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By A. Kapoor, L. Morin, S. Mortazavi, P. Béedard, Gould. W. D., A. Kuiper

The degradation of thiocyanate in a simulated gold mill effluent was studied using a laboratory scale rotating biological contactor (RBC). Complete SCN- removal was obtained at temperatures of 8 and 12°C, and a hydraulic retention time of approximately 3.3 h. The NH4+ produced by thiocyanate hydrolysis was oxidized by nitrifying bacteria to NO2 and NO3-. The HS- produced by thiocyanate hydrolysis was chemically and biologically oxidized to elemental S, which was subsequently biologically oxidized to sulfate. Incomplete sulfur oxidation occurred in the RBC, particularly at 8°C and elemental sulfur deposition was observed on the RBC disks. The RBC feed exhibited toxicity to rainbow trout but the RBC was effective in removing the acute toxicity of thiocyanate.

Jan 1, 2005

By Alfonso Rizo-Patrón Remy

El objetivo del siguiente trabajo es señalar un método que permita la recuperación económica de metales preciosos como el oro, plata y otros metales básicos (tales como plomo y cobre) de sus respectivas menas naturales y de los concentrados o relaves que los contengan. Para ello, se utlizará dos formas de aplicación: La primera se da en el tratamiento por cianuración de las menas, donde el carbón mineral es el medio precipitante de los metales disueltos. Mientras que la segunda ocurre cuando el carbón ha sido separado de las pulpas cianuradas, conviertiéndose en un agente reductor de los metales de fundición. De forma tal que se logra una recuperación integral de los metales preciosos y básicos en las barras de fundición.

Jun 20, 1954

By Alexandre Rodizio Bento

A segurança no ambiente de trabalho é primordial para prevenir acidentes na linha de montagem do setor automotivo. Este setor busca cada vez mais a modernização tecnológica aplicada nas máquinas e a qualificação profissional para melhorar e aumentar a manufatura das peças e componentes. Para atender a demanda intensa do mercado é importante garantir o rendimento produtivo constante dos trabalhadores no chão de fábrica. Devido a esta necessidade, é fundamental exigir atenção dos trabalhadores para prevenir condições inadequadas ou acidentes. A prevenção contribui de forma positiva a empresa, com maior produtividade e ao trabalhador com melhor qualidade de vida. Neste contexto, este trabalho apresenta um estudo que aplica métodos de segurança do trabalho como forma de prevenir acidentes no setor automotivo. Os métodos aplicados na linha de montagem são detalhados e analisados para prevenir possíveis riscos de acidentes. Esta aplicação permite atingir os seguintes resultados tais como: minimizar as perdas de horas homem, maximizar a produtividade do trabalhador, reduzir custos com acidentes, melhorar a imagem da empresa perante a sociedade e a satisfação dos clientes.

Aug 8, 2018

By Mariano de Córdova

A operação dos altos-fornos com injeção de carvão pulverizado ou gás natural requer uma alta qualidade do coque. Para um custo mínimo do coque, mantendo a qualidade necessária, a escolha de carvões e a formulação da mistura é um tema muito importante. Uma ferramenta amplamente utilizada para o design de misturas é a modelagem, precedido pela caracterização de carvões e seguido de teste no forno piloto. Neste trabalho, revisa-se o desenvolvimento dos modelos, com base la literatura pública. Três etapas cronológicas são levadas em conta, desde os anos sessenta até a atualidade.

Aug 17, 2017

By Rafaela Pacheco Malvão dos Santos, Rafaela Pereira Batista Carvalho, Flávio Monteiro de Souza, Bruno Moura de Jesus, Rodrigo da Silva Magalhães

Dentre as impurezas do gusa, o fósforo se destaca por promover fragilidade a frio ao aço, uma propriedade normalmente indesejada. A sua adequação a teores aceitáveis ocorre no Conversor LD, através da oxidação do banho e adição de fundentes. O modelo proposto objetiva determinar a adição de fundentes de forma dinâmica: com base na termodinâmica e ajustes com dados históricos visando promover uma escória adequada a proteção do revestimento refratário e a desfosforação. O modelo está em uso nos Conversores LD da Aciaria da Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional e demonstrou resultados satisfatórios.

