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By R. Steven Izatt

Green chemistry principles will be discussed, and examples will be given of the use of Molecular Recognition Technology (MRT) to selectively separate specialty metals such as cobalt, nickel, bismuth, rhenium, molybdenum, indium and germanium from various primary and secondary feed streams. Recovery of these metals has numerous advantages including (i) conservation of valuable resources, (ii) prevention of environmental damage, and (iii) elimination of capital and operating expenses due to re-processing or disposal of metal-bearing streams.

By Isabel F. Barton, Matthew J. Gabriel, CARSON ROBERTS, JOHN LYONS-BARAL, LEON DUPLESSIS, Mark D. Barton

Geometallurgical assessment of orebodies in the mining industry typically relies on bench-scale or lab-based characterization techniques. In this study, we investigate drone- and tripod-based field hyperspectral imaging as a potential addition to the geometallurgy toolkit in multiple applications. This pilot study tests hyperspectral imaging for largescale mineral mapping in and around the active Lisbon Valley copper mine, including natural exposures, previously producing U-V mines, highwalls, dumps, and leaching sites. Tests include different (supervised and unsupervised) mineral data classification methods, varying mineral spectral reference libraries, comparison with ground-truth geological and spectroscopic mapping and sampling, and integration with LiDAR data. The results show that hyperspectral scans can produce spatially registered maps of the distribution of different spectrally active mineral types over dumps, highwalls, leach pads, and natural outcrops. Clays, other phyllosilicates, carbonates, and sulfates showed up particularly well. The sensor was also able to distinguish dry from lixiviant-saturated areas and map different clay types on the leach pads, and shows promise for differentiating types and health of vegetation. These results suggest that hyperspectral imaging, if coupled with robust ground-truthing, can be a useful complement to existing geometallurgical techniques in the mining industry, such as geological mapping, blast hole sampling and automated mineralogy identifications, and handheld spectrometry. In particular, hyperspectral imaging has promise for mapping the distribution of acid-consuming minerals; mapping the distribution of swelling, sliming, and heap-blinding clays; and pinpointing problem areas on heap leach pad surfaces.

Feb 10, 2021

By W. J. Kempson

In recent years, substantial progress has been made with respect to the definition and control of the primary energy requirements in underground mines. Little has, however been done to develop a more detailed understanding of how to limit the various pressure losses which are intrinsic to shaft systems. This is in spite of the fact that more than half of the pressures generated by the ventilation fans in deep level mines are dissipated as pressure losses within the shaft system. This paper presents research which has been completed to optimise the pressure losses which occur in shaft systems as a result of the ventilation air flowing through them. In this regard, the response of various shafts to the ventilation air flowing through them was measured. These results were evaluated against the current theory for the calculation of shaft pressure losses. Finally the results of the measurements and calculations were used to calibrate a Computational Fluid Dynamics model of the shaft systems. This model was then iterated to allow meaningful conclusions as to the specific make up of the shaft equipment which contributes the most to pressure losses in shaft The results of the above analysis demonstrated that the current theory used for the evaluation of these pressure losses is deficient. The paper discusses these conclusions and the specific ramifications of the analysis. Finally, the understandings gained with regards to the above research are applied to the design and layout of equipment in mine shafts. In this regard, the shape and orientation of the shaft steelwork is evaluated and it specific interaction with the piping and conveyance is evaluated. Coming out of this evaluation are specific recommendations for the design of future shaft systems. These recommendations are based on the above models and offer specific savings on the lifetime operating costs of shaft systems.

