Search Documents

By D. L. Albright, G. A. Colligan

An investigation has been conducted to determine the nature of the crystallographic substructure of nickel and a 1.0 wt pct Ag-Ni alloy which had been undercooled 105°C prior to solidification. A rotating back-reflection X-ray technique and modified Weissmann diffractometer were used to orient single-crystal sections from these poly-crystalline ingots and to determine the substruc-tural features of these single crystals, The sub-grain size in the pure nickel ingot is 0.5 mm diam while the silver-doped nickel subgrain size is only 0.1 mm diam. The misorientation between adjacent subgrains is approximately 1 deg of arc in both ingots, and the spread of orientation of sub-grains about the mean orientation of the crystal is 5 deg of arc in both ingots. The addition of silver results in a stable impurity substructure which is preserved during isothermal solidification and subsequent cooling to room temperature. In the absence of silver the initial impurity substructure is destroyed by dislocation interactions which produce a secondary substructure which grows to a size five times larger than the initial substructure. THE process of undercooling a metal entails cooling of the molten sample below the equilibrium freezing point without the occurrence of solidification, i.e., by exercising proper constraint over the experimental variables contributing to nucleation in the melt. The current work of walker1 and Colligan Metal reports undercooling large continuous samples of nickel by imposing appropriate restrictions upon the parameters of solidification. The silver-nickel equilibrium diagram3 reveals the presence of a monotectic reaction at 1435°C. At this temperature the maximum solid solubility of silver in nickel is approximately 3 wt pct, but this solubility decreases with decreasing temperature and the solute is rejected as a silver-rich liquid phase at temperatures below 1435°C. Thus, the 1.0 wt pct solute should be held in solution during undercooling and solidification and subsequently precipitate as a silver-rich liquid phase at grain and subgrain boundaries following solidification during cooling below 1435. This assumes no solute segregation sufficient to cause the monotectic reaction. One would expect this second phase to inhibit grain and subgrain growth by retarding dislocation motion after solidification is complete. The effectiveness of silver addition in growth retardation of high-angle grain boundaries has been demonstrated by Colligan and suprenantS4 The principal [l00] dendrite growth directions in a 2 wt pct Ag-Ni alloy undercooled 53 all radiated from the nucleation site. A similar pure nickel ingot undercooled 59°C exhibited a random orientation of [l00] dendrite directions with respect to the nucleation site. Since undoped nickel ingots do not retain any evidence of the casting or solidification texture and silver-doped ingots do retain this texture, it is reasonable to assume that considerable grain growth has taken place in the pure nickel. These particular experiments were performed in order to reveal the differences, if any, in the features of the crystallographic substructure of undoped undercooled nickel and silver-doped undercooled nickel. 1) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Data are reported on selected specimens from two massive (approximately 260 g) undercooled ingots of nickel. One ingot consisted of electrolytic nickel and the other of this same material with 1.0 wt pct addition of high-purity silver. Powder patterns were taken of both the as-received and as-solidified materials; in all cases the reflections recorded were attributable to the individual elements nickel and/or silver. Fig. 1 is a. schematic diagram of the apparatus employed for the undercooling experiments. The equipment consists in part of a fused silica crucible for containing the charge. A fused silica tube encloses the system, which is covered by a brass cap to permit partial sealing of the inert atmosphere. This cap contains a hole through which a Pt-Pt 13 pct Rh thermocouple is inserted for temperature measurement. The charge is inductively heated under a purified argon atmosphere.

Jan 1, 1963

By L. J. Barnes

The process for bio-remediation of sulphidic slag (BROSS) operates at 45 degrees C in a neutral (pH 7), aerobic aqueous environment in which sulphide in the slag is converted to sulphate. A two-stage version has been developed that involves quantitative chemical pre-oxidation of total sulphide to thiosulphate, followed by complete biooxidation of thiosulphate to sulphate. Ferric hydroxide, also produced, acts as a flocculant in the bioreactor effluent, concentrating heavy metal precipitates in the thickener as a sludge which can be returned to the smelter. The process has a high sulphate production rate and low acid and nutrient consumptions. Microorganism growth is the rate-limiting stage, requiring a minimum liquid residence time in the bioreactor of about 7 h. Although large quantities of oxygen are needed, sufficient gas mass transfer can be attained in an air-lift reactor. Products are an aqueous stream containing sodium sulphate with only trace levels of toxic heavy metals and a benign, toxic metal-containing sludge

