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By L. Mercier, R. Narendrula, F. Desmarais, L. Amaratunga, A. Aledresse

Thiosulfate is recognized as a promising alternative lixiviant to cyanide for the extraction of gold from ore bodies. Gold thiosulfate ([Au(S2O3)2]2), however, is not well-adsorbed by activated charcoal, making industrial scale use of thiosulfate for gold leaching impractical at present. Because of their high specific surface areas (500-1000 m2g-1) and uniform open-framework nanoporosity (pore channel diameters in the range 3-10 nm), functionalized mesoporous silicas are widely recognized as highly effective materials for the selective, rapid and high capacity uptake of mercury, gold and platinum group ions. In the present work, the efficient and rapid adsorption of gold thiosulfate by thiol-functionalized mesoporous silica (hereafter designated MP-HMS) is demonstrated, whereby the thiol groups in the materials bind with the gold complexes by ligand displacement. The adsorbed gold could be leached out using cyanide, regenerating the adsorbent for further uptake cycles. Functionalized mesoporous silica is thus a promising candidate for the preconcentration of gold from thiosulfate leachate solutions.

Jan 1, 2011

By Haofeng Xie, Lijun Peng, Xujun Mi, Xue Feng, Xiangqian Yin, Zhen Yang, Guojie Huang

The Cu/Al composite wires have been widely used in cable industry. Especially in the development of aerospace, the light weight character of wires is particularly important. The wires are fabricated by a drawing process and heat treatment. Mechanical and electrical properties are measured and analyzed. The bending behavior is studied by scanning electron microscope. INTRODUCTION Cu/Al composite is a typical bimetallic composite that has been used in plenty of fields such as automobile and aerospace. The composite has the advantages of excellent conductivity as well as low weight, which cannot be obtained from single copper or aluminum. Industrial products of Cu/Al composite include Cu/Al composite joints (Uscinowicz, R., 2013), Cu/Al bimetallic sheets (Li, X. et al., 2011), Cu/Al flat bar (Wu, Y. & Liu, X. & Xie, J., 2014) and CCA wires (Ahmed N., 1978). CCA wires refer to the composite wires that copper layer concentrically coated on the surface of aluminum core conductor, implementing solid combination of two metals on the interface and forming an integral. At present, the aircraft cable generally use copper or copper alloy conductor, which makes the wire in the aircraft occupy a considerable proportion due to the large density of copper. Therefore, the use of Cu/Al composite wires instead of copper wires for weight loss, is of great significance to the development of aerospace technology industry. Heat treatment is an indispensable procedure to improve plasticity during cold working process, which is of great importance to preparation of wires (Wang, Q. et al., 2008). During the heat treatment, the Intermetallic Compounds (IMCs) are inevitable formed at the contact area of Cu/Al due to the occurrence of diffusion (Lee, S. et al., 2012). According to the results of former researchers, kinds of IMCs were discovered. Antoine Gueydan (2014) identified the formation of three IMCs (Al2Cu, AlCu, and Al4Cu9) at the interface between copper and aluminum after thermal aging. IMCs have a significant effect to the properties of Cu/Al wires. Bending performance is a vital property for the actual application of wires. The brittle IMCs may create a stress concentration that can cause crack initiation during bending process. This work focus on the mechanical properties of Cu/Al composite wires after heat treatment. The effect of various annealing condition on mechanical and electrical properties are studied, in order to find the appropriate annealing conditions, which produce optimal combination properties of Cu/Al clad composite wires. Bending fracture of composite wires is discussed by morphology observation.

