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This paper describes a mobile laboratory developed specifically for nickel prospecting, and which was designed to be operated by sub-professional staff in remote areas independently of established laboratories. An atomic absorption spectrophotometric procedure was used to determine nickel, cobalt, lead, zinc, and copper ID latentIc and sulphIde samples, with a detection limit better than 25 µg/g for all elements. The procedure was applicable to both soil and drill samples and the accuracy of the procedure, which was ±5 per cent relative at the 1,000 µg/g level was sufficient for the preliminary assessment of mineralized samples and the control of drilling operations. The analytical procedure and the means taken to ensure the necessary reproductibility and accuracy are described. One operator can carry out 400 elemental determinations per 8-hr day at an approximate cdst of 6 cents per elemental determination. The results are returned within a single day, a factor which can contribute materially to the efficiency of drilling operations.

Jan 1, 1970

The Waimumu area, 12 km southwest of Gore, is underlain by the Gore Lignite Measures, an early Tertiary fluvial sequence approximately 500 m thick resting on Triassic-Jurassic argillitic basement. The Waimumu Quartz Gravels (Pliocene) have been deposited locally and are in part due to the localised reworking of the Gore Lignite Measures. Structurally the area is dominated by the Dunsdale Fault System, a steeply dipping series of NE trending reverse faults (Isaac and Lindqvist, 1990). The Belle-Brook, Hedgehope and Parker Road sites sampled are adjacent to the downthrown (east) side of the Hedgehope Fault.The authigenic gold-sulphide association at Belle-Brook was discovered in 1987 (Falconer, 1987: Clough and Craw, 1989). Despite a very limited amount of alluvial mining a significant quantity of authigenic marcasite has developed. Authigenic sulphide trace element analysis has shown anomalous amounts of As, Ni, Cr and to a lesser extent Zn, Pb and eu (Table 1). It has been established that the nickel occurs as a colloform banded Ni sulphide, possibly bravoite, within the marcasite (Figures 1 & 2). Arsenic and nickel (re)mobilisation are well documented in the literature. Generally As and heavy metals are mobilised in the groundwater as a result of the oxidation of sulphides (ie as a result of mining). At Belle-Brook it is reasonable to assume the authigenic sulphide trace element composition reflects either localised groundwater contamination or hydrothermal mineralisation. This poster presents some preliminary findings.

Jan 1, 2001

By Doris M. Hyde

In the past, mining has represented between 11% and 12% of the gross domestic product (GDP). In 1982, mining contributed over $150 million to the estimated $1.4 billion GDP.2 Overall economic growth for 1983 was projected at about 2%, primarily as a result of increased tourism. The inflation rate remained at or fell below the 1982 level of almost 4%. The Government continued its efforts to strengthen the industrial base by improving infrastructural systems and the establishment of a free trade zone. Laws against property ownership by foreigners or foreign-owned companies were strengthened, but the prohibition was softened to allow for close family inheritance. Otherwise, Government approval must be obtained to retain property acquired through inheritance, court order, mortgage, or other means. Special consideration was granted to foreign investors seeking to promote industries beneficial to the economy.

Jan 1, 1985

By G. C. Thompson

'Increased underground extraction of coal' was the theme selected for the 1981 mining vacation school, which was held at the University of the Witwatersrand in January and February. The response of the industry to the invitation to register was so good that three separate schools of one week each were arranged between 26th January and 13th February. In terms of the total number of delegates, some 225 actually attending, the school can be described as the most successful ever organized by the Institute.

