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By L. D. van Dyk, G. S. Tshofu

Iron ore fines are by-products of iron ore mining operations. Unlike iron ore lumps, fines cannot directly be used in conventional iron making processes, and consequently large quantities accumulate around the world. Pelletizing and sintering can be used to convert iron ore fines into agglomerates or briquettes for processing with lump ore, but these techniques are energy intensive and produce greenhouse gases. This research investigated the extraction of iron from iron ore fines using acetylacetone (a ß-diketone) as an environmentally friendly alternative process for fines utilization. A 2k factorial experiment design was used to identify the significant extraction variables. It was found that the reaction temperature and solid to liquid ratio had significant effects on the extraction process. The extraction kinetics were studied at different temperatures and the highest iron extraction (97 %) was obtained after 48 hours at 413 K and 0.025:1 (g:mL) solid to liquid ratio for a particle size range of +106 to -150 µm. The extraction products were easily separated from the unreacted acetylacetone by flash distillation and iron(III) acetylacetonate crystals were recovered. An economic evaluation showed that selling the crystals was profitable. Alternatively, the crystals can be reduced with hydrogen to iron particles and acetylacetone (for reuse).

Jan 1, 2015

By M. J. Kanda, T. R. Stacey

Thin spray-on liners (TSLs) have been used as sealants and rock support in tunnels for over 25 years. Laboratory tests have indicated satisfactory properties that can provide adequate strength, adhesion, toughness, and elasticity as part of rock support systems in mining excavations. These characteristics are, however, not always demonstrated in practice, when mine environmental conditions do not correspond with laboratory environmental conditions. The shortcomings of TSLs experienced in the mining industry have raised concerns, resulting in scepticism from some operators regarding their utilization. The research described in this paper aims to investigate TSL performance in environmental conditions similar to those experienced in mines. Brazilian indirect tensile (BIT) specimens were prepared from precast shotcrete and coated with TSLs. The specimens were then exposed to different environmental conditions for up to 112 days before BIT testing under various conditions: laboratory room temperature and humidity; saturated room temperature; and combined saturated and high temperature (50°C). Additional uncoated shotcrete and TSL BIT specimens were prepared for comparison purposes. The results of the BIT tests showed that environmental conditions have a significant influence on the tensile strength enhancement of shotcrete by TSLs. Water-based TSLs are most likely to be suitable for high humidity environments, although their performance decreases at higher temperatures. Numerical modelling of TSL-coated BIT samples confirms the potential limitations of designing TSL support based only on laboratory testing carried out under room conditions.

Jul 1, 2021

By M F. Lee

Although the Mt Charlotte gold resource was discovered in 1893, it was only in 1954 that geologists correctly interpreted drill data and defined a large low-grade orebody. The mine has been a large, low-cost and profitable producer since 1962 when bulk mining commenced using cut and fill. From 1968 a combination of long hole open stoping with delayed mass blasting was used. This proved to be an excellent mining method for the large, separate subvertical orebodies. The structured but otherwise good quality rock allowed very large stopes to stand unsupported. Exceptionally large equipment, for its time, was used to efficiently mine, muck and move the ore at low-cost. The mine only just survived severe cost pressures in 1974-76, due to very low gold prices. Better gold prices in 1979 and a need to access deeper ore meant a bold commitment to sink the Cassidy Shaft and refurbish the mine to sustain future profitability. In 1997 the Sam Pearce Decline connected to the underground workings, making it profitable to mine upper level remnant ore. Mining-induced seismicity has been a feature of mining at Mt Charlotte. The main cause has been shearing on structures. A mine-wide seismic system was installed in 1994. Large seismic events have occasionally made management question whether a safe working environment can be maintained. Thorough investigations led to an understanding of the problem and development of procedures to minimise seismicity.

Jan 1, 2000

By Augusto Andrés Torres Toledo

Na mineração a céu aberto, na etapa de planejamento a curto prazo são desenhados constantemente polígonos usados no planejamento de produção, onde geralmente o processo de desenho é manual, demandando o tempo e esforço dos planejadores. Os polígonos gerados no planejamento de curto prazo devem apresentar a menor variabilidade possível entre eles, para que as restrições da planta de processamento sejam atendidas. Desenhar polígonos de curto prazo de forma automática, sequenciar todos os blocos de minério em cada polígono, e conectar um polígono a outro é o foco deste trabalho. Para isso, foi feito uso de algoritmos genéticos e dinâmicos, desenvolvidos em linguagem de programação Python e operacionalizados no software geoestatístico SGeMS. Gerou-se múltiplas iterações para cada um dos avanços individuais de blocos de minério, gerando regiões ou polígonos, e selecionando as regiões de menor variabilidade de teores. As funções de distribuição de probabilade dos teores de cada avanço foram comparadas a função da distribuição de teores global do corpo de minério, os resultados mostram que os polígonos possuem distribuições semelhantes à distribuição de referência, então foi possível sequenciar os blocos de forma operacional garantindo quasi-estacionaridade dos parâmetros.