Jan 1, 2019

By Tim Gitzel

Thank you for your introduction, and thank you to the CIM for inviting me to make a presentation to you today. This is my first opportunity to report to you on the status of the Canadian uranium industry and I am pleased to tell you that the industry is in good shape, and well positioned for the future. As you will no doubt be aware, Saskatchewan benefits from the world?s largest known highgrade deposits of uranium as well as from a high level of provincial, public and northern community support. It is within this unique combination of geology and community that our industry operates. Uranium markets have been extremely competitive for a number of years for several reasons. First, deregulation in the nuclear electric power industry has tended to encourage fuel buyers to use up their large inventories built up at a time when rapidly increasing demand was anticipated. Second, alternate sources from surplus commercial stocks, military materials and reprocessed fuel have presented a major additional source of uranium supply. Today, these secondary supplies are meeting about half of uranium reactor feed requirements. Canada (that is, Saskatchewan) is the world?s largest ?natural? uranium producer with about a third of the global production. Saskatchewan?s mines produced more than 30 million pounds of yellowcake in 2002. Despite low prices, steady demand for uranium will continue. In fact, an increase in world uranium production in 2002 helped feed a more than 3 per cent increase in reactor fuel demand. Low cost production is important for surviving low market prices, but investments are based on longer-term strategies rather than simply responding to market cycles. Cost is not the only issue. In these times of increasing regulatory and public scrutiny we must continue to earn the trust of our stakeholders by adopting the highest standards and staying on the leading edge of technical, social and environmental developments. Managing these issues is as important as traditional concerns of ore grade and cost of production. The last two decades of the 20th century saw the Province of Saskatchewan rise to prominence as the leader in uranium production from facilities, which were at the time deemed world class. These facilities are now either at - or nearing - the end of their production years. We are now bringing on new facilities that will position Saskatchewan to remain the world leader in uranium production for many years to come.

May 1, 2003

By Olav Mejia

The rising energy costs and environmental considerations in mining necessitate the development of energy-efficient copper and gold processing plants. This paper presents an analysis of technical strategies aimed at reducing energy consumption in these plants. Key approaches include the integration of advanced ore sorting technologies, High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR), Coarse Particle Flotation (CPF), and high-intensity flotation. Ore sorting enables early-stage waste removal, reducing the downstream processing load and associated energy use. HPGR technology, recognized for its energy efficiency, contributes to significant energy savings in comminution circuits by reducing reliance on traditional grinding methods. CPF technology further optimizes flotation performance by enabling the recovery of larger particles, thereby decreasing the need for fine grinding and reducing overall power demand. High-intensity flotation units enhance separation efficiency and mineral recovery in a compact footprint, offering further reductions in energy consumption. Together, these technologies provide energy saving opportunities to achieve a more sustainable and economically viable processing operation. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of each method, highlighting their potential impacts on energy consumption, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in copper and gold processing

May 4, 2025

By S. Amira

In the last two decades, many new creep-resistant magnesium alloys have been developed for high temperatures applications. Their mechanical performance and corrosion behaviour were reported for various experimental conditions. However, these conditions often led to uneven comparison basis. In the present study the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion performance of four of these newly developed creep-resistant magnesium alloys were systematically compared. Specimens were obtained from experimental box-like components that were die-cast and thixocast in comparable conditions. Their mechanical and corrosion properties were compared using similar testing conditions. Results show that the creep resistance, strength and impact resistance of specimens are comparable but systematically lower compared to specimens cast under optimized conditions. The reduced concentration of elements such as Al, Ca, Sr and Ce lead to a decrease of the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloys in 3.5% NaCI solution.

Jan 1, 2007

By H. Clare Horwood

"Fractures and fracture zones containing veins and stringers of auriferous quartz in a quartz porphyry dyke are the principal structural features at the Howey and Hasaga gold mines. The 'break' containing the dyke was produced by a force from the northwest, the fractures in the dyke by compressive stress from the west.Both mines are in the north-central part of Heyson township, in the Red Lake area. They lie close to the southeastern side of the Dome granite stock. The Howey mine exhausted its ore reserves and ceased operations in November 1941. The Hasaga mine is producing at the present time (June, 1946).Mineralization was first discovered in the dyke in 1925 by the Howey brothers. Lorne Howey's discovery, which became the Howey mine, came into production in April, 1930; Ray Howey's find, which is now the Hasaga mine, started production in November, 1938.The total production from the Howey mine was 421,324 oz. gold and 144,253 oz. silver from 5,158,376 tons of ore hoisted ( 4,319,331 tons milled) during its 11 years of operation.The total production from the Hasaga mine from November, 1938, to December 31, 1945, was 124,434 oz. gold and 51,009 oz. silver from a total of 901,098 tons hoisted (721,361 tons milled).GENERAL GEOLOGYThe porphyry dyke containing the orebodies at the Howey and Hasaga mines lies a short distance southeast of the contact of a granite-granodiorite mass known as the Dome stock. The dyke fills a fracture trending N.65°E. in a tongue of Keewatin volcanic breccia that extends in a rather irregular manner into an elongate intrusive stock of dioritic rock known as the Howey diorite. The accompanying table presents the geological succession."

