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By Isobel Clark

The problem of the estimation of ore reserves is essentially a simple one to describe. Given a set of sample data, at specified locations within a deposit, how can we estimate the value (or quantity) of ore in unsampled areas. The question may be posed of a whole deposit (global) or it may be more desirable to estimate smaller volumes within the planned mine area, e.g. stopes or blocks (local). Many methods have been evolved to tackle this problem, from hand-contouring of values by the mine geologist to extremely sophisticated geomathematical analysis. The main difficulty with any estimation method in this context is that it is almost impossible to check whether the "predicted" value bears a close relationship with the "actual" value. The only reliable way to decide if an estimation method has "worked" is to test the eventual value of ore against the predicted value. This is, more often than not, impossible - even allowing for the time factor involved. To know the "actual" value of a mined block it has to be sampled intensely, and these values with their positions recorded accurately. Alternatively, blocks may be passed through the concentration process individually and these results recorded. In most producing mines neither of these alternatives are practicable or seen to be-important. Another problem with comparing in-situ (so-called) mineable reserves with production figures is the introduction of many variables into the concentration process -- dilution, wastage, possible stockpiling, mill recoveries and so on.

Jan 1, 1979

By E. W. Lindroos, Fred D. DeVaney, R. L. Bennett, R. W. Hernlund, W. R. van Slyke, W. F. McDermott, C. U. Keranen

INTRODUCTION Iron is the world's most widely used metal and constitutes about 5% of the earth's crust. Iron ores are found widely distributed throughout the world. Because of its wide occurrence and relatively low value, an iron ore to be merchantable must contain a relatively high percentage of the metal to be considered as a source of iron. Few ores containing less than 25% iron would be considered as ore unless they existed in large amounts and could be concentrated very cheaply. The grade of the ore, the ease of concentration, and the transportation cost to market are fundamental considerations deter- mining its worth. Iron never occurs as a natural metal except in meteorites. Most iron ores occur as oxides, and to a lesser degree as carbonates. A small amount is recovered as a byproduct from iron sulfides. Iron ore must be reduced (oxygen removed) to metal for use. Iron is marketed in many forms and combinations, such as pig iron and a great variety of steels. Iron is practically never pure as marketed but contains varying amounts of carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, and alloying elements such as nickel, chromium, etc., all of which affect the physical proper- ties of the end product. Please note that in this section all analyses ore on a dry basis and all tonnage figures are on a long-ton basis of 2,240 lb unless otherwise noted.

Jan 1, 1985

By Kal V. S. Sastry

Mathematical and expert system models are being used extensively for mineral process engineering; nevertheless, standardized methodologies for their computer implementation do not exist. In meeting this need, this paper introduces the concept of a process software model, or more specifically an object-oriented software model, and presents a detailed methodology for its development involving software model specification and development. These software models provide a formal basis for the subsequent design and construction of software objects corresponding to the real world process objects.

Jan 1, 1995

By Li Changgen, A. Bahr

The adaptability of pneumatic flotation cells for the flotation of sulfide ore and the conditions for sulfide ore flotation in pneumatic cells were investigated. The advantages of pneumatic flotation cells over mechanical flotation cells, as well as flotation columns, for the flotation of sulfide ore were demonstrated. Test results indicated that the Cu grade and recovery for concentrates obtained when using the pneumatic flotation cell were 1 % to 2% and 4%, respectively, higher than those obtained when using the mechanical flotation machine.

Jan 1, 1993

By P. Venkatasubramanian

The aerospace and nuclear industries have been applying systematic techniques for assessing the safety of complex technical systems for many years. These techniques such as fault tree analysis, failure mode, and effect analysis, etc., and more recently "expert systems," were developed to formally evaluate systems safety and to determine how hazards can he reduced. The application of formal methods such as expert systems has the potential for further reduction in both frequency and the consequences of mine accidents. This paper presents a general expert system model of diagnostic reasoning and describes its use as an inference method for analysis and problem identification for accidents due to the presence of an open cycle diesel-powered mine cars in underground coal mines.

