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By R. Tamir

This paper will describe the benefits of utilizing the decision support system, DSS to support the methodology of structured decision-making in the mining environment. It will outline the layers of the mining related decision making – 1. Creation of “one truth” situational awareness utilizing 2. existing planning, ERP, operational and monitoring agents, a. Expressing plan verse performance across mining phases and functions compared with the actual and trends to evaluate performance. b. Creating alternate courses of action and the implications up and downstream. 3. It will review the current condition were although a multitude of technologies resolve multi variable issues they do not interact in a way that assists decision makers throughout the organization in making high-quality decisions that will push the overall performance envelope. 4. The paper will show the benefits of integrating military methodologies to resolve multi variable complexed issues (operational, financial and other), operating in changing environments in order to meet time sensitive objectives with restricted resources. This is achieved by creating a shared situational awareness thru incorporating information from a multitude of data generating agents, creating COA, selecting the appropriate and turning it into a plan. The paper will discuss the implementation and suggest a path.

Feb 1, 2023

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 Y. J. Wang

Stall or aerodynamic stall of axial-flow fans has long been recognized as an important operational problem in mine ventilation. To develop a technique for characterizing fan stall in multiple-fan ventilation networks, a research project was initiated through the Generic Mineral Technology Center for Mine Systems Design and Ground Control. Considering that fan stall is related to multiple operating points, this paper discusses a numerical model for multiple-fan ventilation networks, design of the experimental setup for two-and three-fan ventilation networks, and numerical methods for solving multiple networks solutions. It is hoped that the results of this project will lead to an innovative method of ventilation network analysis and simulation, thus preventing stall.

Jan 1, 1991

By G. Keizer

Cortez Gold Mine (C.G.M.) is located in Lander County, Nevada, approximately 80 miles southwest of Elko, Nevada. It is accessed via Nevada State Highway 306 south from Interstate 80. This operation is a joint venture between Placer Dome U. S. Inc. (60% operator) and Kennecott Corporation (40%). The claims which supply oxide and refractory ore feed to the Cortez milling facility are located in both Lander and Eureka Counties. These include the Cortez and Horse Canyon deposits all operated by C.G.M. Joint Venture. Other deposits outside the C.G.M. claim area include; Fire Creek, Buckhorn, Gold Bar and Tonkin Springs. These deposits all occur along the Battle Mountain/Eureka Trend.

Jan 1, 1993

In order to overcome some of the deficiencies associated with conventional fine coal cleaning methods, a novel process known as microbubble column flotation (MICROCEL?) was developed at Virginia Tech. This article provides an overview of recent commercialization efforts and in-plant testing of this technology. The results of the in-plant test work indicate that the MICROCEL technology offers several advantages for the upgrading of difficult to clean coals. The test data have also been used to develop guidelines for the design of coal flotation columns and to validate existing scale-up procedures.

Jan 1, 1991

By Boris J. Kochanowsky

In the mobile crushing unit system trucks are replaced by a conveyor resulting in a "continuous" almost "fully-automated" operation with all its attendant advantages. In consequence, overall operating costs are greatly reduced. Because of the new designs of large mobile crushing units that have been brought on-to the market, the use of these plants has increased significantly during the last three years. This paper describes the designs of new mobile crushing units, and emphasizes the advantages that such plants offer to the rock products and mining industries. It examines operating costs, and indicates the conditions in which the application of these plants is most profitable.

Jan 1, 1968

By W Medina, G Angulo, A Anani

A current challenge faced by the mining industry is solving the integrated transition mine problem (TMP) that maximizes the net present value (NPV). This study aims to develop an optimization framework capable of solving the TMP. The problem is NP-hard and therefore computationally intractable. Three ad hoc approaches – Exact solution, Benders’ decomposition, and Benders’ decomposition with Bienstock-Zuckerberg (BZ) algorithm – are compared for different scheduling periods. The TMP is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming model, implemented in Python, and solved with the Gurobi optimizer. The results showed that Bender's decomposition with the BZ algorithm outperforms the other approaches in execution time, computational cost, and feasibility to address large problems in exchange for a marginal cost in the quality of the NPV obtained. In addition, the probability of finding the optimal point of transition is higher regardless of the number of feasible crown pillar locations evaluated. This is achieved through the optimality cuts proposed in the algorithm.