Jan 1, 1954

By Michael E. Charles, Jaroslav J. Vocadlo

"The hydraulic transport of solids through pipelines can have many advantages over other modes of transport. Numerous successful applications both within plants and over longer distances have demonstrated the technical and economic feasibility of slurry pipelining. Solids successfully transported include kaolin, coal, iron ore, gilsonite and limestone, and others, such as sulphur and potash, are likely to be transported in Canada in the near future. However, though the technology of solids pipelining is quite advanced the underlying principles have not yet been formulated past the semi-empirical stage. The main objective of this paper is to present a discussion of the important technical and economic considerations in the design of so lids pipeline systems by reference to typical data. The Worthington slurry pumps and pilot facilities are briefly described."

Jan 1, 1972

By CRO CRO

Elk Valley Coal?s Cheviot Project is located in the Alberta foothills south of the town of Hinton. The mine has been in operation now for the 3 years. The start up and subsequent operation of the Cheviot project has been directly influenced by the Cardinal River Mine. As the Cardinal River Mine was winding down due to reserve depletion in 2004, the price of seaborne traded metallurgical coal jumped to record levels and customers began aggressively seeking new sources of supply. Several months later, the owners of Elk Valley Coal decided to begin mining at the Cheviot mining area, extending the life of the area?s operations by over 25 years. The Cheviot Project had been delayed by low coal prices, ownership changes and a complicated and lengthy regulatory process fueled in large measure by stiff opposition from a number of major environmental organizations. Chief to the startup of the project was the construction of a 23-kilometer-long haul road that would connect the new coal measures to the existing Cardinal River processing and rail facilities. Construction of this road was completed with the first coal truck making its first trip in October 2004. This paper will look at some of original assumptions, the actual mining experiences and the lessons that were learned while moving from the drawing board to the current development as it exists today.

May 1, 2007

By P. R. G. Brandão, E. E. Ferreira

The presence of metallic cations in solution will affect the aggregation or dispersion of the fine hematite particles, depending on the type of cation adsorption: either specific or non specific adsorption. In this work, the zeta potential measurements were carried out on a sample of pure hematite as a function of pH and metallic cations concentration (Ca2, Mg2+, Mn2+, K+, Na+ and Al3+). The objective of these studies was to clarify the effect of these metallic cations on the surface chemical properties of pure hematite. The cations K+ and Na+ adsorbed as non-specific species and caused only the reduction on the values of zeta potential (in terms of absolute value) over the entire range of pH values tested. For the Al3+ cation, in the acidic pH range it adsorbed as a specific species and increased the zeta potential values. The cations Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+, adsorbed as a non specific species at pH levels less than 6.0 and caused the reduction of zeta potential due to the compression of the electrical double layer. However, for pH values greater than 6.0, these cations adsorbed as a specific species causing the zeta potential to increase and became more positive as the pH value increased (alkaline). This effect could be due to the adsorption of some hidroxy complex species of these cations, which contributed to the positive charge. The effect of metallic cations (Ca2+, Mg2+ and Al3+ concentration, at pH 4.0, 7.0 and 10, showed the following results: a) at pH 4.0, increasing the concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ resulted in on a small reduction in the value of the zeta potential. At this pH, increasing the concentration of A131 cations caused the zeta potential to increase due to specific adsorption of a negatively charged Al3+ hydroxy complex b) at pH 7 and 10, increasing the concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ caused the zeta potential to change its charge from negative to positive.

Jan 1, 2004

By Sebastian Siebert

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) as a data acquisition platform and as a measurement instrument have become attractive for many surveying applications in civil engineering. However, their performance is not well understood for these particular applications. The specific scope of the presented work is the performance evaluation of a UAV system that was built to rapidly acquire mobile 3D mapping data for large earthmoving construction sites. Details to the components of the developed system (hardware and control software) are explained. A novel program for photogrammetric flight planning and its execution for the generation of 3D point clouds from digital mobile images is explained. A performance model for estimating the position error was developed and tested in several realistic construction environments. Results to these tests are presented as they relate in particular to large excavation and earth moving construction sites. Results and experiences with the developed UAV system are in particular useful for researchers or practitioners in need for successfully adapting UAV technology for their application(s).