Oct 1, 2019

Although out of the ordinary, MINING ENGINEERING is pleased to present a few photographs that typify Western US mining activity during WWII. The photographs, taken by R.G. Zellers at Colorado mining operations between 1942 and 1946, were primarily intended for equipment manufacturers. The pictures capture scenes of hardworking miners during a time when output was essential to fuel a wartime effort. In addition to providing a rare opportunity to step back 40 years and view the equipment and activity common at the time, Zellers' skill with photo composition and his ability to obtain clarity in dimly lit underground operations gives viewers an acute awareness of the dampness and dirt of the mines, and a sense for the miners' limited working space.

Jan 6, 1983

By T G. Vizcarra, T J. Napier-Munn, A T. Karbowiak, M G. Hart

Squeezing extra performance from existing equipment (‘sweating the assets’) is key to continuous improvement initiatives, particularly during times of cost cutting where the option of spending additional capital to facilitate circuit upgrades can be severely constrained. A common challenge, however, is identifying the best combination of settings for different process variables, as their effects can be camouflaged by interactions with other process variables and, of course, noise in historical data.This paper describes a recent investigation at Boyne Smelters Limited to identify strategies to coarsen the product of its dry, fixed-speed, open-circuit AG mill, without the need for installing pre-screens prior to the mill. The product is used as insulation material for the reduction of alumina to aluminium, and an excessively fine product was inhibiting the ability of the cover material to dissipate heat from the underlying anodes. The approach was to undertake a series of experiments, designed according to statistical criteria, to elucidate the effect of key process variables (feed blend and power draw) upon the product sizing. The results provided clarity about what strategies would encourage the production of a more desirable mill product (with some surprises). The study is a good example of how properly designed experiments can identify hidden potential in processing circuits, thereby mitigating the need for capital-intensive upgrades.CITATION:Vizcarra, T G, Hart, M G, Karbowiak, A T and Napier-Munn, T J, 2018. Getting the most from existing processes: using cleverly designed experiments to optimise the line 3 AG mill at Boyne Smelters Limited, in Proceedings 14th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2018, pp 207–216 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Aug 29, 2018

By Hui-gang Wang, Mei Zhang, Min Guo

Metal-doped Ni–Zn ferrite with spinel structure was directly synthesized from treated zinc-containing electric arc furnace dust (Zn-containing EAFD) by solid state reaction method, realizing the transformation of Zn-containing EAFD from solid waste to high value-added material. A certain mass of NiCl26H2O was added to the treated Zn-containing EAFD before calcination. Then the effects of the mass ratio of treated Zn-containing EAFD to NiCl26H2O (RTZE/N, g g−1) and calcination temperature on the synthesis and magnetic properties of as-synthesized samples were systematically investigated by X-ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy and Physical Property Measurement System. It is indicated that RTZE/N and calcination temperature had important influences on the synthesis of single-phase spinel ferrite and their magnetic properties. Pure metal-doped Ni–Zn ferrite, which exhibited good magnetic properties of higher saturation magnetization (Ms, 60.5 emu g−1) and lower coercivity (Hc, 49.8 Oe), was obtained when the calcination temperature was controlled at 1100 °C for 2 h with RTZE/N of 1:0.9.

Mar 1, 2017

By Mohammed Sakr

The use of helical piles for permanent foundation applications has become a practical and feasible alternative to the traditional cast-in-place concrete or driven steel piles. Research and development, installation equipment and manufacturing improvements in the helical piling industry have led to this trend. Moreover helical piles are typically smaller in size and weigh less than traditional piles, and require relatively smaller equipment and therefore it is a cost effective option. The latter is a very attractive feature for foundations installed in remote sites across Alaska. This paper presents full-scale pile load test results of helical piles and driven steel pipe piles installed in a site located in Anchorage, Alaska. Four full-scale pile load tests were carried out including two axial compression and two uplift load tests. Both helical piles and driven steel pipe piles were installed and tested at the same site under similar conditions to provide a direct comparison. The results of the full-scale load tests indicate the superior performance of helical piles compared to driven steel pipe piles. This paper describes the pile installation and test setup, presents the test data, and discusses the results.

