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Leinster Nickel Operations, located in Western Australia, consists of an underground and three open pit mines in relatively adverse ground conditions. This paper reviews our ground control practices in the open pits, covering aspects of ground support, wall control and monitoring. These methods have been effective in allowing mining operations to continue beneath unstable slopes. In particular, the use of Ground probe?s slope stability radar has enabled the Harmony open pit to safely operate for months following indication of failure from traditional methods. This case study highlights the benefits of investing in appropriate slope stability monitoring systems.

Jan 1, 2006

By Peter B. Knuckey

1, Introduction Location Kalengwa mine is located in the North Western Province of Zambia, 402 kilometre by unpaved road to the west of Kitwe, which is roughly in the centre of the Zambian Copperbelt, well known as one of the world's centres of copper mining. Its position is illustrated on the map of Africa in Figure 1 and on the map of Zambia in Figure 2. It is a mine of Roan Consolidated Mines Limited whose other properties, Mufulira, Luanshya, Chambishi and Chibuluma Mines, are all located on the Copperbelt. It is managed by the Chibuluma Division of the company. The rate of production from Kalengwa will vary from 12 000 to 17 000 tonnes of saleable copper a year over the next six years. Kalengwa did not exist as a place until the first prospecting parties and later the mine became established and the early working population was recruited entirely from small villages in the surrounding area as much as thirty miles away. The mining area consists of fourteen mining locations amounting to 3.35 square kilometres and the land may be used for any purpose connected with mining, including housing, wood cutting and other utilities. The whole area is, except for minor undulations, a fairly flat plateau with main rivers running from north to south and flood basins known as "dambos" located in a general east west direction. Vegetation is, with the exception of the grassy dambos, temperate forest with relatively light undergrowth. Game of great variety is prolific, as is the associated tsetse fly.

Jan 1, 1971

By T. Gelpe

A digital simulator of classification and grinding circuits is used to evaluate the performances of various flowsheets. For a given flowsheet configuration, unit processes dimensions and operating conditions, the simulator calculates the steady-state values of the process variables. A supervisory algorithm is implemented in the simulator to determine the conditions which meet the required criterion on operation, tonnage and product quality. Calculation illustrations are proposed for the design of wet and dry grinding circuits. The performances of various arrangements of cement clinker and sulphide ore grinding flowsheets are evaluated and discussed.

Jan 1, 1983

By M. H. Weinecke, B. P. Faulkner

This paper will discuss the process for making lightweight aggregate, the waste materials that make good lightweight aggregate, the chemistry of making lightweight aggregate and finally a discussion of the commercial prospects for making lightweight aggregate from wastes. Svedala Industries has been making lightweight aggregate (LWA) from waste materials for the last ten years. Many clay-like materials, such as coal-fired boiler ash and washings from a granite quarry, can be used alone or with additional waste materials to produce a commercially saleable LWA.

Jan 1, 2001

By J. L. Deutsch

Block model estimates are commonly calculated by the well-established technique of kriging. The mathematics are well established, but implementation details require site-specific considerations. Checking and measuring the performance of the estimates is important to ensure the block model is suitable for its intended purpose. There are different criteria for long-term planning and short-term planning. The implementation of kriging should be checked with cross-validation and assessed for conditional bias and departure from theoretical optimality with the calculation of kriging efficiency. A new expression of kriging efficiency, which compares the kriging variance with the theoretically optimal kriging variance, is developed to aid in this assessment. The assessment tools presented here can be applied in a number of situations; however, ordinary kriging with a reasonably large search performs well in most cases.