Jun 18, 1905

By Xinming Chen, Huazhe Jiao, Qi Zhang, Yunfei Wang, Liuhua Yang

The effect of initial damage generated by weakly cemented interlayer surfaces on the physico-mechanical properties of layered cemented tailings backfill (LCTB) is considered for the interlayer inclination structure generated by multiple layered backfills in large-scale mining voids. Utilizing the theory of damage mechanics, the damage evolution and constitutive model of LCTB with interlayer inclination is constructed by considering the coupling of interlayer inclination effect and loading. Based on Mitchell’s mechanical model, we analyze the damage mechanism of the inclined cementation surface of LCTB, and derive the expression for the strength of LCTB considering interlayer inclination. The mechanical properties test of LCTB with different inclinations was carried out, and the results showed that the damage model of LCTB established was highly consistent with the experimental curves, which verified the correctness of the model. The initial inclination damage leads to the decrease of adhesive cohesion of cemented surface, and with the increase of inclination, the separation of layered surface, aggravation of misalignment, layered cemented surface is more prone to shear damage, and the mechanical properties of cemented tailings backfill in the lower part of layered surface are not effectively played, which reduces the overall performance of the material.

Nov 23, 2023

By Ted J. Williams

Underhand cut and fill mining methods are used at the Lucky Friday, Stillwater, and Galena mines in the western US in an effort to safely mine in difficult ground conditions and as a primary mining method where access below the ore is limited. The method has evolved at each mine to meet the unique situations associated with their milling procedure and mine layout. Details of the operational aspects of the backfilling and mining cycles at each mine are presented in this paper, accompanied by a summary of the mechanical properties of the backfill and its in-situ geomechanical behavior.

May 1, 2007

By Y Gu, R Fandrich

Traditionally, characterisation of the mineralogy and textures of ore and rock samples were based on observations of hand specimens and thin sections using an optical microscope. The extent of the data collection was limited by the available tools and thus variations in mineralogy and texture were generally not described by quantitative data. These qualitative to semi-quantitative approaches, even though well established over the years, resulted in variable observations and data sets. The data were unlikely to be representative of a sample and limited statistical validity meant the results could not be reliably used in modern digital mining design and planning. With recently developed SEM based quantitative mineralogy tools and the corresponding methodologies, ore textures can be quantified and compared numerically. The numerical data can not only enhance the understanding of an orebody in geological terms, but can also be used in the creation of metallurgical models for mine and mineral processing design and simulation. These capabilities provide valuable inputs to risk assessment studies and the evaluation of mineral projects.

Jan 1, 2007

By Steven R. Munts

The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated mines, prospects, and mineralized areas in the South Providence Wilderness Study Area (WSA) in 1982. No mines are currently operating in the WSA, however, the Golden Gift Mine in the southeastern part of the WSA produced $6,800 1/ worth of gold and silver and five mines adjacent to the east boundary of the WSA had a total production of about $3,500,000 1/ in gold, silver, lead, and copper. There is no recorded placer gold production. Over 350 lode and placer mining claims are in and immediately adjacent to the WSA. Of these, 74 were actively held (1982) and at least one area, which is partly within the northeast portion of the WSA, was being actively explored by private industry in 1982. Adjacent to the southeastern border of the WSA the Big Horn Mine contains an estimated 200,000 tons of indicated and inferred marginal reserves averaging 0.25 oz/ton gold; and the Hidden Hill Mine has 550 tons of subeconomic resources averaging 0.60 oz/ton gold. An additional 11,000 tons of marginally economic gold-bearing dump reserves average 0.17 oz/ton gold at the Bighorn, Hidden Hill, and the Buena Vista Mines and the Midas Touch Prospect. Sample analyses indicate eight mines and prospects in, and five adjacent to the WSA may have additional gold-silver-lead-copper vein-type resources. Five of these prospect areas may have a disseminated gold resource and one may have gold resources in a skarn. One prospect may have a porphyry-type copper-molybdenum resource. Although gold placer claims were filed sporadically throughout the WSA, none appears to have placer gold resources. Likelihood for mining is greatest at the Big Horn Mine; if a mill is built there, it could process Big Horn Mine ore, ore from the Hidden Hill Mine, and gold-bearing dumps at the Big Horn, Hidden Hill, and Buena Vista Mines and the Midas Touch Prospect. All of these resources are adjacent to the WSA; however, their development would increase likelihood for development of resources in the WSA. Two major fault zones (the Hidden Hill, and the Big Horn) appear to have controlled the mineralization at many of the prospects and mines. All of the prospects or mines with vein-type occurrences and resources are on or adjacent to one of these fault zones. Veins throughout the eastern half of the WSA contain various amounts of gold, silver, and copper; only veins near the Big Horn Mine and in the northeastern corner of the WSA contain lead. Some veins are as thick as 6 ft, are traceable intermittently for over 2 mi along strike, are sporadically mineralized, are encased in prophylitic, argillic, and phyllic altered host rock, contain pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, specularite, barite, or fluorite, and display multiple stages of quartz veining and (or) brecciation. Sample analyses at five prospects (map nos. 3, 18, 23, 24, and 31) indicate they may have disseminated gold resources. To date no oil or gas has been discovered within the WSA. However, some oil and gas leases are currently (August 1982) held within this study area.