Jun 25, 2023

By Winthrop F. Watts, Robert W. Waytulonis

During the 1980's. the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) proposed new regulations for the use of diesel equipment in underground coal mines, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended that whole diesel exhaust be regarded as "a potential occupational carcinogen", and that reductions in exposure to exhaust pollutants would reduce excess risk. During the same time, the Bureau of Mines tested new emission control technology to minimize diesel emissions. The objectives of this paper are to discuss the major issues regarding diesel exhaust emissions. especially diesel particulate matter (DPM) , and to highlight emission controls that will be available. DPM is a potential health threat because it is respirable in size and is composed of nonvolatile carbon with adsorbed or condensed compounds. These compounds include potentially mutagenic or carcinogenic hydrocarbons such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and sulfates. DPM contributes to the degradation of air quality in mines with typical mean concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 mg/m3. In addition to adequate ventilation, control of DPM can be achieved by implemention of improved work practices, regularly scheduled engine maintenance, and emission controls.

Jan 1, 1991

By Serdar Aktaş, Burcu Nilgün Çetiner

According to critical statistical studies, antimony is one of the rarest elements in the world, and global resources could be exhausted by 2050. In light of these observations, its extraction will be costly due to poor-quality ore, deep mining, remote locations, and high energy consumption. In the present study, an alkaline leaching process was carried out on stibnite concentrate to evaluate the effect of reaction parameters on the percentage of antimony extraction. The leaching efficiencies of different sulfur and hydroxide sources were studied and compared to one another to create a better understanding of the reaction process. Kinetic models were investigated to identify the reaction pathway and calculate the activation energy. The activation energy of the stibnite dissolution was assessed as 19.13 kJ/mol using a two-dimensional diffusion-reaction model. The value of activation energy indicates the quantity of energy necessary for a reaction to proceed. As expected, potassium hydroxide leaching was significantly more successful than was sodium hydroxide; however, in terms of economics, the use of sodium hydroxide was found to be more cost-efficient. Interestingly, this finding indicated that caustic leaching is still the most effective method for stibnite extraction.

Jul 23, 2020

By Aydin Shaterpour Mamaghani, Bilgin. Nuh, Engin Dogan, Tayfun Erdogan

"Improved safety and more environmentally friendly operation are basic advantages of mechanical excavation over the drill and blast method. Raise Boring Machines (RBMs) are one of the types of these machines which have recently been increased use in Turkey. The excavated hole with RBM is more stable than other methods and has better air flow, making it ideal for ventilation shafts. This paper is a summary of the performance of a RBM in the Balya PB-Zn Mine in Turkey. Length and diameter of the ventilation shaft are 200 m and 2.4 m, respectively. The geological and geotechnical characteristics of the strata excavated in the mine are first given and later the validity of a model developed to predict the machine performance is discussed. It is believed that the results of this study and the model given to estimate the performance of the RBM will be useful guide for future applications. INTRODUCTION Raise boring technology was developed to meet the demands of the mining industry, but has also found numerous applications in tunneling or infrastructure projects for ventilation purposes. Raise boring machine uses a small diameter drill rod, around 230-350 mm to drill a pilot hole down to the required depth up to around 2000 m. Once the pilot hole has been drilled to the desired depth, a reamer of up to 9 m diameter is attached to the drill rod. The reamer is then pulled back up to the upper level, creating a round shape. Continues operation provides a faster advance rate than other methods. RBMs are suitable both in hard and soft rock. The flexibility in different angles and diameters is a great advantage compared to drill and blast excavation method. RBM creates a shaft with smooth walls which usually does not require lining. The hole is more stable than a drilled and blasted method and has better air flow, making it ideal for ventilation shafts. Raise boring is convenient method in competent rock; however several problems are faced in geological formations where geological discontinuities are dominant. Moreover, assembly and disassembly time may be long in some cases. The performance and operational parameters of the excavating machine should be predicted prior to starting the excavation operations in order to fulfill the economic requirements of the project. In the light of this fact, the main objective of this investigation is to summarize a case study on raise boring machine performance and suggest a new model based on laboratory test results. First, general description of the mine and project are provided. Then, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the samples taken from project area are discussed. In the third section, performance and operational parameters of RBM are investigated to understand the machine behavior in different rock characteristics and also to collect a useful database for further investigation. In the fourth section, a new model for performance estimation of RBM are recommended."