Oct 30, 2017

By J E. Everett

An essential requirement of product quality control in the mining industry is to be able to reliably predict key quality properties of finished product from the data available before the extraction of the ore. From a production viewpoint, the unit of data collection is generally the input and output data set for each shift of crusher production, but could be any period where mine precrusher data can be reliably matched with product data.This paper demonstrates that linear regression models can be used to predict crush grades from blast grades, even where the crush material is blended from multiple sources or pits for each of which differing regression models might apply. The advantage of using increasingly complex regressions models to match the available data to give increasingly more powerful models is examined. The best model for any application will be a balance between required predictability, available data and the business’ tolerance for complex models.The regression modelling approach has several advantages over the more classic method of run-of-mine (ROM) crusher trials, which will be discussed.The models can use any predictor variable such as grade, geotype and in situ density provided the preextraction data set can be reliably matched with post-crusher data and is significant as a predictor. The models have been used extensively in the generation of the daily crusher plan with the aim of maintaining finished product grade. This approach has also been used associated with exploration drilling and long-term planning.It is acknowledged that there are inherent problems in fitting lump and fines grade to a linear model. However, these problems are minor when they are used for interpolation within the window spanned by the shift blend records used to produce the model. This paper discusses some of the issues limiting linear regression models in this application, and suggests methods enabling consistent models to be formulated

Sep 5, 2011

By H. Sahay

"DISCLAIMER NOTICEThe views and conclusions contained in this presentation are those of the author and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or recommendations of the Department of Mines and Energy, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. ABSTRACTThis paper describes the main testing procedures that should be carried out to evaluate the capacity and capability of the service brakes on the large-size diesel-electric trucks now in common use at open-pit mining operations. Brake testing programs in general are described, and then consideration is given to different techniques of service brake testing, brake performance evaluation, braking energy and typical performance characteristics.IntroductionThe first diesel-electric truck with a capacity of about 85 tons was introduced in 1963 by Unit Rig and Equipment Company of Tulsa in cooperation with General Electric Company, who successfully developed and supplied the most important component- motorized wheels. Since then, its popularity and numbers have continued to grow, and now more than 3700 such units are in operation in mines around the world. In Canada alone, their number is more than 700, including about 150 in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Similarly, their size has also grown from that initial capacity of 85 tons to 350 tons.Although the introduction of the electric trucks proved to be invariably economical, their indiscriminate use was not without severe consequences. Many runaways and even fatalities occurred when the dynamic retarder failed while the truck was travelling loaded down severe grades. The service brakes in such cases proved incapable of stopping runaway trucks, mainly due to their limited capability and the fading caused by excessive heat produced during the act of braking itself. This eventually led the various governments, the open-pit operators and the manufacturers to seriously question the braking capability as well as function of both service brakes and dynamic retarders. Extensive testing"

Jan 1, 1980

By R. L. Fleischer, B. Chalmers

In order to observe size effects associated with a grain boundary, aluminum single crystals and bicrystals of various cross-sectional dimensions were deformed in tension. Typical stress-strain curves are presented in conjunction with measurements of the effects of changes in crystal dimensions. Some effects of the growth rate used in preparation of crystals are also described. It is indicated that the macroscopic constraints at a grain boundary are responsible for the most prominent grain-boundary effect, the production of multiple slip. Two measurements of the width of the region of double slip are in agreement. It is concluded that the yield stress of aluminum is affected markedly by the inherent oxide coating. THE general problem to be examined is that of dimensional effects in the plastic deformation of metal crystals. These effects will be termed "size effects" and are here defined as follows: A size effect occurs in a series of crystals if their plastic-deformation properties are a function of crystal dimensions. Clearly then size effects depend on the nature of the boundary conditions imposed on the crystal. Crystal boundaries can be of three types: interphase, inter-crystalline, and free surface. Such deformation effects as are caused by distribution of phases, grain size, lineage structure, and single crystal external geometry are specific types of size effects. This discussion will be confined primarily to grain-boundary and single-crystal size effects, though in practice most "single crystals" not only have a number of small angle boundaries but also have one or more surface phases, so that the boundary conditions appropriate to a free surface do not necessarily apply. Hence, to this extent interphase size effects will be considered. The question of size effects associated with grain boundaries (called here intercrystalline size effects)