Jan 1, 2014

"The sulphide nickel resources of Australia are concentrated in the Western Australian Shield. This shield is considered to have developed by extensive, but incomplete, Proterozoic reworking of once-continuous Archaean crust. It now constitutes relic Archaean cratons and intervening orogenic mobile belts transected by narrow, curvilinear tectono-thermal mobile belts of younger Proterozoic age. Remnants of the Archaean cratons are exposed in the Yilgarn and Pilbara Blocks. In the former an ancient (to ca 3600 m.y.) high-grade gneiss terrain (Western Gneiss Terrain) occurs along the western margin of the block and is interpreted to flank younger (ca3000-2800 m.y.) greenstone belts to the east. Ancient (to ca3500 m.y.) granitoid-greenstone terrains dominate the Pilbara Block.Proterozoic mobile belts contain only traces of nickel mineralization, except for one locality in the Halls Creek Province. The Archaean high-grade gneiss terrains contain no important mineralization, and the Pilbara granitoid-greenstone terrains contain only scattered examples of less important types of mineralization.The important deposits (e.g. Kambalda, Windarra, Agnew, Mt Keith) are all of komatiitic affinity and are best developed in the youngest greenstone belts of the eastern part of the Yilgarn Block. In particular, they are concentrated within, and adjacent to, the Norseman-Wiluna Belt, which contrasts in age, lithofacies and structural style with all other greenstone belts in the shield. It is interpreted to have been a rift zone. Within this belt the two main deposit types—the volcanic peridotite-associated and intrusive dunite-associated deposits—are concentrated into spatially separate zones. Precise controls on this heterogeneous distribution cannot be determined unequivocally from available data. One possibility is that the major volcanic peridotite-associated deposits were developed selectively in the actively subsiding axial part of the rift zone during the early extensional phase, whereas intrusive dunite-associated deposits were formed during a subsequent (less active?) stage of volcanic basin development. Distinctive sub-types (facies) of the volcanic peridotite-associated deposits form clusters that are generally within the rift zone. These may represent deposits related to discrete eruption centres, and at least part of their variation is due to relative position within extensive, topographically confined, linear flows."

Jan 1, 1984

By A. Kapoor, L. Morin, S. Mortazavi, P. Béedard, Gould. W. D., A. Kuiper

The degradation of thiocyanate in a simulated gold mill effluent was studied using a laboratory scale rotating biological contactor (RBC). Complete SCN- removal was obtained at temperatures of 8 and 12°C, and a hydraulic retention time of approximately 3.3 h. The NH4+ produced by thiocyanate hydrolysis was oxidized by nitrifying bacteria to NO2 and NO3-. The HS- produced by thiocyanate hydrolysis was chemically and biologically oxidized to elemental S, which was subsequently biologically oxidized to sulfate. Incomplete sulfur oxidation occurred in the RBC, particularly at 8°C and elemental sulfur deposition was observed on the RBC disks. The RBC feed exhibited toxicity to rainbow trout but the RBC was effective in removing the acute toxicity of thiocyanate.

Jan 1, 2005

By Margaret E. Harris

The formation of nitrogen oxides, the decay of carbon monoxide, and the concentrations of residual hydrocarbons in the secondary combustion zones of propane-air and methane-air flames were studied in three enclosed burners designed to simulate gas appliances such as space and water heaters. The effect of thermally or chemically perturbing the combustion gases above these flames was determined theoretically and by means of factorial experiments. The concentrations of air pollutants and the flame temperatures were measured, and the effects of ingress of secondary air into the primary and secondary combustion zones, flame stability, burner port surface, and simulated recycling of combustion gases were noted. Based on this study, four principles were derived that, applied to gas appliance design, will insure minimal emissions of these air pollutants: 1. Oxides of nitrogen can best be kept low by depressing peak temperatures to about 3,050° F. 2. If this is not possible, then the secondary combustion zone should be cooled rapidly to this temperature. 3. Carbon monoxide concentrations can be limited by rapid induction of secondary air. 4. Hydrocarbon concentrations can be controlled by designing for well-seated, stable flames. In addition, empirical reaction rates were derived that predict the concentrations of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide in the primary and secondary combustion zones.