Aug 1, 2013

By Will H. Coghill

The jig men of the Tri-State (Joplin-Miami) zinc district complain about the flakiness of their mill feed. They believe that the flakiness of the composite grains of gangue and mineral are to blame for losses of zinc; that is, that the flaky grains in the jig tailings have higher zinc tenor than the cubical grains. Although the evidence which follows contradicts this belief, no effort is made to give a final and conclusive answer. On the other hand, there is outlined a positive and mechanical method which the operator may use to pursue this and similar investigations. DISCUSSION OF SCREENING METHOD Hand-sorting is obviously not satisfactory for separating cubical grains from flaky grains because the personal influence can not be removed. Screens, however, may be used with success. A set of each of two types of screens is required; namely, the square-hole type and the rectangular (rectang, oblong) type. The square-hole screens must be of the double Tyler scale; that is, the order of the sieves should be after the fourth root of two instead of the customary square root of two; close sizing is important. The size of the rectang screens may be selected by trials so that a part of the material already closely sized on the square-hole screens, will pass the oblong holes. Obviously, the cubical grains will remain on the rectang and the flaky grains will pass through. Hence the mode of operation is to screen first on square-hole screens and then split the products on the oblong-hole screens.

Jan 1, 1928

La voladura es la herramienta económica más efectiva para fragmentar y mover rocas. Sin embargo, no puede ser empleado cuando un patron de voladura mal diseñado, ya que se genera un descontrol sobre la energía liberada. En este sentido, el presente texto describe el empleo de la prospección fotogramétrica estéreo y los sistemas de prospección de pozos en una operación de voladura en la cantera brasileña Incopel.

Apr 1, 2013

By Tiago Ramos Ribeiro

A redução do ferro é a etapa da produção de aço que mais consome energia e emite CO2. Os processos de redução direta são uma alternativa ao tradicional alto forno devido ao uso de H2 no gás de redução e consequente menor emissão de CO2. Existem duas tecnologias principais, Midrex e Energiron (ou Hyl) que representam 80% da produção mundial de ferro esponja. Uma revisão das patentes publicadas por estas duas empresas foi realizada e foi possível descrever o funcionamento dos processos, os desenvolvimentos ao longo dos anos e evidenciar as diferenças. Ambos os processos são baseados em fornos de cuba onde os gases de redução fluem em contracorrente ao minério aquecendo-o e reduzindo o ferro. Os gases de redução são gerados pela reforma catalítica de metano. A reforma no processo Midrex é realizada principalmente pela reação com CO2, e no processo Energiron com H2O. Há uma versão sem um reformador separado, o processo Energiron ZR. Neste processo o gás natural é injetado conjuntamente com H2O e CO2 no reator de redução e o ferro recém reduzido funciona como catalizador das reações de reforma.

Aug 16, 2017

By Grover R. Castle

INTRODUCTION "Project Financing" or "Project Loans" have become increasingly popular in recent years, and commercial banks are being asked to consider more and more of such financing. However, the analysis of this type of loan is quite different from the analysis of a loan to a financially sound corporation based on the company's balance sheet. For this reason Chemical Bank did a study of project loans in an attempt to be more sophisticated in our approach to them. As part of this study, we examined 29 project financings for which information was available. In this article I shall describe project loans and set forth the guidelines we developed, as an aid to credit officers who might have occasion to analyse this type of financing. DEFINITION OF "PROJECT FINANCING" OR "PROJECT LOAN" The terms "project financing" and "project loan" commonly describe the various methods that banks and institutional lenders use to finance the construction of new projects on a basis whereby payout is anticipated from the revenue stream generated by the project. A project financing often involves a loan to a new entity formed specifically to own the project. The analysis of a project loan proposal is quite different from the analysis of other term-loan proposals since it involves a credit decision based on the review of a projection or forecast rather than of historical earnings and/or it involves the reliance on contractual obligations of third parties. Lenders are asked to assume the added risks associated with project loans because: 1. Project financing may permit a company to obtain additional leverage. It is possible for companies to arrange financing on a project basis that could not be arranged as a direct borrowing. For example, a company may not be permitted to borrow more money directly, due to a limitation in a bond indenture. However, a project financing can sometimes be negotiated on a basis not prohibited by the indenture. 2. Often the sponsors of, or the stockholders in, the project are seeking an off-balance-sheet financing. For example, 11 of the 29 projects in our study were arranged on an off-balance-sheet basis and one showed on the balance sheet as a deferred income item. An off-balance-sheet financing, for the purpose of this article, is a financing which does not show as a direct liability on the balance sheet of the sponsors of or stockholders in a project. 3. Projects are often located in a foreign country. The financing is arranged so that the lenders assume the political risk on the loan because many companies rightly believe that this arrangement affords a degree of insulation from political risk not otherwise obtainable. 4. Many projects are jointly owned by several sponsors. This form of financing lends itself well to a situation where a new entity is formed to own a project and do the borrowing. Project loans can be used to finance a variety of activities including development of iron-ore deposits and associated pelletizing plants; development of coal reserves; construction of pipelines, alumina plants, fertilizer plants and refineries; etc. The specific areas of analysis can be quite different, depending upon the type of project being financed. It is important, therefore, to classify the proposal according to the type of project, and also by the nature of the financing - nonrecourse financing, financing covered by a guarantee of completion and financing supported by an undertaking lasting for the life of the financing. I will discuss each of these types in more detail later, but first, I should like to make some