Jan 1, 2009

By Frank J. Wiebelt

Under a general program to extend the resources of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines examined the Quien Sabe antimony mine in October 1948. The preliminary evaluation demonstrated that a diamond-drill program was warranted co establish the tenor and persistence of the veins and permit an estimation of antimony reserves. The Bureau of Mines conducted a diamond-drilling program on the property from December 1949 to May 1950. Ten holes aggregating 2,483 feet were drilled. Nine of the holes encountered antimony-bearing vein material.

Jan 1, 1956

By Jaime Tumialán de la Cruz

El presente texto busca describir las experiencias adquiridas en la mina de Cerro de Pasco a través del uso del "scooptram" eléctrico "LHD" de 2.2 yds. cú., marca "Jarvis Clark, a fin de mostrar su aplicación en otras minas cuyos problemas y características se asemejan a Cerro de Pasco. Los objetivos del empleo de este equipo son: aumentar la productividad en las áreas minadas por el método corte relleno descendente-mecanizado, mecanizar parte de la mina con equipos "LHD", pese a los problemas de ventilación, las temperaturas altas y reemplazar estos mismos equipos por aire acondicionado. En este sentido, se logró demostrar la eficacia del equipo eléctrico, especialmente en el uso de minas antiguas y de mayor profundidad, así como se mejoró las condiciones ambientales de trabajo y el costo de mantenimiento de los equipos eléctricos resultó más económico que las de diesels.

Nov 20, 1978

By E. B. Kroeger

Spoil instability has been a problem at a coal mine in interior Alaska. Parameters such as original site topography, groundwater conditions, material properties, spoil-pile geometry, geology, permafrost, natural slope instability, changing weather conditions, and dense, near-surface vegetation have interacted to produce unstable slopes. Several failure modes have been identified including deep seated earth block slides, bimodal earth flows, and solifluction. Thawing of permafrost also created conditions where sliding of spoil along the interface separating the spoil and the natural ground surface occurred when the cohesion and the friction angle of that zone was reduced to zero and below 15?respectively.

Jan 1, 1992

By Alfredo Plenge Thorne

El presente texto señala diversas alternativas y usos para un modelo dirigido a la optimización de una operación minera en el corto plazo, incidiendo en los aspectos mineros, metalúrgicos y comerciales. El modelo se basa en la función de utilidad financiera, cuando ésta es optimizada respecto de las variables que la conforman. Se prescinde de la variable tiempo, al considerarse este modelo como de corto plazo. Se presentan cuatro ejemplos, dos simulados con data real y dos prácticos basados en el resultado actual de la operación. Asimismo, se provee al usuario una visión integral que incluye las actividades principales de la cadena de valor en la minería; unificando criterios y evaluando los efectos de cada una de las decisiones del operador minero en la rentabilidad global de la operación, al variar los principales parámetros en el proceso productivo.

Sep 14, 2009

By José Luis Calderón, Percy Arrosquipa

Compañía Minera Poderosa ha identificado una interesante oportunidad de generar valor y de mejorar tanto el clima laboral como el de relaciones comunitarias mediante el proyecto descrito en este artículo. El proyecto se orientó a motivar la incorporación de prácticas de responsabilidad social, tanto entre proveedores de bienes y servicios, como entre empresarios mineros artesanales en proceso de formalización. Como ejemplo, se analiza el caso del cofinanciamiento de la obra “Mejoramiento del sistema de agua para consumo humano del anexo Pueblo Nuevo”, que benefició a 195 familias con un servicio de agua de calidad las 24 horas del día. De este modo, se corrigió una fuente de conflictos sociales y se materializó una alianza para el desarrollo local entre la mediana minería y la minería artesanal. Por su parte, Asociación Pataz entregó certificados de donación, deducibles del Impuesto a la Renta, a los aportantes.

