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By Abdelkabir Maqsoud

Different management options and rehabilitation strategies are available for mine wastes that produce acid mine drainage (AMD). One of them consists in building a cover with capillary barrier effects (CCBE) on the tailings to limit the availability of oxygen, an essential component of the chemical reactions leading to the generation of AMD. Prior to cover construction, a monitoring strategy must be established to evaluate the response and performance of the cover system. The key parameters to monitor should include matric suction and volumetric water content in the CCBE, oxygen flux (and/or oxygen concentration) through and below the cover, and the main meteorological parameters for the impoundment. In this paper, different techniques available to measure the targeted parameters are described and their main properties are given. Recommendations (based on existing cases) on the location and the number of monitoring stations and on the measurement frequency for each monitored parameter are also proposed.

May 1, 2007

The Australian states of New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland, because of their endowment of black coal resources, dominate the production and export statistics for Australian coal. NSW produced 86 million tonnes of saleable coal in 1994, representing a doubling of output since 1980, or a growth of 5% per annum. Asian demand for thermal and coking coal has, of course, driven this growth in NSW. This high Asian demand is forecast to continue and NSW will seek to secure its share. This paper focuses on some of the issues facing NSW in the future, and in particular, examines some of the major new and proposed mining projects.

Jan 1, 1997

By G Anders

The mucking out of sub-level headings by slusher and by Autoloader is described, and the performance and costs of both methods are compared. The introduction of the Autoloader is taken as an example to illustrate the meth-od used at the mine for evaluating the suitability of new equipment. The consecutive steps in the process are covered in detail -from the preliminary cost analysis and the preliminary estimate of savings and advantages, and the review of these data after a field investigation, through the elimination of dubious factors, and detailed time and performance studies at the property, to the final assessment of the new equipment and an evaluation of the initial forecast. The Autoloader in Operation. 1198 Introduction AT Mattagami Lake Mines Ltd., the mine workings are laid out basically on a pattern of 60-ft.-wide stapes alternating with 60-ft.-wide pillars, with stope lengths varying from 80 to 200 ft. and stope tonnages generally between 80,000 and 200,000 tons. Stapes are drilled off from sub-levels at 60-ft. intervals, with the

Jan 1, 1965

By J Charbucinski

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Exploration and Mining, has developed nuclear spectrometric techniques for borehole logging. The paper reviews the latest developments of this technology for the metalliferous mining industries. The SIROLOG logging system developed by CSIRO Exploration and Mining has been commercialised and is available to the mining industry.

Jan 1, 2000

By Arthur E. Lewis

A contained nuclear explosion is proposed to produce a chimney of broken ore well below the water table. After the chimney is filled with water and reaches hydrostatic equilibrium, oxygen, under pressure, is introduced near the bottom of the mass of broken rock. The increase in solubility of oxygen at high hydrostatic pressure is sufficient to initiate the oxidation of the primary sulfides: chalcopyrite and pyrite. The oxidation and dissolution of these sulfides produces enough heat to increase the temperature of the ore and water in the chimney as much as 1000 to 150°C. The rate of dissolution of chalcopyrite becomes so rapid under these conditions that the rate of recovery is no longer limited by the rate of chalcopyrite dissolution, but by the degree of exposure and other factors. Means of solution control and distribution of oxygen in the chimney have been examined in some detail. A calculational model utilizing experimentally determined solubility rates is utilized to estimate the temperature rise in the chimney and the rate of copper recovery as a function of initial temperature, sulfide content of ore, size of sulfide particles, and fraction of sulfide exposed to solution.

Jan 1, 1972

By Charles T. Baroch, Charles J. Baroch

Nuclear energy probably has greater potentialities for changing the world's way of life than any other recent discovery. The atomic-bomb bursts over Hiroshima and Nagasaki suddenly changed the concepts of war. Peaceful uses of nuclear energy are advancing so rapidly that no study of economic trends is complete without giving them consideration. The minerals specialist, especially, must be aware of this new force in our lives, as minerals and metals are essential in harnessing the new force, and atomic energy itself is rapidly improving its competitive position in the energy field. Future historians may chronicle December 2, 1942, as the beginning of the Atomic Age. On that day Enrico Fermi and his co-workers at the University of Chicago produced and controlled the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Lie many inventions, the first application of nuclear energy was as a weapon of war. However, its potential usefulness in man's work and welfare far outweighs in economic importance its destructive use in war, unless its military effect would be considered so great and all-embracing that no major power will hereafter chance a world conflict. Recognition of this potential has generated a vast international effort to exploit the atom for peaceful beneficent purposes. Like its physical manifestation, the advent of nuclear energy has unleashed chain reactions that have pervaded the political, social, and economic environments of the world. The impact of nuclear developments in one of many fields is exemplified by the uranium mining industry. Uranium was discovered in 1789 and in the next century and a half it found only an insignificant use as a ceramic coloring agent; in fact, in the latter part of that period, it was a largely unsalable by-product of the radium and vanadium industries. Up to 1940 the total quantity of uranium metal produced was not more than a few grams, of doubtful purity. Thus the production of 12,400 pounds of pure