Jan 1, 1981

By D. D. Blue

To insure domestic production of aluminium for, essential civilian and defense uses, the Government, under authority of the Defense Production Act of 1950, programed and promoted an aluminum-expansion program that will more than double the primary production capacity that existed in 1949. In view of this vastly increased production, the raw materials, with respect to both quantity and sources, are reviewed. The raw-material consumption pattern, the requirements during an expansion period when excess quantities of materials for starting up new facilities are consumed, and the probable requirements for production of 1.7 million tons per year of primary aluminum are discussed. The raw materials that presented the most difficult supply problems were bauxite, electrical power, and fluoride salts, and the supply pattern for these materials probably will undergo changes. A major part of the electrical energy for the increased capacity was to come from thermal generation, Jamaica-was to become a major source of bauxite, and synthetic fluoride salts were replacing natural cryolite in increasing quantities. Other raw-material requirements discussed are: Soda ash; lime, and limestone; starch; filter cloth; fuel; alumina; the carbonaceous materials, green and calcined petroleum coke, high-and low-temperature pitch and coke or anthracite; cryolite; aluminum fluoride; the materials going into production of synthetic fluorides, acid-grade fluorspar, and sulfuric acid; and labor. INTRODUCTION The raw materials for the aluminum industry that have received the most publicity are bauxite, the ore that supplies elemental aluminum, and electrical energy, the means by which aluminum oxide is reduced to metal. A number of other important materials are, however, required in large quantities in the production of primary aluminum metal.

Jan 1, 1954

By A A. Ndiaye, A Galli

In a companion paper on current hedging practices in the mining industry (Armstrong et al, 2009) we showed that contrary to popular belief, mining groups are still using financial derivatives to hedge against foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk, and more recently against adverse changes in energy prices, notably the oil price. This paper presents a case study on a hypothetical gold mine to illustrate the impact that hedging policies could have on its profitability by reducing the downside risk due to adverse changes in the exchange rate and increases in fuel prices. The characteristics of the hypothetical mine have been set to reproduce those of a real gold deposit, the Kisladag mine that is currently being exploited by open pit methods in Turkey. This mine was selected because its feasibility study was available to the public. Geostatistical simulations are used to reproduce the inherent uncertainty on the recoverable reserves û stochastic simulations are used to generate the variability of the other three key sources of uncertainty: the gold price, the cost of energy and the exchange rate. A simple strategy based on straightforward vanilla options (puts and calls) was developed for hedging the last two risks, on the assumption that the company sells its production at the prevailing spot price.

Jan 1, 2009

NEW MEMBERS. The following list comprises the names of those persons who became members during the month of April, 1913: BARNES, BLAKESLEE, Min. Engr Burrwood, La. BOYLSTON, HERBERT M., Cons. Met. Engr 26 Abbot Bldg., Cambridge, Mass. BUEHLER, HENRY A., State Geol Rolla, Mo. CASTO, WILLIAM H., JR., Mining Bonanza, Idaho. COHEN, MAXWELL B., Mill Operator Miami, Ariz. EVANS, MILTON R., Shop Draftsman 92 Division St., Kingston, Pa. HARPER, WALTER S., Asst. Treas 42 Broadway, New York, N. Y. JAMES. JAMES S.. Min. Engr Telluride. Colo.

Jan 5, 1913

By W. J. Witte, M. K. Witte

"The purpose of this report is to present a generalized preliminary design and cost estimates for a typical heap leach operation such as might be undertaken in Northern Ontario. This report should be of value to anyone in the mining industry planning, or contemplating, a heap leaching operation in Ontario, either on a large or small scale. While more detailed costing and design work will obviously be required for each specific project being contemplated, the data provided in this report should enable parties to make preliminary estimates of the costs of proposed projects and should identify most of the planning and design parameters that will need to be considered.Although heap leaching has been used extensively as a low cost gold recovery method in other parts of the world for many years, it has only recently become of interest to the Canadian mining industry.In order to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of using heap leaching in Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in 1982, undertook to locate a private sector proponent willing to undertake a 10,000 ton demonstration project. This project was to have been carried out at a production scale under normal northern Ontario field conditions. The Ministry was to have provided technical management and design for the designated project."

