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By A. W. Fletcher

Report of discussion at February, 1971, IMM general meeting (Chairman: M. J, Cahalan President) of a paper published in Transactions/Section C (Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy), vol. 79, December, 1970, pp. C247-52, and contributed remarks. Contributions are included from: Cahalan M.J., giving figures related to leaching Cu from pyrite at Rio Tinto 1880-1910; Noakes F.D.L.; Embling P.M.K.; Bradshaw A.V.; Le Roux N.W.; Kelly D.P.; and Tuovinen O.H. Questions were raised regarding impurity removal, effects of light and ultraviolet light on the bacteria, the economics of solvent extraction and the possibilities for other organisms or other metals

Dec 1, 1971

By W. J. Whiten, D. W. Grinsberg

Most cluster analysis techniques are not well suited to the analysis of engineering data as they have been designed for more qualitative data that tend to produce compact clusters. A clustering technique is described which develops and uses local cluster shapes to build clusters that are suitable for use in engineering applications. The technique is finding application in the analysis of many types of data, particularly where multiple trends and outlying points occur in multiple dimensions. Applications of particular interest are the calibration of on-stream analytical equipment and the analysis of data on plant performance. In both cases the multidimensional nature of the data renders manual analysis very difficult

Dec 1, 1991

By F. Reich, S. L. Chryssoulis, K. G. Stowe

The surface chemistry of particulates from mineral processing streams can be determined by laser-probe microanalysis. The small area of analysis (2-30 micrometres) enables the surfaces of individual grains to be characterised. Conclusions are based on data acquired from a statistically significant number of grains of a given type. Maps showing the distribution of elements on the surface of mineral particulates can be obtained by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The importance of such analyses in understanding the response of minerals to beneficiation practices is discussed with reference to three examples. The first relates to the loss of selectivity in the differential flotation of a base-metal ore, the second to the different flotabilities of coarse- and fine-grained pentlandite from a Cu-Ni ore and the third concerns the preg-robbing effects of organic matter in a carbonaceous gold ore.

Jan 4, 1992

By D. D. Lei, H. Sevim

Long-term production planning in open-pit mines requires the determination of cut-off grade, mining and milling production rates, a mining sequence, mine life and ultimate pit limits. Since these variables interact in a circular fashion, a genuine solution to the problem necessitates their simultaneous determination. A methodology with this capability is described. This comprises a group of heuristic algorithms and an unconventional dynamic programming algorithm. The method is demonstrated using data for a gold deposit in the western USA

Jul 1, 1996

By C. A. Pickles

Mixtures of silver chloride and copper chloride are produced during gold refining by the Miller process. A study was carried out into the reduction with iron of a synthetic Miller chloride containing 13.64 mass% Ag and 2.42 mass% Cu. The effects of smelting temperature and time and of additions of iron and borax were investigated. The results were interpreted in terms of metal recovery and quality. Temperature did not have a significant effect on metal recovery above the melting point of the metal product. Borax additions reduced vapour losses and improved metal recovery. With excess iron it was possible to achieve silver recoveries of about 100% and copper recoveries of about 70%. The metal product contained on average 76.1 mass% Ag, 7.5 mass% Cu and 12.8 mass% Fe.

Jan 4, 1993

By Z. H. Khan, A. K. Saha, D. D. Akerkar

The possibility of extracting nickel from a low-iron, highly siliceous nickel ore of Indian origin using roast reduction followed by an ammonia leaching process has been examined. The ore used in the investigation contained 0.82 wt% Ni, 6.20 wt% Fe3O4, 12.04 wt% MgO and 60 wt% SiO2. Phase changes in the constituent minerals on heating were studied by differential thermal analysis which revealed endothermic peaks at 110 and 695 degrees C and an exothermic peak at 810 degrees C. Significant process variables in studies of roast reduction include the amount of reductant, the temperature of reduction and chemical kinetics. Maximum nickel extraction was achieved by reducing the ore with 10 wt% fuel oil at 750 degrees C. The reduced ore was given a preconditioning treatment in concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution to oxidise most of the metallic iron and was then leached in aqueous ammoniacal solution at ambient temperature to dissolve nickel. This gives 88.5% extraction of nickel as soluble ammine complexes.

Jan 4, 1992

By J. P. Rees

Describes methods of dust-sampling such as weighing the dust caught on cotton-wool, the sugar tube, konimeter, circular konimeter and the thermal precipitator. Covers the work of mine dust inspectors, the Miners' Phthisis Prevention Committee and the Chamber of Mines Dust Department.

Jan 1, 1947

Discussion at the Midland Institute of Mining, Civil, and Mechanical Engineers' general meeting held in Leeds, March 21st, 1916, with T. Beach, vice-president, in the chair, of a paper published in Trans. Inst. Min. Engrs., 1916, vol. L., page 509, comprised a written contribution by O'Shea L.T.