Jan 1, 1964

By Lake H. E.

The request to participate on your theme panel was accepted with some reluctance but indeed as an honor. My subject was outlined to cover 'Energy Resources - both nuclear and conventional' as related to your theme 'Minerals - Treasure Trove of the West'. This is indeed quite an order and I hope you will forgive me for concentrating mainly on the nuclear-uranium portion with brief references only to conventional fuels some of which will be covered in detail later in your conference. In regard to Uranium, I am speaking on the fringe of the area containing half the uranium reserves in your country and no doubt to many who are very conversant with knowledge of these resources. Nevertheless since our two countries have been very closely allied in both nuclear developments and uranium supplies I hope an exchange of information may be mutually beneficial. Concentration on the nuclear fuel resources is I hope understandable as nuclear energy is the coming source of power which will augment the rapid demand in the industrialized countries and provides hope for economic power in many of the more underdeveloped countries. The situation regarding conventional fuel resources is more widely known and their expanding future revolves around production cost reductions, research into diversified uses, plus more assurance of imports from countries less effected by international controversies determining export policies.

Jan 1, 1967

By James J. Graham

Uravan, Ambrosia Lake, Gas Hills and South Texas are all historic names in US uranium. These mining areas supplied the uranium that brought the United States into the nuclear age during the 1960s, and fueled the birth of nuclear energy for peaceful uses — a promise of nearly limitless, clean energy for the world’s future. That promise still exists today, but it is hard to hear over the rhetoric of environmental activists and politicians. Nuclear power offers dependable electricity with limited environmental impact at stable prices. Nuclear power releases no greenhouse gases or particulate matter into the atmosphere. High level nuclear waste (HLW), although long lived, is readily controlled and compact. In the United States, generating 1 billion kWh of electricity with coal produces 47 kt (52,000 st) of solid waste (ash and sludge), compared to 3.6 t (4 st) of HLW produced by nuclear.

Jan 1, 2002

By Charles T. Baroch, Charles J. Baroch

In 20 years of commercial development, nuclear reactors have demonstrated that they are a safe, dependable, and economical source of power. Operating experience with commercial power reactors has firmly established nuclear power as a practicable source of energy. For both boiling-water (BWR) and pressurized-water (PWR) reactors, performances to date have generally met design predictions. Furthermore, it has become possible to analyze and understand the nuclear, chemical, and physical behavior of this class of reactors. The United Kingdom has had similar success with gas-cooled reactors. The Experimental Boiling Water Reactor (EBWR), the first United States experimental power reactor, began operation in 1956. It proved to be capable of supplying 4500 kw (kilowatts) of power. This reactor was followed in 1957 by the Pressurized Water Reactor at Shippingport, Pa. It was the nation's first full-scale central-station nuclear power plant and the first in the world designed exclusively for the production of civilian electric power. The Shippingport reactor was originally designed to produce 60 megawatts (MW) of electricity, and it was increased to 100 MW in 1964. In 12 years of operation, this reactor generated over 4.5-million MW-hr of electricity in spite of many shutdowns for experimental alterations. By 1969, a total of 15 central-station nuclear power reactors were operable in the United States with an aggregate electrical capacity of over 4200 MW. Early in 1964, Jersey Central Power & Light Co. announced plans for constructing a 515-MW nuclear plant at Oyster Creek, N.J., to be built without government financial assistance. The company stated that a nuclear plant had been selected competitively with fossil fuel. Their economic analysis stated that the plant would generate electricity at less than 4 mills per kw-hr, competitive with coal at 200 per million Btu (British thermal units). Coal cost in 1964 for that region averaged 26.00 per million Btu. The Jersey Central report created wide interest in public-utility circles; nevertheless, no other nuclear plants were announced in 1964. However, in 1965, six nuclear plants were announced by utilities, followed by 26 in 1966, 29 in 1967, and 10 in 1968. By Sept. 30, 1969, 97 reactors were operable, being built, or planned. The cost of these, all committed by electric utilities, was estimated at about $12 billion. When constructed, they will have an electrical capacity of 72,000 MW. The unprecedented surge in power reactors that started in 1965 tapered in 1968, and only seven reactors were announced in