Aug 1, 2013

By P. K. Kaiser, F. Amann

"Rock mass characterization for deep underground construction and mining offers many challenges. This paper first describes some of the key challenges when characterizing highly stressed brittle rocks and then offers some guidance on how to arrive at reliable rock mass strength parameters for deep mining applications. Focus is placed on characterization for rock mass strength determination. It is illustrated how the common use of currently available rock mass characterization systems tend to underestimate the strength of rock at depth. Modifications to currently adopted approaches, i.e., the use of Geological Strength Index GSI for rock mass strength determination, are presented.INTRODUCTIONFor green fields projects, the first challenge of rock mass characterization stems from a lack of access to examine the rock mass at scales larger than typical core sizes (i.e., ~63mm in diameter) until late in the mine design when the flexibility for making changes is constrained. Hence, rock mass characterization often has to rely on information derived from boreholes alone (e.g., core, logs, etc.). This challenge is lessened when mines are expanded from existing operations. A second challenge is related to changing rock mass behaviour with increasing depth and stress. At depth, the rock is highly stressed, thus closer to failure, and often highly confined which leads to a higher interlocking with elevated strength but more brittleness. The goals of rock mass characterization are to be tailored to the technical goals of an investigation. For example, for cave engineering, the workflow includes the assessment of five key engineering aspects (Brown, 2007): Caveability; fragmentation; cave performance; extraction level stability; and mine construction (rock support). Each engineering aspect has to address specific engineering questions and each design component is influenced by different rock mass behaviour aspects and thus is dominated by different rock mass properties, e.g., the vulnerability to stress fracturing (spalling), the bulking characteristics for flow control and support selection, and the confining stress impact on pillar or support design. An effective rock mass characterization program, including logging, mapping and laboratory testing, thus has to collect and interpret features that are relevant for the above listed purposes. Some of the predominant factors are: block volume of defected and non-defected rock; spalling strength; tensile strength of defects; rock mass modulus; and rock mass strength parameters for application to low and high confinement design aspects."

Jan 1, 2015

By R. J. Mitchell

"Centrifuge modelling of earth structures is a well-proven technique for evaluating the performance of prototype structures using physical models. The applications of this technique have increased dramatically during the last decade such that even the modelling of dynamic responses in structures has been accomplished.This paper presents the first model test results used to design a mine backfill. The models were tested using a 3 m radius 30 g-tonne geotechnical centrifuge which was constructed at Queen's University specifically for model studies on mine backfill stability and subsidence. The models represent the first production blast-hole stope to be mined at Westmin Resources Ltd. 's H. ~ Mine on Vancouver Island. This paper includes photographs of:model failures in the centrifuge and correlations of model test results with analyses based on unconfined and triaxial test data.IntroductionDuring the feasibility study and development stages for the H.W. Mine, Westmin Resources Ltd. conducted a comprehensive rock mechanics and backfill engineering program. The results of these studies indicated the need for assurance of backfill stability during pillar recovery on the initial blast-hole mining block. The cemented tailings backfill had to be free standing for heights up to 25 m and the potential for surcharge loading from a weak hanging wall zone, the potential for fill block sliding down-dip and the potential for seismic loading had to be considered in the design of the fill strength. The basic questions to be answered were: what cement content is required and will the resulting backfill costs be economic relative to the proposed mining method and sequence? Figure I shows a typical cross-section through the first mining block . The up-dip stope is to be mined first and backfilled with cemented tailings . The down-dip stope would then be mined and filled. Depending on ground conditions encountered, the complete intervening pillar could be recovered and the void backfilled with uncemented tailings or it could be recovered in small sections by exposing limited back and wall areas, backfilling with waste rock and I or cemented tailings . This latter method is commonly referred to as the Avoca method"