Dec 1, 1916

By E. A. C. Chamberlain

New techniques for the continuous sampling and analysis of mine air are expected to replace traditional methods used for the early detection of spontaneous combustion. It has been established that the rate of evolution of carbon monoxide is the earliest indicator of incipient spontaneous combustion. Two methods of continuous monitoring of this gas are available and are now in use in the UK collieries. The first is the UNOR infra-red gas analyser, which is flameproof and may be used underground; the second is a system of tube bundles, which permits air to be drawn from any critical point in a colliery and analysed on the surface. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages but both provide the colliery manager with far more information on the condition of his pit than could previously be obtained by spot sampling and laboratory analysis. This paper describes the two systems presently in use and assesses likely future developments.

May 23, 1905

By Winmill T. F.

Among the various theories proposed to account for the spontaneous ignjtion of coal, one which has at times been very strongly held is that the initial heating is due to the oxidation of iron pyrites. From the results described in this paper, it is possible to calculate roughly the rate of spontaneous heating of a specimen of finely-divided pyrites, on the assumption that all the heat developed is used in raising the temperature of the pyrites, and that none is lost. It is clear that where finely-divided pyrites occurs in considerable proportion among coal, it may be the chief factor in originating combustion, but that pyrites can only be the cause of a heating when it is present in considerable proportion, and in a very finely-divided state

Dec 1, 1916

By R. Vikram

IMAGES (Integrated Mapping Applications Graphical Evaluation System) is a computer graphics system developed by British Coal for mine planning. The objectives of the system are to increase the profitability of mined coal through a combination of direct and indirect benefits. The system is flexible and can be used in part or in full at a mine as a stand-alone system or as a remote location of a central corporate system.

Jan 12, 1992

By N. Djordjevic

It is commonly accepted that the strength of rock measured from small samples tends to give unrealistically high estimates of the strength of larger samples, in situ blocks of rock or the rock mass in situ. The Weibull theory of the statistical strength of material provides a possible means for calculation of the strength of large rock volumes, based on the routine testing of small samples. Application of the Weibull approach to estimation of the strength of Moura coal showed an encouraging agreement with experimental results and the method was also applied to hard-rock andesitic and porphyry ore from Bajo de la Alumbrera, Argentina

Jun 21, 1905

By G. D. Nicholls

There have been very few attempts to isolate the various factors that contribute to the overall imprecision of geochemical analytical procedures, due in part to the difficulty of distinguishing between them. The technique of spark source mass spectrography permits a ready distinction between the contributions to overall precision from sampling error and instrumental and other errors. With conventional methods of sample preparation for this technique sampling difficulties are responsible for 80-90 per cent of the overall imprecision. Examination of the probable location of the major difficulties in sample preparation indicates that the preliminary stage of grinding, mixing and extraction of a first aliquot (about 1/100 of the original sample) is generally perfectly adequate. The difficulty lies in the subsequent stages of sample preparation. Dry mixing techniques are unlikely to give good precision if the sub-samples actually examined by the analytical technique are less than 10 mg in amount. Solution techniques are less prone to sampling difficulty. Fusion techniques, unless conducted with great care, can produce more difficulty than dry mixing. Sample preparation is critical to the success of many analytical procedures. Selection of appropriate sample preparation techniques requires just as much care as the selection of techniques for the actual analysis.

Dec 1, 1971

By S. Y. Ezz

Report of discussion at February, 1971, IMM general meeting (Chairman : M. J. Cahalan, President) of a paper published in Transactions/ Section C (Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy), vol. 79, September, 1970, pp. C226-C233 with contributions by Wild R. and Astier J. on fluidised bed reduction of iron ore fines

Dec 1, 1971

Discussion of the papers with a written contribution and authors' written replies.

Jan 1, 1947

"Prior to the publication of the General Report of the Miners' Phthisis Prevention Committee of South Africa in 1916 little attention was paid to the dust hazard and the necessity for its suppression in the underground workings of the Broken Hill mines. Such precautions as were observed for the elimination of dust were related rather to the prevention of lead poisoning, which, in the early days of Broken Hill when large tonnages of lead carbonate ore were being won, was rather prevalent. Ventilation and hygiene followed the general practice in this and most foreign countries.This paper covers incidence and action since 1918, considering medical aspects and operating aspects. "

Jan 1, 1947

By P. A. Rossouw, G. A. Fourie

The correction to the paper published in Trans. IMM A, vol.105, 1996, p.A162-A165 stresses that figs. 4 and 5 had been interchanged, reproduces them with their correct captions for clarity and encourages readers to comment on the Delft proposal

Jun 19, 1905

It was intended to show a film on Dust Suppression in the South Wales Coal-mines. Unfortunately, owing to a breakdown, only a small portion of the film was shown.

Jan 1, 1947

By Dobson C. L.

The memoir, presented at the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers' general meeting held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 3rd June 1916, outlines the career of one of the Institute's oldest members and past-president 1896-1898, including the improvements he introduced at Harton, St. Hilda and Boldon collieries and his activities with the Institute and the Durham Coal Owners' Association

Dec 1, 1916

By S. V. Shiraishi, H. B. Bell

Report of discussion at February, 1971, IMM general meeting (Chairman: M. J. Cahalan, President) of a paper published in Transactions/Section C (Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy), vol. 79, June, 1970, pp. C120-C127, with a contribution by Wright P.A. on the miscibility gap

Dec 1, 1971