Sep 30, 2017

By John Kvinsland

"The Block 43 Project is the future home of the Paul Allen Institute for Brain Science located just off the southern shore of Lake Union in Seattle, Wash. The South Lake Union (SLU) district experienced considerable development over the last 10 years and Vulcan, Inc., which is headquartered in Seattle, is at the forefront of this transition. Once a light industrial/residential location, SLU has transformed into a hub of medical technology comprising new residential units and mixed-use buildings. Malcolm Drilling Company, Inc. constructed four shoring projects for Vulcan in this vicinity over the last year, beginning with Vulcan Block 44, which consisted of 42,000 sq ft (3,902 sq m) of soldier pile and tieback wall to support a below-grade parking facility. Block 44 construction began in February 2013 and ended in mid-April. The feature project, Vulcan Block 43, was in planning stages at the time and began construction in late fall 2013.Awarded by GLY Construction of Bellevue, Wash., in September 2013, Block 43 was the most complex of the block projects performed by Malcolm. Block 43 featured dewatering and ground improvement components along with a water-tight secant pile wall. Following the commencement of Block 43, Malcolm also began work on Vulcan Block 52 in December 2013. Block 52 consisted of 43,000 sq ft (3,995 sq m) of conventional shoring in conjunction with dewatering of 8 ft (2.4 m) of excavation located below the water table. The final Vulcan project was Block 45, which started in January 2014 for Turner Construction of Seattle and consisted of 41,000 sq ft (3,809 sq m) of conventional shoring and required dewatering to complete the final 15 ft (4.6 m) of excavation.Scope and Subsurface ConditionsBlock 43 involved a wide variety of drilling applications for the building to be constructed and properly founded. The primary scope of work involved shoring support for an underground parking structure requiring excavation of approximately 82,000 cu 3 yds (62,694 m ) of soil. The cuts for the excavation were up to 43 ft (13.1 m) in depth, and the excavation was bounded by city streets as well as the South Lake Union Light Rail on its perimeter. In order to excavate beneath the water table, an extensive, deep dewatering system was required to drain the upper fill and reduce the impact of the pressurized aquifer located beneath the excavation. In addition, drilled rigid inclusions, along with compaction grouting, were required for foundation support of the future structure."

Jan 1, 2014

By Richard D. Hagni

Polished sections of pyrometallurgical intermediate products from a simulated commercial flash furnace were examined by reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry and electron backscatter analysis, and microprobe analysis for phase and textural relationships. The smelter feed is a copper concentrate from a porphyry copper deposit. The concentrate consists primarily of chalcopyrite, bornite and pyrite with smaller amounts of covellite, chalcocite, molybdenite, magnetite, galena, and sphalerite. The flash furnace reactions for pyrite and chalcopyrite can be observed by reflected light microscopy. Reacted angular particles of pyrite exhibit successive rims of fibrous pyrrhotite and hematite or magnetite. Reacted angular chalcopyrite particles show successive rims of bornite, digenite, and chalcocite. Spherical particles, formed by the complete melting of former pyrite particles, consist of variable amounts of granular pyrrhotite with magnetite rims and minor hematite. Spherical particles, formed by the complete melting of former chalcopyrite particles, exhibit exsolution intergrowths with varying proportions of intermediate solid solution, bornite, digenite, and chalcocite and have rims of hematite, magnetite, and copper-iron spinel. Sphalerite and molybdenite do not show evident mineralogical reactions.

Jan 1, 1987

By D. J. Parker

The oft-repeated expression that the taproot of safety lies in the attitude of the management toward accident-prevention work is indisputable and has become almost an axiom. Trite and somewhat timeworn though the statement may be, it is nevertheless true that the supervisory force must earnestly support a policy of safety and maintain at all times a con¬ siderate regard for the welfare of the employee if that high degree of cooperation of the employee, so vital to the successful prosecution of any safety program, is to be expected. The responsibility for preventing accidents rests upon the management, and in the case of the Spring Canyon Coal Co. such responsibility is recognized and accepted with little or no reservation. This company, aside from the humanitarian aspects involved, believes that safety is good business and not a matter to be treated passively or in a perfunctory manner. The problems with respect to safety that have been met and wholly or partly solved can best be appreciated when some of the natural conditions, adverse and otherwise, existing at this operation are taken into consideration. Mine 1 is about 1 mile north of the town of Spring Canyon, Carbon County, Utah, and is served by both the Denver & Rio Grande Western and Utah Coal Route railways. During the year 1931 the mine produced 312,397 tons, approximately 10 per cent being derived from pillar workings. The normal daily output during the summer months is about 2,000 tons, and during the peak of production in the winter season the daily production varies from 2,500 to 3,000 tons. The number of miners varies from 87 in summer to 220 in winter, and the day men vary in number from 66 in the winter to 45 in the summer; 12 company men are employed the year around. The officers of the company are J. B. Smith, president, San Francisco, California; T. R. Stockett, general manager, Salt Lake City; and G. A. Murphy, superintendent, David Brown, assistant superintendent, and John Sullivan, mine foreman, all of Spring Canyon, Utah.