Jan 1, 1987

The development of economical and effective treatment processes for solid and aqueous waste is a critical issue facing the mining industry today. Cyanide, nitrates and acid rock drainage are environmentally sensitive effluents that require treatment or containment for acceptable disposal. In situ biotreatment processes are an emerging technology (Thayer) for cyanide oxidation, denitrification, sulfide mineral alteration and metal re- mineralization. Biological cyanide oxidation is competitive with chemical treatment processes (peroxide, alkaline chlorination) for process solutions, spent ore and tailings detoxification. Microbial denitrification treats mine waste contaminated with nitrates from blasting, processing or nitrification of the host rock. Bio-alteration of sulfide minerals and metal re-mineralization may present the most cost-effective and environmentally acceptable method of dealing with sulfide tailings and leachate solutions. Field test programs for cyanide bio-degradation and denitrification of spent ore and process solutions were designed and run at two mines. Although the treatment bacteria and the application processes are similar, each waste presented site-specific problems for adapting the biotreatment processes. Some of the site problems include climate, ore geochemistxy, field bacteria production, waste microbiology and application engineering. This paper compares treatment design and results for cyanide oxidation and denitrification in heap detox treatments.

Jan 1, 1992

By Robert A. Jankowski, George E. Niewiadomski

INTRODUCTION The utilization of longwall mining technology in the United States has steadily increased since the first longwall plow system was installed in 1952. At the errs of FY 1992, some 76 coal mines were employing longwall mining systems for coal extraction, and approximately 78 shearer and 3 plow faces are operating nationwide at any given time. Although the number of operating longwalls has remained relatively constant over the last five years, longwall production levels have increased significantly during this period. During the same timeframe, the number of continuous miner sections has decreased by 13 pct., from approximately 1438 in FY 1988 to less than 1250 in FY 1992. According to Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) data, the average production of longwall sections increased from approximately 2400 tons per shift (tps) in FY 1988 to more than 3100 tps FY 1992. In fact, the average production has more than tripled since 1978, when it was only 850 tps. Approximately 25 pct. of operating longwalls are capable of producing in excess of 4000 tps. Longwall production currently accounts for nearly 36 percent of U.S. underground coal production, compared to 4 pct. in 1978. These improvements are attributed to improved longwall equipment and increased availability, larger longwall panels and automation. While longwalls are highly productive and offer other advantages, operations employing this method of mining continue to experience dust compliance problems more frequently than other mining system. Although dust levels have remained relatively unchanged over the past five years, averaging 1.6 mg/m3 and 1.9 mg/m3 based on results of operator and inspector sampling, respectively, during FY 1992, approximately 25 pct. of the operating longwalls were in noncompliance during any given bimonthly sampling cycle. Although modest gains in longwall dust control technology have been made, these have been overshadowed by significant increases in production rates. As more coal is mined, more dust is generated (Figure 1). Therefore, the increase in longwall productivity has meant that far more dust is being produced which must be controlled. [ ] In view of the current compliance record, any efforts to further increase longwall output, as has been forecasted, must be accompanied by: (1) the reduction of dust levels at existing operations through the proper installation and maintenance of suitable engineering dust controls; and (2) the advancement of dust control technology for today's and future longwalls that will enable all face personnel o work in an environment that is free of excessive levels of respirable coal mine dust. MSHA'S RESPIRABLE DUST CONTROL PROGRAM Since 1972, federal regulations have required each coal mine operator to continuously maintain the average concentration of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere during each shift in the active workings at or below 2.0 mg/m3 through the application of environmental dust control methods. The regulations provide for further reduction in the dust standard whenever the