Jan 1, 1959

By Mônica Aline Magalhães Gurgel

Nas últimas décadas o setor siderúrgico vem desenvolvendo aços com maior valor tecnológico, surgindo assim várias classes, entre elas os aços avançados de alta resistência, onde encontra-se o aço bifásico ou “Dual Phase” (DP). Este aço é caracterizado por uma microestrutura ferrítica-martensítica, associada a uma matriz ferrítica com ilhas dispersas de martensita. Neste trabalho utilizou-se amostras de um aço baixo C e Mn, com micro adição de Nb e Mo, em desenvolvimento, onde se propôs uma avaliação da evolução microestrutural e propriedades mecânicas das amostras extraídas após a laminação a quente, a frio, seguida de recozimento intercrítico, em escala laboratorial, com auxílio de forno Mufla e um equipamento de análise termomecânica (TMA), resultando em taxas de aquecimento distintas, onde selecionou 7 temperaturas de encharque distintas e subsequente resfriamento com patamar isotérmico a 600°C por 20 minutos, onde observou-se que para esse ciclo a microestrutura com aspectos mais característicos de um DP se deu em tratamentos com temperatura de encharque entre 760 e 800°C.

Aug 17, 2017

By James A. Wasson

This Bureau of Mines report summarizes the application of pilot flooding in the evaluation of a potential waterflood project. Aspects of pilot flooding discussed include choice of pilot location, confined and unconfined waterfloods, operational precautions, and comparison of predicted with observed performance. Summaries of published methods of pilot flood data analysis for determination of full-scale waterflood feasibility are presented and their use illustrated for example pilot flood data.

Jan 1, 1974

By G. J. Saulnier, K. E. Goddard

The US Geological Survey has developed mathematical modeling techniques to assess potential impacts on the hydrologic system resulting from mining of coal and oil shale in northwestern Colorado. Potential impacts of oil shale mining on groundwater hydrology have been simulated using a quasi-three-dimensional, finite-difference model. The model has been used to simulate hypothetical mine dewatering operations at two proposed oil shale mines. Dissolved-solids distribution and solute transport were simulated with a three-dimensional, finite-difference model that was used to evaluate the effects of flooding in hypothetical abandoned mines. The potential impacts of coal and oil shale mining on water-sheds were investigated using a digital watershed model. This deterministic physical-process model predicts responses of the hydrologic system to modifications resulting from mining in basins having snow as the major source of runoff and recharge. Potential impacts of coal development on surface water quality were investigated using a river quality assessment model. The models developed by the US Geological Survey have been useful in defining the potential effects of mining in northwestern Colorado. They are an important first step in analyzing the existing data base and in predicting impacts and new data needs. The models may not be totally applicable on the local scale but are very meaningful on the regional level.

Jan 1, 1983

By Ivan Rodrigues

A eficiência operacional é um fator essencial para garantir a competitividade das empresas. O desafio é estudar os processos de forma a aumentar a sua produtividade sem necessidade de investimento, gerando valor as empresas. O equipamento estudado, a Linha de Inspeção é o gargalo na produção limitando a geração de produtos em volume ou qualidade. As etapas eleitas para estudo foram os setup’s das atividades de inicio (encaixe) e final (desencaixe) do processo, atividades não automatizadas, com maior intervenção humana que sofrem interferência direta dos tempos e métodos praticados pelos operadores. Utilizando o método dedutivo, tendo como ferramenta de apoio, a pesquisa bibliográfica para fundamentação teórica e realizadas observações de campo, determinou-se os melhores tempos para realização das atividades visando a sua otimização. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo modificar o método operacional nesta Linha de Inspeção visando o aumento da eficiência produtiva, aumentando a geração dos laminados à frio. O trabalho comprovou que a mudança do modo operacional proporciona um incremento de 8% na produção (1.800t/mes).