Jan 1, 1985

By Robert Jakiel

The following paper is being presented to provide a basic understanding of the equipment and procedures used in multi-auger deep soil mixing as part of the program for the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Deep Soil Mix Seminar. The paper is written as a summary of the author's experience using multi-auger deep soil mixing equipment while working with SMW Seiko, Inc. on several east coast projects in the United States, particularly the soil-cement mixing for the soil stabilization of the Fort Point Channel area in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the largest and most difficult soil mixing projects completed thus far in the United States. The summary provides a brief summary and insight into some of the operational aspects of the equipment and procedures, and some of the important considerations when using multi-auger deep soil mixing. This paper is intended for use by both the contractor and the designer involved in selecting appropriate soil mixing equipment and procedures for various types of soils, depths or applications, or for a better understanding of the operational aspects, potential benefits, and impacts that the performance criteria may have on the operational capabilities of the soil mix equipment, when specifying multi-auger soil mixing for a particular project. Prior to reading this article it is important to become more familiar with the various acronyms and terminology used in soil mixing technology. A Definitions section has been provided at the end of the paper that will help the reader become more familiar with some of the terms used throughout this paper.

Jan 1, 2001

By Zachary Q. Maassen

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the environmental benefits of properly managing slurry waste as it is generated on site. The following projects will be used to illustrate the importance of proper onsite waste management. Project: Jet Grout Backflow Dewatering The goal was to dewater the backflow directly onsite to produce a dry, solid waste and reusable water. The backflow spoil was pumped directly to the dewatering system as it was generated. Utilizing mechanical separation equipment and flocculation polymer the waste volume was reduced by 44%. Due to the site footprint and high volumes, slurry waste removal and onsite processing were the only two feasible options. Onsite dewatering proved to be the environmentally beneficial option as it eliminated the need for slurry waste hauling and disposal. The benefits of utilizing a dewatering system are listed below: Project: Soil Mixing Spoil Recycling for Slurry Wall Construction In this application the spoils generated contain bentonite mud, cement mixture and organic ground soils. The goal of this project was to process the backflow mixture to recover reusable bentonite mud and separate the soil as a dry, stackable waste product. The treatment system replaced the traditional method of vacuum truck extraction and facility disposal. The environmental benefits of properly handling the backflow is a decrease in fresh water usage, bentonite additive reduction, and the reduction of CO2 emissions. The paper will consist of a project scope, technical equipment and process description, environmental impact reduction calculations and lessons learned for each project.

Jan 1, 2018

The Hishikari gold deposit, discovered by the Metal Mining Agency of Japan, has become a giant class epithermal gold deposit with the highest grade of gold yet recorded in the world through detailed exploration and development by the Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd. The exploration strategy involved a regional approach combining geological and gravity surveys over a 900 km2 area which had historically produced over 120 t of gold. These surveys were carried out to grasp the common geologic features of epithermal gold deposits in the survey area. A genetic model for epithermal gold deposits in the area under regional survey was also considered based on detailed research of the Kushikino epithermal gold deposit which was in operation at that time. This model was applied to the targeted areas, and important relationships between mineralisation, host lithology, intensive propylitic alteration and gravity highs became apparent. The Hishikari block was selected in this way and bonanza gold was discovered during drilling. Since the development of the Hishikari mine, information useful for further exploration for the same type of deposit has been accumulated.

Jan 1, 1995

A summary of a proposal to develop a 20 000 tpa underground gold operation in a Forest Park. The environmental constraints are severe and affected the mine development planning and choice of mining method. The mine will use trackless methods to access the narrow 1.5 m ore shoots, and to mine ore by cut and fill methods. The use of Microscoop and CT 1700 HE electric LHDs for mucking, together with special drilling attachments for drilling, is central to efficiency and small Kubota diesel haulers will be used for carrying ore to surface.

Jan 1, 1986

By Bradford NL

The Isa Mine of Mount Isa Mines Limited produces 2.6 million tonnes of silver-lead-zinc ore annually from sub level open stopes of which approximately 40% comes from the narrow Racecourse orebodies below 15 level.Geologically the stoping environment is complicated by highly fissile shale hangingwalls and below 17 level by a high stress regime.The realization that major hangingwall failures and generally poor ground conditions could lead to serious dilution problems, and ultimately production shortfalls, prompted investigations into the use of low strength explosives.