Jan 1, 1993

By J. Richard Kyle

Salt domes, their cap rocks, and the adjacent sedimentary strata represent a major economic resource in the Gulf of Mexico basin. Gulf Coast salt diapirs formed in response to sediment loading of the "mother" Louann evaporite sequence of middle Jurassic age, an effect that is caused by the buoyant nature of the lower density salt. Halokinesis progresses from nonpenetrative deformation that creates broad "pillow" structures into discrete high-amplitude diapirs. Because of its buoyancy, the top of the salt diapir remains near the land surface or the seafloor during much of its history as the basin floor subsides. The salt within the Gulf Coast diapirs is deformed complexly and commonly shows subvertical banding that represents modified sedimentary layers with different contents of nonhalite components. The most abundant impurity is anhydrite, which occurs as individual millimeter-scale crystals or as deformed clasts that generally form about 5% of most salt stocks. Many mature salt diapirs are mantled by a "cap rock" that consists of a lower anhydrite zone and an upper calcite zone, commonly separated by a discontinuous gypsum-bearing zone. The anhydrite zone forms as accreted layers of anhydrite grains and clasts that are left after episodes of halite dissolution. The calcite zone is a product related to petroleum destruction accompanying bacterial reduction of aqueous sulfate. Calcite-cemented siliciclastic strata occur above or alongside diapirs. The mineral resources of the salt-dome setting are remarkably diverse. Major economic products of the salt-dome environment are salt and cap-rock-hosted native-sulfur deposits, as well as petroleum resources that occur on the dome flanks and in the cap rock. Native sulfur forms as a result of bacterial sulfate reduction accompanying petroleum destruction to form hydrogen sulfide, which is subsequently oxidized to elemental sulfur, major amounts of which have been produced by the Frasch process from Gulf Coast salt-dome cap rocks. Some cap rocks have produced limestone, gypsum, and anhydrite for a variety of construction uses. Although traditional industrial-mineral resource production from Gulf Coast salt domes is shrinking, some cap rocks host potentially commercial concentrations of celestite and barite, as well as the metals Zn, Pb, and Ag. Furthermore, caverns, excavated within the salt stocks, serve as major storage facilities for crude oil (including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve), liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas. These resources are products of fundamental geologic processes that are integral to the evolution of the Gulf of Mexico basin. Whereas production of some industrial-mineral resources, such as elemental sulfur, has declined in recent years, ample reserves of salt will allow production to continue into the foreseeable future. Further, there is potential for other mineral-resource production from cap rocks under favorable economic circumstances. Expanded use of caverns, excavated in the salt masses for material storage and disposal, is likely to continue into the next century.

