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By B. E. Davis, D. A. Stanley, C. E. Jordan

A prototype expert advisor was developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to systematically offer advice on the control of a Florida phosphate operation. The PC based system receives input from remote sensors for circuit parameters such as feed rate, reagent addition, and pH and from operator entered information such as the quality of the concentrate and tailings in each of the coarse, fine, and amine flotation circuits. The computer evaluates the information using rules obtained from industry representatives and Bureau flotation experts. Recommended actions and questions are displayed to quickly guide the operator to a problem within the flotation circuit and suggest a solution. This process control system could provide more uniformity among the flotation operators and also serve as a trainer for new operators. In addition, it represents a step toward fully automated systems for phosphate flotation.

Jan 1, 1990

By Changhong Huang, Y. J. Wang

This paper describes the formulation of mine ventilation network optimization as a standard nonlinear programming problem and the solution of the problem using the generalized reduced gradient (GRG) method. In general, the GRG method is regarded as one of the most effective and efficient methods for solving large-scale nonlinear programming problems. The variables considered in the network optimization include air quantity, regulator pressure loss, and fan pressure for each branch. Each of the variables is constrained by lower and upper bounds. This facilitates proper assignments of ventilation requirements and provides a great flexibility to include various situations encountered in mine ventilation. The objective of the network optimization is to minimize the overall air power consumed by or supplied to the network; whereas the constraints are, in addition to the variable bounds, the two fundamental network laws: Kirchhoffs voltage law and Kirchhoffs current law. A computer program has been developed based on the GRG method for the network optimization. An example of network with 18 branches, 8 regulators and 3 fans is included for illustration.

Jan 1, 1993

By Robert E. McIvor

The “Functional Performance Equation for Ball Milling” was first presented in 1988. It now has been used successfully in more than a dozen mineral processing plants. This powerful, yet simple tool provides a new level of understanding of closed circuit grinding. It shows how grinding circuit efficiency is in reality comprised of two distinct efficiencies. It demonstrates how circuit production rate is related, collectively, to these two efficiencies, mill energy input, and the grindability of the ore. It links circuit performance to design and operating variables that can be manipulated, and creates an effective strategy for making plant improvements. This paper covers the derivation and industrial validation of this equation. As part of an engineering and management system that also incorporates suitable metrics and process control, other operators can now use this tool to make improvements and to manage the performance of their grinding operations with clarity and confidence.

Jan 1, 2005

By N. Edmonson

During the last 30 years, a dramatic increase in the supply of byproduct sulfur substantially reduced the share of the market held by Frasch-mined (non-by-product) sulfur in North America. Even though Canadian sulfur production is not discretionary, the geographic remoteness from the large US markets and the high transportation costs associated with delivering sulfur to those markets has meant that Canadian producers act like discretionary producers in many important ways. They have effectively replaced the US Frasch producers as the cost-marginal sulfur source to large US markets. Implications of this change in market structure include more volatile sulfur prices and longer sulfur price recessions.

Jan 1, 1997

Discussion of the paper of M. B. YUNG, presented at the Pittsburgh meeting; October, 1914, and printed in Bulletin No. 93, September, 1914, pp. 2451 to 2458. T. T. READ, New York, N. Y.-I might .point out that this paper of Mr. Yung's is on a field that is comparatively little known. It is not as well known as the Kochiu tin field, of Yunnan, which is probably the third . in tin output of the world. This field under discussion is considerably further west and the tin which is produced here is, according to Mr. Yung, of somewhat higher grade than the Yunnan tin, and is used by the refiners at Hong Kong to improve the grade of the Yunnan tin. Most of you know that the tin from the Yunnan is shipped to Hong Kong, where it is refined and shipped to Europe. Mr. Yung points out that the Fu Chuan deposits are entirely alluvial and not found in any veins. They .differ in that from the Kochiu deposits, which Leclere says are "nullement alluvionels; leur origéne filonienne est de plus evidentes." Granite is the country rock here; doubtless the tin occurred in veins in the granite, and the deposits have resulted from the disintegration of the granite. This is a country of strong erosive agencies. The country is semi-tropical, and the rainfall is heavy, so that one would naturally expect deep surface erosion of this kind.

