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By C Roche, G M. Mudd

The Morobe Province of central Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been mined for gold for nearly a century, although it is only in the past decade that large-scale modern mining commenced. The Hidden Valley gold-silver project began construction in mid-2006 and production by August 2009, and is located in the mountains above Wau in the headwaters of the Watut River. The mine is owned and operated by the Morobe Mining Joint Venture (MMJV), which also owns the Wafi-Golpu project, comprising the Wafi gold deposit and Golpu copper-gold deposit, situated in the Watut River Valley. Together they represent a potential mine of the scale of Ok Tedi or Bougainville or bigger. The MMJV is owned in equal shares by Newcrest Mining from Australia and Harmony Gold from South Africa. Although Hidden Valley was the first large-scale mine in PNG to engineer and build a tailings storage facility, poor environmental management during construction and early operations led to significant erosion of waste rock and sedimentation impacts throughout the ~200 km length of the Watut River. Since then, substantial efforts have been made to improve environmental management, especially waste rock placement and storage and water quality management. While the impacts from the Hidden Valley project appear to be reducing, the saga has heightened concerns by many along the Watut River and across PNG about ongoing impacts from mining.This paper presents the results of an ongoing project in the Morobe Province conducted by the Mineral Policy Institute examining the historical, current and future impacts of mining, including community views, social and environmental impacts and the monitoring and regulation of mining. Overall, there is a clear need to more fully integrate social and environmental issues into life-of-mine planning and go above and beyond regulatory requirements. In this way, some of the lessons learnt – by the community, MMJV and government – can be incorporated before, during and long after mining.CITATION:Mudd, G M and Roche, C, ?2014. Mining in Morobe, Papua New Guinea – impacts, assurance and self-determination, in Proceedings Life-of-Mine 2014 , pp 313–336 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 16, 2014

By J. P. Josien, J. F. Noirel, F. Lahaie, P. Bigarre, M. Al Heib

ABSTRACT: In June 2001, a fatal rockburst affected a longwall face in the Houillères du Bassin de Lorraine (HBL), France. Subsequently, a large operation of in situ stress measurements by overcoring was carried out with two main objectives: providing input data for the back analysis of the dynamic event and characterising the stress field in the next panels to be mined for identifying other potential high-risk zones. This paper makes a synthesis of the results of the overcoring tests performed and discusses those results in connection with the mining context, numerical model predictions, laboratory rock test results and microseismic activity. KEY WORDS: Mine, rockburst, stress, overcoring, measurement. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Im Juni 2001 hat ein Bergschlag eine Kohlengrube des Houillères du Bassin de Lorraine (HBL, Lothringen, Frankreich) schwer beschädigt. Nach diesem Unfall sind Spannungsmessugen durch Überborung durchegeführt worden, mit zwei Hauptziele : 1/ Daten zu liefern für die Retro-analyse des dynamischen Gebirgsschlag und 2/ die Spannungen in den zukünftigen Ausbauen so gut wie möglich zu charakterisieren, um eventuele andere Risikozonen festzustellen. Dieser Artikel stellt eine Synthese der erzielten Ergebnisse vor. Er diskutiert diese Ergebnisse in Verbindung mit dem gesamten Kohlengruben Zusammenhang, mit den Ergebnissen von numerischen Modellierungen, mit der Labor-Charakterisierung und mit der microsismische Überwachung. SCHLÜSSEL-WÖRTER: Kohlengruben, Bergschlag, Spannung, Überborung, Messung. RESUME: En Juin 2001, un coup de terrain a gravement affecté une longue taille aux Houillères du Bassin de Lorraine (HBL) en France. A la suite de cet accident, une importante campagne de mesures de contraintes par surcarottage a été réalisée, avec deux objectifs majeurs : fournir des données d’entrée permettant la rétroanalyse du phénomène dynamique et caractériser au mieux le champ de contraintes dans les futurs panneaux exploités afin de détecter d’éventuelles autres zones à risque. Cet article présente une synthèse des résultats obtenus, et discute ces résultats en liaison avec le contexte d’exploitation, les résultats de modélisation numérique, de caractérisation en laboratoire et de surveillance microsismique. MOTS CLES: Mine, coup de terrain, contrainte, surcarottage, mesure.