Jan 1, 1999

By Keith E. Dyas, John Nelson, Ronald T. Johnson

GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Bruce mine of Cyprus Mines Corp. is located in Bagdad, AZ. The mining method used is open cut-and-fill. Of the annual production of 81 647 t (90,000 st), approximately 83% is taken from load-haul-dump (LHD) stopes and the balance from slusher stopes. All ore is produced from the area between the 1250 level and the 2300 level. The average travel time from the shaft pocket to the stope is approximately 5 min. GENERAL ORE BODY REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS Size, Shape, and Dip The Bruce ore body occurs in quartz-sericite schist with Dick rhyolite on the footwall and andesite on the hanging wall. Diabase dikes are found in the hanging wall; there is also a dike coming off the footwall and crosscutting the ore body. All of the rock types are of the Precambrian Yavapai series and have been subjected to regional metamorphism. A composite of the ore body is given in Fig. 1. The deposit is of massive sulfides occurring as a steeply dipping replacement body. On the upper levels the ore is veinlike with widths from 0.6 to 4.6 m (2 to 15 ft), dipping at 1.4 to 1.5 rad (80° to 85°). On the lower levels the ore is dipping from I to 1.2 rad (60° to 70°) with widths from 3 to 16.8 m (10 to 55 ft). The strike length varies between 107 to 183 m (350 to 600 ft). The rhyolite footwall generally has a knife-edge contact with the massive sulfides. The exceptions to this are the upper levels where there is a 1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft) band of silicified sericite schist between the sulfides and the rhyolite. In the southern part of the ore body the hanging wall is tuffaceous andesite and andesite. In this area the contact is generally sharp and easy to follow. However, to the north there is a large chlorite schist zone that crosscuts the bedding and comes in contact with the massive sulfides. This is apparently due to hydrothermal alteration of the andesite. The chlorite schist is highly mineralized with chalcopyrite and pyrite and quite often forms economic pockets of ore. In the massive sulfides the chief ore minerals are sphalerite and chalcopyrite. Pyrite is the predominant sulfide with considerable pyrrhotite throughout. Bright arsenopyrite ouhedrons in fine grain massive sulfides are quite common. Occasionally small amounts of galena are seen, usually near the foot or hanging wall contacts. On rare occasions tennanite is associated with massive arsenopyrite. Minor amounts of quartz, calcite, and un¬replaced remnants of sericite schist occur, but essentially pyrite is the gangue in which the ore minerals occur. The ore values are in excess of 3.5% copper and 12.5% zinc with some silver and rare gold as byproducts. Ground Conditions The massive sulfides are generally self-supporting. One exception is in the 1850 stope where the ore body is 9 to 11 m (30 to 55 ft) wide and 152 m (500 ft) long. There are flat to shallow dipping slips and seams in the ore, creating extremely blocky ground. For support, old 25.4-mm (1-in.) hoist ropes were installed tensioned to 27 t (30 st), and then cement grouted over the entire length in longholes [14 to 15 in (40 to 50 ft) in length) drilled on 3-m (10-ft) centers from the level above. This has tied the formation together very successfully and virtually eliminated the blocky ground condition. Both the hanging wall and footwall are quite shaley in some areas. Reasons for Adopting Trackless Open Cut-and-Fill Methods First, any method other than open cut-and-fill would have caused too much dilution. The use of rubber-tired mining equipment in the pro¬duction stopes requires a footwall ramp. The inclines in ore will be mined out, so this ramp in the footwall will provide access to and from the stopes (Fig. 2). This incline is very expensive, but necessary to convert existing stopes to LHD mining. 'The final cost of ore mined by the LHD machines has not been determined. As of 1972, tons per manshift in the 2150 stope-the only one to complete a full cut-had increased from 7.58 t (8.36 st) to 12.83 t (14.14

Jan 1, 1982

By A. Dale Wunderlich

Introduction Loss prevention programs have become absolutely necessary at any precious metals producing property. In the past eight years, one security company, specializing in precious metals mine, mill, and refinery security, has been involved in investigations at gold and silver properties that have resulted in 62 criminal convictions. Of those, all but five were employees, former employees, contract employees, or vendors for the company. Several of the cases involved losses of more than $1 million. The largest number of employees prosecuted from one investigation was 17. A recent case resulted in 12 criminal prosecutions and, several years ago, one involved an additional 12 criminal prosecutions. The most serious theft problem facing precious metals mines is employee theft. Is is estimated that 95% of the dollar losses from precious metals thefts can be attributed to employees. This does not mean there is no robbery or burglary exposure. There have been successful robberies, burglaries, and extortion cases. Most mining companies, though, provide better protection against external theft than from internal theft. That is one reason employee theft has reached epidemic proportions. Any product can be stolen No product is immune to theft. Precious metals investigations have involved the theft of high grade ore, dore, bullion, concentrates, precipitates, loaded steel wool, loaded carbon, and sump cleanup. Over a period of several years, this author's security agency has documented the theft of more than 22.5 t (25 st) of load carbon. Most mining companies do not protect the number one adsorption tank or the loaded carbon screens, which frequently leads to losses. Precipitates, electrowinning tank sludge, sump material, and concentrates are usually afforded lit¬tle protection because mine management believes it is too difficult to process. There are custom mills throughout the United States that will process any form of precious metals with no questions asked. This has become a particular problem since the certificate of ownership requirement has been eliminated by most states. Due to the large number of gold mines coming on line, many mine managers are being recruited from base metal mines, where primary security problems involve the theft of tools and company property. These managers do not understand the unique security problems associated with precious metals production. Consequently, they usually forego many security needs in the interest of economy. Unfortunately, numerous cases are on file where mining companies have suffered large losses because their physical security and their security procedures were not adequately addressed when the property was in its planning stages. Properly designed and appropriate equipment The most economical time to plan alarm/closed-circuit televi-