Jan 4, 1915

By Brady KT, Pattenden G

A laboratory size solvent extraction apparatus has been constructed, which incorp- orates three stages of countercurrent extraction, followed by two stages of counter- current stripping. The model uses a gravity flow system from one stage to another and air lift pumps to recirculate organic and aqueous phases. A novel pump/mixer system is used to transfer solutions from the mixer compartments to the settler compartments. The model has proven valuable in the teaching of solvent extraction principles.

Jan 1, 1984

By J. A. Reizes, C. A. J. Fletcher, T. Jancar

Spirals play an important role in fine coal and mineral processing. To date, almost all spiral designs have been empirically based. Although many operational units have evolved utilising this approach, it does not necessarily lead to optimal spiral designs. This paper presents the preliminary results of a collaborative computational and experimental research program to understand the detailed separation process which will ultimately lead to a parametric assessment of alternative spiral designs through computational simulation. Unlike the empirical approach, a computational simulation is only subject to the fundamental physics of the fluid flow. No prior knowledge of the generic spiral flow is necessary. The computer code implements a robust finite volume technique to predict the three dimensional fluid motion. A height function method is used to model free surfaces and the code is capable of handling arbitrary spiral geometries. Preliminary validation of the computational simulation is carried out through analysis of an existing spiral design -the Mineral Technologies LD9 unit. Computational flow predictions are compared with experimental measurements obtained using a number of techniques, including sampling and flow visualisation, for flow test cases where no solid particulate is present.

Jan 1, 1995

By Neil Donnell, O&apos

MODERN mine maps are largely a product of evolution. The first mine maps used in the west were old composite maps with all the levels plotted on the same sheet. The composite was widely used and occasionally is seen even now. This type of underground map had serious limitations. One was the development of an indecipherable complex of workings around steep shafts. The other limitation was that of size; often when a working passed the limit of the sheet no map was made of it. These old maps have been superseded by the single level maps, laid out in squares or rectangles which can be expanded indefinitely in all directions. This produces a system capable of unlimited expansion in three dimensions, with all the detail of every working clearly marked and legible. A good set of mine maps should be laid out in blocks, all blocks of equal size. Each block should be limited by plane coordinates without overlap on bounding map quadrangles. At all times the direction of North should be indicated as an aid in remembering bearings of underground workings. It is desirable that all maps of whatever scale be plotted on sheets of uniform size. In fact, it is possible to make nearly all underground maps, surface maps and sections on sheets of the same size.

Jan 9, 1950

By S. Dessureault, M. Yildirim

More mining companies are now investing in IT, including updating one of the traditional IT process control tools used in the mining industry: real time in-pit truck allocation control and monitoring systems, or fleet management systems (FMS). These systems have been used to maximize the overall mine production by improving equipment utilization and reducing production costs. Most modern operations monitor the in-pit operations using GPS and wireless communications to produce data. Improvements in bandwidth, sensors, and computing power are causing modern systems to become more complex and generate more data. However, human analysis by simple regression or table generation in spreadsheets of the data is becoming impossible. Data mining solves this data management problem. Data mining finds patterns and relationships in very large data sets. This paper describes the application of modern data mining techniques on truck dispatching systems in a real open pit hard-rock copper mine. The analyses conducted included determining how the trucks performed under particular conditions and allocation systems. The long-term benefits of this work are to identify strengths and improvement opportunities in truck assignment systems and establish the skill sets and IT infrastructure needed in undertaking more complex datadriven technology such as a truck dispatcher trainer.