Jan 1, 2003

The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum (NMHF&M) will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Sept. 22, 2012 when the 2012 class is inducted during a special ceremony in Las Vegas, NV in conjunction with MINExpo 2012. The NMHF&M will induct four men representing the equipment manufacturing, minerals exploration, copper and coal sectors of the mining industry. The diverse cross-section of mining industry giants joining the hall of fame include Glen A. Barton, J. David Lowell, Samuel Newhouse and John Cleveland Osgood. They will join 214 other mining industry pioneers when they are formally inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame at the 25th Silver Anniversary Induction Banquet & Ceremony. These men were selected for being visionaries, leaders and ambassadors within their own sectors and across the industry at large.

Jan 1, 2013

By Calvin J. Konya

Overloaded blastholes and insufficient stemming are major factors in flyrock accidents at surface metal and non-metal mines, Accurate measurement of blasthole depth, stemming height, and water depth would reduce the overload and the probability of blow-out, flyrock, excessive ground vibration, and airblast. Problems result because current measuring systems are inaccurate and often difficult to used A literature survey determined measurement techniques and blasting parameters prior to 1970. Similar data were gathered for current practices in 11 iron mines, 30 copper mines, and 92 quarries. Most operations used a cloth tape to measure borehole depth and stemming height; approximately 10% of the operations had dry blastholes. Alternate measurement techniques were evaluated and discussed. Candidate measuring techniques with best potential for improvement over the present weighted tape method are disposable tapes or string chains, automated readout tapes, modified sludge level indicators and acoustic resonance methods.

Jan 1, 1981

By Jorge Maldonado Villa

Se desarrollaron materiales compuestos de matriz polimérica para toberas en cohetes; con dos zonas: una térmica para soportar elevadas temperaturas de combustión y una estructural que resista los esfuerzos generados. La zona térmica se elaboró con materiales de comportamiento ablativo, probados a temperaturas de hasta 2950°C durante dos minutos, los cuales fueron reforzados con polvo cerámico y/o subproducto de la industria siderúrgica (cerámico 2). Con base en los resultados obtenidos del comportamiento de térmico y de conductividad térmica del material ablativo, se construyó la zona estructural en materiales compuestos fibroreforzados (vidrio y carbono) con matriz polimérica. Los moldes se diseñaron en SolidWorks y se fabricaron por prototipado en ABS rápido y se elaboraron machos disgregables en poliuretano. En la zona térmica se usó un procedimiento de vaciado con vibración con diferentes tipos de matrices (poliéster, vinilester, caucho silicona) y de laminación para la zona estructural. Se evaluó el desempeño mediante simulación de las condiciones reales de operación mediante llama de oxicorte y quemador de ACPM, observando el efecto en la pérdida de peso, espesor, diferencial de temperatura, cambio de propiedades mecánicas, etc.; encontrándose un positivo comportamiento del sistema con matriz de resina vinilester reforzado con polvo cerámico 1 y buenos resultados con cerámico 2, así como una estabilidad en la zona estructural construida con fibras de vidrio y carbono. Substituir todo o texto de orientação deste Template pelo conteúdo de seu trabalho. Inserir o texto com no máximo 1.500 caracteres (200 palavras), sem uso de parágrafos. Deve conter, de maneira concisa, o objetivo, a metodologia, os resultados e as conclusões do trabalho.

Aug 17, 2017

A record $19.7 billion in minerals was produced by United States industries in 1963. This was some $800 million above the previous high established in 1962. Preliminary statistics compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Mines show that most metals, nonmetals, and fuels gained both in value and volume of production. The 1963 total represents the largest value increase since 1956 and continues an upward trend begun in 1959. Product.ion and value of all mineral fuels rose, with anthracite registering a remarkable 20% value increase. Nonmetals advanced 591 in value, gains exceeding losses by 213 to 1 among individual commodities. Heavier industrial demand and the settling of labor difficulties were among the factors contributing to increased output of such materials as iron ore, bauxite, molybdenum, lead, and zinc, which accounted for most in€ the growth in metal output. Silver prices continued to rise and, as a result, production value of that metal gained 132,.