Jan 4, 1988

By R. L. White

Classification of Mills Mills may be classified under four categories that relate to the type of action utilized to grind the material: Tumbling. The most important of these to the minerals processing industry are tumbling mills. Grinding media is actuated in a free¬form pattern in a rotating drum causing it to tumble, material being ground passing through the tumbling media. Work is done by a combi¬nation of attrition and impact. Impact. Grinding media is actuated in a distinctive pattern so that it impacts the material being ground. Work is done by impact. Roller. Grinding media is actuated in a distinctive pattern, mate¬rial being ground passing under or between the media. Work is done by compression. Fluid Energy. There is no grinding media as such. Energy is imparted to the material by transfer of kinetic energy from the fluid to the material. Grinding is accomplished by interparticle impact and attrition. Tumbling Mitts The main physical arrangement consists of a lined cylindrical drum mounted on trunnion bearings driven by a ring gear and pinion, in turn connected directly or through a reducer to the electric motor. Variations to this general arrangement include: (1) Drum mounted on rollers instead of trunnions. (2) Bearings on the drum directly, not on trunnions. (3) Utilization of multiple pinions on the gear. (4) Trunnion-type drive arrangement through a gear reducer with¬out the use of a ring gear. (5) Motor rotor mounted directly on the drum with stator around the drum, thus eliminating the gearing. The drum consists of a shell and heads lined with replaceable liners of various types and configurations. Various types of tumbling mills are tabulated; illustrations of some are shown. The types are so designed for specific purposes. Media utilized include steel rods, balls, or rock of the same material as being ground or of special material in the instance where iron contami¬nation is detrimental (see Figs. 9 and 10 and Table 2). Impact Mills Although there may be some overlapping of interpretation of terms, impact mills are considered those in which the media is actuated in a distinctive manner, at relatively high speed, impacting the material to be ground. There is an overlapping also in what may be considered to be crushing equipment rather than grinding equipment. Hammer Mill or Impactor. Material is fed into the equipment; inside hammers of impactors revolve at a high speed, breaking the material on impact with the hammers (see Fig. 11). Material is also thrown against the periphery of the mill, causing impact grinding to occur. Equipment is normally lined with replaceable abrasive resis¬tant metal; hammers are also

Jan 1, 1985

By Barry T. Kilbourn

Yttrium Oxide is versatile; it is essential for television phosphors, for microwave garnets, for laser crystals and for high-performance ceramics, to name but a few advanced applications. When produced commercially, the material must satisfy not only stringent specifications regarding chemical purity but, increasingly, also meet closely defined physical parameters. The techniques needed for its production range from solvent extraction to carefully controlled precipitation and calcination. The processing steps from mineral concentrate to pure oxide will be described and related to the final oxide. The simple word "material" has complex connotations; it means, to paraphrase "Alice", exactly what we want it to mean. Throw in the label "advanced" and the picture darkens further! Just what is an advanced material and how does it differ from a common-or-garden material?

Jan 1, 1990

By J. D. Patsey, G. T. Lineberry

A.E. Hall The authors are to be commended for their attempt to provide a convenient piece of software for preliminary drum hoist specification. This field has received little attention in recent years and is eminently suited to calculation by computer. Unfortunately, there appears to be an error in the calculation of the required rope diameter. The 66-mm (2 5/8-in.) rope selected is oversized for this application. Wire rope weight and breaking strength are related to the rope diameter. For a round strand rope

Jan 8, 1987

By A. E. Hall

The authors are to be commended for their attempt to provide a convenient piece of software for preliminary drum hoist specification. This field has received little attention in recent years and is eminently suited to calculation by computer. Unfortunately, there appears to be an error in the calculation of the required rope diameter. The 66-mm (2 5/8-in.) rope selected is oversized for this application. Wire rope weight and breaking strength are related to the rope diameter. For a round strand rope

Jan 1, 1988

By H. J. Zhang, W. Wui

With the adoption of market-oriented economic policies, Chinese non-ferrous metals industry has gained remarkable progress. The continuously increasing domestic demand for non-ferrous metals, however, calls for more import of raw materials in short supply, such as copper concentrate and bauxite. As an alternative for balancing the shortage and assurance of more stable mineral supply, direct investment in oversea mining project has come to the agenda. This paper discusses the computer-assisted method used for evaluation and comparison of potential mining projects.