Dec 1, 1932

By Leonilson Toffoli Pedrini

A corrosão ocorre devido à deterioração de um material pela ação química ou eletroquímica em meio corrosivo, sujeito ou não a esforços mecânicos, causando modificações indesejáveis, tais como perda de massa, alterações estruturais e variações químicas. O aço inoxidável austenítico AISI 304L é utilizado em grande escala pelas indústrias por apresentar baixo custo e boa resistência à corrosão decorrente da camada de passivação. A passividade dos aços inoxidáveis em eletrólito com íons de cloreto é destruída em pontos ou áreas localizadas. Neste trabalho foi analisado, por meio de ensaios eletroquímicos, a resistência à corrosão do aço AISI 304L. Foi utilizada gaiola catódica em chapa de aço inoxidável 316, com dimensões de 0,8 mm de espessura, 112 mm de diâmetro, furos de diâmetro de 25 mm de altura e 8 mm uniformemente distribuída, com um distância de 9,2 mm entre furos. Os tratamentos térmicos foram realizados a 700, 800 e 900ºC, respectivamente. Os resultados indicam que a resistência à corrosão das amostras tratadas diminuiu, devido a precipitação de nitretos quando são submetidas a processos em altas temperaturas.

Aug 16, 2017

By José Fernandes De Oliveira Ugarte

El presente texto señala los resultados de la caracterización mineralógica de muestras pertenecientes a yacimientos hidrotermales de Lima y así conocer laa mineralogía de de diferentes minerales de plata y sus respectivas asociaciones, así como sus relaciones geoquímicas. Así para evaluar la afinidad de la plata, se realizó el estudio geoquímico estadístico con los minerales alabandita, rodocrosita, pirita, esfalerita, galena, arsenopirita y calcita obtenidos por difracción de rayos X. El contenido de plata se obtuvo con los análisis químicos por fluorescencia de rayos X.

Jun 1, 2013

By Kazem Oraee-Mirzamani, Nikzad Oraee-Mirzamani, Arash Goodarzi

"Unexpected movement of ground can potentially endanger lives, damage equipment or destroy property. Occupational accidents frequently occur with fatal consequences in developing countries with significant economic dependence on industries such as mining. Therefore, there is increasing need for miners' protection against such hazards. Slope stability and roof support accidents are two of the major causes of fatalities at surface and underground mining operations. According to national codes, employers are obligated to protect workers against accidents; however, these rules fall short of the standards in developed countries. National safety regulations should clearly specify support systems. The International Labor Organization (ILO) prepared two codes of practice, aiming to guide those responsible for improving standards of safety and to provide guidelines for drafting of safety regulations for the coal mine industry and quarry open cast mines. The practical recommendations of these codes in the ground control area have been analysed and the advantages and disadvantages of ILO codes concerning ground control are summarized.INTRODUCTIONTwo million people die every year from work-related accidents and diseases. An estimated 160 million people suffer from work-related diseases, and there are an estimated 270 million fatal and non-fatal work-related accidents per year. In economic terms, the ILO has estimated that 4% of the world's annual GDP is lost as a consequence of occupational diseases and accidents (ILO, 2009).Mining has always been dangerous due to many potential risks such as those associated with using machinery in enclosed spaces, rock falls, blasting operations and explosion of flammable gases, which endanger miners' safety and health. However, it is suggested that implementing new laws along with strict adherence would reduce such risks in the workplace.The severity and frequency of accidents are trending downward in developed countries, where the focus is on large private companies who invest heavily in mechanization and developing economies of scale. But in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, minerals are extracted by people working with simple tools and equipment; they work on a smaller scale, are more flexible, and can exploit irregular ore bodies and steep, dipping seams."

Jan 1, 2010