Jan 1, 2007

By John L. Watson

A conceptual model (MAGSEP) is described to simulate the beneficiation characteristics of a drum magnetic separator in terms of the probability of an individual grain being recovered in the magnetic concentrate. This probability is determined as a function of particle magnetic composition and magnetic field strength and is modified by particle size and the separator operating conditions. The model predicts the size, magnetic grade and distributions of magnetic and gangue minerals in the concentrate and tailings produced by the drum separator. The configuration of the magnetic concentration circuit may be altered to permit single or double drum units in parallel or series operation. The characteristics of the feed material, in terms of a magnetic parameter, are essential in permitting the determination of individual grain recovery probabilities upon which the model is based. Thus the model requires input data relating to the distribution of composite grains in terms of magnetic grade and particle size. To illustrate the use of the conceptual model an example is given for the beneficiation of New Zealand iron sands.

Jan 1, 1984

By Eric Jette

THE alloys of gold and iron were investigated in 1907 by Isaac and Tammann,1 who determined the thermal diagram for the entire system by thermal analysis and microscopic examination. They also reviewed the previous literature. Since that time the present authors have been able to find only two additional references. Guertler and Schulze2 examined the electrical resistance of iron alloys containing up to 40 per cent by weight of gold between 0° and 200° C.; the alloys were in the form of wires. The main result of this work was to confirm the solid solubility limit found by Isaac and Tammann; namely, about 20 per cent Au. More recently, Shih3 has examined the magnetic properties of gold alloys containing up to 10 weight per cent iron and particularly the range below 5 per cent. The alloys in the lower range were found to be paramagnetic; the 10 per cent alloy was ferromagnetic. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the solid solubility limits at various temperatures, particularly below the a-y transformation point of iron, since these solubilities are of some impor-tance in connection with the working of the alloys in the manufacture of certain "grey" and "blue" golds.

Jan 1, 1934

Australian continental crust has accreted and consolidated by thirds: 1/3 during Archean time, 1/3 during Early to mid- Proterozoic time, and 1/3 during latest Precambrian to mostly Paleozoic time. The progression of orogenic systems and the crustal consolidations they represent seem not fundamentally different in basic orogenic processes from better known Mesozoic-Cenozoic examples in that accretionary, continental margin, collisional, and intraplate intracratonic inverted and/or reactivated systems are all recognizable in the tectonic evolution of Australia.

Jan 1, 1995

By B. Bergmark, O. Guyot, A. Broussaud, C. Bouché

The Boliden Aitik concentrator in Sweden processes 2,000 t/h (2,200 stph) of low-grade copper ore. The plant consists of five grinding lines that feed four bulk-flotation banks with a scavenger-concentrate regrind mill und a column cleaner circuit with a regrind mill. The authors installed a model-based expert optimizing control system to maximize copper recovery in the bulk-flotation circuit while maintaining an appropriate copper grude in the cleaner feed. The optimizing control system uses on-line assays and calculates and implements set points for cell pulp levels, air rates and reagent- addition rates. It combines the power of a dynamic population-balance model that estimates mineral liberation in each stream, an optimizer that computes appropriate set points and a rule-based module that implements the strategy. The benefits have been evaluated over a period of three months. The model-based expert optimizing control system generates a measurable increase in copper recovery, around 0.5%, and an optimized bulk-concentrate grade. The need to maintain the optimizing control system and other practical aspects are discussed.

Jan 1, 2000

FOR some years past it has been usual to specify high-grade copper for use for many purposes, but the practice of specifying zinc of a high degree of purity for certain purposes is of comparatively recent origin. It is a practice, however, which is extending ag the effect of the impurities in zinc on products manufactured therefrom becomes widely recognized.The notes hereunder are intended to briefly survey the principal uses to which high-gr.ade zinc is being put, and, wherever possible, to indicate the effect of the impurities normally present in the lower grades of zinc.In the United States zinc is graded into five divisions, known respectively as "High-grade" "Intermediate" "Brass Special" "Selected," and "Prime Western." The maximum amounts of impurities allowed in the various grades are indicated in Table I,which is compiled from data published by the American Society of Testing Materials:In addition, it is specified in an cases that the slabs shall be reasonably free from surface corrosion or adhering foreign matter. Although zinc used in Europe has in many cases been sold on analysis it is only recently that any attempt has been made to grade...