Jan 2, 1964

By Kenneth L. Cook

From March 1944 to July 1945 the Division of Geophysical Exploration of the Federal Bureau of Mines made magnetometer surveys of some of the principal iron ore deposits of the Iron Springs district, Iron County, Utah. The district comprises a belt about 23 miles long and 3 miles wide. Most of the large ore bodies are found as pods of replacement ore within a favorable limestone bed lying at the margins of three separate igneous intrusions in the district The magnetic surveys were confined chiefly to this geologically favorable zone at the margins. The iron ore is a mixture of magnetite and hematite. The magnetite content of the ore ranges from 14 to 58 percent. Magnetic anomalies of 1,250 gammas or more were usually found over the near-surface ore bodies. About 62,000 magnetometer stations were taken over a total traverse distance of about 300 miles. Outcropping ore bodies were surveyed to determine, insofar as was possible from the magnetic data, their probable length, width, depth, extent, strike, dip, and tonnage. Geologically favorable areas where no ore is exposed were explored in an endeavor to find new ore bodies. Favorable locations were determined for exploratory diamond drilling, both in areas of exposed ore bodies and in areas of newly discovered magnetic anomalies. Forty-five separate magnetic anomalies that indicate the possible existence of ore bodies were observed. Of these, 13 anomalies are caused by outcropping ore bodies of proved commercial size. Five are caused by non-outcropping ore bodies of proved commercial size which were discovered, in whole or in part, as a result of the geophysical surveys. Of the remaining anomalies, which lie in virtually un-tested areas where few or no ore bodies are exposed, six probably are caused by large, unexposed replacement ore bodies, nine are possibly caused by large, unexposed replacement ore bodies, and six are probably caused by unexposed magnetite veins of some small commercial importance,

Jan 1, 1949

By Dominick Mandalari, David Mast, Heather Ullinger, Juan Granja, Amanda Foote

The City of Akron will construct the Northside Interceptor Tunnel (NSIT) project to control and reduce combined sewer overflows. One component of the project a large diameter tunnel diversion / flow control structure that will facilitate tunnel storage, divert dry weather flow to the treatment plant, and divert large wet weather events that are greater than the tunnel capacity to the Cuyahoga River. The structure is designed to pass up to 1.2 billion gallons per day of flow and includes floatables screening. This paper will discuss project background, factors that influenced shaft location, and options evaluated to manage the large design flows.

Jun 23, 2024

By P. J. Mackey, J. B. See, D. G. C. Robertson

The production of iron and steel and non-ferrous metals by pyrometallurgical processes will remain a critical element in meeting the demand for materials in both developed and developing nations. Given the important need to reduce and minimise greenhouse gas emissions the technological focus of future pyrometallurgical R&D by universities and industry alike must concentrate on sustainability issues such as improved energy efficiency, recycling and waste minimization. Continued efforts are also needed on process optimization and new process development with a view to reducing capital and operating costs of the new large “mega” plants. Using the academic and industrial backgrounds of the authors, the present paper reviews the current status of R&D in pyrometallurgy in university departments with a particular emphasis on sustainability issues. The role of industry and government laboratories is also reviewed although primarily for developed countries. The paper also includes comments and suggestions on the future requirements for education and R&D in pyrometallurgy in developed countries to maximise sustainability. It is also suggested that future R&D in pyrometallurgy will be even more concentrated in developing countries – most notably China.