Jan 1, 1985

By Steve Kral

For an industry that provides more than half of the nation’s energy needs, the U.S. coal industry still attracts negative publicity. However, the nation’s energy appetite continues to increase. And political leaders and the public are beginning to understand that alternative fuels will not be enough to keep up with that appetite. Does that mean the nation will now embrace the coal industry? No, according to speakers at the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute (RMCMI) meeting. The industry still needs to sell the public on coal’s advantages over other fuels. And the industry must continue to develop technology that will allow coal to meet and exceed strict clean air and clean water regulations.

Jan 1, 2002

Thermodynamics of Non-Cyanide Gold Solvents The present status of the raw material base in the gold industry requires specific ways to recover gold and silver from ores. Most gold is closely associated with sulfides which require flotation followed by pressure or bacterial oxidation. The next stages of processing usually require using expensive operations for the preparation of leaching. A lot of researchers want to find a new alternative solvent for the extraction of precious metals from these products. According to the authors, one of the best ways is to use sulfur-based solvents (thiosulfate, sulfite, and their various mixtures). Thermodynamics of gold and silver thiosulfate dilution are calculated for conditions: the concentration of Au - 200 mg/L, oxygen - 3.2 mg/L, thiosulfate - 79 mg/L, OH- - 170 mg/L. the general result is the possibility of process remains under standard conditions. (erAu = = 0.035 V, ?G298 = - 29.18 kJ/g-atom ??). Silver with thiosulfate forms two strong complexes: [AgS203]- and [Ag(S203)2]3-. ?G0 = -1027 kJ/mol. The complex [AgS203]- is less stable: ?G0 = 486 kJ/mol. It should be noted that despite the high stability of gold complexes, the sodium thiosulfate may decompose to sulfite and elemental sulfur during the process, especially when heating. Gold is slightly soluble in the sodium sulfite solution, however it forms the strong complex [Au(SO3)2]3-. Depending on the concentration of free S2O32-ions, silver with sodium sulfite forms three complexes: [AgSO3]-, [Ag(SO3)2]3- and [Ag(SO3)3]5-. The dissolution speed of gold in sodium sulfite solution may be in the same range as it is during cyanidation. In this case, a practical application of sulfite process can be also used, especially for the products containing free elemental sulfur. In conclusion, sulfite-thiosulfate gold lixiviants can be used for concentrates after pressure oxidation of the cakes.

Sep 13, 2010

By Fabian Kirsch

Cyclic behaviour of axially loaded piles has been an issue since studies revealed that the capability to transfer skin friction into the ground is highly depending on the level and the number of load cycles the pile is subjected. It has been shown that degradation of skin friction due to axial cyclic loading leads to accumulating displacements and a severe reduction in pile capacity. In Germany the DIN 1054 as well as the Recommendations of the Working Group 2.1 ?Piles? of the German Geotechnical Society (EA-Pfähle) require the consideration of cyclic loading for the assessment of both the displacements and the capacity. Up to now no broadly accepted design method exists, which enables the engineer to give a reliable judgement on the pile capacity under axial cyclic loading and the displacements respectively. Instead numerous design charts make it possible to distinguish between stable and instable loading levels in order to ensure a design on the safe side. A newly developed design approach based on engineering models is presented which delivers a calculation algorithm for the remaining axial pile capacity after a defined number of load cycles to allow for the analysis of stability of the foundation. Furthermore the computation of accumulating displacements is made possible. The results are verified with pile load tests undertaken at Dunkirk, France and showed that the axial capacity after cyclic loading calculated with the newly developed design approach predicts actual capacity with an accuracy of ±20%.