Jan 1, 1923

By J. R. Thompson

It is common practice, and certainly good business as all of us know, to take care of plant operating equipment. Machinery of any type requires periodic inspection and planned maintenance. With this thought in mind a plant operator should at the end of every shutdown period make regular belt inspections and plan for later appropriate care and maintenance. The points mentioned below are understood well by all of us but are sometimes forgotten because belt conveyors are comparatively easy to operate. Maintenance of any conveyor belt is dependent upon the fundamental characteristics of the two component parts-cover and carcass.

Jan 6, 1950

By Joseph A. Perry

One goal of the Bureau of Mines is to develop technology tp insure a dependable supply of minerals to the United States. To support this goal, the Bureau's Albany Research Center has modified a commercial atomic absorption spectrophotometer to rapidly determine trace levels of mercury by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Such diverse materials as ores, mill products, stream water, sediments, and flue dust have been analyzed. A very high dynamic range of 0.2 ng/ml to 1 µg/ml of mercury in solutions is routinely analyzed by this instrument.

Jan 1, 1981

By Arthur F. Colombo, David M. Hopstock

The Lake Superior region contains extensive deposits of potential iron ore in the form of fine-grained oxidized taconite. To help assure utilization of this resource in an environmentally sound manner, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, is conducting bench- and pilot-scale research using wet high-intensity magnetic (WHIM) separation. The advantages and disadvantages of WHIM separation in comparison with other feasible beneficiation methods are discussed. Pilot plant results are given for a flowsheet in which WHIM scavenging is used in conjunction with selective flocculation and flotation. A mathematical model for use in process optimization is given. Practical aspects of matrix selection and separator design for WHIM separation of fine particles are discussed.

Jan 1, 1980

By Song Xiaotian

Studies have been carried out to optimize the VCR's mining sys- tem on the basis of synthetic analysis at Fankou Pb-Zn mine in Southern China. The synthetic e- valuation method is proposed for selection of mining alternatives and stope dimension optimization techniques. Theoretic calculation and computer optimization of the fragmentation of rock blasted by multispherical explosive charges are discussed. The mathematical and optimal fragmentation models are built. The optimum model is built for the main mining operations such as drilling, blasting and haulage. Lt can be used to evaluate VCR?s mining projects, select mining parameters and provide design fundations. From the point of view of system research on the geomechanical process, stoping technological process and benefit, the complex method of optimization is proposed for VCR's mining. Using computer simulation, based on this model, the optimal parameters are established and analysed. An effective approach is provided for research on the mining method optimization and getting better economical benefits from the application and improvement of VCR's method.

Jan 1, 1986

By Christian M. Sagedahl

The stringent environmental regulations for air pollution regarding emission control, along with the need of dry concentrates to feed autogenous smelting processes, are enhancing the development of cleaner technologies. Indirect drying of concentrates by a Kvaemer steam dryer is a technology with promising results, reducing dust entrainment to the exhaust gas stream and leading to smaller dust separation units. The Kvaemer dryers are designed for a very high availability, a high-energy efficiency, low amount and velocity of exhaust gases, no SO2, CO or CO, emissions combined with a wide range of satisfactory operating conditions and low total operational costs.

Jan 1, 1999

By Taylor MN

The influx of an industrial environment into or adjacent to the indigenous society has in the past frequently caused the breakdown of traditional be- haviour and culture, and the generation of social and psychological impacts on the local population. Successful programmes developed by government agencies and private industry have been implemented in many areas to maintain the cultural environment and still afford the needs for industrial development. The ultimate goal of such programmes should be directed toward eventual operation and management of the established industry by the local population.

Jan 1, 1978