Jan 1, 1984

By Robert L. Davidoff

INTRODUCTION The impact of taxation differs substantially from state to state in a complex fashion that depends on both the physical characteristics of a mineral deposit and on the price of the mineral commodity relative to its costs of production. A comparative analysis of the tax structures of eight states (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wisconsin) showed wide variations in rates of return for any given type of mineral property, with no state having either the most burdensome or least burdensome tax structure under all circumstances. Three hypothetical mineral operations were analyzed: a producing open-pit copper property, a non-producing underground platinum operation, and a non-producing underground gold operation. None of them corresponds exactly to an existing property. Each of these property types is further defined to have ore feed grades at three different levels, leading to three potential profitability levels, referred to in this paper as "economic", "marginal" and "subeconomic". Thus the differential impact of state tax structures is measured for mineral properties of different types, as well as for different profitability levels. Montana is used as the base case. This study does not address the topic of corporate structures or tax consolidation. There are no costs assumed external to the operation of the deposit (e.g. exploration to locate additional deposits). Two types of analyses were performed for this study. The first calculates the total cumulative tax payments in each state using all applicable taxes (including U.S. federal income taxes and examines the resultant differences in discounted cash-flows rate of returns DCFROR's amoung the eight states. The second is a sensitivity analysis that examines each type of state tax separately (i.e. state income, property, and severance taxes) in order to isolate and examine the differences in tax payments that are due to the difference in rates and methods of computing specific types of taxes in each state. The results of this study serve to illustrate the complex nature of interactions among various taxes. For example, property tax is a deduction in calculating severance tax in some state. Changes in property-tax and severance-tax payments both enter into the calculation of state and federal income-tax liability. This, in turn, could change the timing and usage of tax-loss carry forward amounts and investment tax credits. Additionally, the physical characteristics of a property, the method and costs at which the mineral will be extracted, and the profitability level at which each property operates will affect tax treatment. Each mineral operation was evaluated at three different predetermined profitability levels, referred to using the terms economic, marginal and sub-economic. These three profitability levels are defined by the ore feed grades of the primary commodity that yield in constant terms, approximately an "economic" 18% DCFROR, "a marginal." 10% DCFROR, and a "sub-economic" 5% DCFROR, respectively, under the Montana tax structure. In the analyses, the mining and processing parameters for each of the three types of properties were assumed to be identical for each of the eight states. It was assumed that each operation produces at full operating capacity throughout its life. This implies the level of mineral commodity demand will support the inferred commodity price, such that each operation will be able to sell all its output. The analyses performed for this study were done using a comprehensive economic evaluation simulator that is used in the Bureau of Mines, Division of Minerals Availability MAS program to perform DCFROR analyses. All economic evaluations performed upon these data (see appendix 2) were in constant January 1981 dollars. By-product prices used for the analyses were: [Gold $425.00/troy ounce Palladium$200.00/troy ounce Silver $ 10.00/troy ounce] Typical cash-flow calculation layout is given in Appendix 3. The initial step for each evaluation is to define an "economic" profitability level scenario. An 18% DCFROR rate in Montana was considered the

Jan 1, 1985

By G. de B. van Niekerk

This paper briefly outlines some mining technology that is used with success in Australia but is not yet fully utilized in South Africa. The following aspects are discussed: improved rotary-drill bit performance, use of trucks and load haul- dump units underground, long-hole raising, blasting techniques, and the use of butterfly roofbolt plates for support.