Jan 1, 2014

By W. Wittke

SUMMARY: Geotechnical problems often lead to an increase of construction time and costs for large highway and railway projects. Some reasons, which have led to failures and thus to a delay of construction works as well as to increasing costs, are demonstrated by means of case histories, in which the author was involved as expert or planner. Proposals are made how to identify the reasons and to avoid repetitions. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Bei Großprojekten der Verkehrsinfrastruktur stehen häufig geotechnische Aufgabenstellungen im Vordergrund. Wegen geotechnischer Probleme kam und kommt es häufig zu Termin- und Kostenüberschreitungen. Anhand einiger Beispiele, bei denen der Autor als Gutachter und Planer beteiligt war, wird gezeigt, welche Ursachen zu Schadensfällen und damit auch zu Termin- und Kostenüberschreitungen geführt haben. Es werden Hinweise und Anregungen gegeben, wie die Ursachen erkannt und Wiederholungen von Schadensfällen vermieden werden können. RÉSUMÉ: À grands projets de l'infrastructure de la circulation, souvent des tâches géotechniques sont au premier plan. Par suite de problèmes géotechniques, souvent des dates et frais ont été dépassés. Au moyen de quelques exemples, à lesquels l'auteur participait comme expert et planificateur, les causes sont mises en vue qui menaient à des cas de dommage et par cela aussi à des dépassements de dates et frais. Des indications et suggestions sont données pour s'apercevoir des causes et éviter des répétitions de cas de dommages.

Jan 1, 2003

By H. Foster Bain

The war has brought about many changes in the Western States, and some have deep pr sent or potent al economic significance. The West has been feeling severe growing pains for a number of years. Especially since the beginning of preparation for national defense and through the period of

Jan 1, 1945

By S. M. Spottiswoode, Linzer. L. M.

We report on further progress in improving seismic locations by using the so-called double-difference method (Spottiswoode and Milev, 1998 and Waldhauser et al., 1999). Double-differences are obtained either using picked arrival times or various measures of time differences obtained from waveform pairs. The double-difference method provides for much improved relative locations by reducing the effect of the errors in the wave velocity of ray paths between each event and each geophone. Further improvements are obtained by using known locations, such as blasts. One of the difficult problems that we have overcome is that of finding the best “weights” for the time corrections. Experience obtained in relative moment tensor inversions by Andersen (2001) suggests that use of median corrections is both more stable and more accurate, even while the locations of the individual events is based on weighted least-squares minimization. A hybrid location program with known reference events has been developed. Tests on a synthetic data set gave relative locations that were much less widely spread than the absolute locations. The use of known event coordinates (blasts) moved the relative locations back towards the real locations. These results are confirmed in preliminary analysis of data from a mine. The absolute locations are adjusted using blast events restricted to the line of tunnel development. Inter-event distances are distributed in a power-law fashion that suggests that the relative location accuracies are improved by a factor of three or more. Nous rendons compte des progrès faits dans l’amélioration des locations de séismes en utilisant la méthode appelée de double- différence (Spottiswoode and Milev, 1998 et Waldhauser et al., 1999). On obtient les double-différences soit en utilisant des temps d’arrivée choisis soit des mesures variées de différences de temps obtenues de doublets de forme d’onde. La méthode de double-différence fournit des locations relatives très améliorées en réduisant l’effet des erreurs dans la vitesse d’onde des trajectoires de rayon entre chaque évènement et chaque géophone. D’autres améliorations sont obtenues en utilisant des locations connues, telles que les coups de mine. Un des problèmes difficiles que nous avons surmontés est celui de trouver les meilleurs coefficients de pondération pour les corrections de temps. L’expérience obtenue dans des inversions de phases tensorielles relatives par Andersen (2001) suggère que l’utilisation de corrections médianes est à la fois plus stable et plus exacte, même lorsque la location des évènements individuels est basée sur minimisation pondérée de moindres carrés. Nous avons développé un programme hybride de location avec des évènements connus pour référence. Des tests sur des données artificielles ont donné des locations relatives qui étaient beaucoup moins étendues que les locations absolues. L’utilisation de coordonnées d’évènements connus (coups de mine) a ramené les locations relatives vers les locations réelles. L’analyse préliminaire des données d’une mine a confirmé ces résultats. Les locations absolues sont ajustées en utilisant des évènements de coup de mine restreints à la ligne du développement du tunnel. Les distances entre chaque évènement sont distribuées comme par loi exponentielle ce qui suggère que les degrés d’exactitude des locations relatives sont améliorés par un facteur de trois ou plus. Wir berichten über einen weiteren Fortschritt, die seismische Positionen unter Verwendung der zu sogenannten Doppel-Unterschied-Methode (Spottiswoode und Milev, 1998 und Waldhauser et al.,1999) zu verbessern. Doppel-Unterschiede werden entweder mit ausgewählten Ankunftszeiten oder verschiedenen Messungen von Zeitunterschieden erreicht, die von den Wellenformpaaren erhalten werden. Die Doppel-Unterschied-Methode liefert viel verbesserte relative Positionen unter Verringerung der Auswirkung von Fehlern in der Wellengeschwindigkeit von Strahlengängen zwischen jedem Fall und jedem Geophon. Weitere Verbesserungen werden erreicht, indem man bekannte Positionen, wie Sprengungen verwendet. Eines der schwierigen Probleme, die wir überwunden haben, ist jenes des Findens der besten "Gewichte" für die Zeitkorrekturen. Die Erfahrung, die in den relativen Momentspannerumkehrungen von Andersen (2001) gewonnen werden bietet den Schluß an, daß der Gebrauch von mittleren Korrekturen beständiger und genauer ist, sogar wenn die Positionen der einzelnen Fälle auf der bewerteten Reduzierung der Methode der kleinsten Quadrate basiert. Ein hybrides Positionsprogramm mit bekannten Bezugsfällen ist entwickelt worden. Tests auf einem synthetischen Dataset gaben relative Positionen, die viel weniger weit gestreut waren als die absoluten Positionen. Der Gebrauch von bekannten Fallkoordinaten (Sprengungen) schob die

