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By Haibin Wang, Baojun Zhao, Xueyi Guo, Zhixiang Cui, Zhi Wang

In conventional copper production, anode copper is produced from concentrate in three furnaces in a process that entails four oxidation steps and one reduction step. Three types of slags are produced that require further treatment to recover copper. Dongying Fangyuan Nonferrous Metals recently developed a simplified process which requires only two custom-designed furnaces instead of the conventional smelting, converting and re fining furnaces. The first furnace continuously produces high-grade matte (>75 wt% Cu) that contains little iron (<2 wt% Fe). The liquid matte is continuously fed to the second furnace, which produces anode copper. The new process signi ficantly reduces the capital and operating costs and increases productivity and environmental sustainability. This paper presents fundamental concepts that enable the simpli fied process to be developed. The detailed operations in Dongying Fangyuan Nonferrous Metals are also described.

Mar 1, 2018

By W. M. Lewis

Product losses to tailings ponds have long been a source of frustration for the mining and utilities industries. The utilization -of the Lewis Econosizer to recover lost products has proven to be very cost effective through reduced acreage requirements, cleaning costs and increased production. The unit is successfully operating in coal, aggregates, industrial minerals, clay, fly ash, heavy minerals and many other ores. Utilizing an upward flow of slurry in a free settling environment, particles stratify within the unit according to settling velocities and are removed as sized products. Ultra fines or clarified water is removed off the top of the unit. The Econosizer requires no power and only minimal maintenance.

Jan 1, 1998

By Amanda R. Parry, Chris R. Pray

Predicting and modeling the soil structure interaction of laterally loaded piles with significant unbraced lengths is one of the challenges faced in designing many waterfront structures. Designers often rely on pile specific design software to calculate forces in an embedded pile and then couple that with either a structural design software to capture the behavior of the rest of the structure or use potentially overly conservative assumptions to omit modelling the piles entirely. Given that some projects have hundreds of piles coupled with hundreds of loading conditions, the shuttling of results from the structural analysis software into the pile analysis software can become cumbersome, difficult to track and manage, and prone to user input errors. An alternative approach recently used on two large marine infrastructure projects consisted of calibrating a structural analysis software to replicate the resultant outputs from a software developed specifically for pile analysis. This calibration was done using thoughtfully placed springs along a pile modeled in the structural analysis software to replicate the soil-structure interaction of the piles. The focus of this paper will be on the methodology used to calibrate the two software programs and an evaluation of the results which showed close agreement. Based on the two case studies, calibrating a generic finite element analysis software via this method should be considered as a reasonable and time saving design approach for pile-supported structures.

Sep 8, 2021

By P Paredes, T Leaño, D Gajardo, C Tramón, S Peñaloza

The definition of an ore handling system and its consequent layout design is of crucial importance in cave mining projects. It not only represents the main driver in the production capacity and reliability of the mining system, it is also a fundamental variable in the footprint’s development time and cost.In recent decades, load-haul-dump (LHD) tramming distance optimisation through the allocation of several orepasses inside the footprint has been the most common practice in ore handling system layout definition at Codelco’s operations. Today, the improvement of existing technology, such as higher-capacity LHDs and jaw-gyratory crushers, and intensive preconditioning techniques to improve fragmentation allow the conceptualisation of simple and highly productive ore handling system layouts for wide caving areas that avoid the complexity and high cost of developing numerous orepasses inside the footprint.The initial macroblocks of the Chuquicamata underground mine project (PMCHS) consider an ore handling system layout in which LHDs dump into orepasses located inside the footprint area. The ore is then transferred into crusher chambers located below the production level, where it is crushed by jaw crushers and then conveyed to surface. In an effort to reduce development time and costs, a new ore handling system layout for the PMCHS experimental macroblocks was engineered using improved technologies and techniques in a simpler mining system. This paper compares the new ore handling system layout for the project’s experimental macroblocks with the traditional LHD-orepass layout in terms of production capacity, reliability, development time and cost.CITATION:Paredes, P, Gajardo, D, Lea&#241;o, T, Pe&#241;aloza, S and Tram&#243;n, C, 2016. Simplifying the ore handling system through the use of current technology at Chuquicamata underground mine project, in Proceedings Seventh International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining (MassMin 2016), pp 571–584 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

May 9, 2016

By G Williams

Discussing equipment, systems of work, the need for updated programmes of local seismic exploration, and developments within the South Wales coalfield.

Jan 1, 1993

By D. R. Nagaraj

Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) was used to study adsorption of sulfide collectors such as modified thionocarbamates and thioureas, xanthate, dithiophosphate, and dithiophosphinate, on galena, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, and quartz under flotation related conditions. In the case of the adsorption of modified thiourea on chalcopyrite, chalcocite and Cu-activated quartz, and of dithiophosphinate on galena, SIMS measurements have provided direct evidence for the presence of metal-collector (1:1) complexes on surfaces. In the other systems, only the collector molecular ion and its fragments were detected. The distribution of adsorbed species on the surfaces was obtained by using SIMS in the imaging mode. On chalcopyrite, only the copper-collector complex was found; there was no evidence for iron-collector complex. In the case of quartz, adsorption of selective collectors was observed only after activation by copper ions.