Jan 1, 1989

By Jesus Garcia Iglesias, Jorge Loredo

"Abstract -The Asturian fluorspar district consists of vein and stratiform deposits where mineralization is controlled by a combination of lithological and tectonic factors.It is postulated that these fluorspar deposits have been formed under disequilibrium conditions created during circulation of ascending hydrothermal solutions along faults and other high permeability conduits. Mixing of solutions is inferred from fluid inclusion studies. Cavity filling and replacement processes are very important in localizing the ore deposits and in determining their morphology.Permian volcanic rocks in the area yield a regional positive geochemical anomaly in fluorine implying that Permian vulcanism may be a possible primary source of fluorine.On a regional scale a relationship can be established between some of the ore deposits and important tectonic lineaments. The stratiform deposits preferentially occur within a calcareous-detrital facies located at the margins of basins. These basin margins are related to important synsedimentary faults.Fluorite is the only economic mineral in these deposits. Quartz, carbonates, barite and pyrite are common minerals accompanying fluorite. Other minerals that may occasionally be present as minor components are: marcasite, chalcopyrite, fahlore, sphalerite, galena and related supergene minerals."

Jan 1, 1994

By C. Dorfling, M. Tadie, S. Grobbelaar

The physicochemical properties of the complex electrolytes used in direct copper electrowinning are an important consideration for the development of a high-fidelity model of the process. Direct electrowinning electrolytes typically contain a high background of metallic impurities. The effect of metallic ions on the properties and accompanying change in the limiting-current density for copper reduction have been the subject of several studies. Although various empirical correlations have been published for describing the physicochemical properties of electrowinning electrolytes, the correlations are only applicable to a limited range of conditions and cannot be extrapolated without further validation. Consequently, in this paper we validated existing physicochemical property correlations for the full range of operating conditions applicable to direct copper electrowinning and developed a new correlation for predicting the associated limitingcurrent density for copper deposition. Following, we evaluated the benefit of using the validated correlations as a component of a dynamic electrowinning model.

Jan 1, 2023

By Marcel Sturzenegger

Though the extraction of copper is well established, generation of sulfur dioxide (S02) is still a troublesome issue. Conventional processes are further challenged by the increasing amount of impurities in the concentrates. Direct decomposition of the metal sulfides into the metal(s) and elemental sulfur under concentrated solar radiation offers a promising path to solve both problems. Thermogravimetric measurements under inert atmospheres have shown that synthetic chalcocite or chalcopyrite yield copper at temperatures as low as 1773 K. Even though optimum reaction temperatures might be somewhat higher, such temperatures are straightforwardly accessible in solar chemical reactors. The absence of oxygen will reduce the extent of slag forming reactions and thereby alter the evaporation characteristics of volatile impurities such as arsenic or antimony. Chemical equilibrium calculations for a chalcopyrite-enargite feed, e.g., have shown that under inert atmospheres arsenic compounds are completely evaporated at temperatures above 1000 K and an effective separation of arsenic from the matte is expected. An important step towards a solar production of copper is the design and testing of prototype solar chemical reactors for this reaction. Numerical modeling is a key tool supporting a rational design but it requires data of the high-temperature properties that prevail in these processes. Development of techniques for determining the essential quantities such as decomposition rates or radiative properties at temperatures up to 2000 K is therefore a main activity in our laboratory in order to control and optimize the process. Though developed in the frame of high-temperature solar technology, the experimental techniques are also suited to advance the understanding of conventional high-temperature processes. Keywords: Solar technology, Sulfur dioxide, Solar Radiation, Thermogravimetry, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite, Numerical modeling.