Jan 1, 2003

By Z. Leng

"After detonation of the explosive, the final blast-induced damage area around the blast-hole falls into three categories, namely crushed zone, fractured zone, and elastic deformation zone. This paper presents a modified model to calculate the size of crushed zone around a blast-hole in drill-and-blast, with the hoop compressive stress and cavity expansion effect taken into account. The material in the crushed zone was assumed to be a granular medium without cohesion, but with internal friction. On this basis, the formula for crushing zone radius was derived. The proposed approach was verified with tests reported in the literature and the simulated results from SPH-FEM coupled models. A full statistical analysis was also carried out, and the predicted values were found to be in better agreement with the test results compared with other models. A sensitivity analysis of the modified model showed that the size of the blast-induced damage area is mainly affected by the following factors: rock mass properties, in situ stress, and borehole pressure. In particular, the roles of borehole pressure and in situ stress are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made on how the size of the crushing zones can be decreased. IntroductionOver the past decades, drill-and-blast has become the most commonly used technology in rock excavation. It is well known that in rock mass fragmentation with explosives, the annular rocks around the blast-hole are converted into fines. The formation of these fines consumes a significant part of the energy of the detonation, which in general is ignored in the determination of the efficiency of detonation (Glatolenkov and Ivanov, 1992; Furtney et al., 2012). Many studies show that only 20–30% of the total explosive energy is effectively used in fragmenting the rock, and up to 50% of the energy generated by conventional charges is wasted in overcrushing of the crushed zone and the inner part of the fractured zone (Ouchterlony et al., 2004; Sanchidrian et al., 2007). How to control the crushed zone to enhance the effective utilization of explosive energy, reducing the unit explosive consumption and the engineering cost, is therefore of great significance."

Jan 1, 2016

By Niklas Willemsen

Introduction to SVCs ? SVC = Static var Compensator ? Dynamic step-less control of reactive power without switching of passive components: ? Voltage control/stabilization ? Harmonics- and flicker mitigation ? Dip mitigation ? Main components: ? TCR (Thyristor Controlled Reactor) ? Tuned harmonic filters ? Control- and cooling systems ? Typical applications: ? Mine hoists ? Large mining complexes ? EAF, SAF, rolling mills, wind/solar farms etc..

Aug 1, 2013

By P. Syrjänen, Lovén. P.