Jan 1, 1976

Gary R. Steele is vice president, corporate marketing with Energy Fuels Resources. As such, he knows the global uranium market. The following are some of his thoughts on uranium?s place in the global energy picture. ME: What are Energy Fuels Resources? thoughts on the global nuclear power industry? Steele: The global nuclear power industry is a major contributor to the electrical needs of the world. Though generation by nuclear reactors has primarily attracted attention through the reactor accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, nuclear power continues to quietly and safely provide power to a growing and power-hungry world population. As of March 2008, 30 countries were operating 439 nuclear power reactors. Nuclear power plants provided about 15 percent of the world?s electricity production in 2007. France leads the world in nuclear utilization, with 77 percent of its power coming from nuclear plants. And Lithuania, Slovakia and Belgium each derive more than 50 percent of their power needs from nuclear plants. For much of the developed world, nuclear generation has already been contributing significantly to the supply of electricity. Additionally, 34 new nuclear plants are under construction in 14 countries. Leading the rush to build new nuclear generating plants are China, Russia and India. Each of these countries is building six new nuclear power plants. These 18 plants, totaling almost 12,000 MW of generation capacity, will require about 7.25 kt (16 million lbs) of U3O8 for their initial fuel load and will consume about 2.45 kt/a (5.4 million lbs/year) for the rest of their operating lives. The rest of the world, outside of the United States, has used nuclear power as a viable and economic generation alternative since the commercialization of utility nuclear reactors. And current activity supports the strong future of the nuclear alternative internationally.

Jan 1, 2008

By D. D. Bell

This paper presents the history of uranium procurement and demand, and takes a look at future requirements. The three basic conclusions drawn are: (1) the productive capacity of former and existing producers whose operations may be profitably reactivated is insufficient to meet demand projected beyond 1975; (2) reserves in the $5 -$10 price range do not provide the flexibility to sustain production at the high rates required in the late 1970's; and (3) only higher prices can overcome these deficiencies, as this would provide sufficient inducement for the industry to explore for and develop new reserves and productive capacity.

Jan 1, 1967

By O N. Antzutkin, A V. Ivanov, W Forsl

Polycrystalline and surface complexes (at synthetic sphalerite, ZnS, and galena, PbS) of zinc(II) and lead(II) ions with eight different O,OÆ-dialkyldithiophosphate (Dtph) substances have been prepared and comparatively studied by means of 31P CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. The 31P resonances have been assigned to dithiophosphate groups with terminal S,SÆ-chelating or bridging coordinations in the mono-, bi-, tetra- and polynuclear complexes respectively. The bridging coordination of two neighbouring zinc(II) ions by O,OÆ-dialkyldithio-phosphate ligands was established at the surface of synthetic sphalerite.The adsorption mechanism of dialkyldithiophosphate on synthetic galena includes formation of a surface complex as well as surface precipitation. Principally different coordination modes of the reagent were discovered at the surfaces of galena and sphalerite (ie terminal S,SÆ-chelating coordination to the lead atom).Derivatives of monothiophosphoric and phosphoric acids were displayed as hydrolysis products of dialkyldithiophosphates at synthetic PbS.

Jan 1, 2005

By R. F. Stewart

A nuclear meter based on measurement of prompt capture gamma rays is being developed for monitoring the sulfur content of coal streams. Equipment has been built to measure sulfur rapidly, and methods have been devised to compensate for changes in moisture, ash, and bulk density of coal flowing through a bin. Pilot plant tests of the system with various additives to different coals show a precision and accuracy of 0.02 percent sulfur and 0.04 percent sulfur, respectively. Based on these results, a hardwired meter has been fabricated for testing in a commercial coal preparation plant.

