific basis for improvement of low grade ore concentrating efficiency and the upgrade of market product quality is supported by an in-depth study of ore characteristics, application of high performance equipment for separation of fine-grained mineral aggregates and use of depressor selective to ferruginous minerals in the flotation process. The benefits of wet fine screening have been proven by industrial scale tests; as well as the feasibility of significant upgrades in product quality which have been confirmed as a result of the tests. A road-map for the upgrade of an existing process for the concentration of unoxidised ferruginous quartzites deposited in the Mikhailovskoye ore field was developed, based on the industrial scale test of a fine screening process. With reference to the ability for concentration, three major ore types oxidised ferruginous quartzites were defined as a result of comprehensive geological mapping and process sampling: oxidised ferruginous quartzites with good concentrating ability: over Fe67% grade of concentrate with ca. 80% iron recovery; oxidised ferruginous quartzites with moderate concentrating ability: Fe65-67% grade of concentrate with 70-72% iron recovery oxidised ferruginous quartzites with low concentrating ability: below Fe60% grade of concentrate (cannot be processed into desired grade market product). A process flow diagram combining magnetic separation and flotation has been designed and recommended for implementation based on the in-depth research of defined Mikhailovskoye deposit iron oxide types, including grain size, chemistry, petrographic, mineralogy, hematite and magnetite grain size distribution and liberation analysis.

Jan 1, 2020

R. T. Whillans and D. A. Cranstone. Canadian reserves of copper, nickel, lead, zinc, molybdenum, silver and gold as of January 1, 1979. Hull (Canada), Canadian Government Publishing Centre, 1980. C$2.40. Brewer, Stephen. Solving problems in analytical chemistry. New York, Wiley, 1980. 512pp. $8.95. E. K. Turkdogan. Physical chemistry for high temperature technology. New York, Academic Press, 1980. 464 pp. $49,50. G. B. Fettweis. World coal resources. Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1979. 416 pp. U.S. $80.50 Dfl. 165.00 Canadian mines: 1979 perspective. Hull (Canada), Canadian Government Publishing Centre, 1980. C$2.40. Clarence Karr (ed.). Analytical methods for coal and coal products, Volume 3. New York, Academic Press, 1979. 656 pp. Charles B. Gill. Nonferrous extractive metallurgy. New York, Wiley, 1980. 500 pp. $30.00. M. Kuzvart and M. B6hmer. Prospecting and exploration for mineral deposits. Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1978. 432 pp. U.S. $68.25. Dfl.140.00. Martin A. Elliott (ed.). Chemistry of coal utilization, supplementary volume 2. New York, Wiley, 1980. 3000 pp. $150.00. M. Radetzki and S. Zorn. Financing mining projects in developing countries. Aedermannsdorf (Switzerland), Trans Tech. Publications, 1979. 200 pp. SFr. 48.00 (hard cover), SFr. 38.00 (soft cover). Charles G. Schofield. Homogenisation/blending systems design and control for minerals processing. Aedermannsdorf (Switzerland), Trans Tech Publications, 1980. 332 pp. SFr.98.00 (hard cover), SFr.48.00 (soft cover). A. V. Smoldyrer and Y. K. Safonov (translator: W. C. Cooley). Pipeline transport of concentrated slurries. Aedermannsdorf (Switzerland), Trans Tech Publications, 1979. 176 pp. SFI'. 115.00. V. M. Karasik (translator: W. C. Cooley). Slurry hydrotransport of minerals and tailings. Aedermannsdorf (Switzerland), Trans Tech Publications, 1979. 156 pp. SFr.1l5.00. S. P. Turchaninov (translator: W. C. Cooley). The life of hydrotransport pipelines. Aedermannsdorf (Switzerland), Trans Tech Publications, 1979. 158 pp. SFr.115.00. NIM reports Report 2037 The removal of contaminants from recycled water in a mineral-flotation plant. Report 2054 The determination, by X-ray spectrometry, of trace amounts of tin in titanium-bearing ores and concentrates and in siliceous materials. Report 2063 Aerosal deposition and carbon-rod atomization of gold. This report describes the determination, by flameless

Jan 1, 1980

Numbering of the Journal Because computer and library authorities prefer journal subscriptions to be based on the calendar year, and because the present numbering system of the Journal of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy does not conform with the calendar year, it has been decided to change the numbering system of the Journal.