Jan 1, 1970

By E. P. Deliac

The aim of this joint work between the French Coal Board and the Paris School of Mines is to be able to practically model the behaviour of a transverse drum cutting rock with picks. First a theoretical approach leads to the concept of cutting curves, giving forces and torque against penetration per drum revolution. Then experimental evidence, from full scale and reduced scale testing, validated and confirmed the theoretical shape of the curves. Finally practical applications are given, to improve the design or use of a shearer (or continuous miner). A micro-computer program is being developed to predict the cutting performances of a machine in certain conditions.

Jan 1, 1985

By R. Boom, J. Halder, B. Snoeijer, B. Deo, A. Overbosch

Operational data of BOF and the slag samples for different starting conditions of phosphorus(0.06–0.26 per cent P) and silicon content (0.3–1.2 per cent Si) of hot metal have been analysed. The contribution of parameters that are well known to affect phosphorus distribution at tap, like basicity, temperature, FeO content of slag, slag mass etc., is investigated through the models of ionic theory of slag, optical basicity, regular solution approach and molecular theory of slag. The best overall results are obtained by the model based on molecular theory of slag in which several operational parameters are also incorporated. The investigations of different slag samples, based on optical, SEM, EPMA and X-ray studies, reveal the effect of MgO and Al2O3on slag morphology and phosphorus distribution in different phases. It is important to consider phosphorus distribution ratio in the solid and liquid part of slag. The solid part of slag, which is mostly dicalciumsilicate, can contain up to 5 per cent phosphorus. The phosphorus content of the liquid part of slag may depend upon the phosphorus content of hot metal or phosphorus load of slag. It is found that incorporation of effect of dicalciumsilicate in the model improves the accuracy of prediction. For better process control, the addition of iron ore towards the end of blow must be avoided while treating high phosphorus hot metal or during the production of ultra low phosphorus steels. Keywords: steelmaking, BOF, phosphorus distribution, slag morphology, MgO, Al2O3,dicalciumsilicate, process control, models

Jan 1, 2004

By E. G. Valdez

Three cryogenic systems that utilized liquid nitrogen, dry ice, and methanol with dry ice were investigated in conjunction with crushing and classifying techniques. The systems were used to aid in separating and reclaiming the metallic components contained in insulated wires, shredded automobile nonferrous metal concentrates, small motors, generators, and rubber tires. Wire strands, 2 to 6 inches long and insulated with polyvinyl chloride and neoprene, were chilled at -60° and -195° C, then roll-crushed and processed by water elutriation; this procedure resulted in two products--a sink fraction that was 99 percent metallic and a float fraction that was 99 percent nonmetallic. Excellent separation of zinc die-casting alloys from copper and aluminum contained in shredded automobile nonferrous metal concentrates was attained by chilling at -72° C for 1 minute, crushing in a grateless hammer mill, and screening. From the screened products, 97.2 and 100 percent of the copper and aluminum, respectively, were recovered in the plus Pinch fraction, and 100 percent of the zinc was recovered in the minus 1-inch fraction of over 97 percent zinc die-cast purity. Laboratory experimental results comparing direct and indirect chilling indicated that a sufficiently low temperature could be attained by indirect chilling to permit use of a liquid C02-dry ice system on insulated wires and mixed nonferrous metallic concentrates.

Jan 1, 1973

By J. R. Eastwood

"H.D.P.E. Piping in the Mining IndustryThere has been much use· ms.de of high density polyethylene pipe in the mining industry over the past several years. This is not only in new installations but al.so in areas where other piping materials such as wood, transite, concrete and steel have worn out and failed.The uses of H.D.P.E. in the mining industry are as follows:Tailings disposal linesMine water supply linesTailings water return linesHydraulic backfill linesPit drainageCorrosive liquid supply and disposal linesH.D.P.E. pipe has many advantages for both underground and above ground installations. It is tough, flexible, weather resistant and inert which makes the pipe suitable for many installations."