Because geostatistics together with block modeling has not been studied in detail before in the rock mechanics, a two-year research program to investigate the practical use of geotechnical modeling was started in Finland in 1999. According to research work results block modeling gives good estimate of overall rock mass quality but it can not identify individual structures like faults and narrow weakness zones. Weakness zones and faults should be mapped from drill cores, surface mapping, geophysical methods etc. and manually generate 3-D structural model. Rock mechanical 3-D modeling can be used for preliminary stope dimensioning and preliminary reinforcement design. Detailed design needs rock quality mapping from drifts during excavation work. La géostatistique associée à la modélisation par blocs n'ayant pas été étudiée en détail jusqu'à présent dans la mécanique des roches, un programme de recherche sur deux ans visant à examiner l'utilisation pratique de la modélisation géotechnique a été lancé en Finlande en 1999. D'après les résultats des travaux de recherche, la modélisation par blocs donne une bonne estimation de la qualité générale de la masse rocheuse mais elle ne permet pas d'identifier les structures individuelles comme les failles et les zones géologiquement dégradées étroites. Ces zones et failles devraient être cartographiées à partir de carottes de sondages, d'une cartographie de surface, de méthodes géophysiques, etc. et générer manuellement un modèle de structure 3D. La modélisation mécanique des roches en 3D peut être utilisée pour un dimensionnement de la chambre et un plan d'armature préliminaires. Un plan détaillé nécessite l'élaboration d'une cartographie de la qualité des roches des galeries lors des travaux d'excavation. Da man früher Geostatik und Block-Modellieren in der Gebirgsmechanik nicht detailliert untersuchte, wurde 1999 in Finnland ein zweijähriges Untersuchungsprogramm in Angriff genommen. Aufgrund der Untersuchungsergebnisse ergibt das Block-Modellieren eine gute Beurteilung der gesamten Gebirgsmassenqualität, kann jedoch einzelne Strukturen wie Verwerfungen und kleine Schwachzonen nicht identifizieren. Schwachzonen und Verwerfungen müssen demnach aus Bohrkernen, oder mit Hilfe von Oberflächenkartierung, geophysischen Verfahren usw. ermittelt und danach ein 3-D-Strukturmodell manuell erstellt werden. Felsmechanisches 3-D-Modellieren ist für die vorbereitende Abbaudimensionierung und für die vorbereitende Bewehrungsplanung verwendbar. Ein detaillierter Entwurf benötigt die Kartierung der Gesteinsqualität aus den Gesteinsstrecken während der Ausbrucharbeiten.

Jan 1, 2003

By Xue Wang, Callie Babbitt, Chelsea Bailey, Matt Ganter, Gabrielle Gaustad, Brian Landi

"Current trends, motivated by fossil fuel dependence and unprecedented greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, show lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) emerging as a competitive energy storage technology due to higher power and energy densities compared to Pb-acid and Ni-metal hydride chemistries. These trends may be of concern, however, as environmental impacts are not well understood for either the LIB itself, or for the nanoparticles consumed or released during the battery's production, use, or end-of-life. This study combines economic modeling, dynamic material flow analysis, and fundamental material characterization methods in order to quantify some of the economic and environmental trade-offs for LIBs at their end-of-life. As expected, results show that as chemistries transition from Li-Co based cathodes to Li based Fe, Mn, and S cathodes, LIB recovery value correlates to the value of the raw materials used. These initial results aim to inform collection policies being proposed currently as well as enable future deployment of novel recycling techniques.IntroductionGlobal fossil fuel dependence and unprecedented GHG emissions have led to increasing attention on energy alternatives, for both electricity production and personal transportation. However, development of renewable energy systems is contingent on concurrent technological development of energy storage systems, primarily batteries used for power grid load-leveling, renewable energy storage, and hybrid and battery electric vehicles. In this sector, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are emerging as a competitive technology due to higher power and energy densities compared to lead-acid and nickelmetal hydride chemistries[!]. LIBs represent close to 20% of the total rechargeable battery market and 75% of the portable rechargeable battery market, which is the fastest growing segment of the rechargeable battery market, with a 20% global growth in 2008 [2].This surge in production ofLIBs indicates a looming waste problem; total waste from Li-ion batteries has likely grown substantially from the 500 metric tons estimated in 2003 [3]. Figure IA shows the substantial increase in world-wide lithium production that has occurred in the last several decades with batteries making up the largest share of applications (Figure lB). California and New York state legislators have attempted to proactively address this looming waste by issuing diposal bans on rechargeable batteries in their states[4, 5]. However, quantification of the costs involved in collection, transportation, and processing of these materials has not been examined in depth."