Jan 1, 1987

"With the plethora of cable bolts on the market, geotechnical engineers can be baffled by the differences in performance claims from the manufacturers but perhaps more importantly they are sometimes at a loss in making an optimal selection matching behaviour with a particular site condition. To this end a new testing methodology has been developed that can cater for the varying types of cable bolt behaviours. The methodology is based on the laboratory short encapsulation pull test (LSEPT) as recommended in the British Standard and overcomes several deficiencies such as cable rotation. Of most significance however, is its inability to measure the post-peak residual performance of high load transfer capacity cables and consequently, there is an inference that these cables may be susceptible to sudden anchorage failure with relatively little yield. This paper details the results of anchorage performance tests of a range of cable bolts and the differences in performance with rock strength and drill hole diameter.INTRODUCTIONA research project was undertaken to develop a new laboratory-scale test apparatus to study the axial performance of fully grouted cable bolts that are used in the Australian underground coal mining industry. Work by Thomas (2012) and others in recent years found there were a number of deficiencies in the testing methodologies making it difficult to determine and compare the performance of the dozen or more different types of cable bolts on the market. This has meant that geotechnical practioners have been hamstrung in optimizing the design of ground support systems in underground environments that are increasingly more arduous.A cable bolt is a flexible tendon consisting of a quantity of wound wires that are grouted in boreholes at defined distances between holes in order to provide ground reinforcement of excavations (Hutchinson & Diederichs, 1996). They were initially introduced into the underground hard rock mining industry in the 1960s (Thorne & Muller, 1964) and since the early 1970s have been brought to coal mining operations."

Jan 1, 2015

By J. Budac, R. Kofluk, S. Mankasingh

Stainless steels such as 316L or 304 are normally relatively resistant to attack by nitric acid. However research at Sherritt International’s Fort Saskatchewan Operation reveals that when the stainless steel is immersed in an aqueous system in which nitric acid is used to dissolve metals such as cobalt or nickel, the steel can be seriously corroded. Sherritt is patenting a simple process for arresting the corrosion via the use of copper. This process is expected to substantially eliminate corrosion in processes where nitric acid is used to dissolve metals attached to a stainless steel substrate.

Jan 1, 2014

By Louise Grondin

Laronde Mine has been working for a number of years to identify substances that could contribute to process water toxicity and to find an effective way of removing these contaminants from the water. Initial studies have identified ammonia, nitrite, cyanide, thiocyanate, cyanate, dissolved organic carbon, copper and zinc as potential toxicants. Bench-scale tests were carried out with Lakefield Research to find a water treatment process that could effectively remove the suspected toxicants. Nine treatment processes were evaluated: 1) granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration followed by zeolite, 2) zeolite filtration followed by GAC filtration, 3) aeration followed by GAC filtration, 4) multi-stage GAC filtration, 5) chlorination followed by dechlorination, 6) addition of clay based polymer, 7) treatment with peroxide and ultra-violet light, 8) bulk addition of GAC and zeolite powder, 9) treatment with bacteria. This article presents a summary of the test results and of the problems associated with the evaluation of technologies for the treatment of toxicity.

Nov 1, 2002

The original JKMRC AG/SAG mill model was developed over 30 years ago and has been upgraded a number of times since then, with the current published version being the Variable Rates model that is now over 15 years old. Since this model was developed further enhancements have been derived, some of which are applied in-house and some which have yet to be incorporated. The published and the commercially available model in JKSimMet is currently undergoing a comprehensive overhaul with a vastly extended data base for model evolution and validation. Improvements developed within the AMIRA P9 project, in-house development and a number of collaborative projects, are being incorporated into the upgraded model structure. Enhanced capabilities will include: power-based breakage rates scaling; a far wider mill filling range (from 10% to 40%) that exhibits peak in throughput as mill filling increases; higher ball loads; improved pebble discharge function; improved slurry discharge function incorporating important mill design and operational influences; and the new size dependent breakage function. The model will also be able to accommodate some influence of liner design and multi-component ores (blends of hard and soft components). This upgrade is still a work in progress but substantial changes have been made to date. This paper presents some of the new improvements and their influence on the predictive capability of the model.

Jan 1, 2012

By P. E. Georghiou, S. Shafiei Zadeh, H. Hassan Nejad

Data are presented on the extractant behaviour on toxic metal removal from spent hydroprocessing catalyst, produced at the North Atlantic Refinery plant in Newfoundland and Labrador. Aliquat 336 was selected due to its potential capabilities for the separation of cobalt, molybdenum and nickel from the leachate extractant produced by aqua regia. The solvent extraction process was statistically modeled using central composite design (CCD), and the numerical optimization was conducted to achieve the optimum point for toxic metal recovery for the extractant.