Jan 1, 1996

By D. R. Nagaraj

Adsorption of sulfide collectors such as xanthate on pyrite has been studied extensively over several decades using a wide variety of techniques. In spite of this, there are unanswered questions as to the identity of adsorbed species on pyrite surfaces -dixanthogen vs. iron xanthate complexes. Far less is known in non-xanthate collector systems. We have used Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) successfully in the past to obtain direct evidence for the identity of the adsorbed collector species on copper sulfides, galena and Cu-activated quartz. The present study is an extension of the SIMS analysis to investigate the adsorption of xanthate, dithiovhosphate, dithiocarbamate, and modified thionocarbamates and thioureas on pyrite. Adsorption of these collectors on chalcocite was also studied for comparison. An attempt was also made to obtain SIMS spectra for pure dixanthogens at room temperature. Only in the case of dithiocarbamate (DTC) was there direct evidence for the presence of not only the collector dimer, but also iron-DTC complexes. On chalcocite, only the copper-DTC complexes were detected (no dimer). In the case of xanthate, the collector molecular ion and its S adduct -which are possible fragments from dixanthogen -were detected on pyrite, along with a fragment peak: suggesting Fe2X. For dithiophosphate, the collector molecular ion and Fe(DTP)(OH) complex were detected (no dimer). For modified thionocarbamate and thiourea, adsorption on pyrite was negligible.

Jan 1, 1997

By D. R. Nagaraj

Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) was used to study copper ion adsorption, and its effect on subsequent sulfide collector adsorption, on pyrite and pyroxene minerals under flotation related conditions. Copper was found to adsorb on both of these minerals and cause enhanced sulfide collector adsorption. The distribution and depth profile of copper and collector on these mineral surfaces were obtained by using SIMS in the imaging mode. The results of this study have provided a valuable insight to understanding pyrite and gangue flotation observed frequently in operating plants.

Jan 1, 1995

By D. Brady

The need for onsite gas monitoring during, or following, a major incident at an underground coal mine has long been recognised. Recommendations from inquiries following Queensland mine disasters have included ?qualified persons and equipment for rapid analysis of gas samples be available in times of emergency? and that ?this may be accomplished by either mobile laboratories or laboratories established in each mining locality.? Following the Moura No. 2 disaster, the Queensland Government allocated funds to Simtars for a mobile laboratory to respond should such a disaster occur again in the future. This vehicle was commissioned in 1997 and has been used at many mine sites under a wide range of scenarios. Simtars, armed with over ten years of operational experience with this mobile laboratory, has taken an active role in the design and construction of a modernised replacement unit. With a twenty point tube bundle system and ultrafast gas chromatograph the result is, arguably, the best equipped mobile gas analysis laboratory for mine emergency response in the world. This paper outlines the features of the new laboratory, its capabilities and the philosophy behind the design and inclusions.

Jan 1, 2012

By Mario E. Rossi

Las simulaciones condicionales geoestadísticas se utilizaron como herramientas de control de leyes en operaciones diarias que evalúan la incertidumbre y el riesgo de las reservas mineras en estudios de factibilidad, así como el potencial de mineralización en ciertos ambientes geológicos. Otras aplicaciones incluyen evaluación de recursos y reservas recuperables (dilución), clasificación de recursos y reservas, y optimización de espaciamiento de sondajes. En ese sentido, el presente trabajo señala los aspectos de los esquemas de clasificación de recursos y reservas utilizados en la industria, el cual está basado en el modelo de incertidumbre que las simulaciones condicionales proveen. Asimismo, se analiza el riesgo que este modelo de incertidumbre implica para sub-regiones (unidades) de extracción del yacimiento, como las definidas por fases de extracción mineras o períodos de tiempo.

Jul 17, 2000

By Luis Ramirez Grados

El presente texto examina los problemas de diseño que se presentan en el sistema de minado subterráneo debido a su interrelación con los variados escenarios geológicos. Para ello, se cita el ejemplo del acarreo de desmonte y mineral de la Estación de Carguío H-2 del Nv. 2430 de la Rampa RNG 92442 @ -15% hacia el echadero de desmonte y la Tolva de Mineral de la Planta Concentradora en superficie Nv. 2765, donde el sistema de acarreo fue modelado usando simulación, la cual fue utilizada para ver la rentabilidad del sistema scooptram-volquete.

Sep 14, 2009

By J. I. Muñoz González

El presente trabajo verifica la utilidad de la incorporación de algoritmos de inteligencia artificial (IA) en cuanto a mejorar los resultados obtenidos en campañas de sondajes de exploración. Tomando la información geológica, geoquímica y geofísica de un proyecto real de exploración, se simularon 3 campañas posteriores y consecutivas, utilizando algoritmos de “boosted regression”. Luego fueron comparados con los resultados reales de los mismos.