Jan 1, 2016

By S. Natansohn

A prevalent technique for the recovery of silver from wastes generated in silver-tungsten electrical contact fabrication is electrowinning. Such scrap is placed in a permeable plastic basket which constitutes the anode compartment and this basket is suspended in a larger cell in which the cathode is mounted. A silver nitrate solution is used as the electrolyte and, upon application of an electric field, the silver migrates to the cathode where it deposits out. At times, there is tungsten migration to the cathode compartment and consequent co-deposition with the silver. This W contamination, which may amount to several thousand ppm, necessitates additional purification of the deposited Ag and its removal would therefore be advantageous. The elimination of the W impurity would also extend the operating period of the cell with corresponding increase in the Ag output and savings in labor costs.

Jan 1, 1982

By D. W. Cooper

The AMAX of Canada Limited Kitsault mine is located approximately 150 kilometers, by air, north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia at the head end of A1 ice Arm, just east of the southern tip of the Alaskan Panhandle. It is presently only accessible by sea or air, although a road is being constructed by the company which will provide access to Terrace, a commercial centre with a population of about 15,000. The topography is typically coastal mountainous with peaks rising to 2,100 meters around the head end of the inlet. The concentrator is at an elevation of 515 meters with the mine at 630 meters. This open pit molybdenum mine was previously operated between 1968 and 1972 by British Columbia Molybdenum Limited, a subsidiary of Kennecott Copper Corporation. AMAX of Canada Limited has spent $194 million to refurbish and expand this operation.

Jan 1, 1982

Conventional wisdom in the mineral processing industry leads one to believe that pressure oxidation of refractory carbonaceous (preg-robbing) ores is not a practical approach to process development. Initial acid pressure oxidation testing on carbonaceous sulfide ores at the Twin Creeks Mine supported this conventional wisdom. After testing other refractory process options, including air and oxygen enriched roasting, Santa Fe Pacific Gold decided to take a second look at pressure oxidation, using conditions outside the normal range of conventional practice. A combination of very fine grinding and high operating temperature and pressure resulted in significant increases in gold extraction. This paper details the effect of operating parameters developed for Twin Creeks on gold recovery, sulfur oxidation, carbon oxidation/passivation and preg-robb through the laboratory and pilot plant investigations.

Jan 1, 1995

By Osvaldo A. Bascur

Standards and technology for bringing information to the desktop have greatly evolved in recent years. The benefits to be realized depend on how these new tools are embraced at the performer level. A key operating challenge is to ensure cooperative effort is geared towards the most efficient achievement of identified operating and corporate objectives. Presentation, application and database layers are emerging in successful client/server applications, the three-tier architecture.