Jan 1, 2014

By H. E. Wilde

"Zinc has been used for many years as a galvanic coating for the protection of steel. Electrochemical measurements show that zinc actually overprotects steel. The corrosion rate of DQSK (drawing quality semi-killed) steel in air saturated salt water was determined as a Junction of applied cathodic potential. The resulting data indicate that at a critical cathodic over potential of - O. 725 Vsce an acceptably low corrosion rate of less than 1 mpy occurs. Using the developed criterion, alloys of Zn/X and AL/X were produced and evaluated in galvanic contact with steel in a standard laboratory test. The results indicate that Zn /Mn, Zn /Co, AI/Mg/Si and AI/Mg/Ge alloys offer excellent galvanic protection along with (a) no hydrogen evolution, and (b) improved dissolution life over Zn coatings.IntroductionZinc coated (galvanized) steel has been successfully used in applications where bare (or painted non-galvanized) steel would suffer corrosive attack. In general, galvanic coupling to zinc, as either an anode or a coating, is an effective means for combatting steel corrosion. Because of this, the use of galvanized steel has increased markedly, stimulated primarily by automobile manufacurers seeking to extend the corrosion warranties on automobiles(1).Although effective, zinc coatings are not without a number of drawbacks which warrant efforts to improve them. For example, because of the widely differing electrode potentials between zinc and steel ( - 1.05 Vsce and - 0.60 Vscc, respectively, in air saturated NaCl solutions), the zinc corrodes at a rapid rate to protect the steel. This is reflected in the limited lifetimes of galvanized unpainted siding. The basic electrochemistry controlling the situation is shown in Figure 1, for a system controlled by oxygen reduction. The zinc corrodes sacrificially to protect the steel, while cathodically polarizing the steel to a potential near that of zinc's open circuit anode potential."

Jan 1, 1990

By Robert E. McIvor

"Use of the Bond Work Index to size industrial grinding equipment was widely known. Bond also described its application for measuring grinding circuit efficiency. Bond Work Index efficiency also has been used extensively by industry, but until now without concise standard methods, or a formal guideline, for doing so. The Bond Efficiency Sub-Committee of the Industrial Comminution Efficiency work group of GMSG has produced such a guideline, which is appended hereto. It covers the methods and provides examples of how to calculate the Bond Work Index Efficiency of most industrial grinding circuits. Bond Work Index testing equipment and methods are also provided.Comminution is responsible for a major portion of mineral processing plant energy consumption and operating costs. Bond Work Index efficiency provides valuable means, first, for benchmarking one’s plant performance against others in the broad industry, and hence defining the extent of the opportunity for improvement. Secondly, improvements in circuit efficiency with implemented changes can be quantified and monitored as part of continuous improvement efforts. These two important business activities are thus facilitated, and, in the absence of any other accepted method, otherwise would be lacking without the existence and application of this standard for comparison. While often loosely applied in the past by plant metallurgical staffs, the increased precision offered by this guideline provides much clearer definition of both the conceptual and statistical meaning of these measurements. Even a small improvement can be enormously financially important, but only if differentiated by measurement. This guideline was thus intended to provide industry improved means to differentiate comminution circuit efficiencies. Carbon footprint reduction is coincidental, but nevertheless can be substantial.The next steps are: (1) to establish standard reference testing materials and one or more laboratories to serve as bases for reference testing; (2) to establish the accuracy of relative circuit Work Index Efficiency determinations; and (3), to develop and provide a public data base of industrial comminution circuit Bond Work Index Efficiencies."

Jan 1, 2016

By E. V. Manlapig, U. Erol, V. Ross, K. Tshimanga

Lonmin RoM ball mills are treating two types of feed ore produced by conventional mining and mechanised mining methods. It was reported that reduction in mill throughput was observed when treating the mechanised mining ore. Detailed grinding surveys were conducted for troubleshooting. Ore samples were collected for breakage characterisation using a JKRBT based on different particle density components. XRD analysis was conducted to investigate the association of minerals with density components. The plant surveys and the breakage characterisation tests all suggested that the two mining methods did not significantly affect either the ore breakage properties or the RoM mill performance. Instead, the mill discharge open area exerted a remarkable influence on mill throughput. The RoM ball mill operated at Lonmin K4 Concentrator has been proven to be a versatile mill that performed stably with variations in feed size distribution and feed ore changes by different mining techniques. The reasons are elucidated by the multi-component breakage characterisation and the plant surveys data.

Jan 1, 2012