Jan 1, 2012

By Christopher Mark

This proceedings volume contains papers presented at W U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) technology transfer seminars on New Technology for Longwall Ground Control. These seminars were conducted in Washington, PA, on April 12, 1994, and Denver, CO, on May 10, 1994. The papers herein describe several new, highly practical USBM technologies now available for ground control in longwall mines, including lie Coal Mice Roof Rating (CMRR), cable bolts, the MULSIM/NL model, and the Wood Crib Performance Model. Other significant topics addressed include longwall panel layout, coal pillar design, horizontal stress in longwall mines, roof support selection for gate entries, and ground control monitoring.

Jan 1, 1994

The Environmental Excellence in Exploration (E3) project is driven by the recognition that the minerals industry can only maintain its long term viability by ensuring its continued access to lands to explore for, and develop, new mines. Widespread implementation of sound environmental management practices by the exploration community and improved education and understanding of that by stakeholders will help substantially in accomplishing this, and E3 is designed to meet these needs. Exploration crews are now viewed as ambassadors for the global mining community. Their performance in managing the environmental aspects of an exploration program can demonstrate a commitment on the part of the international mining sector to environmentally responsible exploration and mining. We have all observed that failure to behave responsibly can alienate local residents, encourage anti-mining NGOs and jeopardize development. As the saying goes, ?you don?t get a second chance to make a first impression?, and we want to make a favourable first impression. The E3 project is focused on creating an electronic manual, the e-manual, which will provide rapid access to the most up-to-date information on environmental management practices for minerals exploration globally. The e-manual will reflect current thinking and practices in environmental management. It will be richly illustrated with actual examples that reflect the realities of exploration. It will strive to identify the key environmental issues and concerns that apply to most exploration projects, and identify other sources of relevant information useful to field practice. It is our belief that E3, or something very like it, is central to ensuring that the industry survives the current challenges to its viability. E3 will be a cornerstone of the mining industry?s drive to sustainability simply stated, if we are not permitted to explore for mines, there will be none of them at some point in the relatively near future.

May 1, 2002

By N. H. Emmons

In the United States the value of gold- and silver-ores is everywhere reckoned in ounces troy of the metal per " short ton " (2000 lbs. avoird.) of the ore. In the case of silver, which fluctuates in market value, the New York quotation on a given day must be known, in order to determine the gross value of an ore at that date. In Mexico the assay is reported 'in kilogrammes of silver or grammes of gold per metric ton. As everyone is aware, this is practically a percentage system, 1 kg. of silver per metric toll (1000 kg.) being 0.1 per cent., and 1 gramme of gold per metric ton, 0.0001 per cent. The notation is simple and convenient for both assayer and miner.* The Mexican government purchases at an unvarying price for silver, payable in silver, and at a fixed price for gold, payable in gold if the seller insists, but preferably in silver at about the rate of exchange between U. S. gold coin and Mesican silver coin. The value of silver is $40.915 per kilogramme in Mexican silver dollars. That of gold is $675.416 per kilogramme in gold coin. The mints do not, as a rule, issue gold dollars, as the government keeps them to pay the interest on the national debt. Almost all bullion containing a considerable percentage of gold is shipped to foreign countries (principally the United States) to be refined. The Mexican mint receives for refining and coining no bullion which is not at least .950 fine in gold and silver, separately or

Jan 1, 1902

By M. Muinonen, R. Pandher

Royal Nickel Corporation is developing the Dumont Nickel Project, a large nickel sulphide deposit located near the town of Amos, Québec. The nickel occurs as pentlandite, heazlewoodite, and awaruite. The relatively low grade ore can be processed to a very high grade nickel concentrate, containing 29% Ni. The absence of copper and precious metals in the ore renders this concentrate amenable to processing by dead roasting in a fluid-bed roaster and smelting in an electric furnace to produce ferronickel for sale to stainless steel producers. Laboratory test work and conceptual engineering design was completed to demonstrate the amenability of Dumont concentrate to produce ferro-nickel.

Jan 1, 2015