Jan 1, 1996

By G. Tapia, R. J. Kelley

Empresa Minera de Mantos Blancos S.A. operates two copper mines in Chile: Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde. Oxide ore is processed by acid leaching followed by SX-EW to produce copper cathodes. In order to define the leach process adequately for each ore, an extensive metallurgical testwork program was carried out during the feasibility study for each of these projects. A combination of heap and dump leaching was selected for Mantoverde, while a modification to the existing vat leach operation was selected for Mantos Blancos.

Jan 1, 1998

By D. J. Murdock, Wyslouzil, I. M. Flint

The highly competitive nature of the international iron ore market has forced producers to improve the quality of their pellets. The demand for low-acid pellets suitable for direct reduction has resulted in an increase in the number of plants utilizing reverse froth flotation for silica reduction. Column flotation is being favored for this service because of low capital and operating costs and improved metallurgical performance compared to conventional flotation cells. This paper describes the benefits of column flotation and discusses some important aspects of circuit design.

Jan 1, 1995

By Stefan Zanon, Ty Faechner, Clayton V. Deutsch

Secondary data are important in geostatistical simulation of continuous variables. Geophysical data and geological trends are used for modeling porosity and permeability. Multiple mineral grades must often be modeled for mining applications. Sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) is often used because of its relative simplicity and robustness. The two most common approaches to integrate secondary data in Gaussian simulation are with (1) locally varying mean, or (2) collocated cokriging. A significant problem with both of these techniques is variance inflation, that is, the variance of the resulting simulated values is too high because of an inappropriate decision of stationarity or an artifact of choosing a single secondary data in presence of many. We introduce a self-healing procedure for dynamic correction of this problem. The dynamic correction is different for the locally varying mean approach and for collocated cokriging since there are different reasons why each of these methods causes variance inflation. The reasons for variance inflation are discussed and the self-healing is applied to a number of data sets.

Jan 1, 2002

By Firoze E. Katrak, John R. H. Black, Paul R. Ammann, Michael J. Loreth, Servi. Italo S.

Germanium is produced primarily as a by product from zinc concentrates. The important sources of gallium are alumina ores (bauxites) and zinc concentrates and residues from zinc processing. In addition, gallium as well as germanium may soon be recovered from a depleted copper mine near St. George, Utah. The major uses for germanium are in semiconductors, lenses in infrared optical systems, catalysts, and gamma radiation detectors. The major markets for gallium are in light-emitting diodes, solar cells, laser diodes, integrated circuits, microwave devices, and magnetic bubble memories. CRA projects a healthy growth in the demand for both metals. However, the role of scrap metal will continue to be important over the next decade, thus decreasing the overall demand for primary gallium and primary germanium. This paper summarizes the key elements and the economics of the markets for germanium and gallium. Much of the information, such as plant-by-plant costs of production and estimates of consumption by end use for various countries is from proprietary databases of Charles River Associates.

Jan 1, 1986

By J. V. Calara, J. D. Miller

The sign of the surface potential for complex non-reactive ionic solids cannot be predicted solely from consideration of the hydration energy of gaseous ions which constitute the ionic lattice. Accurate analysis of these systems must involve the hydration energy of surface ions, which requires knowledge of the crystal structure, the identification of cleavage planes, and the calculation of binding energies of surface ions. Surface binding energies for ionic solids can be deter- mined if the Surface Madelung Constant is known. A computational technique was developed for the calculation of Madelung Constants for infinite lattices which gives excellent agreement with the values calculated by other more complicated methods reported in the literature. Extension of this technique permits the calculation of Surface Madelung Constants and binding energies of surface ions, ?Us, for semi-infinite solids. The hydration free energy of gaseous Ions, ?Fh, together with the calculated binding energy of surface ions, ?Us, allows calculation of the hydration energy of surface ions, ?Gh, as for the case of the ionic solid, MX:

Jan 1, 1976