Jan 1, 1979

By F. T. Cawood, T. Chikande, H. R. Phillips

Underground mines require electricity to operate both the main surface fans and auxiliary systems, with primary ventilation systems typically accounting for approximately 40–60% of the mine’s overall electricity consumption. The primary reason for this considerable expense is that most underground ventilation systems are designed for peak demand, regardless of the actual demand, which is commonly dictated by diesel equipment usage in trackless mining operations. Most platinum mines on the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe tend to operate their ventilation systems at this peak level, despite the mine’s air quantity being well in excess of the ‘true’ ventilation needs. This is due to a lack of appropriate ventilation controls. The authors designed and installed a ventilation-on-demand system at one of the bord and pillar platinum mines to minimize the use of redundant air in underground operations. Fourth industrial revolution techniques were applied to the environmental monitoring and tracking systems thereby optimizing air quantity demands. The mine managed to reduce its annual power consumption by 23% through the implementation of manual control and time-of-day scheduling levels of the ventilationon- demand concept. There was also a 6% productivity improvement, mainly attributable to an increased face time as a result of the significant reduction in the re-entry period following a blast. This paper introduces a novel concept of ventilation optimization through digital transformation targeting mainly room and pillar platinum mines. A system was designed, installed, and commissioned, though there is currently an ongoing optimization process to harness the full benefits such as productivity enhancement, reduced power costs, and improved worker health.

Dec 13, 2022

By C. O. Esterhuysen, J. P. Deetlefs, C. A. Wessels

The productivity indices of the Republic of South Africa compare poorly with those of its competitors in the rest of the world. The theory of productivity is relatively simple, and various models are available to demonstrate this. The problem is how to apply the theory in practice and to convert it into a practical management system that will guarantee results. The secret lies in a management approach that aims at a continuous improvement in achievement and that involves the entire work force down to the lowest level in the process. Good management systems ensuring the necessary attention to, among others, management by objectives, finance, personnel, maintenance, planning, and control are a prerequisite for continued improvement and staff involvement. The net result of such an approach is described by the term performance management, which encompasses the total integration of al a company's management systems.

Jan 1, 1989

By L. Godfrey, Z. Nontso, F. Magweregwede, B. Maphalala, S. Khan

The aim of this paper was to establish if mineral resource scarcity is a driver for South Africa to transition to a circular economy. The project objectives were achieved by investigating economically viable, and critical or strategic minerals remaining in South Africa, as well as resource scarcity, as a driver for South Africa to transition to a circular economy. The study found that some minerals in South Africa, such as iron ore, lead, manganese, gold, and cobalt have less than 50 years of economically viable mining remaining. At least 18 minerals can be classified indicatively as critical or strategic: aggregates, bauxite, chromite, cobalt, copper, gold, graphite, iron, limestone, lithium, manganese, nickel, phosphorous, platinum group metals, rare earth elements, silver, titanium, and vanadium. The classification was based on the minerals’ economic importance, supply risk, and potential use in the development and manufacturing of emerging technologies. The findings suggest that the scarcity of mineral resources is a critical driver for the country to transition to a circular economy. Other identified drivers include socio-economic factors, climate change commitments, and business objectives. All minerals are non-renewable resources and at risk of depletion, therefore sustainable extraction and use are critical. Priority should be directed at investigating circular economy opportunities and substitutes for commodities at risk of being depleted within the next 50 years. There is an opportunity for South Africa to transition from a minerals export-based model to one that promotes local mineral beneficiation and manufacturing of end products.