Aug 17, 2017

By Earl L. Phillips

The Bureau of Mines conducted laboratory tests on samples of pozzolaniccement concrete to develop a low- strength backfill . Results show that support costs can be lowered by replacing a portion of the portland cement in mine backfill with pozzolan ( fly ash ) and lime . Unconfined compression tests on various ratios of fly ash to cement in 84 samples produced compressivestrength curves that can be used to estimate the best backfill mix for any mine .

Jan 1, 1964

By Jessica M. Wempen, William G. Pariseau, Michael K. McCarter

"Quantitative analysis of mine-wide subsidence at the kilometer scale and details of stress distribution about an advancing longwall face are estimated using an adaptation of the finite element method. The method is well suited to the tasks at hand. For greater realism, variability of strata properties is taken into account as are the effects of joints and cleats on elastic moduli and strengths. Evolution of pillar stress and entry closure remote from the face is readily quantified in a series of analyses that simulate face advance. Computed results compare favorably with the evolution of closure measurements about an instrumented pillar in a two-entry headgate. The appropriateness of the finite element method is confirmed. This method is based on first principles that avoid empirical schemes of uncertain applicability and numerical models “calibrated” by fitting computer output to mine measurements.INTRODUCTIONMine-induced seismicity is intimately related to strata mechanics associated with longwall coal mining and room and pillar mining, as well. Strata deformed beyond an elastic limit often tend to fail rapidly by brittle fracture and, thus, to emit acoustic signals in the form of elastic waves. Understanding the induced seismicity in coal mining offers the potential for early warning of hazardous conditions. Many years of experience with seismic phenomena associated with hardrock mining suggest considerable complexity should be expected. However, recent coal mine studies (Pariseau, 2014; Pariseau, 2015; Pariseau and McCarter, 2015; Pariseau and McCarter, 2016) have shown high correlations of seismicity with element failures in finite element simulations. The main lesson learned from these studies is one elaborated by Iannacchione et al (2005); deviation from normal activity is an early warning of ground control difficulty. For example, an abrupt increase in seismic event rate, or equivalently, an increase in element failure in finite element simulation of panel advance, is a cautionary indication for ground control. Present and past study results demonstrate the effectiveness of finite element simulations for mine design and early detection of potential ground control issues."

Jan 1, 2018

By Gustavo Queiroz Esteves

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização de peneiras de alta frequência em circuitos de beneficiamento mineral. Foram testadas diferentes aberturas de telas (mm), taxa de alimentação (t/h) e percentual de sólidos para verificar a eficiência global de peneiramento na fração 0.15mm. Frações retidas nesta malha têm sido apontadas como críticas para a flotação, sobretudo flotação em colunas. O circuito clássico das usinas normalmente utiliza ciclones para classificação de partículas finas (

Aug 1, 2018

By D. Tao

A novel rotary triboelectrostatic separator has been developed and patented recently at the University of Kentucky with unique features, including a high efficiency rotary charger, charger electrification, laminar air flow, etc. A parametric study has been performed with a coal combustion fly ash sample to investigate the effects of major operating parameters on the process performance. Most significant operating variables and optimum conditions were identified. Separation tests performed with four fly ash samples indicated that the rotary triboelectrostatic separator showed effective fly ash separation.

Jan 1, 2014

By Robert D. Longyear

IN MOST diamond core drilling the primary objective is the recovery of samples to be used for chemical analysis, physical tests, or visual inspection. Unless these samples are reliable and the information systematically recorded, the time and money spent in securing them are largely wasted. A properly taken diamond-drill sample is similar to a properly moiled channel sample but more accurate. No channel sample can be moiled in as even a groove as the smooth cylinder of material normally removed in diamond drilling. More important still, sampling by the diamond drill practically eliminates that personal equation which Jora1emon4 reference numbers apply to publications listed in the bibliography at the end of this article) has aptly termed "the almost magnetic attraction of the most conscientious hand toward rich pieces of ore."

Jan 1, 1937

By W. G. Miller, J. D. Scott, D. C. Sego

ABSTRACT: As part of an overall study of properties and processes influencing consolidation of oil sands fine tailings resulting from different extraction processes, self-weight consolidation tests were per-formed. Fourteen 2 m and 1 m high standpipe tests were instrumented to monitor the rate and magnitude of consolidation of seven fine tailings materials. Tests provided valuable information about the variation of consolidation related to differences in fine tailings material properties that result from a change in bitu-men extraction process (caustic versus non-caustic). In addition, the effect of adding a coagulant to caustic fine tailings was measured. Test results are presented and discussed in terms of consolidation rate long-term volume decrease, compressibility, and downward drainage. Non-caustic fine tailings had fasterinitial consolidation, which is important in tailings ponds for reducing storage capacity and returning decant water at a faster rate to the extraction plant. Similar results were obtained for caustic fine tailings with a coagulant addition. However, long-term settlement of the different fine tailings appears to con-verge to a similar value over time because it is then governed by effective stress.