Jan 1, 1985

By José Samuel Silva Freitas, Bruno Luiz Sperandeo, Gerson da Silva Almeida, Marcel Teixeira Vicente, Lucas Vilaronga Ramos, Bruno Gonçalez Ribeiro, Ricardo de Oliveira Almeida, Stephanie Pedroza Rodrigues, Matheus Antônio de Oliveira Ferreira

O presente trabalho abrange o estudo de um sistema de transporte de matéria prima para a produção de superfosfato granulado, composto por uma sequência de três transportadores de correia convencional e um elevador de canecas. Os componentes destes equipamentos são retratados separadamente, em seguida explica-se o funcionamento do conjunto. São expostos os problemas no desempenho do equipamento e as causas identificadas. Por este motivo, analisa-se a viabilidade econômica da substituição do equipamento atual por um transportador de correia tubular, sistema mais avançado que também é detalhado através da descrição de seus componentes e funcionamento. A análise inicia-se com o dimensionamento dos dois tipos de equipamento de acordo com a planta disponível. Então se compara o cenário atual com o proposto, considerando o desperdício de produto, tempo e custo de paradas para manutenção e custo de implantação do novo equipamento.

Mar 1, 2019

By Earle S. Burnett

This report outlines the experimental procedures for using a Burnett apparatus to obtain compressibility coefficients for multiphase, multicomponent fluid mixtures. The conventional Burnett method is described briefly whereby multiphase compressibility data can be obtained by first determining the compressibility factor, Z, as an isothermal function of pressure alone. Then starting at conditions of temperature and pressure where Z is known, the fluid is cooled at constant volume to some lower temperature at which the resulting pressure is measured, and a corresponding value of Z is obtained from a fundamental relationship between compressibility factors, pressures, and temperatures at constant volume. The isochoric treatment of the fluid, extended to still lower temperatures and along other isochors, eventually results in compressibility determinations for the whole two-phase system thus covered experimentally.

Jan 1, 1963

By A. Livingston

This paper on mining practice at the Fresnillo silver mines is one of a series being prepared by the Bureau of Mines on mining practices, methods, and costs in the various mining districts of North America. Two classes of ore are produced at Fresnillo. A low-grade oxidized silver ore; end a complex-base sulphide are containing gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper. This paper is confined to a discussion of operations relating to the production of oxidized silver ores. To date, more than 10 Million tons of this ore rave been mined. The present (June, 1931) daily production is 2,000 tons of ore, and approximately 600 men are employed in the mining operations.