Jan 1, 2003

By B. McFadzean, M. Becker, S Geldenhuys, A. Molifie

Mineral hydration is known to result in low flotation recoveries and grades within primary platinum group element ores worldwide. This is because the phyllosilicate minerals derived from hydration reactions of silicate minerals (i) form electrostatic coatings on valuable minerals that in turn hinder collector adsorption, (ii) alter the viscosity of the slurry leading to poor gas dispersion and (iii) decrease the concentrate grade due to naturally-floating gangue. Sodium silicate was investigated because its dispersant, rheology modifying, and depressant properties could prove promising in combating the problems associated with these ore types. Quantitative evaluation by scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed large quantities of serpentine and talc present within the ore sample used in this study, which led to a poor flotation response as indicated by batch flotation tests. Using sodium silicate improved the recoveries and grades at high dosages (>1000 g/t). The zeta potential experiments indicate that improved recoveries are, in part, as a result of the reversal of serpentine surface charge, creating electrostatic repulsion between serpentine and valuable minerals which prevents the coating of valuable minerals by serpentine slimes. Ore dilution and rheology tests indicated that decreased viscosity at high dosages also improved recoveries. Talc micro-flotation tests revealed that the depression of talc occurred at higher sodium silicate dosages, which improved concentrate grade. The processing of nearsurface altered ores is becoming an increasing problem worldwide and the use of sodium silicate proved valuable in mitigating the problems associated with the altered ore investigated in this study. Keywords: Alteration, phyllosilicate slimes, colloidal chemistry

Jan 1, 2020

By R. H. Eric, A. Chaendera

Gas jet was blown through bottom nozzles of a 1/5th scale CLU model in the presence and absence of slag. Kerosene and water were used to simulate the slag and metal phases respectively. Mixing time increased with increasing bath height and with a decrease in the gas flow rate. It was related to bath weight, bath height and gas flow rate. Slag increased mixing time by about 16% and the mass transfer values by about 32%. Mass transfer rates were higher near the bath surface and in the gas-liquid plume region. They increased with increasing gas flow rate and with a decrease in bath height. A relationship showing the dependence of derived mass transfer coef ficient on the gas injection rate was established. Turbulence characteristics inside the bath liquid were established to vary with location, vessel geometry and gas injection rate.

Mar 1, 2017

By K. Adham

Both the dry and the wet fluorination systems require hydrogen fluoride (HF) for the process of uranium conversion to uranium hexafluoride (UF6). The dry methods depend on the electrolysis of HF to generate the fluorine (F2) required for the high temperature pyro-fluorination. The wet methods require aqueous HF in water solutions for the low temperature hydro-fluorination (Argonne, 2019). This paper uses the available HF safety guidelines and industry information to discuss the issues of transportation, storage and utilization. Health effects and environmental considerations are reviewed. Safe practices for handling the HF (both as anhydrous and as aqueous) are considered. Proper selection of different materials of construction are discussed, for both the anhydrous and the aqueous HF.

Jan 1, 2020

By Takeuchi T, Matsugaki K

We have developed a new shotcreting which is suitable for the primary support of TBM tun- nelling in soft rock. This spraying compound is made from cement, a special accelerating agent and glass fiber. It can be sprayed on to a rock surface using a specially designed gun similar to paint-spraying equipment. Some of the characteristics of this method are as follows: 1) If spraying is done keeping the distance between the gun and the rock surface be- tween 0.2 and 3.0 m, the rebound losses are small and there is little dust. 2) This method can be used on excavated rock surfaces under inflowing water conditions of up to 10 i/m2òmin. 3) After 1 day the compressive strengthes of the sprayed material is greater than 250 kgf/cm2.