Jan 1, 1974

By Jack G. Crump

Nuclear radiation systems for gauging solids content in process slurries and level in crushers has demonstrated acceptance in ore processing. The use of nuclear radiation for moisture analysis of bulk materials is presently receiving acceptance in beneficiating and agglomerating processes. On the horizon is the use of nuclear activation methods for continuous, qualatative and quantitative analysis of concentrate. The common characteristics of these uses of radiation is the non-contacting nature of the measurement. Unquestionably, this is the dominant reason for acceptance of nuclear methods in level and slurry-gauging. Moisture activation analysis of a product using nuclear methods retain this advantage. However, and: more importantly, they offer new solutions to old problems. The nuclear method in addition to being non-contacting, is non-destructive and provides a continuous measurement of the process variable. The system responds: to the fundamental makeup of matter, mass and elemental composition, not to secondary properties such as temperature, resistivity, or dielectric constant. Measurement is a volume rather than a surface phenomenon, thus the results can provide a truer pricture of the measured variable.

Jan 1, 1965

By S. J. Root

The mineral processing industry supplies raw materials to a wide variety of manufacturing sectors. Large companies such as Ford, Microsoft, and Johnson&Johnson have pledged carbon neutral supply chains in the coming decades, leaving suppliers to reevaluate their energy sources [1–3]. National Renewable Energy Lab [4] has partnered with over 700 organizations with similar goals in mind. The energy needs are broad in scope in the mineral processing industry. Generation IV of nuclear reactors, which is currently under development in both the private and public sector includes a class called microreactors like the small modular reactor XEnergy plans to install at Dow Chemical’s Gulf Coast facility by 2023 [5]. As the name implies, these are smaller than the utility scale nuclear power plants in operation today, and are intended to be more versatile. A specific reactor core design, along with modules could be selected to fit a certain application without needing to design a greenfield power plant. Basic water cooled designs could easily supply shaft work, electricity, and low grade process heat to a facility. More advanced designs, such as molten-salt-reactors and high-temperaturegas-reactors can achieve higher temperatures needed for ore roasting. Similarly, these reactors could produce hydrogen by high temperature electrolysis to use as combustion fuel and reducing atmosphere in blast furnaces.

Feb 1, 2023

Nuclear power currently produces about 20% of the electricity in the US, with 104 nuclear power plants located in 31 states. The commercial US nuclear industry contributes over $4 billion annually to US workers in salaries and wages. 25,000 new jobs need to be filled in the next 5 years. There are over 30 new power plants under consideration by US utilities. The operating reactors use uranium oxide fuel enriched to about 4% U235 and fission is the process used to generate heat to form steam to drive the turbine generators. Nuclear energy is an important element in the US generation portfolio and represents the largest producer of nearly emission-free electricity. Most, if not all, of the operating plants will secure an extended 20 years of operation or more. The last plant constructed was ordered in 1978. New smaller, modular reactors are under design to provide less expensive, expandable generation options.

Jan 1, 2011

By J. H. Jennekens

INTRODUCTION "Most people would probably agree that some degree of government control and regulation is essential in modern society, and it will likely continue as an important part of our social organization for the foreseeable future. But most of us tend to be ambivalent about it. In one situation or another we are likely to see government commitment to social benefit programs or regulatory devices either as an expanding encroachment on the freedom of the individual or as an undue interference with private enterprise or with the rules of the market place. But even where there is agreement as to the desirability of government initiatives, either in general or in a particular context, it by no means follows that there will be approval of the mechanisms or procedures used or the means of carrying them out." The above statement is taken from a 1980 Working Paper of the Law Reform Commission of Canada prepared in connection with its study of the exercise of administrative law in Canada and the practices and procedures of administrative tribunals. The Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) is one such administrative tribunal, and as the federal nuclear regulatory authority, it is responsible for licensing the production, possession and use of nuclear materials, equipment and facilities and enforcing compliance with licence conditions governing the health, safety, security and environmental aspects of the activities involved. Although the AECB was established 35 years ago with the passage in August 1946 of the Atomic Energy Control Act, like many administrative tribunals its role and functions and the regulatory process which it applies have evolved significantly during this period. The changes which have taken place over the years reflect not only the vast scientific and technological developments which have occurred but also the marked differences between contemporary society and the social milieu of the mid-1940s. However, the basic philosophy of nuclear regulation in Canada and the underlying principles of the regulatory process have changed very little. Certainly, the process is far more open in terms of the general public, it has become appreciably more comprehensive and systematic in terms of the depth and extent of both the pre- and post-licensing technical evaluations which are conducted and the ensuing compliance program. Furthermore, it now applies to the whole of the nuclear fuel cycle as well as the industrial, agricultural and medical applications of radionuclides. Nevertheless the following fundamental principles remain unchanged: a. primary responsibility for achieving high standards of nuclear safety and environmental protection in the design, construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear facilities resides with the licensee; b. the credibility of the nuclear regulatory process depends not only upon its technical correctness and practicability, but also upon acceptance by the public-at-large of its perceived effectiveness and efficiency; c. regulatory criteria and principles should be concise, clearly stated and understandable; d. regulatory decision-making should be based upon stated criteria and principles taking into account pertinent scientific and technical facts only; e. fairness and impartiality must characterize all regulatory decision-making; f. the regulatory process should be subject to a comprehensive periodic review and evaluation to ensure that it continues to produce the desired results at justified costs. EXPLANATORY NOTES The mere statement of a set of principles is a relatively simple task. Far more difficult is the explanation of what these principles mean in practical terms. To stipulate that a licensee bears the primary responsibility for achieving and maintaining high standards of nuclear safety and environmental protection may be regarded by some as an attempt by the regulatory agency to evade the responsibilities assigned to it. However, this is not the case. It is unrealistic for anyone to claim that a licensee only complies with accepted norms of public and occupational health and safety and of environmental protection because of the fear of prosecution. The vast majority of citizens conduct their affairs in a proper manner not because there