Jan 1, 2011

The effect of composition on electrical conductivity (resistivity), viscosity and liquidus temperature of the slags encountered in electric smelting of PGM-containing suphide concentrates is reviewed along with the relationsip between slag composition, slag-matte separation and metal losses to slag. Optimization of slag composition at furnace temperature is attempted on the basis of opposite and parabolic trends of the viscosity-conductivity relationships of the slags. The importance of surface tension of slags is emphasized using available and estimated information, which are grouped into a useful correlation. These values are coupled with or incorporated into slag viscosity plots to illustrate the correlation between the two factors which influence slag-matte separation as well as refractory attack. The electrode in the slag-resistance furnace is the central factor in the design and operation of the furnace by its role of conveying the smelting power. The obvious parameters are the size and positioning in the slag bath, which are defined by slag resistivity, furnace resistance, cell constant and power input. The flow of heat generated by the electrode current determines the energy distribution and furnace dimensions creating viscosity profiles, which in turn affect flow conditions. Thus the flow of slag and matte isdiscussed in conjunction with the furnace geometry, stirring action of the electrodes, buoyancy and electromagnetic effects. The action of the electric furnace as a settler is discussed. The rectangular furnace is considered as a channel reactor in this analysis and the action of the electrodes is described to indicate a balanced settling rate in the area of electrode action. Discussion of the design and production capacity of the electric furnace with reference to operating current, power input, furnace dimensions and electrode size are based on considerations derived mainly from slag properties such as its resistivity, viscosity and liquidus temperature.

Jan 1, 2004

By Ray Brandon

The recent introduction of polymer geogrids for ground control purposes in underground mines allows mine operators more flexibility in choosing improved products for several applications. This is evidenced most clearly in longwall recovery operations. Since November, 1994, many mine operators have chosen Fortrac geogrid assemblies for the purpose of securing longwall recovery areas prior to shield removal. Fortrac is a lightweight, strong, and flexible polyester geogrid available in many strengths. Utilizing the "diamond" seaming method, different strengths of Fortrac geogrids are easily fastened together so stronger geogrids may be placed in the most critical areas and lighter geogrids in less critical areas.

Jan 1, 1996

By David Seaman, J-P Franzidis, Emmy Manlapig

"A new device has been developed to directly measure the bubble loading of particle-bubble aggregates in industrial flotation machines, both mechanical flotation cells as well as flotation column cells. The bubble loading of aggregates allows for in-depth analysis of the operating performance of a flotation machine in terms of both pulp/collection zone and froth zone performance. This paper presents the methodology along with an example showing the excellent reproducibility of the device and an analysis of different operating conditions of the device itself.The device has been used to investigate the froth selectivity of attached particles. Simultaneous measurements were made using a different froth recovery measurement technique in the same flotation cell. A comparison of these techniques shows that in this case, particles are selectively detached from bubbles at or near the pulp-froth interface.INTRODUCTIONA flotation cell can be considered to operate in two distinct phases or zones; namely the pulp or collection phase and the froth phase. The pulp zone is responsible for the formation of hydrophobic particle-bubble aggregates, whilst the froth phase is responsible for the separation of these aggregates from surrounding suspended hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles. Thus, the froth phase is the grade determining phase in flotation. A measurement of the bubble load (the mass of particles attached to air bubbles in units of mass/volume) will enable the analysis of the performance of both the collection zone at creating bubble-particle aggregates and also the froth zone at separating these aggregates from surrounding pulp.A measure of froth zone performance that has been used extensively in flotation research is the Froth Recovery, Rf, of a particular system. Froth recovery is defined as the mass of particles collected in the concentrate launder by true flotation as a fraction of the mass of particles entering the froth phase. The measurement of bubble load allows for this term to be calculated easily, rather than having to go through the laborious task of, for example, changing froth depths to determine this performance criterion (Contini et al., 1988; Vera et al., 1999b; Feteris et al., 1987)."

Jan 1, 2004

By E. Carvajal I

Large diesel engines provide the mining industry the substantial power and torque needed to move large amounts of material efficiently. But the stresses generated by such power and torque necessitate complex maintenance programs to ensure the utmost operating capabilities are not compromised. Of all its available sensors, the Exhaust Temperature differential between the right and left banks can provide the most valuable indicator of the overall operating condition and potential degradation of a large diesel engine. BHP Billiton Escondida Mining has implemented real-time remote monitoring, diagnostics, reporting, and tracking of Exhaust Temperature differential using Modular® technology. As a result of the processes and procedures put into place surrounding their MineCare maintenance management system, Escondida has proactively replaced over 300 injectors, resulting in an increase of 4% in Engine availability.

Jan 1, 2011