Jan 1, 1975

By Yunnen Chen

The test and use of natural materials as biosorbents for the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater is under constant development. In the present study, the biosorption capacity of waste microzyme was studied for cadmium The cadmium removal study has been carried out batchwise where the influence of physico-chemical key parameters such as pH value of solution, contacting time and initial cadmium ions concentration have been considered. The influence of metal ion concentration was evaluated and the results were fitted using adsorption isotherm models. The kinetic of cadmium biosorption was also investigated. The maximum percent removal was attained at the pH 7.0 after about 30 min. Waste microzyme was a potential biosorbent for the removal of Cd(II) from the effluent of electroplating industry.

Jan 1, 2009

By C. Anim-Sackey, R. K. Amankwah

Some large-scale mining companies in Ghana have adopted proactive management strategies in dealing with small-scale (galamsey) miners who have encroached on their concessions. This has been mainly achieved by ceding portions of the concessions held by the companies to the Minerals Commission of Ghana for licensing to the small-scale miners. This development has created an amicable relationship between the mining companies concerned and the galamsey miners in their host community. Ghana’s small-scale gold and diamond industry The small-scale gold and diamond mining industry in Ghana has existed for many centuries as an informal sector. Since the regularization of the activities of small-scale mining in 1989, two types of small-scale miners have emerged — legal and illegal.

Jan 1, 2004

By J. A. Kosek

Work has been conducted under Bureau of Mines Contract Number HO 357078 to develop instruments for detecting CO, NO and NO2 in a mine atmosphere, using fuel cell technology. The approach has been to optimize the fuel cell sensor configuration for the specific detection of CO, NO and NO2 in the presence of other mine gases utilizing recent advances in catalyst, electrode and solid polymer electrolyte membrane technology. Para-metric testing has been conducted on three electrode sensor cells to define performance and life characteristics as a function of temperature, feed flow and applied sensor voltage. Extended life testing has been performed on sensor cell configurations exhibiting favorable characteristics. Reliable, efficient gas sampling and electronic control circuitry has been fabricated for use with the sensor cells, and integrated into devices to meet the performance and design specifications for portable, battery-powered, hand held direct indicating gas detectors for use underground. Twenty of the production-type, direct indicating CO detectors have been tested and delivered to the Bureau of Mines under the present contract. Three prototype diffusion head CO monitors have also been delivered for evaluation under the pre-sent contract. The gas sampling pump and related parts have been replaced by a diffusion tube assembly in which CO reaches the sensing electrode surface by diffusion alone. In addition, delivery will be made of ten direct-indicating nitric oxide detectors and ten direct-indicating nitrogen dioxide detectors. These instruments are very similar in design to the direct indicating CO detector.