Jan 1, 1996

By R. Halatchev

This paper treats the spatial aspect of mine sequence optimization, revealing it in the context of determining the optimum number of cutbacks of an openpit mine. Cutback mining is currently a dominant method in the mining of base and precious metals. It is based on a pseudo-economic discretization of the pit space using advanced pit design algorithms. The result of implementing such an approach of pit design is the generation of pit shells, which need to be grouped into an optimum number of cutbacks to maximize project value. In this paper, the development of a mathematical solution of this problem using combinatorial analysis is presented. The solution provides a multivariate investigation of the optimum mine sequence with the implementation of a method for production scheduling optimization that uses Net Present Value (NPV) as a criterion for assessing the economic efficiency of mine sequencing. A case study using the conditions of a hypothetical openpit gold mine is provided to illustrate the applicability of the approach. The results obtained reveal the complex nature of NPV variation as a function of the cutback geometry.

Jan 1, 2015

By S. Tuylu, D. Adiguzel, A. Bascetin, H. Eker

"Tailings can be more stable in-site where they are stored and and so the risk of conventional tailings dam accidents can be reduced by alternative methods. In recent years, surface paste disposal (SPD) method is one of the alternative tailings storage methods. According to the results obtained from the previous lab scale experiments, optimum storage design was determined and then, this design was carried out in-site application under atmospheric conditions by a pilot scale tests. In the field study, two separate dams with no environmental hazards were established by the hazardous waste storage directive, whose surface area is measured as 400cm × 200cm. Also physical changes in the paste tailings were measured by the sensors such as volumetric water content, mutric suction and oxygen consumption. In addition, seepage water was collected in the drainage pool and examined for acid mine drainage and metal mobilization risks. As a result of the preliminary data obtained from measurements of pilot scale tests, when the pH value of seepage in the cemented dam (only 1th and 10th layers with cemented) is about 11, the pH value of seepage in the uncemented (reference) dam is measured at 8-9. INTRODUCTION Environmental damages occurred during the deposition of mine process tailings at surface using conventional methods (tailings dam etc.) can be reduced and/or eliminated with the use of new technologies and methods to an important extent. Nowadays, it has been investigated to safely deposit metal mine wastes generally discharged into surface tailings dams, seas, rivers, creeks etc. using Paste Tailing Technology which gains the growing importance in recent years. Meanwhile, Paste Tailings Technology has two applications in industry as an underground paste backfill and surface paste deposition. Particularly scientific studies about deposition of process tailings as paste sample in underground and surface have been increased. These studies showed that surface paste deposition can minimize the free water amount which is the biggest problem in conventional tailings dams. Additionally, it also provides less particle segregation, in other words, the formation of more homogenous material, the development of geotechnical properties which causes to obtain more stable material, increases the strength and stability of the paste with addition of binder where necessary surface paste material, and reduces the risk of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) (Bascetin et al., 2017a). Theriault et al. (2003), Martin et al. (2006) and Simms et al. (2007) reported that Bulyanhulu mine in Tanzania is the first gold mine to employ surface paste disposal (SPD) worldwide. Here, tailings are deposited alternately via several towers. The tailings flow away from each tower to forming a conical deposit. Each layer had a lower thickness than 30 cm. The fresh tailings were poured on top of drying and hardening layer after a waiting period of 5-30 days. No cement was added into the tailings to prepare paste material. Uncemented paste was deposited by a solid content of 73% which corresponded to a 250 mm slump cone height (Yilmaz et al., 2014). In a study conducted by Yilmaz (2010) illustrates the preliminary results of a field cell testing undertaken to investigate the effect of in situ climate conditions and material properties on the performance and quality of fine-grained, sulphide-rich paste tailings at the LaRonde mine in Quebec, Canada. A total of two field cells are constructed in the surface disposal site of the mine and categorized as cemented cell CC and uncemented cell UC (Bascetin et al., 2017b)."