Jan 1, 1987

By S Jokanovic, J L. Mauk

The Taharoa ironsand deposit covers approximately 16 km2 and is located 144 km south of Auckland on the west coast of the North Island, New Zealand. The heavy mineral-rich sands predominantly contain titanomagnetite, ilmenite and hematite, along with lesser amounts of amphiboles, pyroxenes, and feldspars. Throughout the Taharoa mine site 142 samples were collected of which approximately 25 samples were used in mineralogical analyses of the magnetic, heavy non-magnetic and light non-magnetic fractions. Mineralogical and petrographic analyses confirmed the high abundance of homogeneous magnetite and magnetite containing ilmenite exsolution lamellae which have oxidised to hematite. A limited number of sand samples were collected from Taranaki beaches. Petrography reveals exsolution textures of magnetite and ilmenite (now hematite), and homogenous magnetite grains similar to those observed at Taharoa. Petrographic analyses from previous research projects were also closely investigated in order to make mineralogical comparisons from along the west coast of the North Island and with other potential source areas. The origin of detrital magnetite grains along the west coast of the North Island is generally presumed to be the eroded volcanic cones of the Egmont volcanoes and active and dormant volcanoes of the central North Island. Electron microprobe analyses of magnetite grains from Taranaki beach samples reveal TiO2 values of between 1.5 and 120 per cent. MgO and A12O3 contents also vary widely from 0.75 to 6.5 per cent. This large variability may reflect different volcanic eruptions, the presence of exsolution textures or alternative source areas for these magnetite grains. Geochemical results from the Taharoa mine site correlate with the Taranaki beach samples suggesting that the Egmont volcanoes are certainly one source area. Variability in XRF results, especially Fe and Ti contents (9.04 - 59.22 and 0.80 - 4.64 respectively), from the magnetic and heavy non-magnetic fractions likely reflect the detrital nature of this deposit.

Jan 1, 2003

By P Mulvey

"Currently mine process studies and geochemical waste characterisation are considered as two interdependent studies, necessary for the development of the mine and inclusion in the environmental impact statement (EIS). Geochemical waste characterisation will utilise the simulated tailings produced by the mine process studies team to understand the behaviour of the tailings, but the two teams rarely integrate these to develop a coherent and agreed final design.Thorough mine waste geochemical assessments can develop processes to minimise environmental harm, resulting in substantial savings in the decommissioning, closure and rehabilitation phases, and may also be able to address changes in mineral processing methods that can result in substantial savings in process inputs, or even recovery of metal concentrates.Based on geochemical waste characterisation, the full cost of waste management can be calculated and incorporated into the costing of milling.  This allows for a more effective evaluation of the metallurgy.  A number of examples are presented in which substantial improvements have been made from the collaboration of both the metallurgical and geochemical teams during planning and the metallurgical team and environmental team during operations.*This paper is only available for individual download. It is not included in the conference proceedings*CITATION:Mulvey, P, 2013. Optimising metallurgy at the planning stage to minimise environmental impact - a feedback loop from geochemical waste characterisation, presented to MetPlant 2013 Conference (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Jul 15, 2013

By Louis Donolo

New buildings in today's urban environment, especially in down-town areas, invariably involve the construction of multiple level basements. Used for parking, storage and commercial space, these underground structures normally extend 30 to 50' and more below grade and, to make optimum use of expensive land, they usually occupy the full site right up to street/sidewalk and property lines. SOIL SUPPORT SOLUTIONS Building these basements requires vertical excavation, and consequently, a temporary soil support system which will eventually be replaced by the permanent foundation walls of the structure.

Jan 1, 1987

By Morris T. Worley

Editor’s note: Mining companies doing business in Central Asia, and parts of the developing world, should look for ways to promote community development through the introduction of appropriate technology. This article should be of interest to SME members. It shows sustainable development type projects need not be massive or expensive. Smaller, utilitarian projects are equally valuable to developing communities as they seek to develop their own economic and social infrastructures. Joint Development Associates International (JDA) began humanitarian relief and community development in Central Asia in 1992, following the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Appropriate technology has played an important role in the company’s efforts to assist those segments of society that are most vulnerable to poverty and disease.

Jan 1, 2005

By B. J. Coetzee, P. W. Sonnendecker

The quality control of a two-stage coal washing process involves several complex components that need to be modelled accurately, to enable autonomous control of the process. The first objective is to develop a method to track the material through the washing process, while ensuring accurate washing prediction models are used. This was achieved through a digital twin model of the Grootegeluk 1 coal processing plant. The model is the amalgamation of manipulating and combining of data-sets from the plant historian, geological wash tables, and mining dispatch servers. This information is then used to control and set the processing medium densities of all 15 modules on the plant, 10 modules in the primary wash and 5 modules in the secondary wash. This controller has been successfully implemented and controlled the plant for 10 days.

Aug 2, 2022