Jan 1, 1932

By João Domingos Guimarães de Athayde Junior, Luiz Fernando Andrade de Castro, Willian Facundes, Marlon José dos Anjos Silva

O aumento da demanda por aços com baixos teores de enxofre tem levado algumas indústrias siderúrgicas a estudar formas de otimizar o tratamento de dessulfuração no aço, visando reduzir o consumo de agentes dessulfurantes, o teor de enxofre e o tempo de tratamento no refino secundário. Neste trabalho, foi analisada a evolução do enxofre durante o tratamento de dessulfuração de duas classes de aço no forno panela, nas 30 corridas experimentais utilizou-se uma mistura micropulverizada contendo cal e fluorita. Após avaliação dos resultados e das condições termodinâmicas e cinéticas, foram desenvolvidas equações para cálculo da mistura a ser injetada em função do teor de enxofre inicial e objetivado. O uso da mistura proposta no processo resultou na redução de 1,1 kg/t de mistura micropulverizada, 0,22 kg/t de alumínio, 3,3 kWh/t de energia, 0,034 kg/t de eletrodo e 2 minutos de tratamento.

Oct 1, 2019

By H. Huang, R. N. Gow

"The reactivity of an enargite mineral electrode was investigated spectroelectrochemically under conditions typically found in alkaline sulfide leach solutions, with pH 11-13 and Na2S additions of 50 and 250 gL-1. A bulk enargite electrode was cycled between 0 and -1,000 mV for each set of solution conditions. Raman spectroscopy was used to determine and compare surface formations against species in mass-balanced EH-pH diagrams generated using STABCAL. Previously, it was determined that arsenic could be selectively leached under alkaline conditions at an average solution potential of -300mV, across the pH range 11-13. Operating under such conditions allowed for the selective leaching of arsenic with elemental sulfur formation. From several of the voltammograms obtained during this current testing, the formation of elemental sulfur appeared at increasingly reducing conditions with increasing sulfide concentration. At high concentrations, copper started to dissolve, possibly as a bisulfide complex, reducing the selectivity of the leach, unlike previous studies. However, the presence of the higher sulfide concentration is also anticipated to prevent passivation by consuming any surface formation of elemental sulfur. This study provides insight into the operating parameters of alkaline sulfide leaching in regards to the selectivity of arsenic leaching, as well as guidance for control of reagents and solution potential and, of course, the need for water treatment afterwards.IntroductionEnvironmental limitations on the pyrometallurgical processing of arsenic-bearing concentrates have forced operations to consider other solutions. Attempts to hydrometallurgically process enargite (Cu3AsS4) fall into two categories: the co-dissolution of arsenic and copper under acidic conditions, and the selective leaching of arsenic under basic conditions. The authors believe that the selective leaching of arsenic is more amenable because it produces a solid copper phase, preferably chalcocite (Cu2S) or covellite (CuS) that could then be processed using conventional methods already in place in the copper and gold industries. Potential leaching methods include alkaline sulfide leaching (Achimovicovica et al., 1999; Anderson and Twidwell, 2008a,b; Tongamp et al., 2009 and 2010), hypochlorite leaching (Vinals et al., 2003; Curreli et al., 2005; Mihaljovic et al., 2007), ammoniacal leaching (Gajam and Raghavan, 1983), and acid leaching (Gow et al., 2014b) with or without fine grinding to mechanically activate the enargite surface and increase normally slow leach reaction kinetics (Achimovicova et al., 1999; Balaz et al., 2000; Balaz and Achimovicova, 2006). In this study, the reactivity of enargite under alkaline sulfide leach conditions was examined."

Jan 1, 2015

By M. N. Nabighian

Utilization of x-ray diffraction data for mineral identification has been well documented and accepted as an analytical tool in industrial and research organizations. However, the search for new methods to minimize errors affecting measured reflection intensities is being carried out by all concerned. Recent application of computer capability has greatly reduced the time required in handling data for mineral analysis and has increased the capability of accepting more data for greater precision. The purpose of this communication is (1) to describe the concept of cross-power in XRD analysis, and (2) to show that direct comparison analysis for multiphase systems has improved analytical accuracy when all available x-ray diffraction data are used in conjunction with high speed data processing by computer.