Jan 1, 2018

By L. R. Gremillion

Chemical and mineralogical data on 25 apatitic phosphate ores of diverse origins from commercial deposits around the world were widely variable. From 14 to 18 chemical constituents of each sample were determined, and each sample contained 4 to 10 mineral phases. Altogether there were 34 different mineral phases, many of which occurred in only one sample. The samples contained varieties of francolites, fluorapatites, and mixed hydroxyl-fluorapatites. The apatite compositions calculated from the chemical data showed that certain types of substitutions were characteristic of different apatite varieties, but every variety had some degree of substitution of (CO3)2 for (PO4)3 and the P2O5 contents of the apatites ranged from 35.1% for a North Carolina apatite to 41.9% for a Missouri apatite. In a concentrate with a grade of 32% P2O5, the North Carolina sample should contain about 8.7% gangue and the Missouri sample about 23.7% gangue. To optimize the digestion process of a phosphate are, it is necessary to consider the dissolution behavior of the different mineral phases during acidulation and the effects they may have on the chemical properties of a fertilizer intermediate. In the production of wet-process acids or superphosphates, the acidulation of certain minerals may cause foaming and formation of sludge, filtration, corrosion, and handling problems.

Jan 1, 1978

By P. Massacci

The modelling of phenomena by nonlinear dynamic Systems Theory representations require the specification and identification of suitable models of the phenomenon and the availability of good optimization algorithms to determine the optimal controls. Stochastic disturbances and difficulties of monitoring the process lead invariably, otherwise, to suboptimal performance. It will be shown that an algorithm can be formulated which will simultaneously identify and optimize such a system. The properties of the algorithm will be derived and its convergence to an optimal control proved. Some results of actual applications will be presented and it will be shown how this approach generalizes easily to optimal control of the actual processing system. These results generalize those of optimal learning and input conditioning.

Jan 1, 1991

By Lawrence Tsang, Conrad Ng, Tim Leung, Peter Poon

"The Mined Tunnel is part of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link (CWB), which is a strategic road along the northshore of Hong Kong Island targeted to alleviate the heavy traffic congestion. The objective of this paper is to review the performance of construction of a 160m long Mined Tunnel with a trinocular cross-section area of 460m3 and a combined span of about 50m underneath the southern approach ramp of the existing Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT) by sequential excavation method (SEM) in hard rock. Mechanical excavation of tunnel by adopting the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), together with the application of NGI Q-system allows observational approach and optimization of temporary rock support design. Furthermore, the good performance of optimized rock support and the stability of CHT are confirmed through instrumentation monitoring review. This paper also discusses the selection of different tunnel plant and equipment to achieve the planned rates of tunnelling by mechanical excavation in competent granitic rock. INTRODUCTION The works of the CWB mainly comprise construction of 4.5km dual three-lane trunk road, of which a 3.7km section is a tunnel connecting Rumsey Street Flyover in Central to Island Eastern Corridor at North Point (see Figure 1). The Mined Tunnel runs from the ex-Public Cargo Working Area (ex-PCWA), underneath the existing CHT, and through the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter. The Mined Tunnel passes at an oblique angle beneath the southern portal of CHT over a length of some 50m. CHT is the primary sensitive receiver of this project and is utilized with a daily throughput of about 120,000 vehicles that far exceeds the design capacity of 78,000 vehicles per day. Hence it is necessary to choose the most appropriate tunnelling method to preserve the structural integrity of the CHT. Other sensitive receivers in the vicinity include structures to the north of the Mined Tunnel, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC); and to the south of the Mined Tunnel, the Police Officers’ Club (POC)."

Jan 1, 2016

By Gunjan R. Bhattarai, Kumar Bhattarai

Recently, there has been an enormous increase of interest in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and their applications by researchers, government agencies, and the underground construction industry. Ultimately, these tools have the potential to automate the design and construction processes and boost productivity, safety, quality, and operational stability. This paper presents ongoing research and applications of artificial neural networks (ANNs), robotics, and 3D technologies in ground characterization, tunnel ground support prediction, risk projection and reduction, and productivity enhancement in TBM operations. The paper further investigates potential uses of AI, robotics, and 3D technologies in the underground construction industry

Dec 1, 2022