Jan 1, 1979

In the absence of. J. B. Marks, President, the meeting was called to order by George B. Pryde, Past President. After organization, the meeting was turned over to W. J. Reid, Vice-President for Utah. A moving picture, "The Story of Dynamite," was shown by the courtesy of the E. I. DuPont de Nemours Company. This provoked a great deal of discussion and many questions were asked A. E. Anderson, who described the paper. John M. Jennings read a description of the United States Fuel Company's new Hiawatha tipple, after which the meeting adjourned to Hiawatha for lunch and a visit to the tipple and outside workings of the Hiawatha mine. Thursday, August 27, 1925 Meeting called to order at 9:30 by Vice-President W. J. Reid. Papers were read on the subject of "Mechanical Loading," by A. W. Dickinson, 0. G. Sharrer, and the paper of Glen A. Knox was read by the Secretary. General Superintendent George A. Murphy, of the Spring Canyon Coal Company, read a description of their newly completed tipple. The meeting then adjourned for Spring Canyon where lunch was served, and the afternoon spent in viewing the new. tipple. At 8:00 p. m., D. Harrington read a paper on "Rock Dusting," L. C. Clare read a paper on "Mudite's Relation to Nature," and at 11 p. m. the meeting adjourned. Friday, August 28, 1925 Meeting called to order at 9:30 a. m. by Vice-President W. J. Reid. The discussion of preceding papers continued. Paper by Joseph Harrington on "Domestic Fuel Stokers" was read by the Secretary. The expected paper by Mayne Read was not presented as Mr. Read was unable to get to Price on account of railroad conditions. The papers on the "Theory of Spontaneous Combustion," by C. P. Crawford, were also omitted through an error of the Secretary, and particular attention is called to the publication of these two articles. The new tipple of the Columbia Steel Company was described by T. C. Harvey, after which the meeting adjourned for Columbia, where luncheon was served and the nine visited. After the visit to Columbia, the delegates were taken to the Sunnyside mine of the Utah Fuel Company, where an hour was spent. Upon motion, unanimously adopted, the Secretary was instructed to express the sincere appreciation of the delegates to the Price Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Association, the Price News-Advocate, Harry Keene, Harry Duberstein, John M. Jennings, Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, and Geo. A. Murphy of the Financial Committee, for the complete success in handling the meeting of the Institute. The report of the Membership Committee on the following was accepted: R. E. Birchard, Standardville, Utah. Dave Brown, Spring Canyon, Utah. William Burt, Hiawatha, Utah. A. J. Coats, Fort Collins, Colo. R. P. Fitch, Rains, Utah.

Jan 1, 1925

By Thomas L. Theis

The use of a suspended growth system of T. ferrooxidans attached in a film to individual particles of bentonite and operated as a sequencing batch reactor has been shown to be a practical way of oxidizing ferrous iron in acid mine drainage. This component followed by limestone neutralization is both a technically and economically feasible approach to the treatment of these wastewaters in comparison to existing and proposed methods. The advantages, in addition to less expense, are greater safety, acceptable treatment at a lower pH, lower solids buildup, less danger of overtreatment, and greater flexibility in operational characteristics. In this report data on the continuous bench scale operation of the system under a variety of conditions shows sustained levels of oxidation in excess of 9%. A cost analysis projects capital and operating costs of $80/1,000 m3 of wastewater.

Jan 1, 1982

By A. A. Cochran

Bureau of MinesThe Bureau of Mines studied the development of practical methods for recovering manganese from the extensive domestic resources of low-grade ores and open hearth slags. A one-step operation was developed on a laboratory scale in which manganese and iron compounds are treated with chlorine, volatilized, and separated by selective condensation. Manganese recoveries of 90 to nearly 100 percent were obtained from 9 of the most important domestic ores. Analyses of the manganese chloride product indicated that it was suit-able for aqueous electrolysis with little additional purification. A complete, integrated process that provides for the recovery and recycling of chlorine is proposed. This process appears to have distinct advantages over previously proposed manganese recovery processes, and, in sharp contrast to leaching procedures, it is applicable to practically any manganese-bearing material.

Jan 1, 1967

By Slobodan Radosavljevic

The polymetallic W-Pb-Bi-Ag ore from the ?Nova jama? ore zone of the Rudnik ore field have been investigated. Contact-pneumatolytic (skarn), pneumatolytic-hydrothermal, and hydrothermal mineralization phases are defined in this ore zone. The most significant mineralization phase that gave compact ore bodies is pneumatolytic-hydrothermal phase. A relatively pure Mo-free scheelite is the only tungsten-bearing mineral. Lead minerals are mostly presented by Pb-Bi sulphosalts and much less with galena. The image analysis coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) analysis on a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was applied to the characterization of a W-Pb-Bi-Ag ore as an efficient tool for mineral quantification. Results of EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometry) analyses gave the empirical formulae: Pb1.91Ag0.05Cu0.08Bi1.93S5 for cosalite, Pb0.98Ag0.03Cu0.05Bi1.99S4 for galenobismutite and galena Pb0.99Ag0.03S.

Jan 1, 2006

By O. J. Hollister

Jan 1, 1888