Jan 1, 2011

By Kasai H, Hibi T, Matsuishi S

Coal oil mixture (COM), a liquid fuel pro- duced by mixing together coal and heavy oil on the 50-50 basis, has been brought to a level of practical use in Japan, being actually employed by a oil fired system at Yokosuka Thermal Power Station of The Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. A COM Production Plant, built in Onahama which is located about 160 miles from Yokosuka, required COM to be transported by sea. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. therefore performed a series of studies to develop a spe- cialized COM carrier, the world's first of its kind. Long lasting high stability is of pri- mary importance to successful use of COM. Much have been done in the way of research on stability of COM in the static storage, and the mechanism of COM static: stability is almost completety known. On the other hand, the knowledge about the COM dynamic stability, such as the stability while being transported aboard the COM carrier at sea, is still limited at the moment. The motion of COM aboard the COM carrier and how COM would settle were studied by tests. A visualization test on the COM behavior under dynamic motion was also performed and the mechanism of COM dynamic stability was analysed. The tests showed that the ship rolling motion had @n effect of promoting the settling of coal content of COM in the cargo hold. And studies were also made to device a method for esti- mating the settling quantity of coal during sea Transportation.

Jan 1, 1987

By A. Eilers

COMPOSITION OF CHARGES AND CONSUMPTION OF FUEL AT VARIOUS WORKS. A MARKED peculiarity of most of the smelting-works of the Far West is the looseness with which accounts of the operations are kept. Indeed, probably over half of the works do not keep any detailed accounts at all, the yearly gross statement of profit or loss being considered sufficient for all purposes. The reasons for this must apparently be sought in the as yet unsettled state of all business relations, and in the deplorable fact that only in isolated cases educated metallurgists are in charge of the smelting-works. Continual and regular assays of the ores, by-products, and slags, are almost unknown, so that it is impracticable to ascertain, even approximately, the losses in the smelting processes. Of cases where regular accounts are kept of the quantities of ore smelted, of the composition of charges, and of the fuel consumed, I know only two or three. Under these circumstances it is extremely difficult to collect figures which cover the operations for a considerable length of time, and which are so valuable for the metallurgist, who wishes to get an insight into the economy of smelting operations, as shown by practice. Figures obtained by personal observation, which can of course cover only the brief space of the visit of the travelling metallurgist, must, therefore, be made to replace the more valuable data. The writer has had occasion, during the last and the preceding summer, to visit the larger number of the Western lead-smelting works, and offers, in the following pages, such data relating to the economy of lead-smelting in the blast furnace at various works, as he has been able to obtain. The only object in doing so is to place these figures on record, so that they may be from time to time supplemented with other data, which are now wanting. I. EUREKA CONSOLIDATED COMPANY'S SMELTING-WORKS. These works smelt the ores from the mines of the same company on Ruby Hill, Eureka, Nevada. The supply is almost unlimited,

Jan 1, 1873

By R. J. Charles

Previous study of simple impact systems indicated that energy required for fracture and size reduction of brittle materials is greatly dependent on the type of loading that is employed. In this regard it was postulated that fracture and size reduction of a brittle specimen might be accomplished by a high velocity impact at an energy level at which a low velocity impact would leave the specimen relatively undamaged. The finite time required to propagate energy away from the point of loading of an impacted object to other parts of the object and to its supports may permit a concentration of energy at the point of impact if the rate of loading is high. Localizing of energy at the point of impact could quickly initiate fractures that would propagate through the impacted material along with the traveling stress waves. As the cracks form, the initially absorbed strain energy would be released and portions of it travel ahead of the crack tips as stress waves. These secondary stress waves, combined with the initial stress waves derived from the impact, would produce high localized strain conditions in front of the fracture zone. The fracture zone would propagate and the specimen shatter. High rates of loading are brought about by short impact times, in turn obtained by employing high velocity projectiles that are of small mass compared to the impacted object.

Oct 1, 1956