Mar 5, 2025

By M. M. Ali, C. Musingwini, R. A. Phillips

The long-term open-pit mine production scheduling problem (OPMPSP) is typically solved in two broad stages. The first stage entails optimisation of the ultimate pit limit, which delimits the economical final pit and maximises the undiscounted value of the deposit. The second stage entails optimisation of the long-term open-pit mine production scheduling, which maximises the discounted value of the deposit. The long-term OPMPSP is a type of an NP-hard problem, such as the travelling salesman problem (TSP), because it is intrinsically complex to solve since it incorporates both hard and soft constraints. Therefore, metaheuristic approaches have been used to find global optimum solutions to the long-term OPMPSP. This paper presents a metaheuristic approach utilising a dual interchange algorithm (DIA) to solve the long-term OPMPSP. The DIA is a parent algorithm which supervises two subservient algorithms, namely, simulated annealing (SA) and Tabu search (TS). The DIA selects the better solution generated in each run from the two algorithms, and simultaneously penalises the algorithm that produced an inferior solution, while rewarding the one that produced a better solution. The DIA was tested on the three-dimensional Arizona Copper Deposit (KD) dataset, which is publicly available for research purposes from the online MineLib repository. It was set to generate net present values (NPVs) in five-minute intervals and the solution improved until it plateaued at about 30 minutes of runtime. The NPVs compared favourably to those obtained on the same KD dataset but obtained over 24-hour runtimes, when solved using simulated annealing and Tabu search algorithms, and the NPV generated from the work of Muñoz (2012) using the modified TopoSort as found on the MineLib repository at the time of this study. Therefore, this paper demonstrates that DIAs can be developed and used to solve the three-dimensional long-term OPMPSP.

Sep 1, 2021

By M. I. Mabala, B. P. Watson, M. J. Kanda

A failed and stable Upper Group 2 chromitite pillar database was collected in 2007 as part of the PlatMine 1.2 pillar strength project. The database consisted of 177 pillars, of which 33 had failed. Most of the data were collected from various intermediate-depth mines near the town of Thabazimbi. Spans between rows of chain pillars were about 30 m. Pillar loads were estimated using pseudo-3D, elastic, boundary element modelling software. The pillar-load data were evaluated using a maximum likelihood regression analysis to determine strength parameters, following a similar approach to historically acceptable practice. The original formula was named the PlatMine Formula. This paper describes re-evaluations of the database, using a linear formula and several variations of the power formula. The formula providing the lowest standard deviation to the data in the database was considered the best representation of the pillars in the database. Through this rigorous process, a new formula for peak pillar strength was developed for Upper Group 2 chromitite pillars, which is unaffected by volume. The small standard deviation provided by this formula suggests a reliable relationship between strength and w/h ratio, in the w/h ratio range between 1.5 and 4.7. Accuracy, precision, and recall analysis confirmed the efficacy of this equation to the data in the database. Importantly, the new formula provided in the paper does not predict a significantly different strength to the current PlatMine formula, within the confines of the database.

Nov 27, 2024

A Special General Meeting of the Institute was held in Kelvin House, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 29th September, 1971. The President, Prof. D. D. Howat opened the meeting at 9.55 a.m. The President read the notice of meeting which was as follows: "In order to bring industry into closer liaison with the work of your Institute and to place the Institute's finances on a sound basis your Council recommends that companies be admitted to membership of the Institute under clause 2.6 of the Constitution, that is, as Non-Corporate members. The designation for this class of member will be that of "Company Affiliate". 2 Membership: This clause to be amended as follows:- 2.6 "Non-Corporate members shall comprise the grades of:- Company Affiliate Honorary Fellow Graduate Associate Student" 2.6.1 This clause to be added:- "Companies involved in or associated with the mining or metallurgical industries are eligible to become company affiliates" 2.14 Add:- "A special certificate shall be issued to all company affiliates". After giving the background to the recommendation made by Council the President asked for a proposer and seconder for the resolution. Mr J. K. E. Douglas proposed and Mr D. G. Maxwell seconded the resolution. The meeting agreed that the constitution be amended as proposed. The meeting closed as 10.05 a.m.

By N. Nišić, A. Cvjetić, V. Jovanović, D. Knežević, D. Nišić

The risks associated with operating water reservoirs and tailings storage facilities (TSFs) are different because of their different purposes, methods of construction and operation, and characteristics of the materials impounded and their flow behaviour. Regardless of the differences, these two types of structures are often put in the same category when it comes to risk assessment and the application of relevant methodologies, which may result in unrealistic outcomes. In this paper we investigate whether it is possible to apply the risk ranking methodology designed for water reservoirs to TDFs and overview the key differences between these two types of structures. We also provide a comparative analysis of the results obtained by conducting a risk assessment of the operation of a TSF, applying the method recommended by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), and analyse the results using the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) technique. It is concluded that a more realistic evaluation of risk levels can be obtained by adopting a systematic approach to risk assessment in accordance with the traditional risk definition on which the FMEA technique is based.