May 1, 2008

By Víctor Cobeña

El presente trabajo señala el desarrollo de la simulación de disparos por computadora -en tanto está diseñado para solucionar problemas de voladuras en las minas, canteras y obras civiles. El programa elimina el costo invertido en los métodos convencionales de "ensayo y error" de pruebas de campo y optimiza las operaciones de voladuras.

Jan 1, 1987

By Ángel Bravo

La simulación es un programa virtual que permite evaluar los costos de perforación y soldadura para el costo final del proyecto minero. El modelo fue diseñado en hoja electrónica, cuyos datos de entrada son estándares de perforación y voladura, tipo de equipo, ciclos de minado, ciclos de avance en túnel, método de explotación, sección de túnel, costos, etc. En este sentido, el presente texto describe el diseño de simulación que buscará determinar la flota óptima de jumbos, asi como la organización óptima para asegurar una máxima utilización de equipos y establecer un sistema de mantenimiento y servicio de máxima disponibilidad. Su función de probabilidad está orientada específicamente para un método de explotación o tunelería.

Sep 13, 2001

By Miguel Ángel Zuñiga C

El presente texto describe la simulación económica y financiera como propuesta de inversión en un proyecto minero a través de una estructura financiera que comprende 80% de financiamiento y 20% de aporte de los accionistas. De acuerdo a ello, la inversión está programada a realizarse en cuatro años, cuyo precio inicial es de 300 millones de dólares y que verá incrementada por la tasa de inflación del país donde se efectúa dicha inversión, y por la de los países donde va a comprarse los materiales y el equipo.

Nov 20, 1978

By Guillermo Ortíz C.

El presente trabajo señala la importancia de la simulación matemática en la investigación de operaciones como medio de solución en la minería de cielo abierto y subterráneo. En este sentido, se revisa la repercusión del sistema de simulación GASP VI, el cual propone una serie de reglas de un sector de la realidad y lo simplifica en un modelo a construir. Este lenguaje de programación reconoce las identidades y sus atributos como codificación del valor de los atributos. Asimismo, sugiere el enlace entre el modelaje y las actividades del programa, simplificando el diseño y los análisis de las actividades requeridas por el problema a resolver.

Nov 20, 1978

By Jorge A. Vargas

El proyecto Antapaccay es un depósito tipo pórfido-skarn de Cu (Ag, Au y Mo) perteneciente a la División Sur de Xstrata Copper, donde se tiene planificado la explotación a través de dos tajos abiertos denominados Norte y Sur. Para ello, se realizó una extensa campaña de investigaciones geotécnicas con la finalidad de determinar los parámetros geotécnicos y el comportamiento geomecánico del macizo rocoso presente y así evaluar la estabilidad de los taludes de diseño. En ese sentido, el presente textoseñala los análisis geoestadísticos (variografía) de los parámetros geotécnicos empleando el método de interpolación espacial kriging, presenta el modelo geotécnico a través de los parámetros geomecánicos de resistencia, así como la metodología seguida en los análisis de estabilidad con el método rígido plástico bidimensional de equilibrio límite.

Sep 14, 2009

By Moacir Alves dos Reis

O objetivo deste trabalho foi criar um projeto de um simulador do sistema de carregamento do Alto Forno 2, voltado para o treinamento de operadores e técnicos em manutenção. O principal objetivo está em produzir uma ferramenta que auxilie no processo de ensino dos operadores e técnicos de forma mais rápida e segura, reduzindo os custos do treinamento e ao mesmo tempo simulando situações de operação, alarmes de processos sem interferência no sistema de carregamento real. São apresentadas as etapas previstas para o desenvolvimento do projeto e as ações já realizadas até o presente momento. O simulador será equipado com equipamentos reais do sistema de carregamento do Alto Forno, sendo apenas simulado as entradas e saídas físicas (I/O) dos equipamentos externos (motores, limites, válvulas, etc.) e utilizará um ambiente virtual modelado a partir do PLC, SDCD e Monitores para que os operadores possam visualizar e simular todos os alarmes deste processo.

Jul 30, 2018

By Zhou Ying

Based on the mining condition and roof lithology of the 2-3 coal seam at Gengcun Mine, the simulated materials modeling method was used to study the movement process and characteristics of overburden strata movement and to analyze the movement laws of overburden strata during top coal caving mining. Based on the modeling results, variation of the peak abutment pressure and its effect on the top coal&apos;s crushing and caving in the mining process was discussed.

Jan 1, 2001

By A. T. Haile

Detailed monitoring of the response of the rock mass between rockbolt reinforcement units subjected to a simulated seismic source has been successfully conducted. This work has shown the increase in amplification of the Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) with distance from a rock bolt unit, and, a minimum PPV for rockburst damage for the given site characteristics. This understanding, at this site, will allow the design of a suitable rock bolt spacing to prevent unravelling of the rock mass between the rock bolt units for a given level of seismicity. Or, alternatively, an estimation of the requirement for a suitable fabric support system, for the anticipated level of seismicity, can be made.

Jan 1, 2001