Jan 1, 1972

By Jian Liu

The dissolubility of a natural sphalerite (ZnS) in the entire pH range was theoretically calculated, and its practical dissolution in an aqueous solution at different pH values in an inert environment, together with its surface properties after dissolution, was fully investigated. The results of the investigation indicate that the total concentration of Zn (CZnT) decreases significantly with the increase of pH value, while the pH value is set below 8; however, it reverses when the pH value reaches 8. Such a tendency is similar to that of the theoretical calculations, although the experimental CZnT were much higher than those of the theoretical calculations. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the sphalerite surface after its dissolution under alkaline solution shows that a polysulfide (Sn 2-) surface layer with a binding energy (BE) value of 162.96-163.25 eV is present on the surface, and the percentage of Sn 2- increases significantly with an increase in pH value; the undissolved and dissolved sphalerites under the acidic solution have a negligible difference in S2p peaks. The surface S/Zn ratio of all dissolved sphalerites shows a marked Zn enrichment and S deficiency. An atomic force microscope (AFM) view of the sphalerite surface, after its dissolution under the alkaline solution at a pH of 12, shows that the surface is significantly different in morphology from that of the undissolved one.

May 1, 2012

By Lane, K. S.

The problem of stability of slopes in reservoirs is one of real interest in civil engineering. The problem is whether the valley walls will remain stable or whether they are likely to slide as conditions are changed by storage of water in the reservoir. If major slides are indicated, as on the walls of relatively steep canyons, one must estimate whether they will be so located and of sufficient size as to interfere with operation of the reservoir-as by blocking the outlets, or by displacing sufficient water to over-top the dam in a huge wave. Some cases involve problems in soil mechanics for slides in earth or weaker rock; other locations need the assistance of rock mechanics for slides in harder rock. While this is not a new problem, attention has recently been focused on its importance by the hugh landslide into the Vaiont reservoir in 1963, which claimed the lives of over 2000 people and forced abandonment of the dam and powerhouse.

Jan 1, 1969

By S. K. Pan, R. Venugopal, L. A. Kumaraswamidhas, Rakesh Prasad, Chandan Pandey

Cold compressive strength (CCS) and apparent porosity (AP) of pellets are essential properties regarding the burden of blast furnaces. The optimal required values for industries are 2.5 KN CCS and 21% AP. Blaine fineness and firing temperature are the decisive parameters analyzed here. During firing, microstructure phases such as silicate, hematite, and pore are formed. The phase’s grain density during induration influences the pellet’s CCS and AP. The influence of the factors over the response is evaluated by I-optimal (response surface methodology) design. Blaine fineness, firing temperature, pore phase grain density (PPGD), silicate phase grain density (SPGD), and hematite phase grain density (HPGD) affect the CCS and AP of pellets. The RSM-I-optimal predicted responses with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.89 for CCS and 0.91 for AP of iron ore pellets. Optimal conditions were Blaine no. = 1668 cm2/g, 1250 °C firing temperature, PPGD value 90 no/mm2, SPGD value 250 no/ mm2, and HPGD value 490 no/mm2, with 4.5 KN CCS 27%. The induration processes were investigated through statistical design of experiments for process optimization. Statistical analysis indicated the direct and interactive influence over CCS and AP. In this study, RSM-I-optimal modeling is used for iron ore pellets processing. The I-optimal prediction could be applied to make the process economical because information is obtained through fewer experiments.

Aug 18, 2020

By S. Kline

The compositions of metamorphic minerals of the south limb of the Dore Lake Complex have been determined by microprobe techniques. Mineral assemblages typical of the greenschist facies occur in Mg-rich bulk compositions, but in Fe-rich rocks albite-epidote amphiboli te facies assemblages occur. Low oxygen fugaci ties and a general paucity of metamorphic fluids prevailed in most of the complex, but a higher oxygen fugacity is indicated near the Chibougamau Pluton, and a local abundance of C0z and Cl in fluids near the pluton is suggested by the presence of scapoli te. The metamorphic gradient overprinted on the complex near the Grenville Front is apparent in mineral chemistries as well as by the appearance of garnet. Chlorite becomes richer in Mg, and iron is fractionated more strongly into hornblende. The amphibole also increases in Alz03.