Nov 30, 2022

Financial Times Mining International Year Book 1979. London, The Financial Times Limited, 1979. 712 pp. Price: airmail, U .S. $60,00; surface mail, U .S. $42,00. International Wrought Copper Council. Glossary of terms applicable to wrought products in copper and copper alloys. London, the Council (6 Bathurst Street, Sussex Square, London W2 2SD), 1978. 170 pp. 80 Swiss francs (approximately £25). Council of Mining and Metallurgical Institutions At a meeting of the Council of Commonwealth Mining and Metallurgical Institutions held on 15th January, 1979, it was unanimously agreed that the name of the Council should be changed.. Assaying and analytical techniques This year sees the Diamond Jubilee of the South African Institute of Assayers and Analysts, which held its first meeting on the 3rd of May, 1919.

Jan 1, 1979

By G. Asbjörnsson, E. Hulthén, P. Papadopoulou, C. M. Evertsson

Crushing plant managers need to assess, manage, and communicate the environmental impact induced by their crushing plant operations as a step towards the sustainable development of the company. However, performing reliable environmental impact calculations of crushing plants can be challenging when the availability of operational and emission data is low, and when the company’s environmental expertise is not adapted and connected to plant operations (or does not currently exist). To address these challenges, this paper proposes a practical approach where the lifecycle assessment methodology (LCA) is combined with process simulations in a web-based tool. To describe what functionality such a tool should have to be incorporated into a company’s workflow, the system that surrounds a crushing plant is analysed. Further, a case study with a three-stage crushing plant is introduced to showcase how the simulated power draw results produced with the beta version of the tool can be compared to measured sensor data from the crushing plant for one operational day. The results indicate that the simulation tool can provide an adequate estimation of the specific energy for the different material fractions and give an overview of the environmental impact of the process caused by electricity and explosives consumption. Plant managers and operators can use this tool to calculate the environmental impacts of their plant and simulate how different operational strategies influence them. Keywords: LCA, environmental impact, coarse comminution, crushing plant

Jan 1, 2020

By J. Petersen, S. W. Robertson

Heap leaching is used extensively for the processing of low-grade copper, gold, and uranium ores. The hydrodynamics is often the most important factor that limits the rate of metal recovery. Over the past decades the author has performed physical and hydraulic testing of a large number of ore samples considered for heap leaching. The data were reviewed to investigate the effect of physical properties such as particle size distribution (PSD) and bulk density on the hydrology. The unsaturated flow through the bed is traditionally modelled with soil science models such as Brooks-Corey (BC) and Van Genuchten-Mualem (VGM), which relate the hydraulic conductivity to the degree of saturation, also known as the hydraulic conductivity function (HCF). However, most authors found a disconnect between the saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS) and the rest of the HCF, which is explained as resulting from a transition from capillary-to gravity-controlled flow. However, the author found no such transition, and found the flow to be governed by capillary flow throughout. Traditional BC or VGM fits were found to be appropriate, however it was necessary to modify the model to include a point of inflection, above which the hydraulic conductivity remains constant while the moisture content keeps on increasing. It was proposed that this is the result of unconnected or poorly connected pores, which fill with solution but do not create additional flow channels. The point of discontinuity was also found to correspond with the air entry point, measured independently from the air conductivity curves. On average, the air entry point corresponds to the experiential rule that the void saturation should remain below 65% for aerated heaps.

Dec 11, 2024

By C. Hartford, T. Holmes

Bulk-solids handling systems are often the most over-looked component and thereby weakest links in a processing plant’s value chain. Since their performance can dictate that of the entire operation, they actually deserve special attention. When designing a liquid handling plant, density and viscosity are well known and commonly used as design parameters. Bulk solids however, differ. While the design process is similar, the relevant parameters in handling bulk solids are instead friction, cohesive strength, compressibility, and permeability. These then vary depending on the mineralogy, particle size distribution and shape, moisture content, storage time-at-rest, temperature, and consolidation pressure. With so many variables, it becomes important to characterize each individual bulk solid across the full range of representative process conditions within the handling system, plant wide – or if you are not very lucky, suffer the consequences of poor material flow. Measuring flow properties and applying them correctly in bulk solid handling system design reduces project risk, saves significant capital, and drastically increases throughput, especially when done in the early stages of a project. Keywords: Flow Properties, Bulk Solids, Process Conditions, System Design

Jan 1, 2020