Jan 1, 1981

By Holmes RJ, Sowerby BD, Watt JS

Major improvements have taken place in mineral and coal processing in the last decade. The development of nuclear on-line sensors that continuously analyse the material being processed has led to better control of metalliferous mineral processing and increased recovery of valuable minerals. The recent development of on-line techniques for analysis of coal is expected to be of similar Importance. Australian developments in on-line nuclear gauges are reviewed. These include systems for in-stream analysis of mineral slurries with comments on plant operating experience; on-line determination of ash in coal using low energy Y-ray transmission and pair production techniques; in-stream determination of solids weight fraction and ash content of coal in slurries with variable voidage; and on-line determination of moisture in coal, iron in high grade iron ores and sulphur in lead sinter.

Jan 1, 1986

By Watt JS

The ash content of coal can be determined using radioisotope X-ray techniques. A number of overseas applications of X-ray techniques are described; however these suffer from the disadvantage of either not compensating for iron variations or, if compensation is used, using X-rays of low penetration with consequent sampling difficulties. Current Australian Atomic Energy Commiss- ion (AAEC) research on X-ray techniques is aimed at overcoming the limitations of these methods. The AAEC method involves making measurements proportional to mass absorption coefficients of X-rays in coal at two energies. Calculations and experiments with X-rays up to 35 keV have shown that ash content can be determined to about 1 wt.%. This work is being extended to higher X-ray energies to enable the technique to be used directly on a conveyor belt or in a hopper. Neutron techniques can be used to measure the concentration of specific elements such as carbon, hydrogen and silicon in coal. Their con- centration is correlated to the coal parameters of interest. Methods of moisture determination based on hydrogen measurement and ash determina- tion based on silicon and aluminium measurement are described. Energy content can be determined accurate- ly by analysing the carbon content of coal

Jan 1, 1978

By Dippenaar R, Evans T

Twin-roll continuous casting technology is rapidly approaching commercialisation. Fundamentally different than conventional continuous casting, heat transfer and hence solidification during twin-roll casting are governed by the interfacial melt/mould thermal resistance, as opposed to the resistance of the solidifying shell. Under these conditions the interface resistance is predominantly controlled by the melt/substrate wetting behaviour. The very early stages of melt/mould contact are characterised by highly transient heat transfer conditions. The overall melt cooling rates prior to the formation of the first solid are reported to be in the range of 1000 - 50000 K/s with melt undercoolings of up to 300 K. At the points of intimate melt/mould contact the thermal resistance is approaching zero, where cooling rates and undercooling much larger than those reported in the literature are probably occurring. Improved wetting will reduce the energy barrier for nucleation while at the same time increasing the cooling rate of the liquid. Since the overall nucleation rate is controlled both by the rate of cluster formation and the rate of atom transfer to the nucleus, a critical cooling rate will exist above which the nucleation rate is expected to be reduced. Under these conditions, it is possible that the first solid phase to form is a metastable glass which subsequently transforms into a crystalline phase. The implications on nucleation and early growth are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1999