Jan 1, 1984

By L. Adler

A systematic, balanced and inclusive formulation of the vast input data for mine design is presented. Since the quality of this statement severely influences subsquent design it is extremely important to senior mining engineers and the profession-at-large. If unfocussed, chaos can result along with serious ommisions. The basic categories, each a traditional one are: 1) Natural Conditions (geology and geography), 2) Company Capabilities (monetary and managerial), 3) Public Domain (regulations, contracts, good will, etc.) and 4) State of Art (mining engineering professionalism). To further reduce the data additional organizing principles were used: the distinctions of mining (vs. civil) engineering, proceeding from the general to particular, the basic engineering dimensions, and separating dependent from independent variables. The results are a unique and unified corpus, which anticipates the mine design procedure.

Jan 1, 1987

By Ho-Sung Yoon, Jyothi Rajesh Kumar, Chul-Joo Kim, Sung-Don Kim

A recovery process for rare earths (REs) such as dysprosium and neodymium from the leach liquor of permanent magnet scrap (PMS) was developed. The two hydrometallurgical routes namely liquid-liquid extraction (solvent extraction) and selective stripping were implemented. The present study deals with the separation and recovery process development by using organo-phosphorous based extractant di-(2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as reagent for REs processing. Initial studies considered the influence of time on the extraction process, as well as pH and extractant concentration effects. This suggested the aqueous mechanism and separation factors played a role in process during development. McCabe-Thiele diagrams for extraction isotherms were developed. Counter current extraction (CCE) using various phase ratios influenced metals separation. Maximum loading capacity of the D2EHPA was determined. The loaded organic generated by the CCE process was water washed followed by a scrubbing process to remove the other metal ion from targeted metal. Finally, a stripping process was tested using various mineral acids.

Jan 1, 2015

By H. D. Yu

In this paper, an evaluation about the process mineralogy of the rich iron mine in Mongolia with comprehensive methods is given; this provides foundation of the comprehensive recovery of iron and cobalt in the ore. The research shows that the iron?s grade is 61.23%, Co?s grade is 0.02%, the ore is rich iron ore and its Co content also reaches border mining grade. For the ore, if want get high grade iron concentrate powder, must identify the mineral composition and the occurrence of iron and take into ac-count the recovery of Co content as associated resources. Chemical phase analysis results show that 86.35% of iron exists in magnetite, which means that the theoretical recovery ratio of iron is close to 86%. Minerals spectrum analysis confirmed that the magnetite containing a small amount of Mg, Al, and other impurities, the actual iron minerals to 70.28%, which means that theoretically iron grade iron concentrate only close to 70.28%. Based on the result of iron chemical phase analysis, by investigating the liberation of sulfide minerals and gangue, the recovery index of iron can be forecasted, when grinding fineness is 35%, 45%, 55% and 65% bellow 0.074mm,theoretical content of Fe in iron concentrate separately is 67.71%,67.88%,68.78%,and 69.43%,accordingly the theoretical recovery of Fe is 87.38%,87.05%,86.92% and 86.63%. From the perspective of process mineralogy, the forecast mineral beneficiation indicators show that the ore is easy sorting ore, iron processing operations have higher recovery rate, but wants sorting of high-grade iron ore concentrate still need appropriate grinding fineness. Furthermore, associated element Co, existing mostly in pyrite and pyrrhotite, is valuable in the ore. Pyrite and pyrrhotite have ideal liberation under grinding, so cobalt can be easily enriched in sulfide concentrate.

Jan 1, 2014